The pain and discomfort that often accompanies TRUTH in our lives actually serves a vital purpose.
There are times we all have probably experienced some type of physical pain…a pain that comes suddenly or slowly, yet we do not see any visible physical sign of an injury. I remember my first real experience with excruciating pain vividly. It came at a fairly young age…I was only 18 at the time. I was a PTL Singer at Heritage USA (PTL) in Charlotte, NC: the year was 1983. As I drove home from a day of rehearsal, sound checks, a live TV show, more rehearsals, etc…I was suddenly realizing a pain was beginning to envelope my side and lower back. Before I had gone only a few more miles, the pain had increased exponentially. I struggled to drive, but I was able to make it home. It would only be due to my past experiences with my Dad…watching him writhe in pain, almost delirious…that I would recognize what seemed to be happening to me: it was a kidney stone! Since that time, I have endured countless ordeals with kidney stones…somewhere in the vicinity of 50 to 60 stones. I often have laughed and said my favorite song was a choral arrangement entitled “One Less Stone”.
Pain is an amazing and polarizing thing! Pain can bring a man to his knees…and make him whimper like a baby: I am guilty of doing both in many cases! But PAIN serves a vital purpose in most cases: pain is what notifies us that something is wrong! Many injuries we encounter can be OUTWARD in nature…we can see them, feel them, and deal with them ourselves (in many cases). But what about the times we seem to be perfectly healthy…nothing seems to be wrong…life is good and it couldn’t get any better…and then: BAM!!!!
When it comes to health issues, we realize with age (and maturity) that PAIN is our bodies way of telling us this: “Hey! Something is wrong here!” God created humans in such a way that we have an ALERT SYSTEM built into us…it is called PAIN. I am not wanting to deal with the obvious times of pain…I cut my hand, I smash my finger with a hammer, I hit my head on something, I stump my toe on a table leg, etc. Instead, I am speaking of pain that isn’t a result of something that we just did…it is a pain that actually is the VERY FIRST indication that something is wrong. There are many examples from my life and the lives of those around me that I could list here: pains that lead to a diagnosis of cancer and other diseases come to mind. I remember a time when my brother-in-law Terry began to experience tremendous pain in his side. In time, he could no longer function and he was rushed to the hospital. It was discovered that Terry’s appendix was at the point of bursting…and surgery had to be performed immediately! Now, most know that a ruptured appendix can easily lead to death…and the pain that Terry was experiencing was a true warning sign that something needed to be done! If Terry had ignored that pain much longer, my family and I may only be able to remember Terry in our hearts and memories…only able to visit a place in memory of him: his gravesite.
PAIN SERVES A PURPOSE! And in the SPIRITUAL sense…just as in a physical sense…that pain may be ESSENTIAL to our well-being. I have often said this: “Jesus is not as concerned with our HAPPINESS as He is concerned with our WELL-BEING!” It is possible to be HAPPY yet not be HEALTHY. God wants us spiritually HEALTHY!
Jesus would say in Luke 24:44-47 these words: “And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me. Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behooved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.” Jesus, with these and many other words throughout His time on earth, would show us that the GOSPEL is more than a "happy, positive-only" message. Here Jesus says preach "repentance and remission of sins". And...when truth is preached...SOME will find it PAINFUL! Jesus would say this in John 8:32: “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
As I have written and stated before, there is a “gospel’ being propagated today that wishes to speak only a “positive” message to the world: a “gospel” absent of any mention of sin, any mention of consequences…absent of any thoughts or words or even SCRIPTURES that would, in any way, make someone feel uncomfortable…much less make them feel any pain! But pain is a NECESSARY part of life…it serves a POWERFUL PURPOSE in every human’s life! A life without PAIN is not even possible! The Bible even states that, because of sin, God has ordained the BIRTH OF A CHILD to be experienced through PAIN!
The modern gospel being espoused by many has sought to do away with any discomfort, any hurt, any PAIN for the hearers of their supposed “gospel”. Joel Osteen has even stated that he seldom mentions sin and wrong in his church due to the fact that those in attendance have had enough trouble throughout the week…so why say anything negative to them while in church: they need to only be encouraged and they need to hear a “positive-only” message. But…the Word of God…the Words of Jesus…says that “hearers” need to hear truth…regardless of the discomfort and pain that that message may bring! Joel Osteen is TOTALLY discounting the Biblical and POWERFUL lesson of PAIN in each and every life! DISCOMFORT and PAIN serve a VITAL role in ALL of our lives…and, in many cases…it is that DISCOMFORT and PAIN that may be the very thing that SAVES OUR LIFE!
Jesus wants “repentance and remission of sins” preached for a reason. Is it “comfortable” to sit in a church…or elsewhere…while hearing a sermon that is so full of truth that the Holy Spirit’s conviction is OVERWHELMING? Not in the least! In my life, God has used the preaching of the Word of God…and the Word of God in and of itself…to bring powerful conviction into my life: and it was necessary and needed!
Sin should NEVER be comfortable in the Presence of the Almighty God. We preach the GOOD NEWS...but the totality of that GOOD NEWS contains the preaching of sin and its consequences. Thus, preaching "repentance" as Jesus instructed will...and SHOULD...bring CONVICTION. Conviction is NOT a pleasant experience...but our RESPONSE to that conviction can, indeed, be GOOD NEWS to us...because it is THROUGH that experience we can gain ETERNAL LIFE. Jesus...and Paul, and Peter, and others in Scripture...denote that a "feel-good only" gospel is a gospel absent of the FULL truth of THE TRUE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST. It is the TRUE Gospel…the Gospel that, when spoken and preached, brings conviction of sins…that Satan wants silenced. Satan’s method? Get the TRUE Gospel of Jesus Christ labeled “judgmental and unloving.”
Just as in the story of my brother-in-law Terry, so it is with TRUTH. The old saying “The truth hurts!” can often be just that…TRUTH! Remember the old saying “If the shoe fits…wear it!”? It is HARD to hear TRUTH and then realize that that truth applies to US…ME…RON! That is NOT a pleasant experience at the moment! But…but….it is what I do once I know that truth that will determine my fate and my destiny! Just as with Terry…if action is taken, then a life may be saved! Far from wanting all discomfort and pain to be BANISHED from the church, the Holy Spirit Himself uses these NECESSARY aspects of life to allow us to know that “Something is wrong! Something is not as it should be! I had better get to the GREAT PHYSICIAN and let him take care of what is causing my pain and discomfort!”
THAT…and that alone…is the reason the church MUST return to preaching the TRUE Gospel, to include sin, sins consequences, eternity, heaven and hell, and other “painful” issues. If people do not know they are sick…if people do not know that they are injured…if people do not know that there is something very wrong…if people do not know that their life may be in danger…then people will live as though they are perfectly fine and as if there is absolutely nothing wrong! Yet…for many…it is actually just the opposite…and their lives are weighing n the balance!
Do not despise the pain…whether physical or spiritual in nature. It may be the very thing that saves your life!
God bless!
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
My Dream: Early morning hours of 05/23/2012
Today, I sit to write something that is troubling. It has NEVER occurred before in my life.
What I am about to write is EXACTLY as it was given to me in a dream last night. Nothing is changed nor altered in any way.
I lay down to sleep just after midnight. I awoke at exactly 6:15...6 hours after going to sleep. This, again, is the first time I have ever experienced this in my life...and I will not write here the interpretation of the dream.
This was my dream:
I was at Lee College (now Lee University) as it was when I first transferred there. It was night time, and I was on the street that used to run through the middle of campus (Church Street?). I was on the side of the street nearest the Music Building (the old Music Building...which was next to old Ellis Hall). A few others were there with me. Across the street was one car parked against the curb. 3 people were standing behind the car. They were talking, laughing, enjoying a conversation together. I recognized a few faces, yet (as dreams can be), I did not altogether see who they were. The car and those people near it were in the vicinity of the last girls dorm in that line of buildings (the name I cannot recall ?)...the dorm nearest the park area with the gazebo.
As everyone talked and seemed to be enjoying the fellowship of friends, something unbelievable and chilling happened.
Suddenly, a dark figure (black, almost smoke-like in appearance, seeming to shroud the figure within it) appeared in the air and, in a flash, it swooped down and grabbed one of the 3 people who were across the street! In an instant, it carried the person away…too fast for any of us to know where it went. Only for a second or two could you hear the cries of the one that this dark figure had come to take!
Each of us on the street saw it happen. The 2 others that had been with the one who had been taken saw it, yet they were confused…scared and confused. Those with me…and I…saw it happen.
Each of us knew that something evil had occurred...sure that the “being” that had come in swiftly and taken the person was evil.
We were all frightened…everyone.
In fear we were looking toward the sky...looking randomly around...somehow all of us sensing that it would return and grab another person off the street.
Everyone was almost in a panic with fear!
In moments…our fear became reality!
Once again the dark figure appeared, swooping in and again taking one of the people across the street!
Again...the dark figure was gone in a flash, with only the cries of the one taken being heard for just a moment.
Again...we all could sense that this evil “being” would return.
But this time…somehow I knew he was coming for me!
I do not know how I knew…I just knew.
The two people who were now standing there with me…one a female and one a male…frantically turned to me. As they did…I reached out and grabbed them both, wrapping my arms around them and holding them tight. Just as I did this, I felt the presence of the dark figure near. Yet, this time, he was not visible.
Suddenly, as I held the other two tightly, I felt the hands of someone grab my shoulders and begin to pull at me, trying to tear me away from the two people I was holding. I was fearful…yet something came over me. I began to say (not out loud, but in my spirit) “No, you can’t have me! I am a child of God! You are not getting me!”
I continued to feel the pull of the dark figure on my shoulders, yet, as I resisted, I felt strength.
Suddenly, the hands released me and the presence of the dark figure seemed to be gone again.
I grabbed the two people with me and I pushed them into my car.
(As with many dreams, this part was odd and does not have explanation.)
Someone was driving…yet I do not know who. The two I had put into the car were hysterical, and they both were turned toward me (I seemed to be in the back seat). They were asking in fear “How did he not get you?! How did you not get taken?! What is going on here?!” I remember speaking these words “He cannot get me! I am a child of God! I refuse to let him take me! I refuse to be taken!”
Suddenly, we were getting out of the car in front of one of the buildings at Lee...yet…this time…the buildings all around were not as I knew them to be when I first went to Lee.
The only description I can give here is to liken the buildings to some I saw when I went overseas.
The building I now faced was like one of the historic churches of Europe that had ornate statues as part of the architecture, yet…oddly...it also had some odd, evil-appearing creatures carved and built into the structure as well.
(Many churches I saw in Europe seemed to incorporate depictions of good AND evil figures into the structure, which to me was always troubling. I always wondered why a church would want an evil, menacing figure as a part of its structure and facade.)
At this point, the two with me seemed to vanish (at least I had no knowledge of them with me any longer). I made my way into the building and the entry area and foyer were both full of people. There were people standing everywhere. Some were sitting on the floor. I suddenly saw a man sitting in the middle of the floor with his head down. His knees were up, his hands folded across the top of his knees, and his head rested on his arms.
I recognized the man as Danny Ray Murray.
I went over to him and knelt down. As I did, I touched his arm and said “Danny.” He looked up. He seemed distraught, and he recognized that I was also.
I said to him, “Danny, I need to ask you something. Did you see what happened!?! I have to know!”
Danny looked up…paused a moment…then said, “Yes, Ron, I saw it.”
I wept.
Thus, the dream ended, and I awoke suddenly and fully…wide awake. The dream was vivid in my mind. I replayed it in my thoughts, and after doing so, I felt the Spirit of the Lord tell me what the dream meant.
I will not give any interpretation here. I knew immediately God wanted me to sit and write this dream down. Thus, I have done so. My heart is heavy…and it is time to pray.
God bless!
In Christ,
Ron Smith
What I am about to write is EXACTLY as it was given to me in a dream last night. Nothing is changed nor altered in any way.
I lay down to sleep just after midnight. I awoke at exactly 6:15...6 hours after going to sleep. This, again, is the first time I have ever experienced this in my life...and I will not write here the interpretation of the dream.
This was my dream:
I was at Lee College (now Lee University) as it was when I first transferred there. It was night time, and I was on the street that used to run through the middle of campus (Church Street?). I was on the side of the street nearest the Music Building (the old Music Building...which was next to old Ellis Hall). A few others were there with me. Across the street was one car parked against the curb. 3 people were standing behind the car. They were talking, laughing, enjoying a conversation together. I recognized a few faces, yet (as dreams can be), I did not altogether see who they were. The car and those people near it were in the vicinity of the last girls dorm in that line of buildings (the name I cannot recall ?)...the dorm nearest the park area with the gazebo.
As everyone talked and seemed to be enjoying the fellowship of friends, something unbelievable and chilling happened.
Suddenly, a dark figure (black, almost smoke-like in appearance, seeming to shroud the figure within it) appeared in the air and, in a flash, it swooped down and grabbed one of the 3 people who were across the street! In an instant, it carried the person away…too fast for any of us to know where it went. Only for a second or two could you hear the cries of the one that this dark figure had come to take!
Each of us on the street saw it happen. The 2 others that had been with the one who had been taken saw it, yet they were confused…scared and confused. Those with me…and I…saw it happen.
Each of us knew that something evil had occurred...sure that the “being” that had come in swiftly and taken the person was evil.
We were all frightened…everyone.
In fear we were looking toward the sky...looking randomly around...somehow all of us sensing that it would return and grab another person off the street.
Everyone was almost in a panic with fear!
In moments…our fear became reality!
Once again the dark figure appeared, swooping in and again taking one of the people across the street!
Again...the dark figure was gone in a flash, with only the cries of the one taken being heard for just a moment.
Again...we all could sense that this evil “being” would return.
But this time…somehow I knew he was coming for me!
I do not know how I knew…I just knew.
The two people who were now standing there with me…one a female and one a male…frantically turned to me. As they did…I reached out and grabbed them both, wrapping my arms around them and holding them tight. Just as I did this, I felt the presence of the dark figure near. Yet, this time, he was not visible.
Suddenly, as I held the other two tightly, I felt the hands of someone grab my shoulders and begin to pull at me, trying to tear me away from the two people I was holding. I was fearful…yet something came over me. I began to say (not out loud, but in my spirit) “No, you can’t have me! I am a child of God! You are not getting me!”
I continued to feel the pull of the dark figure on my shoulders, yet, as I resisted, I felt strength.
Suddenly, the hands released me and the presence of the dark figure seemed to be gone again.
I grabbed the two people with me and I pushed them into my car.
(As with many dreams, this part was odd and does not have explanation.)
Someone was driving…yet I do not know who. The two I had put into the car were hysterical, and they both were turned toward me (I seemed to be in the back seat). They were asking in fear “How did he not get you?! How did you not get taken?! What is going on here?!” I remember speaking these words “He cannot get me! I am a child of God! I refuse to let him take me! I refuse to be taken!”
Suddenly, we were getting out of the car in front of one of the buildings at Lee...yet…this time…the buildings all around were not as I knew them to be when I first went to Lee.
The only description I can give here is to liken the buildings to some I saw when I went overseas.
The building I now faced was like one of the historic churches of Europe that had ornate statues as part of the architecture, yet…oddly...it also had some odd, evil-appearing creatures carved and built into the structure as well.
(Many churches I saw in Europe seemed to incorporate depictions of good AND evil figures into the structure, which to me was always troubling. I always wondered why a church would want an evil, menacing figure as a part of its structure and facade.)
At this point, the two with me seemed to vanish (at least I had no knowledge of them with me any longer). I made my way into the building and the entry area and foyer were both full of people. There were people standing everywhere. Some were sitting on the floor. I suddenly saw a man sitting in the middle of the floor with his head down. His knees were up, his hands folded across the top of his knees, and his head rested on his arms.
I recognized the man as Danny Ray Murray.
I went over to him and knelt down. As I did, I touched his arm and said “Danny.” He looked up. He seemed distraught, and he recognized that I was also.
I said to him, “Danny, I need to ask you something. Did you see what happened!?! I have to know!”
Danny looked up…paused a moment…then said, “Yes, Ron, I saw it.”
I wept.
Thus, the dream ended, and I awoke suddenly and fully…wide awake. The dream was vivid in my mind. I replayed it in my thoughts, and after doing so, I felt the Spirit of the Lord tell me what the dream meant.
I will not give any interpretation here. I knew immediately God wanted me to sit and write this dream down. Thus, I have done so. My heart is heavy…and it is time to pray.
God bless!
In Christ,
Ron Smith
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
The 23rd Psalm
The Lord is my Shepherd: He supplies, He provides, He gives rest, He leads, He RESTORES, He illuminates, He accompanies, He calms, He strengthens, He comforts, He prepares, He feeds, He protects, He anoints, He fills, He bestows, He guides, He inhabits, He indwells, HE MAKES ALL THINGS NEW!
Friday, May 18, 2012
LAODICEA: The Apostate Church of Today
LAODICEA: The seventh, and last, church mentioned in the book of Revelation. The meaning of the term and name for this city means "the rights and the rule of the people.” There are two words used in translation to modern English that refer to the people of the church of Laodicea: Laodikeia and Laodikeus.
Through study, we see that the underlying structure and belief system of the City of Laodicea had become corrupted and infiltrated subtly by error and opinions that were man-initiated and not God-initiated. The people of Laodicea had a "form of godliness", yet the reality was that the truth had been perverted and clarity of Scripture had been replaced with unBiblical stances and doctrines. The focus had become the "rights of man" in society, and the label of “Christian” and “Church” had become nothing more than a banner under which the people gathered to lend credence to their false beliefs and stances.
Today, we have witnessed the rise of the Laodicean church out of the ashes of history, and it once again has gained prominence through the ideas of “rights of man” and “God loves everybody” mantras. Just as in Biblical times, we find the Laodicean church alive and well, showing itself strengthening with its support of gay marriage and other unBiblical stances. It again is focused on so-called “rights”, yet we find in Scripture that no such right is ever mentioned, nor given, by God. In this church, God has been relegated to a figure-head…again, nothing more than a banner under which the members can stand and claim they are part of the true Church of Jesus Christ, while, in truth, they are nothing more than deceived followers of an apostate gospel…far from the true Gospel of Jesus Christ. This church is more concerned with personal comfort and sees God as existing to make them happy in life. God to them is loving…yet His love is absent of anything that in any way makes them feel bad about themselves or about any of their actions. This church is content with a life lived in personal pleasure, without much regard for eternity and the future. God exists…and they claim to love Him…yet He plays no role in their lives apart from making them feel good about themselves and the path they have chosen to follow. They are not “on fire” for God…neither are they atheistic and agnostic: God is there…but it is a god of their own making…not God Jehovah, Jesus Christ. Deception has them seeing an illusion…an illusion of righteousness available APART FROM the true giver of righteousness…Jesus Christ. In their delusion, to them, God is now advocating doctrines and stances contrary to His own Word. In truth, they traveled a path contrary to God…and they now are members of the most insidious, apostate church in history. By human evaluation, they are a strong and wealthy and a blessed church: by the Lord’s evaluation, they are poor and wretched and blind.
The Lukewarm Church (Revelation 3:14-22)
“And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write,
‘These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God: “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked— I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent. Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.
“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”’”
I will note that, in this passage, the Lord is STILL offering a change of course...and forgiveness...through repentance (turning away from its false beliefs and delusion). But, the deception is strong and a change of course will be difficult. The key is RECEIVING THE TRUTH and APPLICATION OF TRUTH to turn the ship before it hits the iceberg! "Lukewarm" in the Laodician case was not from HOT TO LUKEWARM (a cooling off), but it was, instead, a simple "warming up"...from COLD TO LUKEWARM. The water supply for Laodicea was from a source a distance away, brought in under the city. The water was cold at its source, but warmed up over the distance. Jesus was using this fact to speak to the condition of the church. Therefore, we can gain insight into the process: the source was "cold"...not heavenly at all...and it "warmed up" to God only to gain access and prestige: using the label of "Christian Church" to attain its true goal of wealth, stature, etc. More than likely, if the entire institution established by Christ did not exist...in other words, if history to that point was different...this group would have gathered under any banner that they saw would meet their need and desires.
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
A Prophetic Word for America
1. The Problem
Revelation 2:12-17 (NKJV) The Compromising Church
12 “And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write,
‘These things says He who has the sharp two-edged sword: 13 “I know your works, and where you dwell, where Satan’s throne is. And you hold fast to My name, and did not deny My faith even in the days in which Antipas was My faithful martyr, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells. 14 But I have a few things against you, because you have there those who hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit sexual immorality. 15 Thus you also have those who hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate. 16 Repent, or else I will come to you quickly and will fight against them with the sword of My mouth.
17 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give some of the hidden manna to eat. And I will give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written which no one knows except him who receives it.”’
(Note: The doctrine of the Nicolaitans was a belief in the eroneous teaching of the deacon Nicolas. Nicolas led the church into sexual immorality and sensual temptations. This wickedness was based on teachings that perverted the doctrine of GRACE, replacing the liberty that the believer has in Christ with a license to sin without penalty.)
Revelation 3:14-22 (NKJV) The Lukewarm Church
14 “And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write,
‘These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God: 15 “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. 16 So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. 17 Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked— 18 I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. 19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent. 20 21 To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.
22 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”’”
2. The Prophetic Warning (Isaiah 3:8-9)
(NKJV)
8 For Jerusalem stumbled,
And Judah is fallen,
Because their tongue and their doings
Are against the Lord,
To provoke the eyes of His glory.
9 The look on their countenance witnesses against them,
And they declare their sin as Sodom;
They do not hide it.
Woe to their soul!
For they have brought evil upon themselves.
(The Message)
Jerusalem's on its last legs.
Judah is soon down for the count.
Everything people say and do
is at cross-purposes with God,
a slap in my face.
Brazen in their depravity,
they flaunt their sins like degenerate Sodom.
Doom to their eternal souls! They've made their bed;
now they'll sleep in it.
(NIV)
8 Jerusalem staggers,
Judah is falling;
their words and deeds are against the Lord,
defying his glorious presence.
9 The look on their faces testifies against them;
they parade their sin like Sodom;
they do not hide it.
Woe to them!
They have brought disaster upon themselves.
3. The Prophecy of Healing (2 Chronicles 7:13-15)
When I shut up heaven and there is no rain, or command the locusts to devour the land, or send pestilence among My people, if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land. Now My eyes will be open and My ears attentive to prayer made in this place.
4. The Purpose of God's Warnings
It is God's desire that none perish:
(John 3:16-17) (NKJV) For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. 17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.
God warns us so we can take the necessary steps to get back on track, and that path begins with an acknowledgement of our sin. It is then that we can repent and again follow God...instead of continuing down the paths of our own making. It is important to note that the word "condemn" has no reference to the act of pointing out sin. Many today try to define the word improperly, leading to a false exegesis and a false application of the word. Instead of meaning that Jesus did not come to point out and expose sin, the word actually denotes that Jesus did not come to "conquer" or "destroy" the world due to sin: He did not come to bring death. Jesus instead brought life...and the penalty of literal, physical death because of moral sin was being ended. Jesus was now offering GRACE...and mankind is now able to live...even in sin...until the time that Jesus returns in JUDGEMENT. The first coming of Christ was to bring salvation: freedom from the physical judgement of sin that equaled death. The second coming of Christ will be to bring judgement to the world and to rid the earth of the travesties of sin, restoring lost humanity through the purging of sin.
Revelation 2:12-17 (NKJV) The Compromising Church
12 “And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write,
‘These things says He who has the sharp two-edged sword: 13 “I know your works, and where you dwell, where Satan’s throne is. And you hold fast to My name, and did not deny My faith even in the days in which Antipas was My faithful martyr, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells. 14 But I have a few things against you, because you have there those who hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit sexual immorality. 15 Thus you also have those who hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate. 16 Repent, or else I will come to you quickly and will fight against them with the sword of My mouth.
17 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give some of the hidden manna to eat. And I will give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written which no one knows except him who receives it.”’
(Note: The doctrine of the Nicolaitans was a belief in the eroneous teaching of the deacon Nicolas. Nicolas led the church into sexual immorality and sensual temptations. This wickedness was based on teachings that perverted the doctrine of GRACE, replacing the liberty that the believer has in Christ with a license to sin without penalty.)
Revelation 3:14-22 (NKJV) The Lukewarm Church
14 “And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write,
‘These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God: 15 “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. 16 So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. 17 Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked— 18 I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. 19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent. 20 21 To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.
22 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”’”
2. The Prophetic Warning (Isaiah 3:8-9)
(NKJV)
8 For Jerusalem stumbled,
And Judah is fallen,
Because their tongue and their doings
Are against the Lord,
To provoke the eyes of His glory.
9 The look on their countenance witnesses against them,
And they declare their sin as Sodom;
They do not hide it.
Woe to their soul!
For they have brought evil upon themselves.
(The Message)
Jerusalem's on its last legs.
Judah is soon down for the count.
Everything people say and do
is at cross-purposes with God,
a slap in my face.
Brazen in their depravity,
they flaunt their sins like degenerate Sodom.
Doom to their eternal souls! They've made their bed;
now they'll sleep in it.
(NIV)
8 Jerusalem staggers,
Judah is falling;
their words and deeds are against the Lord,
defying his glorious presence.
9 The look on their faces testifies against them;
they parade their sin like Sodom;
they do not hide it.
Woe to them!
They have brought disaster upon themselves.
3. The Prophecy of Healing (2 Chronicles 7:13-15)
When I shut up heaven and there is no rain, or command the locusts to devour the land, or send pestilence among My people, if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land. Now My eyes will be open and My ears attentive to prayer made in this place.
4. The Purpose of God's Warnings
It is God's desire that none perish:
(John 3:16-17) (NKJV) For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. 17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.
God warns us so we can take the necessary steps to get back on track, and that path begins with an acknowledgement of our sin. It is then that we can repent and again follow God...instead of continuing down the paths of our own making. It is important to note that the word "condemn" has no reference to the act of pointing out sin. Many today try to define the word improperly, leading to a false exegesis and a false application of the word. Instead of meaning that Jesus did not come to point out and expose sin, the word actually denotes that Jesus did not come to "conquer" or "destroy" the world due to sin: He did not come to bring death. Jesus instead brought life...and the penalty of literal, physical death because of moral sin was being ended. Jesus was now offering GRACE...and mankind is now able to live...even in sin...until the time that Jesus returns in JUDGEMENT. The first coming of Christ was to bring salvation: freedom from the physical judgement of sin that equaled death. The second coming of Christ will be to bring judgement to the world and to rid the earth of the travesties of sin, restoring lost humanity through the purging of sin.
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Gay Marriage: My Biblical Perspective
It is THE subject of discussion and debate in society and the Church today: gay marriage. There is much being written on both sides of the issue, and, in most cases, there are assumptions and labels being made that skew the truth and view of those involved in the debate. Thus, I wanted to take the time today to dispel some misstatements and to clarify the view that I, and many, feel that we must take on this issue.
First, let me state that I am OPPOSED to gay marriage. I take that stand due to my belief in the teachings of the Bible. I do not choose to take that stand simply on opinion. I take that stand knowing the Word of God, both written and living: the Living Word, Jesus Christ. The Bible teaches that homosexuality is a sin: and I recognize that it is just one of many sins that Scripture discusses. My purpose here is not to debate homosexuality but, instead, my rationale for opposing gay marriage due to my belief that homosexuality is indeed sin according to God's Word. I hope this provides understanding for those on both sides of the issue within the Christian community. It is that division...between professing Christians...that I pray can be reunited with a Biblical perspective.
1. Love and "judging": they seem to be the buzzwords that separate the two views. Yet, I see no difference in the love expressed for the lost by either side. Those in support of gay marriage say we are not to "judge" anyone...we are just to love them. In that statement are 2 assumptions: that taking a stand against gay marriage is "judging", and that those who support gay marriage love the homosexual and those who oppose gay marriage do not love the homosexual. Let me state that both of those assumptions are untrue in every facet.
There is a SERIOUS flaw in the argument made by those Christians in support of gay marriage regarding "judging". In labeling those of us in opposition to gay marriage as "judgmental", the supporters of gay marriage are actually saying they themselves are "judgmental". Why do I say this? It is simple: the thought of being "judgmental" is due to the fact that I believe and state that homosexuality is a sin according to God's Word...yet, those Christians in support of gay marriage say they believe that exact same thing! Both sides state that homosexuality is a sin! Therefore, to label one side as "judgmental" in and of itself means that, in their view, BOTH sides are "judgmental." I dispute that thought altogether. (Note: those "Christians" who do NOT believe that homosexuality is a sin will simply reject ANY argument against gay marriage. Thus...I am not going to expect any words to be persuasive enough to warrant dealing with that aspect of the argument.)
A belief that homosexuality is sin is not based in any way on "judgment": it is based on the truth of Scripture and another important word: discernment. The Christian community knows the difference in the two words, with discernment being "spiritual perception, wisdom and insight". Discernment comes through knowledge of the Word of God and is accompanied by spiritual insight due to that knowledge. Discernment is listed as a spiritual gift. Thus, I will denote that some Christians may not possess the gift...yet I believe there is some small measure of discernment present in every believer. Suffice it to say, being discerning...recognizing truth...is in no way equal to "judging". Regarding the love issue, there is no barometer that measures anyone's love for the lost. To state that supporters of gay marriage love the lost more than those in opposition to gay marriage is actually a statement of SUPERIORITY: a belief that the supporting side is more loving, more caring, and even more in line with Scripture. To that, I offer this observation:
This actually leads us back to the "love" and "judging" issue: they are all interwoven throughout this issue. But here, we must recognize that MOST homosexuals state "Homosexuality is not a sin." Their belief is in opposition to Scripture...and we must CONTINUE to point out the truth of Scripture to them! Yes...we must try to CONVINCE them of God's truth. Will they want to hear it? Maybe not. But guess what....one day they MIGHT accept it!
I remember my Dad in his years before he got saved: Dad was a good man, a business man. Dad was considered a moral and ethical man in our community. He was not always liked...but he was respected by most. Through the years, my mom...and his children...would talk to him about church and Jesus and getting saved. Dad's father was a preacher...yet he continued to put off God and salvation. That is....until 1984. Suddenly, with no prompting, my dad made a decision that shocked us all, quite honestly! Dad and mom had come to visit me in Charlotte, NC. It was a church night, so I didn't want to leave them alone. Thus, I had silently decided not to go to church. An hour or so before church time, Dad simply said "Are we not going to church?" Needless to say, I dressed in a flash and off we went...headed to church! The singers sang, the preacher preached, and then came the altar call. When the invitation was given (the preacher simply asked if anyone there wanted to be saved), my Dad calmly stood. I began to weep. And, just like that, my Dad walked to an altar and gave his heart to the Lord! He was SAVED! Dad had known the truth most of his life...yet mom was there to always be a constant reminder of that truth. And, after being saved, Dad said much of it had to do with the persistence of those who loved him...their unwillingness to give up on him even though he rejected us (sometimes in anger) so many times. Keep in mind: "..FAITH COMETH BY HEARING, AND HEARING BY THE WORD OF GOD." The lost MUST continue to hear the truth of God's Word...even to the point of them becoming angry! And yes...they must hear it in love. It is the love of God that has to motivate our persistence.
With that, we also see Scripture telling us "And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." (John 8:32) It is here that we truly see that all the love in the world is not what brings freedom to the unbeliever...it is, instead, TRUTH.
I have to state this belief in undeniable and in very plain terms: ANY attempt and/or belief that silences TRUTH is a work of Satan! Why am I so sure and emphatic in that belief? Because it is PLAINLY stated that it is the knowledge of truth and then the subsequent acceptance of that truth that brings FREEDOM to the lost! All of us...at the point of salvation...experienced this truth!
The first Biblical necessity in accepting Jesus is the realization of truth...the recognition that WE ARE A SINNER. In every theological point of Scripture, this remains the FIRST tenet of belief: we must recognize the truth of our existence and/or situation. As stated previously, most homosexuals deny TRUTH, instead believing it is NOT a sin to be homosexual. They, therefore, believe a lie. There MUST be a confrontation (not in the "angry" sense) between the homosexual and the truth. And, just like my dad, that truth may have to be repeatedly encountered over a long period of time. There is NO Biblical example where a person's response...whether calm or angry...denotes that we are to "back off" on talking with them and telling them (yes, repeatedly) the truth.
When Jesus spoke to the rich man, the rich man did not like what Jesus had to say. Yet, when the man turned and walked away, Jesus did not then go into "modern theology" mode and say to the rich man "Hey, wait! I would rather you stay around so I can love you than to see you walk away and never serve me." Jesus knew that if the man stayed, He would continue to state the truth that He had just verbalized: with no compromise. He would not try another method of "silent love", as I call it. Jesus knew only the truth would set this man free and, even though the man did not accept it, He would have to take that stand regardless. Even in John chapter 6, we find Jesus exposing FOLLOWERS and distinguishing them from BELIEVERS AND SERVANTS. And, that passage tells us that MANY would turn away from the truth, believing it was too hard, and they would cease to follow Jesus from that point forward. And at that moment, Jesus NEVER shouted to the crowd "Wait! Come back and I will just love you and never mention the hard things again!" No, Jesus let them walk away...He let them make their own decision based on TRUTH. Again, Jesus...God...knows ONLY truth can open the door to the path of freedom!
Look at it this way: I am in my car driving down the highway. Suddenly, I see blue lights behind me. "I am not speeding!", I think to myself...frustrated that I am being pulled over. The officer approaches my window and immediately states, "Sir, I stopped you because your taillights are out. Were you aware of that?" On that realization, my frustration (and a bit of anger) subsides. I respond, "No, I had no idea." The officer then informs me that he is going to let me go...under the agreement that I will take care of the situation as soon as possible. Here is a great picture of how John 8:32 applies in our lives. It was only when the officer revealed TRUTH to me that I had ANY knowledge of the problem that existed. Then...and only then...did I know that I was driving with my taillights out...which is a VERY dangerous situation if in the dark! I had to have REVELATION of the truth to allow me to TAKE CARE OF the truth. It is in knowing that my taillights are out that I am now able to take care of the problem.
Thus it is with sin and, per this issue, homosexuality. The homosexual (at least the majority hold this view) does not believe anything is wrong. To the homosexual, the gay lifestyle is "OK" with God, but, in truth, it is NOT. Until there is some recognition of the truth, there can be no "repairs" made. And, just as driving with no taillights can be VERY dangerous in the dark, so it is with sin...here, the sin of homosexuality. The gay community, for the most part, believes a lie...they are driving in the dark. And that is the deception of Satan and the intent of his lie: to keep people in a dangerous situation and in the dark, absent of the truth.
Regarding this issue, those supporting gay marriage are actually espousing the idea of abstaining from speaking the truth...believing the (evidently) successful lie of Satan that says "speaking out against gay marriage" is not being loving to the gay community. But, instead, notice the REAL motivation of Satan in this, based on John 8:32...Satan wants Christians to go silent with the truth because SATAN HIMSELF knows that freedom only comes when truth is first recognized and acknowledged. It is actually a TACTIC OF SATAN...not some theological definition and application of "love"...that is behind the support of gay marriage. I am not saying those in support of gay marriage are aware of this. I am, instead, saying they are DECEIVED by Satan and he has successfully sold them a lie under the guise of some Biblical truth. Love absent of any correction and absent of confrontation of sin is not GOD'S LOVE at all. It is, instead, a new and perverted "love", perpetrated on society to believe that the TRUE love of God is mean and destructive and hurtful and unloving.
I, for one, will stand and refute the works of Satan and his attempts to divide the Christian community through his deceptions. I will continue to take a stand against gay marriage, homosexuality and other issues (pornography, abortion, gluttony, envy, strife, bitterness, adultery, fornication, lying, false doctrine...sin). So, I must state...without any doubt of what I stand for or against...without any reluctance to KNOW that my stance is the stance God (Jesus) wants all Christians to take...that I oppose gay marriage and I believe that Christians must take this stand in the same manner. I believe we are to do this with prayer and fasting, proclaiming truth and even voting based on these tenets of truth (when the issue is dealing with moral issues or non moral issues). Keep in mind...if ready to pounce on me for my claim and belief that God is on MY side regarding this issue...that those in SUPPORT of gay marriage are claiming the support of God in their own stance. Yes...we are definitely on OPPOSING sides here.
This is, by no means, a thorough and detailed examination of this issue. Much more could be said...although I have spoken many words here already. My prayer is that this will give a better understanding of my view and the view of those who oppose gay marriage. I...we...love the lost with the love of Christ. It is BECAUSE we love them that we speak out. Our belief that homosexuality is a sin also causes us to take a stance that says God also considers gay marriage to be a sin. I HAVE to believe that God would NOT support an institution of marriage for gays that would, in and of itself, promote the sin of homosexuality. In closing, I pose these questions and thoughts for consideration to Christians that are in support of gay marriage:
With your support of gay marriage, how do you deal with the issue of salvation regarding the gays involved? As Christians, our desire is to see the lost saved. In supporting a marriage between two homosexuals, what is to happen if your evangelism of them is successful...and the two married homosexuals get saved? Getting saved would not negate a legal marriage that, by its existence, is a bond of homosexuality. If getting saved would, in and of itself, then make the marriage a sin...then the marriage is a sin from the start. Thus...gay marriage MUST be a sin in totality...morally and legally...from the Christian perspective. Again, I believe any other stance is a deception of Satan.
God bless!
First, let me state that I am OPPOSED to gay marriage. I take that stand due to my belief in the teachings of the Bible. I do not choose to take that stand simply on opinion. I take that stand knowing the Word of God, both written and living: the Living Word, Jesus Christ. The Bible teaches that homosexuality is a sin: and I recognize that it is just one of many sins that Scripture discusses. My purpose here is not to debate homosexuality but, instead, my rationale for opposing gay marriage due to my belief that homosexuality is indeed sin according to God's Word. I hope this provides understanding for those on both sides of the issue within the Christian community. It is that division...between professing Christians...that I pray can be reunited with a Biblical perspective.
1. Love and "judging": they seem to be the buzzwords that separate the two views. Yet, I see no difference in the love expressed for the lost by either side. Those in support of gay marriage say we are not to "judge" anyone...we are just to love them. In that statement are 2 assumptions: that taking a stand against gay marriage is "judging", and that those who support gay marriage love the homosexual and those who oppose gay marriage do not love the homosexual. Let me state that both of those assumptions are untrue in every facet.
There is a SERIOUS flaw in the argument made by those Christians in support of gay marriage regarding "judging". In labeling those of us in opposition to gay marriage as "judgmental", the supporters of gay marriage are actually saying they themselves are "judgmental". Why do I say this? It is simple: the thought of being "judgmental" is due to the fact that I believe and state that homosexuality is a sin according to God's Word...yet, those Christians in support of gay marriage say they believe that exact same thing! Both sides state that homosexuality is a sin! Therefore, to label one side as "judgmental" in and of itself means that, in their view, BOTH sides are "judgmental." I dispute that thought altogether. (Note: those "Christians" who do NOT believe that homosexuality is a sin will simply reject ANY argument against gay marriage. Thus...I am not going to expect any words to be persuasive enough to warrant dealing with that aspect of the argument.)
A belief that homosexuality is sin is not based in any way on "judgment": it is based on the truth of Scripture and another important word: discernment. The Christian community knows the difference in the two words, with discernment being "spiritual perception, wisdom and insight". Discernment comes through knowledge of the Word of God and is accompanied by spiritual insight due to that knowledge. Discernment is listed as a spiritual gift. Thus, I will denote that some Christians may not possess the gift...yet I believe there is some small measure of discernment present in every believer. Suffice it to say, being discerning...recognizing truth...is in no way equal to "judging". Regarding the love issue, there is no barometer that measures anyone's love for the lost. To state that supporters of gay marriage love the lost more than those in opposition to gay marriage is actually a statement of SUPERIORITY: a belief that the supporting side is more loving, more caring, and even more in line with Scripture. To that, I offer this observation:
Did your mom and dad ever discipline you when you were young, yet they remained silent and never spoke to you as to WHY you were being disciplined? My parents never acted in that way towards me. As a young boy, I was "rambunctious". And, at times, I needed a "nudge" toward righteousness. At those times, my Dad would always state and make clear WHY he had to correct me, then punish me. And, thus it is with God. Sin is in the world....and for those that continue in sin God says a day of punishment is coming: eternity apart from God...eternity in hell. Yet, God is first TRYING to correct us...by His Word and through the voices of His prophets and His people. Many say "The homosexual already knows that they are a sinner...they do not need you to tell them!" For some that is true...for MANY that is NOT true. Most homosexuals will say being gay is not a sin! Many claim they are Christians. I, and others, speak because we LOVE...not because we hate. And I know this: only TRUTH can set people free.
2. Legal versus Moral: Many say they are supporters of gay marriage although they believe that homosexuality is a sin...as I have already noted above. Their basis for their stance is that they believe Scripture and morality cannot and should not be legislated and "forced on" anyone. A small aspect of that stance I do agree with. Making a law cannot guarantee compliance to a law. Thus, you cannot forcibly change people's actions...in cases regarding SIN...without changing their heart first. I have often said if everyone would allow God to changes their heart then all manner of evil in the world would end. No doubt! But, even with that truth readily admitted...God Himself instituted laws for man that govern morality! Of course, those laws are embodied in the TEN COMMANDMENTS. I would ask this: why would God go through the process of writing and proclaiming His statutes knowing that He would not (We need to clarify that He COULD if He wanted to...because HE IS GOD!) force anyone to obey them? God wants His desires known to man and God wants there to be boundaries that guide His creation. Scripture is full of other examples of God wanting a civilization built on laws that are based in His moral Word. He expresses that desire repeatedly, and warns Israel of the trouble that will come if Israel fails to follow His precepts.
My biggest difference with those supporting gay marriage in this area is this: the basis for a supportive stance for gay marriage (as has been stated to me) is regarding the idea of leaving it up to the GOVERNMENT to legislate morality. At this point, I do not understand that argument, quite honestly. The recent decision in North Carolina has been the impetus for much of this discussion, but that vote in no way equates to "the government legislating morality." Actually, it was the PEOPLE...CITIZENS OF NORTH CAROLINA...that, by voting, stated THEIR desire and belief on the issue. The people of North Carolina simply voted to UPHOLD the definition of marriage that already existed: marriage is between one man and one woman.
Now, I recognize (just as with Israel in the Old Testament) that the guidelines set forth MAY NOT end up being obeyed in the real world. I recognize that, in time, Biblical morality may not be a person's basis of policy and law and way of living, and, due to that, the majority of people may one day vote for all types and forms of immorality. But even so, that would follow the very pattern of Israel! God instituted laws based on morality and truth...for us, the Bible. Yet, a time would come when Israel ceased to follow those laws and they made their own! God warned that that time would come...yet, He still wanted clear-cut, concise, stated law that at least TRIED to bring a nation together under one banner of truth and belief. And yes...as a Christian, my desire is for just that: a CHRISTIAN nation, united under the moral laws and precepts set in order by God...the God Who has the Son named Jesus! Too many say we do not...and they do not want to...live under the law of God: I beg to differ! Jesus came NOT to do away with the law...but He came to fulfill the law...HIS WORDS. The only law Jesus "did away with" were man-made law and ceremonial/sacrificial law...the latter because those laws were fulfilled and embodied by HIM. But Jesus did NOT do away with the Ten Commandments. There was not, and is not, a basis to believe we are not to follow those laws and ANY OTHER laws OF GOD. I actually find it hard to fathom that ANYONE would find obeying GOD'S LAW (I did not say man-made, "opinion" law!) as any lack of freedom...as I have heard it denoted. Following ANY Word and instruction of God SHOULD BE a blessing and a joy to a Christian! We are not SAVED by the law and by following that law....we are saved by grace through faith...but out of that salvation should flow OBEDIENCE to the LAW MAKER - GOD! And following God is a privilege and a joy!
Now, I recognize (just as with Israel in the Old Testament) that the guidelines set forth MAY NOT end up being obeyed in the real world. I recognize that, in time, Biblical morality may not be a person's basis of policy and law and way of living, and, due to that, the majority of people may one day vote for all types and forms of immorality. But even so, that would follow the very pattern of Israel! God instituted laws based on morality and truth...for us, the Bible. Yet, a time would come when Israel ceased to follow those laws and they made their own! God warned that that time would come...yet, He still wanted clear-cut, concise, stated law that at least TRIED to bring a nation together under one banner of truth and belief. And yes...as a Christian, my desire is for just that: a CHRISTIAN nation, united under the moral laws and precepts set in order by God...the God Who has the Son named Jesus! Too many say we do not...and they do not want to...live under the law of God: I beg to differ! Jesus came NOT to do away with the law...but He came to fulfill the law...HIS WORDS. The only law Jesus "did away with" were man-made law and ceremonial/sacrificial law...the latter because those laws were fulfilled and embodied by HIM. But Jesus did NOT do away with the Ten Commandments. There was not, and is not, a basis to believe we are not to follow those laws and ANY OTHER laws OF GOD. I actually find it hard to fathom that ANYONE would find obeying GOD'S LAW (I did not say man-made, "opinion" law!) as any lack of freedom...as I have heard it denoted. Following ANY Word and instruction of God SHOULD BE a blessing and a joy to a Christian! We are not SAVED by the law and by following that law....we are saved by grace through faith...but out of that salvation should flow OBEDIENCE to the LAW MAKER - GOD! And following God is a privilege and a joy!
I have to believe that God not only wants to reside within me, but I believe that God (according to His Word) also desires to be a part of the laws and government of our nation. I have no choice but to believe that. God wanted it for Israel...and I believe He wants it for America. Man may have strayed from having a "Godly government" through the centuries, but that was never God's desire. God has, FROM THE BEGINNING, wanted EVERYTHING based on HIMSELF. It is up to Christians to vote and support various proposals and legislation that would do just that: keep Christ in our nation...from the top down.
3. "Faith cometh by hearing...": Romans 10:17 states "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God." I have said this to many people...and it seems to scare them. But...here goes: love is NOT what brings salvation! Yes, Jesus died for us because He loved us. That is a wonderful truth of Scripture! Yet, we are saved by grace (Jesus loves us and died for us and He alone could die for sins...and He gives salvation as a free gift) through faith. And, we see by the passage in Romans, that faith only comes by hearing the Word of God. That Scripture is essential in our understanding of this entire subject. We can love the lost...we can love the homosexual...but OUR love for them WILL NOT be what brings the lost to Christ. We can love them with all of our hearts...yet, they can still die without salvation. They can even KNOW we love them...and that will not mean they accept the salvation of Jesus. Instead...the homosexual, or any lost (unsaved) person, must HEAR the truth and the Word of God on the subject...and, upon hearing that truth, they then must make a decision ON that truth.
This actually leads us back to the "love" and "judging" issue: they are all interwoven throughout this issue. But here, we must recognize that MOST homosexuals state "Homosexuality is not a sin." Their belief is in opposition to Scripture...and we must CONTINUE to point out the truth of Scripture to them! Yes...we must try to CONVINCE them of God's truth. Will they want to hear it? Maybe not. But guess what....one day they MIGHT accept it!
I remember my Dad in his years before he got saved: Dad was a good man, a business man. Dad was considered a moral and ethical man in our community. He was not always liked...but he was respected by most. Through the years, my mom...and his children...would talk to him about church and Jesus and getting saved. Dad's father was a preacher...yet he continued to put off God and salvation. That is....until 1984. Suddenly, with no prompting, my dad made a decision that shocked us all, quite honestly! Dad and mom had come to visit me in Charlotte, NC. It was a church night, so I didn't want to leave them alone. Thus, I had silently decided not to go to church. An hour or so before church time, Dad simply said "Are we not going to church?" Needless to say, I dressed in a flash and off we went...headed to church! The singers sang, the preacher preached, and then came the altar call. When the invitation was given (the preacher simply asked if anyone there wanted to be saved), my Dad calmly stood. I began to weep. And, just like that, my Dad walked to an altar and gave his heart to the Lord! He was SAVED! Dad had known the truth most of his life...yet mom was there to always be a constant reminder of that truth. And, after being saved, Dad said much of it had to do with the persistence of those who loved him...their unwillingness to give up on him even though he rejected us (sometimes in anger) so many times. Keep in mind: "..FAITH COMETH BY HEARING, AND HEARING BY THE WORD OF GOD." The lost MUST continue to hear the truth of God's Word...even to the point of them becoming angry! And yes...they must hear it in love. It is the love of God that has to motivate our persistence.
With that, we also see Scripture telling us "And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." (John 8:32) It is here that we truly see that all the love in the world is not what brings freedom to the unbeliever...it is, instead, TRUTH.
I have to state this belief in undeniable and in very plain terms: ANY attempt and/or belief that silences TRUTH is a work of Satan! Why am I so sure and emphatic in that belief? Because it is PLAINLY stated that it is the knowledge of truth and then the subsequent acceptance of that truth that brings FREEDOM to the lost! All of us...at the point of salvation...experienced this truth!
The first Biblical necessity in accepting Jesus is the realization of truth...the recognition that WE ARE A SINNER. In every theological point of Scripture, this remains the FIRST tenet of belief: we must recognize the truth of our existence and/or situation. As stated previously, most homosexuals deny TRUTH, instead believing it is NOT a sin to be homosexual. They, therefore, believe a lie. There MUST be a confrontation (not in the "angry" sense) between the homosexual and the truth. And, just like my dad, that truth may have to be repeatedly encountered over a long period of time. There is NO Biblical example where a person's response...whether calm or angry...denotes that we are to "back off" on talking with them and telling them (yes, repeatedly) the truth.
When Jesus spoke to the rich man, the rich man did not like what Jesus had to say. Yet, when the man turned and walked away, Jesus did not then go into "modern theology" mode and say to the rich man "Hey, wait! I would rather you stay around so I can love you than to see you walk away and never serve me." Jesus knew that if the man stayed, He would continue to state the truth that He had just verbalized: with no compromise. He would not try another method of "silent love", as I call it. Jesus knew only the truth would set this man free and, even though the man did not accept it, He would have to take that stand regardless. Even in John chapter 6, we find Jesus exposing FOLLOWERS and distinguishing them from BELIEVERS AND SERVANTS. And, that passage tells us that MANY would turn away from the truth, believing it was too hard, and they would cease to follow Jesus from that point forward. And at that moment, Jesus NEVER shouted to the crowd "Wait! Come back and I will just love you and never mention the hard things again!" No, Jesus let them walk away...He let them make their own decision based on TRUTH. Again, Jesus...God...knows ONLY truth can open the door to the path of freedom!
Look at it this way: I am in my car driving down the highway. Suddenly, I see blue lights behind me. "I am not speeding!", I think to myself...frustrated that I am being pulled over. The officer approaches my window and immediately states, "Sir, I stopped you because your taillights are out. Were you aware of that?" On that realization, my frustration (and a bit of anger) subsides. I respond, "No, I had no idea." The officer then informs me that he is going to let me go...under the agreement that I will take care of the situation as soon as possible. Here is a great picture of how John 8:32 applies in our lives. It was only when the officer revealed TRUTH to me that I had ANY knowledge of the problem that existed. Then...and only then...did I know that I was driving with my taillights out...which is a VERY dangerous situation if in the dark! I had to have REVELATION of the truth to allow me to TAKE CARE OF the truth. It is in knowing that my taillights are out that I am now able to take care of the problem.
Thus it is with sin and, per this issue, homosexuality. The homosexual (at least the majority hold this view) does not believe anything is wrong. To the homosexual, the gay lifestyle is "OK" with God, but, in truth, it is NOT. Until there is some recognition of the truth, there can be no "repairs" made. And, just as driving with no taillights can be VERY dangerous in the dark, so it is with sin...here, the sin of homosexuality. The gay community, for the most part, believes a lie...they are driving in the dark. And that is the deception of Satan and the intent of his lie: to keep people in a dangerous situation and in the dark, absent of the truth.
Regarding this issue, those supporting gay marriage are actually espousing the idea of abstaining from speaking the truth...believing the (evidently) successful lie of Satan that says "speaking out against gay marriage" is not being loving to the gay community. But, instead, notice the REAL motivation of Satan in this, based on John 8:32...Satan wants Christians to go silent with the truth because SATAN HIMSELF knows that freedom only comes when truth is first recognized and acknowledged. It is actually a TACTIC OF SATAN...not some theological definition and application of "love"...that is behind the support of gay marriage. I am not saying those in support of gay marriage are aware of this. I am, instead, saying they are DECEIVED by Satan and he has successfully sold them a lie under the guise of some Biblical truth. Love absent of any correction and absent of confrontation of sin is not GOD'S LOVE at all. It is, instead, a new and perverted "love", perpetrated on society to believe that the TRUE love of God is mean and destructive and hurtful and unloving.
I, for one, will stand and refute the works of Satan and his attempts to divide the Christian community through his deceptions. I will continue to take a stand against gay marriage, homosexuality and other issues (pornography, abortion, gluttony, envy, strife, bitterness, adultery, fornication, lying, false doctrine...sin). So, I must state...without any doubt of what I stand for or against...without any reluctance to KNOW that my stance is the stance God (Jesus) wants all Christians to take...that I oppose gay marriage and I believe that Christians must take this stand in the same manner. I believe we are to do this with prayer and fasting, proclaiming truth and even voting based on these tenets of truth (when the issue is dealing with moral issues or non moral issues). Keep in mind...if ready to pounce on me for my claim and belief that God is on MY side regarding this issue...that those in SUPPORT of gay marriage are claiming the support of God in their own stance. Yes...we are definitely on OPPOSING sides here.
This is, by no means, a thorough and detailed examination of this issue. Much more could be said...although I have spoken many words here already. My prayer is that this will give a better understanding of my view and the view of those who oppose gay marriage. I...we...love the lost with the love of Christ. It is BECAUSE we love them that we speak out. Our belief that homosexuality is a sin also causes us to take a stance that says God also considers gay marriage to be a sin. I HAVE to believe that God would NOT support an institution of marriage for gays that would, in and of itself, promote the sin of homosexuality. In closing, I pose these questions and thoughts for consideration to Christians that are in support of gay marriage:
With your support of gay marriage, how do you deal with the issue of salvation regarding the gays involved? As Christians, our desire is to see the lost saved. In supporting a marriage between two homosexuals, what is to happen if your evangelism of them is successful...and the two married homosexuals get saved? Getting saved would not negate a legal marriage that, by its existence, is a bond of homosexuality. If getting saved would, in and of itself, then make the marriage a sin...then the marriage is a sin from the start. Thus...gay marriage MUST be a sin in totality...morally and legally...from the Christian perspective. Again, I believe any other stance is a deception of Satan.
God bless!
Monday, May 14, 2012
Are we Followers or Servants?
It is easy to get FOLLOWERS...but that doesn't make you, nor them, SERVANTS or DISCIPLES. (John 6)
Jesus begins here by feeding the 5000. He walks on water and then teaches that He is "the bread of life". Then, in speaking to FOLLOWERS, he says, "Most assuredly, I say to you, you seek Me, not because you saw the signs, but because you ate of the loaves and were filled."
Here, Jesus recognizes and exposes those who are FOLLOWING only because they RECEIVE. He also, through the words "not because you saw signs", is denoting and recognizing that these same people are not following Him due to the signs that point to Him being the Messiah. FOLLOWERS stay around as long as they can get something...whether it be food and bodily nourishment, or if they may recieve manifestations and notoriety within a certain prominent ministry. Many things may be represented here...but Jesus is plainly dealing with the issue of those who follow only for THEIR PERSONAL benefit. Likewise, we can also gleen from this passage...when taken with many other teachings of Jesus, Paul and Peter throughout the New Testament...that this same issue may occur in the reverse order: that men or women in a position of LEADERSHIP may use the methods and gospel of RECEIVING benefits...whether from the ministry or even from God...as a means to keep and to gain FOLLOWERS.
But, the deciding factor in all of this is found in verses 60 through 66, where we find those exposed as being only FOLLOWERS could no longer bear the TRUTH and TEACHING of Jesus...and they left Jesus, never to follow Him again.
If a church wants FOLLOWERS, there is a formula: give the crowd what they want to hear and what they want to eat and bless them with promises of riches, etc. and they, indeed, will follow! They will come for what they can get!
If a church wants SERVANTS and DISCIPLES, there is also a formula: preach the truth of the Word of God, speak as Jesus did, never compromise or sell out to the belief that a large crowd means you are doing the "right" thing, be willing to do more than MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKING in the pulpit, focus on God instead of the attendance (attracting FOLLOWERS), and simply OBEY GOD.
Remember: a large crowd is not the stamp of approval on a ministry...it is simply a realization that a large crowd is FOLLOWING. Now...where will we lead them? And will we be willing to speak the truth without fear if some begin to walk away?
Jesus begins here by feeding the 5000. He walks on water and then teaches that He is "the bread of life". Then, in speaking to FOLLOWERS, he says, "Most assuredly, I say to you, you seek Me, not because you saw the signs, but because you ate of the loaves and were filled."
Here, Jesus recognizes and exposes those who are FOLLOWING only because they RECEIVE. He also, through the words "not because you saw signs", is denoting and recognizing that these same people are not following Him due to the signs that point to Him being the Messiah. FOLLOWERS stay around as long as they can get something...whether it be food and bodily nourishment, or if they may recieve manifestations and notoriety within a certain prominent ministry. Many things may be represented here...but Jesus is plainly dealing with the issue of those who follow only for THEIR PERSONAL benefit. Likewise, we can also gleen from this passage...when taken with many other teachings of Jesus, Paul and Peter throughout the New Testament...that this same issue may occur in the reverse order: that men or women in a position of LEADERSHIP may use the methods and gospel of RECEIVING benefits...whether from the ministry or even from God...as a means to keep and to gain FOLLOWERS.
But, the deciding factor in all of this is found in verses 60 through 66, where we find those exposed as being only FOLLOWERS could no longer bear the TRUTH and TEACHING of Jesus...and they left Jesus, never to follow Him again.
If a church wants FOLLOWERS, there is a formula: give the crowd what they want to hear and what they want to eat and bless them with promises of riches, etc. and they, indeed, will follow! They will come for what they can get!
If a church wants SERVANTS and DISCIPLES, there is also a formula: preach the truth of the Word of God, speak as Jesus did, never compromise or sell out to the belief that a large crowd means you are doing the "right" thing, be willing to do more than MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKING in the pulpit, focus on God instead of the attendance (attracting FOLLOWERS), and simply OBEY GOD.
Remember: a large crowd is not the stamp of approval on a ministry...it is simply a realization that a large crowd is FOLLOWING. Now...where will we lead them? And will we be willing to speak the truth without fear if some begin to walk away?
Acts 2: Diving Deep During the Storm
Before Acts 2, the Disciples loved Jesus, walking with Him and hearing His teaching. Yet, we see in the Disciples a recurring theme: they loved Jesus, yet they struggled in dealing with the lost, even to the point of wanting to incinerate towns and people who would not listen to them. Then, when Jesus was arrested, they went into hiding (all except John), fearful to speak that they knew Jesus and fearful to carry on the message Jesus had spoken. But then....
In the Upper Room, the Disciples would gather, waiting on the promise of Jesus. Within minutes of the manifestation of Acts 2, those Disciples went out with an overwhelming desire to reach the lost! They spoke the Word boldly...wishing that NONE would perish. That love led them to preach the truth, regardless of opposition...and that truth would speak of sin and its consequences, and the hope we have in Christ if we are willing to recognize the truth of our circumstances and then give our lives to Jesus.
Beyond all of this, we see in Acts 2 two principles at work: BAPTISM and FILLING. Baptism is an "immersion into"...while Filling is an "external to internal" process. Not only are we to be immersed in the Spirit...but we are to be filled with the spirit. It is in the process of remaining FILLED that a vessel can remain IMMERSED. Picture an aquarium of water and a small plastic bottle, like those used when you buy bottled water: to be immersed in that aquarium of water is BAPTISM...to fill the bottle with water is to be FILLED. But notice...the bottle can ONLY stay IMMERSED if it remains FILLED! Thus, we understand the repeated New Testament command to "be filled". Both are essential doctrines that can bring a powerful reality to the lives of believers! Look at this practical example:
Picture a raging hurricane over the ocean (water=The Holy Spirit). There are two ways to ride out the storm: as a vessel (ship) that must ride out the storm being tossed to and fro by the waves...or as a vessel (submarine) that dives deep into the water, virtually eliminating ALL effects of the storm on the vessel. The deeper the vessel goes, the less the effect of the storm on the vessel. This is the most prevalent, yet overlooked, teaching of what God was instituting in Acts 2! A SPIRIT-FILLED LIFE is a life IMMERSED IN THE SPIRIT through the understanding of being FILLED and being BAPTIZED. Once Baptized (immersed), it is up to us to remain FILLED...and it is in that powerful principle that we can learn to lessen and, at times, even eliminate the effects of the storms of life!
Regardless of denominations, we can recognize that something powerfully changing happened in the Upper Room that day. And our prayer should be this: "Lord, whatever you did in that Upper Room in Acts 2....do the same thing in me!"
In the Upper Room, the Disciples would gather, waiting on the promise of Jesus. Within minutes of the manifestation of Acts 2, those Disciples went out with an overwhelming desire to reach the lost! They spoke the Word boldly...wishing that NONE would perish. That love led them to preach the truth, regardless of opposition...and that truth would speak of sin and its consequences, and the hope we have in Christ if we are willing to recognize the truth of our circumstances and then give our lives to Jesus.
Beyond all of this, we see in Acts 2 two principles at work: BAPTISM and FILLING. Baptism is an "immersion into"...while Filling is an "external to internal" process. Not only are we to be immersed in the Spirit...but we are to be filled with the spirit. It is in the process of remaining FILLED that a vessel can remain IMMERSED. Picture an aquarium of water and a small plastic bottle, like those used when you buy bottled water: to be immersed in that aquarium of water is BAPTISM...to fill the bottle with water is to be FILLED. But notice...the bottle can ONLY stay IMMERSED if it remains FILLED! Thus, we understand the repeated New Testament command to "be filled". Both are essential doctrines that can bring a powerful reality to the lives of believers! Look at this practical example:
Picture a raging hurricane over the ocean (water=The Holy Spirit). There are two ways to ride out the storm: as a vessel (ship) that must ride out the storm being tossed to and fro by the waves...or as a vessel (submarine) that dives deep into the water, virtually eliminating ALL effects of the storm on the vessel. The deeper the vessel goes, the less the effect of the storm on the vessel. This is the most prevalent, yet overlooked, teaching of what God was instituting in Acts 2! A SPIRIT-FILLED LIFE is a life IMMERSED IN THE SPIRIT through the understanding of being FILLED and being BAPTIZED. Once Baptized (immersed), it is up to us to remain FILLED...and it is in that powerful principle that we can learn to lessen and, at times, even eliminate the effects of the storms of life!
Regardless of denominations, we can recognize that something powerfully changing happened in the Upper Room that day. And our prayer should be this: "Lord, whatever you did in that Upper Room in Acts 2....do the same thing in me!"
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