Two homosexual groups plan to launch a national campaign targeting the most influential megachurches and its leaders in an attempt to change their views on gays and lesbians.
Soulforce, which promotes "pro-gay" interpretations of Scripture, and COLAGE (Children of Lesbians and Gays Everywhere) are currently recruiting LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) parents and their children along with other supporters for "The American Family Outing" in 2008. Selected families will visit six major megachurches to "educate" the public on the issue of homosexuality.
"Through our visibility we hope to peacefully challenge the false stereotypes about LGBT people and same-gender families, and educate the public through authentic and personal conversations - real parents sharing their stories and describing the hurtful effects of prejudice and religious condemnation," said a statement describing the national campaign, which will run from Mother's Day weekend in May through Father's Day weekend in June.
Churches being targeted are those led by Joel Osteen, Bishop T.D. Jakes, Dr. Rick Warren, Bishop Harry Jackson, Jr., Bill Hybels and Bishop Eddie Long. Along with most Christian leaders, all have expressed to some degree an opposition to the homosexual lifestyle.
Soulforce contends that these younger generation evangelical leaders "are striving to change the tone of the national political debate with messaging that is less punitive, therefore making religion-based discrimination seem more palatable to the mainstream American public."
The upcoming campaign comes at a time when more evangelical churches are showing compassion toward the homosexual community. While still rejecting homosexual behavior as sin, Christians are increasingly welcoming and loving homosexuals, departing from the hateful and homophobic labels often attached to churches.
Still, churches continue to struggle with the issue of homosexuality in a culture that is more open to gay and lesbian lifestyles.
Participants of The American Family Outing plan to attend a worship service at each of the megachurches and also request time for panel discussions and a chance to engage in informal conversations with congregants of the churches.
Before the visits, 40 recruited families are required to attend a weekend of training in Austin, Texas, in February to prepare for theological dialogue and nonviolent direct action.
RSS
Maranatha:
this emerging church is an apostate movement. It tries to blend in the New Age and Mysticism into the "contemporary church" this is why it is important to get solid expository teaching from the Word of God in context. These emerging churches which are mainly "emergent conversations" don't even have a solid set of beliefs or doctrinal statements yet. Sadly, they are influencing our youth, youth pastors and many in the "liberal" or more "progressive" circles of denominations and Christian Movements. Since they primarily deal with the "felt needs" of people, they don't tackle the tougher issues of sin, repentance, forgiveness, etc. They water down the Scriptures to a mush. Rick Warren has been heavily influenced by the Emerging Church Movement, and is a proponent of Bono from U2 with his stance on COEXIST. He (Rick Warren) has endorsed some of their leading author's books, etc. This movement is nothing more that New Age disguised in a thin layer of "chrisitanity". The proposterous statements made by some of their leaders should be enough of a red flag for many Christians, but sadly it's not, because many people are more in tune with their feelings, than on fact from the Word of God. Hence, there comes the deception from the enemy of our souls who has come to steal, kill, and destroy, and goes about like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
One of the problems with "contemplative prayer" and "meditation" in the church today is how those terms are defined. We know that Joshua 1 gives the Biblical meaning of "meditation" and we know that "contemplating God's goodness while in prayer" is also a wonderful thing. The problem is, these meanings are not what is meant by those terms in today's "emergent church". Rather, these are thinly-disguised New Age-ish / pagan practices are derived from writings of ancient and contemporary mystics whose beliefs were not soundly based on scripture.
I learned of this trend with great sorrow when I found that an author I had always enjoyed had gone that direction. I read her three-part autobiography. The first was solidly Biblical. The second showed that she had been exposed to Thomas Merton's (one of the mystics) writings and was beginning to mix that with her Biblical beliefs. By the time she wrote the third book detailing her "journey", she was so far from the Word of God, it was truly frightening; she had discarded her Biblical beliefs.
If anyone doesn't understand and / or does't believe me, I encourage you to read those books, in this order:
God's Joyful Surprise
When the Heart Waits
The Dance of the Dissident Daughter
...all written by Sue Monk Kidd
http://www.suemonkkidd.com/author.asp
No problem Charles. May the Lord Bless You.
jc4me:
Sorry if I phrased that comment improperly, I didn't mean you, as I agree with your comments.
I believe GOD looks at the heart and is the only one who knows our deepest thoughts and motives and some one who is truly seeking Him will find Him. We who do know him are always to help one another and those who are mature should teach the ones who are new Christians.
Also a light needs to shine in this darkness to guide others to Christ and if you carry that light then you are one of His that leads the blind.
1Pe 1:22 Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:
hey jc4me...
I havent heard from you recently either. ;-) I will write in the next few days.
Thank you for you wisdom on contemplative prayer. Actually, I have heard of that before, and something in my spirit always cringed when I heard that phrase. The same thing when I hear of Christians taking yoga and "meditating'. When I used to be involved in martial arts, meditating was part of the training. They talked about "finding peace withing yourself" and "becoming one with your body, soul, and spirit". I would always just spend time fellowshipping with God! LOL. That's where my peace came from. And that's who I want to be one with.
But I do know there is a lot of new age spiritualism sneaking into our churches. I am always on the lookout in our particular congregation for such situations. It is a nasty lie that wraps itself in light to try and decieve us. But we must be vigilant.
charles wrote:
"Prayer is simply talking to GOD. It's not how you do it but why. Don"t let the enemy rob you of your time alone with GOD. Does anyone hear you if you do not speak?"
charles, i know that prayer is talking to God. I'm not sure if when you said "don't let the enemy take away your time alone with God" if you were referring to me being the enemy's pawn, and there is no reason for you to jump to that conclusion, when all I am trying to do is give my dear brother Prophet, as well as my sister in Christ an exhortation to stay away from some of the emergent church doctrines. Charles, i don't know if this is the first time you come to this sight, but I have been and most likely will comment on some pretty controversial subjects that otherwise would not be exposed, because neither Zondervan publishers, nor TBN will screen who they allow to teach either by written word, or verbally, so all I'm doing is exhorting the brethren in sound doctrine. Isn't that what the Scriptures advise us to do as we draw closer to God? There are false doctrines out there, ad I'm let's say a modern day Berean when it comes to many "new" teachings, or old ones that may have eror to them. For instance. Nowaday's many churches are bringing in icons to their "evangelical" sermons, they are dimming the lights and lighting candels in order for people to "visualize" God and "experience" God. Wile I am not staunchly against candels, I am against people trying to use them in conjunction with icons, pictures, vintage relics, etc in order to "feel" God. See, this is just one of many errors of the eerging church, of which, the previous issue I spoke about was contemplative prayer.
Prophet, I have not heard from you via email anymore. Are you doing ok?
Prophet, no I am not saying the way you pray to God is wrong. I was trying to respond to a statement made by anniefourjesus, but because you responded to my post by saying you did not know what contemplative spirituality (prayer) was, then I responded to both, just help you both understand from where this idea promoted by many catholic mystics, jessuits, and some post modern Christians such as Tony Campolo promote. I was simply saying that what they are promoting is wrong because of it's mystic/new age roots. That's all. No harm meant to you in my statement. I just wanted you to check out the sight(s) so you could be informed about what Christian authors you allow into you home via book or TV. That's all. And just for the record, I do believe in quiet time with the Father God. Jesus Christ exhorts us to get away from this busy life, and seek after Him, and to sometimes just sit at His feet, so NO absolute not, I am not against you interceding for people and nations, and ministries that God's Will would be done.
Charles...
I know...and I'm at peace with my time of fellowship with God. I was just curious if jc4me thought that I was in error.
Prayer is simply talking to GOD. It's not how you do it but why. Don"t let the enemy rob you of your time alone with GOD. Does anyone hear you if you do not speak?
So, you're saying the way I pray is incorrect?
Prophet and anniefourjesus:
here is another article that might warn you of the dangers of contemplative spirituality, and why so many evangelicals as well as myself are so staunchly against it
http://www.bereanbeacon.org/The_Emergent_Church_pdf/Emerging%20Church%20Indoctrinates%20Part%203.pdf
I hope this helps. God Bless you guys!
http://www.understandthetimes.org/ec/eccontemplative.shtml
News Alert
Contemplative Prayer - Emerging Church
and Roman Catholicism
Commentary By Roger Oakland
www.understandthetimes.org
May 29, 2006
"A copyrighted article that does not permit rebroadcast has been published by the Philippine Daily Inquirer regarding a thirty foot Marian statue of "Our Lady of the Holy Rosary" built in the Philippines by a contemplative Catholic group for the purpose of contemplative prayer.
News Alert
Contemplative Prayer - Emerging Church
and Roman Catholicism
This article located at http://news.inq7.net/lifestyle/index.php?index=1&story_id=77310 is of paramount importance with respect to the warnings we have been issuing regarding contemplative prayer and its connection with Roman Catholic mysticism.
Contemplative prayer is one of the major ideas being introduced by the Emerging Church promoted by numerous Emerging Church promoters including Chuck Smith, Jr., Dr. Robert Webber, Richard Foster, and Brian McLaren.
Later this week Understand The Times will be publishing a lengthy commentary titled "The Emerging Church: Another Road to Rome" which will document the connection between the Emerging Church and Roman Catholicism. This movement is influencing Christianity worldwide - fellowships, movements and denominations - including Calvary Chapels.
This past week Pastor Chuck Smith sent out a position paper to all Calvary Chapel pastors making it clear that embracing the Emerging Church was not compatible with the Calvary Chapel movement and if pastors planned to go that direction they would no longer be able to call themselves Calvary Chapel.
Every serious Christian should read the article posted by the Philippine Daily Inquirer. It will give you a first hand account of the connection of contemplative prayer with Roman Catholicism.
For further information on this subject you can refer to the following four radio programs (transcripts) posted at www.understandthetimes.org that will provide information that will help you understand contemplative prayer. These programs are located at: http://www.understandthetimes.org/archives/aprmay2006.shtml
1937 - What Is Contemplative Prayer? 4/11/06
1938 - Thomas Merton - 4/12/06
1939 - Richard Foster - 4/13/06
1940 - Contemplative Terror - 4/14/06
I would also strongly recommend you consider reading the following two books available at our site:
Time of Departing - Ray Yungen
Running Against The Wind - Brian Flynn
I urge you to become informed about this very critical issue.
Sincerely in Jesus,
Roger Oakland'
I don't know much about what "contemplative prayer" actually is, but i, like annie, do look forward to my time with God. I do believe in deep spiritual fellowship with my Father. I do consider what being saved really is...am i living the life that pleases my Father? If not, what can I do to change that. I talk intimately with Him (WITH Him...meaning I talk AND listen). I ask Him for wisdom, Holy Spirit power, discernment, and the fruits of the Spirit. I also spend much time praying for others as well. And I pray against the dark spiritual powers that seek to destroy. I don't pray in the typical fashion...i walk a lot and im very vocal. And sometimes His glory, mercy and love drives me to my knees in humbleness.
Prayer should be an intimate time between God and you. And if it is intimate, you will be sensitive to His voice 24/7. To pray without ceasing means to be in tune with His Spirit at all times...not to be on your knees praying 24/7. That would be nuts! I had a friend years ago that tried that....what a mess...
But when you have that intimate relationship with Him, you will know His voice whenever and wherever He speaks.
anniefourjesus:
By the way, as a disclaimer, I wasn't refering to everything in your post. I had issue with the portion that had to do with contemplative prayer. Other than that, I pretty much agree with most of what you said, and we do need to be salt and light to our world. America in particular has backslidden from it's former Christian roots, and having said that, now materialism, and self indulence have become America's god.
anniefourjesus:
I'm sorry, with all due respect, i do disagree completely with your statement. I do know what contemplative spirituality is, and it is very new age and mystical in it's origins. Contemplative prayer has a form of mystical practice from the far east and from some of the Catholic Mystics. Sorry, can't agree with you on that one. If you are interested in finding out the reasons why many evangelical Christians will not condone contemplative spirituality, then you may want more info about the dangers of the Emerging Church, some of the new age practics it has adopted, including but not limited to contemplative prayer go to www.understandthetimes.org, www.apprising.org, and www.lighthousetrails.com and read some of the articles that are grounded in biblical context, and listen to some of the podcasts. Maybe after you read a little about this new form of mysticism creeping into the church, the Holy Spirit will give you discernment about it so you may move away from it. I can't agree with Tony Campolo, Rick Warren, Brian Mclaren, Doug Pagitt, Richard Foster, or Rob Bell, or any of the Emergents for that matter. They've taken sound doctrine and polluted it with new age doctrines and postmodernism. They've taken the Bible and preach a "feel-good" non-offensive gospel that leaves out sound doctrine. I'm sorry, but you do not have a born again experience thru contemplative prayer; you can only have a born again experience by repenting of your old life, coming to Christ with everything and asking Him to forgive you of your sins, make you into a new creature, and ask that He be LORD and SAVIOR of our lives, and then we need to die to ourselves daily, pick up our crosses and follow Christ. No annie, it is not contemplative spirituality that brings us closer to God, but a relationship with Him thru Christ by the enabling of His Holy Spirit. I can only pray that you will pray and consider what I have written exhorting you in the truth of God's Way. We must not be a people who are feeling based, but rather faith based on the Word of God. I'll be praying for you.
We are living in the END times why is any of this a surprise to people. Why are people acting like, "we can save the planet" it's astounding to me when I read my Bible and God, let's just remember our enemy is not flesh and blood.
One thing I have been coming across in my daily time with the Lord (and I'm always talking with Him) is that God is looking for His children to be moving towards unity in these dark times. We need to do the things He has told us to do, as we see The Day approaching of His return, He gave us guidelines to follow. Matthew 28, "Go ye therefore into all the world...we are to pray without ceasing in these times, prayer is very KEY in these times, in the unity of the body of Christ, there is power, The Holy Spirit is on the move throughout the world and unless you have your head in the sand; all these events we are seeing are an escalation of the times we live in.
America and this world are passing away folks, that is the truth, but it is not a sad reality for those who follow Jesus Christ. He tells us, don't just be out there "healing in my Name, prophesying in My Name; Matthew 25 tells us what HE will be looking at.
Are we being JESUS to those who need Him or are we too busy pointing fingers at others.
God can use anyone or thing to get our attention. He doesn't want ANY to perish. God has many tools out there, many arms, legs, hands, feet, and mouths and they are not exclusively in your part of the body.
jc4me: Contemplative Prayer is to consider intently what it means to be born again, prayer is talking with God and if I'm going to be born again, I had to get alone and in deep, meditative prayer, I took a look at my own life, and the evilness of my own heart, and I knew that there is no way that I could go on pretending I could handle my own life. There is nothing wrong with getting alone with God and considering what it means to be truly born again. It is a hard statement to take in exactly what that means! I find no problem with Tony's approach!
Flagged as inappropriate. It's not the homosexuals that worry me. It is the mamby-pamby cotton-candy Christians that scare me. If God tells us to "...jealously guard our households", how much more are we to defend the church? Liberalism, liberal name-calling and accusations against Christians have turned far too many of us into I'll-pray-in-my-corner Christian cowards. Throughout the history of the bible, God's people have had to put their bodies on the line for the Kingdom of God. Our Christian forebearers generation after generation willingly put their bodies on the line to establish this great nation in the name of Jesus Christ. Stand up and be Christians men! What example are we for our sons, if we whimper in the face of organized satanic assualts upon the sanctity, dignity, the divine authority of the God we serve and the church the that promotes His kingdom. Deny the "fawning spirits" among us authority. Would you let a gang of teenage thugs come in and take over your home without putting up fulfledged resistence? If Jesus is willling to come back to fight the battle of Armegeddon, then we shoul;d be willing to physically resist the homosexuals gangs at the church door before He comes. This is beginning to look and sound like Sodom and Gommorah!
The reason why the pro-gay sect is targeting the mega-churches is because those churches have more to lose by denying them. The big churches are least likely to be controversial, that's how many of them got so big. They'll be more receptive, "in the name of tolerance" to accept the pro-gay movement, for fear of losing parishioners.
The churches should continue to love and encourage this movement to repent and receive the gospel. If they are unwilling to do this, then we are instructed to do the following:
And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet. Matthew 10:14.
This is amazing. This is a bold move for the "gay" movement. The homosexual society needs to learn to love themselves before forcing others to accept their lifestyles. Do anyone know the point of action the churches should take to handle this movement/
jc4me and JC,
Well said!!!! It is always refreshing to hear brothers who continue stand firm on a biblical foundation and not allow themselves to be carried away with modern sophistries.
"That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; - Ephesians 4:14.
For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; - 2Timothy 4:3.
2nd Peter 2, 1-11
But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves. Many will follow their shameful ways and will bring the way of truth into disrepute. In their greed these teachers will exploit you with stories they have made up. Their condemnation has long been hanging over them, and their destruction has not been sleeping.
-----------------------
Beloved, we are well advised to avoid false teachings and trust God at what He has already written. It is not our place to add or take anything away from His Word. It's His Word, not ours.
I will say this as tactfully, and as lovingly as I can to all who side with Rick Warren in this ecumenical drive to unite the worlds religeons. Be warned, for this is what the Bible says: God is gracious and merciful, and will forgive those who turn to Him thru Jesus Christ with a repentant heart, and choose to fllow Him. However, He is the Righteous God, and He will judge those who deliberately turned their backs on Him and His Son - Jesus Christ because of their obstinate rebellion and continual rejection of His Son. Read the Bible in context, and then comment on it. We cannot, and should not have felowship with those who claim to be Christians yet don't obey His Word, and HIs Salvation Message. The post modern liberal Emergent church, and it's seeker sensitive counterparts want people to believe that if we all save the environment, and save the whales, the events of the Book of Revelation will not happen, and we can actually prevent it from happening. This similar social gospel which claims that we should make the world a better place, and usher in peace prior to Jesus' second coming, as well as unite with all people of faiths has been adopted by Rick Warren, and has caused whole splits in the Southern Baptist Convention, because he has gone down the Purpose Driven P.E.A.C.E Plan agenda, which by the way is a false doctrine my friends. These movements which align themselves with Bono from U2 and the whole COEXIST crowd have more in common with humanism, one world religeon, and the new age than what the Bible says will transpire. The problem today is that we have so many "Bible teachers" who are more motivational speakers than true shepherd's of the flock of God. No wonder the Body of Christ is split. The Bible talks of a great falling away in the end times. Men will naturally gravitate towards what their "itching ears" want to hear. What more itching do you need than what you hear on TBN, and the like: "find success", "you are the controller of your own destiny" "God will prosper you if you just have faith [and send me your money]". They take Scripture out of context to suit their own desires, and fleece the flock of God for their own matierial gain. OPEN YOUR EYES and STUDY the WORD IN CONTEXT; for Christ will return soon.
I am convinced Jesus will return soon for His Bride, and we are living in the end times brother, and make no mistake about it, the "emergent conversation", the "emergent church", the COEXIST Movement, and BOno from U2 along with the Rick Warrens of the world with their social gospel are creating a "bridge" between Christianity and Eaastern as well as Catholic Mysticism wich is really new age.
Read up more on the social liberalism of the emergent church, and the many seductive false doctrines such as contemplative prayer (which is really eastern mysticism), the bringing back of icons to "feel" God move in people's midsts, you can eve read up on Brian Mclaren's (The man who is credited to being the founder of this liberal church movement) view, as well as many of their leaders views on hell and homosexuality, and you will see they are totally extra biblical. you can find more info on this at www.understandthetimes.org, and www.apprising.org.
The emergent church preaches an extra biblical gospel that is more in line with the new age than it is with Sound Doctrine based Biblical Christianity. Many of them - to mention one - Tony Campolo recently told a young reader how to have a born again experience thru contemplative prayer! Imagine that, the Bible says there is only one way to God and that is Jesus Christ, and here is a so called evangelical preacher (not really evangelical even though he calls himself this) and he is teaching an eastern mystical practice taught in the Roman Catholic Church and the Jessuit Order. Now imagine that, he is adoptig practices from a church that teaches the deification of Mary as being co-redemptrix with Christ. This is heresy my brother, and we need to exhort others in love, and pray for their eyes to be quickly opened to this deception in the church; that they may see this for what it is, and that the Holy Spirit in mercy and grace may convict their hearts to repent and come back.
II pray that the families and individuals will see theirlifestyle as sin against God and repent when they visit these churches
I pray that the leaders of these churches don't bend towards the belief that living in sin is okay and acceptable.
I pray this campaign that is planned by soulforce and colage (Interesting names by the way. One deals with a jedi type concept and the other reinforces the coexist concept) will be used by the churches to demonstrate God's love and compassion and people will turn away from their sins and see the sins of homosexuality as sin and accept Christ.
Anniefourjesus that was an awesome post by the way! That truly was "truth in love".
Sadly, these homosexual sinners will have to answer at the judgement one day, not only for their sinful lifestyle, but for the blasphemy and perversion of Christianity that spews from their mouths. What you can do is repent of this horrible sin and be saved. What you cannot do is to change the inspired word of God.
Flagged as inappropriate. The devil is brazen. Imagine they are mounting an invasion of the house of God, and are essentially daring the Christians to do something about it. They should be met at the door. Any church that would allow a gang of obscene homosexuals to defile their sanctuary, is not worth their salt. It's time for all the William Wallaces in the body of Christ to stand up!
If any church could be changed from their doctrinal viewpoint by various discussions, I would be very suspect on what that church's basis for their foundation is. If it is a person, it will fall. If it is the latest poll numbers, it will also fall. If it is the Word of God, I doubt some nice discussions from a group totally opposed to the teaching will change anything. In fact, I'd be curious if this becomes a revelation to the groups trying to persuade the churches to change their own lives. I'm sure the indoctrination techniques used by the gay agenda are semi-aware of this possibility but will try to cover every possible point in the discussions to come, but they never figure on the power of the Holy Spirit to change men's hearts. And God's Word will not return to Him "void" ... should be some interesting discussions.
I cannot wait until they storm the Mosques of Islam. That ought to be good!
MuggleBorn, and JC thank you! I think it's very important that we pray and let the Lord lead us. My words can not save anyone, but perhaps the Word of the LORD, as HE leads me to write, will go deep inside someone's heart and they would know the truth from the lies that surround us.
We live in very dark times as I said, and as the LIGHT Of the WORLD draws ever closer, we can see that ever-increasing wickedness is abounding. The Lord speaks to my heart as one who was fallen also; and so in His love I try and reach out to the ones that HE loves who are still out there in darkness and shrouded by the enemy.
I try and remember what I felt like being an unbeliever and not truly knowing Jesus, how could I know HIS Word, if I didn't really know Him? I couldn't.
The Bible was one great big blur to me when I didn't have The Holy Spirit. God's Word tells us that without The Holy Spirit, we cannot discern the Word. So, why do we, Christians expect the world to know God's Word, when He tells us they won't.
However, when Jesus Christ lives in us and HE abides in us and we abide in Him, and His light is in us, people knows this, they can see it. My own sister who is drawing closer to God, thanks be to Christ; tells me she sees a light around me, I tell her, this is the light of Jesus Christ.
It's nothing we do, it's HIM reflecting from within us; the world needs to see HIM, not me. I praise Him and I give Him all the glory.
Romans 10:10
10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
It's not a matter of head knowledge about God; it's knowing Him personally. I have been blessed to see many people come to understand that Jesus(God) loves them, died for them, and has a plan for their lives; even those coming out of the lifestyle of sexual immorality. God is very clear on sexual immorality, I think it's interesting how many Scriptures deal with this Sin issue. God knew we would come to this time in history and so we need to be very careful that we're not only picking on the sin of homosexuality. ALL sexual immorality is Sin!
We all have our battles and so we need to be praying for one another as we see THE day approaching. God is looking for His body to be faithful to HIM, no matter the cost!
Praise God that in The Kingdom of God all this will be over! Thank you Father!
To anniefourjesus:
Amen princess. Amen.
anniefourjesus,
Very powerful message! God's grace was really with you on that one. I pray (Dear Lord) that everyone who reads these responses takes time to read your last post with an open heart, and mind. Amen.
does every Christian believe that we are to be Christ like?
If you agree with that, then how can you activly pursue a Gay life? So you are saying that Jesus lived a gay life? If you are not married before God then it is fornication. God only honors Man and Wife (man and woman) marriages.
1)Jesus Never Sinned!!
2)Jesus Never committed fornication
3)Jesus Never committed a homosexual act (any sexual act)
how can you then say living an active homosexual lifestyle is Christ-like? YOU CAN'T
God so loved the world that He gave His Only Begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him, shall not perish, but have everlasting life. Jesus paid the death penalty that OUR sin incurred. Including the sin of homosexuality. In God's eyes this is an abomination, that the creatures that HE created in HIS image, would act in such an unholy manner.
God loves all HIS creation, when HE created man in HIS image, it was for man to reflect HIS Glory, when we wallow in SIN (any sin) this does NOT reflect the glory of GOD! Which man was created to CARRY. We are the TEMPLE of the LIVING GOD, when we repent and give ourselves to HIM, we are not longer our own, we are bought with a price.
Those who are stealing, go and steal no more, those who are lying, go and lie no more, those in sexual immorality of any kind, you have to stop this also!! "Speak the truth in love" is what the BODY OF CHRIST is to do. We do NOT compromise with sin in any way!
We do love others and see them as God sees them when HE created them, and we pray that The Holy Spirit convicts them to turn from all ungodliness!!!
Our Father is HOLY HOLY HOLY! HE is calling HIS Children to be HOLY!!!
The enemy is always trying to steal God's glory and what better way then to cause people to think they can come to God any way they choose to. God has shown us the way to come to Him and that is through The Cross and Jesus Christ.
However my beloved brethren, we need to be careful what we are approving of. God does not tolerate sin in any fashion. HIS Son paid a very high price for sin. We need to confess with our mouths the EVIL that we do in HIS Holy sight and ask HIM to give us HIS strength to leave the life of sin we have been in.
We are works in progress, no one is perfect, but JESUS can and does REDEEM many from the lie of homosexuality. Satan has stolen the identities of many, convincing them this is what they are, when it is a lie, we are Children of God, princes and princesses of The KING of Heaven, that is Truth, we were created to reign beside GOD for all eternity.
Don't let anyone steal from you what GOD has ordained for His children. We live in very dark times, as the LIGHT of CHRIST comes closer the darkness gets greater, as the deeds are exposed. This is the WORD of The LORD! JESUS is LORD!
amen!
makes my current ambitions all the more beautiful when i take into account the spiritual rewards.
but...at first glance its questionable as to what im trying to do.
"i'll pray for that with you on that note. it seems every little bit helps."
Yes, we are not wrestling with flesh and blood. Ephesians 6:10-17
i'll pray for that with you on that note.
it seems every little bit helps.
HyperionOverseer, I have no idea of how they were reared. But I do know that many today are lying to them, feeding them the line that God cannot help them, that they are doomed to be as they are -- even twisting scripture to "justify" the abomination. May God have mercy on them all and deliver them from this anti-Christ spirit.
Marantha
that truly does make more sense than most of the other explanations i have heard.
besides, at this point, why woudl they change, they were probably raised inside of their OWN wants and desires and never exposed to the wonders of GOD's will and desires for them.
Kinda like when we all were kids, with the "WHAT ABOUT WHAT ' I ' WANT????? *pouts*"
maybe the paddle was a bad thing not to use for these people.
"Some are fulfilling their purpose because they refused to accept His."
Profound thought. I don't know if this was in your mind, but this gives new meaning to "purpose-driven" life. :-)
Hillbilly4Christ, perhaps the reason "gays" want the approval of Christians so much is because down deep they know that GOD is right, that His Word is true. He does love them and is willing to set them free, but they must be willing to humble themselves and agree with what His Word says about homosexuality. This is true of ANY sin.
ifeelfine72, what is a Christian perspective? I don't see what you're alluding to.
God's word in the first chapter of Romans clearly spells it out on this lifestyle,it is against His will and God does not approve of this lifestyle, although he loves the sinner He hates the sin. If you disagree with this tell Him when you stand before him in Judgement. Christians need to have more backbone and stand up for what is right and true and stop pandering to these groups.
AMEN!! The Word says God loved the world... it says that we love Him because He loved u FIRST. Those who have chosen to live a lifestyle of homosexuality have been given over to their first love: their flesh/their will. Jesus said they would hate us because they hated Him. He brought conviction and judgment on the ppl (the Word is the discerner of truth and intents). Jesus challenged the ppl's true love and they became defensive or receptive. who knows? maybe through their hatred, and our obedience (in standing by the Word of God) we could bring them to the truth and they could be saved from themselves. But that is through the Spirit of God and using the Sword. Some are fulfilling their purpose because they refused to accept His.
RC - It is a Christian perspective. I am a Christian. And I'm not the only one that feels this way.
Wow. I didn't see what you wrote until I posted and refreshed the page :^)
Hillbilly4Christ,
>> Why do these groups seem so set on getting christians approval <<
Sometimes it seems like people who don't walk in the path of the Holy Spirit believe that Christians have in some way a cumulative infallibility, as if what we say as a group goes, and God will honor it; The "What is loosed on Earth" misconception. They don't understand that God does not change over time for our benefit. His Word stands firm. If He changes anything, it will be for His glory.
I think someone should start a christian rights movement so we can say what is said in Gods word and not get wined at because God says what people are doing is wrong.we as christians cant change what God says we are only the messangers of Gods word so complaing to us isnt going to change what is written in the Bible the Bible is not something you can plead your case to nor are we so why dont you talk to God about it. all of these petty issues are doing nothing but turning people away from Jesus because WE ARE JESUS TO THIS WORLD AND WHAT WE DO REFLECTS HIM SO BE CAREFUL YOU MAY BE THE ONLY BIBLE SOMEONE WILL READ
Why do these groups seem so set on getting christians approval. could it be because they know deep down that we are right
As with any person or organization that goes against what God says, these will always remain intolerant to God's light. His light exposes us for who we truly are. Nothing is hidden from God.
For Christians, we find this very comforting. However, there are some for whom this terrifies. They don't want to be exposed, as they have tucked certain vulnerabilities away so no man may find them. This won't work with God however. His light reveals everything and nothing will escape.
Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
GMG - Well stated GMG! The gay community wants us to be not only TOLERANT but ACCEPTING of their lifestyle. Yet they remain INTOLERANT and UNACCEPTING of the Christian perspective. You have succinctly articulated the Christian point of view. Thank you for your words!
GMG - No I don't - I'll trust those that do though.
Ifeelfine - you said "So you've actually read the original Word in Greek, Hebrew, etc? I highly doubt that."
My question is, have you?
HampsteadPete - How many of us that post on this site call for lynching, or any other violent actions that we wish to perpetrate against those whom we disagree with? If we speak of those things we believe in, and give the reason for our belief, does that somehow make us hatemongers?
We live in a time where tolerance has become the "god" of this world. Tolerance used to mean simply allowing others their own view as their choice, but in our modern times the definition has been expanded to include the necissity of agreeing with another's opinion. So, do you hold views different than someone else (and of course I already know the answer to this one). So, are you therefore automatically intolerated, bigoted, and hate-filled against the person you disagree with? Have you ever said of someone whose view you disagreed with "that person should be shot!" Did you expect to be taken literally when you made those kind of assertations?
My point is we all have things we believe in strongly. The difference is as christians our responsiblity is to run them through God's Word. If you chose to run your beliefs through your own feelings without recourse to some authority other than your own, that's you choice, but we don't accuse you of being a hate-monger, we just say we thing you are wrong.
I pray in Jesus' name that the pastors named in this article will stand strong against this anti-Christian rhetoric which can only bring harm, not only to the Body of Christ, but also to unbelievers who will be lulled into excusing the abomination of homosexual behavior.
HampsteadPete,
I don't know what you were listening to but I do not see anywhere on this post that homosexuals should be lynched (which most Christians do not agree with). as to comparing me to Islamists I am highly offended because I have not tried to murder people. I do not think that anyone that disagrees with me should be murdered (I do think they should be saved though). Islamist want to beat the woman for naming a teddy bear, I do not want to beat Homosexuals and comparing naming a teddy bear to shoving your agenda in societies face.
Just because it offends you, does not mean me carring a Bible is the same as walking into a crowded building with a bomb strapted to my chest (being told if I do so I will go to Heaven with 90 virgins) then pulling the cord attempting to kill as many 'infidels' as possible.
God bless,
Anthony
www.bellybutton88.blogspot.com
To ifeelfine72:
Dear one, we've had this conversation before, and the results will be the same as last time. Whether you choose to believe that God said something, even though it is clearly marked with little room for interpretation, then that is your choice, and you alone will answer for it.
However, beloved, I implore you to take another look. You are basing your information on what is NOT written, rather than what IS written.
God didn't say anything about eating rat poison, so it must be okay?
However, dear one, if you claim to be a Christian, then you must adhere to what IS written, not what IS NOT written. If you claim to follow what is NOT written, then you are not following Jesus, and if you are not following Jesus, you are not Christ-like, or "Christian".
Do you not believe "Those who love Me keep my commandments"?
I would say, that by your own admission "Again, we dont believe God said it.", that you have already made up your mind. Be careful dear one, this is a dangerous path you have chosen. It's still not too late to turn around. For this path you have chosen will only lead to devastation and destruction. Please take a look at where you are stepping and what you are eating.
JC:
1: So you've actually read the original Word in Greek, Hebrew, etc? I highly doubt that.
2. Your right about the cults but some great things have been done because of different interpretations of the Word. I'm a United Methodist. If not for Wesley, I wouldn't be. Martin Luther, Calvin, etc - they all had different ideas on what it meant to be a Christian. If it weren't for those folks, we'd all be Catholic right now.
3. I'm not going to go over every passage of the Bible that some interpret as having to do with homosexuality but most of them revolve around God's anger at us either not loving one another or not loving Him
4. I would liken the idea or notion of homosexuality back then to the idea of prison homosexuality now. Today's gay people are much more loving, are into relationships, etc. Back then it was mostly straight people not trying to get women pregnant but still trying to have that gratification.
5. Again, we dont believe God said it.
Beware of wolves in sheep's clothing. I'm not sure if that applies in this case, because they are portraying themselves as sheep, but openly admitting they are wolves.
Beloved, they are attempting to use scripture against us.
Sound familiar?
Then the devil took Him into the holy city and had Him stand on the pinnacle of the temple,
and said to Him, "If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down; for it is written, 'HE WILL COMMAND HIS ANGELS CONCERNING YOU'; and 'ON their HANDS THEY WILL BEAR YOU UP, SO THAT YOU WILL NOT STRIKE YOUR FOOT AGAINST A STONE.'"
It's the same old lie all over again, "Did God really say...?" This lie was told to Eve in the Garden, and it is being told to us today. The question is, do we bite?
Hopefully not.
From the soulforce website:
1. Most people have not carefully and prayerfully researched the Biblical texts used by some people to condemn God's lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender children.
Oh really. I've gone over it more than a few times, and I fail to see any room for interpreting that this behavior is anything other than immoral and considered sinful.
2. We should be open to new truth from Scripture. Even heroes of the Christian faith have changed their minds about the meaning of various Biblical texts.
Typically, when we see "new truth", it usually is wrong. Most of your major cults today have started with "new truth". God is the same yesterday, today and forever. Solomon said himself, "there is nothing new under the sun".
3. We miss what these passages say about God when we spend so much time debating what they say about sex.
Did God really say?
4. The Biblical authors are silent about homosexual orientation as we know it today. They neither approve it nor condemn it.
Excuse me? I wasn't aware there was more than one kind of homosexuality. Was the homosexuality of yester-year any different than today? The people in the Bible were just that, people. They were as human as you and I. If the Biblical authors viewed homosexuality as an abomination to God then, you can bet they would view it the same today.
5. The prophets, Jesus, and the Biblical authors say nothing about homosexual orientation as we understand it today. But, they are clear about this one thing. As we search for truth, we are to "Love one another."
I'm pretty sure that when Jesus said to "love one another", he was not talking about a physical, fleshly relationship. Homosexual activists love to say "It's not written in Red so Jesus must not have condemned this.". Wrong. In the Book of Revelation, it is written "His robe is dipped in blood, and His name is The Word of God". Just because it is not written in red ink, doesn't mean He didn't say it.
Did God really say? It really is the same old lie.
GMG - Thanks for the thoughts. No, I don't believe there is a gay agenda per se but certainly there are groups within Christianity that are trying to educate and talk about a translation of the Word that isn't commonly accepted yet.
I'm glad im not a christian pastor,
the burden of giving them the ULTIMATE lecture on what it means to be gay and where being as such will send them,
it would drive them to suicide, much like my enemies in years past, all dead because they sought with all their heart to kill me but couldnt because God was there to protect me and give me the power to prevail.
Do I really have to incite the suicidal tendencies in my enemies who oppose me? I wonder if this is the result of my heavily unbalanced walk with God? I also need some answers as to WHY these groups are even CONTEMPLATING something like this!
And again,..."The road straight to hell was paved with sincere intent".............Nice............
Ifeelfine - do you still maintain that there are no homosexual groups that go out and plan an agenda to try and make us accept this lifestyle?
"false stereotypes", "prejudice and religious condemnation", "religion-based discrimination", "hateful and homophobic labels". These are the discriminatory, hateful, prejudiced and false things said about Christians because of our belief that some thing is wrong. Christians are not allowed to have an opinion anymore unless it agrees with the world!
I don't hate anyone, but please don't ask me to accept something that I believe is wrong. And don't accuse me of anything when I disagree with you. God is about repentance, NOT acceptance. If you get the entire world to "accept" your sin, that still won't make it right in the eyes of God.
I believe that if Jesus were here to address the issue it would probably turn out the same as when he hung on the cross after the brutal attacks he withstood at the hands of the Roman soldiers,....the same may apply to COLAGE AND THE LGBT, as he looked up towards the Heavens and exclaimed, "PLEASE, PLEASE forgive them Father, for they know not what they doth,.......
I really hope that these preachers speak out againts this group coming to their church and stand strong to the fact that homosexuality is a sin (no greater than any other but a sin none the less).
Please pray for these leaders as it is obvious this group is out to say that homosexuality is ok
God bless,
Anthony
www.bellybutton88.blogspot.com