and
SAME
SEX CAKES
(This
is not about whether same sex marriages are Biblical. They are not. But this
about how we as believers live Jesus before this culture.)
What
would Jesus say about this? Please do not just spout the party line, but think and pray
about this issue because more like them are coming our way. The church has
embraced so many compromises that it does seem curious why many have chosen
this one as the line of demarcation. I mean believers go to R rated movies;
they attend the weddings between two people who began their relationship while
married to someone else; they go to clubs where sinful activities are ongoing;
they read gossip magazines; they watch television programs which are carnal voyeuristic
entertainment; they go days on end without really praying; they go days on end
without cracking the Scriptures; and yet these same believers choose the gay
issue as the supreme test of their Biblical commitment.
But the
worldly compromises I mentioned have nothing to do with how we as followers of
Jesus should treat the unbelievers. What further application can we make from
this truth?
I
Cor.5: 9 I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with
fornicators:
10 Yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the
covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters; for then must ye needs go out of
the world.11 But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolator, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.
12 For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within?
13 But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person.
Is this
too hard to understand? God tells us that our correction should be given as
well as our fellowship be withheld from anyone who says he is a brother in
Christ if they are in willful sin that brings reproach upon the name of Christ.
Yet those that are lost and cannot yet understand their spiritual condition
should be loved and have a certain level of fellowship with true believers in
the hopes that they may believe.
Now
this of course does not mean that preachers should marry same sex couples nor
endorse their union. But neither should we single them out and castigate them.
But if the Christian baker feels he must refuse to sell them a cake than
neither should the Christian limo driver be their chauffer; neither should the
Christian janitor clean up after their reception; neither should the Christian print
shop sell them invitations; neither should the Christian tuxedo salesman rent
them clothing; neither should the Christian policeman direct traffic at their
church; neither should the Christian travel agent sell them a vacation; neither
should the Christian real estate agent sell them a house; and on and on it goes
until we become isolated moral police.
I do
not believe we should take part in the service in any way. Perhaps attending
may lend some credibility and therefore would be wrong. But then again Jesus attended some parties held by the wrong crowd and that did not mean he endorsed their party. So if we desire to
keep from touching the spiritual lepers then we run the risk of disobeying the
Scriptures I have provided. Would you eat lunch at Applebee’s with a gay
couple? I sat with a gay couple just this past week at my son’s Christian
school basketball game. Was that wrong? Of course not.
But
please remember this. If you are convinced that selling a cake to a same sex
couple is wrong and sinful then you must also be willing to go to jail without
complaint. You see, you cannot take a stand for what you believe is Biblically
right by exhibiting things that are Biblically wrong.
These
are perilous times and issues like this should drive us to our knees to seek
the guidance of the Spirit. (BTW – I would probably sell them a cake and tell
them about Jesus too.) I guess that means I could not win the Republican
nomination for president nor get invited to speak at most churches.
Posts
37 comments:
No Pastor Rick, you would not get invited to speak at a church in this country with views like those you posted. And I wouldn't vote for you either. I don't vote. =D
I know there is truth to this issue, but why are you surprised? When a so called sister in Christ can stalk me on a blog because she wants to argue Calvinism and I don't, how can we be surprised? How can we be perplexed about the anti-gay anything with the church when the "church" practices paganism, which is called Xmas?
Yeah, I have decided not to use Christ's name in the reference to this deceptive day any longer. He deserves better than that.
The Word of God clearly says we are not to judge the world because we were once them. But to judge a brother or sister after, and I say after, we have examined ourselves to see if we are in the Faith. Then godly men of the church, godly men, not women, need to discipline the backslider to correction so he/she can repent.
I don't always do as I should. I don't always say the right things. And I surly have much to repent, but I am learning. I see the changes Jesus described and I get a little scared, but I stay the course and rely heavily upon God the Holy Spirit. I rely upon Him for proper discernment, teaching and how to conduct myself. He is always faithful, it is me who doesn't always listen, which leads either to chastisement in some form or another, or I will have a loss at the Judgement Seat of Christ. I am slowly acquiring the Word as an additional appendage for I find I need it more and more. And I bug godly men for good shepherding.
If I let the deceiver in I then deal with all kinds of doubt and fear. It is tough being unchurched, but I don't miss the apostasy being taught.
What is scary though is I see more and more people turning to Calvinism and denominations. We should not be known as a Calvinist or a Lutheran or a Protestant, or a Baptist. We don't follow men, we follow the Lord Jesus Christ. We are Christians and that is all.
And since the name or our Lord is in that label, we should be like Him. People who put labels on themselves usually follow doctrines of men. This is a serious error and should be repented of.
No Pastor Rick, given what you wrote you would not be invited into the walled church. But then I venture to guess you would prefer to be with the invisible church where true fellowship and worship of the Lord is practiced. At least I hope it is practiced.
1 Corinthians 1:12-15
12 Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ.
13 Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?
14 I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius;
15 Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name.
1 Corinthians 12:13
For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
We are NOT Lutheran, Calvinist, Protestant, Baptist etc. We are Christians - followers of Christ.
Acts 11:26
And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.
Acts 26:28
Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.
1 Peter 4:16
Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.
See, a Christian.
your sister in Christ Jesus
(a Christian)
Cherie c.
These sure are trying times and they make it harder and harder to try to see through the maze, as a christian.
In Canada, our Human Rights laws demand equal rights for all citizens, which includes gays. There are no secular conflicts now. No one has to fight for 'rights' and no seems to find it conflicting to their christian faith if they serve anyone who doesn't fall in line with their biblical views. Christians know they must obey the laws of the land, which oversees us, and that's what scripture teaches. If a christian still feels it goes against their conscience, then they would have to choose another skill or go to a utopian world where there is no sin, or live in a commune with other believers where they don't rely on the system, much like the Amish.
Because the laws are set in place now, and it's been quite a few years, it isn't an issue that's discussed because everyone needs services and businesses need customers. We are all in this infrastructure together. We are dependent on one another. Do the bakers and florists still want the upper hand where they can dictate who gets to go and who gets to stay? Or as christians, shouldn't it be up to us to retreat and find another way to make a living, where we won't compromise their faith? That's not always easy, of course, but should christians do the retreating instead of demanding others step out of our way?
What if our pilot was gay or what if our anesthesist or surgeon was secretly gay or openly gay? What if our emergency doctor, plumber, roof patcher, social worker, or veteran or soldier were gay? Would we demand they not serve us? We are intricately woven together and live side by side. This is what is happening in the U.S. Some christians seem to believe that the government should serve their sensitivities. They would rather purge their neighborhoods of offenders, rather than reach them in private. It seems like a competition with some christians rather than an opportunity for them to reach others for Christ.
The church is warring with those outside and doing it in public. All this does is make it look like a pharisee that keeps saying, 'touch not' touch not the unclean thing' all the while having no problem with the unclean thing within the church.
J.
J, if you don't think the laws of Canada restrict Christians, you would be incorrect. Christians are not to live side by side with the world, we are to be set apart. However, we are to love our neighbor as ourselves. And that means all neighbors. The churches in Canada are just as much in error as in American. The Toronto Blessing is one church so way out there biblically. I have communicated with a few brothers in England and Ireland and the same thing is there too. No one country has it all for the Christian or the lost. And no one country has a better block of Christians than any other either. Apostasy is world wide.
Your comment sets one Christian from another depending upon where they live. We as Christians have no borders, no land, our home is not here. We are not of this world. We are a people unto God who just happen to live on the planet we call earth.
Titus 2:14
Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
1 Peter 2:9
But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light;
Be careful however, this is what the replacement theologists use as proof text to say God is finished with Israel. Which He is not.
Just because people in Canada seem more tolerant doesn't mean they are. They are just afraid to go to jail. This post isn't about gay issues, it means much more than that. It states the current hypocritical thinking going on today. No one sin is greater than the other, mostly. All sin will be punished no matter what it is. Someday we will not be able to repeat what the Word of God says about sin in general.
Has no one noticed the deception Jesus spoke about? Two of them happen once a year. Xmas and Easter. Then there are the damnable heresies being preached and signs wonders and miracles.
If we are set a part, then why do those who say they are Christian join the world every year in these deceptive holidays? Unless God the Holy Spirit opens one's eyes to the deception, there is no way to see it. I want to shout from the tallest building or steeple to the brothers and sisters in Christ to look! Open their eyes and see how duped they really are! I once was too! The greatest deception however, is God has blessed one nation over another, how utterly false! That is right from the pit of hell! God and Country the saying goes. How nice of them to let God be first on the list.
Deception divides and brings together. It divides because people will fight each other to be right because satan doesn't care how he gets you away from God as long as he gets you away from God.
Be watchful the Lord said. He told us a fore time.
yours sister in Christ Jesus,
Cherie c.
Carrie Underwood Slams Sound of Music Live! Critics: Mean People Need Jesus
Carrie Underwood slammed her many Sound of Music Live! critics, tweeting: "Mean people need Jesus"
I got this off Yahoo when I went to my email. See, this person calls herself a Christian. Not so. But there are some Christians that support her. God said the world loves its own. I am guessing someone from CBN is calling her agent to try and get her on to the 700 club for an interview. Didn't you know that God wants people to have fame and fortune? And also did you know that in the kid's xmas show Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer one of the songs is "Fame and Fortune"? They start capitalism early don't they. The very sad, horrible fact is I never noticed it until now. I grew up watching that cartoon, and so did my kids. God, please forgive me. The horror of my own way gets more evident as I go.
your sister in Christ Jesus,
Cherie c.
John 16:7-9
Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.
And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:
Of sin, "Because They Believe Not On Me"
Prior to being saved as a Roman Catholic, I would go to confession about every 5 years...I would say, "bless me father for I have sinned, it's been 5 years since my last confession"...then the priest would say, tell me your sins...out of 5 years, the only thing I could come up with is I lied to my Mother and I shop lifted something out of a store...
5 years, and I could only come up with 2 things that were sin...in other words, I didn't know what sin was...
The world doesn't either, their blind...
Our cry should be the same cry of the Spirit from Jesus' lips, "forgive them, they know not what they do"...
Righteous judgement is for those that can see, God is the judge of those that are blind...
Great Post Pastor Rick!
I am a Christian that struggles with same-sex attraction and it's not easy. But by the grace of God, and the work of his Holy Spirit, I can crucify my old self, and pick up my cross.
As a Christian who struggles with homosexuality, I see all around me, a false quasi-Christianity that is very happy to castigate and "correct" the rise of homosexual culture.
But what strikes me odd, is how they actually expect homosexuals and non-believers to understand why marriage is between a man and a woman. They expect everyone to understand why God made marriage and sex to be a certain way.
How can anyone expect an unbeliever to understand something spiritually upright, such as the sacredness of marriage? Or how marriage is a reflection of Christ (the bridegroom) marrying the church (the virgin bride)? Instead of preaching the gospel, this quasi-Christian mob is intent on correcting unbelievers and judging them. It's truly sad that they are quick to point the log of homosexuality in a pagan nation, but are slow to admit the log of self-righteousness, pride, and worldliness in their own lives, homes, and congregations.
The true reason why quasi-Christianity is so happy to condemn the homosexuals, is because their religion is based upon a nationalistic mythology of the American Founders, and America's supposed "Christian" status. They stand on sinking sand, and not upon the solid rock that is Christ.
Dear Anonymous,
We all struggle with sin every day. That is why the Epistles teach up to repent daily, moment by moment if necessary.
Yes, dear brother or sister, this so called Christian culture is anything but Christian.
Also, slowly, but it is happening is American Christianity is beginning to embrace same sex marriage and other forms of fornication. It is happening with the onset of ecumenism.
We should preach the Gospel to all people, from every walk of life or shut up. We should not judge because we were once them. That is how I keep from finding fault with the world. However, since I know the Word of God, I do try to correct those who say they know, but do not. We should be judging those behind the pulpit with the Word, not the world.
Everyone has the opportunity to hear the Gospel and repent and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. We just have to be brave enough to reach out to them. Also, because of the falseness of those who have come out from us, we need to undo some of the damage. That will take prayer.
Please pray for me too brother or sister, since I struggle with sin as well.
To God be the Glory!
your sister in Christ Jesus,
Cherie c.
Hi Anonymous, a homosexual is no longer a homosexual once they have been born again.
A Christian is a new creation that doesn't in my opinion struggle with homosexuality. Their wholehearted focus is on Christ and they preach against unnatural behavior.
Bless you
Cherie, why are you talking about Carrie Underwood publicly? Leave the matter in God's hands. He knows whether or not she is a Christian. Do you know the condition of her heart?
I do see a "problem" in what many in Church believe the "gospel" is...many believe it is their responsibility to correct verses share what Apostle Paul said the "gospel" is -
1 Corinthians 15
Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the (gospel) which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;
By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.
For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ (1) "died for our sins" according to the scriptures;
And that (2)"He was buried", and that (3)"He rose again" the third day according to the scriptures
Death, Burial, Resurrection, this is the gospel...
This is what the world needs to hear...
The sin the world is guilty of is "not believing on Christ"...
"A Christian is a new creation that doesn't in my opinion struggle with homosexuality."
That is an unbiblical and self righteous view. Unless a person becomes sinless, then everyone struggles with sin. even Paul admitted his battles.
Some Pastor on the Church Channel said that Luke 15:11-24 is the reason we celebrate xmas!????? Huh?????
His sermon title: I'll be home for xmas.
As Charlie Brown would say
UGH! Can't stand it! I just can't stand it!
Anonymous, can you tell us what you mean by your struggling with homosexuality, for I believe Jesus' victory allows men and women to willingly have a different focus from what God condemns as unnatural.
Only reply if you feel comfortable about writing about this issue.
Thank you
Yes, Anonymous (time of comment 7:21 pm) I know the condition of her heart as stated in God's Word and it is wicked. Just like mine was before I repented and believed on Jesus Christ and His atoning sacrifice when He died for my sins and yours and Carrie Underwood.
Not one celebrity is saved or they would not be a celebrity. She is unregenerate and unless she repents and believes on Jesus she will be one of the Great before the White Throne of Jesus. I pray the Lord sends someone to plant a seed of the Word so she can come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. In the mean time, she claims to be Christian then says the things she says and does the things she does. She shames the name of the Lord. If she is saved, I am calling her out to repent, if she is not saved, I am letting people know so they can pray for her too. Sorry, but I CARE if people die in their sins.
And you sir or madame, need to repent of your self-righteousness. Our only righteousness is in the Lord, we have none of our own. Something you have obviously forgotten. And we all sin, night and day, and will continue to until the Lord returns, or are we not still in the flesh? It is only through the Word of God that we learn how to live a holy life guided by the Holy Spirit. Our intentions should be not to sin, but we will because we are still flesh.
1 John 2:1
My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:
P.S. Your Opinion doesn't count, only the Lord's counts. And His feelings are well known in His Word.
Peace!
While re-reading my post, I don't exactly know what I was trying to say LOL.
To summarize, I think I was saying that for liberal countries that have already put equal rights in place, christians in these countries have had to accept the laws as they stand, and work out their own salvation, despite them. I was just comparing the liberal nations with the U.S. The U.S. is still in the throes of debating this issue, and a fringe group of christians make hay, while speaking publicly about it, and involving government, endorsing men to stand in the gap for them. But the men they endorse are politicians who care only about themselves.
I'm just saying that while these christians refuse to serve gays and boycott anything to do with them, they aren't showing a Christ-like example. If they don't want to encourage gays to marry, then they should get out of the business where they might have to compromise their beliefs. It's that simple.
Trying to get lawyers and clergy and politicians to make the "gays" go away and not marry is questionnable for me when I read scripture. I don't think a christian's place is to compound the problem by denying unbelievers services. It just appears so self-righteous. I wonder why they don't boycott adulterers who marry, or boycott people who are hedonists who marry, or.......whatever, it seems that it's always about gays. I agree with Rick, just sell them a cake and talk to them about Jesus.
Cherie, I am very aware that we all serve the Lord as christians, no matter where we come from. I was just observing how different it is to live in a liberal country versus a legalized Judeo-Christian nation. When the majority elected a government that promised political-correctness and equal rights, christians had to make wise choices about how they go about dealing with these issues. And it appears they don't do the wise thing. And, in my opinion, and I agree with Bro. Rick here, some of them forsake mercy and declare war on those outside the camp, while they ignore the sin inside their camp.
Just trying to reformat my last post.
J.
Here I am again.
Thanks Bro. Rick for this post.
May I say that I don't have any answers, and when I read here I learn so much, and still have a lot to learn. So when I write something, please ignore that woman behind the curtain. LOL
J.
Anonymous with same-sex attraction here.
Cherie, will def pray for you.
Rick thanks for the post. It's encouraging to hear a fellow brother really think about how we should act and behave in light of homosexual culture, and place Christ first, not political agendas, or self-righteous phobias. Too often, the fear of sinners evaporates the love we ought to be having for our neighbors.
"A Christian is a new creation that doesn't in my opinion struggle with homosexuality."
Anonymous, in Christ I am a new creation, but I still retain this old body, in a world of sin and corruption. I do not practice homosexuality, but I still have same-sex attraction that must be crucified and denied, like any other sin, such as pride, heterosexual lust, lying, etc. Homosexuality is as unnatural and adulterous as heterosexual lust, and as unnatural as the love of money, and the love of nation, among all sins; at the end of sin is destruction. These sins are common especially to Christians, but though they may be new creations in Christ, they still must daily crucify those desires and behaviors. If a practicing homosexual indeed is saved, the Holy Spirit will surely press on them the conviction to stop the practice; however, they will still struggle with the attraction, just like a man may still struggle with attraction to other women, aside from his wife.
But God is good, and Christ a fountain of living water. Homosexuals are very broken people in need of that living water; most homosexuals are traumatized to one degree or another, and may perceive reality in a different light than heterosexuals. All the more reason why true Christians ought to love them with a Christ-like love, and share the good news of the gospel. A condemnation only shows how cold one's heart is.
Unfortunately, the nationalistic Christianity that loves to bash the homosexuals either have forgotten why Jesus died for them, or are following an imaginary and political crusader of a God. Or both. And it shows how cold their heart is.
You know I love you J. Oh, sorry, woman behind the curtain. =D
@Anonymous with same-sex attraction
You don't have to try to justify yourself...Rick put it perfectly...
What bloggers need to do when posting a thought is provide scripture...let's help teach each other with the bible and not personal opinions...
The scripture I would be looking for in the "New Testament" is how Homosexuality is a higher form of "missing the mark" than lets say, "spreading strife among brethren" or preaching "legalism" or "false teaching"...
In fact Paul lists "greed" in the same passage of scripture as fornication...
Everybody has a weak point, nobody in this body of flesh will ever be perfect.
I know Christians that struggle with "drunkeness" and they are totally broken about it but seem to continually fall into the trap of it...
Does that make them a bad Christian?...Absolutely not!...there weakness just shows up publicly...what about those that are greedy, think negatively, lust in their minds, judge others?
What about those that think of themselves better than others?...
Self-righteousness is a struggle...somehow we love to think we are more holy than somebody else...I don't understand it, but it rings true in so many cases especially when dealing with public figures, ie, the president, entertainers, movie stars, sports figures and so on...don't we all have an opinion when the media calls their sins out publicly?.."How could they do such a thing"!
Maybe that's why Jesus hammered away at the Pharisees as He did, to show us "not what to do"...Mercy, Mercy, Mercy...
If a
The Bible emphasises that Christians are more than conquerors. The LORD is the great renewer of our mind and as we love Him by trusting and obeying Him we will discover that He will lead us triumphantly in paths of righteousness and restore our soul.
I love Lord Jesus and don't struggle with sin. I don't have any "taste" for wrong thinking and wrong behavior. Praise God!
Amen!, Anonymous with same-sex attraction.
To Anonymous 1:23 - Thank you dear bro. for sharing. I can totally understand what you wrote, and this wicked generation is using the homosexual as a platform, using them, exploiting them for votes, to create legislation, so they can get elected. I can't imagine how true homosexuals feel about all this, especially for those who prefer to keep these things private, as most aren't parading themselves out for show.
It's the exploitation of them as a platform done by so-called christians that is so unbearable. The right talks about them like they are the scum of the earth, and some churches follow suit. It's totally incomprehensible that so many, who have been forgiven of their sins, would then turn on others and confront them of their sin, in public, in courts, in news studios, on internet.
I know there are so many problems in the world for us all, and I am feeling overwhelmed by it all. I read where there are around 300 "fear not" verses in the bible, and when Jesus says, "fear not", I have to hold on to that and with all hate out there, I thank the Lord that we know He cares enough for us that even after He died for our sins, He still can say to each one of us, "fear not". Thank you Jesus.
J.
"I love Lord Jesus and don't struggle with sin."
You are at the wrong blog then. This blog is for imperfect followers of Jesus.
People call me self righteous because I don't celebrate xmas. They say I am legalistic and other not so nice things. I'm called that because I am honest about the things they do and say, but do not agree when they say what they do okay.
How can this be? I am not looking at them through better eyes, on the contrary. I see myself in their actions, words etc. and only want to warn them that I have done as they and suffered for it. Thank you Lord! Suffered, not been lent over to a reprobate mind. But I still sin too. How can I not when I am still in this body.
Anonymous, I am accused of Pharisaical thinking, but you sir/madame are so. When a brother or sister comes with a need or confession you don't swat at them. Jesus said in Matthew 5:
21 Ye have heard that it was said of them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment:
22 But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.
You sir/madame are in danger of hell fire, so please repent.
Because in Matthew 5:20
20 For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.
I have not met anyone to date that can say they have righteousness about the Pharisees. You would be the first, but I highly doubt it.
I get Matthew 5:20 thrown at me for speaking truth in love and not patting someone on the back for sinful behavior, all because of people like you who do not see their sinful behavior as sin. I have no ego to be able to write here how much better I am than anyone else, because that would be a lie. I am not going to shame the Lord for a millisecond of praise from man. So I take the arrows and stick by the Word of God, but not as you have done here. I am sad for you, because God's love and Grace towards us means we have no boast.
As Pastor Rick said, if you are so perfect, why are you at this blog with the imperfect. Go your way. I can say without a doubt that many on this blog will be praying for you to repent and be forgiven.
I Praise God there are godly men and women in the Body of Christ who love me enough to correct me if I am wrong and forgive me when I repent. Fore without such correction, I too would be in danger of hell fire or loss at the very least.
Anonymous 7:21, thank you for praying for me. It is a blessing to be able to pray for you. I would like introduce myself, I am your sister in Christ Jesus Cherie c. I hope to one day meet you.
Brothers and sisters in the Lord, my brother in law is a gay man who is in more trouble than you can imagine. He is probably going to jail tomorrow, and I am praying for the Lord to send someone his way to preach the Gospel. Perhaps he will have some good come out of his terrible circumstance. Please lift his family up in pray too. Glory to God.
your sister in Christ Jesus,
Cherie c.
About 30 years ago I heard a pastor say we need to say we need to treat homosexuals like God does. He loves the sinner but hates the sin. To me end of debate.
B W
Sorry if I sounded a little harsh. But I am a bit angry that people who label themselves Christian are anything but, and those who are are blasted for being so.
What is wrong will be right and what is right will be counted as wrong. And so the last days on earth go.
Also, please excuse my terrible writing.
To God be all the Glory.
your sister in Christ Jesus,
Cherie c.
"I love Lord Jesus and don't struggle with sin."
Correection: I love Lord Jesus and don't struggle with sin in the manner described by the man or woman saved from homosexuality. It is incredible how judmental people are on this website. Where is that attribute of the LORD
called longsuffering patience in your writing. Yes, I am an imperfect sinner but I have no taste or desire to sin for my desire and taste is for truth and my heart's longing is to glorify and honor the author of truth.
I find it absolutely unbiblical to judge people as many do on this website. Stop judging people as unsaved just because they are good at making money. I am bringing you the truth not "hating" you. Stop being harsh and start honoring God more consistently by writing gently and thoughtfully!
God bless you!
If there is any judging on this blog, it's not coming from the author...
I see this blog as "correction"...exactly what the bible says is profitable.
I strongly believe this blog is a help to all those that come upon it.
When we post to this blog, it is essential that we use scripture and not our personal beliefs and ideas.
This does nothing for anyone. Scripture alone is truth and the Holy Spirit is the teacher...
Cherie, did Jesus teach that all those who sing country music belong to the devil principally because their focus is wrong? Are all classical musicians ensnared to Satan? What is going on in your thinking, Cherie? Who has taught you that all celebrities are unsaved?
Are all musicians and actors unsaved? Aren't many celebrities very disciplined people, not to mention talented, whose work output is very commendable? Stop all this judging of famous people, for God does and can save some of them too!
All celebrities are not claiming to be Christian like Ms. Underwood claims. I did not address all celebrities, just the one who claimed to be. I cannot judge the world, I was once one of them. But we are to correct brothers and sisters who error. Ms. Underwood's behavior lately is less than what her label as Christian has depicted. True Christians understand those not of the faith will attack us verbally, and instead of lashing out, we are to love them, pray for them, do good to them, not verbally berate them in the media.
Matthew 5:44
But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
Yes, I believe anyone can be saved if they have ears to hear. But most people don't want to because it would change their lifestyle and make them give up things they covet. Anyone, even famous people can come to the Lord if they are willing to take up their cross and follow the Lord on His terms, not theirs. As you can see, even so called church leaders modify how they follow the Lord, much to their future dismay if they don't repent.
By the way, are you trying to test me? If so, please continue. I need to practice patience in the Lord with people who make it a focus to be disagreeable. Peace!
your sister in Christ Jesus,
Cherie c.
Because we are all at various stages in our walk with the Lord after He saves us, we are to be growing in GRACE and knowledge of Our Lord and Savior.
Many times even those who ARE of the faith will attack us verbally, as many times they/we behave from out of our flesh, and perhaps don't receive correction graciously.
As Isaiah 6:9,10 reveals, it is the Lord who pours out judgment by making people's hearts dull and their ears heavy, shutting their eyes so they do not understand with their hearts, be converted and be healed.
This is why the bible tells us "love" covers a multitude of sin...We are to love the brethren fervently...
1 Peter 4:8
The bible is profitable for correction, absolutely true, but be careful we don't "correct" others through self-righteousness.
2 Timothy 3:16
Allow the scriptures by the Holy Spirit to mold us and shape us...
Speaking the truth in "love" is the key...else, we are no farther ahead than the Pharisees
Ephesians 4:15
We must "see" each other as God sees us, through the blood of Christ, Holy, Unblameable, Unreproveable in His sight...
Colossians 1:22
The bible tells us to "love" our enemies, a verbal attack from a brother is far from an enemy...just a ship that's off course a bit...
Those that are strong should be able to steer those that are off course a bit into the right direction...
I was one of those "self-righteous", I got it all together, walking in the fullness of truth Christians...I was blind, naked and didn't even know it...
Agape Love, treating each other in the Love shed abroad in our heart walking in patience, long-suffering with joy, that's the "Power" of God in us...
Colossians 1:11
Returning evil for evil?...that's easy...it takes the power of God to deny self and overcome evil with good...
A huge mistake we make as Christians is we look into the bible and use it to correct others instead of allowing the bible to correct ourselves...
Once we are corrected, we can give testimony to others how the scriptures are transforming us...
That is humility toward others...
Blessings
Cherie: You are too worked up about X mas and Easter being celebrated by those who call themselves Christians. A celebration or a remembrance of the birth of Christ or his resurrection by Christians is not profane or something that you would want to shout from the rooftops about. Sometimes, I read your statements and think that you are too stressed out like a Martha type. Some things are not vital to your salvation and one being your over the top statements about X mas and Easter. I do not see the known and conscious sin in celebrating X mas or Easter. At some windmills, Christians need to keep their powder dry and do not obsess over every issue that does not impact upon your ability to love and live righteously.
Thanks...Lafe
People of God: For those who think that a homosexual who comes to the Lord is foreever free from the desire to return to that sin, you are wrong. Re-read what Paul said about how one can struggle with sin even when saved. As for the person who was a practicing homosexual and which is a sinful practice, so also is the glutton who is sorely tempted every time that they pass a bakery or the liar who sees a chance to "get over" on someone by telling a "harmless" lie. Do not place the lingering attraction that former homosexuals may feel for the same sex as if they have lost their salvation. If so, the next time you get a bad thought or lie or cheat or have thoughts of fornication (man or woman) do you consider yourself lost and going to hell? I think not. So, quit placing an undue burden on a Chrisitan who has struggles now and then with same sex attraction.
They, like anyone else who professes Christ, can confess the sin of such thoughts (I John 1:9) and go their way rejoicing. Sin is sin.
Thanks....Lafe
I've appreciated this thought provoking article and hope it may bless someone besides myself:
Are You Driven? or Are You Led?
http://consumedinchrist.com/pdfs/21.pdf
"self-righteous is a struggle" I beg to differ on that. We may have times of thinking self-righteously but my belief is that if you know Christ humility and compassion are the marks of a Christian. Someone whos character is self-righteous is not a Christian but a Pharisee.
"He loves the sinner but hates the sin."
I take issue with this statement because it has been used improperly by people who think that they don't sin anymore and it puts them above others.
"I love the Lord Jesus and don't struggle with sin."
Not only are you delusional but the Bible says that you are lying.
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