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Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. (JN 8:32)
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Problems exists in Christian churches today, but the real problem lies in the heart, and the answers are not in improved "church" experiences, but in truth and the Holy Spirit. The tools we need to critique the church are God's Word. Jesus letters to the seven churches contain rebuke and encouragement. The church has and will need to change, as the pastoral epistles often note.
There is a subtle or not so subtle pressure to conform to the world, meaning the spirit and heart of the culture; in light of the materialistic and hedonistic bent of our culture, jaded with cynicism (so readily noticed in many of the posts), it is no wonder that we are in need of a sweeping revival of deep cleansing.
Jesus spoke of a "fire". That is what we have always needed. That will not come from studying the moving target of wandering hearts.
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I studied biology in college, taught science in high school and do not believe the theory of evolution is true, and am no expert in genetics, molecular or chemical biology, or paleontology. In fact, most science teachers and professors are not either. Scientist often determine their position based upon what their peers concur is good science, but many bloggers here who claim to be making good scientific arguments are stating nothing scientific. Only their own philosophical presuppostions and present no mental arguments. Good science in not committed to making other people's minds for them. It is an interesting article, part of the ongoing discussion and battle (that is probably not to strong a word here) on the conclusions that must be presented to students. Many posts here are not scientific, only regurgitated talking points.
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Way of the Master, I agree.
Homosexuality not a worse sin. Yes and no.
No, it is not a "worse" sin in that the cost for redemption was the life of Jesus on the cross. And God can and does forgive our sin when we repent and believe the gospel. The work of the Spirit powerfully works in the heart, and people really can change. And we all need change. Sin is sin.
However, homosexuality is a severe sin. Rape and murder are also severe.
There are "depths" to depravity. While anger and murder are both sin because they break the Law of God, they are not the "same" sin. Homosexuality seems to be pretty complex, as it is unnatural and often associated with dysfunctional relationships and experiences.
Romans 1 puts this as a spiritual and physical sin, and in terms of God's judgment. Those who pursue unrighteousness and lawlessness do step deeper into their own depravity's depths, and they are at risk of God's giving them over. I take that to mean a specific loss of conscience and natural affection.
I appreciate your passionate appeal and simply wanted to give opportunity for you to give some thought to these matters.
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Darwinism, as the posts seem to be identifying it, isn't science, but philosophy and some interpretation of data. The data for darwinian evolution is mixed at best, most neo-darwinists realize that. The movie does a good job revealing the inherent bias of the scientific community in general, based upon the supposed scientific merits of the darwinism. The bloggers here are not likely to change many minds, least of all each others, which is the point of the movie. Philosophical bias is not a scientific choice no matter how loudly the darwinist screams that it is. There are many intelligent scientists who disagree about a great many things, but that diverts from the key point, darwinism is very much a belief system, and intelligent people do believe it. Design theories are also about belief, and intelligent scientists believe design is a valid interpretation of the vastness of the data. Many scientists have dismissed design theory because of its philosophical conclusions about God, not because there isn't any "good science" or "intelligent scientists" involved in researching intelligent design.
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Oprah has been headed in the new age direction for a long time, this is not a new thing. Her influence has been negative in terms of her claim to be a Christian and her embrace of New Age or otherwise unbiblical beliefs. Oprah is caught up herself in the spirit of the age, the false beliefs that are gradually spreading in America as well as around the earth.
At the same time, I pray for Oprah's conversion or return to Jesus Christ. Through the preaching of the good news of Jesus Christ, God's kingdom is advancing in the hearts and lives of millions of new believers every week all over the world. What a great time to be the church, and what a critical time as well.
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The Bible clearly defines homosexuality as a sin. A homosexual person is in need of salvation in Jesus Christ just as every other sinner. We preach the truth in love, it is the same message that we preach to every man - (Romans 5:9, 10) 9 Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from Gods wrath through him! 10 For if, when we were Gods enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!
The article title is a little misleading, evangelicals do not love the "gay community", we love lost sinners, including gays or straight, by sharing with them God's love in word and in deed. The "gay community" is a social and political organization that exists to defend and support a specific sexual lifestyle.
There are real ways to share God's love with sinners and reach into "communities". Sharing the gospel and calling sinners to repent of their sin does not appear akin to "love" in the eyes of the world.
On our own we are little more than bits of stone and glass. Together we are the Body of Christ. Holy Bible: Mosaic is an invitation to experience Christ in His Word and in the responses of his people. Each week, as you reflect on guided Scripture readings aligned with the church seasons, you will receive a wealth of insight from historical and contemporary writings.