Judaizer?

Re: Does the United States Appear in Bible Prophecy?

#120. To: McCain_Rocks (#88)

Judaizer

That's how apostate Christians, Gentilized Christians, misled by Romanizers, spiritual drunks and whores, hatefully refer those who reject their counterfeit Christianity to faithfully keep the same biblical ("Jewish") Sabbath, the same biblical ("Jewish") festivals, the same biblical ("Jewish") dietary laws and beliefs as Yahshua, the King of the Jews, and that the early Jewish Church of God observed and taught.

The Sabbath-keeping Church of God are pioneers of the wonderful World Tomorrow when all idolatrous traditions of unclean Christianity, baptized paganism pretending to be Christian, will be history! Come Lord Yahshua!

Do you follow Constantine or Christ?


http://www.davidbenariel.org/

A Household Word

The general public doesn't have a clue about the Gospel or the Ezekiel Warning Message! If you don't believe me, conduct your own survey and see for yourself. That means something isn't kosher! Something needs to be done differently, more effectively, doesn't it?

That woeful ignorance indicts the Church of God, since God says, "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge." And that same God warns about our responsibility to sound the alarm so British-Israelites and Jews, and repentant Gentiles, can seek shelter in Him and avert the imminent nuclear Holocaust.

I appreciate what is being done, but I wholeheartedly encourage all to do more.

If we don't warn the world, or fail to effectively warn our White Israelite nations, first and foremost, so that we become a household word like Ezekiel in his day (Ezekiel 33:30), we'll be held responsible for the blood of all the millions of lives lost! That's a serious charge - especially since the fact God warns about it reveals it's a distinct possibility! So when some little nobody like me shows up and takes the Church of God to task over this, saying we're not well known, we're not a household world, the message isn't getting out like it should and could, instead of being beaten down for not "submitting" to ministers, the wise would prayerfully consider this poor man's plea and recognize my allegiance is to God and Jesus Christ, not to any organization of men, and that I am following the government of God in the Highest Heaven by being true to what I know to be true.

The Church of God ministers just don't get it: folks aren't hearing the Gospel message and the Ezekiel warning, as they must. I have applied Matthew 18 and it went nowhere, since the religious authorities, as usual, ignore those who aren't "men of stature" and dismiss them. Since they can't refute what I say, that more needs to be done, that all the "hammering" over the years by top ministers hasn't been heard, hasn't hit home (all things considered), they shoot the messenger and attack my character, accusing me of lacking "humility" and causing confusion. The plain truth is: it is entirely irrelevant whether or not I am humble, regardless of real or imagined sins, what I say is the truth. Paul said some preach for this reason and others for that reason, but blessed be God for all the preaching!

Apparently they're not humble enough to recognize my "attacks on God's loyal church" are meant as constructive criticism: "Cry aloud, spare not; Lift up your voice like a trumpet; Tell My people their transgression [the Church and Synagogue], And the house of Jacob [the family of Israelite nations - all Twelve Tribes of Israel] their sins" (Isaiah 58:1). Those who are loyal to God, His Church and the plain truth of the Bible should respect my efforts and heartfelt call for all of us to do more. How does it help? It certainly can't hurt! And it delivers the warning message to boot.

If the proud and stubborn Church of God leaders, too often representative of Sodom and Gomorrah, as spiritual Jerusalem, would face the music - soon to turn into a funeral dirge - they would confess and forsake their sins that have caused the confusion rampant in the scattered flock of God today! They would humble themselves to hear those who dare to speak truth to power! They would be encouraged to join forces and work together to rock this world, as never before!

Among the Sabbath-keeping Church of God groups, those who agree with the plain truth of the Bible and history Herbert W. Armstrong courageously taught, there shouldn't be any question or debate about our White Israelite origins and the consequences of sins our peoples are suffering and will suffer (soon so terrible it will demand divine intervention to rescue our Chosen People, the national salt of the Earth), for those who know better.

If I sound angry to some, so be it! The Word of God calls for righteous indignation. Didn't Jesus express the same with His religious authorities? With those who were making a killing off the people of God? I am foot-stomping mad! (Ezekiel 6:11). Doesn't the Church of God recognize how late the hour is? Don't we believe it? Is that why we want to continue to "play Church" and go about "business as usual?" Don't we know it's getting dark fast? If we're afraid to be politically incorrect now, how do we think we'll stand up for the truth when it means death or imprisonment? (Jeremiah 12:5).

It grieves me that apparently the Church of God leaders fail to recognize that now is the time to focus on the Ezekiel message, to warn the world - and present the Gospel in light of it, to proclaim the return of the King is our only hope and national salvation!

We can preach "meat in due season," incorporating all this vital information in timely ads and articles, whether it's exposing the pagan abominations of Christmas or Easter, explaining how they're part of the rampant idolatry and immorality that pollutes our professing Christian lands, and how they're condemning us to destruction, defeat and deportation if we refuse to repent - just like our Israelite and Jewish forefathers went into NATIONAL CAPTIVITY for their "harmless celebrations!" - or how a German-Jesuit EU will strike us down and take us out! I trust it's possible to tie it all in together, in powerful and provocative ways, as God leads and we follow.

If the Church of God doesn't do this Work, if they feel they must continue to focus on the Gospel, then God will raise up prophets who will face the nations, who - like Watchmen - will focus on the NATIONAL and INTERNATIONAL LEVEL. If so, I hope and pray the Church of God at least humbly offers the Work of the Prophets the hands of fellowship (as the apostles did to Paul concerning his separate but equal God-given Work - Galatians 2:9).

For Zion's sake,
David Ben-Ariel

God and the Gays

God and the Gays: To Be or Not to Be (Chapter 1)

God and the Gays: All that Glitters isn't Gold (Chapter 2)

God and the Gays: Once Gay, Always Gay? (Chapter 3)

God and the Gays: Of Vice and Men (Chapter 4)

God and the Gays: A Time to Heal (Chapter 5)

Also available at EzineArticles.com --

God and the Gays: To Be or Not to Be (Part 1)

God and the Gays: All that Glitters isn't Gold (Part 2)

God and the Gays: Once Gay, Always Gay? (Part 3)

God and the Gays: Of Vice and Men (Part 4)

God and the Gays: A Time to Heal (Part 5)

God and the Gays: Make Up Your Mind (Part 6)

Church of God must recognize the Pharisees' God-given authority

Of course some wouldn't want to acknowledge the God-given authority of the Pharisees that Jesus publicly upheld (although taking them to task for their additions but not throwing the baby out with the bathwater) because they have trespassed and vainly taken it upon themselves to determine the holy dates for the festivals of the Lord.

The Church of God ministers and members would do well to read and believe Jesus' statements concerning the Pharisees and know Sivan 6 is the correct date for Pentecost/Shavuot. Any other date is a blind date -- just like the Sadducees followed and fell into the ditch of history.

Jesus and Paul were both Pharisees and acknowledged the God-given authority of the Pharisees on these matters of preserving the sacred calendar and proclaiming the proper holy dates for the Festivals of the LORD. It's past time folks humble themselves and do the same.

Jesus Upheld Jewish Dietary Laws!
The Pharisees
Passover and Pentecost Differences Settled!
The Oracles of God
Raymond McNair Rejects God's government
Jewish Holidays are Biblical Festivals for God's Church!
The Passover Memorial

Passover and Pentecost Differences Settled!

Passover and Pentecost Differences Settled!

Why do we differ on Passover and Pentecost? Is it because our Father God left us in the dark? Has the God of law and order left us in chaos and confusion? Are we unable to "prove all things" from the Scriptures - as we're commanded - because we're unable to prove beyond a reasonable doubt the correct dates to observe God's holy days? DOES THAT MAKE SENSE?

Since there are many questions on this holy subject, we must start from the premise that God's Word is true, consistent and does not contradict itself (John 10:35) We must look for those basic Scriptures that are black and white and build our biblical case upon them. Such supportive Scriptures are actually abundantly available and the biblical evidence is overwhelming! Let us shine the Light of God's Word on our prayerful study with open minds, hearts and Bibles (Isa. 8:20; John 3:19-21; Acts 17:11).

The apostle Paul was inspired to write for the record that "the oracles of God" were committed to the Jews. The sacred calendar is clearly a part of "the oracles of God" (Ex. 12:2; Lev. 23:4). The purpose of the sacred calendar is for the Jews to determine and declare when the holy days of God are to be observed.

Jesus clearly revealed which Jews were responsible for these holy matters. Jesus declared that "the scribes and the PHARISEES sit in Moses' seat" of AUTHORITY (Matt. 23:2). God has ordained that the Jews preserve His Word on the Law, Prophets and Writings - despite themselves (Rom. 3:2-3). God will not renege on giving Judah this special calling and precious gift (Gen. 49:10, Rom. 11:29).

God has also ordained that Church officials can make binding decisions based upon biblical legal precedents, affecting Church issues (such as discussed in Acts 15 at the Jerusalem council of elders), that do not undermine the foundation of the Church - the Law and the Prophets (Rom. 11;18; Eph. 2:20). God has not given Church leaders a license to "kill" the brethren by destroying them doctrinally, uprooting and overturning foundational truths, or "playing God" by stealing divine prerogatives! (Matt. 5:17, 19; 2 Thess. 2:3-4).

The correct dates to observe God's holy days should not be a Church issue, having been settled by God thousands of years ago and preserved throughout the ages by faithful Jews.

So why do we differ on Passover and Pentecost? Because some have refused, rejected, denied and attempted to dismiss the biblical testimony! (Rom. 1:18; 3 John 9-10). We don't differ because God's forgotten or neglected to properly instruct His children in His ways (Deut. 6:7). We don't differ because we're unable to prove from the Scriptures, beyond a reasonable doubt, what's right and what's wrong.

"Come now and let us reason together, saith the LORD" (Isa. 1:18), "for the LORD has a controversy with His people, and He will plead with Israel" (Micah 6:2).

We differ because some have questioned God's right to choose the Jews to preserve the Bible and doubt God's ability to see that they fulfill their serious responsibility (Ex. 4:11; Isa. 45:9).

We differ because some won't submit to the biblical fact that Jesus clearly decreed that the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat and attempt to usurp that authority by forcibly installing the Sadducees in that position instead. God destroyed the power-base of the Sadducees when the Temple was destroyed but preserved the Pharisees. The Sadducees are history! We must make sure that we support God's chosen and not find ourselves in the enemy camp. (I Kgs. 2:27,35; Acts 5:39).

God's Church, as a general rule, has stubbornly followed the blind Sadducean dates for Passover and Pentecost. That is to our shame! We must reject the rebellious traditions of men for the commandments of God, otherwise God will reject us as His Priest-King (Mark 7:7-9; 1 Sam. 15:23). It's that serious!

Some, knowing better, continue to enjoy bitter strife and envying, getting caught up in proud personality clashes rather than humbling themselves before the Word of God ( 2 Tim. 2:23-26; Jas. 3:13-18). Truth is truth. It shouldn't be a matter of "I'm right and you're wrong," but what does God's Word say? God is truth. None of us owns the truth, only God does. Any truth that we might have God's revealed it to us (1 Cor. 4:6-7). We're not to take credit for it - all credit goes to God (2 Cor. 4:7).

Thankfully, a growing number of the brethren are beginning to see that the Bible does prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, which holy dates God would have us to observe. Therefore, may we celebrate God's holy days as He would have us to - "in spirit and in truth" - and praise Him for restoring this truth to His Church!

David Ben-Ariel is a Christian-Zionist writer in Ohio and author of Beyond Babylon: Europe's Rise and Fall. With a focus on the Middle East and Jerusalem, his analytical articles help others improve their understanding of that troubled region. Check out Beyond Babylon.

Church of God on Easter

Below are links to Various Booklets, Articles and audio Clips regarding The Crucifixion of Christ.

1973 Booklet The Plain Truth About Easter PDF File

The Plain Truth About Easter A colorful HTML File

World Tomorrow Broadcast devoted to Easter (Audio File)

The Crucifixion was not on Friday PDF File

The Key to the Crucifixion Date HTML File

Pagan holidays dressed in Christian drag are an abomination!

The true Church of God avoids pagan holidays dressed in Christian drag like the plague, knowing they are an abomination to our biblical God.

A man dressed like a woman is still a man. A pagan holiday dressed in "Christian" garb is still a pagan holiday. Some of us refuse to play the Roman game of remaining in denial, however unpopular it might make us, as we prefer the plain truth of the Bible - not idolatrous traditions of mortal men.

Do You Prefer TRADITION Over Truth?

Such pagan holidays in Christian drag are done in Satan's spirit of rebellion. Further proof is how popular they are among those who aren't Christian.

1 Samuel 15:22-23

“Has the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices [lip service/sacrifices],
As in obeying the voice of the LORD?
Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice,
And to heed than the fat of rams.

23 For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft,
And stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry..
Because you have rejected the word of the LORD,
He also has rejected you...

Why I No Longer Celebrate Christmas

Will God Curse Our Countries for Christmas?

The Plain Truth about Easter

We prefer the sacred feasts of the LORD - not pagan Rome, Egypt or Babylon.
**********************************

"The feasts of the LORD, which you shall proclaim to be holy convocations, these are My feasts" (Leviticus 23:2). Sounds impressive, doesn't it? God Almighty saying in Scripture, "These are My Feasts."

Yet for most of traditional Christianity, these "feasts of the LORD" are thought to have been kept only by the Jews and are deemed meaningless for Christians. New religious holidays have been substituted that supposedly center on Jesus Christ.

Few people are aware of the seven festivals God reveals in the Bible. Even fewer are aware that they center around and teach us a great deal about Jesus Christ and His role in God's plan for all mankind.

The Biblical Festivals That Teach Us About Jesus Christ

The Plain Truth about Orthodoxy

As I've posted on Pravda and elsewhere about the Orthodox:

Orthodoxy, like the cult of Roman Catholicism, is pagan to the core and vainly attempts to whitewash such pagan origins that are clearly condemned in the holy Scriptures.

Many folks in both organizations of men don't know better and must be informed that they may make an intelligent choice and hopefully FORSAKE BABYLON and spare themselves from unnecessary suffering that is coming soon, according to biblical prophecy. God is most merciful and kind and doesn't want anybody to perish but offers us an invitation to life based upon confessing and forsaking our sins by the power and pardon of the Passover Lamb resurrected from the dead.

Unlike the early Church of God, founded in Jerusalem on the biblical festival of Shavuot/Pentecost, traditional Christianity, counterfeit Christianity, keeps SUNday instead of the seventh day Sabbath the Scriptures alone sanction, pagan festivals of Easter and Xmas that God hates for misrepresenting Him (instead of the biblical festivals that portray God's plan of salvation for all mankind), pimps pagan myths of "going to heaven or a forever burning hell fire" versus "the meek shall inherit the earth" and "the soul that sins it shall die," the "second death" (from which there is no resurrection), and eats unclean foods representing either a woeful ignorance of the Bible or a greedy and covetous, rebellious nature . Remember Eve sinned by coveting forbidden food. This should be enough, presently, to offer you, prayerfully, some kosher food for thought.

Plea to Diehard Catholics & Protestants to Repent (same biblical principles apply to the Orthodox who remain part of spiritual BABYLON)

Jesus Upheld Jewish Dietary Laws!

Born Again and Heaven and Hell

The Sabbath

The Plain Truth about Easter

Pope John Paul II Was No Saint

Skeptic questions Christian answers

Quote:

Okay, so from 400 AD to 1519 AD, what did people do to become "saved" when the Catholic Church was the only church?

The Roman Catholic Cult was never the only church but consisted of those who fell away from the Faith once delivered to Jerusalem, who were part of the prophesied great apostasy, who accepted the counterfeit Christ and counterfeit gospel of the Babylonian Mystery religion so popular among the unconverted Gentiles - many of whom became members of the RCC and kept their same pagan holidays with a new twist.

Besides, no congregation of mortals can save you. The Church of God can't save you and the pagan Roman Catholic Church definitely can't save a single soul. We are saved by the blood of the Lamb of God who reconciles us to the Father (from whom most remain estranged), having been resurrected and mercifully serves as our High Priest in Heaven.

David Ben-Ariel wrote:

The Roman Catholic cultists and Protestant offshoots prove they don't care for the Word of God...

Quote:

The "Worldwide Church of God" founded by Herbert W. Armstrong IS a Protestant Church!

WRONG! Herbert W. Armstrong was used by God to raise up the Philadelphia era (read the Book of Revelation) of the Church of God that has existed since it was founded on the biblical holy day of Shavuot/Pentecost (that was not "done away" as religious liars claim - it's a good thing the early Christians met on that holy day and didn't believe like rebellious "Christians" do today).

The Sabbath-keeping Church of God was NEVER a part of the accursed RCC. It was the RCC that was once a part of the Sabbath-keeping Church of God. You've got it backwards. How Luciferian! And the Church of God was never part of the RCC, we were never part of the Protestants (who are a la carte Catholics). The Book of Revelation reveals the commandment-keeping Church of God opposed by that scarlet woman drunk on the blood of the saints - the RCC with its daughters (Rev. 17:5).

The Church Jesus Built

David Ben-Ariel wrote:

and prefer their TRADITIONS of men and fall for religious lies like "going to Heaven" when the Word of God they reject on everything from what we should eat, to the Sabbath day, clearly teaches "the meek shall inherit the Earth."

Quote:

I thought that "going to heaven" was the goal of Christians?

It is for those "Christians" deceived by the counterfeit Christianity of the RCC and daughters (Rev. 17:5). It's not taught anywhere in the Bible! Even the New Jerusalem with its streets of gold and pearly gates is coming down out of Heaven from God to EARTH. Why do professing Christians remain blind to the plain truth of the Scriptures? Why do they fail to believe Yeshua who said "the meek shall inherit the Earth"?

Revelation 21:1-4

1 Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea [the fire that purified the earth evaporated it]. 2 Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, COMING DOWN OUT OF HEAVEN from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, "Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. 4 And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away." [This alone proves the Bible teaches eternal punishment - not eternal punishing].

I encourage all to read the rest of the chapter without traditional blinders and be amazed to discover that the Pearly Gates and Streets of Gold are going to be right here ON EARTH!

Born Again and Heaven and Hell

Quote:

People have been waiting for 2,000 years for this "return." It has not happened. No reason to believe that it will happen anytime soon.

Unless you believe that God has allotted mankind 6 days (following the principle that a thousand years are like a day to God) to do our own thing, to sing we did it "our way," to basically leave God out of our lives, and that God will soon intervene near the seventh day and usher in the Sabbath of peace and prosperity and proper spiritual education under King Messiah, Jesus Christ.

Quote:

And the Bible has been edited many times from its original texts. Do you include the gospels and other books that are not seen in current Bibles?

Do you believe that an all-powerful God isn't capable of preserving His Word despite edits or mistranslations? We know what God has to say through the Bible. It's no great mystery. The spurious gospels and spurious books don't match the divine rhythm or reflect the inspiration found in those books and letters widely circulated by the early Church of God. The Jews have preserved the "Old Testament." The Oracles of God

David Ben-Ariel wrote:

Revelation 21:4 "And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away."

Quote:

Do you realize what that means in context? It means that we will not exist in any physical form.

It means at that time all former humans who remain alive forevermore will be divine Spirit-Beings, literal members of the Kingdom-Family of God. Although composed of brilliant spirit, we can manifest ourselves and appear with form like Yeshua did after the resurrection before He ascended to Heaven, glorified.

Man Questions Whether We'll Be Angelic Or Divine

Born Again: The Kingdom of God!
**************************
The Skeptics Society Forum

Christians keep Passover - pagans keep Easter!

Biblical Christians know that Jesus, the apostles, and the early Church of God (converted Jews, Israelites and Gentiles) all kept Passover and the Days of Unleavened Bread - never pagan Easter! And biblical Christians know that God has given it to the Jews, specifically the Pharisees/Rabbinic Judaism, to preserve the sacred calendar and proclaim the holy dates every year for us to faithfully observe.

The Plain Truth about Easter
The Oracles of God

The Pharisees

The Passover Memorial

Jewish Holidays are Biblical Festivals for God's Church!

Passover and Pentecost Differences Settled!

Hostility Against "Jewish Holidays" to be History!

Plea to Diehard Catholics & Protestants to Repent

The Plain Truth about Herbert W. Armstrong & the Worldwide Church of God

Drunk on the Rapture Spirits? Get Sober!

Those who are drunk on tradition fail to recognize that their false teachings about the rapture can't stand up to Scripture, but falls flat on its face. There is not a single Scripture that says that Christians are going to be in Heaven during WWIII, the Great Tribulation, the Time of Jacob's Trouble. Not one. However, the Bible clearly shows that those Christians who are accounted worthy to escape will be protected right here ON EARTH - just like God has always done, consistent with His Word and Will -- and the Bible states it in black and white:

Revelation 12:
6 Then the woman [Church of God] fled into the wilderness, where she has a place prepared by God [a demilitarized zone], that they should feed her there one thousand two hundred and sixty days [the same length of time Jerusalem suffers under Gentile occupation]...

13 Now when the dragon saw that he had been cast to the earth, he persecuted the woman who gave birth to the male Child [Church of God to suffer persecution to an extent and then removed to safety to the place on Earth God has prepared for us]. 14 But the woman was given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness to her place, where she is nourished for a time and times and half a time, from the presence of the serpent. 15 So the serpent spewed water out of his mouth like a flood [armies, persecution] after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away by the flood. 16 But the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed up the flood which the dragon had spewed out of his mouth. 17 And the dragon was enraged with the woman, and he went to make war with the rest of her offspring, who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ [and yet were unworthy to be accounted to escape - they're not "raptured" in Heaven or in "Her Place" on Earth].

These Scriptures in Revelation 12 show the Church of God, Christians, saints, mentioned after Revelation 4, the exact opposite of what some falsely state who believe Christians have been "raptured." They also reveal that those who are accounted worthy to escape, after initial persecution, are to find refuge in a preordained location on Earth, determined by God -- not go to Heaven with any "rapture" nonsense that's out there. There's not a single Scripture that says we go to Heaven -- those who fall for the rapture read into Paul's writings what is simply not there. But the Bible clearly states EARTH is where Christians will be protected: believe it or not.

The Rapture or Place of Safety?

Don't Fall for the Rapture!

Isaiah 28:7
But they also have erred through wine [false religious teachings], And through intoxicating drink are out of the way; The priest and the prophet have erred through intoxicating drink, They are swallowed up by wine, They are out of the way through intoxicating drink; They err in vision, they stumble in judgment.

Revelation 17:1-6
1 Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls came and talked with me, saying to me, “Come, I will show you the judgment of the great harlot who sits on many waters, 2 with whom the kings of the earth committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth were made drunk with the wine of her fornication.”
3 So he carried me away in the Spirit into the wilderness. And I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet beast which was full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns. 4 The woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet, and adorned with gold and precious stones and pearls, having in her hand a golden cup full of abominations and the filthiness of her fornication. 5 And on her forehead a name was written:

MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE [RCC] MOTHER OF [Protestants] HARLOTS AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.

6 I saw the woman, drunk with the blood of the saints and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus. And when I saw her, I marveled with great amazement.

St. John the apostle versus Rome

Saint John the apostle faithfully kept the seventh day Sabbath, not the Roman Sunday; Saint John the apostle faithfully kept the annual Passover, not the papist Easter, and faithfully observed the Jewish dietary laws (God gave Israel to share with all mankind) -- he didn't give folks a license to sin and pig out on whatever their dark heart coveted or to strangely engage in a cannibalistic ritual of eating blood that the APOSTLES (he was one of them) forbade converted Jews, Israelites and Gentiles at the holy Jerusalem Council of Acts 15 - and continued to keep the "Jewish festivals" the early Church of God (converted Jews, Israelites and Gentiles) kept -- not the Roman hollow days like Christmas (Saturnalia - a rose by any other name...) and the rest of the cheap replacement theology substitutes.

We need to do as the early Church of God did and keep the commandments and holy days of God -- not the idolatrous traditions of men, not the baptized paganism of Roman wolves in sheep's clothing (the Babylonian Mystery religion in Christian drag), so help us God.

Jude 1:3
Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints [in Jerusalem, not Rome].

Jeremiah 6:16
"Thus saith Yahweh, stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk there in, and ye shall find rest to your souls. But they said, we will not walk therein."

Don't the Jews have a leader to save Israel?

William Manchester's book, The Last Lion: Winston Spencer Churchill; Visions of Glory, is quite remarkable considering its principles pertain to Israel's situation today. Winston Churchill was considered an "enemy of peace" by those who failed to recognize the growing German threat. Churchill was basically abandoned in a political wilderness until the time came for him to come out in the spirit of the Judges of Israel and deliver Great Britain from the Nazi menace.

Don't we, the Sabbath-keeping Church of God, realize that whenever we warn about the prophesied Beast power rising in Europe -- the final revival of the unholy Roman Empire of the German Nation -- that we'll be falsely accused of hating Germans, Europeans, and Catholics?

Years ago certain ones on AOL accused my book, Beyond Babylon: Europe's Rise & Fall, of hating Roman Catholics and German-bashing. I replied then and it's still true today, that it's actually because I LOVE THE GERMANS, I love the Europeans and I love the Roman Catholics that I want to help warn them to not blindly follow their leaders!

It's not only because I love our British-Israelite and Jewish brethren that the biblical warning message must go out: both Israelites and Gentiles must be warned if we're to fulfill our Christian duty as watchmen. The Church of God must warn the world or suffer severe consequences!

For the record, I'm of German descent, in part. I certainly don't hate the Germans, but I do hate what the Nazis did and what Bible prophecy clearly says a German-led Europe will do again on an even greater scale! This time their Satan inspired hatred and murder won't just be against our Jewish brethren but against Joseph: the Anglo-Saxons.

Consider this excellent quote from The Last Lion:

Speaking of the type of leader necessary to stand up to Hitler:

"England looked for another Alfred, a figure cast in a mold which, by the time of the Dunkirk deliverance, seemed to have been forever lost. England's new leader, were he to prevail, would have to be everything England's decent, civilized Establishment had rejected [sound familiar? those impotent ones who worry about reputation and remaining polite and respectable aren't effective in facing the Challenge]... Their successor would have to be a passionate Manichaen who saw the world as a medieval struggle to the death between the powers of good and the powers of evil, who held that individuals are responsible for their actions and that the German dictator was therefore wicked...Like Adolf Hitler he would have to be a leader of intuitive genius, a born demagogue in the original sense of the word, a believer in the supremacy of his race and his national destiny [not one who has forgotten or miserably doubts his Identity], an artist who knew how to gather the blazing light of history into his prism... Such a man, if he existed, would be England's last chance. In London there was such a man."

The question begs to be answered whether or not there's such a man in Jerusalem today (as its cauldron is filled with crooks and thieves and murderers selling out Israel); whether Israel will finally have a truly Jewish leader who will boldly reclaim Judaism's holiest site, the Temple Mount, and will refuse to tolerate Amalekites claiming Jerusalem as their capital; A strong leader who knows and understands that the Holy Land is promised to Israel and not to Ishmael.

If not, and Zion and Jerusalem fall to the German-Jesuit Europe because we've failed to heed Churchillian warnings, and shamefully despised those Christian-Zionists and Jews who delivered them, then King Messiah will surely save us out of the dreadful "Time of Jacob's Trouble" -- but we'll have first suffered the greatest tribulation to strike planet Earth.

David Ben-Ariel is a Christian-Zionist writer and author of Beyond Babylon: Europe's Rise and Fall. With a focus on the Middle East and Jerusalem, his analytical articles help others improve their understanding of that troubled region. Check out the Beyond Babylon blog..

No blood libel for Christians

OP-ED: Anti-Semitism a Christian disease? Not so fast
by David A. Harris

David A. Harris is executive director of the American Jewish Committee.

I read and agreed with David's article but wanted to comment on this particular excerpt:

While anti-Semitism historically has been more virulent in European Christendom, leading up to the Holocaust, it has not been absent in the Muslim world.

Anti-Semitism was and remains virulent in the bloody Vatican, within the Roman Catholic Cult (Babylonian Mystery religion dressed in Christian drag) which is not to be confused with Christians or Christianity, as the RCC have historically persecuted those who belong to the Faith once delivered to the Jews and Jerusalem, the Sabbath-keeping Church of God, branding us as "Judaizers."

The blood libel of anti-Semitism and/or Holocaust guilt against all Christians is patently false and as injurious as those who spread murderous hatred against all Jews because of the evil actions of a relative few Jews, who also often happen to be the worst anti-Semites!

God Save Us From Islam and Europe!

Pope John Paul II Was No Saint

The Secret Nazis Covet the Temple Mount

Mt. Zion Under Siege: Who Will Be King of the Mountain

Vatican Linked to the Assassination of Yitzhak Rabin

God and the Gays: A Time to Heal (Chapter 5)

Chapter Five

A TIME TO HEAL

Are radical gay groups or militant organizations (like Queer Nation and Act-Up) helping to heal the breaches or throw salt in the wounds? Do they help homosexuals to be further reconciled or alienated? Are they accomplishing their goals and airing their grievances, or being contentious just for the sake of being contentious? Are they actually doing more harm than good? Defeating their avowed purpose or attaining their aims? Isn't it immature to blame the government for not making us feel better? Is it always "others" fault that we haven't discovered a cure for AIDS yet? Don't we have the ways and means to do something about it ourselves? How much does it cost to abstain or practice "safe-sex?" It's in our power to save lives. Every person who's had sex ought to get tested to prevent passing AIDS on and to enable yourself to start treatment immediately if you've been infected. To do otherwise isn't only selfish, it's evil. High-risk groups ought to stop and think about what they're doing. It's not so much a lack of education, but of character. Irresponsible behavior is the cause for so many of the effects we see or suffer daily. Don't allow sin to emaciate you or separate you from your loved ones (Prov. 5:11; Ps. 38:11). Nobody gets a second chance.

Damaging stereotypes must go. Calloused misrepresentation is an injustice. Hollywood will be held responsible for its productions. But then again, in all fairness, aren't the stereotypes reinforced with every passing "Gay Pride" parade? Isn't much of the damage self-inflicted? And all of the negative publicity produced, in large part, by members of the homosexual community (Isa. 3:9)?

A Time and a Place

Are you an exhibitionist? Do you always insist on exposing your sexual preference whether it's appropriate or not? Why force the issue? We don't have to hide, but neither should we always lay everything out in the open (Prov. 13:16). It's not good to glory in our gory days or push our preference (Ephes. 5:12). And instead of having a gutter mouth, let's try and be gracious for once (Ephes. 4:29).Develop discretion. Tact, wisdom and diplomacy are wonderful attributes of a true ambassador (2 Cor. 5:20). There is a time and a place for everything, but even then we should ensure we're speaking the truth in love; facts with feelings, considering the sensitivities of others (Prov. 29:11; Ephes. 4:15; 1 Cor. 10:32). If someone's not ready yet to hear you out, or capable of appreciating what you're saying – why make it more difficult for them (Jn. 16:12)? Just getting something off your chest isn't right if it's going to adversely affect others. We are to help bear one another's burdens, but ultimately we're on our own (Ga. 6:2, 5).

I know there are those who would object to my use of the term "gay" throughout this booklet. May they try and understand that this work's been written to address the issue of homosexuality, and therefore, "becoming all things to all men," I've chosen to speak in their language. I realize the adjective's been unjustly robbed of its former innocence, and I know that it's not the word God would use to describe homosexuals. God calls the practice an abomination, the lifestyle loathsome, and the desires detestable (Lev. 18:22; Rom. 1:24, 26). That's some pretty strong medicine, but we'd better take it (Rev. 3:19). If someone trys to sell you on some other idea (Ga. 1:8), don't buy it! Don't be fooled by smooth-talking salesmen or swallow their snake-oil (Ephes. 5:6; Rom. 16:18)!

Before you get all riled up, notice that the same "harsh" God considers incest as wicked, bestiality as confusion, and baptized paganism as abominable (Lev. 18:17, 23; Deut. 12:30-31). Two wrongs don't make a right, but I wanted to show we've all fallen short of the mark and have failed the test (Rom. 3:23). There isn't any teacher's pet! Jesus didn't just die for straight people, He bled to death for homosexuals as well. We've all nailed Him to the cross and we all need Him as our Savior.

A Sinful Savior?

Did Jesus engage in sexual activities? Have an active love life? What does the Bible actually say? Not only have those openly critical of Christ cast aspersions, but others have leveled serious charges claiming Him as one of their own. What about Mary Magdalene? Did He have a relationship with her? Or the apostle John - were they lovers? Could He have been a bisexual? Or was it just a close friendship? Did Jesus simply exemplify male-bonding in its purest form, like King David did with his best friend, Jonathan?

Jesus reply to His accusers: "I have kept my Father's commandments" (John 15:10). Those commandments include instructions against all immorality. If Jesus broke even one link of this gold chain, He wouldn't have only tarnished His good reputation, He would have disqualified Himself as our sinless Savior (1 John 3:5). But Jesus is our pure Passover Lamb (not Easter rabbit!), without any defect of character; accepted, approved, and received by Heaven.

Christ commands everyone, everywhere, to confess and forsake their sins (Acts 17:30; 1 John 1:9). We're to leave our sinful pasts behind and get out of compromising situations fast (1 Cor. 6:18). Don't be fooled: what you do will come back to you (Ga. 6:7)!

We're not free to flagrantly flout God's law (Jer. 7:8-10). We haven't been delivered to disobey, despite appeals for "liberty" (2 Pet. 2:19; Rom. 6:1-6). When God set our forefathers free from Egypt, it wasn't for the sake of freedom alone! We weren't left to just go our own way or do our own thing. No longer the slaves of men, we were to become the servants of God. We were expected to follow His clear-cut directions to make it to another land. A Land of Promise. A Sanctuary where we would be free to do as He instructed. God declared war on Egypt and took a slave-people to make them into His Servant-Nation!

Don't believe the popular fairy-tales of serpentine ministers (2 Tim. 4:3-4)! They're so confused they'd even accept brazen sinners and assure them everything's "kosher" (Jer. 23:14, 17), when it's clearly not. They're professing Christians, but their lewd lives contradict their claims (Titus 1:16; 1 John 2:4). Such pornographic priests had better heed God's Word and listen to His Law (Isa. 1:10). They're warned to stop justifying themselves and abusing God's grace (Jude 4).

Previous Lives & Experiences

God calls people from all walks of life and performs a miracle in their minds: they're offered a fresh perspective, given a new outlook, and enabled to try a different approach (Philip. 2:5). Their former "records" aren't held against them and they're started out with a new attitude and identity (2 Cor. 5:17). God lists a litany of former lifestyles His people once practiced, and ends by emphasizing: "And such were some of you..." (2 Cor. 6:9-11). He acknowledges, thereby, they've sinced cleaned up their act and stand apart from the rest. All made possible by their Advocate who's expunged their past, gives them room to grow, a chance to change, and every encouragement to lead new lives.

But those who've refused to change, don't even attempt to get up and get over it, and have given up trying - are nothing more than the living dead facing a bleak future (Rev. 21:8; Heb. 10:27). God doesn't accept cop outs or drop outs (Luke 14:18), but expects us to keep plugging away and stay in the race (1 Cor. 9:24; Philip. 3:14). We're to do whatever's necessary to hang on to God and let go of sin, invigorated by the cheering examples of those who've already crossed the finishing line (Heb. 11; 12:1).

Recovering homosexuals haven't denied who and what they are; they've owned up to it and now seek atonement. They've honestly admitted to themselves their problem, have sought help, and are struggling to overcome and improve. They've accepted Christ's command and challenge to "...go and sin no more" (John 8:11). They're not denying that they're horny, human, and homosexual. They haven't gone back into the "closet" - but they have gone back, time and again, into the "prayer closet" to find the necessary strength to withstand temptation and continue their conversion (Acts 13:43). Those flying accusations are nothing more than shrapnel from that lying snake and murderer of mankind (Rev. 12:10). And besides, everybody must "come out" from under Satan's influence, and avoid him like the plague (Rev. 18:4; 2 Cor. 6:17)!

Sodom and Gomorrha

There is HOPE for homosexuals! Jesus even blasted certain cities of His day as worse than Sodom and Gomorrha, and indicated they would've repented given half a chance. He did state their "day in court" would be better than those who had seen the Light and yet chose to remain in religious darkness (Mat. 10:15; 11:2-24). God condemns their spiritual preference as inexcusable. Their lust for man-made traditions was greater than their love for God's truth.

Are homosexuals alone branded as Sodomites? Was that Sodom and Gomorrha's only claim to fame? Actually their sins ranged from downright snobbery to a lack of compassion; full bank accounts but empty lives. Obviously there was a great divide between the rich and the poor, but they all shared sin in common (Ezek. 16:49-50).

Their "anything goes" attitude and "do your own thing" atmosphere, reveals how low you can go. Their descent into depravity was undoubtedly hailed as a new era of "understanding," and their tolerance level for perversion praised as being "open-minded." So open-minded their brains fell out! Yet their DESTRUCTION is intended to dramatize the end result of living the wrong way. That warning message isn't only directed towards homosexuals (2 Pet. 2:6; Jude 7). God even refers to today's RELIGIOUS ESTABLISHMENT as "Sodom and Egypt..." - too PROUD AND STUBBORN to change (Rev. 11:8)! We're reminded that this affliction affects both young and old, high and low, rich and poor (Gen. 19:4, 11). Sin doesn't discriminate. Iniquity accepts all.

Regardless of our sexual orientation, we're to get as far away as possible from our old haunts and tired ways. We shouldn't look back upon those days (daze) with longing. Don't linger in the past or you'll forfeit your future (Gen. 19:15-17). God's prepared something far better for us: a sparkling City that's "out of this world," a wonderfully warm and loving Home, and a Country that really does care (Rev. 21:2). Jesus has promised to personally insure our part and parcel in God's Kingdom (John 14:1-2). He should be interested: He staked His life on us! Jesus became human so we could become divine (Heb. 2:10)! We're assured that even as we're presently human-beings, we're capable of becoming God-Beings (John 3:3-7; Ps. 82:6). These are bold claims and astonishing statements, but it's past time that you've been told the plain truth and given a fair chance to consider it (Luke 4:32; Isa. 52:15; John 16:29).

A Change For the Better

Only by a resurrection can our conversion be made complete; our miraculous transformation from matter to spirit, from mortal to immortal, from human to divine (1 Cor. 15:49-53). Could it be any other way? As members of the Royal Family of God it's only befitting that we should be glorified. The gospel - THE GOOD NEWS - of the Kingdom of God is a true rags to riches, dust to divinity story (Ps. 113:7-8)! Pardon the analogy, but would Cinderella have gone to her ball inappropriately dressed? Neither shall we be presented to Christ in any other manner: only the best will do (Rev. 19:8).

As prominent Priest-Kings, reigning with but under Christ (Rev. 5:10; Dan. 7:27), our clothing and appearance must be immaculate (Mat. 17:2; 1 Jn. 3:2). Understand, therefore, that even as we'll reside in splendor and rule in glory (Mat. 19:28; Rev. 3:21), so too must our very bodies become brilliant (Philip. 3:21); the last Trump heralds our change of clothing and composition (1 Cor. 15:52; 2 Cor. 5:1-5; Ps. 17:15). The resurrection invests us with this power and affords us this hope (Rev. 2:26; Acts 26:6-8)! If we're ever going to make it, we've got to keep this VISION of God's Kingdom-Family clear to us, careful not to let it dim or lose its luster (Prov. 29:18). It must become our driving force and motivation (Mat. 6:33).

Vision inspires motivation which encourages discipline. Some restrain themselves - not because of character, but fear of the consequences. That's a beginning, but God hopes we pass that starting point (Prov. 1:7). As we grow more spiritually mature, love is to gradually replace fear as our reason for obeying God (John 4:18).

Mindful of all that God's done for us, we're to develop an attitude of gratitude that expresses itself in loving obedience (Luke 7:47). This all-important love strengthens our resolve to do the right thing, to grace the Gospel, and compliment.the Kingdom (1 Thes. 2:12; Titus 2:10). Even this loving desire to fulfill God's Will is his gift (Rom. 2:4; 5:5). God initiates our relationship with Him, but we must continue it (John 6:44; 15:14). After our favorable response, God then supplies the strength of character, the courage of conviction, and an extraordinary will-power to secure our friendship as a lasting one (Philip. 2:13; 2 Tim. 1:7).

Everyone Has Problems

The Christian life isn't exempt from the trials and tribulations that everyone experiences. the difference is that God promises to pull us through. If He doesn't deliver us from some circumstance or situation, He will help us to hold up. Remember: diamonds are nothing more than coal that's been put under a lot of pressure!

God will never forget or forsake us, and He'll never allow anything to come between us (Rom. 8:35-39). He promises to impart sufficient grace to enable us to survive whatever might come our way (2 Cor. 12:9; 1 Cor.10:13). All of these problems can help produce God's character in us and contribute considerably to our cause (1 Pet. 1:7).

When the weight of worldly cares start to get you down, and seems too overwhelming, don't get discouraged! Be encouraged to go to God for help. That's how recognizing your own weaknesses can become your strength. Once we accept that sometimes we'll have to go through "hell" before Heaven is established on earth, we'll be better prepared for the "unexpected" by knowing that there is a method to this madness and a purpose for this pain (2 Cor. 4:17).

Such an understanding helps us to put everything into perspective and enjoy a clearer focus, reassured that there is a happy ending to it all (Rom. 18:28; Ecc. 7:8). We don't always know what's going on or why God does (or doesn't do) this or that, but our faith comforts us that "Father knows best" and is in control of events that might appear out-of-control (John 13:7; Mat. 27:53); therefore, refuse to get upset with God's way of handling things or bother second-guessing Him (Mat.11:6).

One of the most difficult things to accept is God's apparent inaction. Especially when you're convinced of His ability to do something. We've just got to calm down and rest in the fact that He's obviously working out something that we can't see now, but will understand later.

Why didn't He set John the Baptist free? Wouldn't that have glorified God, revealing His power to over-rule the Romans? Instead He left him to "rot" in jail and later lose his head. Why didn't He save Lazarus from his terminal illness? Or come down off the cross? Faith and patience....

Make Up Your Mind

All these things are wonderful opportunities to confirm or deny our commitment to Christ. It's a chance to defy temptation and stand up for what's right - despite peer pressure (Mat. 10:32-33). We can make things easier or more difficult for ourselves. Either you're totally convinced God's way is right and worth living, or you're not sure and continually ride the fence and risk rupture; tormenting yourself and sending out conflicting signals and confusing signs (Mat. 6:24; 7:16). When you're at the crossroads it's either this way or that. You can't have it both ways (Rev. 3:15). You should've made up your mind at baptism.

Will you honor your decision or break your vows? For those who've chosen to follow the Noble Path, they can't afford to play with fire, flirt with death, or risk living on the edge (Jude 23; Zech. 3:2). They've got to learn to quickly say no to sin. "He who hesitates is lost." Then they must become "stuck in their ways." They know that it's now or never, do or die, and that nothing can compare to what God has in store for them (Heb. 11:25-26; Mat. 13:46).

God's fire will either purify or destroy you. The choice is yours. Will you become a great success or end up a miserable failure (Mal. 3:2)? You might as well lay your lust in the dust, because everything in this world's about to end and a new world begin; therefore, God expects us to take note and act accordingly (1 John 2:17; 2 Pet. 3:11). Just as God's got something in store for His saints, He's also reserved something for sinners (2 Pet. 3:7). Don't worry, everybody will get what's coming to them (Rev. 22:12).

Using Available Resources

Having a clear vision of God's Kingdom, and a sober view of things to come, we can overcome every obstacle in Christ (John 16:33). But how can we keep our head up when the whole world's falling down around us (Luke 21:28)? By realizing that we're that much closer to the time when God will pick up the pieces and start over (John 6:12; Acts 1:6). But how can we keep from "losing it" while we wait (Rev. 3:11)? By getting "baptized!" We're to be immersed in the Word and saturated by God's Spirit (Luke 3:16). That's the only way to be "in Christ." That's an atomic statement. It's not meant to be just an empty spiritual cliche. It's packed with POWER and ENERGY!

Our growth and development depends upon how often (and to what degree) we'll take advantage of our available resources (Mat. 13:23). Only we can hold ourselves down or back (1 Thes. 5:19).

We're authorized to exercise "veto power" over any illicit thought or action. We're to wield God's Spirit (Rom. 8:13), and learn to handle our Light-Saber like an expert (Heb. 4:12; 2 Tim. 2:15). We're under orders to search and destroy (2 Cor. 13:5; Ga. 5:24), and follow our Leader wherever He might go (Rom. 8:14; 1 Pet. 2:21).

Jesus flesh and blood are our rations (John 6:47-63). God's Word can energize us and His Spirit sustain us - but it must become our daily bread. Are we utilizing what we've been given, investing our assets wisely, or are we just wasting our "time and money" (Isa. 55:2)? You've got to use it or you'll lose it (Luke 19:11-27)! We'll really need this celestial assistance to "walk on the waters," and not let our heart sink within us, if and whenever we hear rude remarks or callous comments by Christians - people we'd hope would understand our predicament and appreciate our efforts (Ps. 41:9).

God expects us to go out of our way, to forgive and forget, when we get burnt (Col. 3:13). He doesn't want us to fall into the trap of bickering back and forth (1 Pet. 3:9). We're to share scripture, not exchange cutting remarks (1 Cor. 14:26; Ps. 50:20)! As Satan seeks to divide and conquer, may he find unity in diversity instead (1 Cor. 12:12). Since we have such a high calling, let's not act beneath ourselves.

Growing Pains

Some Christians don't know how to deal with homosexuality. It's all new and frightening to them. That's understandable. But now they're under obligation to learn how to handle themselves when confronted with this issue. We're to be patient with them and pray that they'll be tolerant of us. We're not to force-feed them with "everything you never wanted to know about homosexuality!" They might get sick. Everybody grows at their own pace. Some "growing-pains" are to be expected along the way. We should accept and respect these facts of life and avoid sibling rivalry.

Meanwhile we can attempt to make the best of a bad situation (Rom. 12:18). Don't be judgmental, but be careful. Don't trip someone up or help them fall over their mental block (Rom. 14:13). This is the way of love: don't hold a grudge!

What about AIDS victims? Are they victims or did they knowingly endanger themselves? Should we befriend these social outcasts or leave them to lay in the bed they've made? What about compassion? Am I my brother's keeper? Can't I cry for the suffering sin causes (Jer. 9:1)? Don't these "lepers" need love? They're not necessarily any worse than others (Luke 13:1-5). Time and chance struck them down (Ecc. 9:11). They need our tender-loving prayers and care, not our cold-hearted stares. Besides, if everybody got sick who's sinned, we'd all be in intensive care! "Except for the grace of God, there go I" had better become our attitude. God showed His love toward us while we were yet sinners (Rom. 5:8).

Masturbation: is it right or wrong? It's the lesser of two evils, but it's still evil. Didn't Jesus say that if you've lusted after someone you've already had "sex" with them? Sex is mental, not just physical. Isn't masturbation usually accompanied by explicit fantasies? What's the difference between them and dirty movies or smut magazines? Don't they all throw fuel on the fire? Doesn't it entice you to fulfill them? Doesn't it weaken your will, surrender your resolve, and screw-up your spiritual day? Isn't lust just like a drug: intoxicating and addictive? There's no "time-out" for a Christian. Ask God for help in this area and know you'll receive it. Learn to resist sin, not God.

Same Person, Different Perception

Homosexuality is here whether we like it or not. I've been all around the world and have see that it's everywhere. We can't just wish it away because it won't go. Pretending it doesn't exist isn't fooling anyone but yourself. We have to face up to the facts, regardless of how uncomfortable they might make us feel.

As stated in the "Family Network" section of "Better Homes and Gardens" (when they published my letter/Nov. '92 issue): Perhaps you're the parent or friend of a lesbian or gay. Don't faint if you have; just remember that nothing has changed about that person except your perception of him or her. Treat them according to their personality, not their sexuality. Maybe you'd deny that it could ever occur in your family or intrude into your circle of friends. Don't faint if it does. It's not the end of the world. The sun will still rise and life will go on. Maybe you're unsure of your own sexuality. This much is sure: everything that you've loved or enjoyed about their friendship or company remains the same. Don't get upset if they hadn't told you. Such anger would only warrant their fears of being "found-out." Maybe they didn't want to risk losing your friendship. Obviously it means a lot to them. Express your disapproval of their practice, if you must. But reject it - not them. Is that asking too much? Life's too short to allow misunderstandings to come between us. We're encouraged to be reasonable; not to engage in emotional debates or heated arguments (Isa. 1:18). Let's avoid such ringside distractions. Remain cool, calm and collect (2 Tim. 2:23-25). Build bridges, not walls. Make your point and drop it.

One Big Happy Family

So there, now you have it. What the Bible really says about homosexuality. I guess I've done something right since I get complaints from both sides: the Christian and gay communities. It just goes to show you can't please everybody! Some say I'm too harsh; others say I'm too lenient. May everybody at least glean something. Others are initially discouraged, but then become encouraged to make necessary changes in their lives (2 Chron. 7:8-11).

A few might even sniff, "I told you so." If so, they've missed the point. Those prejudiced preachers might deliver the same basic message, but their style and tone of voice isn't like the Father's (John 10:1-5). This little booklet's a "love-letter," not hate-mail! Not everyone who speaks the truth has the right attitude or motivation. "A truth that's told with bad intent beats all the lies you can invent." We're to help gather, not scatter; to encourage people to come to Christ, not dig in their heels; to make it easier, not more difficult to repent (Acts 16:16-18; Philip. 1:15-18).

"Only he deserves his life and freedom who conquer them anew every day" (Goethe). May we grow ever stronger and more deeply appreciate our deliverance, making sure we never take it for granted (Deut. 5:15). Caution can't be stressed enough. We've got to be so careful not to fall back into our old rut, going nowhere (Ga. 5:1). We can't afford a relapse into sin that would only put us into a tail-spin (John 5:14). We must be recovering homosexuals, getting better and gaining strength (2 Tim. 2:26).

It's a daily struggle

If Christ gave it all, His everything for this relationship, can't we at least sacrifice a little? Is sex really so important or worth dying for? I know it feels good, but it won't feel too good in the Lake of Fire! May your love for God become greater than your lust for men (Isa. 56:4-5).

The Jewish proverb that "all beginnings are hard" is true. But that old saying doesn't just state a fact, it offers us the hope that things will get better with time. They do. We just have to hang in there. Climb Jacob's Ladder one rung at a time. Don't give up on yourself when God hasn't! I know from personal experience how difficult it can be, but I also know it's well worth it. I wouldn't have given up John, my ex-lover, for God if I didn't believe in what I've written! I went through hell, at first, really wondering if there is an afterlife, a resurrection, if Jesus is the Christ, if homosexuality is incompatible with the scriptures; what if I was all wrong, how would I ever find such another lover, etc.? But I have survived - and grown stronger. I don't take my beliefs for granted, I know they're true!

Old habits and ways of thinking can be replaced. New habits and ways of doing things can become ingrained. The divine nature can begin to replace our human nature, because God can and does heal minds and bodies! He's familiar with broken hearts and unhappy lives, and can mend them (Mat. 11:28). We can be made whole in Christ. He wants us all to become "One Big Happy Family" - the Kingdom of God.

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