….All of this begs a larger question: Did our Creator God create a “gay gene” and are people born that way? While we agree that humans can be born with predisposed behavior, the Bible says that every human is born in sin and by nature are all sinners. Therefore, to say that one is born that way and cannot change is untrue. Therefore, both these arguments would teach there are things that God is responsible for or behaviors beyond His healing touch.

Furthermore, this would mean that our Creator placed a contrary nature within his creation. This is also untrue. That would make God the author and originator of sin. He is not and He has not created people this way.

Notice these verses from the New Testament found in Romans 1. Also, more importantly, notice the PROGRESSION of thoughts, desires, behavior, sin and judgment…. “For the wrath (righteous judgment of sin) of (Creator) God is revealed (shown) from heaven against all (sin) ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness….For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:” (This simply means that no matter what people do, they are responsible to God and will be held accountable for their actions. This also means that God’s judgment of sin is not for one group of people, but for ALL who sin. No one has an excuse.)

The Bible goes on to say, “Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.”

(This means that MAN has now become “god” and MAN worships Himself. Humanism, Evolution and all movements that lead to the elevation of Man and the worship of this Earth, its Inhabitants or other created things is SIN. And because MAN centered Worship has Replaced the True Worship of the Creator God, things begin to change. In turn, God turns them over….)

The Bible goes on to say, “Wherefore God also gave them up (turned them over) to uncleanness (sin) through the lusts (sinful desires) of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: Who (It was MAN that did this) changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature (Men more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen….”

(Again, this is the modern day equivalent of, “You get what you ask for….” Man wanted HIS way to do HIS thing with whom HE wanted and God said Fine. But there will be consequences…..)

The Bible continues to say, “For this cause (BECAUSE of this) God (Creator) gave them up (turned them over) unto vile (wicked) affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is “against nature:” And likewise also the men, leaving the “natural” use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.”

(It is clear that the Word of God says that this SIN is not only wicked and unseemly, it is also against nature. This means that it is not natural. However, the Bible teaches that God the Creator forgives sin. Yet what is about to happen surprises many. God’s patience and continual forbearance only go so far. Eventually, man goes his own way and forgets God, shaking his fist up in the air. Then God does something that is irrevocable….)

This passage and especially the verses above clearly define and outline what the sin of homosexuality is. There is no wiggle room.

Now notice the following progression of sins that follow the willful denial of God as the Creator and Author, “And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, Without understanding, covenant breakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.”

(This is our end apart from God. Church, Christians, the Bible and God get the rap that they are only against a group of people when in reality they are not.)

Now back to your main question, you said, “I also need you to clarify the next statement which I have heard multiple times. Many of the anti-gay declarations are in Leviticus, the rabbi code of the Bible, not from Jesus. How did that play into the lives of everyday Christians back in their time? I guess what I’m asking if God ever declared a law for all people to abstain from same sex relationships in sections other than the ones that declare you can’t mix dairy with meat and eat fish on certain days.”

It is true that the Bible does not record Jesus speaking about everything, but first let’s focus on what He did say about the Word of God. And that alone is very telling. In the Gospel of John, He is identified as “The Word of God in the Flesh.” Jesus identified Himself as, “the Way, the Truth and the Life. No Man comes to the Father but by me.” Jesus said that He was the only way to Heaven. He said that He was God. Jesus that He was in the Beginning. Jesus did not condemn the woman taken in the act of adultery like the religious leaders of His day. Instead, He said, “go and SIN NO more.” Also, Jesus never contradicted, discounted or undermined the Law and the Prophets (the Old Testament). He bolstered it and said that He came to fulfill the law, not to destroy the law.

Therefore, Christ affirmed the Law and the Prophets. Apparent silence from Jesus Christ in one area of morality does not give the immoral an opportunity nor the permission to go and sin “some more.” In fact, Christ called us to be different, a city that is set on a hill. I have noticed the so-called “social/religious/political” hybrids out there today. For example, take the “Reverend” Jesse Jackson and the “Reverend” Al Sharpton and their ilk- and no matter what the party, race or religion, I can say unequivocally and without a doubt that they do not know God nor His Son, Jesus Christ. They do not love God. Their message is one of hate, political convenience and social leanings based on the mob mentality and whoever is in power in the White House.

However, Bible believing, Christ following, God fearing Christians are not called by God to stick their fingers in the air to see which way the moral, political or cultural winds are blowing. Sadly, to many churches have become dens of thieves and political correctness when they should be reflecting and projecting the glory of the Creator!

More on this tomorrow!

Let’s Continue….

When you see the BOLD, UNDERLINED TEXT below- these are the questions/statements from our niece.  This is how our conversation began….

What does the Word of God say about “gay” marriage?

I’m jumping all over the place here, so bear with me: In a legal/political sense, DOMA invalidates contracts, which in the legal sense is which marriages are (Although historically marriages was a contractual document used for exchanging dowry and daughters). A contract of marriage is in order to share money, kids, and over 3000 benefits. No contract law is based on the gender of the parties involved, except DOMA. Why? Churches should be able to marry who they want, but the government shouldn’t block contracts based on gender (man to woman, man to man, woman to woman)

Also, Jefferson manipulated his religion and Bible. He believed that his God was a creator of the universe, rather than a judge of people. Wouldn’t that invalidate the point of Jefferson thought a god decides the rights of the people if he believed that god was not a judge of the people?

As it relates to your DOMA question. Who instituted marriage? Who defined/defines marriage? And what is marriage? You asked earlier about why a “god” wouldn’t make moral laws that change based on behavior, choice and evolution. Why? Because that would be contrary to His very nature. According to the very Word of God, He is immutable. If our Creator God is changeless, and He instituted, defines/defined marriage, then it is the Creator God to whom we are accountable. However, if it is the government’s job and elected officials to validate a culture that is constantly changing and enact laws based on the immorality of its citizens and such, and define/redefine God’s law, then please follow this thought pattern to its logical end. Real Freedom is found in knowing who God is, discovering why He created us and then fulfilling that eternal purpose!

Churches should be allowed to marry who they choose, BUT not apart from the Word of God. This philosophy- Man choosing to do what is right in his own eyes- has even found its way into the church. We cannot do what we want. We obey the law of God.

You again mentioned Jefferson. Thomas Jefferson’s name is often thrown into the mix, not by those who fear government’s reach or laws but those who are truly afraid of God. Twice you have brought his name up and stated that He wanted the church and state made separate. Yet what is this based on? The entire context of this letter was between Baptist preachers from Danbury, CT who loved God and feared the powers of government. Please search out and tell me when that role has been reversed? Also, when was this “Jefferson mandate” been enacted? Is it in the founding documents? Was our country founded on this principle? No. It hasn’t been. If anything, our Founders INVITED the Creator God into the government so that HIS Law would reign supreme.

According to these documents, there truly is NO such thing as separation of church and state. Not according to every document that you read from our founding fathers. That is not a fearful thing to those who fear God more than government. Thus, we speak of God-fearing folks who would obey Him even in the midst of terrible unlawful persecution. As the Apostles in the Bible said to a dictatorial power, who banned them from preaching in Jesus name and were beaten….”We ought to obey GOD rather than Men.” And they walked out of the great hall after being beaten and reminded NOT to speak for Christ, and they began preaching again.

More ranting: Biblically, many figures have had multiple wives, correct? How is that any more “Christian” than having a same-sex relation? This even crosses over to our Founding Fathers, many of who cheated on their wives with prostitutes and slaves. It seems that the definition of marriage has never truly been able to be lived out as God intended, especially concerning divorce rates. If the anti-gay argument is one based on the sanctity of marriage, it would seem that the churches should worry more about banning divorce which is much more of a problem than trying to controlling marriages that aren’t even recognized by their faith?

That is a great point. According to the Word of God, it is not Christian to have multiple wives or partners. Furthermore, you are right to see the inconsistencies and sin in the lives of men in the Bible. If the Creator intended for man to have more than one wife, He would have provided this, yet He did not. Man did. Man broke the law of God (gravity) and fell into sin and thought that there would be NO consequences. However, when you trace back the lives of these men, who made sinful choices, you will see the error and pain in their families. By the way, the Founding fathers are no different. There is no excuse for known sin, or secret sin- regardless of the law of the day. Whether it was legal to do this or that, we must always side with the law of God.

This is a circular thought being used today to distract from WHO sets the “rules” for our lives. If fallible men, who can and do change, have emotion, get angry, become sad, do good things or fall far from grace set/write/change the law of the land and/or God’s law “APART” from the Creator, then our laws are vain.

In regards to the church, I agree with your point. The Catholic church hates divorce but has quietly shuffled pedophiles around the world. However, the Catholic church does NOT set the rules. If they did or do, we are all in trouble. By the way, neither do the Mormons. Neither do the Muslims. Neither do the Baptists. Sin is sin. Wrong doing is wrong doing. Whether one jumps off building or bridge they will fall. When one disobeys the Law of God, they will fall.

Last point on this, the church cannot ban anything. If that’s the case then said church can set the rules. Banning divorce means that people cannot sin, cannot choose, and cannot make mistakes. Besides, banning isn’t the argument being made. Dealing with sin is.

I remember meeting your family for the first time. You were still small enough for us to hold. Your mom and dad loved each other. They loved you and Nate. They still do. Your dad was Catholic and your mom- well not so much. I remember those early days and interesting conversations. Ultimately, your mom and dad were divorced. And divorce happens to very good people. Now, as to your observation of the greater society as a whole not being able to live out marriage as God intended. True, but not in all cases. And it is not because of a lack of or too much of a “definition” but because of people’s sin.

Sin is the ultimate marriage killer. Sin is the ultimate relationship killer. Sin. And our sin leaves us with selfishness, pride, anger, malice, wrath, wanting what others have, cheating on a partner, choosing to leave, even saying, “I never loved you.” Sin is the cause, but as the Bible clearly says, Jesus is the cure. He has forgiven your sin. Not the church, not the priest, not a collective salvation from the government, not my goodness- Only through Jesus Christ can my sin, your sin, this nation and this world’s sin be forgiven.

I also need you to clarify the next statement which I have heard multiple times. Many of the anti-gay declarations are in Leviticus, the rabbi code of the Bible, not from Jesus. How did that play into the lives of everyday Christians back in their time? I guess what I’m asking if God ever declared a law for all people to abstain from same sex relationships in sections other than the ones that declare you can’t mix dairy with meat and eat fish on certain days.

You said, “I also need you to clarify the next statement which I have heard multiple times. Many of the anti-gay declarations are in Leviticus, the rabbi code of the Bible, not from Jesus. How did that play into the lives of everyday Christians back in their time? I guess what I’m asking if God ever declared a law for all people to abstain from same sex relationships in sections other than the ones that declare you can’t mix dairy with meat and eat fish on certain days.” Okay- Kristen, great question. You asked about the OT Levitical laws and how that works with all the other laws and the lives of people back then.

There are several things to say here: First of all, throughout the Bible, sin/wrong doing are not excused by God. In Scripture sin is always found, rooted out and dealt with. All sin is ultimately judged by God. It is the Creator that instituted human government so that righteous justice would be carried out. The Bible clearly speaks as to what sin is, and that includes sexual sin. Whether it be pedophilia, pornography, adultery, homosexuality, incest, rape, etc. The Bible clearly defines sin- its scope, consequence and forgiveness. Today, man and sadly, even the church have re-defined or apologized for what God has clearly said. Again, the Creator is the ultimate Authority, not the government or even a church.

To continue with your thought….” I guess what I’m asking if God ever declared a law for all people to abstain from same sex relationships in sections other than the ones that declare you can’t mix dairy with meat and eat fish on certain days.” I am not Jewish and from what I know about you, I can deduce that you are not Jewish either. Therefore, does the Jewish dietary law apply to me? If not, then how far can I go? What else does not apply to me? Mixing meat and dairy and making moral decisions are completely separate. Most tradition says that the reason for not mixing the two items (boiling a kid (goat) in its mothers milk) was an idolatrous practice. Although we may not be clear as the to the why, the conversation is not about milk nor meat. Neither the food I eat or choose to reject will determine the direction of my life.

Morality is not bound up in food. Let me run a rabbit trail…..this is why I am appalled by those who would prolong the life of an animal and yet take the life of a baby. This is why I am appalled by those who would chose rather to love a tree and mother earth and have people sterilized because we are “overpopulated.” By the way, it was the Creator God who said to be fruitful and multiply and replenish the earth. It was MAN and the government who now say, NO to what God has clearly said yes to. My argument is not with God but with those who attempt to silence His Word and His Message for Political or Financial Gain.

In the Book of Genesis, the same that defines marriage as one man and one woman) says that the animals were for food. In fact, in the New Testament, the Bible says that you can eat whatever you want as long as you give glory to God! But does this then mean that I can live any way I choose as long as I give glory to God? NO! The Bible says, Shall we continue in sin….No! Folks today want to have their sin and do not want to be told NO by a loving Creator. Therefore, they make Jesus into some communal hippie who never crossed anyone or objected to anyone but capitalists or republicans or the very rich. This is not what the Bible teaches. And this is where Jefferson (along with the other founders) would roll over in his grave if he saw what these hybrids are doing to our country today!

Second, Genesis (the first book in the Bible) shows us WHO created man, WHY man was created and then WHO God said man was to be with….a woman. That is- the opposite sex. This begs a larger question: Did our Creator God create a “gay gene” and are people born that way? While we agree that humans can be born with predisposed behavior, the Bible says that every human is born in sin and by nature are all sinners. Therefore, to say that one is born that way and cannot change is untrue. Therefore, both these arguments would teach there are things that God is responsible for or behaviors beyond His healing touch.

So far, this back and forth “conversating” has turned out 12 pages of my writing.  This week, I would like to share some of the conversation and ask you to consider it and also remember to pray for those who do not share or understand our faith.  This “gay” marriage issue is a great opportunity to display the love and grace of God to a lost and dying world.

When you see the BOLD, UNDERLINED TEXT below- these are the questions/statements from our niece.  This is how our conversation began….

What does the Word of God say about “gay” marriage? Read this article by Ken Ham…. The truth of the matter is that God’s Word does not change, and it is for all people for all time. What is happening in our culture can really be summed up with this verse of Scripture: “In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes” (Judges 21:25).

Once a person abandons the absolute authority of the Word of God, then that individual determines what is right and wrong for himself—just as President Obama is doing. It is a sad day for America when the leader of the nation has publicly rejected God’s Word on this important cultural topic. You see, the family is the first and most fundamental of all human institutions God ordained in Scripture. The family is the unit God uses to transmit the knowledge of God to the world and from one generation to the next. The relationship of the husband and wife is linked to the relationship between Christ and the church.

From the Ken Ham article- A couple of points must be made. First, the Bible explicitly calls homosexuality an abomination (Leviticus 20:13) and places it in a list of other vices (1 Corinthians 6:9–10). It is wrong for any Christian to condone homosexuality, since God’s Word clearly speaks against it. However, it is also wrong to single out homosexuality and shrug off the other sins listed in these passages.

Second, 1 Corinthians 6:11 reveals the incredible mercy of our God. After emphatically stating that homosexuals, drunkards, adulterers, idolaters, etc. will not inherit the kingdom of God, Paul, inspired by the Holy Spirit, wrote, “And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.” The church in Corinth consisted of former homosexuals, drunkards, adulterers, idolaters, etc., but they had been washed, sanctified, and justified. This shows us that God is willing to forgive sinners, including homosexuals, but they must turn from (repent of) their rebellious ways and place their faith in Christ alone.

This nation is predominately Christian. However, no country’s government should deny a person’s right based on religious beliefs. Thomas Jefferson outlined the separation of church and state and it is an important precedent in order for the country to serve ALL its citizens with equality and respect. I respect your religious beliefs and am not asking that you consider gay marriage to be right or anything of the sort. But it’s a really dangerous slope when religion attempts to interfere in government to such an extent. If the government can’t interfere with the distribution of birth control in Catholic institutions, religious institutions can’t interfere with the legal definition of marriage versus their religious one.

First, the historical facts that cannot be erased are- this Nation was founded upon Christian principles and our founding fathers believed that is was God- NOT government Who was the Author and Source of ALL of our rights and that the government, was to be prevented from interference with those rights.

Second, typically, only when it is convenient and normally about a “moral” issue…do politicians and their supporters use the or invoke the Jefferson defense. However, this supposed “separation of church and state” is a smoke screen for government to undermine morality and dictate what they believe to be law. To put it bluntly, to redefine/reinterpret God’s law. Concerning this issue on homosexuality, it’s God’s law, from which our country was founded upon, that Marriage is defined between a Man and a Woman. Folks can call it what they will, and even if the people in this country VOTE against it or FOR it, nothing can change the fact of what God, our Creator, has said.

Besides, the vote was taken and it was totally defeated. Yet this is how we understand things to work politically in our country. The law stands until judges overturn the will of the people. And furthermore, if the President and or the house attempts to follow through with what they are saying, the repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act- then it is settled. This is a war on ideologies. This has nothing to do with a smoke screen defense on the separation of church and state.

There is more, if the government can define/redefine who can marry who, when/if someone should die, if a baby is only a fetus and be killed, and so forth, where does it end? The overreaching powers of government into the lives of each and every person have gone so far that it has become hard to breath. Yet as I mentioned earlier, my rights do not come from the government. Prior to my birth in 1973, prior to 1776, and even prior to the founding of this great country, God’s Moral Law has stood. And long after we are gone, God’s Moral Law will continue to stand. It may be ignored by the masses, redefined by the government and become unpopular in it’s meaning. But Truth will always stand.

Thomas Jefferson believed that God, not government, was the Author and Source of our rights and that the government, therefore, was to be prevented from interference with those rights. I lived in Danbury, CT for some time and studied this very thing. It was the Danbury Baptists who wrote the letter to Jefferson about their concerns. It is from this polite correspondence that the smokescreen of “separation of church and state” have been derived. Have you read the entire correspondence? I would encourage you to do so.

I have a few questions. I’m not going to pretend I know the Bible better than you, so please clarify parts that I may have misinterpreted:

Wouldn’t God create a moral law that changes with his plans for the world’s events? Society has definitely changed their perceptions of what is moral a million times, but many of those changes have also occurred within religions such as the institutions of slaves. And also, hasn’t the Bible been edited by men several times, especially the KJV? Why don’t we read about the original texts of Mary Magdolyn and Purgatory?

I love you. You are a great niece and we pray for you each day. Never stop asking questions. I would say this: Faith is a dangerous and wonderful thing! That being said, this is not to imply that one shouldn’t have faith or believe in something strongly. But that when one’s heart is fixed, changed and “purposed” for a certain course, then faith is both a dangerous and wonderful thing! Yet so many people have faith in things that will lead away from real purpose and real change and sadly even away from our Creator God.

I love your question about our Creator putting a moral law into place that changes with the times. I hear this often in many forms. Let me bring one point up to begin this discussion. Gravity. The laws of gravity have never changed. In fact, one would think that post-Wright brothers that gravity, Mother Nature or our Creator would get with the times fix this. Even today, with the technology and how “smart” we have become, one would assume that this pesky little law of gravity would just give in or plain give up! Yet today in 2012, gravity remains the same as it has from the day that our Creator instituted its law. What goes up…must come down.

The point is- Our society has come so far and the law of gravity often gets in the way. Therefore, when one jumps out of a plane they quickly fall. When one jumps off a building or bridge they quickly descend. Even when I trip over a branch, rock or a 4 year old’s plaything, I fall. Why? The Law of Gravity. So, why have certain laws not evolved or changed over time and caught up with modern society? We come to understand this dangerous yet wonderful thing. Dangerous when we jump and wonderful because it keeps us grounded.

Like gravity, our Creator God is immutable. He has not, He will not and He does not change. Therefore, man has fallen. Man has chosen his sin. Sin is wrong doing, purposefully disobeying the Word (Law) of God our Creator. Like gravity, when one disobeys or attempts to defy the law of Gravity- they lose. Gravity does not change. And although gravity can be manipulated and tinkered with, God will not be mocked, manipulated or trifled with. He set(s) the rule(s).

Also, if the government could “give” us the “right” to marry, abort, kill, love, etc. then the government can “take” our “rights” away just as easily. Our founding fathers were right in this regard. My RIGHTS do not come from a government, king, dictator, president or the like. My RIGHTS come from the Creator. They are inalienable rights. Yet like the law of gravity, when I choose to jump and ignore the law, I will suffer the consequence. I negate “my rights” when I go against and disobey the Creator.

Tomorrow, part 2.

Yesterday’s church service was great!  There have been few times in my life when I have been a part of something like that.  God is at work in our church.  Please continue to pray that the Holy Spirit would convict hearts, lead sinners to Christ and cause Christians to live for God.

Today’s article was written by Ken Ham.  He gives a great defense of marriage from the Bible and how current views are eroding what we believe.

In an ABC TV news article, we read, “In an interview with ABC News’ Robin Roberts, the president described his thought process as an ‘evolution’ that led him to this decision, based on conversations with his staff members, openly gay and lesbian service members, and his wife and daughters” (emphasis and link in the original).

Also, see this video clip AiG staff member Tim Chaffey sent me to help show you how the president’s view has changed:

As you can see from that video clip, when Pastor Rick Warren interviewed Obama in 2008 before the election, he said that marriage was between a man and a woman. As he declared this, he said he was a Christian and that “God’s in the mix.” Now I do not know what he meant by that statement, but I’m assuming he’s implying that God has something to say about marriage. And God does have something to say about marriage—He says marriage is between a male and a female and that homosexual behavior is an abomination, and thus “gay” marriage is as well!

Four years after Pastor Warren’s interview, President Obama has now used the word “evolution” to describe his new view of marriage. I guess that means that he believes his view of “God’s role in the mix” has now changed!  According to a transcript of the ABC interview, the president injected this religious beliefs into the marriage question and also twisted Scripture: “When we think about our faith, the thing at root that we think about is, not only Christ sacrificing himself on our behalf, but it’s also the Golden Rule, you know, treat others the way you would want to be treated.”

However, the truth of the matter is that God’s Word does not change, and it is for all people for all time. What is happening in our culture can really be summed up with this verse of Scripture: “In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes” (Judges 21:25).

Once a person abandons the absolute authority of the Word of God, then that individual determines what is right and wrong for himself—just as President Obama is doing. It is a sad day for America when the leader of the nation has publicly rejected God’s Word on this important cultural topic. You see, the family is the first and most fundamental of all human institutions God ordained in Scripture. The family is the unit God uses to transmit the knowledge of God to the world and from one generation to the next. The relationship of the husband and wife is linked to the relationship between Christ and the church.

What does the Word of God say about “gay” marriage?

We have a number of articles on the AiG website that discuss the origin and nature of marriage. Here is one I wrote: http://www.answersingenesis.org/articles/nab2/christian-respond-gay-marriage

I would also recommend you read the following article that was a feedback item about this very issue, written by Tim Chaffey. I have reprinted it for you:

I have read your articles on homosexuality and wondering if anyone has read the article [Editors’ note: the article title and author removed per our feedback rules.]

It’s on the net. I have a christian friend who thinks God is not clear that homosexuality is wrong and gave me this article as her evidence and proof….

I am overwhelmed as i read, with all my counter-arguments but wondering if you have a succinct article for me to send her, or someone that has actually written a response to this??

—J.L, Australia

Thank you for contacting Answers in Genesis. God’s Word often comes under attack by those who want to live their lives apart from certain aspects of it. Those caught in adultery want to reinterpret the Bible on that subject. Thieves want to reinterpret it in areas that speak against stealing. It is no different with the issue of homosexuality. Many people want to give the appearance of keeping the morality of God’s Word, but they don’t want all of it.God does not allow us to pick and choose which verses to follow or reject. By doing this, people actually raise their own thoughts and beliefs in authority over God and His Word. It is the same kind of problem when people reinterpret God’s Word. Rather than simply ignoring a particular verse, they change the meaning of it to make it fit their view. In a very real way, they place themselves as the authority over God’s Word. But who is the real authority? Ultimately, this is a biblical authority issue.

I have read your articles on homosexuality and wondering if anyone has read the article [Editors’ note: the article title and author removed per our feedback rules.]

Thanks for taking the time to read through our articles on the subject. I have read the article you referenced.

It’s on the net. I have a christian friend who thinks God is not clear that homosexuality is wrong and gave me this article as her evidence and proof….

It’s interesting that your friend would use this article as evidence that God isn’t clear about homosexuality. After all, the writer of the article did state that the Bible consistently condemns homosexuality as a sin. This is one of the few accurate statements in the article. Both the Old Testament and New Testament classify homosexuality as a sin (e.g., Leviticus 18:22; 1 Timothy 1:9–10).

The main purpose of the article you referenced, however, was to declare that the Bible is wrong on this issue. This shows us the writer’s starting point: man’s ever-changing opinions over the unchanging, inspired Word of God. Notice the word choice the author uses: the Bible is a “witness to the Word of God.” This is typical language used by liberal theologians and pastors who do not believe the Bible is the Word of God.

A couple of points must be made. First, the Bible explicitly calls homosexuality an abomination (Leviticus 20:13) and places it in a list of other vices (1 Corinthians 6:9–10). It is wrong for any Christian to condone homosexuality, since God’s Word clearly speaks against it. However, it is also wrong to single out homosexuality and shrug off the other sins listed in these passages.

Second, 1 Corinthians 6:11 reveals the incredible mercy of our God. After emphatically stating that homosexuals, drunkards, adulterers, idolaters, etc. will not inherit the kingdom of God, Paul, inspired by the Holy Spirit, wrote, “And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.” The church in Corinth consisted of former homosexuals, drunkards, adulterers, idolaters, etc., but they had been washed, sanctified, and justified. This shows us that God is willing to forgive sinners, including homosexuals, but they must turn from (repent of) their rebellious ways and place their faith in Christ alone.

I am overwhelmed as i read, with all my counter-arguments but wondering if you have a succinct article for me to send her, or someone that has actually written a response to this??

First, I would encourage you to take a look at some passages from God’s Word on this issue without the influence of humanistic reinterpretations. The Bible is crystal clear about homosexuality, but remember that God extends His grace to all who repent of their sins and receive Christ as Lord and Savior. This elevates Him to His proper position as the authority on all matters.

• You shall not lie with a male as with a woman. It is an abomination. (Leviticus 18:22)
• If a man lies with a male as he lies with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination. (Leviticus 20:13)
• For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due. (Romans 1:26–27)
• Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. (1 Corinthians 6:9–10)

Second, this lengthy article is riddled with logical fallacies, and the writer often pulls verses out of context in an effort to support his view. Let me give you some examples from this article, which are also commonly used by others seeking to justify homosexuality.

• After citing passages which state that we are no longer under the Law, the writer says, “We cannot then take even what Paul himself says as a new Law. Christians reserve the right to pick and choose which sexual mores they will observe.” While Christians are not under the Mosaic Law in the same way as the nation of Israel, there are still specific commands for Christians in the New Testament. We are to make disciples (Matthew 28:18–20), imitate God (Ephesians 5:1), and walk in the Spirit (Galatians 5:16). Furthermore, the New Testament directly contradicts the writer’s claim by explicitly stating that it is God’s will for us to “abstain from sexual immorality” and that “he who rejects this does not reject man, but God” (1 Thessalonians 4:3, 8).
• The writer implies that homosexuality is genetic. This has never been demonstrated, and there is strong evidence opposing this view. There are many thousands of former homosexuals, and numerous ministries are devoted to helping them. This suggests that a homosexual can choose to become heterosexual. Some people seem to be more predisposed to certain types of sin than others, but ultimately every person must decide whether he or she will give in to sin. Furthermore, this argument misses the point. We are all sinners by nature, yet God’s Word tells us not to sin.
• “Adultery is condemned in the Bible, and yet Christians don’t usually speak out against it.” This claim is merely a smokescreen. It commits the logical fallacy of the irrelevant thesis (i.e., the argument has nothing to do with the issue in question). Christians should speak out against adultery, idolatry, drunkenness, and every other type of sin, including homosexuality. The Bible is very clear on all of these issues (1 Corinthians 6:9–10). The fact that some have not stood against these ideas does not justify the acceptance of another vice.
• The writer claims that those who believe the Bible on this issue are homophobic and intolerant. This is an example of the logical fallacy known as the question-begging epithet, an emotionally-charged response intended to persuade by appealing to emotion rather than reason. We could just as easily call the writer a “heterophobe” or “God-hater,” but that doesn’t accomplish anything. Instead, we should point out that most of those who point out the sin of homosexuality do not have an irrational fear (phobia) of homosexuals. No, we love them and want them to know and understand the truth that they can be “washed, sanctified, and justified” by repenting of their sins and trusting in Christ. Also, while we are being accused of being intolerant, we must ask why this writer and others who resort to name-calling are so intolerant of the biblical view.

Although we have not written a detailed response to this particular article, we have written several articles dealing with this subject, such as this one about how a Christian should respond to the idea of gay marriage.

When Jesus was asked about the subject of divorce and marriage He quoted from Genesis:

And He answered and said to them, “Have you not read that He who made them at the beginning ‘made them male and female,’ and said, ‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’? So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate.”

Jesus showed us that marriage is based in a literal understanding of Genesis 2:23–24, which states, “‘This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.’ Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.” The reason husband and wife become one flesh is that Eve was taken from Adam’s side. They truly were one flesh. Jesus also pointed out that marriage was to be between a man and woman. Any alteration of this message serves as a flat-out denial of the clear words of our Creator.

If we claim to be followers of Christ, then we must be willing to take Him at His Word rather than trying to use man’s ever-changing opinions as our authority. The Bible’s instruction on this issue may be extremely unpopular in our society, but we must desire to please God rather than men. Too often, professing Christians are like the Pharisees Christ rebuked in that they are more interested in the praise of men than the praise of God (John 5:43).

May God give us the courage and strength to stand for the truth and to speak the truth in love no matter what consequences may come.

Sincerely,

Tim Chaffey, AiG–U.S.

Tim’s article was originally posted at this link.

Here are some other articles that deal with this topic:

• http://www.answersingenesis.org/articles/orob/hijacking-the-bus-homosexuality-scripture
• http://www.answersingenesis.org/articles/tj/v9/n1/homosexual
• http://www.answersingenesis.org/articles/2008/09/12/feedback-homosexual-behavior
• http://www.answersingenesis.org/articles/2004/01/19/homosexual-behavior
• http://blogs.answersingenesis.org/blogs/ken-ham/2010/06/04/president-obamas-unbiblical-declaration/
• http://www.answersingenesis.org/articles/foow/responding-to-tolerance
• http://www.answersingenesis.org/articles/am/v2/n1/trading-truth-for-tolerance
• http://www.answersingenesis.org/articles/am/v5/n1/revolution

You may also purchase my booklet on this subject from the online store.

How America needs to remember this verse: “Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD” (Psalms 33:12). And to follow up Tim’s use of Leviticus 18:22 above, I want to close with additional verses taken from the same chapter that should serve as a sober warning to a nation that disregards God’s commands: “Do not defile yourselves with any of these things; for by all these the nations are defiled, which I am casting out before you. For the land is defiled; therefore I visit the punishment of its iniquity upon it, and the land vomits out its inhabitants” (Leviticus 18:24–25).

Thanks for stopping by and thanks for praying,

Ken Ham

Today, we will a home-going service at 11:00 am at Grace Baptist Church.  The viewing is at 10:00 am.

Sister Vera was a godly woman who loved her family and the Lord.

Thank you for praying.

In 2011, a crazy Hollywood celebrity coined the phrase, “Winning” by proudly glorifying his abominable lifestyle. The actor known as Charlie Sheen portrayed “winning” as having talent, obtaining women, drinking alcohol, doing drugs, having wealth, maintaining no accountability, and living a debauched lifestyle.  Therefore, “winning” by Sheen’s standards elevates hedonism, humanism and to put it bluntly- insanity.  The Bible calls it….Sin.

The following definition was found with a simple online search: this word (Winning) was redefined in March of 2011 by Charlie Sheen.  Prior to this landmark event in progressive semantics, the old definition of ‘winning’ referred to the state of successfully accomplishing goals, besting competition, and generally not ‘losing’.

However, Mr. Sheen’s version of the word is typed in all caps and requires the subject to be in possession of both tigers’ blood and Adonis DNA, as well as maintaining the status of high priest Vatican assassin warlock. As of this writing, these lofty requirements have yet to be embodied by anyone other than Mr. Sheen.  “I’m Not Bipolar, I’m Bi-winning.” – Charlie Sheen

It’s strange, I know but humor me.  The world system has an entirely different view and definition of “Winning”.   As born-again believers, we understand that “winning” is not about beating someone else, obtaining an earthly trophy, or fulfilling personal desires.

So, what is “winning” and why does it matter?  Where do we find this definition?  Did you know that within some Christian circles and among Ministry leaders “winning” can often be misunderstood and misapplied?  Is “winning” building the biggest ministry or having a small ministry?  And is that even the right question?

The Apostle Paul puts it rather succinctly when he said, To Live is Christ (winning) and to Die is Gain (winning).

Think about the old saying, “He who dies with the most toys wins.”  Although this statement is untrue, but this is a world system philosophy that promotes the Charlie Sheen lifestyle of “winning” that sadly many believers have become comfortable with today.

Winning, according to the Apostle Paul, in this verse, is two fold:

• To Live (my life) is all about Jesus. This is why we are here on this earth.  Period.  It’s all about Him.  It’s not about being a Republican or Democrat, being black or white, being gay or straight, being an American citizen or an Immigrant (legal or illegal).  While these things are very important, the MAIN thing is the MAIN thing- and that is Jesus.  This should never change.
• However, in some ministries it appears that Jesus and His Preeminence have taken a back seat to all things “churchy” so that we can “win” at “winning” people to like us and our church.
• Yet the knowledge of Christ and the subsequent lifestyle that follows this “WILL” divide households, friends and communities.
• Do we simply want people to “like” Jesus and His church?
• But Paul said, at the end of the day- Winning- is about living for Jesus.
• Secondly, Paul said, and to die (my death) is gain.  It’s about going home.
• Tomorrow, we will talk about why death is “winning” for the Christian.

The question now is- are you “winning” today and will you be “winning” tomorrow?

If You Live for Jesus- then YES!

Some time back, I had the privilege to sit down with a seasoned New England pastor.  Although we had never met, I had heard of his ministry and sacrifice.  He has pastored the same church for well over 25 years.  As we sat down to talk about the ministry, we discussed how challenging church work can be here in New England.  As we talked, he reminded me of the Two Great Awakenings in our country, and where they had started….here in New England.  After 25 plus years, he still has a great passion for New England.

I have written about this before, but I never grow tired of it.  The city, state and area where I now live once burned bright with the gospel message!  Yet today, it is cold and dark.

Did you know that two great heroes of the faith are buried less than 40 minutes from our church? I have personally been to the graves of Jonathan Edwards and David Brainard.  Jonathan Edwards preached, “Sinners in the hands of an Angry God” in a church in South Windsor just down the road.

I am standing behind Jonathan Edwards grave.  David’s gravestone is lying on the ground beside. Jonathan Edwards daughter is buried between the two men.

Also, only 45 minutes away in Mass., I have often visited the birthplace and home of DL Moody.  What a great man of God!  He had a vision of what God could do and did it!  The campus he built is still standing today.  I have sat behind his desk and perused his books.  I recall seeing the names of great men and women who came through his campus in New England to speak.

The Bible on the desk in front of me was the one DL Moody preached from during his meetings.  Many books in his library were sent to him from friends.  Some read, “To my good friend DL Moody, from Charles Spurgeon- David Livingstone, etc.”  I was overwhelmed when browsing through them.

Yet just a few years ago, American Idol held one of their tryouts at this campus.  Today, students at the college do not even know who DL Moody was.  How sad.

Cold, dark and spiritually dead define an area that once sent the Gospel to our entire country and the world.  While I understand that it is becoming more and more like this everywhere, we can agree that certain parts of our country have been neglected while other areas are teaming with hundreds of churches!  While in college I recall one of my professors saying, “When you graduate, remember that Jacksonville, FL doesn’t need another Baptist church!”  And at that time, there were over 400 Baptist churches!   I remember Pastors from New England preaching in college chapel and I would think, “These guys sounds angry!  They are upset.  He is upset at me because I am living in the south.”

My friends, please don’t misunderstand.  I am not angry.  I am just burdened and heartbroken over New England.

When I visit my hometown in NC there are many good ole’ Baptist churches on every street corner!  I see churches lined up on both sides of the road.  Then I return home to New England and see nothing close.  Where are the spiritual mavericks?  Where have they gone?  Where are the men and women who will dig deep and have a vision for what God can do in a dark, cold and dead place?  Our area needs the Lord so desperately!

Has God stopped working in the hearts of men to come to New England?  Is it too hard and too far?  Is there anything too hard for the Lord?  As David said, “Is there not a cause?”  If God allows me to stay in New England for the rest of my life that will be fine, but all I want is to reach people for the Lord.  Especially in a place (the North) where it seems that there is little “reaching”.

As we concluded our now 2 hour meeting, this veteran pastor said, “Jason, I have never seen anything like what I am seeing today.  I see so many cases of mental illness, people going crazy, insanity, people just acting like the devil!  Demonic influence is so strong in this area.  In my opinion, the Devil has done all he can to destroy New England in order to keep it cold and dead.  He knows what happened here during the glory days.  He saw the spiritual influence and reliance on God then, but today in New England we are too educated to call on God.  Now look at what you see.  We have the most liberal, godless, and wicked states in the Union here in New England.  He has a stronghold here.  We are ministering in his domain.  This is a battleground.  Be prepared for your enemy!”

His analysis reminded me of a story from Aesop’s fables about the Lion, the Fox and the Beasts: The Lion once gave out that he was sick unto death and summoned the animals to come and hear his last Will and Testament. So the Goat came to the Lion’s cave, and stopped there listening for a long time. Then a Sheep went in, and before she came out a Calf came up to receive the last wishes of the Lord of the Beasts. But soon the Lion seemed to recover, and came to the mouth of his cave, and saw the Fox, who had been waiting outside for some time. “Why do you not come to pay your respects to me?” said the Lion to the Fox.

“I beg your Majesty’s pardon,” said the Fox, “but I noticed the track of the animals that have already come to you; and while I see many hoof-marks going in, I see none coming out. Till the animals that have entered your cave come out again I prefer to remain in the open air.”  The moral of the story; It is easier to get into the enemy’s toils than out again.

Ministry is a lot like this.  In fact, I believe, ministry in New England is much like the dreaded lion in the cave.  One can go in with the best of intentions and not come back out.  I think, across the board, ministry in any area can be like that.  But we should not let the fear of what if keep us from doing what God has called us to do.  Blaze a trail and do something great for God whether you are in North Carolina, California, Texas or New England!!

In Matthew 9:37-38 Jesus said, “But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.”

People need the Lord.  And we need people here in New England!

The depression article touched a chord with many and I appreciate both the public response and private notes of encouragement.  We agree- Depression is real. Period. I think we all agree.  Depression is real and so we must treat those who have it with Biblical truth.  Biblically, we can see examples of depression and its effects.  One such example was from the life of Elijah the Prophet.

Today, I want to share an article with you written to me by a dear friend some time back.  Pastor Rob Pitts sent me this note after I wrote about depression and I believe that it will help you. This note really touched me, and I believe that it will help you to better understand your pastor and those in ministry.

Also, as you read this note, think about your Pastor and pray for him.  Then, go the second mile and write him an encouraging card or email.  Trust me, it will make his day!

Enjoy the note and please share your thoughts….

Bro. Jason,

I finished the rest of the story about Elijah on Sunday night. The title of the message was “The Journey of Elijah.” There were 4 places that he experienced on this journey according to I Kings 18 & 19:

1. The place of victory: Mt. Carmel

• Elijah repaired a broken altar of the LORD (restoration of true worship and spiritual commitment).
• Elijah saw the fire from the LORD consume the altar, the water in the trench, and even the dust (that must have been some hot fire).
• Elijah killed 450 prophets of Baal (the man of God siding with the LORD will be victorious over the great number of the LORD’s enemies).
• Elijah prayed for it to rain after 3 1/2 years of drought, and the LORD answered his prayer.
• Elijah outran the chariot of King Ahab from Mt. Carmel to Jezreel (the hand of the LORD was upon him).

2. The place of discouragement: Jezreel

• Jezebel wanted revenge against Elijah for killing her prophets of Baal.
• Jezebel ordered a 24 hr. hit on Elijah’s life.
• Elijah responded by escaping to an undisclosed location in the wilderness.
• Jezebel’s news dislodged the courage within his heart; Elijah was “high” on faith at Mt. Carmel but now he is “high” on fear.

3. The place of depression: the wilderness

• Elijah dropped off his servant at Beersheba and entered the wilderness alone with his discouraged thoughts.
• Elijah went a whole day into the barren land filled with dryness and wild animals and finally stopped at a juniper tree and asked the LORD a twisted prayer request.
• Elijah allowed the discouragement to mutate into depression (prolonged sadness) and considered that his quality of life was nothing better than his dead ancestors.
• The pressure of Jezebel’s threat caused him to be discouraged, which led to depression and then to self-destruction.
• God provided a solution for Elijah’s depression.
• He provided a messenger to encourage Elijah (the angel of the LORD).
• He provided nourishment for Elijah: the best “angel food cake” (gave strength for a 40 day and night travel), water, and rest.
• He provided a purpose for Elijah’s life: there was a great journey to prepare for (God was not granting Elijah’s suicidal request).

4. The place of refocus: Mt. Horeb (aka Mt. Sinai)

• After 40 days and 40 nights [is this a reference to the "40" years of wandering by the Israelites? :)], Elijah arrives at a very special place.
• This mountain was the same place that God met with Moses and gave him the mission to deliver the Israelites from hundreds of years of bondage. This was the same mountain where God met Moses and gave the LAW.
• At Mt. Horeb, God gave Elijah a new mission and new ministry. Again, God was making it clear that He will not honor Elijah’s self-destructive prayer request 40 days and nights earlier. God was not finished with working in and through Elijah (oh yeah, his name means “My God is Jehovah”).

I Samuel 30:6 – “But David encouraged himself in the LORD his God”.

Pastor Rob Pitts

Thanks Rob for the encouragement today!

After you read today’s article I would like to hear from you.  Has this affected you or someone you know?  At one point or another we all feel tapped out.  We may even get depressed- but so depressed that it leads to suicide?  Yes, it happens.

Yesterday, a very dear friend from NC sent this article from our hometown paper.  The article was about suicide, but it includes a group that you might not think about.

The group- Pastors.  Over the last couple of years I have personally heard of 3 pastors who took their own life.  These men left thriving ministries behind them and a family with questions of why?  What drives a Pastor to do such a thing?  This article attempts to answer that question, but I realize that it may only lead to more questions.

Before you read, let me say something to the people in our church.  You know this pain.  You have been down this road.  Those of you who have been in the Grace Church family for 20 years or more remember Pastor Glen Farnham.  Our family has been here for almost 8 years and every time I hear the story recounted it is still fresh and full or hurt.  Glen was the Pastor when he committed suicide.  I have heard from area pastors, missionaries and church members about events leading up to and after his death.  Pastor Glen was a good man with a lot going on in his life.  Even today there are so many questions for those left behind.  One fateful Monday, some 20 years ago, he took his own life.  The life of his family and our church was changed that day.

However, we all know that suicide affects all people, not just pastors.  I have dealt with 4 people in my ministry that had taken their life and perhaps many of you have had this happen in your family or circle of friends.  This particular article will deal specifically with pastors.  Yet it affects everyone.

Let’s look for the warning signs and have the courage to speak up when we see something wrong.

Here’s the article:

RELIGION NEWS SERVICE- Winston-Salem Journal Newspaper

What kind of personal pain would cause a 42-year-old pastor to abandon his family, his calling and even life itself? Members of a Baptist church are asking that question after their pastor committed suicide in his parked car in September.

Those who counsel pastors say Christian culture, especially Southern evangelicalism, creates the perfect environment for depression. Pastors suffer in silence, unwilling or unable to ask for help or even talk about it. Sometimes they leave the ministry. Occasionally the result is the unthinkable.

Experts say clergy suicide is a rare outcome to a common problem. But Baptists in the Carolinas are soul searching after a spate of suicides and suicide attempts by pastors. In addition to the September suicide of David Treadway, two others in North Carolina attempted suicide, and three in South Carolina succeeded, all in the last four years.

Being a pastor — a high-profile, high-stress job with nearly impossible expectations for success — can send one down the road to depression, according to pastoral counselors.

“We set the bar so high that most pastors can’t achieve that,” said H.B. London, vice president for pastoral ministries at Focus on the Family, based in Colorado Springs, Colo. “And because most pastors are people-pleasers, they get frustrated and feel they can’t live up to that.”

When pastors fail to live up to demands imposed by themselves or others, they often “turn their frustration back on themselves,” leading to self-doubt and to feelings of failure and hopelessness, said Fred Smoot, executive director of Emory Clergy Care in Duluth, Ga., which provides pastoral care to 1,200 United Methodist ministers in Georgia.

A pastor is like “a 24-hour ER” who is supposed to be available to any congregant at any time, said Steve Scoggin, president of CareNet, a network of 21 pastoral counseling centers in North Carolina. “We create an environment that makes it hard to admit our humanity.”

It’s a job that breeds isolation and loneliness — the pastorate’s “greatest occupational hazards,” said Scoggin, who counsels many Baptist and other ministers. “These suicides are born out of a lack of those social supports that can intervene in times of personal crisis.”

No one knows for sure how many ministers suffer depression or attempt suicide. “It’s like nailing Jell-O to the wall,” said London. But he estimated 18 percent to 25 percent of all ministers are depressed at any one time.

Most counselors and psychologists interviewed for this article agreed depression among clergy is at least as prevalent as in the general population. As many as 12 percent of men and 26 percent of women will experience major depression during their lifetime, according to the American Medical Association.

“The likelihood is that one out of every four pastors is depressed,” said Matthew Stanford, a professor of psychology and neuroscience at Baylor University in Waco, Texas.

But anxiety and depression in the pulpit are “markedly higher” in the last five years, Smoot said. “The current economic crisis has caused many of our pastors to go into depression.”

Besides the recession’s strain on church budgets, depressed pastors increasingly report frustration over their congregations’ resistance to cultural change.

Most depression does not lead to suicide, but almost all suicides begin with depression. Depression causes two-thirds of the 30,000 suicides reported each year, the AMA says.

Nearly two out of three depressed people don’t pursue treatment, according to studies by the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance. Counselors say even fewer depressed ministers get treated because of career fears, social stigma and spiritual taboo.

“Clergy do not talk about it because it violates their understanding of their faith,” Scoggin said. “They believe they are not supposed to have those kinds of thoughts.”

Treadway, pastor of Sandy Ridge Baptist Church in Hickory, was the exception. He told his congregation he was in treatment several months before his suicide. Still the shock was hard to absorb, co-workers said.

Rodney Powe, worship pastor at the church, said he only now understands depression is a mental illness. Christians who don’t experience depression trivialize it, he said. “We just say, ‘Come on, get over it. We have the hope of Christ and the Holy Spirit.’”

I would like to hear from you today.  What are your thoughts?

While driving, I often see a variety of bumper stickers. People put everything from Star Wars Stickers to Curse words across the bumper or window of their car.  I have seen one such bumper sticker very often (see below) and it is summarized in the statement- “coexist” or tolerance.

As a born again believer, I understand how wrong this is, but sadly many christians do not.  The world (hollywood, the media and government) likes to paint born again believers as intolerant, homophobes, islamaphobes, etc., who are anti-women, anti-government, anti-science, anti-progress who “bully” others that do not believe like them. (now, that’s a mouthful) They continue to say, that born again Christians are just bitter clingers, holding on to their guns and Bibles.  Talk about intolerance.

Yet if we are honest about our beliefs, we are intolerant about certain things.  This note was written by a Pastor I met while serving at a church in Lakeland, Florida.  A friend sent this to me on Sunday night, and after reading it once, I had to read it again.  Let me encourage you to slowly read this and then ask, “Where do I stand?”

Here is the note…..

Please don’t misunderstand me, but I am Intolerant…

Not in Choosing who I will Love. Not in Possessing a Judgmental Attitude. Not in the Color of a Person’s Skin. Not in a Person’s Right to Believe what He or She wants to Believe and Live the Way they Choose in America. Not in the way a person Looks or Speaks.

Now it is Not because it is in me not to be Judgmental, Prejudiced, or Discriminating; but because Christ is in me, I must never choose to go there. Jesus is intolerant of those things within anyone who claims to be His follower.

But I am Intolerant and let me Explain Why….

It has everything to do with a Set of Beliefs Based on the Absolute Truth of Scripture (God’s Word).

I am Intolerant in that I Believe Jesus is the One and Only Way to Heaven, that there is no other way, that He is the Exclusive Way to Eternal Life, God, Heaven.

I am Intolerant concerning the Belief that Marriage is a Covenant Exclusively Between a Man and A Woman.

I am Intolerant of Justifying Abortion in the Name of Personal Choice.

I am Intolerant of Hunger in this Country of Plenty.

I am Intolerant of the 2 out of every 5 Christians who didn’t vote in the last Presidential Election, and 1 in 5 Admitted Followers of Jesus who are not even Registered to Vote.

I am Intolerant of Pedophiles.

I am Intolerant of Any Abuse or Abandonment of Children.

I am Intolerant of those who Profess to Knowing Jesus, yet who remain Silent on Moral Absolutes, yet can’t keep Quiet at Ballgames, Races, and Concerts.

I am Intolerant of Men who Abuse Women or Treat them as Sexual Objects.

I am Intolerant of those who Lie, Cheat, and Commit Adultery.

I am Intolerant of Bullying, Abusing People, or Abusing Animals.

I am Intolerant of those who Make Fun of Others.

I am Intolerant of Human Trafficking and Exploitation.

I am Intolerant of Wimpy Denominations and Wimpy Pastors who won’t Take a Stand on Clear Biblical Moral Issues because they fear Offending Someone.

I am Intolerant of Denominations who are Lowering Biblical Standards for the Sake of Relating to the Culture and to be more Accepting of Alternate Lifestyles.

I am Intolerant of Churches who become Platforms for Political Candidates who Sweep in during Election Years and the Pulpit Used for Political Prostitution rather than the Exposition of God’s Word.

I am Intolerant of those who Demonstrate no Grace to Repentant Sinners.

I am Intolerant of People who think they are Better because of the Color of their Skin, the Money they have in the Bank, their Beauty or Handsomeness, where they live, what they drive, or who they know.

I am Intolerant of Pastors who Compromise Biblical Truth to Gain a Crowd.

I am Intolerant of the ACLU and Atheist Groups who tout First Amendment Rights yet attempt to shut down any praying in government or education, want to remove Christmas from our vocabulary in the public sector, and won’t rest until they remove every cross from any public place.

I am Intolerant of People who are Tolerant on Everything and Anything Except Biblical Christianity.

I am Intolerant of People who say they Love God, but Seldom if Ever Share their Faith, Come to Church, or Spend Money on Everything But God’s Priorities.

I am Intolerant of people who claim to be Christians who show Hatred toward Homosexuals or People who do not share the Color of their Skin.

I am Intolerant of the Department of Justice who refuses to Defend the Law of the Land, the Defense of Marriage Act, yet Seem to turn a blind Eye to Obscenity.

So, before you raise a hand and call me Intolerant, I will just go ahead and admit it! I am! I stand in the Company of the most Loving Person Who ever walked the Face of the Earth and Dared to Declare, I Am THE Way. I Am THE Truth. The One Who said, NARROW is the Way that Leads to Everlasting Life.

So, the next time you call me Intolerant, please know what you are talking about. Perhaps we need more Intolerant People!!!

This note was written by Pastor Jay Dennis- First Baptist Church at the Mall in Lakeland, Florida.