Foundation for Crossroads!

The Cross will lead to a far greater direction than the corn movie.

I have seen it, what position can I sign you up for?

I am just ignoring sarcastic comments.

The bible says to wipe the dust off your feet and go on when someone does not recieve me, as my testemony to them[Lk 9:5]

I am putting my beliefs and faith out in the open, whoever wants to join me can, whoever soes not, they can choose their own path to take.

Mine is towards the CROSS!

You got it right, I think there are some sequeals or maybe just remakes, I am not sure

I liked "Dark Night of the Scarecrow" better.

Perry Stone is an idiot, Keep living in Fear,

I guess I will be a sheep and live in fear, and go to heaven than to be a goat and spend eternity in Hell.

When I say "fear"I mean in reverence and awe.

I believe without a shadow of a doubt we are in the LAST Days!

I have read the final chapter of the book, My Saviour and me will live happily ever after.

Fear is what Satan has because he knows his time is short.

He knows his destiny, but he wants to take all he can with him, he had his grips on me , but when Christ took my life over, I broke those chains.

Now he stands in awe for I am a new creature who shows no fear as some have for I am secure in my faith and my destiny.

I checked that book out, I will be going to get it.

I have a movie based on "A pilgrims Progress" It is good wathing.

I have a movie called "Escape From Hell" that will be used as a great teaching tool.

Have you ever watched or read the " Love come Softly" series? they are very good.

I used to never cry during movies[ except for

"OLD YELLER" I still do.

Since I became a father and rededicated myself to God, I am not afraid to show my feelings.

That is why I have the conviction to preach the way I do, and why I continue my studies to further my learning of God's word "the Bible"

I have several Christian based movies that have inspired me, and read at least 2 books a month.

A good cry never hurt anybody, even me.

bkpow,

Have you read another work of John Bunyan called Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners?

bkpow,

Yes, you should give Pilgrims Progress another try. It is great. Even Dot (my beautiful wife) and her sister both had a hard time putting it down once they started. If you ever want to borrow John Bunyans other book "Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners" let me know and I can get it to you. It is also a great read.

I have gone to a few churches and spoke on a Sunday night and intend on doing more.

I know the situation you are talking about and am still at a lost for words on that.

I know the dedication you gave and the heart and soul you poured out into the church and I still have the utmost resoect for you and your family.

You are right God is always faithful and the church[ people] aren't.

I figure , if I get belittled and despised by people I will do it for the right reasons and those are to serve God.

http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?p...

Just thought I would share this link for those doubters that prophecy is taking place before our eyes.

The ANTICHRIST will set in that Temple, until the rightful owner kicks him out that is.

Having your own congregation is much less about having a bully pulpit from which your rhetoric will spill, but more about being the leader of people. Leading people is about being a counselor and a comforter. It seems the attitudes you present on this blog will do little to comfort when one of your parishioners is coming to you when they have a daughter who chose abortion or a son that realizes he is genetically oriented to be attracted to men.

These are the situations that require kid gloves and not a heavy hand, situations that require skills that only proper training can provide and poor training (or no training) can exacerbate. So seldom do individuals understand that only a few ministers are licensed counselors and realize that many are ill equipped to deal with the problems the congregants may bring.

"If the bible says it is a sin, it is , case closed."

It doesn't say that.

"We all get off the right path every now and then, we just need guidance to get back on it."

I don't, and never needed the guidance since I never got off the right path.

"Practice , who needs practice? God is my coach and the bible is my playbook."

You're kidding me right? You're perfect because you are holding a Bible?

"I am not in it for the money, if it comes fine, if not fine."

Weird, No-one mentioned money... I guess you just expect it.

"A lot of CHURCH LEADERS finances come from the church and they teach and preach accordingly to not loose than paycheck."

Speaka Ingrish?

"The only way to lead is by example and by surrounding myself with fellow brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ whose example is Christ then we will keep each other in check."

And you actually think you are good example?

Surrounding yourself with "bullies" in Christ. So How do you keep yourself in check when you have these blind sheep?

"Abraham, Issac, Jacob, Joshua, David and Peter and the rest of the apostles had faults."

Ok So you named 4 OT individuals and 1 NT individual because they had faults? Really what faults can you point out? What does that have to do with being a Saint? That isn't even in the Bible. Are you really that ignorant? Really some of the crap you say is just about stupid.

The only thing about eagles you might get is their poop on your shoulder. Cause you are wacked out nutcase. Go ahead parkerbrothers, pipe up, you wacked out nutcase #2. Feed the masses with your idiocy too.

E.M the church will offer "free counseling" just call and make a appointment, remember it will be Bible based now.

The same faults we have, doubt, lust, envy, lying, self pity, one fathered a baby out of wedlock, tried to hide it, then had the husband killed.

On denied Christ, not once, twice, but three times, and became the"Rock" the church is built on.

Need I go on, God does not use perfect people, he uses people who are after his own heart, and who are obedient to do his will.

People who make themselves humble and repent of their sins, though many, they will be washed as white as snow.

auntiefaye,

Haha me unhappy, really? Why should I say good things about everyone? Funny, but they don't seem to do the same to others. I thought I should follow in their Christian footsteps since they are SUCH FINE examples of being a Christian. Do you know me or something because if you did, you might think differently. I guess I am not allowed to have an opinion; since I am not agreeing with his Old Testament Fear-mongering Agenda?

Look at some of Michaels earlier blogs and you can see I tried to be reasonable. But pretty much 90% of his crap is negative. Just because you throw in a few words like Christian, Jesus and Bible, does not make it GOOD teaching. It is hate-filled, it is incorrect and his views and standpoints are not Christ-like. Read some of his other blogs from the beginning, you might view it differently.

picaboo170,

Lets say you were struggling and were in love with a same-sex partner, do you feel Michael would help you even if you told him you would not be changing your lifestyle? What if you were Democrat? Or if you were female and were Pro-Choice?

In regarding the Speak Ingrish, Did you understand what he was saying? I didn't.

parkerbrothers,

http://www.t-g.com/story/1493132.html Nuff Said.

Michael,

But the Bible never says homosexuality or same sex marriages are a sin, Same as abortion NOTHING in the Bible against it. So basically, if you don't stop being gay, hit the road? Do you not understand it is genetic?

How do you know which candidate shows better morals? Since you are a Bush supporter, you feel the Iraq campaign was clearly a Holy War. Yet Bush LIED to Congress and went to war ILLEGALLY. Why do you think that was? God or Money? Are you saying lying is ok as long it is for God?

McCain wanted to stay in Iraq even if it took 100 years... Why would that be?

I never really responded to your above comment regarding forgiveness of sins. Several months ago, you sinned against me, you called me out to show me a piece of paper stating you were licensed. You clearly lied. Or as parkerbrothers would state, tricked me... Whatever, it is still deceit or a lie. You are not forgiven until you ask for forgiveness, NOT to God but to the person you sinned against. You never did that. It is too easy to just pray and ask for forgiveness for some sin and feel good about yourself but the person you did this to doesn't feel too good.

Think about it. I don't desire an apology but Is this the example you intend to portray?

Since you mentioned unforgivable sin; What sin is unforgivable and why?

Why did you mention Peter over Paul? Paul had tons of issues.

Paul did have issues, but as Jesus said"my grace is sufficient for thee" as it is for me.

Answers to the other question was from a "how to witness" class I have been taking.

A person has to be prepared to spread the Inspired Word of God, that is why I carry my bible everywhere I go.

"Michael,

But the Bible never says homosexuality or same sex marriages are a sin, Same as abortion NOTHING in the Bible against it" by Evil Monkey

EM, I will directly address the homosexual issue. I know that you do not accept the current Bible that most Christians use, but, apparently, you often refer to another "complete' bible. I am aware of your opinion that the the current bible leaves some books out, and I am not here to debate that issue, but certainly this bible you refer to has the entire old testament and the new testament, am I correct?

If so, the bible clearly states that homosexuality is a sin, from the Old Testament to the New Testament, with the most clear straight forward statement being found in Romans 1:26-27; (26) For this reason God gave them over to degrading passions; for their women exchanged the natural function for that which is unnatural,(27) and in the same way also the men abandoned the natural function function of the woman and burned in their desire toward one another, men with men, committing indecent acts and receiving in their own persons the due penalty of their error.

If that is not clear enough, you can continue reading in verses 28-32 where God calls it improper, along with a host of other sins, including giving hearty approval to those who practice them.

Additional verses that label homosexuality, as well as other sexual acts, as sin are found in Genesis 19, Leviticus 18:22, 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, Galatians 5:19-21, Ephesians 5:3-5, 1 Timothy 1:9-10, and Jude 7. So, for anyone to say the the bible is silent on the issue of homosexuality, I say they just do not want face up to the truth of God's Word. It is plainly written for all to see. The Bible also says that people exchange the truth for a lie, and that is what is being done when anyone says that the bible does not call homosexuality a sin.

Because, I am not able to get here to often, let me take the liberty of anticipating a few arguments to the above passages.

1. Not all of them clearly state, or use the word homosexuality. True, but everyone of them speak to sexual immorality and impurity, of which, homosexuality is clearly defined as such in Romans passages cited.

2. What about the other sins listed? Although, they are just as condemned as homosexuality, they are not the issue of this discussion. And, I do not find many people who are seeking to push an agenda to make thieving, drunkenness, reviling, and swindling to be acceptable practices into mainstream society. Do you?

That being said, there is forgiveness at the cross for all the above mentioned sins of the sinner. I know, I have been a drunken, reviling, covetous, murderous (in the heart) adulterer who has turned to Jesus for forgiveness, trying my best to be under full submission to His full authority. Do I always succeed? No! However, I am in complete agreement with God that my sin is a stench in his nostrils, and that only the blood of Jesus can prevent this stench from reaching His nose.

The problem arises when people take something that God clearly says is a sin, and try to say that it is not, and justify the continuation of living in that sin. Even to the point of demanding that others deny the truth of of God's word to make them feel better about themselves. As Christians, we must have love and compassion for all of God's creation, we must pray for them, but, at the same time, we must stand for the truth of God's word. For those who will not allow us to do so, I would say that they are just as, if not more so intolerant than we are.

I agree also that what Midnight Rider spoke on was well said but as usual it will not be well received.

I think I agree most with the part...."The problem arises when people take something that God clearly says is a sin, and try to say that it is not, and justify the continuation of living in that sin. Even to the point of demanding that others deny the truth of God's word to make them feel better about themselves."

One of the most prevelant excuses used to justify staying in sin is to attempt to discredit the Bible as the inspired Word.

We should respond to others' faults with mercy and patience. God has chosen us to be Christ's representatives on earth. In light of this truth, Paul challenges us to live worthy of the calling we have received, to be called Christ's very own. This includes being humble, gentle, patient, understanding, and peaceful. People are watching your life. Can they see Christ in you? How well are you doing as his representative? No one is ever going to be perfect here on earth, so we must accept and love other Christians in spite of their faults. When we see faults in fellow believers, we should be patient and gentle. Is there someone whose actions or personality really annoys you? Rather than dwelling on that person's weaknesses or looking for faults, pray for him or her. Then do even more--spend time together and see if you can learn to like him or her.

"What is "natural"? The word "natural" comes from two Greek words phusikos (Strong's #5446) and phusis (Strong's #5449). These words literally mean that which is a persons "natural disposition" and something that comes "instinctively" to them."

by Evil Monkey

Well, even if we use your definition of natural, the verses 26 & 27 clearly state the "natural disposition" was for members of the opposite sex. Verse 27 is pretty clear the natural function they turned from was having relations with women and turning to the unnatural relations with men, while also demonstrating the women had done the same: v27 "and in the same way also the men ABANDONED the natural function of the women(I think that right there indicates the natural born disposition)and burned in their desire toward one another, MEN WITH MEN committing INDECENT ACTS and receiving in their own persons the due penalty of their ERROR.

You are absolutely correct in that we should understand the context of the written scripture, and we should understand who it is written to. In this case the context is that these people had denied God's truth and exchanged it for a lie (v25). And, it is written to a group of people who were clearly rejecting the truth of God's word. I believe you even state in your own argument that they turned away from what is natural: "One of their main rituals was drunken orgies, naturally-borned heterosexuals turned away from their natural desire for what was un-natural to them". You can't have it both ways, by saying that these men were natural born heterosexuals that turned to what would be unnatural to them. If one accepted your explanation, that would clearly refute one of your main contentions that their is no choice involved.

But, you are clearly the one who is out of context here. This passage really begins with verse 18 and Paul does describe how they have rejected what is clearly seen (v.20) and he does talk about them turning to idol worship (v.23) and from their he then begins to catalog the litany of sin these people have fallen into, from sexual immorality (homosexuality v.26-27 other sexual sins are listed in the verses cited in my original post) to all unrighteousness, wickedness, greed, evil, full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, malice; they are gossips, slanderers, haters of God, insolent,boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, without understanding, untrustworthy, unloving, unmerciful, and although they know the ordinance of God, that those who practice such things are worthy of death, they not only do the same, but also give hearty approval to those who practice them.

And, you correctly assert that the whole bible needs to be looked at. You interpret scripture with scripture. In the beginning God clearly orders heterosexual relationships: Genesis 1:22 God made Adam a woman to be his helper (rejecting the animals as suitable helpers in one of my original verses cited, God declares relations between (wo)man and animals perverse, but I digress) and then further ordains the institution of marriage of man and woman in Genesis 1:24-For this reason man shall leave his father and his mother and be joined to his wife and they shall become one flesh.

When Jesus speaks on the institution of marriage, it is always in the context of a heterosexual relationship. No where in scripture can I find a word to condone homosexuality.

The argument that you present is clearly a stretch to avoid the truth of the original citation of the scriptures. Really the burden of proof lies on you to come up with scripture that supports your assertion that homosexuality is not a sin.

Now, please don't take this as a condemnation, or an attack on you, because it is not. It is just a simple statement of facts supporting an argument. Nor am I attacking homosexuals, I am responding to your post. If you were to post a statement that adultery was permissible, I would have to respond just as strongly. Sin is sin, and God clearly gives us a healthy understanding of exactly what is sin in His Word. Fortunately, He also offers us redemption through the blood of His Son Jesus.

Midnight Rider, I have asked EM that myself... also just how he considers himself a "believer" if not Christian? I really wanted to know the rest of the story, but never got an answer. If he doesn't think homosexuality is a sin, maybe he should re-read the account of Sodom and Gomorrah in Genesis 19. That is, if it's in the "complete Bible".

bkpow,

Really, Sodom and Gommorrah is about homosexuality? Please read that story again.

And on btw, just in case any women wear shirts and jeans...

Deuteronomy 22:5 The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman's garment: for all that do so are abomination unto the LORD thy God.

Jeans did not exist back then, so don't even go there.

They all wore skirts, so for a woman to wear a skirt would be wrong, wouldn't it?

What pertaineth to a man is what makes a man a man if you know what I am getting at.

I think there should be a distintion between the two but you can't compare clothes to homosexuality.

Seems that OBAMA has picked a openly gay priest to give the kickoff prayer Sunday, because he was upset about Rick Warren being selected.

He said he would not be to "Christiany" in his prayers or refer to JESUS for it might offend some.

Gimme a break! he might as well get up there a do a pole dance while he is at it.

I bet every prior president would role over in his grave nd the ones living who knows what?

Obama is not even in office yet and he is being touted as the Saviour of the country, He ain't Jesus Christ!

This homosexual thing is getting out of hand. No matter what anyone says homosexuality is a sin, it is immoral. To use the argument that its ok because they are made that way is silly, because alot of people are made different ways. Some are made to like animals or little kids, but we do not accept that kind of behaviour. On the other hand I dont care, and it doesnt matter. I do believe its wrong, but so is going 56 in a 55mph zone. No sin is worse than the other in Gods eyes. All sin makes us worthy of the punishment of death. If not for the saving blood of Christ, then we would be in deep doodoo. To belittle people because they have sin in their life is not very Christlike. God gives as much grace to those boys up on Brokeback MTN as he does to the deacon who lets the occasionaly 4 letter word slip out, or who sneaks a glance at a girl in a short skirt. I am not attacking anyone in particular, nor wanting to start an argument, well maybe a little one ;) I just have a big mouth and had to give my two cents.

actually Michael,

You said in previous blogs that sins are not equal.

All sins are equal in Christ for they are all washed away, outside of Christ, I would think some would be judges worse than others.

If I may ask, why the offer of the church site if you are so against what I preach and my beliefs?

Evil Monkey,

Read all of Jude below but in particular notice verses 7 and 22-23. They both relate to topics you have mentioned.

Jude 1

1Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to them that are sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ, and called:

2Mercy unto you, and peace, and love, be multiplied.

3Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.

4For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.

5I will therefore put you in remembrance, though ye once knew this, how that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed them that believed not.

6And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day.

----------------------------

7Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.

-----------------------------

8Likewise also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities.

9Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee.

10But these speak evil of those things which they know not: but what they know naturally, as brute beasts, in those things they corrupt themselves.

11Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core.

12These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots;

13Raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever.

14And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints,

15To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him.

16These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling words, having men's persons in admiration because of advantage.

17But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ;

18How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts.

19These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit.

20But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost,

21Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.

--------------------------

22And of some have compassion, making a difference:

23And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.

----------------------------

24Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,

25To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.

They think that is not a sin, so they want it to be legal so Bible believers can't or won't say anything against it.

I do not or will not apologize for preaching the Word of God1

I really wanted to let this go, but this is just not my assessment of what Paul's meaning. It is not vague sexual immorality. It is clearly stated in unequivocal terms that the sin here is homosexuality, and then he clearly gives a list of other sins that befall man when they exchange God's truth for a lie. Below is Strong's definitions 5449 & 5446 and several translations of Romans 1:24-27, and all are clear about what is being said here.

Yes, God did give us a conscience, the bible says He wrote His law on our hearts. No, it is not our place to judge, God will do that, but it is our duty to uphold the truth of God's word. What we have is what we have. You can not make the claim the bible has changed way to much to be useful, and then claim the books you refer to as "the complete bible" to be authoritative, or needed to interpret the the bible we use today.

One of the measures of accuracy are transcripts handed down through the years. For the New Testament we have more text than any other writing s of antiquity, and studies show the words we have today to be accurate translations. Sure, over the years men have made some errors, but not the sort of errors that have altered the meaning, or changed doctrine to conform to certain desired standards. Rather these errors are of the minor grammatical type. Here are two links for those interested in the accuracy of the bible: one is from Duke and the other is from the Christian Apologetic Ministry. Duke: http://scriptorium.lib.duke.edu/papyrus/...

CAM: http://www.carm.org/evidence/textualevid...

Strong's Number: 5449 Browse Lexicon

Original Word Word Origin

fusi*¿½ from (5453)

Transliterated Word TDNT Entry

Phusis 9:251,1283

Phonetic Spelling Parts of Speech

foo'-sis Noun Feminine

Definition

1. nature

1. the nature of things, the force, laws, order of nature

2. as opposed to what is monstrous, abnormal, perverse

3. as opposed what has been produced by the art of man: the natural branches, i.e. branches by the operation of nature

4. birth, physical origin

5. a mode of feeling and acting which by long habit has become nature

6. the sum of innate properties and powers by which one person differs from others, distinctive native peculiarities, natural characteristics: the natural strength, ferocity, and intractability of beasts

NAS Word Usage - Total: 14

instinctively 1, natural 1, natural* 1, nature 7, physically 1, race 1, species 1, unnatural* 1

Strong's Number: 5446 Browse Lexicon

Original Word Word Origin

fusiko*¿½ from (5449)

Transliterated Word TDNT Entry

Phusikos 9:251,1283

Phonetic Spelling Parts of Speech

foo-see-kos' Adjective

Definition

1. produced by nature, inborn

2. agreeable to nature

3. governed by (the instincts of) nature

NAS Word Usage - Total: 3

creatures of instinct 1, natural 2

24 Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, 25 because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen.

26 For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions. For their women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature; 27 and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another, men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in themselves the due penalty for their error.(English Standard Version)

1:24

Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another.

1:25

They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator--who is forever praised. Amen.

1:26

Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural relations for unnatural ones.

1:27

In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed indecent acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their perversion. (New International Version)

1:24

So God let them go ahead and do whatever shameful things their hearts desired. As a result, they did vile and degrading things with each other's bodies.

1:25

Instead of believing what they knew was the truth about God, they deliberately chose to believe lies. So they worshiped the things God made but not the Creator himself, who is to be praised forever. Amen.

1:26

That is why God abandoned them to their shameful desires. Even the women turned against the natural way to have sex and instead indulged in sex with each other.

1:27

And the men, instead of having normal sexual relationships with women, burned with lust for each other. Men did shameful things with other men and, as a result, suffered within themselves the penalty they so richly deserved. (New Living Translation)

1:24

And so God has given those people over to do the filthy things their hearts desire, and they do shameful things with each other.

1:25

They exchange the truth about God for a lie; they worship and serve what God has created instead of the Creator himself, who is to be praised forever! Amen.

1:26

Because they do this, God has given them over to shameful passions. Even the women pervert the natural use of their sex by unnatural acts.

1:27

In the same way the men give up natural sexual relations with women and burn with passion for each other. Men do shameful things with each other, and as a result they bring upon themselves the punishment they deserve for their wrongdoing. (Good News)

Midnight Rider,

You are I can sit here all day and argue until we are blue in the face. We have two different viewpoints that are so contrast that there is no way either side will convince the other. I feel one thing, where you feel another. There is a chart at one of the same sites you listed about how each type of person believes at certain way.

God's Word is Jesus, not the Bible. Says so in John 1. I think taking the Bible and saying it is accurate IF IT IS MISSING 65% of the BOOKS is insane. Now they can say the books inside the current canon is 95% accurate. But to say the book is 100% accurate when IN the Bible it even mentions the books that are missing. Those books are available today.

parkerbrothers,

Honestly, why do you even bother talking to me? Clearly you know I do not agree with one thing you say. What do you have to gain in believing the way you do?

I can't wait until people stop living in the OLD Testament... Midnight Rider. Simply put, if you feel those verses justify your confusion then feel free to re-read all of those that precede them... You really need to understand that the laws written during those times are rather foolish today. Because, believe it or not, we evolve and adapt, therefore much of the food laws, sacrificial laws etc wouldn't make any sense today.

Fact is, nobody on the opposing sides have changed the other side's mind. One group chooses to live in the condemnation and hellfire portion of 'the word' while forgetting that Jesus did not come to condemn the world. The other chooses to oppose abuse, neglect, and crimes against others while understanding that the world needs love, and what a shame that many feel some aren't worthy of it.

darrick_04

"I can't wait until people stop living in the OLD Testament... Midnight Rider. Simply put, if you feel those verses justify your confusion then feel free to re-read all of those that precede them..."

Uhm, not sure what you are referring to, most of the verses posted were from the new testament. And, to most people, they are very clear and straightforward in their meaning. Nevertheless, instead of making a generalization of how I am confused (and I have read all of the verses preceding them, as well as the ones that come after them),why don't you specifically show me my error with a clear explanation as to what I am confused about. It would be nice if you used scripture to support your claims. But, let me ask you one question. Is it a sin, or is it not?

"You really need to understand that the laws written during those times are rather foolish today."

"Specifically, what laws are you referring to that were written 50-100 A.D that we are still abiding by? However, what is really being discussed here is moral law set forth by the word of God. God is the same as then, as He is now, and how He will be in the future.

"Fact is, nobody on the opposing sides have changed the other side's mind. One group chooses to live in the condemnation and hellfire portion of 'the word' while forgetting that Jesus did not come to condemn the world. The other chooses to oppose abuse, neglect, and crimes against others while understanding that the world needs love, and what a shame that many feel some aren't worthy of it."

You have not ever seen me condemn anyone on this blog, and you never will. My posting is in direct response to Evil Monkey's statement that the bible says absolutely nothing about homosexuality and same sex marriage, as well as abortion. I chose to give him the proof on the first because in following the blogs (in the limited time that I do)this seems to be his main source of aggravation with Michael. You have never seen me preach "hellfire" but I do believe there is one, and it is my duty to stand on all of God's word, not just the portions that make me feel warm and fuzzy. But,lets finish your half statement about Jesus not coming to condemn, you are right, He does say that, but you do readers a great disservice by not including all of what He said.

Here it is As for the person who hears my words but does not keep them, I do not judge him. For I did not come to judge the world, but to save it" John 12:47 (New International Version)

But, lets, look at this passage in more detail, beginning with verse 46 and end with 50:

46)I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness.

47) "As for the person who hears my words but does not keep them, I do not judge him. For I did not come to judge the world, but to save it.48) There is a judge for the one who rejects me and does not accept my words; that very word which I spoke will condemn him at the last day. 49)For I did not speak of my own accord, but the Father who sent me commanded me what to say and how to say it. 50) I know that his command leads to eternal life. So whatever I say is just what the Father has told me to say." (New International Version)

So you can clearly see, Jesus does preach on Judgment, and it is due to rejection of Him. Perhaps, you were referring to John 3:17, "For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him."

Again we need to read all of this passage, Christians especially love to quote John 3:16 because it is easy, but, we must also tell others the hard parts, so lets look at John 3:16-21:

16)"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17)For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 18) Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son. 19)This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. 20)Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. 21)But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God."

Again, Jesus speaks of a clear condemnation, one that comes from rejecting Him.

So, lets make it clear, it is not our sin that sends us to hell, for if it was, we are all going there. "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" Romans 3:23 (NIV)

It is the rejection of Christ Jesus as God's son, who came to die on the cross for the sin of all mankind (John 3:16) Jesus tells us that we must ALL turn from our sin (repent)in Luke when asked if Pilate would suffer more for mixing Galileans blood with the sacrifices "I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish." 13:6 (NIV)

There is a penalty to sin: For the wages of sin is death, Romans 6:26a (NIV)

But, there is an alternative: but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23b (NIV)

God tells me he provided His only Son as an atoning sacrifice for my (the world's) sin. Jesus paid the penalty: But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8(NIV)

Who can receive this gift? Anyone: Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. Romans 10:13 (NIV)

How do you become saved? That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. Romans 10:9-10(NIV)

What do you do next? Here is a great first step ; 1)Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God--this is your spiritual act of worship. 2)Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:1-2(NIV)

Now, will their be homosexuals, thieves, murderers , liars, prostitutes, gossipers, sorcerers and the like in heaven? The simple answer is yes, if they have placed their faith in Christ Jesus to save them from their sin.

If one comes to me and says I am a Christian, I have placed my faith in Christ, I am not permitted to judge that, God will judge the trueness of their heart, just as he will judge mine.

But, if they tell me that they still practice the above, or any other sins, then it is my duty to tell them that they have sin in their life that needs to be gotten rid of, and there is a prescribed method-given by Jesus on how to do so in Matthew 15-19. Here is where the majority of churches fail in their Christian duty. They fail because it is a hard painful thing to do. But nevertheless, were given this instruction by Jesus Himself.

Now, most that do not attend church, but profess to be followers of Christ will find this abhorrent, and call it being judgmental. Just as they try justifying other sins as not being sins, whether it is divorce, homosexuality, or telling lies to spare feelings.

If you want to follow God's Word, then you must follow all of it. (No need to respond Evil Monkey, I will say it here for you, I know you don't believe the bible we quote is complete) Just as Jesus told the Pharisees and the scribes who were hung up on the traditions they had implemented that they were wrong, so are we when we try to deny the truth of what God's Word says and make it into something that makes us feel comfortable: This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. Matthew 15:8-9(KJV)

When we try to say that this sin, or that sin, as prescribed as God's word, is not a sin, then we are teaching mans commandments as doctrine, and God clearly tells us our hearts are far from Him.

If you read the Word, you will see Jesus tell people about their sin, and you will read him talk of the hell that awaits those that reject Him as Lord and Savior. It is through Him, or not at all. Hard? Yes, but this is what He says about Himself: Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. John 14:6 (KJV)

Last thing, the common viewpoint, of the type of peace and love that Christ came for, held by many who pick and choose the verses of the bible they want to follow, is clearly refuted in Matthew: "Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. And a man's foes shall be they of his own household. Matthew 10:34-36 (KJV)

and there is a prescribed method-given by Jesus on how to do so in Matthew 15-19.

Posted by Midnight Rider on Sat, Jan 17, 2009, at 5:28 AM

Midnight Rider,

Are you referring to chapter 18 of Mathew?