Tag Archives: Sinful Nature

Female Elders and Overseers

Female pastors and elders has become a hot button issue in more recent generations. If God has no issue with female pastors, neither should we BUT if God makes it clear about his ordained unique roles in His church, we ought to obey. To know the TRUTH on this matter is extremely important. It is the difference between standing on truth and obedience or denying God’s truth and being disobedient. That’s huge. To properly understand this, we must ALWAYS go to God’s Word first. We will pick apart 1 Timothy 2:11-14, 3:1-7, 8-13, Titus 1:5-9, and then address common arguments.

1 Timothy 2:11-14 (NASB)

A woman must quietly receive instruction with entire submissiveness. ¹²But I do not allow a woman to teach or exercise authority over a man, but to remain quiet. ¹³For it was Adam who was first created, and then Eve. ¹⁴And it was not Adam who was deceived, but the woman being deceived, fell into transgression.

That sounds harsh on its face value. But lets break down this verse by verse, word by word, and apply cultural and historical contexts to help us extract the truth God reveals in this passage.

VERSE 11

2:11 γυνὴ ἐν ἡσυχίᾳ μανθανέτω ἐν πάσῃ ὑποταγῇ

ὑποταγῇ, Strong’s Number G5292, translated “hypotagē” to “submissiveness“, means “(1) the act of subjecting; (2) obedience, subjection“

Paul uses the same word translated “quietly” in 1 Timothy 2:2, and it is translated peaceable there. The idea is without contention instead of total silence. In other places in the New Testament, even in the writings of Paul, women are specifically mentioned as praying and speaking in the church (1 Corinthians 11:5). So we know that he does NOT mean that all women are to be silent and not speak. To “quietly receive instruction“ has the idea of women receiving the teaching of the men God has chosen to lead in the church, with submissiveness instead of contention. Not to publicly and openly argue or debate those who were ordained by God to teach, or by other means interrupt the teaching of God’s Holy Word. It is more like a showing a level of respect and acknowledge order of authority for the office because of who appoints people to that office.

It DOES NOT mean that men are more spiritual than women or that women are inferior to men. That is a misrepresentation, false understanding, and usually, but some, a flat out lie to manipulate Christians. People that idolize their sex typically perceive these verses to be against women and belittle women and so on by default and assume the offense.

“Submissiveness” is the principle and “quietly receiving instruction” is the application of that principle.

Historically, women interrupted the church service by shouting questions and comments to their husbands during the service completely interrupting the teacher and the message being taught. Paul wrote this letter to Timothy around mid 60 A.D. That means, the church had been meeting already for about 30 years, since Jesus. Imagine a church service, that you attended for years, where the pastor was constantly interrupted by yelling families. Paul’s letter to Timothy is essentially a simple manual for church order.

VERSE 12

2:12 γυναικὶ δὲ διδάσκειν οὐκ ἐπιτρέπω οὐδὲ αὐθεντεῖν ἀνδρός ἀλλ᾽ εἶναι ἐν ἡσυχίᾳ

διδάσκω, Strongs Number G1321 translated “didaskō” to “to teach“, verb, means “to teach, to be a teacher, to, discharge the office of a teacher, conduct one’s self as a teacher, to instill doctrine into one, to explain or expound a thing“

αὐθεντέω, Strongs Number G831 translated “authenteō” to “exercise authority“, verb, means: “one who acts on his own authority, autocratic, an absolute master, to govern, exercise dominion over one“

Paul’s meaning is clear. Women are not to have the role of teaching authority regarding matters of doctrine and Scriptural interpretation, in the church. To be under authority is the principle; not teaching is the application. This is where all the worldly minds explode.

BUT not all speaking or teaching by a woman is necessarily a violation of God’s order of authority in the church. Whatever speaking or teaching is done by a woman must be done in submission to the men God has appointed to lead that church. Their doctrines, scriptural interpretations, and applications must be in harmony with, and under, that which the Elders of that church teach. This is more about being of one mind, in harmony, in sync, unified in doctrine. And when there are two sides who disagree, God has given the authority to the men of that church to be the final say.

It also does not mean that every woman in the church is under the authority of every man in the church. Instead it means that those who lead the church – pastors and ruling elders – must be men, and the women (and others) must respect their authority.

This has NOTHING to do with inferiority or less valuable. There is ORDER in the very nature of God himself. God The Father and God the Son. God the Son does the will of God The Father, not vice versa. And yet, they are co-equally God. God created Adam first, then Eve. God gave commandments to Adam, not Eve. Adam taught Eve God’s commandment.

“I do not allow”

Now that is a very tough pill to swallow but it makes it easier when we correctly understand. Paul is an Apostle of our Lord God and Savior, Christ Jesus. He is filled by the Holy Spirit and, God, The Holy Spirit, is literally speaking through him at the very moment he wrote that statement. So, what does this absolute imperative definitive explicit statement refer to? The authority of the Teacher, that interprets doctrine, scriptural interpretations, and applications to women. The words used by Paul show that this role within the church of “governing and exorcising dominion over one with authority to instill doctrine into one, to explain or expound a thing” is not in any shape or form, within the church, given to women.

VERSE 13-14

Again, another easily misconstrued set of verses by an ignorant and or hateful world. This is not the blame game. Paul’s purpose is not to place blame on Eve. This is THE ORDER of which God ordained things. God decides to bless us by giving us HIS reason for the order of church authority. It’s pretty simple: (1) God created man first. God gave His command to Adam, who then gave it to Eve. Eve received God’s command from Adam. (2) Eve was deceived. Adam knew exactly what he was doing when he disobeyed, he was not deceived. This reveals important distinctions between men and women in the first place. Eve’s ability to be more readily deceived made her more dangerous in a place of spiritual authority. “Eve’s reasoning faculty was at once overcome by the allegation of jealousy felt by God, an allegation plausible to a nature swayed by emotion rather than by reflection”(White). Generally speaking, it may be observed that women seem to be more spiritually sensitive than men – but this can be true for good or evil.

It is also important to note that Paul did not call Eve, “Eve.” He purposefully called her “the woman.” This is not a disrespect or a degrading attempt to belittle women, but rather it brings the reader back to the notion that there is a difference in the sexes and thus, the reason for the difference in ordained roles.

God’s reasoning is not dependent on cultural and historical changes in societies. The justification comes from the beginning of humanity. So even if culture changes and women were to completely rule the world, this God ordained order still remains. It would just mean there would be a lot more disobedient churches.

1 Timothy 3:1-7 (NASB)

“It is a trustworthy statement: if any man aspires to the office of overseer, it is a fine work he desires to do. ²An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, prudent, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, ³not addicted to wine or pugnacious, but gentle, peaceable, free from the love of money. ⁴He must be one who manages his own household well, keeping his children under control with all dignity ⁵(but if a man does not know how to manage his own household, how will he take care of the church of God?), ⁶and not a new convert, so that he will not become conceited and fall into the condemnation incurred by the devil. ⁷And he must have a good reputation with those outside the church, so that he will not fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.”

ἐπίσκοπος, translated “episkopos” to “overseer“, masculine noun, means: “(a) a man charged with the duty of seeing that things to be done by others are done rightly, any curator, guardian or superintendent (b) the superintendent, elder, or overseer of a Christian church“

τις, Strongs Number G5100 translated “tis” to “any man“, pronoun, means: “a certain one, a male“

VERSE 1:

3:1 πιστὸς ὁ λόγος Εἴ τις ἐπισκοπῆς ὀρέγεται καλοῦ ἔργου ἐπιθυμεῖ

We see right off the bat that Paul is talking specifically about men. That if “any man” wants this job in the church, it is a good thing. This is a formal official role within the church as an “overseer” of the spiritual well being of that church. Paul purposefully chose a pronoun that only applies to a certain sex.

VERSE 2:

3:2 δεῖ οὖν τὸν ἐπίσκοπον ἀνεπίληπτον εἶναι μιᾶς γυναικὸς ἄνδρα νηφάλεον σώφρονα κόσμιον φιλόξενον διδακτικόν

ἀνήρ, Strongs Number G435 translated “anēr” to “the husband“, masculine noun, means: “of a male, a husband, of a betrothed or future husband”

γυνή, Strongs Number G1135 translated “gynē” to “wife“, feminine noun, means: “a wife, or a betrothed woman“

This qualification is as explicit as they come. Not only does this single out polygamist but that who wants to be an overseer, must be the husband, if married. And that married husband must be married to a women. In the historical context of when this was written, transgender and gender fluidity was not a thing. That would not have been on the mind of Paul when he wrote this; nor would it needed to be. According to Paul, a male, is a born male and a female is a born female. So this is an actually extremely basic requirement spoken by The Holy Spirit, through Paul.

This also then logically singles out is women. Women can not meet this requirement. “An overseer then must be… the wife of one husband …” was not stated here. Nor were gender neutral pronouns used, and the sentence structure wouldn’t allow for it. It would read “the spouse of one spouse.” To remove the masculine noun “husband” and feminine noun “wife” would be dishonest, and not true to the actual text.

VERSE 4-5:

3:4-5 τοῦ ἰδίου οἴκου καλῶς προϊστάμενον τέκνα ἔχοντα ἐν ὑποταγῇ μετὰ πάσης σεμνότητος
εἰ δέ τις τοῦ ἰδίου οἴκου προστῆναι οὐκ οἶδεν πῶς ἐκκλησίας θεοῦ ἐπιμελήσεται

Here we see the theme all throughout scripture of how the men are ultimately responsible for his family. Which, again, a requirement that women can’t meet, logically, because she is not the one held accountable before God to manage the family and discipline the children. Again, a role ordained by God in the family and a theme here as a requirement for “overseer” of that church.

ALL VERSES:

If we take a step back, you will notice the masculine pronoun used throughout all the requirements of this spiritual authoritative role. Just as God The Father is the ultimate authority over all reality, the earthly fathers (males) are ordained to the earthly authority in the church. Again, this follows the order of creation and how the world worked before sin entered it. God gave commands to Adam, then Adam taught Eve those commands.

Titus 1:5-9

“For this reason I left you in Crete, that you would set in order what remains and appoint elders in every city as I directed you, ⁶namely, if any man is above reproach, the husband of one wife, having children who believe, not accused of dissipation or rebellion. ⁷For the overseer must be above reproach as God’s steward, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not addicted to wine, not pugnacious, not fond of sordid gain, ⁸but hospitable, loving what is good, sensible, just, devout, self-controlled, ⁹holding fast the faithful word which is in accordance with the teaching, so that he will be able both to exhort in sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict.”

Here we see the use of “elders” and “overseer” interchangeably. Thus, an Overseer is a church Elder. Same office, different name.

VERSE 6

There is Paul using that “any man” (1 Tim 3:1, see above) and “the husband of one wife” (1 Tim 3:2, see above) again.

So, again, this reinforces the office requirements. To be a true, legitimate, and obedient Elder and Overseer, you must be male; if married, to one female. It is that simple. There is no getting around these verses due to how explicit the language is.

VERSE 9

This verse is actually scary for the men of a church lead by a woman who is the Elder and Overseer. As to “exhort in sound doctrine and refute those who contradict it” is a command given to those men. When they are subordinate to a woman Elder, they are, in fact, failing to be obedient to God and refute those who contradict the verses studied above.

ARGUMENTS FOR WOMEN PASTORS/ELDERS

Before we go through each of the common arguments for female overseers and elders, there are some elements that needs to be addressed.

1. First, the Church is not the same as The Nation of Israel or any other Old Testament entity. So to apply OT religious structures on the NT Church is not very accurate; eating pork, getting circumcised, and worshiping on Saturday, for example. This is the error for a lot of the arguments for female church authority that use OT justifications.

2. Second, just because God uses someone to do something, doesn’t mean that is how it should have been in the first place. God used Egypt and Babylon to enslave Israel, are we then to assume that because God used Egypt and Babylon that in some way they are a good and an example for us to follow? No. There are hundreds of actual and real prophets in the OT that were evil. Yes, God uses women, he is the creator of them and the universe. But “use” doesn’t mean anything more than that, used. To say “Because God used women, women should be leaders” now apply that logic to all the evil people used by God. It doesn’t work.

So keep those two in mind as we analyze each common argument.

Debroah, The Judge

Refer back to statements 1 and 2 above. Yes, God raised up a Judge over Israel that was female. But that was actually a judgement on the men of Israel. It was their duty to lead and they failed. In that culture this would have been extremely insulting and humiliating; and that was God’s point. This is an extremely poor justification for any sort of female leadership in The Church today. Again, this was over The Nation of Israel, a completely different entity than the church.

Old Testament Prophetess

Were there female prophetess in the Old Testament? Yes. But, that still doesn’t prove, support, or justify anything related to the Church office of Elder or Overseer. Being any sort of Prophet or Prophetess does not, by default, justify anyone to be a Elder or Overseer in the Church automatically. In fact, there were even real prophetesses that were evil and wicked (1 Kings 18:1-19; Revelation 2:18-23; Ezra 8:33; Nehemiah 6:5-14). These two things are unrelated and thus, don’t support this issue.

New Testament Prophetess

Now this is a better argument. We see in the New Testament Anna, the prophetess (Luke 2:36-38), and the four daughters of Phillip (Acts 21:1-9) were prophetess. But, you still run into the same problem. Being a prophetess does not automatically quality anyone for the Office of Elder or Overseer. It is nothing more than a spiritual gift and anyone can be given that gift, the gift of prophecy. When we look at Anna and the daughters of Phillip, in no where does the Bible state that they held any kind of Elder, or Overseer role. They were just using their gifts to benefit the church, as they should, as everyone should.

The Prophecy of Future Prophetess

Joel 2:28-32 prophecy of the Spirit is used a lot in argument for female authority in the church. Joel states that sons and daughters will prophesy and male and female servants too. As mentioned above, he was right, Phillips daughters were prophesying and The Holy Spirit now will give that gift to whom ever He so chooses, regardless of sex. But all these statements pointing out that there are and will be female prophets, prophetess, is unrelated to the Office of Overseer and Elder. One does not have anything to do with the other. They are separate. One is a gift of the Spirit, now, the other is an actual position and office within the authority of the Church.

Priscilla, the wife of Aquila

In Acts 18:2,18 we read about a female named Priscilla. Here we notice that she was mentioned before her husband in v.18. What does that mean? It could mean all kinds of stuff but what is NOT said is that she was in any way an Elder or Deacon; that would be a false assumption not supported by anything in scripture. But also, let us not forget that in v.2 her husband was also named first. Regardless, they were trusted friends of Paul who travels with him from Corinth to Ephesus (Romans 16:3-4). Does traveling and serving with a Elder or Deacon make you an Elder or Deacon? No. Again, nothing showing that they held any office.

Then we see in Acts 18:26, they talk with Apollos. This dude was on fire for God but he didn’t know how to explain things about God. So, they pulled him aside and helped him understand things of God better. Now, here, some would say, well that is a responsibility of Church leadership. But, that is actually the duty of every single Christian. This act was nothing more than helping another brother in Christ better evangelize. They are specifically called “brethren”, “ἀδελφός” which means: “a fellow believer, united to another by the bond of affection, Christians, as those who are exalted to the same heavenly place” They were extremely effective believers, but, again, no were are they called Elders, Deacon, Bishop, Overseer, or any of the official titles Paul uses.

Paul notes that Priscilla and Aquila were his “helpers” in Christ in Romans 16:3-4. Does that mean they held the offices of Elder? The greek word “helper”,”συνεργός” means: “a companion in work, fellow worker.” That is far from an endorsement of any sort of official authority or leadership role in the Church.

We must conclude that Priscilla as a very bold, smart, and fearless woman for Christ, but was not a
Elder, Deacon, Bishop, or Overseer; a title, office, or adjective Paul never gave her.

Phoebe

Paul gives a shout out to a female named Phoebe in Romans 16:1-2. He calls her “our sister” which he means a sister in Christ. Now, this is where things get interesting. He gives her a title of “servant of the church.” The greek word used is “διάκονος” translated is “diakonos” which means: “one who executes the commands of another, esp. of a master, a servant, attendant, minister” and in the Church context means: “a deacon, one who, by virtue of the office assigned to him by the church, cares for the poor and has charge of and distributes the money collected for their us.” He goes on to say this: “that you receive her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the saints, and that you help her in whatever matter she may have need of you; for she herself has also been a helper of many, and of myself as well.” (Romans 16:2). Which describes the duties of a Deacon of the Church. That is an official endorsement.

In 1 Timothy 3:8-13 Paul lays out the qualifications for a Deacon. Notice, Paul includes women in verse 11. Therefore, we can conclude that women CAN hold the office of Deacon in The Church.

When considering what Paul states in both Romans 16 and 1 Timothy 3, we CAN conclude that Phoebe was, in fact, a official Deacon. But, given the description of the duties of THAT specific office, the Office of Deacon, we see that they DO NOT authoritatively teach doctrine or interpret scripture like an Overseer or Elder. Therefore, Phoebe is not a good argument for a woman’s role as Elder or Overseer, in that she was not one.

The Pagan Customs of Ephesus

Some people have argued that Paul was only applying those qualifications to that certain Church in that area because of the pagan female-led customs of Ephesus. And to protect the church from bringing in those worldly cultural customs, he limited the female role in that region. Ephesus was known for its temple to Artemis where women were authorities in that branch of paganism. But, this is an assumption not supported by scripture. Paul could have very well mentioned this as to his justification, but he didn’t. Paul wasn’t talking about any sort of paganism. This theory to discredit the broad application of Overseer qualifications is unbiblical.

Education of Women

Another theory as to why Paul limited the role of women in Church is the argument that women were typically less educated. But, much like the Pagan Customs argument, Paul never mentions anything about education as any kind of requirement. Though men had a better opportunity to be more educated than women in that culture, he still never required any sort of educational level for any men, even uneducated men. This theory is not supported by scripture either.

Ambiguities

Some people get confused when comparing 1 Cor. 14:33-38 and 1 Cor. 11:3-16. Implying, as if Paul is contradicting himself (which is actually doubting God’s Word without understanding how those two can be reconciled). Or some even argue that this command was limited in its time and historical context and now is simply outdated. Think about the implications of both theories; God’s Word is false and or God’s Word is outdated. But there is a way to harmonize them. There is a time for singing, there is a time for prayer, and there is a time for teaching and instruction on God’s Word. Women who were prophesying, were doing so in its proper time. And when it came time for teaching holy doctrine and scriptural interpretation, only the teacher should speak. Boom. After all, the underlying two element in both those verses are church order and respect of the office of Overseer.

Times Change

This is by far the worst argument that can be made with regard to applying (or not) God’s Word. Yes, cultures and societies continually evolve and change in their social norms and social constructs but, God doesn’t. What was once a sin, will always be a sin. What God once called good, will always be good. God’s truths are completely independent from the continually evolving and changing social norms and social constructs. God is not surprised by the future. He already knows how things will change and how many times every culture in all history will change until the end of the world. God’s truth revealed in scripture is not subjective or relative; or He can not truly be God. And, as studied above, God’s truths are revealed. But do we obey them and remain faithful to God’s revealed word or construct complicated arguments to justify our sinful hearts to do what we think is right in our eyes, in our time of age? “Paul didn’t know that women would be hired by Christian Universities to teach doctrinal classes” Think about that statement for a second. This assumes God is ignorant, after all, the Holy Spirit spoke through Paul. All that statement really does in condemn those Christian Universities for being disobedient to God. Paul isn’t in the wrong, ever.

CONCLUSION:

After in-depth word studies we can determine that God has commanded that men are responsible for the Office of Elder and Overseer. And that a self proclaimed female Elder and Overseer is actually either a judgement on that church and its men, and or disobedience to God. This ordained restriction does not mean less value or inferiority of women; it does mean an ordained order of how God’s creation and Church ought to function in obedience to him. But this holy limitation is only over the Office of Elder and Overseer or that who teaches and interprets doctrine. Woman can and should, in fact, be Deacons as so long as they meet the qualifications specified by The Holy Spirit, through Paul. There is no scriptural support, precedent, or authority for female Elders or Overseers. At the end of it all, it basically reveals the sort of obedience and respect Christians have for what God has ordained and ordered.

Women Pastors And God’s Design

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When Christians Support Abortion

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Christians can support abortion in different ways. They may support it indirectly but knowingly through an organization, politician, or political party who advocate for abortion. Or they may outright support it directly. Either way, a Christian is supporting something that contradicts their faith, offends God, oppresses life, perpetuates dehumanization, inequality, and hinders the gospel. This article exposes the Christian hypocrisy and false worship of supporting abortion.

As we have already see, a fetus is a person and equally valuable to God. We have also seen, in God’s Word, the very nature of God is LIFE and that our bodies are not our own. All of this is revealed by God in scripture.

Christian Duty

Jesus commands ALL Christians to “go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:19-20). We have already established that Jesus is LIFE and the life giver. Baptism symbolizes new life. The gospel message leads to life! Jesus commands ALL Christians to proclaim life, through teaching and baptism.

Proclaiming The Gospel

“the gospel I proclaimed to you; you received it and have taken your stand on it. You are also saved by it, if you hold to the message I proclaimed to you—unless you believed for no purpose. For I passed on to you as most important” (1 Cor. 15:1-3)

Proclaiming the Gospel is “most important” because people are “saved by it”. So having the opportunity to preach it and teach it is critical. How many aborted children will grow up and have the opportunity to hear the gospel you preach? None. How many future pastors and fellow laborers in Christ will come out of all those who were aborted? None.

“But how can they call on Him they have not believed in? And how can they believe without hearing about Him? And how can they hear without a preacher^? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: How beautiful are the feet of those who announce the gospel of good things!” (Romans 10:14-16).

And how can they hear if they were prevented from being born? How will other people come to faith through them if they were never allowed to come to faith themselves? How many of their silenced voices will proclaim the gospel? None. They were stopped from coming to Christ before they even had a chance to hear about God’s amazing grace!

“Jesus said, “Leave the children alone, and don’t try to keep them from coming to Me, because the kingdom of heaven is made up of people like this.” (Matthew 19:14).

Abortion does just that; keeps children from coming to Christ. Abortion flies in the face of what Jesus stands for. He, The Lord God commands “don’t try to keep them from coming to Me” and yet, supporters of Abortion do exactly that. Abortion prevents the gospel message from spreading. It takes away a person’s opportunity. It successfully keeps them from coming to Christ in this world.

“instead we endure everything so that we will not hinder the gospel of Christ.” (1 Cor. 9:12)

Paul endures public humiliation, jail, beatings, financial hardships, all so that the opportunity to proclaim the gospel can be made. Abortion hinders the gospel because it forever takes away the ears of the pre-born person from ever experiencing it. It literally “hinders the gospel” because people encourage mothers not to “endure everything”.

It is also important to consider that the one right we have, is to hear the gospel, the most important human right of all eternity; and the act of abortion takes away the absolute most important right of all; the opportunity to know Christ.

Carnal Christian Excuses

Some Christians may make themselves feel better and say ignorant things like “oh well, all babies go to heaven anyway“. But they don’t even know if that is true. In fact, Paul would argue the opposite.

“There is no one who understands; there is no one who seeks God. All have turned away; all alike have become useless. There is no one who does what is good, not even one” (Romans 3:11-13).

“Indeed, I was guilty when I was born; I was sinful when my mother conceived me.” (Ps. 51:5).

Children need to be protected, raised, and brought up to hear and understand the gospel so that they can repent and come to faith through it. Abortion takes that away. Emotional and illogical people will then say “well that isn’t fair of God” but they fail to then understand that God is the Potter and we are just his clay. They question God Almighty as if they know better. Like God suddenly isn’t justified to rightly punish sin because they refuse to accept what he reveals in his word about our condition before birth. They fail to understand that God sees and knows all things, all realities, all possibilities, beginning to end, eternally. Even the things that pre-born person WOULD have done if they were to have been born. All the sin they WOULD have committed. All the sin that is in them already as a growing person in the womb. Pro-abort Christians don’t seem to defend the deformed fetuses and protect them from abortion, now all of a sudden it is not fair that a pre-born person is sinful?

The same is then true, God sees and knows what that pre-born person WOULD have said and done if they were given the ultimate opportunities to hear the gospel. Maybe he will judge them by that, who knows, God does not reveal that in scripture. But those who assisted, helped, and encouraged the abortion, they too, will stand before God for that life they kept the little child from coming to Jesus and hindered them from hearing the gospel.

Do aborted persons go straight to heaven? That is a whole other topic that does not seem to be answered in scripture that would favor a “free pass to heaven”. But one thing we can all agree on, is clearly, aborted pre-born persons are critically important and equally valuable.

Warning About Carnal Christians

God does warn the church about such Christians.

“because they did not think it worthwhile to acknowledge God, God delivered them over to a worthless mind to do what is morally wrong. They are filled with all unrighteousness, evil, greed, and wickedness. They are full of envy, murder, quarrels, deceit, and malice. They are gossips, slanderers, God-haters, arrogant, proud, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving,and unmerciful. Although they know full well God’s just sentence—that those who practice such things deserve to die—they not only do them, but even applaud others who practice them.” (Romans 1:28-32)

“If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own;” (John 15:19)

“But know this: Difficult times will come in the last days. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, unloving, irreconcilable, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, without love for what is good, traitors, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, holding to the form of godliness but denying its power. Avoid these people!” (2 Timothy 3:1-7)

“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord!’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of My Father in heaven. On that day many will say to Me, ‘Lord, Lord, didn’t we prophesy in Your name, drive out demons in Your name, and do many miracles in Your name?’ Then I will announce to them, ‘I never knew you! Depart from Me, you lawbreakers!’” (Matthew 7:21-23)

Abortion is selfish and unloving (hateful toward the pre-born person). It is proudly done for selfish wealth and status. They are ungrateful for the fruit of the womb and are brutal toward the goodness growing in them. They love the pressure that leads to pregnancy but are too conceited to be selfless for the pre-born person. These people can claim to be Christian, holding to the form of godliness; but Jesus doesn’t know them.

When we study God’s Word we can clearly see that abortion is absolutely explicitly contrary to God. But, if you are pro-abortion, it is no coincidence that the world applauds your support and accept you as its own.

Hypocrite Christians

The hypocritical nature of supporting Abortion is astounding. Claiming to fight for rights of the oppressed but supporting and taking away the absolute greatest most import right of all, hearing the gospel and coming to Christ.

Some people claim to support women while at the same time aborting female pre-born persons; oppressing their rights and keeping them from hearing the gospel and coming to Christ.

Some people fighting against racism and oppression, while supporting the abortion of the race you claim is oppressed; you are then the oppressor and are part of the systemic oppression, even perpetuating it, not fighting it.

Some people claim to be Christian and desiring to lead people to The Life and eternal life, speaking about all kinds of goodness, positive things about God… all the while preventing life of pre-born persons and causing the absolute evil upon the most helpless children.

Some people claim to talk about God’s grace, mercy, forgiveness, and love… yet, are ungracious, unmerciful, unforgiving, and unloving to the absolute most in need of their protection and defense.

It is interesting to point out, that abortion is so aggressive and destructive, that even those who fall into the sin of racism, hate, sexism, and bigotry; they still get an opportunity to hear the gospel, repent, and be saved. Abortion doesn’t even afford that. Thus, abortion is worse than racism. It is everything racism is, plus more. It not only oppresses races and targets certain races more than others, but it kills at a more effective rate. Hitler couldn’t even kill all the Jews despite all his hate and efforts. Abortion, kills 99.9% of all of their victims. The KKK didn’t even go that far to try and kill all of those who they hate. Abortion is worse than Hiter and the KKK! It is legal governmental and culturally supported mass genocide. Again, oppressors and racists still can come to Christ and repent, aborted babies can not. Let me say that again; racists and the most evil vile people on earth, are given more opportunities to hear the gospel and repent, than aborted babies are…

The world may support hypocritical carnal Christians and cheer them on with their acceptance, tolerance, and even willing blind eye to the mass killing of the greatest in need; but they will answer before God Almighty why they didn’t fight for them, defend them, or care enough about them. We can even ask, why is their heart not effected? That, in and of itself can expose some hidden idols.

Disobedience to Christ

As established in A Fetus A Person? We see that it is actually being disobedient to God by not defending them and acting in contrary to God’s will by allowing them to perish.

Christians are commanded to seek justice, defend the needy, and not to stop children from coming to Christ; yet, abortion is directly disobedient to God.

“If you love Me, you will keep My commands.” (John 14:15)

And that is a big “IF” because, given what ALL God has revealed, it is IMPOSSIBLE to support abortion and keep his commands. It is impossible to turn a willing blind eye to abortion and keep his commands. Do you love Jesus? Really? Then FIGHT for the unborn person, DEFEND the pre-born person, SEEK JUSTICE for them and for all those who want to kill, take away their rights, oppress, and hinder the gospel.

When “Social Justice” advocacy is more important that speaking out against abortion.

This is shamefully hypocritically embarrassing. Abortion IS a social justice issue IF you are actually fighting for social justice and not just following suit of a political party or non-christian ideology. Voting or supporting a “better of the two evil” politicians because they more closely align to what you feel is important is shameful willful ignorance. First of all, supporting a lesser evil is still supporting evil. Secondly, if the politician, party, or ideology resists racism but supports abortion; ABORTION IS WORSE! It is everything racism is, plus more! Your support or willful silence about abortion makes YOU an oppressor!

The question you must ask your self is are you more fearful of the opinions of man if you go against the social trend? Are you willing to take a stand for the injustice of pre-born persons as commanded by God and break from worldly ideologies? Is your political preference and political loyalty more important than LIFE and The Gospel? Can you represent Christ in the same breath you support a candidate that supports killing pre-born persons? Can you preach about the gospel while you support candidates that prevent you from preaching to pre-born persons? Can you truly advocate for Social Justice while supporting the oppression, inequality, and no rights for pre-born person? The answers to these questions help you gauge where your heart is from God’s and how indoctrinated by the world you really are. Do you really seek justice and equality for all, including pre-born persons? Or do you pick and choose who gets justice and who gets equality fearful of breaking away from the social norm? In the end, that is on you.

“I Support A Politician, Just Not Their Pro-Abortion Stance”

Deep down inside of this sort of justification is a deep seeded idol of self. Babies are being killed by the millions but you can some how look the other way and feel something else is more important, more valuable? You can prioritize “financial free healthcare” but not the life of an average 125,000 babies daily? You can prioritize more social welfare for minorities over the lives of minority babies? Name one topic, the highest priority topic as to why you support a politician or loyal to a political party; then ask yourself; is that more important than LIFE, The Gospel, and Obedience to Christ? Think about all the years you were a supporter of a pro-abortion politician. Now, times that number by 45,000,000. That is the amount of babies, mostly minority, that have been killed by abortion since you started supporting the pro-abortion politician or party. Is growing the Kingdom of God really the top priority to you?

Abortion Is:

Abortion stops people from hearing the gospel- It hinders the gospel
Abortion destroys life.
Abortion perpetuates self-idolatry.
Abortion perpetuates oppression of the unborn- is oppressive, and empowers people to be an oppressor.
Abortion perpetuates hate against a class that needs protection- it is hate.
Abortion perpetuates inequality of races as it targets some races more than others.
Abortion is hypocrisy.

If YOU claim to be Christian, yet, support organizations, politicians, or political parties who advocate and empower abortion; know that YOU hinder the gospel, contradict the very nature of God which is life, encourage self-idolatry, ARE an oppressor of the greatest in need supporting the most hateful thing which is absolute silence and not rights not even to live. You, are a carnal hypocrite before God with a heart blinded by your own ideological idolatry.

Gospel Loving Christians

Christians who strive to remain obedient to Christ can support and advocate for any politician of any political party of any political ideology as so long as they can glorify God and proclaim The Gospel of Jesus Christ in it and through it. God’s Glory and The Gospel are greater than any politician of any political party of any political ideology. They support LIFE in this life and in the next for all people! They fight for the RIGHT for all people to be free to worship The Triune God. They desire to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ and magnify the glory of God to all people.

Susan B. Anthony List is a non partisan organization that ranks politicians solely based on their views of abortion. It is a good resource to turn to in helping you find a politician that supports LIFE. If we can fight to protect life, that brings another life into this world that can hear the gospel of Jesus Christ and can come to Christ in faith! (https://www.sba-list.org/)

Organizations for Life

Susan B. Anthony List is a organization that helps votes determine which candidates, regardless of party affiliation, would support life or not. When LIFE is the most important issue, it is important to know who you are supporting. Are you willing to put LIFE above party loyalty? Check out their list at sba-list.org

The National Right to Life is the oldest pro-life organization that is completely focused on fighting for the life of pre-born persons. Check them out at https://www.nrlc.org/site/

Heartbeat International is a organization that lists millions of Pregnancy help and care facilities around the world that offer true healing and assistance for woman who struggle with unwanted pregnancies. Their exhaustive list shows that Planned Parenthood facilities are not even needed. Check them out at https://www.heartbeatinternational.org/worldwide-directory

The Personhood Initiative is an organization the directly believes what scripture makes known about pre-born persons; that they are a person, known by God, even before conception. They fight for the rights that all persons should have, life. Check them out at http://www.personhoodinitiative.com/

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Is A Fetus, A Living Person?

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This is the absolute key issue that impacts all areas of the debate surrounding abortion. Knowing the answer to this makes addressing the issue clear as day. If a fetus is not a child or a living person, what’s the harm? It would not be much different than removing cancer or a parasitic growth. BUT If a fetus is a living, growing, person and a small defenseless child… that would be a moral, ethical, eternal, game changer. But how do we determine this? Do we use Human law? Scientific theories? Do we depend on subjective human definitions?

We cannot use human laws, human government actions, or humanistic definitions to determine if a fetus is a living person. The reason is, laws have and in some cases still do, dehumanized people; African Americans and Jews for example. And just because human action neglects something, does not mean it was worth neglecting; Jews and Slaves are the example. We can not rely on humanistic scientific theories because, they too, have been used to dehumanize entire people groups; African Americans and Jews for example. We must go to what transcends humanity, humanistic thought, and human subjectivity; something outside of humanity, not bound by humanity, something objective, universal, and divine. We must turn to Holy Scripture; which gives the value to life and defines life- because it came from the creator and giver of Life.

“For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are Your works and that my soul knows well. My frame was not hidden from You, when I was made in secret, and skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed, and in Your book they all were written, the days fashioned for me, when as yet there were none of them” (Psalm 139:13-16)

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations” (Jeremiah 1:5)

But when He who had set me apart before I was born, and had called me through His grace” (Galatians 1:15)

“While they were there, the time came for the baby to born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son” (Luke 2:6-7)

Was Jesus not Jesus while he was growing in Mary’s womb? The Son of God was just a blob of tissue until he was born and suddenly became The Son of God? Was The Christ just an parasitic cancerous invader allowed to develop and grow in Mary’s womb? Or was HE already known by God, was He a person?

God acknowledged us before we were formed. God knew us before birth. We are loved, as a fetus just as a small person. We are given a purpose even before birth. God sees US before we are even formed! God takes ownership of us as we are growing in the womb. He knew us personally, even as an embryo, as a fetus or whatever other modern medical term you want to call your pre-born self. You were you, known by God, given a purpose, all before you were conceived. Thus, given what God himself reveals in scripture, an embryo, fetus, human zygote, blastocyst, whatever, you are, they ARE a living, growing person, loved by God.

Injustice and Oppression is unwillingly forced on the less fortunate and those who do not have the ability to defend themselves.

“Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow’s cause” (Isaiah 1:17)

“Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all who are destitute. Open your mouth, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy.” (Proverbs 31:8-9)

Why is it we feel obligated to fight for the health and welfare of premature babies the very moment they exit the womb, and yet, could have aborted the same baby 30 minutes prior? What changed in that 30 minutes? Did they magically become a person? Even before the entire baby is birthed, are they still not a person, all the while their head can be seen preparing to exit the womb? Who decides at what moment do these babies suddenly transform into a person? Do law makers invent a law that decides that? Do courts decide that? Does swaying cultural opinion decide this? Are you defined as a person based on some other person’s view of you? As previously established, they are a person, a person at conception; a person declared by God himself. They are absolutely in need of our help. They are mute, they are destitute, they are poor, they are the exact person God is talking about in Prov 31:8-9.

“So it is not the will of my Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish.” (Matthew 18:14)

Abortion is not God’s will, as Jesus stated. Not only is it not in His will to let children perish, but it is a commanded duty of the church to defend them (Isaiah 1:17; Prov. 31:8-9). They are the most in need. Through this we begin to see how valuable they are; how valuable YOU were at that age. Not just their own inherent value but their equal value as a person.

It is interesting that a lot of the LGBTQ community claim to have been born with their sexual “identity” yet, have no problem aborting babies that may be LGBTQ. As a whole, they do not fight for the rights of the unborn LGBTQ persons; yet, claim to have rights because were born with that identity.

We, with our limited, frail, human understanding of biology, debate back and forth about when a fetus becomes a living person; the moment of conception, the moment the heart starts beating, the moment the nervous system is developed and the fetus can feel pain, and on and on the debate goes. We fail to see that we do not define life and that the creator of heaven and earth, creator of all things, the creator of LIFE itself, already has. And THAT is the standard, his own, by which he will judge the world; not by our legal or scientific definitions but by what He has made known in his word.

Obviously, those who do not know God will not see the Bible as supernaturally eternally authoritative word of The Almighty Trune God. And using Holy Scripture as the reasoning for why A Fetus is A Living Person seems vain. But its not. Because now, all those who do not know God, who see this article and hear its reasoning, are exposed to his divine word, rendering his divine judgement perfectly just. Hearts were revealed and either they love the darkness more than the light or the Holy Spirit convicts and transforms them down the road. Presenting and proclaiming scripture is never in vain, God’s own words, are never spoken in vain. God’s words bring life out of nothing! God speaks, and a person is declared.

This leads us to the next issue: How Valuable is a Fetus?

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Can We Rightly Judge with Statistics?

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The first important question is SHOULD we, as Christians, make judgements on a person, or groups of people, based on Statistics? Can we rightly judge solely based on statistical analysis? Why is this even an issue? It goes to the heart of using statistics to see a need for the gospel. Of course, everyone, at all times everywhere, need the gospel, even we need the gospel. But Jesus strategically went to specific areas and the Apostles went to specific areas, whether it was locations or people groups. But how did they rightly judge where to go and who needed what message first. What does this have to do with racial profiling, prejudice, and rightful judgements?

If there was a community where 98% of the community participated in a survey stating that they are atheists and there was another community where they were all surveyed and was found that 98% were repentant Gospel focused people… it seems that we see a ‘greater’ situational need for one community over another. Jesus reveals the distinction in need in Luke 5:31. Paul makes the same point in Romans 10:14-15. This seems to justify the application of statistics to recognize a greater need. But is the judgement discerning more important situational need or a judgement of the people?

What happens when the statistics do not survey the entire community or entire people or nation but only a small portion. If a people group, we will use Smurfs for our example, has a survey where only 15% of the entire people group is surveyed and the results claim that 98% of Smurfs are atheists; are we right to assume that the rest of the 85% are more than likely atheists too? So when we hear about the Smurfs, are we right to assume every individual Smurf is an atheist? Lets say it another way. If there are 100 Smurfs, and 15 of them are surveyed, and 14 of them claim to be atheists, can we rightly judge the 85 other non surveyed Smurfs as atheists? Keep in mind, we have never met these 85 unsurveyed Smurfs. So, before we meet them, can we assume they don’t believe in God? OR do we see a situational need? Is there a difference? Lets magnify those numbers. What if there are 10,000,000 Smurf people and 1,500,000 were surveyed, and 1,400,000 claim to be atheists. Can we rightly assume the rest of the unsurveyed 8,500,000 other Smurfs are atheists too? This still leads to the same question.

Lets change the survey focus from “atheism” to “below X house hold income level“. And “X” is determined by an overall societal income average. If there are 10,000,000 Smurfs and 1,500,000 were surveyed, and 1,400,000 were below X house hold income level. Can we rightly assume the rest of the unsurveyed 8,500,000 other Smurfs are below X house hold income level too? No matter the statistical focus, the issue is still the same: Can we rightly judge all those who were not surveyed based on those who were? Would it be prejudicial (“a preconceived opinion not based on actual experience“) to view the all the other unsurveyed 8,500,000 as impoverished too?

Would it be wrong to assume they are all impoverished, based on their ethnic group and the statistics? That every time we hear about a person of that people group, can we assume they are more than likely poor?

What if a survey was conducted that showed Smurfs are responsible for more than half of all violent crime. If you were in a room of Smurfs, would you be justified to feel scared? For no other reason than them being Smurfs and that stat? If poverty directly influences crime rates, and Smurfs were surveyed showing they mostly live below the poverty level, would you then also be justified to be scared around Smurfs? Are these judgements based on their ethnicity and statistics justified?

The premise of the judgement is WHAT justifies us to judge those who we don’t personally know. OR do these kinds of stats lead us to prejudice and profiling? And is prejudice and profiling wrong?

The Don’t Judge Me Crowd

Clearly anyone who feels it is wrong to “judge” anyone are hypocritical when making assumptions about ace based stats. They are still making a judgement on someone they don’t know directly. Even if they do know the person, and tell the person not to judge them, they have still actually judged that person. They tell people not to judge them unless they have walked in their shoes but then judge other races based on stats… THAT is telling someone to take the speck out of their eye while you have a log in yours. The very same hypocritical judgement Jesus is talking about. If you go around and tell people not to judge you and you actively avoid ANY kind of judgement, you have already failed logically, rationally and, even, become disobedient to Christ (Lev. 19:15; Zech 8:16; John 7:24, 51; Luke 12:57). We CAN rightly judge and are called to. BUT, is judging a person based on statistics “rightly judging” or is in sin?

He Said, She Said, so You Must Be.

Would it then still be wrongful to make a judgement (assumption) about someone you have never met even when it is based on stats? How do you know those stats directly represent that person? You don’t. You have to apply an ignorant assumption and essentially hope (even have faith in your own judgement) that the stat does represent that person directly. According to Scripture, an ignorant assumption/ judgement about someone is unjust and not a rightful judgement because it is not based on the truth about that person… but is actually and truly based on a possible truth about someone else (the person(s) surveyed). It would be no different than believing gossip or second or third hand-talk about someone else. Someone spoke to some people, compiled the numbers, published a study, and then apply that ignorantly to someone else you don’t even know, with no knowledge if it directly applies to them, simply because of their race. That is in no way a justified righteous judgement in light of scripture.

Rightful Judgements – John 7:24

God IS the standard of righteousness and he alone is the author of just judgements (Psalm 7:11, 9:8; Isaiah 33:22). They are based on KNOWN TRUTHS about THAT specific person. Jesus tells us absolutely we CAN SEE the fruit of someones heart and KNOW them (Matthew 7:15-20; Luke 6:43-45). We must first fix ourselves “then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye” (Matthew 17:5). God himself empowers us to be able to rightly judge (Judges 2:18). We ARE to judge those who profess to know Christ (1 Cor. 5:12), this is how we keep each other accountable to the Lord (2 Timothy 2:25, 3:16; Titus 2:1). We are called to correct and rebuke each other; which requires us to have the ability to rightly judge (2 Thessalonians 3:6; 1 Timothy 6:20). Discernment, rightly judging, and correction are to keep unity (Ephesians 4:13; Galatians 6:1), only the hard hearted, self-righteous, fall away. And all righteous and just judgements come from God, and God has given us his very word (Ephesians 2:20). John the Baptist corrected Herodias (Mark 6:18-19). Paul corrected Peter (Galatians 2:11). They were filled with truth and knowledge (Colossians 1:9) and they obediently reproved and rebuked (2 Timothy 4:2) just as Jesus himself required (Matthew 18:15-17). ALL of which requires us to have the ability to Judge in the first place.

Assuming the facts before knowing them is a wrongful judgement (Prov. 18:13). Assuming to know someone based on their looks or gossip is also a sinful humanistic mistake (Luke 7:36-50). Assuming to be righteous where others are unrighteous, yet, actually falling in the same sin is a hypocritical judgemental error (Romans 2:1; Matthew 7:3-5). If you hold people to a perfect standard, and judge them for not meeting your self-righteous standard, you are judged by that same standard (Matthew 7:2). Assuming you are more righteous in your ignorance is sinful humanistic error (James 4:6; Luke 18:9-14). Assuming you know someone, when in fact you don’t, and then judging them based on your false assumption is a sinful untrue judgement (Prov. 19:5).

Thus we can see the core elements that makes a Godly Righteous Judgement is first having TRUE ACTUAL KNOWLEDGE in direct regards and then discerning the rightfulness or wrongfulness with a clear mind and conscience, according to the whole council of God (Acts 20:27).

Seeing how Holy Scripture speaks about rightful and wrongful judgements, we already see a inconsistency with statistical judgements applied to individuals.

Racial Profiling and Prejudice

Having all these statistical studies can help see potential issues within a society and a situation BUT they are not the identities of the people they test. Even when it SEEMS harmless and “positive”, it is a contrary to Scripture and rightful judgements. Here’s an example: The NBA is 75% African American. The WMBA is 70% African American [2]. The biggest percentage of NCAA basketball athletes are African American [1]. Lastly, just about all the top high school basketball teams are majority African American [3]. From high school, to college, all the way to the pros. In every major organized basketball organization the majority of athletes are African American. Using the same reasoning to justify racial systemic inequality, can it be assumed that African Americans like basketball? That’s a harmless assumption right? Buying a basketball for an African American teen for his birth day isn’t racist right? Statistics would support the likelihood of him enjoying the gift. BUT why is there something inherently wrong with this kind of ‘harmless’ and ‘positive’ assumption?

The Moral Issue

We are applying what someone else says about another person, to them, and we don’t even know if it is true. We just assume it is. Its easier to assume something about someone and justify it with numbers from someone else. The Jews just assumed all Gentiles were hopeless and godless. They had stats to back up their assumptions about the gentiles. They did not have The Law of Moses. They did not have the Writings of The Prophets. They were not lead out of slavery from Egypt. They, at that time, and generations prior, were not declared as God’s Chosen people. BUT JESUS destroyed their statistical assumptions. Jesus GOES DEEPER than their statistically justified judgements. GOD shows that HIS WILL is more vast than statistical probabilities and averages. That HUMANS can not calculate and quantify God’s Will; and to assume so is our self-righteousness self-idolatry rearing its ugly head- even in the seemingly harmless positive assumptions/judgements.

THE ULTIMATE HYPOCRISY

It is wrong to assume all African Americans like basketball for the same reason it is wrong to assume all “white” people are privileged. Both are “positive” conclusions drawn from different areas of statistical data that seem to support and justify the conclusions. BUT, YOU CAN NOT KNOW if these assumptions are true about an individual UNLESS you KNOW THAT individual personally.

When you ASSUME YOU KNOW someone, that you actually don’t know, you feel RIGHT about your assumed knowledge of them, without really knowing if your are in fact right. Then, you justify this self-delusion of rightness with statistics that may not even directly relate to that person you don’t know. You are in essence, hypocritically judging them because you don’t even know them- and yet, you feel right about them in your true ignorance of them.

To arbitrarily say you CAN assume knowledge of an unknown person, with stats, regarding “positive” and “harmless” ideas; but you CANNOT assume, with stats, regarding “negative” and “offensive” ideas is HYPOCRITICAL. Logically, one can do both and remain rationally consistent (the moral issue aside). So lets look at “negative” and “offensive” assumptions that one can (but shouldn’t) make justified by statistics.

The Negative and Offensive Stats

According to Jones RK and Jerman J, Population Group Abortion Rates and Lifetime Incidence of Abortion: United States, 2008–2014, American Journal of Public Health, 2017. 27% of African Americans, aged 15-44, have had an abortion. THEREFORE, If we were in a room with 4 African American females ages 15-44; I would then be justified to assume that at least one of them have had an Abortion, simply because of their race and the statistic. To have this idea, I have assumed I have knowledge of at least one of them, even though I really and truly have no idea about any.

According to the FBI’s expanded data chart of 2015 homicides [4]; African Americans kill other African Americans with a rate of 89%; while white on white homicides was at a rate of 81%. White Americans are killed by African Americans at a rate of 15.7%, but White Americans kill African Americans only at a rate of 5.8%. From this data we see that in 2015, not only did more same-race murders happen with African American, but African Americans murdered more White Americans than the other way around, and almost by triple the likelihood. Is a White American fear of African American violence justified? Is that kind of assumption/judgement right? Of course not!

There are all kinds of studies being conducted and all kinds of interpretations and assumptions people will make from all these studies BUT we will always come back to the paramount issue: SHOULD we use all these studies to justify judgements of people we have never met? and the same question can be asked again: Can we rightly judge all those who were not surveyed based on those who were?

SELF-RIGHTEOUSNESS

We ARE boasting in our self-righteousness when we believe we are justified in the rightness of our judgements when applying stats to people we have never met, and have no true knowledge of, then drawing a conclusion about that person in our self presumed rightness.

We THINK we can have the knowledge of God, knowing what we do not know. We THINK we can be RIGHT in our own knowledge about someone when we, in reality, have no knowledge about that person in direct relation to our assumption and the stat. We THINK we are JUST in our judgements solely based on what other “experts” tell us about unknown people- yet, we are hypocrites because the judgement is UNJUST because the person is actually unknown and we do not know the truth about that person.

CONCLUSION

Statistics can aid us in opening our eyes to injustice and spotting unjust SITUATIONS and societal trends BUT becomes SIN in our hearts and minds when we believe we can use it and apply it to PEOPLE and know people, we do not actually know. We then use statistics to self-righteously JUSTIFY racial profiling, where we convince ourselves that we CAN KNOW an unknown person, positive or negative, which feeds our natural inclination of prejudice and self-idolatry- which only leads to one primal thing- racism and hatred. And that racism and hatred is based all on the ignorant assumptions and judgements applied to people we don’t know, all justified initially by stats, then by our sinful hearts. Collectivism is contrary to God.

To be absolutely clear. Statistics and statistical studies CAN aid us in exposing injustice and oppression within a system and society. Is there currently, within America, systemic racism? We believe that the statistical data does point to this. Is there racism of other races in other countries, we think there is evidence to support this as well. The statistical data reveals the situational issue and points us to a spiritual just focus and a gospel need. BUT to then continue on and apply the broad statistics to unknown individuals collectively is simply wrong and immoral. We have NO true knowledge of an unknown person, and therefore, we can not, before God, be just and right in any sort of judgement about that person. We can not be right, and actually in sin, when we assume all African Americans like basketball, using the example previously discussed. We can not be right, and actual in sin, when we assume all white people are privileged. Again, that would require us to apply ignorant assumptions collectively to an unknown person to which we have NO true knowledge of.

The distinction between rightful judging with statistics and sinful judgementalism with statistics is to which the assumption/judgement is applied to. Situational and cultural awareness or judgement of an individual. To expose a broken society, or to judge an individual in the society. To reveal injustice, or to unjustly judge a person. To rightly see the systemic trends, or to claim to know the unknown individual. To rightly judge conditions justified by scripture, or to wrongfully judge a person justified by self-righteous ignorance.

This goes to the heart of Social Justice and Civil Rights. The church needs to SEE the statistical support for modern systemic racism, injustice, and oppression AND stand against the oppression, and injustice; BUT at the same time, be careful not to fall into disunity, dividing the Body of Christ through prejudice, racial profiling, and the untrue falsehoods of collectivism ignorantly justified with all sorts of statistical interpretations. Ignoring or discrediting systemic racism is dishonest but breaking fellowship and supporting disunity from “white evangelicalism” is equally unjust and unrighteous. The open willfulness to segregate yourself and your family from other races is sinful for all people. Peter was rightly and justly rebuked by Paul for this!

On Sunday, go to a less diverse church, and worship with other Brothers and Sisters in Christ of a different race. Participate in diversity ministries or less diverse ministries, and serve the Lord together. Break the sinful wall of prejudice, racial profiling, willful segregation, collectivism, all of are justified by statistics; be a light in the world for unity, grace, mercy, forgiveness, and love. Actually FOLLOW Christ without favoritism or partiality for one race or another.

1. 2016-2017 http://web1.ncaa.org/rgdSearch/exec/displayResultsPercents.
2. http://www.espn.com/wnba/story/_/id/17954156/wnba-scores-high-racial-gender-report-card
3. http://www.maxpreps.com/polls/basketball/xcellent25.htm
4. https://ucr.fbi.gov/crime-in-the-u.s/2015/crime-in-the-u.s.-2015/tables/expanded_homicide_data_table_6_murder_race_and_sex_of_vicitm_by_race_and_sex_of_offender_2015.xls

The Catholic Church and Sexual Abuse

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Pennsylvania, 2018, The Catholic Church is rocked, once again, by allegations sexual abuse. Except this time, it is a HUGE revealing that spanned over 70 YEARS! 1,000 plus victims! BY OVER 300 PRIESTS! Some of these Priests have been promoted AND their names even redacted (protected). The reason why we added “once again” in the first sentence is because, well, this is not the first time. And clearly, over the 70 years it was not.

Pope Francis accepted the resignation of retired Cardinal Theodore McCarrick, the former archbishop of Washington, D.C., who is alleged to have sexually abused a minor 47 years ago (and never openly repented of it). This man was a CARDINAL. Yet, all the while abusing little boys. An internal diocese memo from Erie in northwestern Pennsylvania, a priest admitted to being “aroused” while tutoring a boy, hugging him and sharing sexually suggestive text messages with multiple boys. The priest’s bishop admonished him to “cease and desist,” but Catholic Church leaders didn’t pass that information along to authorities until six years later – and only then in response to a grand jury subpoena. David Poulson resigned from the diocese this past February, three months before he was charged with sexually abusing two boys. In March, a Vatican tribunal found the archbishop of Guam, Anthony Apuron, guilty of “certain accusations” involving the sexual abuse of minors.

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops adopted the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People in 2002. The Boston Globe reported on this way back in 2002 (https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/specials/clergy). That was 16 years ago!

The best-known study on sex abuse by Catholic priests was published in the US, by the John Jay College of Criminal Justice. Commissioned by the US Conference of Catholic Bishops, its main findings were published in 2004. Some 4% of American priests and deacons in active ministry were accused of abusing children in cases dating to the years between 1950 and 2002, the study found, with 75% of the abuses alleged to have taken place from 1960-1984. (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/8654789.stm)

It has been a fairly common (inappropriate and offensive to victims) joke about Catholic Priests and alter boys. Have you even stopped to wonder WHY that became a “joke” or a “thing” in the first place? Because it is more common that people are willing to admit.

What does all those reveal about the Catholic Church?

The leadership as a whole is to blame for the raging sin continually sweeping through this religious institution. They do it, know about it, and or ignore it or hide it… The POPE himself spoke about climate change before speaking out against this… Days after knowing about how many lives were ruined by HIS Priests, he instead made sure he gave his all important climate change pep talk about the need to address climate issues. Someone else from the Vatican made a press release regarding the issue. The USCCB, stated they will make an investigation a top priority… Where were they over the past 70 years this was going on? Didn’t they say they would make changes to prevent this stuff back in 2002? 16 years ago? What happened? They may have even been part of promoting some of the Priest that got busted. That leads to the next problem. The Cardnial(s), Bishop(s), and Priests that have BEEN promoted… does the Catholic Church not know who they are promoting? They praised these sick men as men of God, do they not know what a Man of God looks like?

Its one thing to make a mistake. It happens. Pastors screw up, big time, some times, but the Holy Spirit convicts and changes the hearts and minds so that God is glorified. Is the Holy Spirit absent in the Catholic Church? Why do they have such a chronic sexual problem? Why are these chronic sexual problems constantly with leadership of the Catholic Church? Even if they are not the ones actually committing the sexual act, they sure are helping hide it and promoting those who do it.

What Does All This Mean?

The Pope is failing to oversea the Catholic Church
The Cardinals, archbishops, bishops and priests are failing to oversea their local communities and instead commit sin and protect sin.
The Catholic Church, institutionally, protects those who commit sexual sin.
2015 number of Priest was 37,192. Which is actually down 2,000 from 2010 and another 2,000 from 2005. That means we can estimate that in 2018, there are around 34,000 Catholic Priests. If you do the math, that makes almost 1% of all Catholic Priests in America, named in the Pennsylvania sexual abuse scandal (give and take those who have resigned and recently joined the team). THAT IS HUGE

Its bad either way: Either the Catholic Church knowingly promotes pedophiles to high positions or they don’t know who they are promoting to high positions.

Its bad either way: Either the Catholic Church admits they are infected with sexual sin and aren’t rebuking it or they are blind to the fact they are infected by sexual sin and aren’t rebuking it.

What Does All This REALLY MEAN?

Right now, in the Church and out of the Church, there are two kinds of people, Goats and Sheep. When Jesus returns he will separate them. Matthew 25:31-46 is speaking to them. The KING tells the sheep ““The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’”

But to the Goats he will say “‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. ⁴²For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, ⁴³I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’⁴⁴“They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’ ⁴⁵“He will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’

ALL THESE VICTIMS have been hungry for The Lord, eager to please God, and these disgusting Catholic Priests abused these people to satisfy their own selfish sexual desires. All the disgusting Catholic leadership failed these people and did not fight for them or stand up for them against the sexual sin they were experiencing. All these disgusting Catholic leadership now, staying quite, hiding, unwilling to speak against what is going on in the Catholic Church. These are the Goats.

How can I say this? Because God himself declares: 1 Cor 6:9-10 “do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men¹⁰nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.” Unless they repent and confess their sinful disgusting hearts and rebuke their sexual desires… they wont inherit the Kingdom of God.

THIS IS NOT A CATHOLIC PROBLEM ONLY

Now don’t think for a second that this is only a Catholic Church problem. This is a HUMAN HEART problem and the Church is made up of SINNERS. BUT, when sin rears its evil head, The Holy Spirit filled church CONVICTS the Sin, confronts the sin, rebukes the sin, and helps restore the person who seeks to turn away from the sin; or they cut fellowship with the person who would rather love their sin than the Lord.

The problem for the Catholic Church, however, is they are not openly willing to convict, confront, and rebuke sexual immorality. They, some times, try to do it quietly, behind the scenes and NOT how Jesus himself prescribed church discipline.

Matthew 18:15-17 “⁵“If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. ¹⁶But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. ¹⁷If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.”

Ephesians 5:11 “Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.“

1 Timothy 5:20 “As for those who persist in sin, rebuke them in the presence of all, so that the rest may stand in fear.“

TO CATHOLICS:

Call on your leadership to ACT! Hold leadership accountable for FAILING to protect children and all those who were sexually abused! Rebuke your Church and this Leadership and SEEK THEIR REPENTANCE! If they refuse to listen, than your church is nothing more than an unbelieving church and “a tax collector” (Matt 18:17). Without this, the sexual abuse will just continue and your Catholic Church will continue to live in sexual immorality and victimize more people. CONFRONT and EXPOSE Sin; or just worship with the goats.

Our Prayer

Pray for the victims who have keep this deep dark secret to themselves for all these years. May the Lord give them peace from any guilt. May the Lord shower them with GRACE so they can freely worship him. Pray that the Lord bring pure Justice and purges this disgusting sin from the Church and from the Catholic Church. Expose all those who think they are getting away with their sins and sharply rebuke all whose who claim to be a follower or Christ but are failing His flock. We pray that the Gospel shines brighter as our disguising sinful nature is made open for the world to see. May God be glorified and man be humbled; allow us to see the true Body of Christ from the goats.

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Church Shootings

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Church shootings are a tragedy just like any other shooting that causes the loss of life. Some however feel that they are worse in the sense they are done in a ‘house of God’. There have been 14 fatal shootings at a house of worship since 2012 with different motivating factors. Americans tend to be more shocked by these type of shootings verses all other types but is there really a difference? There are 3 major misconceptions in American society: (1) A Church building is the house of God, (3) Limiting Gun access will reduce murders, (3) Prayer is not enough.

The House of God

People have long thought of Church Buildings as a House of God and are sacred because some believe that the actual presence of God is contained in them. When people are asked what church they are a part of, they point to a building. This is partly a continuation of per-pentecost history. Though God’s presence and actions were all over the ancient world, in the Temple, in the Holy of Hollies chamber, the actual presence of God was manifest. Then, Jesus came, taught of the coming poring out of the Holy Spirit into all believers. When it happened, God’s temple was each believer. The word “church” comes from the Greek word ekklesia which is defined as “an assembly” or “called-out ones.” Paul states in Romans 16:5 “Greet also the church in their house. Greet my beloved Epaenetus, who was the first convert to Christ in Asia.” Paul makes it clear that a church is a group of people, “an assembly” and “called-out ones”; not a building. Therefore, the House of God, is in each believer as they are the temple of God. Jesus said in Mark 14:58 “We heard Him say, ‘I will destroy this man-made temple, and in three days I will build another that is made without hands.‘” Just as Jesus drove out sin in the Temple prior to Pentecost, now Jesus drives out the sin with in us and purifies us because WE, you, every believer, are the temple of God now.

With that said, Church buildings are nothing more than structures made of the elements no different from all the other buildings in this world. Thus, they are vulnerable to the same sins and injustices in this world. They are equally vulnerable to shoots just as any other building. Church buildings are not the house of God, believes are.

Limiting Gun Access

With every significant shooting, the discussion of stricter Gun Control comes up as a solution to these violent crimes. That some how, more man-made laws will stop mass killings. This is a false hope. Looking into history we see mass killings throughout history long before Guns were invented. Even after the invention of Guns we see mass killings committed by governments on its citizens who weren’t armed to begin with. Nazi Germany, Communist Russia, China, Cambodia, and North Korea for example. In cities in the US that have extremely strict Gun Control Laws, like Chicago, has the highest rates of killings. In contrast, the countries with the some of the highest gun ownership per capita, such as Norway, Canada, and Finland have the least amount of gun violence. These facts disprove that Guns are the problem. The major dilemma for Gun Control advocates is the fact that criminals, by definition, do not obey laws to begin with. And the ultimate law that should stop gun violence, murder, is already outlawed. Increasing the number of laws does not stop those who kill. What is the REAL and TRUE problem and solution?

The REAL and TRUE problem is the culture’s morality or lack of it. If those who seek to kill other people lack the source of the value of human life; they will just use other tools. More recent murders with the use of vehicles and knifes for example. The tools are not the problem, the desire to use inanimate objects for the purpose of taking human life is; no different than Cain. The second problem of the heart is that others feel the need to control other people. Some FEEL as though they are more righteous in their anti-gun stance and want to control the people who are pro-gun. Again, the ULTIMATE problem is of the heart; not inanimate objects or arbitrary man-made laws.

Odd that Christians who advocate for stricter Gun Control fail to address the sinful heart and fail to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ in every public forum and debate about gun violence. It is not necessarily odd but directly relates to the second problem pointed out above. Sinful people WILL kill; Cain used a rock before murder was ever witnessed, the Jewish authority used the lawful system to murder Jesus. Communist Russia starved its unarmed people. On October 31st, someone used a Home Depot truck to murder. It is a problem of the human heart from day one.

Prayer

Following the Church shooting in Texas, some people took to social media and patronized prayer. Even elected officials made negative remarks about praying for the families of those who were killed. The idea presented is that prayer does not work but that action has to be taken- their solution- gun control action. The fact of patronizing prayer as ineffective also reveals the ignorant heart of what prayer is and does.

They are right in one sense. Sending prayers, ‘positive vibes’ and energy to the victims and their families doesn’t work. That is not true prayer. Prayer conforms our hearts to the will of God. That simple. If you pray for ANYTHING that is in God’s Will, it WILL be answered. Sounds pointless right? Sense God will act out his will anyway? Two things: (1) It conforms our hearts and minds to what ever God’s will may be. It helps us accept the sovereign will of God. (2) God has seen all events in time all ready, thus, he knows what is going to happen and what people will pray for; before space and time was created. God is love in that he does answer the prayers before the creation of the world but he is ALSO eternally knowledgeable. He knows the best solutions to draw people to himself. Far greater than we would understand. That is why some times it seems God does not answer prayers the way we ask. Doubting prayer is actually doubting God’s eternal love, knowledge, and sovereignty.

The elected officials and others who believe prayer is ineffective think THEY have a better solution and through THEIR power; THEY can bring about change and justice. Its a tough pill to swallow but some times the only way to reach people is through tragedy. God had his only holy Son killed so that the world could see God’s love and righteousness. In Jesus’ time, a tower collapsed and killed 8 Galleans. He used that example to call for people to repent. There was a man was born blind, lived his whole life blind. I’m sure he and his family prayed for healing but it never came. Then, Jesus came along and healed him later in life. Jesus stated “but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him” (John 9:3).

Name It and Claim It

Prayer is also not ‘claiming’ something “in Jesus’ name”. If this was true, why not say this: “I claim all mass shootings to stop in Jesus’ name” and boom. done. right? Why doesn’t the most righteous name it and claim it Word of Faith preach just do it already? What are they waiting for? You see, even the name it and claim it crowd do not truly believe their claims either. Again, this is not what true prayer is. It is just another attempt to feel in control over God’s sovereignty.
We pray to help us conform to God’s will and accept his vast perfect knowledge with the hope that it leads people to Him. No matter what, his sovereign power is seen no matter the event. He is in full control. The illusion of humanistic Gun Control to save lives does not save others from all the other tools used to take lives; only God can truly save the lives of whom ever he chooses for his purposes. The salvation of Souls is far greater. Jesus declares “Do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” (Matthew 10:28).

Culture

The American culture will continue to decline and a vast number of tools to take lives will continue to be used despite passing vast number of regulations and laws. Culture will decline because of the lack of morality and faith in God. Church shootings will continue. In fact, the Christian life under Rome was far worse still. Unless the Church (believers in Jesus Christ) takes a stand and proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ; the hearts and minds of American society will continue to decay and lead to more violence. No humanistic law will solve the sinful hearts of the society; only proclaiming The Gospel can. Proclaiming The Gospel is far greater than proclaiming any secular Gun Control law, denouncing prayer, and feeling safe in a building.

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The Choking Thorns

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Jesus’ metaphor for the seed sown among the thorns (Matthew 13:22; Luke 8:14) is extremely relevant to today’s issues of the Western church and the current social issue of systemic injustice. This is a much heated debate that needs to be addressed. How it is addressed and how solutions are sought are key.

Sources of Information

It is no question that the sources for American news are less reliable. Yet, some within the church cherry pick what they see in the news and take it as true while disregarding other stories from the same news sources. They fail to see that all the information projected from news sources are framed and constructed. So that even if you believe one and not the other, it is still within the frame of what they want you to think. When people show their support for one view over another, they are still following the way of the framed thought. White privilege is partly to blame for Black injustice is two sides of the same coin; racism. The framed debate projects racism with racism. We are taught to generalize one race because they are wrong to generalize another. To say black people are potential criminals is wrong but to say that white people are potential racists is acceptable; but both use the same racist reasoning. This is trap of the framed debate.

Jesus said that some let “the worries of this age… choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful”. But what is the fruit God desires? Is it racial and gender equality? Is it drafting more pro-choice or pro-life laws? Is it gun control or second amendment rights? If you notice, all these ‘desires’ are focused on one thing- the world. If a society as a whole is secular or atheistic YET has racial and gender equality, which is also pro-life with strict gun control laws; is it then fruitful and pleasing to God? No, because it still lacks the thing that pleases God; faith in the gospel message. A message that is left out of the framed public forum.

Awareness of Injustices

When digging into the (race) Lives Matter framed discussion, there is somethings extremely important lacking. The framed discussion does not allow for TRUE discussion of the value of life. Certain area of injustice is focused on but leaves out much greater injustices. For example: The Black Lives Matter framed debate, leaves out the MILLIONS of African American lives that are unjustly killed by other African Americans AND by abortion. No one seems to be fighting for a solution to the greater need which is causing a greater amount of loss of life. WHY? Because the sources of information that gets projected to the culture tells the culture that those are LESS important or something different altogether. WHY? Ultimately it comes down to who is to blame and indoctrinated victimization. Just as Eve did not take responsibility for her sin and blamed Satan; she was just a victim. this FRAMED movement does not want to take responsibility for its lack of seeking justice for the MILLIONS of African American lives that are unjustly killed by other African Americans and by abortion; because they are just victims of a system.

But it goes much deeper than the value of life and responsibility. This framed debate has successfully chocked out the word. The solutions that are fought for are worldly solutions. The HEART of humanity is never addressed. The culture is taught (built into the framed debate) that humanity can come it a solution through its own laws and reformed systems. The big failure is that by thinking we need to reform laws that some how we can correct systematic injustices is the solution; fails to see that ALL systems of laws and governments are built and imposed by sinful humanity. That is like pealing off one bloody band-aid and put on a new band-aid. Eventually, that band-aid too will become dirty; because the gaping wound is not treated. What is the gaping wound? That we sinful by nature.

Black on Black homicides may be influenced by a system that makes those who commit those acts have to in order to survive but will God still not hold them accountable for their act too? African American mothers who abort their babies are taught that they have to in order to have a chance at a decent life; are they not going to be held accountable by God too? Why is it, they get a free pass in the debate but not the police who take lives unjustly? More African Americans kill other African Americans than by police. Let’s look at some statistics to shed light on what information is lacking the worlds framed debate. Remember, the framed debate of injustices is focused on police.

The Unspoken Numbers

In 2017, 737 (updated to 768) people have been shot and killed by police in the United States. Of that number, there were 329 whites, 165 blacks, 112 Hispanics, 24 members of other races, and 107 people whose race was unknown.

So far in Chicago alone, in 2016, there have been 533 murders and 2,880 shootings. On average, a person is shot every two hours and 17 minutes and murdered every 12 and a half hours. In 2016, when Colin Kaepernick, an NFL quarterback, started taking a knee during the national anthem in protest of police injustices against African Americans, Chicago witnessed 806 murders and 4,379 shootings. Most of the murder victims are black. Adding to the tragedy is the fact that Chicago has a 12.7 percent murder clearance rate. That means that when a black person is murdered, his perpetrator is found and charged with his murder less than 13 percent of the time. THAT is an injustice for all people.

The 2013 FBI Uniform Crime Report, a compilation of annual crime statistics, shows: 83 percent of white victims were killed by white offenders; 90 percent of black victims were killed by black offenders; 14 percent of white victims were killed by black offenders; and 7.6 percent of black victims were killed by white offenders. BUT WAIT, 90 percent of black victims were killed by black offenders and statistically, black offenders killed more white victims than white offenders killing black victims. Why is this injustice not part of the debate? But there is more data left out of the debate. 2010 Bureau of Justice Statistics report concluded that 93 percent of black homicide victims from 1980 through 2008 were killed by black offenders and the black offending rate (34.4 per 100,000) was almost eight times higher than whites (4.5 per 100,000). It can be argued that those numbers are outdated but according to 2017 numbers 169 people shot and killed by police were black (22%) 337 people shot and killed by police were white (44%). The most updated census estimated data calculating the population of African Americans reported a population of 42,975,959 (total population multiplied by 13.3%). That means, in 2017, African Americans had a 0.0004% chance of being shot by police. To put those odds in perspective, the chances of getting into a car wreck is 1 in 20 (National Center for Health and Statistics). That means, African Americans have the same chances of getting into 2,000 car wrecks as getting shot by police. What are the odds of getting into at least 1,000 car wrecks? This does NOT even take into account the data on African American abortion rates.

The CDC reports that African Americans make up 35% of abortions in 2016. And these are only the reported cases. Not all states or clinics are required to report their data. 1.3% of these abortions were of potentially viable babies after 20 weeks. Since 1973, there have been an estimated 17,950,566 abortions by African Americans. That comes out to 417,455 a year (total divided by 43 years). Given that the African American population is estimated to be around 42,975,959, then include the estimated aborted persons annually, we can conclude that a chance of being aborted as an African American is 0.009%. This number is even higher considering not all cases are reported.

African Americans have a 22.5 times higher chance of being killed by abortion than by police. Yet, still, have a higher risk of being killed by other African Americans than by police. Why are these injustices not part of the framed debate? That’s the point. The debate is framed. Framed in such a way to make people blame others and feel victimized.

Would It Matter?

Even if those statistics were part of the debate, would it matter? The framed debate does NOT still include the issue of the heart of humanity. The solutions debated, even if including those numbers, still would not include the heart changing message of the gospel. Other worldly solutions would be sought.

No getting around it

Those who selectively project news and frame in ways to get the culture to think and feel the way they want it to; also, have a HEART issue. Those who cherry pick the news within the framed information have a heart issue. Those who create the systems and perpetuate the injustice within it, have a heart issue. Those who advocate for justice based on the selective reported news, have a heart issue. WE ALL DO. We can not escape the problem of the heart through seeking worldly social just laws. Just as works do not cause salvation; laws do not cause morality.

THE SOLUTION

THE only REAL lasting solution to the injustices (and there are injustices in the system no doubt) that minorities face is through proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ. Only JESUS can HEAL. Only GOD is the perfect judge and jury. Isaiah 1:17 tells us to SEEK JUSTICE. BUT we aren’t seeking true justice when we exclude/avoid Jesus from the debate. When we constantly point fingers at police or other races as the cause for the injustices while ignoring greater factors we fail to honestly seek divine justice. When we perpetuate the worldly framed debate we are guilty of perpetuating the framed debate that excludes God’s justice and Jesus’ healing. We are guilty of dividing the church and making others feel excluded as we allow others segregate themselves. No matter the worldly solutions, unity and truth is NOT proclaimed. That needs to change for there to be any REAL change.

Abortion and Black on Black crime needs to be INCLUDED in the debate ALONG WITH police brutality and systemic injustice. AND the gospel NEEDS to be proclaimed. The heart of God needs to be sought. The focus in the community needs to be on Christ Jesus and not whose to blame. EVERYONE is to blame because EVERYONE is sinful. The local communities need to hold accountable those who justify committing sinful acts. Repentance needs to be sought and the grace of God needs to shine. Without this, the church fails in glorifying God and sinks deeper into thinking and living like the world. This is evident in the discussions and stats. Because currently, the seed that fell is being choked by the framed debate of the world. The church is irrelevant in the debate and fruitless. That needs to change first!

Also read Racism and God and The Absolute Greatest Message To Tell Everyone

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Commonalities of Cults

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There are many subgroups of the Christian faith. These subgroups tailor their teachings and focuses in different ways. That is exactly how the Body of Christ functions BUT there are some groups that claim to be ‘Christian’ when in fact, they are not. Some deny being ‘Christian’ but claim to have similar beliefs and ‘more correct’ views than that of orthodox Christianity; but how can you identify a cult?

The Teachings

Cults proclaim a NEW teaching or a more correct teaching revealed by a NEW prophet or writing. Regardless of the source for their teaching, it is new a part from Christian orthodox. They may even teaching an old teaching that was NEW in prior history but which is still outside of orthodox Christianity. New writings are generated by the new prophet or group and followers are obligated to rely on the new writing along with or instead of The Bible. Essentially, Cults teach that The Bible is not enough, cherry picked sections are only ones correct, or over all incomplete.

Doubt or discredit the primary source (The Bible) as sole authority
Generate secondary source(s) of authority to make new/morphed teachings authoritative
Only approved teachings come from secondary sources.

The Rituals

Cults push followers to focus on their works by adhering to certain rituals or even abstaining from certain Christian orthodox acts such as communion and baptism. Some even morph these acts and teachings of the acts to fit their new or more correct revelations. Some rituals include financial indebtedness and status gains. Essentially, they become controlling, isolating, and works based.

Self centered rituals- “do this yourself to be good in yourself”
Materialistic or worldly focus rituals- “give something tangible to get something tangible in return”
Pseudo love- A false sense of loving others that which actually gratifies and justifies the self.
End goal is deity of the self- “work hard and become a greater self or best self”

Verifiable

Their revelations and teachings tend to be non-verifiable and use circular reasoning to justify them. A prophet is a prophet because it was revealed to him that he was. Or the writings are divine because they were written by someone who said his writings are divine. Some claim that they were given revelations in visions or by angels, and that’s that. Essentially, the founder and their writings are unverifiable and have to be believed simply based on claim alone.

Unable to verify or not supported with known history or testable natural phenomena
Circular justification – “It is true because it is said to be true”

Morality

Cults typically strive to be ‘good’ and do good. They attempt to satisfy psychological, emotional, and intellectual issues of their followers. They make their followers feel accepted and feel as though they have a purpose. Some even provide financial security and promises of material and spiritual rewards. But, this begins to fall apart once someone starts to question the groups teachings and wants to leave the group for what ever reason. Those who question and desire to leave are guilt tripped, become more isolated, and more controlled by the group and its leadership. The threat of destruction from God or their version of holy judgement is often deployed. Those who do leave are shunned, and persecuted. Those who remain in the group are caused to be depend greatly on the group.

Emotional or materialistic moral justifications – “I feel or have therefore it is or should be”
Right and Wrong is defined through the secondary source of authority; which teaches how adherents should think and feel.
Selective encouragement/ social conditioning- “You did good because you did what the organization/religion approves of; you did bad because you did what the organization/religion does not approve of”
Decent or questioning the organized religion is a moral absolute evil.

Limit Learning

Cults often limit the source of their followers studies. The groups that use the bible as part of their system discourage studying the bible alone and require the use of their writings. This indoctrination allows for the cult to interpret how they want the bible to be interpreted to match their new teachings while at the same time allow the follower to feel as though they are learning what the bible says; even when they are not. This is another form of manipulation and control.

Instructed how to think only through secondary sources of authority as primary means to understand.
Studying sources outside of the secondary authoritative source is discouraged by the organization or religious leaders and approved teachers. Some may even actively restrict access to outside sources.
Self teaching and self study is discouraged without the use of approved teachers or materials.
Isolation is imposed to limit reaching outside sources of information.

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The Nashville Statement

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The Nashville Statement is a document published online and authored by the Council on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood that clarifies the orthodox Christian faith position on human sexuality. Over 150 predominate orthodox Christian teachers from around the world have signed the statement. Of course it is not without controversy given our day and age and with some rejecting Christians. Regardless, much like in the days of The councils of past, it addresses and clarifies the orthodox Christian faith in this specific matter. But is it biblical? Read the statement here: https://cbmw.org/nashville-statement/

First and foremost, it is critical to understand that God’s truth is not contingent on the feelings of man. Secondly, speaking truth in a clear way, is being loving; even if the world doesn’t want to see it that way. How do we know that this statement reflects God and his truth? Quite simply, we test it against holy scripture. What does Holy Scripture reveal about the sexuality of humanity?

The Old Testament lays the foundation for marriage and anything that is outside of the God ordained covenant marriage.

Humanity was created as Male and Female (Gen. 1:26–28). This does NOT say both at the same time, or fluid depending on their feelings. The Male and Females were commanded to multiply and fill the earth. Thus, procreation was a blessing within the God created Male and Female dynamic.
Man needed an equally valuable helper to co-exist equally in fulfilling God’s command to procreate and bless the earth. When Woman was created, she was ordained to be a wife to man. They come together and create a God ordained family unit (Gen. 2:15-25)
When sin entered the world, it was through the temptation to be like God and to decide for themselves what they want and desire- a part from God. When accountable to God, neither, male or female, owned up to their disobedience but instead justified it by blaming someone else (Gen. 3:1-24)
The Law of God makes clear that sexual activity outside of the covenant of marriage of a male and female is adultery and is explicitly forbidden (Exod. 20:14). That even to “covet” another mans wife is equally forbidden. Covet means to yearn to possess or have (Exod. 20:17; Deut. 5:18, 5:21). As God reveals more, we see that homosexuality is also forbidden as they face the same death due to sin (Lev. 18:22, 20:13). Levitical Law called for the physical death which is no longer required sense Jesus freed us from it in his mercy and forgiveness; but the spiritual death remains unless there is a changed heart and faith in what Christ has done for this sin.
In Judges 19:22-26 we see that homosexual desires are far more dangerous to someone’s spirit than rape. Though rape is explicitly morally wrong and corrupts everyone involved, homosexuality was far greater in its moral corruptible potential because it is less obvious in its corruption and immoral nature with its vast ability to spread. Something only God can see and something the world would not understand.
Then we see the forbidding of transgenderism in Deut. 22:5. Clothing isn’t the issue of the heart, it was the desire to be the other gender. Gender confusion and transgenderism was not in God’s Will for mankind as this verse makes clear.
The desire of coveting another persons spouse and adultery grows into other horrible acts (Job 31:1, 7-15). We see this in David’s adultery with Bathsheba in 2 Samuel 11:1-12:15. Even though David confessed his sins and was forgiven, he still faced the consequences of his sin (2 Samuel 12:13-14). Those with unwanted desires can seek the Lord in faith and he will save (Isaiah 59:1)
These sinful sexual desires can naturally come from birth (Psalm 51:5) BUT there is always hope in the Lord for restoration from natural sinful sexual desires (Psalm 51:1-19). These sins may feel right and naturally tempting but lead to spiritual death (Proverbs 5:3-6). These sins are to be avoided, fought, resisted (Proverbs 5:8-14).
Covenant marriage between the God ordained man and women is truly satisfying. Having self discipline and being devoted to what God has ordained keeps man from a forbidden pleasure that leads to spiritual death (Proverbs 5:15-23, 6:20-35, 7:1-27). Fully knowing that God sees all, even our hearts. He knows when we step outside of the covenant of marriage (Malachi 2:14).

What does Jesus say about the issue of human sexuality?

Not only does Jesus support what is stated in the Old Testament, as he quotes from it as his authority, but also he expands on it in the sense that it is a problem of the heart, which manifests in actions. When simply looking at another women lustfully, that is the same as committing the act of adultery. Lust is having a sexual desire for someone. If this is the case, he then follows up with how important it is to remove yourself from it. It is far better to struggle than to be spiritually dead (Matthew 5:27-30). This would obviously include viewing pornography.
Jesus validates the truth and authority of Gen 1:27, 2:24, 5:2 which he reiterates that God made humanity as Male and Female for covenant marriage.
Divorce was permitted BUT not out of God’s Will but because of “the hardness of your hearts”. In the beginning, before sin entered the world, there was no divorce. But because as the hearts of mankind became sinful, it was permitted for the sake of the lives of the wives of the husbands who would marry other women and kick them to the street, or in some cases, have them killed just so they could remarry (Matthew 19:8-9).
Jesus recognizes persons who are unable to have sexual relations either by birth, by choice, or my punishments of that culture as persons who are still accepted by Christ for God’s Glory. This applies to those who are born in which ever way that prevents them from desiring or acting sexually (Matthew 19:12).

What does The Holy Spirit reveal about the issue of human sexuality?

Acts 15:20, 29 tell us to encourage those who claim to be in the body of Christ to abstain from sexual immorality. What is the sexual immorality being spoken of here? Everything revealed in the OT and by Jesus. 1 Thess 4:3-8 declares it is God’s Will that we abstain from sexual immorality and control our bodies and lustful desires. Ultimately, rejecting this truth about sexuality is rejecting God (1 Thess 4:3-8). The law of God is for the rebellious, ungodly, and sinful. 1 Tim 1:9-10 explicitly states sexual immorality and homosexuality is rebellion against God. The law reveals our sinful hearts and points us to our need for Christ. Everyone is tempted, just as Jesus was, but unlike Jesus, some are then drawn away from God’s truths about human sexuality and enticed by their own sexual desires which leads to sin and spiritual death (James 1:14-15). The fact is that our fleshly desires are Waring against us, Christians are empowered by The Holy Spirit to abstain while others give in and accept them and even embrace them (1 Peter 2:11).
Those who reject God’s word and willingly pursue their own sexual desires and passions are then granted that by God and allowed to pursue them because that is what they ultimately desire more than God. Paul’s example is explicitly homosexuality (Romans 1:26-27). Pursuing their sinful sexual immoralities, they then openly support, encourage, and applaud others who pursue them too (Romans 1:32). Christians are called to “put to death” the worldly natures of sexual immorality, impurity, and lust (Colossians 3:5). An undefiled marriage is one that in accordance of God’s ordained covenant marriage. All others, are judged as outside of what God desires (Hebrews 13:4).
Sexually immoral people will not inherit God’s Kingdom (eternal life). But Paul reminds them that some of them “used to be like this” but have sense been “washed” and “sanctified” by “the Spirit of our God”. Freedom from these sinful sexual desires is possible for all those who seek Christ Jesus (1 Cor 6:9-11). In Christ, we are made NEW. Our old ways are gone and we can live a life that is pleasing to the Lord (2 Cor 5:17). In the truth of WHY Jesus died on the cross (sacrifice for sexual immorality) we can “take off [our] former way of life, the old self that is corrupted by deceitful desires” and be renewed in our minds by how we see our sexuality in Christ through purity and truth (Eph 4:20-24).
We are commanded to “run from sexual immorality”. The sin is not against someone else but against their own body. We are created by God and our “body is not [our] own” (1 Cor 6:18-20). Thus the idea of sexual freedom to love who we want to love goes completely against what God has made known. Those who belong to Christ have crucified the flesh with its [selfish] passions and [sinful] desires (Gal 5:24). God’s grace leads us to deny worldly lusts and sexual immorality (Titus 2:11-12).
Sexuality is GOOD, within the covenant of God’s ordained marriage. Marriage between a man and woman is even encouraged and highly recommended (though no commanded) to help resisting the temptation of sexual immorality (1 Cor 7:1-7).
We must speak the truth about human sexuality. But with speaking truth, it must be done in a loving kind way because there is hope and peace that comes with forsaking the sinful sexual desires (Eph 4:15). This truth also means that we are all sinners, just as much as the sexually immoral BUT those who trust and believe in God’s truth about sexuality are in Christ and recognize their sinful sexual desires as something unwanted (1 Tim 1:15).
Gen 2:24 is also illustrated by how Christ is with the Church (Eph 5:31-32). A holy covenant marriage in which there is no adultery in the sense that there are not allowed 3rd parties outside of the bride (the church) and the bridegroom (Christ).

In light of what Holy Scripture reveals about human sexuality, we can then test the totality of scripture against what is stated in each article of the Nashville Statement. When we do this, we see that it does not conflict with Holy Scripture but expresses what Holy Scripture declares in a modern language.

Through early church history we see that the disciples of the Apostles and their disciples understood what scripture clearly declares about human sexuality. The Didache written around A.D. 80 – 130, Justin Martyr, c. A.D. 155, Theophilus of Antioch, A.D. 168, Aristides of Athens in the A.D. 140s and Clement of Alexandria (Egypt) in the 190s explicitly agree with what is declared in the Old Testament and by the Apostles. Some are even more specific in describing forbidden sexual acts such as Polycarp in early second-century, Irenaeus in France in the 180s, and Origen. There has never been a time among God’s people that human sexuality outside of a covenant Marriage of a Man and Woman was morally right or justified.

According to Holy Scripture, it is the position of true orthodox Christianity that the Nashville Statement is true in its expression of biblical human sexuality. The authors and signers of this statement are in line with the teachers of the early church, The Apostles, Jesus, and The Prophets of the Old Testament. Thus this statement unifies the church and clarifies biblical truth for the present generation and after. Given the weight, relevance, and need for such a statement, and the unity of different teachers from different church backgrounds; this statement will be included to this site as an important historical authored document. This statement proclaims truth and ALSO hope for all those afflicted by sexual sin.

Please read and understand the Statement here: https://cbmw.org/nashville-statement

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Who and What Is Satan?

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Scripture reveals everything we need to know to recognize Satan and his schemes and temptations. We will address where he came from, who he is, what he does, how he does it, and what his effects are and what they look like in the world around us. We are commanded to test the spirits, and we can’t do that if we don’t know the difference.

Where did Satan come from?

He, and all the other angels of heaven were created at some point during creation (I John 3:8). After he became full of pride and sin, he was caste out of heaven and to earth. He was not annihilated from existence because, through being sin, he came dead already. The death that which is separation from God. He was not sent to hell but was allowed to remain on earth (Revelation 12:9). Through his continued disobedience and deceptions on earth we see God’s power and righteousness more clear and greater- but by only those who haven’t been blinded by him

In Ezekiel 20:13-17 we read:

You were the signet of perfection,
full of wisdom and perfect in beauty

Satan was made by God in perfect beauty with extraordinary wisdom. He was given all the most beautiful wealthiest gifts and status.

You were an anointed guardian cherub.
    I placed you; you were on the holy mountain of God;
    in the midst of the stones of fire you walked.
¹⁵You were blameless in your ways
    from the day you were created,
    till unrighteousness was found in you.

He was anointed by God for a high role in the hierarchy of angels. When he was created he was extremely powerful and beautiful; he WAS the standard of angels. BUT, all that splendor and power ultimately corrupted him. In the process of that corruption, sin was born in him.

In the abundance of your trade
    you were filled with violence in your midst, and you sinned;
so I cast you as a profane thing from the mountain of God,
    and I destroyed [banished] you, O guardian cherub,
    from the midst of the stones of fire.
¹⁷Your heart was proud because of your beauty;
    you corrupted your wisdom for the sake of your splendor.
I cast you to the ground;

He became so proud of himself and all his power and beauty that he then thought he could make himself to be like God and above God. And THIS is the essence of all sin.

“I will ascend to the heavens;
I will raise my throne
above the stars of God;
I will sit enthroned on the mount of assembly,
on the utmost heights of the North.
I will ascend above the tops of the clouds;
I will make myself like the Most High.” (Isaiah 14:12-14)

He was ordained and placed by God himself a high status, with deep wisdom, wealth, and power. A kind that no other angels had. This closeness to God lead to a natural desire with all that he had, to be greater than God.

This pride lead to his rebellion and fall. But his rebellion with a third of the angels failed, and thus, he enlisted the support from man by tempting them to succumb to the same choice that he made – to love themselves so great they also desired to become autonomous from God, defy Him, and be their own god.

It is important to notice how Satan uses others for his agenda. Isaiah was also speaking of the King of Babylon, and Ezekiel was also speaking about the King of Tyre. Satan enlisted angels, Eve, and others throughout history.

Why would a wise and powerful angel, who was so close to God, think a rebellion would be successful?

It is important to see that his wisdom was not perfect and since he was not God, neither was his power. Secondly, his pride corrupted him, thus infecting his limited knowledge. He became so blinded by his own pride, that he really thought he could win. Therefore, believing he could win, he then tried.

Did God create an evil angel?

No, scripture is clear that God did NOT create Satan evil, but Satan, in his own self became evil. Then, after sin was birthed in him, he was caste out of God’s presence. Same with mankind. Man was NOT created evil, but good (notice perfect is not stated). It was then, when temped by Satan, did that same sin and corruption spread into the minds and hearts of mankind.

But Why Create Satan?

If God is all knowing and perfectly loving, why create a being that would ruin creation in the first place and save all the heart ache? First, consider this: What is greater than executing a punishment? Mercy. What is greater than hatred? Forgiveness. What is greater than never being able to earn something? Grace. What is greater than never knowing what is right? Truth. How could you see righteousness without anything less? How meaningful is a love that costs nothing? By allowing Satan to do what he did, God’s glory shines brighter. By allowing creation to be corrupted, he then gets to restore it in a greater, grander, most glorious way. Its not about the necessity of evil, but it is about illuminating what already exists to a greater extent. We would not see the vastness of God’s righteousness, glory, and love, if Jesus did not have to suffer on the cross. How would we ever see the greatness of God’s Love, Mercy, Forgiveness, and Grace; if he never revealed it? And how could he forgive, if he never needed to? How could forgiveness exist without something to forgive? He allowed sin so that He would show the creation that he loves, that he is greater than all. And at the end of time, when we see all that has taken place, and we will fully know God and his absolute glory, perfect love, mercy, forgiveness, and completely understand his amazing grace.

God is not ignorant or lack knowledge of time. He is outside of time, created time, and had knowledge of all time at once. He knew Satan would pull his dirty tricks and infect the world. Which is why he already knew his Son would be sent to redeem the world. This is hard for our finite minds to grasp because we see things through the lens of time. We must see and understand God through his attributes, one of which is his eternal attribute. He is eternal. Thus sees all of time. He is all knowing and good. Thus he already had the perfect plan to redeem his creation, before it was created. Which also he uses to reveal himself in a greater way to his creation, through his creations downfall. Though God is not responsible for sin, he works around it for a greater end- His eternal divine glory revealed to creation on the most grandest scale.

If Satan is so obviously evil, how is he ABLE to deceive?

Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness. (2 Corinthians 11:14-15)

Satan masks his agenda and temptations like something good and desiring. This pseudo-light is actually darkness and corrosive BUT is purposefully not made to seem that way.

Now the serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field that the Lord God had made. Gen 3:1

With this pseudo-light and false hope that seems like God’s light and hope, but is actually not, he is crafty in how he presents it to individuals. The Apostles warned of this false light and pseudo-gospel.

“But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, he is to be accursed!” (Galatians 1:8)

It is critical to see HOW Satan deceived Eve. They were in the very presence of God! Yet, were still able to be deceived. How? To see HOW it is possible to be deceived by Satan, we look at HOW he deceived in scripture.

HOW he deceives

Gen 3:1-8 Satan start off distorting what God said and in question form.

“he said to the woman, “Indeed, has God said, ‘You shall not eat from any tree of the garden’?”

Notice that Satan adds in some words that God did not say, but speak as though God did say it. He rephrases God in a different way. His confusion and deception leads Eve to consider what he is actually asking. God never actually said “any tree” yet, Satan says “has God said?”

Eve then honestly responds with what God told her.

“The woman said to the serpent, “From the fruit of the trees of the garden we may eat; ³but from the fruit of the tree which is in the middle of the garden, God has said, ‘You shall not eat from it or touch it, or you will die.’””

She was faithful to the Lord in her response. That is exactly what He said and she needed to have complete faith that what He said was true. But then Satan, after distorting what God said, follows up with casting doubt on what God specifically said.

The serpent said to the woman, “You surely will not die! ⁵For God knows that in the day you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”

After distorting and proposing doubt, he then manipulates the meaning of what God meant by “you will die”. God was speaking about his spiritual relationship with man (James 1:15). THEN Satan proposes the ultimate temptation in all the universe; to be like God. THE sin that was born in Satan. She then felt, for the very first time, temptation due to the distortion, doubt, and twisting the meaning of Gods words.

“When the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was desirable to make one wise, she took from its fruit and ate; and she gave also to her husband with her, and he ate.”

She considered the question and meaning that Satan proposed. This temptation lead her to consider what Satan told her and forget what God made clear. She saw, was delighted in herself, and desired to be like God [his wisdom]. She then felt justified in her self. She took for her self and disobeyed God.

Now fast forward to Jesus in Matthew 4:1-11. Satan goes to the second Adam, the Son of God and God incarnate, and pulls out the big guns to get him to stumble just as he got Adam and Eve to stumble. Satan sees the Son of God in the form of man, tired and hungry in the body, and goes straight to the point.

“the tempter came and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.” ⁴But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.’””

He was hungry in the body so Satan challenged him to satisfy himself, knowing he was fully capable of doing so. The point was for Jesus to do a selfish act and satisfy himself. That the pride of who he was would over shadow his mission of God the Father. Where Adam and Eve failed, Jesus did not. He did not forget the Words of God and instead of considering Satan’s idea, he quoted from the Words of God alone.

Realizing Jesus had a firm knowledge of Gods words, he then attacks that. He distorts what God said to confuse Jesus and manipulate him to spark a prideful selfish act.

Then the devil *took Him into the holy city and had Him stand on the pinnacle of the temple, ⁶and *said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down; for it is written,

‘He will command His angels concerning You’;

and

‘On their hands they will bear You up,
So that You will not strike Your foot against a stone.’”

⁷Jesus said to him, “On the other hand, it is written, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’”

Satan even quotes Psalm 91:11-12. BUT again, distorts the meaning and purpose. Satan attempts to tempt Jesus into thinking about himself. It is not for Jesus to take selfish advantage of the protections of God but so that God The Father’s will is done, not his. By proving to Satan this is about him, that would be a prideful and selfish act. He has nothing to prove to Satan. He only seeks the approval of his Father in Heaven. Again, Jesus responds with Deut. 6:16 and uses God’s words alone.

Then, here comes the biggest temptation yet.

“the devil *took Him to a very high mountain and *showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory; ⁹and he said to Him, “All these things I will give You, if You fall down and worship me.””

Seems like an easy request with massive rewards. Jesus could have all the kingdoms of the world, given to him; no more struggles with the dark forces in the world. All he would have to do is bow down and worship Satan; and all the world would belong to him right then and there. Of course, Satan, the great deceiver, would never really allow that; after all, he is still be the prince of the world and be worshiped.

Jesus could avoid the torture, pain, suffering, and try to put an end to it all right there; of course after worshiping Satan. BUT, that wasn’t why he came. He knew why he came. He came TO be tortured, feel the pain of the world AND suffer FOR the world. AND he already knew he was going to retake the whole world and reconcile it back to God at his second coming anyway. He kept his focus on God’s Will, God’s purpose, and God’s glory, not his own.

“Then Jesus *said to him, “Go, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and serve Him only.’””

Jesus did not even consider his offer. Instead, he again, quotes God’s word and the ultimate purpose for everything; to worship God and God alone. Satan had no more tools greater than these, so he left him alone. Also notice that once Jesus said “Go”; he left. Even though Satan is opposed to God’s interests, he must still obey God’s commands.

In each one of Satan’s temptations we see that they are all self-centered for self seeking satisfaction and tickle a desire to satisfy wants, and be like God in control and power. A side note: notice that Satan’s temptations are very similar to the modern health, wealth, and happiness teachings of modern charismatic preachers. The most important take away is Jesus’ responses to all the various temptations: God’s Word.

He distorts and twists God’s words by manipulating the meaning or adding in words that were not said. After this, He then attempts to tickle a self-centered, self seeking, self justifying, prideful, desire to be like God or be our own god, in our own way.

His temptations are appealing and at times seem to satisfy an actual need. But he doesn’t do it for us, he tempts us to do it ourselves. He didn’t give Eve the apple, she took it. He didn’t give Jesus bread, he told him to turn stone into bread. He leads us to see something in a selfish light and encourages us to take it for ourselves.

Satan’s Authority

After being caste out of heaven and into the world, he still maintained his power (1 John 5:19). John 12:31 states that He is the ruler of this world. Ephesians 2:2 states the he is the prince of this world and is at work influencing all those who follow his scheme. God allows him to have control in the world but only those who God has not called for himself (Colossians 1:13). Those who do not believe in the true gospel message of scripture have been caught in Satan’s snare and do his will, knowingly or unknowingly whether they believe it or not (2 Timothy 2:26; James 1:13,14). Satan is the god of this world in the fact that he is worshiped and his ideals are worshiped (2 Corinthians 4:4). Thus because people of the world knowingly or unknowingly worship Satan and his ideals, they are his (John 8:44) until God redeems them from Satan’s grasp (I John 3:8).

Satan Hunts

Satan searches the world for opportunities (1 Peter 5:8-9) to plant a selfish desire in our hearts and minds. He seeks to do this by confusing us about what God clearly means in scripture. He whispers in the ears of those who are or seem weak (Matthew 4:1; Luke 4:2) and tries to infect them with a selfish desire to be like god in their own way. Satan roams the earth, even embedding himself with believers (Job 1:6-8). Satan leads man to put mans interests before God’s (Matthew 16:23). When people reject the person and work of Jesus, Satan swoops right in and influences their hearts and minds (Mark 4:15).

What other characteristics of Satan does the Bible teach us?

Satan influences people to do things contrary to what God desires (1 Chronicles 21:1). Satan has the ability, when allowed by God, to inflict health issues (Job 2:6-7). Satan tries to accuse those chosen by God of things worthy of condemnation but God rebukes Satan (Zech 3:1-2). The best weapons against Satan, is God’s Word (Matthew 4:10). “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. ¹¹ Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.” (Ephesians 6:10-11). Simple belief in God does not protect you from being deceived, Satan and the Demons believe in God (James 2:19)

“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. ⁹ Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.” 1 Peter 5:8-9

Other Religions

You can see Satan’s influence in other religions. Some claim to have been visited by an Angel or given information by an angelic source; yet seem to forget God’s words in Galatians 1:8. Those religions then have self justifying rites, rituals, or belief systems that its followers must perform regularly or adhere to in order to be saved or maintain their supposed salvation. These religions distort and twist God’s words by manipulating the meaning or adding in words that were not said. They even generate their own writings and justify themselves. Their teachings tickle a self seeking, self justifying, prideful, desire to be the originator and maintainer of their own salvation- through that chosen religion. They seem satisfying as long as the religion is consistently practiced or performed enough, for less devote followers, to feel satisfied and justified in their efforts. Secularism and Atheism is no different, this too requires a faith in something else besides biblical truth; a religious like devotion. These religions seem appealing, self justifying, and self satisfying. See the similarities with what Satan offered Adam and Jesus?

Questions to ask yourself:

Is someone else telling me how I should understand God’s word?

How do I know they are not distorting, twisting, and manipulating the true meaning?

Am I blindly believing what I am told to believe about the bible?

Are they telling me they are most correct, simply because they say they are?

Does what I am taught, lead me to justify myself by what I do?

Am I taught that I make myself right in God’s eyes by my works?

Is my religion based on a revelation from a later angelic source outside of scripture?

How do I explain Galatians 1:8?

If I am told by the religion establishment how to explain Gal 1:8, how do I know what I am told is true? Simply because they say they are?

Does what I am taught, make me feel righteous based on how devoted I am in my deeds to the faith?

Am I taught that can earn and merit my place with God by how devoted I am to what I am told by the religious establishment?

Does what I am taught lead me to a greater devotion to God or the religion?
Does what I am taught lead me to see a greater need for Jesus and love for others?

Or does it lead me to feel a greater need for the religious establishment- as though it was god?

Do I really know who Jesus is or do I just believe what I am told about him by a religious establishment?

How do I even know the religious establishment is teaching the real Jesus? Simply because they say they are?

Is my faith in The true God or in the religious establishment?

Satan’s temptations can seem appealing, may seem right, and may even seem like truth BUT the end result is always the same. Worship of the self. There is no greater deception than to convince people to worship themselves or a counterfeit god(s) that makes themselves feel justified by their works or what they are taught.

How is Christianity is Not a Scheme of Satan?

Faith is solely based in the person and works of Jesus; not the self or religious establishments.
The Bible is directly influenced by God, it interprets itself

Vague passages are understood in light of explicit passages
What is not explicitly stated is understood through what has been explicitly revealed. What is not explicitly stated is understood through what is revealed about the Character of God himself in scripture (2 Timothy 2:15).
Correctly understanding the language and culture the Bible was written in helps in correctly understanding the true meaning of what is written.
The Bible is correctly understood in light of the totality of scripture, not self interpretations of cherry picked verses (2 Peter 1:20).

Everything done in action and deed is for God’s Glory alone (Matthew 22:37,38).
The Gospel message as stated in scripture, does not and has not changed.

It is solely about the purpose, works, and person of Jesus.

The mindset and focus of the Christian is eternal and heavenly and not material or earthly.

Good deeds for others is not for personal validation or satisfaction but for salvation of others and God’s Glory.
Christians seek God’s Will and not their own.

Christianity is not faith in the church but faith in Christ, who is the head of the body of believers.

The difference between the visible church and the invisible church are those who claim to be Christian for selfish self seeking worldly means and those who are Christian because of faith in the gospel message which compels them to love, serve, and worship God.

Christians are saved by grace through faith. This grace is unearned and unmerited. There is no amount of effort, deeds, or works that can earn the free gift of God (Ephesians 2:8-9). This free gift from God is only through faith in Jesus Christ (John 3:16; 14:6)

Ability to Reject Satan

Because of Christ, man has been enabled by God to reject Satan; but only through faith in Christ (Mark 16:17). Faith in Jesus enables us to then resit Satan (James 4:7). And at the end of it all, the source of sin, Satan, and all his followers will be caste into Hell forever (Matthew 25:41).

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God’s Sovereignty and Free Will debate

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This debate within Christisom has been raging for over 1,000 years. Christianity aside, it has been debated since day one with Eve and the serpent. But what does God make known about his sovereignty and our free will?

Start Simple

It is best to start with simple statements if truth.

Is God sovereign over his creation? If you answer ‘no’ than you are not referring to the God of the Bible and thus this discussion would be vain. God declares, in holy scripture, that he is sovereign over all his creation. He is all-powerful and all-knowing (Psalm 147:5), outside of time (Exodus 3:14; Psalm 90:2), and responsible for the creation of everything (Genesis 1:1; John 1:1).
Does human free will exist?. Yes. But there are less simple layers to this that we should also address. We do NOT make free choices spontainiously. That would mean choices that are completely void of reason, motivation, or intent. Thus, no reason or purpose to decide anything at all. Therefore something gives us reason and motivation to freely make one decision over another, or any decision at all. Our personal dispositions guide our free rational decision making.

We know that God is sovereign over all his creation AND humans are free to make decisions. So what’s the debate about? Welp, some feel that God’s sovereignty contradicts free will and either or. Some try to reduce and belittle God’s sovereignty to squeeze in free will to correct any preceived contradiction. And others deny God’s sovereignty and declare free will sovereign over God. We will address each perception.

THERE IS NO FREE WILL

This idea called ‘hard determinism’ is contrary to what is made known in scripture. Again, holy scripture makes it clear there is free will that is motivated by our dispostions and we are held accountable for. Also, the existence and expectation of Love for God requires the existence of free will. The notion that there is no free will is ignorance.

2. GOD IS NOT SOVEREIGN OVER ALL CREATION

As addressed in simple truth 2, this idea is disproven by the fact that he created it and more powerful than it and not limited by it. Discerning those logical facts compels rational truth seeks to admit the obvious; God is God over all that he created. Scripture then makes it clear he alone sustains creation (Hebrews 1:3, Colossians 1:17). Matthew 5:45 is clear on this as well. Then it is God who will replace the old corrupted creation with a brand new creation (Isaiah 65:17, Revelation 21:5). From creating everything, sustainng everything, to rebooting everything – it is all God’s doing and will. Thus, complete sovereignty from start to finish and in all eternity.

3. GOD IS ONLY SOVEREIGN OVER SOME ASPECTS OF HIS CREATION.

The ‘quantity’ of what he is sovereign over here is not the point, but that he is just not sovereign over mans free will and is known as ‘libertarian free will’. This is the major debate currently.

First there is key points to be made here that does not seem to get addresssed by some of those who support this view.

Is Human Free Will eternal? Did IT exist WITH God before creation?

Since ONLY God existed before the beginning of all creation we are compelled to answer ‘no’; human free will was not before creation or eternally with God therefore was created with humanity. BUT God had knowledge of each and every persons free decisions before creation; that does not mean the essence of will was sovereign apart from God or brought into existence yet. For anyone to state that HUMAN free will existed with God before the creation of humanity; that is NOT supported by the eternal Word of God. Thus we must conclude that the Free Will of man was created and granted by God.

The boundaries of free will

As we have already established, free will is limited in that it did not exist and had to have been created and imputed. Also, humans can not will themselves to see everythought in the minds of people on the other side of the world; they can not will themselves to be actually present at multiple locations around the world at the same time; they can’t will themselves to instantly know all there is to know in the universe; they can’t will themselves to conception (birth), and can’t will themselves back from absolute bodily death. This alone establishes proof of the limitations of human free will. Thus, the boundaries of our free will is our nature.

In the spiritual sense, holy scripture makes it clear that humans can’t will themselves to salvation or righteousness either. These are the boundaries due to our sinful nature (Romans 6:6, 8:3; Colossians 3:5). Every human has this spiritual boundary (Isaiah 53:6, Romans 3:10-12). And Paul himself makes this explicitly clear (Romans 7:14-25). Solomon just drops the hammer in Ecclesiastes 7:20. Even from birth! If you’re a parent you see it in your children. They aren’t initially taught to lie, steal and covet; but they do. David makes it explicitly clear in Psalm 51:5, 58:3.

With in the boundaries

Now within the boundaries of our free will, we are free to make choices based on our disposition and desires. It is here that we are accountable for those decisions. God makes it clear we have the free ability to chose but also the responsibility to chose what God has made know to be right. We are all given the responsibility to repent and believe (Matthew 3:2; 4:17; Acts 3:19; 1 John 3:23). Jesus identifies this chosen refusal when he stated “You refuse to come to me to have life” (John 5:40). They could have come if they wanted to; their problem was they chose not to. “A man reaps what he sows” (Galatians 6:7), and those who are outside of salvation are “without excuse” (Romans 1:20-21).

So here is the grand dilemma,

If no one is good and we all have a predisposition to sin, are slaves to sin, and dead in sin; HOW can we chose to repent and believe and be justly held accountable for not?

Keep in mind God has already seen all the decisions humanity will ever make given every possible event thoughout all human history. On a personal level, God knows what you will freely chose to do when given the absolute maximal opportunities in your life in the scope of your nature. He has foreseen the moment and event where you would chose to repent and believe; before creation. In that moment and event in time and space, he grants freedom to chose salvation through the work of The Holy Spirit (John 1:12-13, 15:16; Ephesians 4:24).

He also sees those who, when given every maximal opportunity in their life time to chose him, forever reject repentance and belief; grants them exactly that. But God is still God and is perfectly right and just. Thus the accountability for sin is still rendered; either through Jesus on the cross or through the individual to will forever reject repentance and belief in Jesus. Thus God remains absolutely sovereign and humanity retains their free will and freedoms to chose within their nature.

Determinism and libertarian free will

Determinism in relation to this topic suggests that a person given a decision in the same circumstances, will always make the same choice.

Libertarianism suggests that free will is autonomous and given a decision in the same circumstances, could possibly make a different choice in the exact same circumstances.

This is not referring to ‘learning from your mistakes’ but given the same situation and circumstances in a parallel universe; would the choice be the same or possibly different. Determinism would say ‘same’ but libertarianism would say ‘possibly different’.

I would argue that both, determinism and libertarianism have some truth but also some errors. And that we are not determined to always make a specific choice, but at the same time all our choices are limited in scope and disposition by our nature within a set space and time.

We are limited by time and space and held accountable by the willful choice we made in space and time. This choice is guided by internal influences like our desires and natural dispositions and external influences like environment, and family. God seeing all these possible real variables AND already knowing what we will chose in space and time does not change the fact that we freely made that choice within the scope of our free will in space and time. BUT we do not have the autonomous freedom due to our physical, mental, and spiritual limitations. Though it may be possible to make a different choice given the same situation and circumstances in the same space and time; we still can not will ourselves, apart from God, into salvation and rightness with God.

God’s sovereignty and humanities free will are not at odds; it is not one or the other. Both exist in unison and harmony but all by the Grace of God who created it.

God created and allows free will and our free choices because of His nature; through his loving kindness, mercy and forgiveness, righteousness and justice. He gives exactly what humans ultimately chose and rewards each human accordingly.

Since it is God who created and granted our free will, it is critical to go to him in regards to this matter. What has He made known about his sovereignty and our free will.

Psalms 24:1

“The earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.”

This statement of universal truth shreds the ‘autonomous’ idea but still does not negate Free will.

Romans 9:9-11

“Romans 9(HCSB) 9 For this is the statement of the promise: At this time I will come, and Sarah will have a son. 10 And not only that, but also Rebekah received a promise when she became pregnant by one man, our ancestor Isaac. 11 For though her sons had not been born yet or done anything good or bad, so that God’s purpose according to election might stand “

Boom. Their free will in their choices did not change God’s ultimate plan. They may be have liberational free will to make good or bad choices but that did not change what God had already promised before their birth. Then verse 12 drops the hammer:

Romans 9:12 states “not from works but from the One who calls — she was told“

Paul then drops the mic. Not from or by our choices but from and by the One who calls.

Romans 9:15-16

“(HCSB) 15 For He tells Moses: I will show mercy to whom I will show mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. 16 So then it does not depend on human will or effort but on God who shows mercy.

So then is it unjust for God to be unmerciful to someone if it is in His Will? Paul continues:

Romans 9:18-23 (HCSB) 18 So then, He shows mercy to those He wants to, and He hardens those He wants to harden. 19 You will say to me, therefore, “Why then does He still find fault? For who can resist His will? “. 20 But who are you, a mere man, to talk back to God? Will what is formed say to the one who formed it, “Why did you make me like this? “. 21 Or has the potter no right over the clay, to make from the same lump one piece of pottery for honor and another for dishonor? 22 And what if God, desiring to display His wrath and to make His power known, endured with much patience objects of wrath ready for destruction? 23 And what if He did this to make known the riches of His glory on objects of mercy that He prepared beforehand for glory —

This is where a lot of heads will explode. To put it simple, some people will not be shown mercy because it is His Will that they are made examples of his wrath; despite their will. Not saying they don’t have free will, they do. Just they, in their free will, chose to not repent and believe; thus being objects of his wrath.

Some people hate to think that they won’t be shown mercy despite their ‘good’ choices (works). For this they either flat out reject Scripture or attempted to come up with seemingly sophisticated philosophical conclusions on how their free will choices deserve mercy and justify their own salvation.

Can Man’s will trump God’s Will?

Proverbs 16:9

“In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps”

Isaiah 46:9-10

“I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me. I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say: My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please“

God, creator and granter of mans free will within their nature makes it absolutely clear. Mans will can not trump or change God’s will. But going back to the original argument, God, in his loving kindness, incorporates the maximal dynamic of choices of man in His Will for salvation or not. God’s will doesn’t have to supersede human free will because it is already part of God’s will in mans freedom to chose.

Conclusion:

Through scripture we see that God is absolutely sovereign and just in his Will and nature. We also see that human free will exists within the allotted peramitters of their nature. And at the perfect point of their agreement in space and time; man is free and rewarded accordingly, and God’s absolute will is done and He is glorified.

More key verses that need to be included in the free will discussions are:

John 6:27-65

Ephesians 1:4-14

Romans 8,9

2 Peter 1:10

Without reconciling these verses in understanding free will you are just left with a incomplete and bias understanding of all that God has made known which leads to belittling God, softly glorifying man, and inventing Man-centered philosophical attempts at justifying human sinful nature.

Proverbs 3:5-6

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him and he will make your paths straight.”

The World Changes, The Worldly Hearts Do Not

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When reading through the Bible and take note of social norms in the early cultures all the way through the early church writings about social norms of those times; a pattern becomes apparent. A social norms pattern that conflict with God’s moral standard. Then, when looking at our modern times and its escalating social norms, we see the pattern continuing. The pattern of child sacrifice and freedom for sexual immorality. But what is at the source of it and what is wrong with it?

Child Sacrifice.

As early as 1500 BC we see The Phoenician culture practice sexual immorality and child sacrifice as a form of worship to a god Moloch. This worship of Moloch even spread to North Africa and morphed into Kronos after the idea migrated to Carthage in Greece. God set himself above the man invented god Moloch when he offered a greater alternative to human sacrifice (Gen 22:2-23) and commanded Israel not to follow those humanistic social norms (Leviticus 18:21). But, as the fallen human heart is, even Israel eventually accepted the unholy social norms (1 Kings 11:1–8; 12:31; 2 Kings 23:10). Even King Solomon could not escape his natural corrupted heart despite all his wisdom and knowledge of God (1 Kings 11:4-11). More kings began to sacrifice their children (2 Kings 21:6; 2 Chronicles 28:1-4) then the people of Judah did the same (Jeremiah 32:35). God made it absolutely clear, child sacrifice is unacceptable and incompatible to him (Leviticus 20:2-5). The single common purpose for child sacrifice is to bring good fortune and future wealth whether from a god or from yourself as god.

But it did not end there. Cultures continued to practice it. Athenagoras of Athens around 175AD wrote a letter to the Roman Emperor explaining how Christians are against all forms of cruelty. In Chapter 35 he uses specifically speaks of women who are pregnant purposefully terminate their pregnancy as absolutely wrong and goes against what Christianity stands for (read it here). His statement “to regard the very foetus in the womb as a created being, and therefore an object of God’s care, and when it has passed into life [conception], to kill it; and not to expose an infant, because those who expose them are chargeable with child-murder” is clear. He is not talking about killing a baby after birth but before it is born or “exposed”.

Without question, child sacrifice to a god or god of the self is incompatible to Christianity. And here we are, 2000 years later still discussing the issue like it was never settled or ever made clear. The problem has never been the clarity of teachings but has always been the human heart to justify all types of evil. Notice all the different cultures at different times; Phoenician, Roman, American. All whom practice the same thing for the same purposeful intended results; better fortune and more wealth.
Also read Follow Your Heart? | Abortion and God’s Gift | Me, Myself, And I and “Doing Me”

Sexual Immorality

Sexuality is not immoral when it is practice in the way that God meant it to be. Sexual acts within the pure original design in beautiful and fulfilling. Sexual desires and acts outside of the pure original design is enslaving, addicting, unfulfilling, and idolatry. Sodom was demolished because of how sexually immoral that people had become. The cultural norm had become ‘sex with anyone on demand’ (Gen 19:5). Rape was viewed as part of the norm. Adultery, fornication, same-sex (Gen 19:5-8), incest, bestiality, prostitution; all had no negative connotations in the culture. They had become acceptable. Lot even attempted to tell them that it is wrong, but they replied with the age old “don’t judge me” (Gen 19:9). Later, God makes it absolutely clear about specific sexual acts are universally immoral (Lev 18:8-22) and the Holy Spirit reiterates this through the Apostles (Romans 1:26-28, 1 Cor 6:9-10).
Also read Why did God destroy Sodom and Gomorrah | Freedom for The Law and Sexuality

Aristitdes of Athens around 125AD, Justin Martyr around 150AD, and Athenagoras of Athens around 175AD reiterate what is stated in Holy Scripture about what God has defined as sexual immorality.
Aristitdes even has to argue for the sake of Christians in Rome; It is specifically the sexually immoral community in Rome that is persecuting Christians the most, because they refused to accept the acts as moral; as recorded in Chapter 17 (read it here).
Also read Normalized Adultery

Without question, sexual immorality is ANYTHING that is outside of a one husband and one wife marriage. Here we are 2000 years later still wrestling with this issue. Again, the issue has never been the clarity of the teaching but of the sinful desire in the human heart that can be seen in all human history. From the Sodom culture, Roman culture, and the evolving American culture we see the same attitudes and practices. Christians refused the accept it as moral and get persecuted in culture for it.
Also read How “Love is Love” is Unloving. | Born This Way | The “Jesus didn’t say it” Reasoning | Don’t Judge Me | The Beauty of Accountability | The Original Pure and Holy Marriage | A Godly Couple

Conclusion

The one thing that ties these two patterns of a sinful heart together is self-righteousness and self-idolatry; the worship of self, instead of God. Abortion is justified for the supposed betterment of the self. Sexual Immorality is justified because of self seeking desires. Its justified because “it is what I want”.
Also read God’s Truths are Not a Matter of Opinions | Your Feelings Do Not Determine Truth | The Self and The Center of Everything

Through human history, with Holy Scripture as the standard for morality, we see the pattern of immorality through time and culture. The world may change from dominate culture to culture but the hearts of humanity have not. They will continue desire child sacrifice in various shape or form and sexual immoral freedoms until Christ returns to judge the world. We are not bringing world peace, Jesus is.
Also read The Joy of TRUTH | The Other Side of The Real Jesus | Test, Discern, and Righteous Judgement

The church needs to remain kind, loving, and gracious BUT never sacrifice God’s holy truth out of fear of cultural offense. Always remember, Jesus was murdered because he was offensive (Matthew 10:34). He told his disciples that they WILL be hated and they WILL be persecuted (Matthew 10:16-25). History, past and present, validate this. But the proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ to all the world is not contingent on culture norms; it is our responsibility regardless of culture norms.
Also read Christians that are ‘too christian’ | All Christians Are Missionaries | Radicalized Christians? | The Absolute Greatest Message To Tell Everyone | True Revival

If you have any questions or comments about this article please contact us or join our discussion forms

Normalized Adultery

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This is a tough subject for a lot of Christians in a culture that accepts most sexually immoral choices. Whats even more scary is that some Christians support the wrong choice or are too fearful to rebuke it out of concern for offending or being labeled ‘judgemental’. What do these adulterous choices, that are accepted and more normalized look like?

Pre-marital Sex

Part of human nature is to desire sex for a number of reasons. The Holy Spirit through Paul makes it clear that the Godly acceptable solution to fulfill this natural desire is within a marriage (1 Corinthians 7:2). Notice it is singular per individual. This verse explicitly clears up the air on a number of sexual issues. First, sexual relations are only acceptable to God within a marriage; thus, outside of marriage it is immoral. Second, a single male should be with a single woman, and a single woman with a single man. Thus, polygamous marriage is outside of God’s acceptable range since this revelation (although it was accepted earlier in history for populating the earth after the flood). Third, a single male should be with a single woman, and a single woman with a single man. Thus, same-sex marriage is also outside of this declaration of what is acceptable to God. But those are different topics. Here pre-marital sex is revealed as sexually immoral and there are countless verses that discuss sexual immorality (Acts 15:20; 1 Corinthians 5:1; 6:13, 18; 10:8; 2 Corinthians 12:21; Galatians 5:19; Ephesians 5:3; Colossians 3:5; 1 Thessalonians 4:3; Jude 7). Waiting to have sex until marriage is honorable and keeps the relationship from becoming defiled before God (Hebrews 13:4). This is one common and normalized adulterous act in modern secularized society. Having Pre-marital sex is not in anyway God’s Will or God’s leading. God does NOT tempt us to sin (James 1:13) but will always give us a God Glorifying option in the midst of the temptation (1 Corinthians 10:13). He may allow the temptations, but uses our own sinful hearts or works of evil spirits (Psalm 141:4), to have triumph over them which brings him Glory (Luke 22:31-32).
Also read A Godly Couple | Guard Your Heart | Dating Non-christians

Lust For Another

A growing commonality in modern relationships is the idea that maybe a man or woman married the wrong person. Then, they meet someone new, allow themselves to grow affections for them, being to entertain the thought of being with that person instead of their current spouse and POOF the idea that maybe this other person is the right person pops in their mind fed by the lustful desires of their hearts. In Matthew 5:27-28, Jesus makes the bold declaration that even looking lustfully at another person while married is adultery; without ever touching the person. Adultery can manifest in the heart before it every manifests in the flesh. The “adultery” that Jesus is specifically referring to is talking about people who are married lustfully looking outside of the marriage at another person. But this does not just apply to people you meet, but also what you see. Pornography is the same. If anyone finds themselves becoming distracted by another person outside of the marriage, they are called to take quick action and “flee” from it (1 Corinthians 6:18). Lusting for a person outside of the marriage is in no way God’s Will or God’s leading.
Also read The Original Pure and Holy Marriage | A Godly Husband | The Godly Wife | Your Feelings Do Not Determine Truth | How To Fight Your Sin | Follow Your Heart?

Divorce

Divorces are overly common and in some cases encouraged. Some states have a ‘no fault’ divorce status. Even in the church, over half of Christians get divorced. Some Christians will encourage it. Jesus in Matthew 19:9 and Matthew 5:32 says, “I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for marital unfaithfulness, and marries another woman commits adultery.” With the exception clause aside, remarriage is adultery. God’s plan for marriage is a life long plan (Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:6). Now discussing the ‘exception clause’ we see something about it as well. Understanding the issues that were taking place in that culture and why God ‘allowed’ divorce is important. First, wives were being beaten, kicked out of the house, and even killed because the husband wanted a new wife or the wife would not bare children. Moses allowed it to save the woman’s life (Matthew 19:7). But Jesus makes it clear, it is because of ‘the hardness’ of the hearts and NOT because of God’s plan or will (Matthew 19:8-9). Thus; divorce, even though in slim allowances, was still not part of God’s plan for marriage. In other words, God will not lead someone into seeking a divorce. If God can forgive us for all our monstrous sins, husbands and wives need to first try and forgive sins against each other. Interestingly, following the discussion of divorce, Jesus called the children to him and prayed for them (Matthew 19:13). We all know divorces negatively effect children. And it seems that Jesus is implying that divorce can hinder children from coming to him (Matthew 19:14).

It also seems that divorcing an unbeliever is allowed (but not part of the original plan) in 1 Corinthians 7:12–15. Why, in Paul’s opinion (1 Corinthians 7:12), does he feel this was allowable? Even though God does not like divorce (Malachi 2:16), unbelievers are actually spiritual adulterers to begin with. People who do not believe in God are seen by God as committing adultery in a spiritual context (Jeremiah 3:20). And loving the world more than God is just that (James 4:4–5). Thus, they are living an immoral life a part from God, allowing for the exception clause. Divorces outside of what is accepted by God puts people in a constant state of adultery. Living in an unrepentant state of sin. Divorce within the exceptions allows for repentance and redemption.
Also read Finding God’s Will | Me, Myself, And I and “Doing Me”

Singleness

Sometimes it is best for divorcees to remain single. Singleness is NOT a bad thing. In fact, it allows for more person time with the Lord (1 Corinthians 7:7-8). Singleness is an opportunity to serve God wholeheartedly and undistracted (1 Corinthians 7:32-36). BUT if someone ‘burns with passion’ and has a need to be in a relationship then it is those people who need to remarry (if divorced by the exception clause). If someone just leaves their marriage for any reason except the clauses, then it is best for the not to remarry for the sake of not being in perpetual sin. They should seek the Lord and pray for his help in avoiding future sexual sins and seek reunification with their spouse. In Matthew 19:12 there are people born or made unable to have sexual relations; they bring God glory as well.
Also read The Self and The Center of Everything

Abuse

Abuse is not to be tolerated in a marriage either. Abuse is contrary to a Godly marriage, immoral, and illegal. The proper authorities should be contacted in the event it takes place without question. The Spouse and children need to be kept safe no matter what. But we need to understand something, there are habitual abusers and those who are not and make a huge dangerous mistake. No where in scripture does God command divorce. God does allow divorce but it should never be the first option. The worst marital advice is to leave the marriage without seeking restoration and redemption. This can be done through mediation and supervised counseling over time. The abuser and victim, if believers, needs to seek the Lord first and foremost. The abuser needs to seek God’s mercy and genuinely repent. The victim needs God’s love and assistance in forgiving. The church needs to support both. If the abuser demonstrates verifiable change, independently confirmed, the relationship may be resumed with much caution. The church needs to follow up with the couple constantly and be a support mechanism to foster relational and spiritual growth. We must all keep in mind that Christ was abused until death, yet, he remained humble, loving, faithful, and sought the absolute best for the abusers; who is you and I.
Also read Repentance | The Beauty of Accountability

Conclusion

It is pretty much blasphemous to say it was God’s will a person leaves their marriage for someone else they fell in love with while married. Pre-marital sex, no fault divorce, and divorce because someone simply ‘fell out of love’ is adultery. It is God’s Plan for marriage that the spouses fight for each other in a life long battle for each other. Grace, love, and faithfulness does not depend on the other person. But in the event, a person becomes unfaithful or is an unbeliever, AND genuine attempts to restore the marriage fail; then divorce is permissible. We must always recognize that each person in the marriage is a sinner, and will sin. At the end of it all, no matter the modern cultural norms of the simplicity of divorce and normalcy of remarriage; God is clear and adultery is adultery even if it is dumbed down with words like ‘a mistaken affair’. It is and forever will be sexual immorality completely independent from social norms.

Also read The Absolute Greatest Message To Tell Everyone

If you have any questions or comments about this article please contact us or join our discussion forms

How Holy is God?

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Understanding the Holiness of God is one of the greatest and deepest attributes of God himself. Man can not fully grasp his holiness because we ourselves will never experience the absolute holiness of God until we are in his presence. Through Christ and what he has revealed to us, can we better understand how Holy he truly is.

We can start with the vision God gave Isaiah in chapter 6. Through his vision, he saw God (Isaiah 6:1). He also saw angels who were covering their faces and feet as they worshiped God (Isaiah 6:2). Why are they covering their face and feet? Only God is absolute and perfect in holiness.

Covering feet is showing absolute respect for someone greater and acknowledging that they are not holy enough to walk on the same ground (Exodus 3:5). John The Baptist understood this when we talked about Jesus in the same way (John 1:27). Angels in heaven are not equal to God’s Holiness.

The Presence of Almighty God

Immediately when Isaiah knew who he was seeing, automatically knew something about himself.

““Woe to me!” I cried. “I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty.”” Isaiah 6:5

Just as the angels would cover their feet and eyes, Isaiah knew his place as a man among people. He knew without the Lord even saying anything; that he was unclean before God. He knew he was guilty before God as a sinner.

God then granted something to happen on behalf of Isaiah. “your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for.”” His guilt of sin was atoned for. How? He recognized that he was a sinner and that God was maximally Holy. In this faith of God’s absolute majesty and holiness, God atoned for his sin. THEN God spoke, after his sin was atoned for. Atoning for his sin enabled him to become a messenger of the almighty and holy God (Isaiah 6:8-9).

Abraham recognized the same thing about himself when he knew he was in the presence of The Lord when he stated ““Since I have ventured to speak to the Lord—even though I am dust and ashes” (Genesis 18:27). Abraham was already credited with righteousness, and still, he felt he was nothing more than dust and ashes before The Lord.

Moses understood the powerful and holy presence of God when He passed by him. Moses initially wanted to see The Glory of God (Exodus 33:18), but God stated: ““You cannot see My face, for no one can see Me and live.” (Exodus 33:20). He only granted Moses to see his back “…cover you with My hand until I have passed by. ²³Then I will take My hand away, and you will see My back, but My face will not be seen.”” (Exodus 33:22-23) Later “Moses immediately bowed down to the ground and worshiped.” (Exodus 34:8).

God’s greatest chosen prophets could not even see the face of God, not even the angels in heaven. Only Abraham saw The Angel of The Lord in person (The Pre-incarnated Christ) but he did not see the actual face of the Almighty Holy God.

Holy, Holy, Holy

In Isaiah’s vision, and in John’s vision they saw angels worshiping God saying “Holy Holy Holy is the Lord God Almighty” (Revelation 4:8). But John did not fall to the ground in reverence and awe of the shear power because He already had seen the risen Lord and empowered to not have fear (Revelation 1:17). Just as Isaiah was atoned for and enabled to hear God speak and permitted to speak, John was atoned for by Jesus and was enabled to be fearless. We all must first recognize our sins and have them atoned for by God before we are able to be credited righteous in the presence of God (2 Corinthians 5:21). The 3 repeated words express the absoluteness and completeness of what is stated. Thus; when the angels worship God by repeating “Holy” three times they are declaring God’s absolute and complete Holiness. This also reflects the Triune nature of God. God The Father is Holy, God the Spirit is Holy, and his Son Jesus Christ is Holy (Acts 3:14).

Eternally Holy

God does not stop being Holy. We see in Isaiah and in Revelations that the angels are forever worshiping and praising the same God in the Old and New Testaments. His Holiness does not change (Malachi 3:6), His Holiness does not end (Hebrews 13:8), and His Holiness does not have variations or degrees (James 1:17). He is ultimately, supremely, eternally, and maximally Holy forever.

Holy can only be in union with Holy

This is the very reason why we NEED our sins atoned for before we can be in the presence of God. Holy can not be intimately in union with anything unholy; then it would no longer be holy. Isaiah’s sins had to be atoned for and Abraham had to be credited righteous. We need to become holy and declared right in order to be in the presence of God. Hebrews 12:14 states: “Without holiness no one will see the Lord” The difference for us and God, is that God is inherently Holy and Holy by nature; we are not. The solution to our lack of inherent holiness is faith in Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 6:11). Only then we are deemed acceptable and made perfect for living in the presences of God for eternity (Romans 12:2).

What IS God’s Holiness?

Holiness is the highest sense of being for God. He is by nature inherently perfectly and supremely Holy (1 Samuel 2:2). This is why holiness can not be achieved apart from God (Hosea 11:9; Psalm 40:5). Only God, because of who he is, can make man holy by sanctifying them. Compare your self to God, are you as holy as he is? Are you God?

Also read What is ‘Doctrine’ and does it matter? | The Joy of TRUTH | God’s Truths are Not a Matter of Opinions | Your Feelings Do Not Determine Truth

What Does God’s Holiness Mean for Us?

God requires holiness to be in his presence because HE is what is Holy (Leviticus 11:44; 1 Peter 1:16). Jesus reiterates this supremely high requirement in Matthew 5:48. The weak unspecific English translated word for ‘τέλειος’ as ‘perfect’ means “brought to an end, finished, full grown, adult, of full age, mature, to be complete”. Our spiritual perfection and completeness is holiness. The Law shows us that we can not meet this standard in ourselves because we will at some point violate the law. At the same time, realizing this because of the Law, shows us we need a sanctifying element outside of our abilities. Thus, The Law and this standard shows we need the person and work of Jesus for the premise of sanctification; and the power of The Holy Spirit to bring us to completion; which is only accomplished through faith in the person and work of Jesus.

Also read God Does ALL The Work | The Glorious and Blessed Hope | The New You Forever | The Amazing Grace of God

It is Not OUR Holiness

The key to understand this is that, though we may have faith and be given the righteousness of Christ, it is NOT our holiness. The Holiness we are lead into is from God. We are still sinners with faith in Jesus Christ and absolute trustworthy hope he will bring us into holiness. Peter was in sin and Paul had to correct him ( Galatians 2:11-13). Paul even stated twice that he was “the worst sinner of them all” in 1 Timothy 1:15-16. His statement was in present tense. Yet, the Apostles were saved through faith and made right before God. While in our corrupted flesh, we will struggle with the sins of the flesh. But while in the flesh, in faith, our spirit matures and is lead to maturity where it is completed at death (Romans 7:15-20). When we believe it is US who is holy or it is OUR holiness; we fall into a form of legalism and are really in sin because of our self-righteousness. John even states that if we think we are without sin, we are lying to ourselves (1 John 1:8). It is God’s holiness that we grow into and are allowed to have by his will and not ours. Peter tells us how, empowered by The Holy Spirit, we can live out our faith in holiness until we are in fact made holy (1 Peter 1:13-16).

Summery

God is Holy. We are not God. God requires holiness to be in his presence for all eternity. Thus God sanctifies us and empowers us to be lead to maturity in spirit and makes us complete in holiness. The holiness that God alone finds acceptable and compatible in his presences. Compared to God, we are not holy. We can not make ourselves holy. We can not claim holiness for ourselves. Only through faith in Jesus Christ, he sets us apart for holiness. This goes to the heart of our identity and who we are in the presence of God. God is supremely, inherently, and uniquely Holy by nature, and we are not holy. His Holiness is the highest sense of who he is.

Also read The Satisfaction of Christ Jesus | How Old Are You, Spiritually?

If you have any questions or comments about this article please contact us or join our discussion forms

Why God is not the Islamic ‘Allah’

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The Arabic name for God is ‘Allah’ which literally means ‘the God’. Although in name alone, this may be true. The major distinction comes from who Allah is understood to be by his attributes and Characteristics. In this article we will look at the fundamental differences in how God Justifies and saves mankind.

Proper Name

The first major difference between Islam and Christianity is the respectful holy proper name of God. Christians believe it is ‘YHWH’ and pronounced ‘Yahweh’. Arab Christians will say Allah-Alab which means “God The Father”. Islam believes the only proper name is ‘Allah’.

The older form of the ‘four letters’ which is ‘God’, is represented by ‘YHVH’ that expresses the self-existence of God (Exodus 3:14); found in an old 650BC manuscript (over 1,000 years before Islam). There is a debate on how exactly this was originally pronounced. Jews were so concerned with mispronouncing the holy name of God they quit saying it out loud in fear of blaspheming it (Leviticus 24:16). Vowels were later inserted for a the pronunciation ‘YaHWeH’ which came the name ‘Yahweh’ (800 years before Islam). The vowels came from Adonai (“Lord”) or Elohim (“God”). It was then later translated as ‘Jehovah’ or ‘LORD’ (500 years before Islam). This is also problematic for the Jehovah’s Witnesses religion.

The Trinity

The Triune God is denied by Islam. Even Muhammad mistakenly understand Christianity and thought Christians were referring to three separate gods. They deny the existence of The Holy Spirit and The Son as God. Although the Godhead is difficult to understand scripture is clear there are 3 distinct persons with in God himself.

Also read Islam: Muhammad’s Fatal Mistake | The Triune God of Christianity | Jesus, The Son of God

Legalism

Islam relies heavily on the works of man to earn Allah’s mercy. Where salvation is based on the works of man and not on the total Grace of God. But without the person of The Son, salvation is impossible. Without The Holy Spirit, being made holy and sanctified is impossible (Romans 8:6; 2 Corinthians 3:17). Christians can trust completely in God for salvation and being made holy (Hebrews 10:22) but Muslims have to trust in their own works to earn God’s mercy. Some even become comfortable in trusting in their religious routine and habits to justify their perceived earned mercy.

Also read By Christ’s Work Alone | Born This Way | The Joy of TRUTH

Can You Work Hard Enough?

For Christians, the person and works of Jesus’ selfless sacrifice on the cross is enough and credited to them by faith. Can man work hard enough? No, Jesus makes clear the standard for man is too high; the standard of perfection (Matthew 5:48). Clearly, no one can be perfectly holy and righteous in their whole life; thus man is not able to meet this standard. This is why Jesus’ life is required on mans behalf. He is the perfect life that we can not live (Hebrews 10:10; Romans 8:1–8). Which is why everyone, Christian and Muslim is called to repent and believe in Jesus (Mark 1:15). Where anyone who receives Jesus as THEIR life and THEIR sacrifice can then be children of God and true worshipers of God (John 1:12).

Allah, according to Muhammad, offers no such thing. Instead they must work hard to earn Allah’s mercy. This profound and impossible hard work is why Muslims are extremely devout because they fear if they are not, they will be receive mercy.

Also read Being Justified by God | Did the Apostles distort what Jesus taught? | The Satisfaction of Christ Jesus

Enslaving Faith

Islam actually enslaves peoples minds and hearts to believe they can work hard to earn God’s impossible standard (2 Corinthians 4:4). Christians recognize they can not possibly meet God’s perfect standard and understand they need someone outside of themselves. Islam keeps the burden of being holy on unholy imperfect people. Christianity puts the burden of holiness and perfection on someone who is holy and perfect; God himself in Jesus Christ.

Also read Do Christians, Jews, Muslims, and Mormons Worship The Same God?

Responding to Muslims

Christians must pray for Muslims; for The Holy Spirit to reveal the truth of their perpetual hopelessness in their own imperfect efforts. And pray that God leads them to know the true freedom of mercy and forgiveness through the person and work of Jesus Christ (2 Timothy 2:24–26). It is important to understand that Muslims and all those who depend in their own efforts are actually victims of their sinful hearts and of spiritual blindness. Christians need to be compassionate, forgiving, gentle, and gracious toward all people in the hope that God leads them to truly know and worship God himself in an intimate personal fatherly way. And not as some distant spiteful god named Allah who will not show them mercy for not being able to work hard enough to meet some perfect holy standard.

Muslims fear Allah’s wrath if they do not merit his mercy; Christians desire God’s Grace because they understand their imperfect nature and deeply appreciate his forgiveness and trust him through Jesus Christ in which he has saved them.

Also read How Christians NEED to Respond to the Anti-Christian World | Radicalized Christians?

Conclusion

We see that the god of Muhammad does not solve the fundamental problem of meeting and maintaining a perfect and holy standard. Muslims trust in their efforts as some kind of individual point system to win God’s mercy out of fear of his Judgement. The singular Truine God takes that burden off imperfect man and places it on his perfect and holy Son through our fundamental faith in Jesus Christ.

Muslims: trust in personal efforts for possible salvation which depends on them through works.
Christians: trust in the person Jesus Christ for absolute salvation which depends on Jesus Christ through faith.

Also read The Glorious and Blessed Hope | The Amazing Grace of God | Jesus Is God | The True Gospel Message for Salvation

If you have any questions or comments about this article please contact us or join our discussion forms

Did God Cause The Orlando Florida Shooting?

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This question is essentially the same as the another common question “if God is good, why does evil exist?”. Different religious people from different backgrounds have their opinions of why and how the Orlando Florida nightclub shooting took place and whether or not God caused it or why he would allow it. When applying this question we can ask; “If God is good, why did he allow the Orlando nightclub shooting?” To get to a definitive answer on anything about God we must look at him not our feelings or opinions. This article will ask 5 very important questions such as; Does God Cause Sin? Why Does God Allow Sin? Why doesn’t God just wipe away all sin? Why Did God Allow Evil in the First Place? and Why Isn’t God Responsible for Sin? This will help us understand why there is evil, such as the Orlando mass shooting, who is responsible, and what is the solution.

Q1: Does God Cause Sin?

Some ignorant and gullible teachers think that John Calvin taught God is the cause of sin; this is a lie. Calvin actually stated: “For the proper and genuine cause of sin is not God’s hidden counsel but the evident will of man,” and the Canons of Dort state: ““The cause or blame for this unbelief, as well as for all other sins, is not at all in God, but in man”. Where does Calvin and the authors of the Cannons of Dort get their understanding of God from?

James 1:13
“No one undergoing a trial should say, “I am being tempted by God.” For God is not tempted by evil, and He Himself doesn’t tempt anyone.”

Since God does not cause people to sin, yet people sin, therefore people sin because of their own will out of their hearts.

Q2: Why Does God Allow Sin?

If God knows all things and is all powerful, why does he allow people to willingly sin and do such horrible actions? There are a number of things to consider here. First off, if we think this one action (and all the others like it) is this evil and horrible, than we can not imagine what hell is like and we can not fathom what it would be like if God did not restrain the hearts of more evil people.

Common Grace

Common Grace is the doctrine described in 1924 by The Christian Reformed Church that explains how the evil hearts of mankind are restrained just enough after Noah’s flood. God restrains the hearts of individuals (Exodus 4:21; Joshua 11:20; Isaiah 63:17), and who people groups and nations (Psalm 81:11-12; Romans 1:28 ). The world prior to Noah’s flood would have been similar to the Holocaust of the 1940s, but happening in just about every country, continually, with no one taking a stand against it because everyone felt the same way. Thankfully, with God showing common Grace and restraining he hearts of mankind; this is not the case anymore after the flood.

True Love

God’s love for us is so amazing that he even allows us to continue to exist for all eternity even if its not with him. He allows us to reject him. Instead of being a robot and being forced into a relationship; in some divine way and congruent to his divine sovereignty, he affords us the perfect extent of free will to love him. But this extent of free will also comes with it a sinful nature. Thus because of our own will and sinful nature; sin will happen. God allows sin because, he out of his love, he does not compromise our free will. But he doesn’t leave us out in the cold. Even though we do freely sin; he offers restitution and salvation from it.

Also read How “Love is Love” is Unloving.

Visibility of Sin

Along with God’s common grace and true love in relation to allowing evil; God allows us and even those who do not know God to still see evil. They unknowingly admit there is an absolute good to be able to determine an evil. They unknowingly admit there is perfection as they are able to see imperfections in ethics and societal moralities by knowing something is less than perfect. They unknowingly admit that mass shootings is not how reality is ought to be and that it ought to be different. All these visible markers point somewhere. A standard to determine evil and not evil, a scale of things that do not meet perfection, and an inherent feeling that mass murder is not how the world ought to be. The absolute solution to these natural and inherent visible markers is God. He is the perfect standard of Good and the creator of how things ought to be before we freely sinned and corrupted our world.

Greater than Evil

Not that sin is necessary but God will always ‘1 up’ anything less than him. Evil is not necessary but because it is a reality; God is greater. God is forgiving, gracious, merciful, and unconditionally sacrificially loving. Those attributes of God will perfectly and for all eternity surpass any form of evil. With that said; how would you ever experience being forgiven, or having someone show you mercy if you never did anything wrong that needed forgiveness or mercy? Not only does God allow us to see evil but he allows us to see and experience things greater than evil. God’s grace, when revealed to someone, is so overwhelming it changes lives for all eternity. Grace is undeserving favor. Why undeserving? because of the evil you know you have committed that does not deserve favor; yet, you are given favor anyway. All of which are perfect and holy responses to seeing and experiencing evil.

We all deserve worse

This is a tough pill to swallow for a lot of non religious or self righteous people. But no matter people’s views and opinions on it, it is still true. Because we DO sin and HAVE sinned and WILL sin; we WILL continue to completely and utterly offend the perfectly holy and righteous eternal God of the universe. This isn’t cheating on a school exam or changing lanes with out signaling. This is everyone committing the most offensive thing to ever exist in all reality. To do something against God that has ETERNAL value. Worse than spending the night in jail or 30 years in prison. At least those have time limits. Offending God has no time limit, it is eternal. Rebelling against a friend may bring some drama in your life. Rebelling against your parents may have more pain and longer lasting strife. But rebelling against God is the greatest amount of pain and strife, physically, emotionally, and spiritually; forever. Our sin is of the greatest of weight and eternal value.

God is perfectly right and Just. We know that evil ought to be punished naturally; therefore we admit there is the existence of true justice. If we desire justice for mass shootings; what level of justice would satisfy what is required for an evil that is infinity worse than mass shootings? Offending God eternally, is the infinite evil that requires the greatest infinite justice. We all have and will offend God eternally… Its tough to say and equally true and important; but the justice we all deserve is far worse than experiencing a mass shooting. We all deserve infinitely worse.

ONLY a perfectly holy and righteous God can deliver that perfect form of justice to satisfy our eternal offense. God did. The perfect just satisfying punishment was handed down on Jesus on the Cross; on your behalf. Instead of you having to face the consequences of eternally offending God; Jesus took it on for you. You can either accept that or reject what Jesus has offered; but either way justice is required either from you or by Jesus.

Also read The Satisfaction of Christ Jesus

Q3: Why Doesn’t God just Wipe Away all Evil Now?

He is. He revealed he is offering salvation and redemption from our own evils in this age before he comes and judges the world. When he stops time and judges the world, evil will be no more. Every ounce of evil and ever evil action, thought, desire, urge, temptation, everything that is not good; will be disposed of and all unrepentant evil doers will receive their just judgement. For Christians, Jesus has taken on their just judgement for their evils. But for the rest of the world, every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus is Lord. Currently God is restraining his perfect and holy righteous wrath and exerting his perfect and holy kindness so that people will be saved from their sins. Even in this question, we see God perfection in his mercy, grace, and kindness trumping evil and sin for the sake of everyone whom he loves.

Q4: Why Did God allow Evil in First Place?

This question relates to God’s love and foreknowledge. For a divine and holy reason and purpose he created us of whom he loves. With that love came our free will and propensity for sin. Knowing our propensity and future actuality of sin he also had a divine, holy, and perfect solution. God’s eternal plan allows for our free will and the elimination of sin in eternity. Sin was ‘allowed’ because God already knew it was solved.

Q5: Why Isn’t God Responsible for allowing sin?

People who allow murders to take place can be held accountable and charged with being an accomplice. Is God an accomplice to sin? No. The reason why he is not an accomplice for allowing sin is because he has already dealt with sin. Its hard to understand this question through a finite earthly fleshly mind. We most look to the eternal, timeless, and spiritual to correctly understand.

God is outside of time. The beginning of sin and the end of sin has already taken place before the throne of God. Before sin even began, God had already known of the absolute perfect solution to sin. From eternity there was an absolute solution.

In space and time, God made known his plan of salvation and redemption through the prophets. In space and time, Jesus dealt with sin on the cross and took on the weight, value, AND responsibility for sin. “It is finished”. Jesus is our substitute and payment for our sin. He took on all the responsibility for our evil. In a perfect and righteous exchange, those who accept this reality, take on Jesus’ righteousness in replace of their sins. This was the perfect solution God is solely responsible for which was known before the beginning of time that maintains our free will and eliminates sin.

Guard Your Heart

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God knows us better than we know ourselves. He knows what we can handle and what we can not. He also knows what little things it takes for us to lose sight of His glory and begin looking for our own glory. Thus, he perfectly instructs us why and how to guard our hearts so that we can remain truly in him. This article may be convicting to some and anger others but we pray it leads to your holiness.

Proverbs 4:23-26

²³Guard your heart above all else,[a]
for it is the source of life.
²⁴Don’t let your mouth speak dishonestly,
and don’t let your lips talk deviously.
²⁵Let your eyes look forward;
fix your gaze[b] straight ahead.
²⁶Carefully consider the path[c] for your feet,
and all your ways will be established.

The Heart is our inner most core – the summation of our thoughts, feelings, desires, will, and wants. All things things together form who we are and our Heart (Proverbs 23:7; 27:19).

God makes it clear it is our HEART that is the source of life (or death). But in the context of the heart, we then see what can impact and reflect our heart. Our mind and senses impact and reflect our heart. God looks beyond our actions and outward things and looks directly at the source of how we are, our heart (1 Samuel 16:7).

Just like we can damage our fleshly physical heart like high cholesterol from a poor diet, there are damaging spiritual things that can hurt us spiritually. Our spiritual hearts can harden and begin to pull away from God. Prime example is the heart of the Pharaoh of Egypt. His heart hardened because he allowed for his eyes, mind, and speech to be corrupted, as God knew it was going to (Exodus 7:22; 8:32; 9:34). David even begged his people not to allow their hearts to harden in Psalm 95:7–8.

“Guard your heart” by not letting things in your mind (but letting Godly things in). That would require you to be actively (James 4:17) not to entertain sin (Romans 13:14) or get tangled up in sin (Hebrews 12:1) but to avoid (2 Tim 3:5), flee (2 Tim 2:22; 1 Cor 10:14), and escape (1 Cor 10:13) certain things and people (1 Cor 15:33; Romans 16:17) stay away from all forms of sin (1 Thess 5:22) and walk in the spirit (Galatians 5:16) in all aspects of life.

Also read The Self and The Center of Everything

What Things Corrupt our Hearts?

It seems to begin with doubting, arguing, ungratefulness, and complaining about the things that God has ordained (John 6:43; Philippians 2:14). It balloons into slander, murder of the heart, coveting, and self idolatry (James 1:14–16). Faith is overshadowed by the discontentment with God and a focus on the self and worldly solutions. At this point, there is no faith and it is “impossible to please God” (Hebrews 11:6). Core of corruption of the mind comes in Pride of self (Proverbs 16:5,18) and vanity (Ezekiel 28:17). From these all sorts of sins become ‘justified’ and minimized. It is not what you do outwardly that corrupts but the corruption comes from within (Matthew 15:11) from what you allow in that changes you on the inside out.

Read it in full from God himself: Galatians 5:19-21; Matthew 5:22,28; Proverbs 6:16-19; Romans 1:28-32 and keep in mind that these are all manifestations of sin that is first in the heart.

Also read Follow Your Heart? | Born This Way

Modern Examples:

Softcore porn and sexualized nude scenes in movies is sexual immorality that comes in though the eyes and ears and into the mind where some will begin to think “well that does not seem so bad, at least it is not hardcore porn”. The corruption here is that the individual is giving attention and support to another person in sin. They fail to see their own heart and the desire to view such things. (also read 50 Shades of Christian Deception)

Profane, vulgar, and insulting lyrics in music and books is another means of allowed corruption through the senses that enters the mind and effects the heart over time. Willfully accepting these means of corruption and down playing it as only “entertainment” is an attempt to belittle the eternal offensiveness to the absolute holy God.

Paying attention to slanderous talk and gossip and taking part of it with family, friends, and at work is another subtle thing that enters the mind, and when given thought and allow for corrupting the heart and cause disunity and division.

Desiring an excessive amount of money, status, possessions, and worldly things that were not given to you but given to someone else. The expectation of reward and privilege of which was not given to you by God is the heart coveting and convincing the mind it should belong to you. (also read about Prosperity Teachings)

Also read Have you been deceived by The World? | When Our Faith is Just Lip Service | Dating Non-christians | More Valuable than Money | Repentance

How to Guard your Heart

It starts with your mind and conforming to God’s will above your own (2 Corinthians 10:3–5). Seek contentment in all that you have (Hebrews 13:5). We are instructed to “put away” or “get rid of” things that corrupt our minds and hearts (Ephesians 4:31–32). This is NOT dependent on anyone else but your self. No one else can “put away” those kinds of attitudes and mindsets but yourself. Pride in anything other than God (including your self) leads in one direction, further corruption of the heart (Proverbs 16:5,18). Paul gets very specific to the church (Philippians 4:8):

whatever is true,
whatever is honorable,
whatever is just,
whatever is pure,
whatever is lovely,
whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise,
think about these things.

All these that we should be filling our mind with are things that are outside of ourselves. In fact we should be seeking to do EVERYTHING for God’s glory. That includes going to movies, listening to music, reading books, our professions, and all our interactions with the world and society.

Colossians 3:17

“And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. “

Also read If Your Not Fighting Sin, Your Living It. | Faith Without Works is Dead | How To Fight Your Sin | The Beauty of Accountability | Fasting

Our Freedom to Choose what to put in our minds

We have access to anything and everything that can Glorify God and we have the freedom to do it but not all things do glorify God (1 Cor 6:12). Can a current and active porn star dedicate their porn scene to God for God’s glory? That is the same as doing any sin in the name of Jesus. That is not helpful or beneficial to you or anyone (Romans 6:1-2). So what should we choose to seek and do to glorify God? Have the mind of Christ. (also read When the claim of Freedom is really Blind Pride)

Also read Christian Sinners or Christian Hypocrites | How “Love is Love” is Unloving. | Don’t Judge Me | God’s Truths are Not a Matter of Opinions

The Mind of Christ

We are in fact called to have the mind of Christ. We can know how we should understand the world and culture around us. When we come to faith the process of transforming into becoming Christ like starts and it begins with “renewing your mind” (Romans 12:1-2). And the renewal of your mind can happen because you are given a new heart (Ezekiel 11:19; Jeremiah 24:7). The first thing that happens when our minds are renewed is we start to think selfless, sacrificially, and humble; just like Christ (Philippians 2:5-8).

Question you need to ask yourself to test your heart:

Are you okay with watching softcore porn scenes and sexualized nudity in movies?

Would you still watch other people have sex, if Jesus was in the room with you?

Do you enjoy listening to music that is sinfully offensive to God in its lyrics?

Would you repeat these lyrics and sing those songs with Jesus?

Do you see no problem with spreading rumors about others?
Do you see other people’s sin as entertainment to you?

If you answered yes, or realized you would answer yes, to any of these 4 questions, we pray you seek the counsel of God and pray that the Holy Spirit opens your eyes and mind to these corruptions of the mind. That you can be embolden and empowered to see, resist, and conform to the mind of Christ and be a bright light to the world around you.

Also read Christians that are ‘too christian’ | The Seemingly Lonely Transition from Wordly to God | The Satisfaction of Christ Jesus | PRAYER

Hyper-Grace theology

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The amazing Grace of God is so amazing it changes lives for eternity. Even the reformers stressed that we are saved by Grace Alone but does this amazing grace negate repentance and confession? Wouldn’t you want to live how-ever you wanted and not worry if it is sinful? The reality is that hyper-grace is nothing more than new age positivism and emotionalism disguised in churchy words that focuses on one subject of truth (Grace) while avoiding another (Obedience). Thus it does not teach the truth of God in its entirety and just want man wants to hear and avoids what man does not want to hear.

What are the key points of Hyper Grace teachings?

Not bound by The Law
Confession of sin is unnecessary
Continual Repentance of sin is unnecessary
Not responsible for current sin
Confession, Repentance, and application of The Law constitutes Pharisaical Legalism

These key teaching points largely agree with Antinomianism and “easy believism”; thus Hyper Grace is Semi-Antinomianism and leads to ‘easy believism’. To better understand Hyper-Grace, it helps to understand what heresy it leads to:

What is Antinomianism?

“The word antinomianism comes from two Greek words, anti, meaning “against”; and nomos, meaning “law.” Antinomianism means “against the law.” Theologically, antinomianism is the belief that there are no moral laws God expects Christians to obey”[1] because through Christ they are not responsible for their sins rendering the need to confess and repent of any sin a legalistic act.

Paul tackles the issue of Antinomianism in Romans 6:1-2 and Romans 12:1-2. The Law as not abolished but fulfilled. Jesus sums up The fulfilled Law that we are expected to obey in Matthew 22:37-40. It is hypocritical and a lie to keep God’s commands, and live in sin. This is addressed in 1 John 2:3-6.

Even Semi-Antinomianism clearly a willfully ignorant approach to what Jesus states in John 14:15

“¹⁵“If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.“

What are the things we are commanded to do?

James 5:16, 1 John 1:9

“¹⁶Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.”

⁹If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Revelations 3:3

³So remember what you have received and heard; and keep it, and repent.

Notice the context is future confession and the subject, sin, is plural. And these letters were written to believers (1 John 2:1). Why would the apostles of Jesus be telling whom are already saved and believers, to confess their sins? In Revelations 3:3, Jesus is talking to CHURCHES and commanding them to REPENT.

We are commanded to confess and repent when we sin (though it is in fact already forgiven) because it is part of our growing and conforming to be more like Christ in this world (sanctification) and preparing for our glorification when we are taken out of this world. Confession and Repentance is part of spiritual growth.

“Hyper-grace preachers also claim the Holy Spirit will never convict Christians of their sin. Mature Christians should recognize this fallacy right away. Every disciple of Christ has felt the overwhelming conviction of the Holy Spirit when he or she has sinned. Jesus calls the Holy Spirit “the Spirit of Truth” (John 15:26). Truth, by its very definition, will not tolerate anything false. When the Spirit of Truth abides in a believing heart (1 Corinthians 6:19), He brings conviction about anything that is not truth.”[2]

Hyper-Grace is half true:

Hyper grace teachers do teach that we saved by grace through faith. This is true and extremely essential to teach. But that is where their truth ends and were their deception begins. The issue they do not correctly address (maliciously or ignorantly) is that which is compelled by genuine faith.

That which is compelled by faith is the commanded confession, and repentance, which is required for the process of sanctification. Without obedience to Jesus’ commandments under the fulfilled law; it is nothing more than “easy believism” and living as a “carnal Christian”. But what exactly compels genuine believers to desire to confess and repent?

God’s Will is For our Repentance

Paul makes it clear that it is God’s grace that compels us to repent! (Romans 2:4; 2 Peter 3:9). You can not separate Grace from Repentance; though repentance does not bring salvation; salvation leads to repentance.

Compelled Works (confession and repentance)

James 2:26 hits this on the head. Faith WITHOUT works are DEAD. Why? Because true saving faith compels our desire and effort for good works that is pleasing to the Lord and done for His glory. This is NOT legalism. The works are not depended on for salvation nor are they done for anyone besides God. Acts of confession and repentance is a NATURAL response to being saved and Born again.

Paul states the same in a negative form. 1 Corinthians 6:9–10 Paul states that his examples are compelled works from the desire and enjoyment of those who are not saved. Why not these? Because those who ARE going to inherit the kingdom, are compelled to not continue in all that Paul listed. This does not say those who are saved will not sin (perfectionism is not being argued). It is staying that WHEN a Saved individual does sin; they do not enjoy or rejoice in it and are compelled to confess and repent.

Both James and Paul agree with Jesus when Jesus stated in Matthew 7:16-23

“16 You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 17 So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit…”

Those who are saved by Grace alone through Faith alone are born again and are made a new creation. They are given a new heart of which desires God’s will and longs to give him glory. Thus; this compels them to obey his commandments because of their love and trust in his fulfilled law.

Under Fulfilled Law

After being freed from sin, we become “slaves to righteousness” and are under the “Law of Life”! The Law of Life is obedience and trust in The Word, Christ Jesus. That which compels us to confess and repent is the Law of Life-God’s Grace; because we are saved and born again. Because we are forever and eternally saved, we are grateful slaves to it. This is the Law that is fulfilled, not abolished, only in Christ.

Romans 6:17–18, 8:2

¹⁷But thank God that, although you used to be slaves of sin, you obeyed from the heart that pattern of teaching you were transferredto, ¹⁸and having been liberated from sin, you became enslaved to righteousness… because the Spirit’s law of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death.”

Why Teach Hyper-Grace?

In this day and age, positivism and ear tickling have crept into the American Churches. Focusing on and only teaching about God’s Grace and freedom from The Law of sin is highly uplifting! It is a very good and necessary spiritual pep talk! But neglecting other realities and other more ‘negative’ feeling topics is a humanistic thinking error.

Jude warned of this in Jude 1:4

“⁴For some men, who were designated for this judgment long ago, have come in by stealth; they are ungodly, turning the grace of our God into promiscuity and denying Jesus Christ, our only Master and Lord.”

Paul told Timothy of these coming teachers in 2 Timothy 3:1-5

1 But know this: Difficult times will come in the last days. ²For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, ³unloving, irreconcilable, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, without love for what is good, ⁴traitors, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, ⁵holding to the form of godliness but denying its power. Avoid these people!

It is a failure in teaching the WHOLE counsel of God’s truths (Acts 20:23) and failing to rightly handle ALL of God’s truths revealed to us in all Holy Scripture (2 Tim 2:15). They go down a road that does not keep their sinful nature in check. Their natural desire to be like god begins to infect their minds and what they teach. They then focus on what is pleasing to people; what makes people feel all warm and bubbly and is only positive and avoid what is culturally deemed to be negative.

Very similar to the health, wealth, happiness, and prosperity movement; this leads to emotionalistic idolatry as it attempts to justify living in sin while “holding to the form of godliness”.

Teaching the ENTIRE Bible CORRECTLY, even when it ‘seems’ negative is for the eternal benefit of all the hearers for God’s ultimate glory.

Sources:
1: http://www.gotquestions.org/antinomianism.html
2: http://www.gotquestions.org/hyper-grace.html

Once Saved, Always Saved

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The phrase “once saved always saved” refers to the understanding of Eternal Security in Salvation. The question this addresses is: Can we lose our salvation? This is a very important question because it impacts a lot of areas of theology. At the same time it is a very easy question to answer when allowing scripture to answer it for us.

First lets look at what Jesus stated in John chapters 3, 6, and 10.

The infamous John 3:16 verse states “shall not perish but have eternal life”. A simple question we can ask is: Is something eternal, if it does not last forever? Sounds like a redundant question but it answers our initial question. That which “shall not perish” and has “eternal life” clearly must last forever. If that which is eternal perishes, can it then be eternal? No. Why? Because something eternal is never ending. Thus; eternal life does not have an end. Jesus states here that whom ever believes is given life that can not end.

John 6:29,35-40 is even better and more blunt.

²⁹Jesus replied, “This is the work of God—that you believe in the One He has sent.”
³⁵“I am the bread of life,” Jesus told them. “No one who comes to Me will ever be hungry, and no one who believes in Me will ever be thirsty again. ³⁶But as I told you, you’ve seen Me,[d] and yet you do not believe. ³⁷Everyone the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will never cast out. ³⁸For I have come down from heaven, not to do My will, but the will of Him who sent Me. ³⁹This is the will of Him who sent Me: that I should lose none of those He has given Me but should raise them up on the last day. ⁴⁰For this is the will of My Father: that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.”

First of all, it is the Work and Will of God that anyone comes to faith. Secondly, those who do, will NEVER spiritually hunger or thirst again. Why? Because Jesus will NEVER cast out or lose anyone who GOD brought to faith. Why? because they are given ETERNAL life and WILL be raised up on the last day. You can not be any more clear than that.

You can not have your salvation taken away and YOU can’t lose your own salvation. It is not up to you. It is GOD’s work, not yours.

John 10:28-30

²⁸I give them eternal life, and they will never perish—ever! No one will snatch them out of My hand. ²⁹My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all. No one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. ³⁰The Father and I are one.”

When someone is ‘given’ eternal life, will they ever perish? that is clearly answered here. Can ANYONE take those who are saved away from God? that is clearly answered here as well. “NO ONE” includes, other people, Satan, OR YOU. Why? because God “is greater than all“.

What About Christians Who Later Deny their Faith?

This is also addressed in 1 John 2:19

¹⁹They went out from us, but they did not belong to us; for if they had belonged to us, they would have remained with us. However, they went out so that it might be made clear that none of them belongs to us.

People who once claimed to be Christian but now claim they are not, were never saved to begin with. It is a harsh truth. People that claimed to follow Jesus and do things in Jesus’ name, who once claimed to be saved; Jesus never knew to begin with (Matt. 7:21-23).

This also applies to those who committed apostasy in scripture. They did the religious acts and talks for how ever long but then fell away and either completely rejected the faith or just later denied it. 1 John 2:19 would apply to them and any one who commits apostasy. They were never saved to begin with. They just did the actions and words until they felt like moving on.

Can You Cause Your Own Salvation Loss?

This is an attempt to retain some sort of ‘authority’ and ‘right’ over ourselves. But again, scripture is explicitly clear. Paul addresses just about every kind of possiblity in Romans 8:38-39

“³⁸For I am persuaded that not even death or life,
angels or rulers,
things present or things to come, hostile powers,
³⁹height or depth, or any other created thing
will have the power to separate us
from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord!”

Nothing material or spiritual, past, present, or future, will ever separate us. That sums up, EVERYTHING.

And to reiterate what Jesus stated in John 10:28-30, “No one” can, not even YOU, because God is greater than ALL, including you.

Also read: When Our Faith is Just Lip Service

Why Teach this Obviously Incorrect Teaching?

Insecurity in faith provokes people to TRY HARD and WORK HARD so they do not “lose” their faith. This can be very beneficial to teachers who desire on donations and materialistic things from their following.

It plays into the natural desire of control. It tickles the sinful nature that makes us think that we are or have some authority over our selves spiritually. False teachers also provoke this to tickle the ears of their followers, which, eventually, leads to more donations and more followers.

To refute those two heretical teachings (besides the verses above):

Gal. 3:1-3

“Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law or by hearing with faith? ³Are you so foolish? After beginning with the Spirit, are you now going to be made complete by the flesh?”

This is a rebuke from an Apostle. They did not receive the spirit by works nor are they made complete by works. The teachings are in direct contradiction to what Paul taught here in Romans 3:28 and Romans 4:1-5. Salvation is an unconditional free gift, received by faith a part from works (Rom. 6:23; Eph. 2:8-9). The reformation principle here is by Faith Alone.

Does That Mean I Can Sin Freely?

This is another false assumption and sad argument made by those who attempt to teach the loss of salvation. Known as The License to Sin.

The answer is simply: You would not want to sin freely if you are truly saved. Because you would be a NEW creation. Your old sinful self was crucified with Christ and you are born again. You are given a new heart and eternal eyes. You imperfectly seek God’s Will (2 Corinthians 5:17; John 14:23; 1 John 3:9).

Paul says it best: Romans 7:15 “For I do not understand what I am doing, because I do not practice what I want to do, but I do what I hate.”

Also read Sinlessness and its Dilemmas | If Your Not Fighting Sin, Your Living It. | When the claim of Freedom is really Blind Pride | How To Fight Your Sin | The New You Forever

Summery:

Believers are given the gift of salvation from God, by God and for God; they are saved by faith through the works of Jesus Christ for all eternity. God is greater than all so no one, not even you, can “unsave” yourself.

Also read The Amazing Grace of God | By Christ’s Work Alone

The Self and The Center of Everything

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Americans are quick to think that they are the standard of the world. Their individuality and rights are the greatest gifts to all the world. But what if God required of all those who followed him to give up their ‘rights’ and everything in this world; for his glory. Humans are not the center of everything. The individual is either a self righteous idol trying to be its own god, or enslaved to another humanistic idol, or a self-denying, self-sacrificial, supremely valuable instrument of God’s Glory. Are you the center of all that you do or is God? How would you know?

SELF DENIAL

We must “take up our cross” which is an instrument of death and torture and “deny your self” in order to follow Jesus (Matthew 16:24–25; Mark 8:34–35). To deny yourself means to deny you receiving the benefits, glory, honor, and fame. If you cannot turn away benefits, glory, honor, and fame for Jesus Christ, you cannot be his disciple (Luke 14:27). John The Baptist said it best: “He [Jesus] must increase, but I must decrease.” (John 3:30).

Isaiah 42:8 makes it clear that God does not give anyone his glory. In the end, everyone will glorify God even if they have tried to take it for themselves, even in the slightest (Isa. 43:6–7). The reformation principle, God’s Glory Alone addresses this. In order to give God all the glory that is due to him; we must deny ourselves.

Also read The Satisfaction of Christ Jesus | Me, Myself, And I and “Doing Me”

NOT YOUR OLD SELF

You are not your old self anymore when you are born again and a new true disciple of Jesus (Galatians 2:20). That means your old self and its selfish wants and desires have also been put to death (Galatians 5:24). This is not an option or opinion; this is a fact for all who truly believe. Before coming to faith; you were a slave to death and sin. You put yourself, your wants, and your desires, in God’s place. But, then through the works of Jesus, God bought your life. Paid your ransom and purchased your freedom; for Himself.

Also read The New You Forever

NOT YOUR OWN BODY

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 says it clear as day: “Don’t you know that your body is a sanctuary of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God? You are not your own (HCSB)”. Your body is not your own! it is a temple of God now. It is for HIS use in this world. It is not yours to do what you desire and what you want for your own satisfaction and glory. If you are in Christ, your body is his instrument for God’s glory and Will.

Also read All Christians Are Missionaries

PROPERTY OF GOD

Very similarly to the fact that followers of Christ do not have the rights to their body; it is even deeper than just our flesh. Who you ARE as an individual belongs to God. You are completely secured by him in him for him.

“Everyone the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will never cast out…. This is the will of Him who sent Me: that I should lose none of those He has given Me but should raise them up on the last day…No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him, and I will raise him up on the last day.“ John 6:37,39,44. Acts 20:28 states that the church (the people) have been “purchased”. 1 Peter 2:9 says that we are his possession with his purpose.

We do not purchase or own people; nor should we have ever. The sinfulness of human trafficking and slavery is an obvious sinful human distortion. Leave it up to mankind to take something that God does and twist it for mans own sinful wants and desires. History shows that humanity wants to be like god and be a sort of master of their own. Those who are in Christ, BELONG to Christ, forever.

Also read God’s Glory Alone

SELF SACRIFICE

What are you WILLING to sacrifice for God? Are you willing to give up everything you own (Matthew 19:21)? Willing to give up friends so that you can remain faithful to the Lord (Matthew 18:17)? Willing to give up family and even your self (Luke 14:26)? Are you willing to give up your LIFE for Jesus (Matthew 10:39, 16:25)? Jesus just named off everything that could be possibly be required of you to follow Jesus. Examine you self (2 Cor 13:5) and determine if you are willing to lose everything in this world to follow Jesus Christ as Lord God and savior and proclaim his Glory (Luke 9:20).

Health, wealth, happiness, and prosperity teachers have the biggest problem with this. Why would such a positive loving God take away your health, wealth and happiness? They fail to study Job and fail to understand that God’s Glory is more important than anything in this life or in this world. That greater wealth is in the next life and eternal health is already given. Emotionalism and new age positivism clouds their understanding of God’s Love. God loves us so much HE IS WILLING to give us the desires of our hearts… even if that includes everything except him, even when it means eternal death (Romans 1:24; Ps 81:12) or, in Job’s case, God is willing to allow everything taken away, for his glory and Love.

Also read More Valuable than Money

SUMMERY:

What does a self-denying, self-sacrificing, instrument of God’s Glory do and look like? These individuals produce GOOD fruit because of the spirit that is in them (Matthew 7:13-20).

They GIVE their own possessions, time, and talents to family, friends, strangers, and enemies even if it makes them ‘broke’.
They SERVE their family, friends, strangers, and enemies when it is easy and hard.
They are HUMBLE and do not require or seek self recognition for all their giving and serving.
They are THANKFUL for what they have and only desire what God has provided.
They PRAY for family, friends, strangers, and enemies when it is easy and hard.
They SEEK God’s Glory in every opportunity to proclaim The Gospel to family, friends, strangers, and enemies when it is easy and when it is hard.

In contrast, those who are not self-denying, are not self-sacrificing, and are not a willful instrument of God. These individuals produce BAD fruit that is recognizable as well.

They DEMAND possessions, time, and talents from family, friends, strangers, and enemies.
They EXPECT their family, friends, strangers, and enemies to serve them when it is easy and hard.
They are PROUD and require or seek self recognition for all their giving and serving.
They are SELF RIGHTEOUS and do not think they are wrong when they feel they try hard and work hard.
They PRAY for more possessions, time, and talents from family, friends, strangers, and enemies and EXPECT God to give it.
They SEEK their own benefit and their religious beliefs as a tool to their own end.

Also read The Errors of The Modern Prosperity Gospel

Key Concepts:

Self-Denial
Self-Sacrifical
New Self in Christ
Purchased by God

THE AMERICAN LIFE JOURNAL

Just Americans living the American way

Tag Archives: Sinful Nature

Female Elders and Overseers

Women Pastors And God’s Design

Is A Fetus, A Living Person?

The Catholic Church and Sexual Abuse

Church Shootings

Commonalities of Cults

The Nashville Statement

Who and What Is Satan?

God’s Sovereignty and Free Will debate

The World Changes, The Worldly Hearts Do Not

Normalized Adultery

How Holy is God?

Why God is not the Islamic ‘Allah’

Did God Cause The Orlando Florida Shooting?

Guard Your Heart

Hyper-Grace theology

Once Saved, Always Saved

The Self and The Center of Everything

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