LATEST FROM FREENATIONS
EU PROPAGANDA BOOSTED BY GERMAN PR AGENCY
INTRODUCTION The EU Commission is handing over the development of its new media strategy to a German firm closely linked to the German Foreign Office and the Bundeswehr. The aim of the plan is to weaken the resistance by the population to the policies of the European Union. The firm offers so-called "integrated communications campaigns" in which content provided by the client is blended into editorial programmes in the media.........so they are no longer recognisable as the opinions and assertions of the client.This German PR firm sees journalists as “multipliers”. It is a disgraceful comment on the supine nature of so much journalism that this new Goebbels-like propaganda machine regards journalists as useful idiots and their employers as cost saving relayers of propaganda! With the help of the British Government this new Goebbels will be targeting British schools - despite that being illegal under the 1946 Education Act.
READ THE ARTICLE from the German journalists of german-foreign-policy.com translated by Edward Spalton at FREENATIONS
Germany's Fourth Reich Spreads Its Wings Over the World
Germany Behind the Mask: Monster or Marshmallow?
Shimon Peres
Tuesday, July 11, 2006
Saturday, July 08, 2006
The real Abraham Lincoln
Did you know that Abraham Lincoln wanted to petition Congress to buy land in Central America or an island to send away the newly freed blacks or even BACK TO AFRICA, as he never had any intentions of them staying put. That was Abraham Lincoln's goal for America before getting murdered.
The Emancipation Proclamation didn't set a single slave free and especially south of the Mason-Dixie line!
Abraham Lincoln was content for those states who already had slaves to keep them, but didn't want any future states to have them.
Consider further:
Fourth Debate with Stephen A. Douglas at Charleston, Illinois
September 18, 1858
MR. LINCOLN'S SPEECH
While I was at the hotel to-day, an elderly gentleman called upon me to know whether I was really in favor of producing a perfect equality between the negroes and white people. [Great Laughter.] While I had not proposed to myself on this occasion to say much on that subject, yet as the question was asked me I thought I would occupy perhaps five minutes in saying something in regard to it. I will say then that I am not, nor ever have been, in favor of bringing about in any way the social and political equality of the white and black races, [applause]-that I am not nor ever have been in favor of making voters or jurors of negroes, nor of qualifying them to hold office, nor to intermarry with white people; and I will say in addition to this that there is a physical difference between the white and black races which I believe will forever forbid the two races living together on terms of social and political equality. And inasmuch as they cannot so live, while they do remain together there must be the position of superior and inferior, and I as much as any other man am in favor of having the superior position assigned to the white race. I say upon this occasion I do not perceive that because the white man is to have the superior position the negro should be denied every thing. I do not understand that because I do not want a negro woman for a slave I must necessarily want her for a wife. [Cheers and laughter.] My understanding is that I can just let her alone. I am now in my fiftieth year, and I certainly never have had a black woman for either a slave or a wife. So it seems to me quite possible for us to get along without making either slaves or wives of negroes. I will add to this that I have never seen, to my knowledge, a man, woman or child who was in favor of producing a perfect equality, social and political, between negroes and white men. I recollect of but one distinguished instance that I ever heard of so frequently as to be entirely satisfied of its correctness-and that is the case of Judge Douglas's old friend Col. Richard M. Johnson. [Laughter.] I will also add to the remarks I have made (for I am not going to enter at large upon this subject,) that I have never had the least apprehension that I or my friends would marry negroes if there was no law to keep them from it, [laughter] but as Judge Douglas and his friends seem to be in great apprehension that they might, if there were no law to keep them from it, [roars of laughter] I give him the most solemn pledge that I will to the very last stand by the law of this State, which forbids the marrying of white people with negroes. [Continued laughter and applause.]
Abraham Lincoln
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Lincoln had for some time been working on plans to set up colonies in Africa and South America for the nearly 4 million newly freed slaves.
Like the real Jesus, few know about the real Abraham Lincoln. Now you know.
The Emancipation Proclamation didn't set a single slave free and especially south of the Mason-Dixie line!
Abraham Lincoln was content for those states who already had slaves to keep them, but didn't want any future states to have them.
Consider further:
Fourth Debate with Stephen A. Douglas at Charleston, Illinois
September 18, 1858
MR. LINCOLN'S SPEECH
While I was at the hotel to-day, an elderly gentleman called upon me to know whether I was really in favor of producing a perfect equality between the negroes and white people. [Great Laughter.] While I had not proposed to myself on this occasion to say much on that subject, yet as the question was asked me I thought I would occupy perhaps five minutes in saying something in regard to it. I will say then that I am not, nor ever have been, in favor of bringing about in any way the social and political equality of the white and black races, [applause]-that I am not nor ever have been in favor of making voters or jurors of negroes, nor of qualifying them to hold office, nor to intermarry with white people; and I will say in addition to this that there is a physical difference between the white and black races which I believe will forever forbid the two races living together on terms of social and political equality. And inasmuch as they cannot so live, while they do remain together there must be the position of superior and inferior, and I as much as any other man am in favor of having the superior position assigned to the white race. I say upon this occasion I do not perceive that because the white man is to have the superior position the negro should be denied every thing. I do not understand that because I do not want a negro woman for a slave I must necessarily want her for a wife. [Cheers and laughter.] My understanding is that I can just let her alone. I am now in my fiftieth year, and I certainly never have had a black woman for either a slave or a wife. So it seems to me quite possible for us to get along without making either slaves or wives of negroes. I will add to this that I have never seen, to my knowledge, a man, woman or child who was in favor of producing a perfect equality, social and political, between negroes and white men. I recollect of but one distinguished instance that I ever heard of so frequently as to be entirely satisfied of its correctness-and that is the case of Judge Douglas's old friend Col. Richard M. Johnson. [Laughter.] I will also add to the remarks I have made (for I am not going to enter at large upon this subject,) that I have never had the least apprehension that I or my friends would marry negroes if there was no law to keep them from it, [laughter] but as Judge Douglas and his friends seem to be in great apprehension that they might, if there were no law to keep them from it, [roars of laughter] I give him the most solemn pledge that I will to the very last stand by the law of this State, which forbids the marrying of white people with negroes. [Continued laughter and applause.]
Abraham Lincoln
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Lincoln had for some time been working on plans to set up colonies in Africa and South America for the nearly 4 million newly freed slaves.
"I will say, then, that I AM NOT NOR HAVE EVER BEEN in favor of bringing about in any way the social and political equality of the black and white races---that I am not, nor ever have been, in favor of making voters or jurors of Negroes, nor of qualifying them to hold office, nor to intermarry with White people; and I will say in addition to this that there is a physical difference between the White and black races which will ever FORBID the two races living together on terms of social and political equality. And inasmuch as they cannot so live, while they do remain together, there must be the position of superior and inferior, and I, as much as any other man, am in favor of having the superior position assigned to the White race."
— 4th Lincoln-Douglas debate, September 18th, 1858; COLLECTED WORKS Vol. 3, pp. 145-146
— 4th Lincoln-Douglas debate, September 18th, 1858; COLLECTED WORKS Vol. 3, pp. 145-146
"What I would most desire would be the separation of the white and black races."
— Spoken at Springfield, Illinois on July 17th, 1858; from ABRAHAM LINCOLN: COMPLETE WORKS, 1894, Vol. 1, page 273
"See our present condition---the country engaged in war! Our White men cutting one another's throats! And then consider what we know to be the truth. But for your race among us there could not be war, although many men engaged on either side do not care for you one way or another.
"Why should the people of your race be colonized, and where? Why should they leave this country? This is, perhaps, the first question for proper consideration. You and we are different races. We have between us a broader difference than exists between almost any other two races. Whether it is right or wrong I need not discuss, but this physical difference is a great disadvantage to us both, as I think your race suffer very greatly, many of them by living among us, while ours suffer from your presence. In a word, we suffer on each side. If this be admitted, it affords a reason at least why we should be separated. It is better for both, therefore, to be separated."
— Spoken at the White House to a group of black community leaders, August 14th, 1862, from COLLECTED WORKS OF ABRAHAM LINCOLN, Vol 5, page 371
— Spoken at Springfield, Illinois on July 17th, 1858; from ABRAHAM LINCOLN: COMPLETE WORKS, 1894, Vol. 1, page 273
"See our present condition---the country engaged in war! Our White men cutting one another's throats! And then consider what we know to be the truth. But for your race among us there could not be war, although many men engaged on either side do not care for you one way or another.
"Why should the people of your race be colonized, and where? Why should they leave this country? This is, perhaps, the first question for proper consideration. You and we are different races. We have between us a broader difference than exists between almost any other two races. Whether it is right or wrong I need not discuss, but this physical difference is a great disadvantage to us both, as I think your race suffer very greatly, many of them by living among us, while ours suffer from your presence. In a word, we suffer on each side. If this be admitted, it affords a reason at least why we should be separated. It is better for both, therefore, to be separated."
— Spoken at the White House to a group of black community leaders, August 14th, 1862, from COLLECTED WORKS OF ABRAHAM LINCOLN, Vol 5, page 371
Like the real Jesus, few know about the real Abraham Lincoln. Now you know.
Friday, July 07, 2006
Israel Insider: "Freeing Killers: A Price Too High"
Freeing Killers: A Price Too High
By David Bedein July 6, 2006
This is not a popular piece to write.
Noam Shalit, father of Gilad, the abducted soldier, has been quoted today in HaAretz and the Voice of Israel radio on Thursday, July 6th, that he urges Israel to hand over 130 Arabs convicted of first degree premeditated murder, in exchange for the freedom of his son.
Noam Shalit is compelled to accept the idea that freeing convicted killers is the only way that he will see his son alive once again.
This is certainly not the time to judge Noam Shalit, and to invoke the adages in The Talmudic Tractate, ETHICS OF THE FATHERS: "Do not judge someone until you have come unto his place" and "Never judge someone at a time of his sorrow".
Yet with genuine empathy for what Noam Shalit must be going through, one thing must be said: Freeing his son is not worth such a price.
I write that difficult sentence as a journalist who has had the opportunity to arrang for interviews with ten of these unrepentant killers who now sit in prison for life. When each of these convicts were asked what they would do if they were free men, each of them shrugged their shoulders and declared that they would go back to killing Jews.
To observe the matter-of-factness with which these killers describe their heinous acts, you learn one thing: If any of these killers are released, they will continue to murder.
Indeed, Attorney Zev Dasberg, head of the Israel Institute for the Research on Terror Victims, prepared a booklet for distribution to Israel's legal and political system in which he documents that more than fifty people have been murdered in cold blood by killers who were freed by Israel in previous gestures when convicted killers were freed over the past five years.
My perspective is also as a father who currently has a son in an Israeli army combat unit, not far from Gaza. My son, Elchanon, asked me one thing before he was drafted into the IDF: Please do not trade any murderers in exchange for me in case I am captured.
With as much pain as it would take, I would honor Elchanon's request.
At the same time, we must all remember the cruel realities of war: In a war, soldiers are killed, wounded and captured. That is what war is all about.
Captured soldiers are exchanged at the end of a conflict, or during a lull in fighting. That is not the situation today.
It is one thing to redeem a captive, as we are commanded to do by Jewish Law.
It is quite another thing to free a soldier and know that his freedom will result in the murder of many more people. That is not a cycle of violence. That is a cycle of murder.
Views expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect those of israelinsider.
© 2001-2004 Koret Communications Ltd. All rights reserved.
By David Bedein July 6, 2006
This is not a popular piece to write.
Noam Shalit, father of Gilad, the abducted soldier, has been quoted today in HaAretz and the Voice of Israel radio on Thursday, July 6th, that he urges Israel to hand over 130 Arabs convicted of first degree premeditated murder, in exchange for the freedom of his son.
Noam Shalit is compelled to accept the idea that freeing convicted killers is the only way that he will see his son alive once again.
This is certainly not the time to judge Noam Shalit, and to invoke the adages in The Talmudic Tractate, ETHICS OF THE FATHERS: "Do not judge someone until you have come unto his place" and "Never judge someone at a time of his sorrow".
Yet with genuine empathy for what Noam Shalit must be going through, one thing must be said: Freeing his son is not worth such a price.
I write that difficult sentence as a journalist who has had the opportunity to arrang for interviews with ten of these unrepentant killers who now sit in prison for life. When each of these convicts were asked what they would do if they were free men, each of them shrugged their shoulders and declared that they would go back to killing Jews.
To observe the matter-of-factness with which these killers describe their heinous acts, you learn one thing: If any of these killers are released, they will continue to murder.
Indeed, Attorney Zev Dasberg, head of the Israel Institute for the Research on Terror Victims, prepared a booklet for distribution to Israel's legal and political system in which he documents that more than fifty people have been murdered in cold blood by killers who were freed by Israel in previous gestures when convicted killers were freed over the past five years.
My perspective is also as a father who currently has a son in an Israeli army combat unit, not far from Gaza. My son, Elchanon, asked me one thing before he was drafted into the IDF: Please do not trade any murderers in exchange for me in case I am captured.
With as much pain as it would take, I would honor Elchanon's request.
At the same time, we must all remember the cruel realities of war: In a war, soldiers are killed, wounded and captured. That is what war is all about.
Captured soldiers are exchanged at the end of a conflict, or during a lull in fighting. That is not the situation today.
It is one thing to redeem a captive, as we are commanded to do by Jewish Law.
It is quite another thing to free a soldier and know that his freedom will result in the murder of many more people. That is not a cycle of violence. That is a cycle of murder.
Views expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect those of israelinsider.
© 2001-2004 Koret Communications Ltd. All rights reserved.
Thursday, July 06, 2006
Toledo Free Press mentions Beyond Babylon
7/5/2006
EXCLUSIVELY ONLINE
BLOG IT! TOLEDO
By Lisa Renee Ward
Special to Toledo Free Press
...While this next subject is a bit more controversial, David Ben-Ariel also emailed me to tell me about the many blogs he writes on. Beyond Babylon is one of them. David is an author of a book with the same name; he is quite passionate about many of the topics he covers from a Christian Zionist viewpoint. His main focus is on Jerusalem, Israel and the Middle East....
EXCLUSIVELY ONLINE
BLOG IT! TOLEDO
By Lisa Renee Ward
Special to Toledo Free Press
...While this next subject is a bit more controversial, David Ben-Ariel also emailed me to tell me about the many blogs he writes on. Beyond Babylon is one of them. David is an author of a book with the same name; he is quite passionate about many of the topics he covers from a Christian Zionist viewpoint. His main focus is on Jerusalem, Israel and the Middle East....
Vatican plans to conquer/convert Islam and Orthodox
The evil powers that be did flirt with the idea of Eurabia but it has backfired on them. Now the fascist EU will totally conquer Islam and let the bloody RCC rule under their wannabe divine emperor.
The coat of arms of Pope Benedict XVI that picture a Moor (Muslim) and a Bear (Orthodox Russia) reveals his intentions to wield the German-EU to conquer and convert both (scallop) and annex them into his counterfeit kingdom of God.
The CFR wolf Daniel Pipes (The Vatican Confronts Islam) confirms that the Vatican is preparing to butt heads with Islam. The Prophet Daniel reported this coming clash between the king of the North (RCC) and the king of the South (Islam) thousands of years ago.
Europe Swings Both Ways
Europe to take out Iran for Jerusalem
Europe Misses the Mark - Will It Return as the Sign of the Cross?
Can the Leopard Change Its Spots?
The coat of arms of Pope Benedict XVI that picture a Moor (Muslim) and a Bear (Orthodox Russia) reveals his intentions to wield the German-EU to conquer and convert both (scallop) and annex them into his counterfeit kingdom of God.
The CFR wolf Daniel Pipes (The Vatican Confronts Islam) confirms that the Vatican is preparing to butt heads with Islam. The Prophet Daniel reported this coming clash between the king of the North (RCC) and the king of the South (Islam) thousands of years ago.
Europe Swings Both Ways
Europe to take out Iran for Jerusalem
Europe Misses the Mark - Will It Return as the Sign of the Cross?
Can the Leopard Change Its Spots?
Wednesday, July 05, 2006
Yitzhak Rabin on Katyushas from Gaza
"The scare-stories of the Likud are well-known," Rabin said in 1995. "Why, they also promised us Katyushas from Gaza. It's already a year that the Gaza Strip is mostly under the control of the Palestinian Authority - and there wasn't a Katyusha and there won't be any...".
Israel Must Declare War Against Gaza
It's past time for Israel to declare all out war against the Nazi-Muslims who daily vow genocide against the Jews and the destruction of the Jewish homeland.
What other nation would tolerate such murderous abuse upon their civilians, such treacherous undermining of Israeli sovereignty? Yet UNJews like Olmert and Shimon Peres pretend they have "peace partners" and continue to arm them!
But what can else can we expect from Shimon Peres who came to power over the dead body of Yitzhak Rabin?
Daniel Pipes: Can the Leopard Change Its Spots?
What other nation would tolerate such murderous abuse upon their civilians, such treacherous undermining of Israeli sovereignty? Yet UNJews like Olmert and Shimon Peres pretend they have "peace partners" and continue to arm them!
But what can else can we expect from Shimon Peres who came to power over the dead body of Yitzhak Rabin?
Daniel Pipes: Can the Leopard Change Its Spots?
Tuesday, July 04, 2006
FBI on the Fourth of July!
This was written before 9/11...
Learn from my mistake if you don't want the FBI knocking on your door! I had read or heard that if you don't properly LOG OUT that someone who's computer savvy can enter your site and appear as you. Because I was in a hurry the other day, I just shut my computer off without logging out.
Today, ironically July 4th, 2 FBI agents knocked on my door and said they wanted to question me. [I'm a descendant of John Adams, JQA and James Buchanan]. First they said I had to go with them to be questioned and I refused, insisting they could ask me any questions they wanted right here. They said I had to go with them. I asked if they had a warrant. They said they didn't need one, and that that was "new." The one man and black woman ended up questioning me for over an hour here.
They said I had sent a bomb threat to the FBI in New York City against some Hindu festival. I said I did NOT. I told them that I wouldn't do that and am not so stupid anyway, especially since I know e-mails can be traced since I had gone to the FBI last year to report several death threats I had received (which they said they traced to east Jerusalem).
The FBI agents said the threat came from my computer, but that it was made to appear to have originated in Jordan. I don't know how to do that, and didn't do it. It just happens that I recently didn't log out after I had been on an Arab forum - www.arabia.com [now defunct] - from JORDAN. Obviously, one of my enemies there abused the situation.
The FBI agents asked if I had any enemies. I said any militant Muslims could hate me for calling upon the Israeli government to build the Temple; that traditional Christians could hate me for speaking the plain truth that contradicts their pagan beliefs; that some Jews could hate me if they thought I was a "missionary," etc. I also gave them the name of the former Church member, an embittered, demon-possessed person who had written Israel that I was going to try and blow up the mosque to stop the peace process. That's why Israel unjustly deported me - fears based upon LIES.
I referred the FBI agents to my [former] website and to my frequent Jerusalem Post letters, and my book Beyond Babylon: Europe's Rise and Fall to clearly see my beliefs that are honestly on record - and ENTIRELY aboveground and LEGAL. I have nothing to hide and am completely innocent, so I spoke with them and wished them a good Fourth as they left. The moral of this all-too-true story: LOG OUT!
But it doesn't end there. I called and complained to the FBI director in this area about being lied to by his agent. The director said I was correct, that there wasn't any change in the law that demanded I go with them for questioning without a warrant.
Later I agreed to permit the FBI to come and copy my hard drive, to further prove my innocence (although some friends were angry that I enabled my rights to be infringed upon). That time the nice black lady returned with someone new, not the Italian man who lied to me. She appeared sincerely interested in my book and biblical beliefs, which we discussed while the fellow was working with my computer. I said if they had any further questions they could call me to come downtown to their office.
They must have "solved" their case, because she's since been transferred to Detroit and I haven't heard anything more from them about it. As I told her, I just figured they used that as an excuse to question me and remind me they're aware of me, not that it was necessary at all. She insisted the FBI in New York really had received a bomb threat allegedly from me. God knows.
*********************************************
Some have since informed me that it isn't necessarily true about hackers getting in when you don't log out and strange coincidence that after those visits the Jerusalem Post - who had published practically every letter I sent them - abruptly ceased to do so.
Learn from my mistake if you don't want the FBI knocking on your door! I had read or heard that if you don't properly LOG OUT that someone who's computer savvy can enter your site and appear as you. Because I was in a hurry the other day, I just shut my computer off without logging out.
Today, ironically July 4th, 2 FBI agents knocked on my door and said they wanted to question me. [I'm a descendant of John Adams, JQA and James Buchanan]. First they said I had to go with them to be questioned and I refused, insisting they could ask me any questions they wanted right here. They said I had to go with them. I asked if they had a warrant. They said they didn't need one, and that that was "new." The one man and black woman ended up questioning me for over an hour here.
They said I had sent a bomb threat to the FBI in New York City against some Hindu festival. I said I did NOT. I told them that I wouldn't do that and am not so stupid anyway, especially since I know e-mails can be traced since I had gone to the FBI last year to report several death threats I had received (which they said they traced to east Jerusalem).
The FBI agents said the threat came from my computer, but that it was made to appear to have originated in Jordan. I don't know how to do that, and didn't do it. It just happens that I recently didn't log out after I had been on an Arab forum - www.arabia.com [now defunct] - from JORDAN. Obviously, one of my enemies there abused the situation.
The FBI agents asked if I had any enemies. I said any militant Muslims could hate me for calling upon the Israeli government to build the Temple; that traditional Christians could hate me for speaking the plain truth that contradicts their pagan beliefs; that some Jews could hate me if they thought I was a "missionary," etc. I also gave them the name of the former Church member, an embittered, demon-possessed person who had written Israel that I was going to try and blow up the mosque to stop the peace process. That's why Israel unjustly deported me - fears based upon LIES.
I referred the FBI agents to my [former] website and to my frequent Jerusalem Post letters, and my book Beyond Babylon: Europe's Rise and Fall to clearly see my beliefs that are honestly on record - and ENTIRELY aboveground and LEGAL. I have nothing to hide and am completely innocent, so I spoke with them and wished them a good Fourth as they left. The moral of this all-too-true story: LOG OUT!
But it doesn't end there. I called and complained to the FBI director in this area about being lied to by his agent. The director said I was correct, that there wasn't any change in the law that demanded I go with them for questioning without a warrant.
Later I agreed to permit the FBI to come and copy my hard drive, to further prove my innocence (although some friends were angry that I enabled my rights to be infringed upon). That time the nice black lady returned with someone new, not the Italian man who lied to me. She appeared sincerely interested in my book and biblical beliefs, which we discussed while the fellow was working with my computer. I said if they had any further questions they could call me to come downtown to their office.
They must have "solved" their case, because she's since been transferred to Detroit and I haven't heard anything more from them about it. As I told her, I just figured they used that as an excuse to question me and remind me they're aware of me, not that it was necessary at all. She insisted the FBI in New York really had received a bomb threat allegedly from me. God knows.
*********************************************
Some have since informed me that it isn't necessarily true about hackers getting in when you don't log out and strange coincidence that after those visits the Jerusalem Post - who had published practically every letter I sent them - abruptly ceased to do so.
A7Radio: They Paved Paradise... & Put Up a NASCO Super Highway
A7Radio: They Paved Paradise... & Put Up a NASCO Super Highway
16:23 Jul 03, '06 / 7 Tammuz 5766
A7 Radio's "The Tamar Yonah Show"
How to use XML?
Tamar speaks to a Texas couple who may lose their property to the NASCO super highway slated to be built for a 'North American Union'. The strange thing is, hardly anyone knows why, but you will, after hearing this show! www.NascoCorridor.com Plus: Prof. Paul Eidelberg speaks on, "Kill for Peace?"
Listen Now -or- Download
***********************************
NORTH AMERICAN UNION = TREASON
"Corporatism is of course the basic building brick of all fascist systems," Rodney Atkinson notes in CORPORATISM - THE EUROPEAN DISEASE IS CATCHING.
Apparently, Mr. Atkinson is right again as Jerome Corsi has been exposing how our Southern border blurs for global trade, in accordance to treacherous plans well underway to create the "North American Union" that merges Mexico, the United States and Canada, complete with the "Amero," all under "...the Strategic and Prosperity Partnership of North America, or SPP. The SPP agreement was reached between President Bush, President Vicente Fox and Canadian Prime Minister Paul Martin during their March 2005 summit meeting in Waco, Texas. The Bush administration plan is to create a North American Union along the model of the European Union...." (emphasis mine).
Corresponding with Mr. Corsi about these developments by design at home and abroad, he responded:
"Common markets and free trade zones are forming across the globe. The North American Union is further along than we think. This is a fight we have to take on, otherwise the USA is gone."
That's the whole purpose of the globalists! No wonder President Bush doesn't give a hoot (remember the Bohemian grove?) about borders with Mexico. Many leaders have sold their souls, betrayed their people and backstabbed their countries.
Germany's Fourth Reich Spreads It Wings Over the World
16:23 Jul 03, '06 / 7 Tammuz 5766
A7 Radio's "The Tamar Yonah Show"
How to use XML?
Tamar speaks to a Texas couple who may lose their property to the NASCO super highway slated to be built for a 'North American Union'. The strange thing is, hardly anyone knows why, but you will, after hearing this show! www.NascoCorridor.com Plus: Prof. Paul Eidelberg speaks on, "Kill for Peace?"
Listen Now -or- Download
***********************************
NORTH AMERICAN UNION = TREASON
"Corporatism is of course the basic building brick of all fascist systems," Rodney Atkinson notes in CORPORATISM - THE EUROPEAN DISEASE IS CATCHING.
Apparently, Mr. Atkinson is right again as Jerome Corsi has been exposing how our Southern border blurs for global trade, in accordance to treacherous plans well underway to create the "North American Union" that merges Mexico, the United States and Canada, complete with the "Amero," all under "...the Strategic and Prosperity Partnership of North America, or SPP. The SPP agreement was reached between President Bush, President Vicente Fox and Canadian Prime Minister Paul Martin during their March 2005 summit meeting in Waco, Texas. The Bush administration plan is to create a North American Union along the model of the European Union...." (emphasis mine).
Corresponding with Mr. Corsi about these developments by design at home and abroad, he responded:
"Common markets and free trade zones are forming across the globe. The North American Union is further along than we think. This is a fight we have to take on, otherwise the USA is gone."
That's the whole purpose of the globalists! No wonder President Bush doesn't give a hoot (remember the Bohemian grove?) about borders with Mexico. Many leaders have sold their souls, betrayed their people and backstabbed their countries.
Germany's Fourth Reich Spreads It Wings Over the World
Monday, July 03, 2006
Born Again and Heaven and Hell
If you're not born again before you die, you'll spend eternity in hell.
Who hasn't heard that "sermon" or something like it before? That one statement contains four religious lies and proves such a preacher apparently doesn't know God, Jesus Christ or the Bible well enough to know differently! Nothing wrong with that, of and by itself, except an error becomes a lie when folks persist in it after it's been exposed (Matt. 3:19-21).
First, Yeshua said that which is born of the flesh is flesh (like we are now in this life), but that which is born of the Spirit IS SPIRIT. He also said you can't even see or enter into that Kingdom of God unless you're born again, which nobody has been but Yeshua by a resurrection from the dead and transformation from human to divine, from flesh and blood to SPIRIT. Those who are born again have SPIRIT BODIES.
Paul confirms and clarifies this awesome truth:
1 Corinthians 15:45-57
45So it is written: "The first man Adam became a living being" [flesh]; the last Adam, a life-giving SPIRIT...
47The first man was of the dust of the earth [flesh], the second man from Heaven [SPIRIT].
48As was the earthly man, so are those who are of the earth [that which is born of flesh is flesh]; and as is the man from heaven[Spirit], so also are those who are of [not in] heaven [that which is born of SPIRIT IS SPIRIT].
49And just as we have borne the likeness of the earthly man [flesh], so SHALL we bear the likeness of the man from heaven [SPIRIT].
50I declare to you, brothers, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God [just like Yeshua clearly stated that unless you're born again, a SPIRIT BEING, you can see or enter the Kingdom-Family of God], nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable [yet those who bleat they're already born again say they can - let God be true and every man a liar].
51Listen, I tell you a mystery [remains a mystery to most]: We will not all sleep [not go to "Heaven or Hell" at death], but we will all be changed--
52in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, AT THE LAST TRUMP. (not in this life or at death) For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed [born again].
53For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality [YE MUST BE BORN AGAIN].
54When the perishable has been clothed [with our heavenly bodies - not bodies in heaven] with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: "Death has been swallowed up in victory."
55"Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?"
56The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. 57But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
This clearly shows Adam was flesh and blood, mortal, corruptible and we're just like him - but the good news is we can become exactly like the Second Adam and be transformed - BORN AGAIN - at the resurrection into brilliant God-beings, composed of divine nature and holy composition: BORN AGAIN SPIRIT BEINGS!
Further proof nobody is born again is Yeshua is yet to return and establish the Kingdom of God on Earth, and the glorified saints are yet to rule with but under Him as divine Priest-Kings, SPIRIT-BEINGS (having truly been born again).
Those who understood what it means to be born again, and just what the Kingdom of God really constitutes, agree with these very clear Scriptures:
Daniel 2:44
44 And in the days of these [10 kings/EU nations] kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed; and the kingdom shall not be left to other people; it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand forever.
Daniel 7:27
27 Then the kingdom and dominion,
And the greatness of the kingdoms UNDER the whole heaven [not in Heaven],
Shall be given to the people, the saints of the Most High [then born again].
His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom,
And all dominions shall serve and obey Him.'
Revelation 20:6
6 Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection. Over such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years.
The King of the Jews, the King of Israel, is yet to return and establish the Kingdom of God on Earth, smashing all opposition. The faithful still pray, "Thy Kingdom Come" and it certainly will in God's good time!
This is the Kingdom-Family of God that will administer the one world government of God that you can't even enter UNTIL you've become born again as a divine SPIRIT-BEING, just like Yeshua said and Paul taught: two witnesses to this truth.
This is the Kingdom of God (not some pretty platitude, sanctimonious feeling or spiritualized stupor or experience), the GOOD NEWS Yeshua preached and the true Church of God announces is coming soon! May all REPENT and believe the gospel, so help us God.
The Church of God is the Kingdom of God in embryo, as Herbert W. Armstrong taught. We're begotten now, are converted and being converted, but we'll be born again at the return of Christ and first resurrection. We can celebrate that the Kingdom of God is coming soon in power and great glory: the Lord Yeshua with all the glorified, transformed saints then divine SPIRIT-BEINGS.
The righteous are not in Heaven and sinners are not in "Hell."
Scriptures clearly reveal all the saints are dead and buried, asleep, awaiting their resurrection at the return and reign of Yeshua. The dead in Christ (they're dead - not alive in Heaven) haven't received their inheritance YET and won't until we all do so together:
Hebrews 11:39-40
39These [all those listed in the chapter of Faith] were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised [which was never Heaven anyway]. 40God had planned something better for us so that only TOGETHER WITH US would they be made perfect [at the seventh trumpet, at the return of Christ, at our resurrection and transformation].
The Scriptures cannot be broken and are consistent - something idolatrous traditions clearly aren't.
Remember, immortality, eternal life is a GIFT from God, but the wages of sin is death. Eternal life or eternal death, plain and simple, thus said the Lord (yet some insist on twisting parables out of context, rejecting the clear black and white Scriptures).
God is not the sadist that traditional Christianity misrepresents Him to be. Those who submit to the Word of God rather than fall for Roman wolves in sheep's clothing (with their Babylonish beliefs and pagan myths), know the unrepentant will be put out of their misery, destroyed in the Lake of Fire, having suffered the second death.
The meek shall inherit the Earth and the wicked will be history! So says YOUR Bible. Why not believe it over idolatrous traditions of men?
"For evildoers shall be cut off; but those that wait upon the Lord, they shall inherit the earth. For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be; yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it shall not be. But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace. The wicked plotteth against the just, and gnasheth upon him with his teeth. But the wicked shall perish [John 3:16], and the enemies of the Lord shall be as the fat of lambs: they shall consume; into smoke shall they consume away. For such as be blessed of him shall inherit the earth; and they that be cursed of him shall be cut off! The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell therein for ever" (Ps. 37:9-12,20,22,29).<
And notice Psalm 104:35: "Let the sinners he consumed out of the earth, and let the wicked be no more.
Notice the great contrast: eternal life or eternal death; inherit the Earth or be destroyed from off the face of the Earth.
Isaiah 66:22-24
22 For as the new heavens and the new earth, which I will make, shall remain before me, saith the LORD, so shall your seed and your name remain. [But the wicked will be history, although during the Millennium...]
23 And it shall come to pass, that from one new moon to another, and from one sabbath [the Sabbath wasn't done away with!] to another, shall all flesh come to worship before me, saith the LORD.
24 And they shall go forth, and look upon the carcases of the men that have transgressed against me: for their worm shall not die, neither shall their fire be quenched; and they shall be an abhorring unto all flesh.
Do you believe in immortal worms? Realize this speaks of the far future - the new heavens and the new earth, and then goes back to the initial thousand year reign of Yeshua when just outside of Jerusalem the Valley of Hinnom will be kept burning as a warning to all of what happens to the wicked - they're burnt up, but their maggots turn into flies and continue to live. Time setting is everything as well as rightly dividing the Scriptures - not falling into the traditional ditch of darkness.
Revelation 22:12-15
12 "And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me [it was reserved in Heaven, but it's not Heaven!], to give to every one according to his work. 13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last."
14 Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city [New Jerusalem, a building/city eternal]. 15 But outside are dogs and sorcerers and sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and whoever loves and practices a lie.
ASHES OUTSIDE THE GATES OF JERUSALEM. Eternal life vs. eternal death.
Revelation 21:8
8 But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second DEATH."
Malachi 4:1-3
1 "For behold, the day is coming [yet future],
Burning like an oven,
And all the proud, yes, all who do wickedly will be stubble.
And the day which is coming shall burn them up,"
Says the LORD of hosts,
" That will leave them neither root nor branch [eternal DEATH].
2 But to you who fear My name
The Sun of Righteousness shall arise
With healing in His wings [eternal LIFE];
And you shall go out
And grow fat like stall-fed calves.
3 You shall trample the wicked,
For they shall be ASHES under the soles of your feet [outside Jerusalem]
On the day that I do this,"
Says the LORD of hosts.
That's what happens to something that gets burnt up: nothing is left but ashes. How plain. How logical. How merciful!
Jude 1:5
5Though you already know all this, I want to remind you that the Lord delivered his people out of Egypt, but later destroyed those who did not believe. [God didn't torture them].
Why do folks refuse to believe God for vain traditions? The wicked will be completely destroyed, nothing left of them, ashes, but the meek shall inherit the Earth, even as the wicked are cut off forever. Eternal life or eternal death.
The real Hell fire doesn't even exist yet!
Traditional Christianity doesn't believe Yeshua when He said God is able to destroy both body and soul in Gehenna fire; that God so loved the world that whosoever believes in Him should not PERISH but have everlasting LIFE; that immortality alone belongs to God and those whom He offers it as a GIFT; that the wicked will be utterly destroyed and become ashes under the soles of the feet of those who inherit the Earth; that we know no murderer has eternal life in him.
Regardless of traditional disbelief or religious rebellion, the Bible clearly teaches that after God has purified this Earth by fire, making it new, renewing the surface of the Earth as He once did with water, the wicked will be history and ashes under the soles of the feet of those given the gift of immortality - you're not an immortal soul - and all suffering will be a thing of the past. The new heavens and Earth will be filled with righteousness - there won't be any room for evil, no polluted part, no forbidden zone or mythological "hell" to taint the new heavens and the new Earth - if you believe the Bible over idolatrous traditions (Rev. 20:14).
The real Hell fire doesn't even exist yet! So how can anybody be in it? The Lake of Fire that will engulf the entire surface of the Earth is future. Read it for yourself and believe it over misguided men:
2 Peter 3:5-7, 10-12
5 For this they willfully forget: that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of water and in the water, 6 by which the world that then existed perished, being flooded with water [Earth was purified by water]. 7 But the heavens and the earth which are now preserved by the same word, are reserved for fire until the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men [even as water once purified the Earth of wicked men, soon fire will do the same - in the future!]...
10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up [this is the real "hell" fire the Bible teaches - much hotter than the pagan myths teach - and it's yet future, not "down there" or any other place in men's twisted imaginations, but the whole surface of the Earth will be consumed and purified by fire]. 11 Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, 12 looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat? 13 Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.
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!
Heaven isn't the Reward of the Saved!
2 Corinthians 5:1
1 For we know that if our earthly house, this tent, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.
Yeshua clearly said: "THE MEEK SHALL INHERIT THE EARTH". The Scripture above nowhere says we're to "go to Heaven" - in fact, it speaks of the heavenS, the universe (which ultimately we'll inherit but remain based on Earth with the New Jerusalem that will come down from Heaven to be established on Earth: "Heaven on Earth").
When properly understood, we know that our heavenly bodies, our new spirit-composed bodies that we'll receive (when we're born again) occurs at the return of Yeshua and our resurrection. Yeshua promises to bring our reward with Him from Heaven - He doesn't take us to receive it in Heaven! There's a big difference.
Verse 3 that clearly proves we'll be clothed with our new "house" FROM Heaven. Those born again will have SPIRIT BODIES.
2 Corinthians 5:2
2 For in this we groan [why groan if we're already born again? - if we're already delivered?], earnestly desiring to be clothed with our habitation which is FROM heaven [not in it!].
Revelation 22:12
12 "And behold, I am coming quickly [the Second Coming of Christ TO EARTH], and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work.
Remember Yeshua said in His Father's House [Temple] are many mansions/rooms/offices/positions? Those positions will be filled in His Kingdom-Family that is established when He returns! We're to help administer the government of God.
What about 2 Corinthians 5:8?
8 We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.
Nowhere does that Scripture mention Heaven. However, when Yeshua returns, bringing our reward with Him from Heaven - having been reserved in Heaven - (and later the New Jerusalem itself comes down from Heaven with the Father), we will be absent from these bodies of flesh when we're transformed, when we receive our heavenly bodies, our SPIRIT BODIES as those who are truly born again, but it all takes place right here on God's good Earth.
Shimon Peres
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.
Who hasn't heard that "sermon" or something like it before? That one statement contains four religious lies and proves such a preacher apparently doesn't know God, Jesus Christ or the Bible well enough to know differently! Nothing wrong with that, of and by itself, except an error becomes a lie when folks persist in it after it's been exposed (Matt. 3:19-21).
First, Yeshua said that which is born of the flesh is flesh (like we are now in this life), but that which is born of the Spirit IS SPIRIT. He also said you can't even see or enter into that Kingdom of God unless you're born again, which nobody has been but Yeshua by a resurrection from the dead and transformation from human to divine, from flesh and blood to SPIRIT. Those who are born again have SPIRIT BODIES.
Paul confirms and clarifies this awesome truth:
1 Corinthians 15:45-57
45So it is written: "The first man Adam became a living being" [flesh]; the last Adam, a life-giving SPIRIT...
47The first man was of the dust of the earth [flesh], the second man from Heaven [SPIRIT].
48As was the earthly man, so are those who are of the earth [that which is born of flesh is flesh]; and as is the man from heaven[Spirit], so also are those who are of [not in] heaven [that which is born of SPIRIT IS SPIRIT].
49And just as we have borne the likeness of the earthly man [flesh], so SHALL we bear the likeness of the man from heaven [SPIRIT].
50I declare to you, brothers, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God [just like Yeshua clearly stated that unless you're born again, a SPIRIT BEING, you can see or enter the Kingdom-Family of God], nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable [yet those who bleat they're already born again say they can - let God be true and every man a liar].
51Listen, I tell you a mystery [remains a mystery to most]: We will not all sleep [not go to "Heaven or Hell" at death], but we will all be changed--
52in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, AT THE LAST TRUMP. (not in this life or at death) For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed [born again].
53For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality [YE MUST BE BORN AGAIN].
54When the perishable has been clothed [with our heavenly bodies - not bodies in heaven] with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: "Death has been swallowed up in victory."
55"Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?"
56The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. 57But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
This clearly shows Adam was flesh and blood, mortal, corruptible and we're just like him - but the good news is we can become exactly like the Second Adam and be transformed - BORN AGAIN - at the resurrection into brilliant God-beings, composed of divine nature and holy composition: BORN AGAIN SPIRIT BEINGS!
Further proof nobody is born again is Yeshua is yet to return and establish the Kingdom of God on Earth, and the glorified saints are yet to rule with but under Him as divine Priest-Kings, SPIRIT-BEINGS (having truly been born again).
Those who understood what it means to be born again, and just what the Kingdom of God really constitutes, agree with these very clear Scriptures:
Daniel 2:44
44 And in the days of these [10 kings/EU nations] kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed; and the kingdom shall not be left to other people; it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand forever.
Daniel 7:27
27 Then the kingdom and dominion,
And the greatness of the kingdoms UNDER the whole heaven [not in Heaven],
Shall be given to the people, the saints of the Most High [then born again].
His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom,
And all dominions shall serve and obey Him.'
Revelation 20:6
6 Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection. Over such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years.
The King of the Jews, the King of Israel, is yet to return and establish the Kingdom of God on Earth, smashing all opposition. The faithful still pray, "Thy Kingdom Come" and it certainly will in God's good time!
This is the Kingdom-Family of God that will administer the one world government of God that you can't even enter UNTIL you've become born again as a divine SPIRIT-BEING, just like Yeshua said and Paul taught: two witnesses to this truth.
This is the Kingdom of God (not some pretty platitude, sanctimonious feeling or spiritualized stupor or experience), the GOOD NEWS Yeshua preached and the true Church of God announces is coming soon! May all REPENT and believe the gospel, so help us God.
The Church of God is the Kingdom of God in embryo, as Herbert W. Armstrong taught. We're begotten now, are converted and being converted, but we'll be born again at the return of Christ and first resurrection. We can celebrate that the Kingdom of God is coming soon in power and great glory: the Lord Yeshua with all the glorified, transformed saints then divine SPIRIT-BEINGS.
The righteous are not in Heaven and sinners are not in "Hell."
Scriptures clearly reveal all the saints are dead and buried, asleep, awaiting their resurrection at the return and reign of Yeshua. The dead in Christ (they're dead - not alive in Heaven) haven't received their inheritance YET and won't until we all do so together:
Hebrews 11:39-40
39These [all those listed in the chapter of Faith] were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised [which was never Heaven anyway]. 40God had planned something better for us so that only TOGETHER WITH US would they be made perfect [at the seventh trumpet, at the return of Christ, at our resurrection and transformation].
The Scriptures cannot be broken and are consistent - something idolatrous traditions clearly aren't.
Remember, immortality, eternal life is a GIFT from God, but the wages of sin is death. Eternal life or eternal death, plain and simple, thus said the Lord (yet some insist on twisting parables out of context, rejecting the clear black and white Scriptures).
God is not the sadist that traditional Christianity misrepresents Him to be. Those who submit to the Word of God rather than fall for Roman wolves in sheep's clothing (with their Babylonish beliefs and pagan myths), know the unrepentant will be put out of their misery, destroyed in the Lake of Fire, having suffered the second death.
The meek shall inherit the Earth and the wicked will be history! So says YOUR Bible. Why not believe it over idolatrous traditions of men?
"For evildoers shall be cut off; but those that wait upon the Lord, they shall inherit the earth. For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be; yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it shall not be. But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace. The wicked plotteth against the just, and gnasheth upon him with his teeth. But the wicked shall perish [John 3:16], and the enemies of the Lord shall be as the fat of lambs: they shall consume; into smoke shall they consume away. For such as be blessed of him shall inherit the earth; and they that be cursed of him shall be cut off! The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell therein for ever" (Ps. 37:9-12,20,22,29).<
And notice Psalm 104:35: "Let the sinners he consumed out of the earth, and let the wicked be no more.
Notice the great contrast: eternal life or eternal death; inherit the Earth or be destroyed from off the face of the Earth.
Isaiah 66:22-24
22 For as the new heavens and the new earth, which I will make, shall remain before me, saith the LORD, so shall your seed and your name remain. [But the wicked will be history, although during the Millennium...]
23 And it shall come to pass, that from one new moon to another, and from one sabbath [the Sabbath wasn't done away with!] to another, shall all flesh come to worship before me, saith the LORD.
24 And they shall go forth, and look upon the carcases of the men that have transgressed against me: for their worm shall not die, neither shall their fire be quenched; and they shall be an abhorring unto all flesh.
Do you believe in immortal worms? Realize this speaks of the far future - the new heavens and the new earth, and then goes back to the initial thousand year reign of Yeshua when just outside of Jerusalem the Valley of Hinnom will be kept burning as a warning to all of what happens to the wicked - they're burnt up, but their maggots turn into flies and continue to live. Time setting is everything as well as rightly dividing the Scriptures - not falling into the traditional ditch of darkness.
Revelation 22:12-15
12 "And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me [it was reserved in Heaven, but it's not Heaven!], to give to every one according to his work. 13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last."
14 Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city [New Jerusalem, a building/city eternal]. 15 But outside are dogs and sorcerers and sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and whoever loves and practices a lie.
ASHES OUTSIDE THE GATES OF JERUSALEM. Eternal life vs. eternal death.
Revelation 21:8
8 But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second DEATH."
Malachi 4:1-3
1 "For behold, the day is coming [yet future],
Burning like an oven,
And all the proud, yes, all who do wickedly will be stubble.
And the day which is coming shall burn them up,"
Says the LORD of hosts,
" That will leave them neither root nor branch [eternal DEATH].
2 But to you who fear My name
The Sun of Righteousness shall arise
With healing in His wings [eternal LIFE];
And you shall go out
And grow fat like stall-fed calves.
3 You shall trample the wicked,
For they shall be ASHES under the soles of your feet [outside Jerusalem]
On the day that I do this,"
Says the LORD of hosts.
That's what happens to something that gets burnt up: nothing is left but ashes. How plain. How logical. How merciful!
Jude 1:5
5Though you already know all this, I want to remind you that the Lord delivered his people out of Egypt, but later destroyed those who did not believe. [God didn't torture them].
Why do folks refuse to believe God for vain traditions? The wicked will be completely destroyed, nothing left of them, ashes, but the meek shall inherit the Earth, even as the wicked are cut off forever. Eternal life or eternal death.
The real Hell fire doesn't even exist yet!
Traditional Christianity doesn't believe Yeshua when He said God is able to destroy both body and soul in Gehenna fire; that God so loved the world that whosoever believes in Him should not PERISH but have everlasting LIFE; that immortality alone belongs to God and those whom He offers it as a GIFT; that the wicked will be utterly destroyed and become ashes under the soles of the feet of those who inherit the Earth; that we know no murderer has eternal life in him.
Regardless of traditional disbelief or religious rebellion, the Bible clearly teaches that after God has purified this Earth by fire, making it new, renewing the surface of the Earth as He once did with water, the wicked will be history and ashes under the soles of the feet of those given the gift of immortality - you're not an immortal soul - and all suffering will be a thing of the past. The new heavens and Earth will be filled with righteousness - there won't be any room for evil, no polluted part, no forbidden zone or mythological "hell" to taint the new heavens and the new Earth - if you believe the Bible over idolatrous traditions (Rev. 20:14).
The real Hell fire doesn't even exist yet! So how can anybody be in it? The Lake of Fire that will engulf the entire surface of the Earth is future. Read it for yourself and believe it over misguided men:
2 Peter 3:5-7, 10-12
5 For this they willfully forget: that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of water and in the water, 6 by which the world that then existed perished, being flooded with water [Earth was purified by water]. 7 But the heavens and the earth which are now preserved by the same word, are reserved for fire until the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men [even as water once purified the Earth of wicked men, soon fire will do the same - in the future!]...
10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up [this is the real "hell" fire the Bible teaches - much hotter than the pagan myths teach - and it's yet future, not "down there" or any other place in men's twisted imaginations, but the whole surface of the Earth will be consumed and purified by fire]. 11 Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, 12 looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat? 13 Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.
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!
Heaven isn't the Reward of the Saved!
2 Corinthians 5:1
1 For we know that if our earthly house, this tent, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.
Yeshua clearly said: "THE MEEK SHALL INHERIT THE EARTH". The Scripture above nowhere says we're to "go to Heaven" - in fact, it speaks of the heavenS, the universe (which ultimately we'll inherit but remain based on Earth with the New Jerusalem that will come down from Heaven to be established on Earth: "Heaven on Earth").
When properly understood, we know that our heavenly bodies, our new spirit-composed bodies that we'll receive (when we're born again) occurs at the return of Yeshua and our resurrection. Yeshua promises to bring our reward with Him from Heaven - He doesn't take us to receive it in Heaven! There's a big difference.
Verse 3 that clearly proves we'll be clothed with our new "house" FROM Heaven. Those born again will have SPIRIT BODIES.
2 Corinthians 5:2
2 For in this we groan [why groan if we're already born again? - if we're already delivered?], earnestly desiring to be clothed with our habitation which is FROM heaven [not in it!].
Revelation 22:12
12 "And behold, I am coming quickly [the Second Coming of Christ TO EARTH], and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work.
Remember Yeshua said in His Father's House [Temple] are many mansions/rooms/offices/positions? Those positions will be filled in His Kingdom-Family that is established when He returns! We're to help administer the government of God.
What about 2 Corinthians 5:8?
8 We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.
Nowhere does that Scripture mention Heaven. However, when Yeshua returns, bringing our reward with Him from Heaven - having been reserved in Heaven - (and later the New Jerusalem itself comes down from Heaven with the Father), we will be absent from these bodies of flesh when we're transformed, when we receive our heavenly bodies, our SPIRIT BODIES as those who are truly born again, but it all takes place right here on God's good Earth.
Shimon Peres
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.
Friday, June 30, 2006
Racist Pig Mugabe Breaks Pledge to White Farmers
White Farmers Receive Eviction Notices Despite Mugabe Pledge, Telegraph (UK)
Zimbabwe moves to push out the remaining whites—and last productive farmers.
*************************************************************
May God bless Rhodesia and South Africa to be restored to their proper British-Israelite owners.
I'm glad to have been blessed to visit both countries.
South Africa in Prophecy
Zimbabwe moves to push out the remaining whites—and last productive farmers.
*************************************************************
May God bless Rhodesia and South Africa to be restored to their proper British-Israelite owners.
I'm glad to have been blessed to visit both countries.
South Africa in Prophecy
Thursday, June 29, 2006
Execute or Deport Hamas Leaders
Hamas PA Government Members Behind Bars
17:07 Jun 29, '06 / 3 Tammuz 5766
by Nissan Ratzlav-Katz and Hillel Fendel
Hamas says Israel has declared war on the Palestinian Authority, after more than 60 senior Hamas figures, including many members of the PA government, were arrested overnight.
*************************
Israel has captured the poisonous snake, now it must execute justice or Israelis will pay the price for letting such murderers and accomplices to mass murder go free rather than to the grave where they belong, like Saul failed to execute Amalek. Israel what will it be?
Daniel Pipes: Can the Leopard Change Its Spots?
Call for Anglo-Israeli Alliance
Shimon Peres
17:07 Jun 29, '06 / 3 Tammuz 5766
by Nissan Ratzlav-Katz and Hillel Fendel
Hamas says Israel has declared war on the Palestinian Authority, after more than 60 senior Hamas figures, including many members of the PA government, were arrested overnight.
*************************
Israel has captured the poisonous snake, now it must execute justice or Israelis will pay the price for letting such murderers and accomplices to mass murder go free rather than to the grave where they belong, like Saul failed to execute Amalek. Israel what will it be?
Daniel Pipes: Can the Leopard Change Its Spots?
Call for Anglo-Israeli Alliance
Shimon Peres
Wednesday, June 28, 2006
Christians Against Proselytizing Among Israel?
Missionaries Accosted in Meah She´arim
18:29 Jun 28, '06 / 2 Tammuz 5766
by Hillel Fendel
Jerusalem scuffle: Christian missionaries in a religious neighborhood were accosted by hareidi-religious youths. "Missionary activity here is like waving a red flag at a bull," one resident said.
(photo courtesy of Ladaat.net)
Details of the incident are sketchy. It began shortly after 10 AM, when a group of tourists, apparently from Germany, walked into the religious neighborhood of Meah She'arim wearing orange shirts, emblazoned with the missionary slogan 'Your G-d is my god, Your people is my people." Some eyewitnesses reported seeing a missionary emblem on the back of the shirts...
****************************
CAPAI Christians Against Proselytizing Among Israel
18:29 Jun 28, '06 / 2 Tammuz 5766
by Hillel Fendel
Jerusalem scuffle: Christian missionaries in a religious neighborhood were accosted by hareidi-religious youths. "Missionary activity here is like waving a red flag at a bull," one resident said.
(photo courtesy of Ladaat.net)
Details of the incident are sketchy. It began shortly after 10 AM, when a group of tourists, apparently from Germany, walked into the religious neighborhood of Meah She'arim wearing orange shirts, emblazoned with the missionary slogan 'Your G-d is my god, Your people is my people." Some eyewitnesses reported seeing a missionary emblem on the back of the shirts...
****************************
CAPAI Christians Against Proselytizing Among Israel
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
Hold up on Jewish Indian Converts
Absorption Ministry Accused of Stalling Bnei Menashe Aliyah
15:53 Jun 27, '06 / 1 Tammuz 5766
by Hana Levi Julian and Hillel Fendel
The Ministry of Absorption is holding back the immigration of 218 Jews from India whose bags have been packed and ready to go for more than nine months, according to Shavei Israel.
More than nine months after they sold their homes and all their belongings in order to immigrate to Israel, over 200 Jews from India are still stuck in the country of their birth in the wake of Absorption Minister Ze’ev Boim’s refusal to allow their arrival.
Shavei Israel, a non-governmental organization (NGO) which helps members of the
Bnei Menashe community to immigrate and acclimate to their new surroundings, has been working with the would-be immigrants on the problem.
The group, from the community of Bnei Menashe Jews in India, converted under the supervision of the official Beit Din [Jewish legal court] of the State of Israel in September 2005, led by Israel's Sephardic Chief Rabbi, Shlomo Amar. When they completed their conversion proceedings nine months ago, they became new Jews - and they all received their official conversion certificates from the State of Israel's Conversion Authority, which is part of the Prime Minister's Office.
Nonetheless, after long months of uncertainty, Boim recently decided to further delay their aliyah, claiming the legal status of the Bnei Menashe community in Israel has yet to be established.
In response, Shavei Israel threatens to file a petition "in the coming days" with the High Court of Justice on their behalf.
“Minister Boim’s attitude is not only hard to understand,” said Shavei Israel Chairman Michael Freund, “it is illegal.”
Minister Boim's spokesperson Shiri Krispin told Arutz-7 in response, "Minister Boim is not against the aliyah of the Bnei Menashe. He is still studying the issue, and wishes to discuss it with Prime Minister Olmert, as 7,000 people are involved. Shavei Israel asked for a meeting with Minister Boim, and we will schedule one in the coming weeks."
Asked when Boim will meet with Olmert on this issue, Krispin said, "In the same time frame; in the coming weeks."
Freund responded, "There is nothing for Mr. Boim to study. By law, the 218 Bnei Menashe who were converted by Israel's Chief Rabbinate are now Jews in every respect, and they have the right to make aliyah under the Law of Return. By trying to link the fate of the 218 who underwent conversion to the larger issue of the Bnei Menashe, the Absorption Ministry is just playing for time and this is entirely unacceptable."
The entire Bnei Menashe community numbers some 7,000 individuals who live in northeast India near the border with Burma and Bangladesh. They were declared by the official Rabbinate of Israel in March 2005 to be descendants of the Jewish people. Some 1,000 members of the community have immigrated to Israel under the auspices of Shavei Israel thus far.
“They serve in the army, volunteer for combat duty, and support themselves and their families with honest work. What does Minister Boim have against these people?” Freund demanded.
“I trust and believe that we will get past these obstacles,” Freund added,” and be able to greet the new [Bnei Menashe] immigrants at Ben Gurion Airport.”
***********************************************
"They were declared by the official Rabbinate of Israel in March 2005 to be descendants of the Jewish people." Further eroding respect for the BRITISH-ordained and defunct organization. Joseph Isn't Jewish! Manasseh was a son of JOSEPH - they were JOES - never Jews. The Indian CONVERTS are not ethnic descendants of Joseph, are not Joes, and don't bear a single prophetic birthmark that only the Anglo-Saxon peoples, the British-Israelites do. They may be converts to JUDAISM, but they are not ethnic sons of Menashe! "Bnei Menashe" - Jewish CONVERTS See also Brit-Am Israel's The Burma Blues
15:53 Jun 27, '06 / 1 Tammuz 5766
by Hana Levi Julian and Hillel Fendel
The Ministry of Absorption is holding back the immigration of 218 Jews from India whose bags have been packed and ready to go for more than nine months, according to Shavei Israel.
More than nine months after they sold their homes and all their belongings in order to immigrate to Israel, over 200 Jews from India are still stuck in the country of their birth in the wake of Absorption Minister Ze’ev Boim’s refusal to allow their arrival.
Shavei Israel, a non-governmental organization (NGO) which helps members of the
Bnei Menashe community to immigrate and acclimate to their new surroundings, has been working with the would-be immigrants on the problem.
The group, from the community of Bnei Menashe Jews in India, converted under the supervision of the official Beit Din [Jewish legal court] of the State of Israel in September 2005, led by Israel's Sephardic Chief Rabbi, Shlomo Amar. When they completed their conversion proceedings nine months ago, they became new Jews - and they all received their official conversion certificates from the State of Israel's Conversion Authority, which is part of the Prime Minister's Office.
Nonetheless, after long months of uncertainty, Boim recently decided to further delay their aliyah, claiming the legal status of the Bnei Menashe community in Israel has yet to be established.
In response, Shavei Israel threatens to file a petition "in the coming days" with the High Court of Justice on their behalf.
“Minister Boim’s attitude is not only hard to understand,” said Shavei Israel Chairman Michael Freund, “it is illegal.”
Minister Boim's spokesperson Shiri Krispin told Arutz-7 in response, "Minister Boim is not against the aliyah of the Bnei Menashe. He is still studying the issue, and wishes to discuss it with Prime Minister Olmert, as 7,000 people are involved. Shavei Israel asked for a meeting with Minister Boim, and we will schedule one in the coming weeks."
Asked when Boim will meet with Olmert on this issue, Krispin said, "In the same time frame; in the coming weeks."
Freund responded, "There is nothing for Mr. Boim to study. By law, the 218 Bnei Menashe who were converted by Israel's Chief Rabbinate are now Jews in every respect, and they have the right to make aliyah under the Law of Return. By trying to link the fate of the 218 who underwent conversion to the larger issue of the Bnei Menashe, the Absorption Ministry is just playing for time and this is entirely unacceptable."
The entire Bnei Menashe community numbers some 7,000 individuals who live in northeast India near the border with Burma and Bangladesh. They were declared by the official Rabbinate of Israel in March 2005 to be descendants of the Jewish people. Some 1,000 members of the community have immigrated to Israel under the auspices of Shavei Israel thus far.
“They serve in the army, volunteer for combat duty, and support themselves and their families with honest work. What does Minister Boim have against these people?” Freund demanded.
“I trust and believe that we will get past these obstacles,” Freund added,” and be able to greet the new [Bnei Menashe] immigrants at Ben Gurion Airport.”
***********************************************
"They were declared by the official Rabbinate of Israel in March 2005 to be descendants of the Jewish people." Further eroding respect for the BRITISH-ordained and defunct organization. Joseph Isn't Jewish! Manasseh was a son of JOSEPH - they were JOES - never Jews. The Indian CONVERTS are not ethnic descendants of Joseph, are not Joes, and don't bear a single prophetic birthmark that only the Anglo-Saxon peoples, the British-Israelites do. They may be converts to JUDAISM, but they are not ethnic sons of Menashe! "Bnei Menashe" - Jewish CONVERTS See also Brit-Am Israel's The Burma Blues
Monday, June 26, 2006
God and the Gays: To Be or Not to Be (Chapter 1)
Introduction:
Regardless of whether you're gay or straight (or undecided) – the hot topics discussed within these pages are sure to be provocative! Who hasn't wondered what's going on? Even the Church leaders are confused and the laity divided. Is sex all there is? Find out what life's all about - read on! Dedicated to my understanding mother who said: "No matter who you are or what you do, you're still my son and I love you."
David Ben-Ariel
CHAPTERS
Chapter 1
To Be or Not to Be
Chapter 2
God and the Gays: All that Glitters isn't Gold
Chapter 3
God and the Gays: Once Gay, Always Gay?
Chapter 4
God and the Gays: Of Vice and Men
Chapter 5
A Time to Heal
Chapter One
TO BE OR NOT TO BE...
Homosexuality.... Is it a matter of choice? Are some born that way? And if so, then how could God condemn it? Or does He? Does it make a difference? Who offered it as an "alternative lifestyle?" Are same-sex drives due to conditioning? Are gays and lesbians a quirk of nature? Something queer to jeer? Would it have been better to have never been born? All of these questions and more are only a few of the many that race through people's minds; causing controversy, heated arguments and emotional wounds, as words fly back and forth carelessly.
It could be safe to say that homosexuality is the result of many factors. But who's to blame? Must we even lay a guilt-trap at anyone's door? Maybe mother, then again there's the father who didn't figure for too much. Society? Genes? The stars? Most people know their sexual orientation by their teens. They don't just suddenly discover they're "straight" and "come out" about it. Let's get real.
Who's to accept the responsibility for our actions? Some have felt "gay" ever since they were very young and therefore imagine that they were born gay. Others seem to pick up, adopt or assimilate homosexual tendencies through association. They must have already had an inclination towards it. It rubbed off on them. Then there are those who were bored and needed a change. They wanted to try it and see if they liked it. Sometimes, due to "force" of circumstances, men in prison, boy's homes and/or monasteries, might resort to homosexual activities. Later, as soon as possible, some of them revert to heterosexual ways, while others continue to enjoy the "best of both world" as a bisexual. Are "bestiality is best" fans born that way? Or are incestuous relationships something innate? Do we have a predisposition chemically for incest? Are we set up for such a fall from birth? Would that justify or excuse us? Is promiscuity merely a part of man's "animal instincts?" Is the challenge of the chase a primeval hang-over from the "days of the hunt?" Actually, ALL of the above are simply DISTRACTIONS! It's not a question of who or what we're most comfortable with, prefer, like or are attracted to; those are only attempts to sidestep the real issue!
God isn't only the Creator, but the Sustainer of the entire universe. As such, his Majesty's Government - headquartered in the highest heaven - has issued (at Mt. Sinai) various health rules and regulations (Malachi 4:4). The Creator-King has predetermined, in His infinite wisdom, which "food and drugs" are safe and sound for our consumption.
If we keep uppermost in mind the reason for our mortal existence, the SUPREME PURPOSE for our human-being; to establish contact with our Superior-Being and develop a relationship with Him - then we'll know and understand that everything God does is for our benefit. God wants to help us, not hinder us. He enjoys encouraging us to attain our goals and fulfill our potential (Luke 12:31-32). Father does know what's best: what He has in store for us is beyond our wildest dreams (Ephes. 3:20; 1 Cor. 2:9)!
The High Cost of Living
Whoever chooses to be a card-carrying member of the homosexual community is entitled to all of it's privileges and persecutions; but you should first COUNT THE COST to see if it's too high of a price for you to pay, like Christians are told to do (Luke 14:28).
If anyone decides to engage in illicit sex or become entangled in "foreign affairs," they're living a lie if they think that God could possibly approve of their improper conduct, and they're compounding their problems if they lead others astray by attempts to endorse such flagrant sin (Rom. 1:32). Do what you want, but don't misrepresent God and His clear-cut Biblical teachings. Don't try and put words in His mouth or censor what He's actually said (Rev. 22:18-19).
Yes, GOD IS LOVE! That's why He hates certain practices with a passion. He frowns upon a dishonest life of stealing, an unfaithful habit of "cheating" on our spouse, a disrespectful attitude towards our parents or persons in authority, religious holidays that are hollow and don't hallow His name, senseless killings and character assassination, idolatrous distractions that come between God and us, an endless trivial pursuit and preoccupation with ourselves and others, instead of putting God first. God loves us and wants us to love Him too, but He considers love more than a four-letter word: love is an attitude exemplified by actions, words that are backed up with deeds (Jas. 2:26). That's why Jesus said that if we really loved Him, we'd show it and not just say it (John 14:15).
Safe-Sex
Since God is love, and Father knows best, He wants us to practice safe-sex. A safe-sex that's good and wholesome, clean and pure, and only available within a marriage where both partners keep their vows and honor their commitments (Heb. 13:4). Sexual intimacy, cuddling and coitus, belongs in the bedroom (of the Biblically-bonded), and it's to involve the union of both minds and bodies (Gen. 2:24). Married couples are challenged to become compatible in every sense of the word. A marriage certificate doesn't have to be "just a piece of paper" or become another broken record! God does recognize the fact that marriage isn't for everyone (Mat. 19:11), but expresses His will that singles remain celibate (1 Thes. 4:3).
God only promises to bless those foods (or relationships) that are sanctioned by His Word (1 Tim. 4:4-5). He's not unsure of Himself or His ways, He's not fickle or foolish, and His Word is reliable, dependable, and not subject to change. This hasn't caused the scriptures to be too popular at times, but they refuse to succumb to peer pressure and remain true to themselves. They're not what needs to change anyway. We do. God hasn't lowered His moral standards or compromised with His food laws, but offers to help raise us to His God-Plane. Christ can cleanse us of our unclean lives (Acts 10:15, 28), because God hasn't called us to remain in Egypt but to head for the Promised Land. Don't just stand there, get a move on it! And leave your excess baggage (sin) behind.
Kosher Food
Although God created us with a hunger drive, an appetite, He doesn't want us to become gluttonous pigs. Neither does He want us to act like horny dogs (1 Cor. 6:13). God's also shown us that just because various food items have been mislabeled "delicacies," we don't have to shove them into our mouths (Lev. 11). We're expected to be mature, not act childish. God warns us to guard the doors of our mind, don't set ourselves up for a fall, and discern what we digest (Ephes. 4:27; Heb. 5:14). We're instructed to scrutinize our food for thought and remember "we are what we eat" and "we become what we think" (Prov. 23:7). God doesn't only want us to watch what we put into our mouths, but what we allow into our minds (Philip. 4:8). For a free list of "government approved" food for thought; what's clean and unclean, pure and impure, kosher and non-kosher - check out Ga. 5:19-23; Ephes. 5:11 and Philip. 1:11.
We're not supposed to remain raw material. God's given us a brain to become refined and keep our baser "instincts" in line (2 Pet. 2:12). The Holy Spirit offers us the help we need to accomplish this job (John 1:12). We should refuse to be reduced to an animal level, simply sensual creatures, choosing a higher standard of living instead. The "if it feels good do it" and "if it looks good eat it" lack of mentality ought to be regarded as an insult to those striving for God's higher intelligence.
Regardless of why you're gay, bisexual or "trysexual" (you'll try anything once), whether or not you've had any choice in the matter - you do have a choice to exercise proper self-control. YOU DON'T HAVE TO BE A SLAVE TO YOUR SENSES (John 8:34), or allow sexual temptations to dictate mindless reactions (Gen. 19:4-11).You're not forced to act upon every thought that enters your mind. You can resist suggestions and reject impulses (2 Cor. 10:5). Every fleeting thought, random idea or stray notion doesn't have to take root and grow if you don't give it fertile ground (Jas. 1:13-15). You can consider its source and nip it in the bud. A "NO TRESPASSING!" frame of mind can be developed to defend you against intruders. Protection is possible. You can say NO! You can curb your appetite! YOU CAN CHANGE!
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5
Regardless of whether you're gay or straight (or undecided) – the hot topics discussed within these pages are sure to be provocative! Who hasn't wondered what's going on? Even the Church leaders are confused and the laity divided. Is sex all there is? Find out what life's all about - read on! Dedicated to my understanding mother who said: "No matter who you are or what you do, you're still my son and I love you."
David Ben-Ariel
CHAPTERS
Chapter 1
To Be or Not to Be
Chapter 2
God and the Gays: All that Glitters isn't Gold
Chapter 3
God and the Gays: Once Gay, Always Gay?
Chapter 4
God and the Gays: Of Vice and Men
Chapter 5
A Time to Heal
Chapter One
TO BE OR NOT TO BE...
Homosexuality.... Is it a matter of choice? Are some born that way? And if so, then how could God condemn it? Or does He? Does it make a difference? Who offered it as an "alternative lifestyle?" Are same-sex drives due to conditioning? Are gays and lesbians a quirk of nature? Something queer to jeer? Would it have been better to have never been born? All of these questions and more are only a few of the many that race through people's minds; causing controversy, heated arguments and emotional wounds, as words fly back and forth carelessly.
It could be safe to say that homosexuality is the result of many factors. But who's to blame? Must we even lay a guilt-trap at anyone's door? Maybe mother, then again there's the father who didn't figure for too much. Society? Genes? The stars? Most people know their sexual orientation by their teens. They don't just suddenly discover they're "straight" and "come out" about it. Let's get real.
Who's to accept the responsibility for our actions? Some have felt "gay" ever since they were very young and therefore imagine that they were born gay. Others seem to pick up, adopt or assimilate homosexual tendencies through association. They must have already had an inclination towards it. It rubbed off on them. Then there are those who were bored and needed a change. They wanted to try it and see if they liked it. Sometimes, due to "force" of circumstances, men in prison, boy's homes and/or monasteries, might resort to homosexual activities. Later, as soon as possible, some of them revert to heterosexual ways, while others continue to enjoy the "best of both world" as a bisexual. Are "bestiality is best" fans born that way? Or are incestuous relationships something innate? Do we have a predisposition chemically for incest? Are we set up for such a fall from birth? Would that justify or excuse us? Is promiscuity merely a part of man's "animal instincts?" Is the challenge of the chase a primeval hang-over from the "days of the hunt?" Actually, ALL of the above are simply DISTRACTIONS! It's not a question of who or what we're most comfortable with, prefer, like or are attracted to; those are only attempts to sidestep the real issue!
God isn't only the Creator, but the Sustainer of the entire universe. As such, his Majesty's Government - headquartered in the highest heaven - has issued (at Mt. Sinai) various health rules and regulations (Malachi 4:4). The Creator-King has predetermined, in His infinite wisdom, which "food and drugs" are safe and sound for our consumption.
If we keep uppermost in mind the reason for our mortal existence, the SUPREME PURPOSE for our human-being; to establish contact with our Superior-Being and develop a relationship with Him - then we'll know and understand that everything God does is for our benefit. God wants to help us, not hinder us. He enjoys encouraging us to attain our goals and fulfill our potential (Luke 12:31-32). Father does know what's best: what He has in store for us is beyond our wildest dreams (Ephes. 3:20; 1 Cor. 2:9)!
The High Cost of Living
Whoever chooses to be a card-carrying member of the homosexual community is entitled to all of it's privileges and persecutions; but you should first COUNT THE COST to see if it's too high of a price for you to pay, like Christians are told to do (Luke 14:28).
If anyone decides to engage in illicit sex or become entangled in "foreign affairs," they're living a lie if they think that God could possibly approve of their improper conduct, and they're compounding their problems if they lead others astray by attempts to endorse such flagrant sin (Rom. 1:32). Do what you want, but don't misrepresent God and His clear-cut Biblical teachings. Don't try and put words in His mouth or censor what He's actually said (Rev. 22:18-19).
Yes, GOD IS LOVE! That's why He hates certain practices with a passion. He frowns upon a dishonest life of stealing, an unfaithful habit of "cheating" on our spouse, a disrespectful attitude towards our parents or persons in authority, religious holidays that are hollow and don't hallow His name, senseless killings and character assassination, idolatrous distractions that come between God and us, an endless trivial pursuit and preoccupation with ourselves and others, instead of putting God first. God loves us and wants us to love Him too, but He considers love more than a four-letter word: love is an attitude exemplified by actions, words that are backed up with deeds (Jas. 2:26). That's why Jesus said that if we really loved Him, we'd show it and not just say it (John 14:15).
Safe-Sex
Since God is love, and Father knows best, He wants us to practice safe-sex. A safe-sex that's good and wholesome, clean and pure, and only available within a marriage where both partners keep their vows and honor their commitments (Heb. 13:4). Sexual intimacy, cuddling and coitus, belongs in the bedroom (of the Biblically-bonded), and it's to involve the union of both minds and bodies (Gen. 2:24). Married couples are challenged to become compatible in every sense of the word. A marriage certificate doesn't have to be "just a piece of paper" or become another broken record! God does recognize the fact that marriage isn't for everyone (Mat. 19:11), but expresses His will that singles remain celibate (1 Thes. 4:3).
God only promises to bless those foods (or relationships) that are sanctioned by His Word (1 Tim. 4:4-5). He's not unsure of Himself or His ways, He's not fickle or foolish, and His Word is reliable, dependable, and not subject to change. This hasn't caused the scriptures to be too popular at times, but they refuse to succumb to peer pressure and remain true to themselves. They're not what needs to change anyway. We do. God hasn't lowered His moral standards or compromised with His food laws, but offers to help raise us to His God-Plane. Christ can cleanse us of our unclean lives (Acts 10:15, 28), because God hasn't called us to remain in Egypt but to head for the Promised Land. Don't just stand there, get a move on it! And leave your excess baggage (sin) behind.
Kosher Food
Although God created us with a hunger drive, an appetite, He doesn't want us to become gluttonous pigs. Neither does He want us to act like horny dogs (1 Cor. 6:13). God's also shown us that just because various food items have been mislabeled "delicacies," we don't have to shove them into our mouths (Lev. 11). We're expected to be mature, not act childish. God warns us to guard the doors of our mind, don't set ourselves up for a fall, and discern what we digest (Ephes. 4:27; Heb. 5:14). We're instructed to scrutinize our food for thought and remember "we are what we eat" and "we become what we think" (Prov. 23:7). God doesn't only want us to watch what we put into our mouths, but what we allow into our minds (Philip. 4:8). For a free list of "government approved" food for thought; what's clean and unclean, pure and impure, kosher and non-kosher - check out Ga. 5:19-23; Ephes. 5:11 and Philip. 1:11.
We're not supposed to remain raw material. God's given us a brain to become refined and keep our baser "instincts" in line (2 Pet. 2:12). The Holy Spirit offers us the help we need to accomplish this job (John 1:12). We should refuse to be reduced to an animal level, simply sensual creatures, choosing a higher standard of living instead. The "if it feels good do it" and "if it looks good eat it" lack of mentality ought to be regarded as an insult to those striving for God's higher intelligence.
Regardless of why you're gay, bisexual or "trysexual" (you'll try anything once), whether or not you've had any choice in the matter - you do have a choice to exercise proper self-control. YOU DON'T HAVE TO BE A SLAVE TO YOUR SENSES (John 8:34), or allow sexual temptations to dictate mindless reactions (Gen. 19:4-11).You're not forced to act upon every thought that enters your mind. You can resist suggestions and reject impulses (2 Cor. 10:5). Every fleeting thought, random idea or stray notion doesn't have to take root and grow if you don't give it fertile ground (Jas. 1:13-15). You can consider its source and nip it in the bud. A "NO TRESPASSING!" frame of mind can be developed to defend you against intruders. Protection is possible. You can say NO! You can curb your appetite! YOU CAN CHANGE!
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5
God and the Gays: All that Glitters isn't Gold (Chapter 2)
Chapter Two
ALL THAT GLITTERS ISN'T GOLD
The gay bar scene or high risk promiscuous sex... Is it so happy-go-lucky? Something so sweet and wonderful we'd "wish you were here?" Or is it actually something you wouldn't wish upon your worst enemy? Is it simply a matter of being well-adjusted? Or resigned? What's so gay about it all anyway? Who ever dreamed up that label? What about truth in advertising? Some want their money back. Were they sold a line? Is homosexuality a victimless crime? What about their minds? Aren't they victimized? When they refuse to even "think straight" - aren't they denying themselves the opportunity to change? After all, isn't the brain the biggest sex organ?
God has provided for proper sexual satisfaction in marriage; but there's always that allure of the unknown, the forbidden zone. It arouses our curiosity, attempts to lower our resistance, and seduces our weakened will. In such a state, intoxicated with lust, we could engage in a deadly liaison and only discover later what a fatal attraction it really was (Prov. 5:11). "You play, you pay" (Prov. 6:27). Don't let a one-night stand be your fall. But isn't that the main purpose for going out to the bars? And if there's any such thing as gay community centers, they'd have to be THE BARS! They're the familiar haunts, pick-up joints, and popular retreats; everything from your local dive to those pulsating places that are practically cities under a roof - something for everyone.
The bars - hallowed be their names - are a place to go when you're bored, a welcoming-wagon for the new kids on the meat block, and somewhere to let your hair down and unwind, enjoying the company of your substitute family. The gay lifestyle definitely revolves around these dark dens of iniquity. Such a polluted environment naturally encourages drug and alcohol abuse ("communion"), sexual abuse in a casual way with careless partners ("confirmation"), and verbal abuse (Prov. 4:24) in an overflow of raunchy talk ("fellowship") and gossip - jes' dishin' the dirt....
"Out" On the Town
Your first experience "out" on the town (with the boys) could be exhilarating - or bizarre! You might see wonderful men dressed to kill, or hunks in tank tops and T shirts; enter a wet jock-strap contest or watch gyrating male strippers, or view the make-believe world of make-up queens trying to steal the show, a different person on stage.... Then there's the games people play, the vicious backbiting and hair-pulling of the young and breastless, or the S & M (stand & modeling) crowd who love themselves and lots of mirrors. Quite a carnival atmosphere.
But it kind of puts a damper on your evening's fun when you go into bars and find yourself greeted by pornographic posters (trying to get across the point about "safe-sex"), or see a fishbowl or platter filled with assorted colors of "life-savers" (condoms); or to order yourself a strong drink and notice AIDS donation jars staring you down: L'Chaim suddenly becomes more personal. And then there's the endless ads in all the gay mags about HIV testing, "understanding doctors" who'll screen you in private, surgically remove your hemorrhoids, laser your anal warts, counsel you about your problems, ad nauseum. Makes you eager to jump in bed, eh? Or run scared! But welcome to the real world - the good, the bad, and the ugly. But jump from bed to bed until we all drop dead? Is that what life's all about?
Isn't it stupid to keep playing this deadly game (of Russian roulette) until someone doesn't shoot blanks? DEATHBED takes on a whole new meaning. The next time you want to get "laid" - hope that it's not in a grave! So what if you can trick with every Tom, Dick, and Harry if you become just another name on the AIDS quilt (a "grave-blanket"). Don't sell yourself short (John 8:36; Heb. 12:16).
Eventually, the wear and tear, the abuse of your mind and body, is going to take its expensive toll. All of the cheap, mechanical, meaningless, sexploitation has got to affect you. How could you not become desensitized? If you deviate from the strait and narrow, how can you not get lost? If you forget or pervert the original purpose of sex, how can you escape confusion? You'll condemn yourself to wander in your sexual bewilderment, experimenting with everything since "anything goes."
Look around you the next time you go out (if you haven't had enough of that tired crowd and empty scene). From drag-queens to muscle men, welfare alcoholics to executives on cocaine; the homosexual world is as diverse and perverse as the "straight" world. Some men acting like women, some women acting like men; worlds in collision, an identity crisis, suicidal tendencies - but have another drink, what are friends for?
Are "gay" people really so happy? Or just putting on a front? Beneath the smiling faces, love and laughter, you'll too often find broken hearts and lost dreams. And although the clubs are usually full, there are too many empty individuals who are lonely and aching inside; but the show must go on, drinking and dancing, until another burnt-out dawn....
One-Night Stands
And what are one-night stands, really? Other than quick sex with "no strings attached," it's a cheap counterfeit of what we're actually looking for: true love, undivided attention, special affection, and sincere compliments. We're starved for love and yet dying from "fast-food." What we're really hungry for is some "good ol' home-cookin'!" But once you've lost your looks (if you ever had any), you won't have to worry about any more "strangers in the night" - unless you're able and willing to pay them for their time and trouble.
The bar-scene brazenly worships at the altar of youth, and devotes itself to the beauty that's only skin-deep. Everyone else is thrown on the human heap, scrapped and abandoned. Of course, there's some "hope" for these discarded lives: they can join the lonely hearts club of dashed hopes and lowered standards. The only requirement is to be desperate and dateless. If I've overstated this case, it's only to emphasize the point that sex sells - and without your youth and/or looks you're flat broke. It's twisted values, but reflective of our troubled times.
Happy and in Love?
Many gays will protest that God is a "God of love," and they think that as long as we're happy and in love - how could something so right be so wrong? They feel God couldn't condemn such relationships and wonder how anyone could think He would. But mortal thoughts and opinions aside (Prov. 14:12; Isa. 55:8), if there is a Creator God, and if the Bible is His Instruction Manual for mankind, we'd better base our beliefs solely on what's revealed within its pages. Faith must have a foundation (Rom. 10:17).
If the homosexual argument that "as long as we're happy and in love" is valid, couldn't the same defense be made to sanction incestuous relationships? Or premarital experiences or adulterous affairs? Do we always know what's best for us? Couldn't we be like grown-up teenagers who think they know everything, when in reality they don't?
Hasn't it been said, and true at times, that "love is blind?" Is it just a matter of feeling happy? Can't feelings fool us sometimes? Isn't that why family and friends have cautioned us to "keep your head above your heart?" Is all love proper? Are all affections good and healthy? What about being "lovesick?" Shouldn't there be some form of standards to judge by or criteria for character? Isn't there any game plan? Hasn't love too often been confused with lust (2 Sam. 13:15)?
Satan is "love!"
If we look into the Bible (not Freud, the latest sexual survey, or some kinky report), we'll find that it does condemn: the love of vanity (Ps. 4:2), of simplicity (Prov. 1:22), of excessive sleep (Prov. 20:13), of religious lies (2 Thes. 2:10), illicit sex, improper lovers, and "foreign affairs" (Ezek. 23:11, 17, 22; 16:37), of evil (Micah 3:2), drunkenness (Hos. 3:1), self-righteousness (Mat. 6:5; 23:6), of money (1 Tim. 6:10), this present world system and its ways (1 John 2:15), spiritual darkness (John 3:19), the kick-back of wrongdoing (2 Pet. 2:15), of ourselves in an unhealthy way and of cheap thrills (2 Tim.3:2,4), violence (Ps. 11:5), strife (Prov. 17:19), and even having a greater love for family or friends than for God (Mat. 10:37).
Therefore, the Bible clearly reveals that various forms of love and feelings are wrong, that certain human relationships are forbidden and condemned (Lev. 18), and that true love must be consistent with God's character and commandments (1 John 5:3). Any other "love" isn't from God, but from Satan who is (such) "love!" He's the clever counterfeit; the snake who confuses the issues and twists the truth. It's precisely because God is Love (1 John 4:8) that He wants to protect us from those Canaanite customs, perverted practices, and harmful ways that would ultimately undermine our land and lives (Lev. 18:30).
Still, some would angrily question how anyone could allow some old-fashioned Book to dictate their lives; after all, it's thousands of years old! But who would argue that the time-honored commandments against murder, or prohibition that protects private property or safeguards marriage and minds, or upholds honesty and virtue and being content are outdated? They're tried, tested, and true. Naturally, it's easier to accept something as long as it doesn't hit home or step on our toes. It's still typical, "A man (or woman) convinced against his will is of the same opinion still." Don't waste your time confusing them with the facts (Mat. 7:6; 15:14).
This booklet's intention is to make the plain truth about homosexuality known and available. It's to assist those who really want to consider what the Good Book has to say. Obviously, this is a very sensitive subject. If someone does become convinced or converted to the truth - great!
More power to them. But if others choose to continue in their contrary lifestyles, dying for sex rather than living for God and His Kingdom - that's their choice. God gives us all the prerogative to do as we please, but He strongly recommends and encourages us to "choose life" (Deut. 30:10); an even more appropriate message considering the high risk of AIDS. It's so difficult to TRANSCEND HUMAN RELATIONSHIPS - but we must, if and whenever it's necessary (Mark 10:28-30).
Living Responsible Lives
Is the first "gay" decade of 2,000 fulfilling prophecy? The "last days" are supposed to be reminiscent of earlier times, "as it was in the days of Noah," and "as it was in the days of Lot." How was it in days of yore? Just like today. Apparently, ignoring the dire need to make drastic changes in their lives, they conducted "business as usual" and fiddled about or got carried away with less important things (Deut. 32:47; Mark 4:19). It's recorded that they ate and drank, got married, and went to work everyday - until they were consumed by their burning desires and swept away by their sins (Luke 17:26-30).
What's wrong with eating and drinking or working? We might very well wonder. Didn't God create us with an appetite and a thirst, as well as a need for physical exertion? Yes, but certain tastes, desires and relationships should be nipped in the bud; not allowed to grow or develop or take root (Jas. 1:14-15)! Many things are good of and by themselves, and not wrong, but God's imposed conditions, restraints and guidelines for us to live by.
We're meant to enjoy those foods that God has blessed and offered us (Lev. 20:25; 1 Tim. 4:5), and even have an occasional drink, if we want. The Bible condemns gluttony, not eating; drunkenness, not drinking; greed, not need. It's what we do with what we're given. And we are instructed to work and be productive, but we're also commanded to remember the Sabbath (seventh day) to keep it holy. It's counterproductive to become too busy earning a living, that we neglect learning how to live (2 Pet. 3:18).
Although we're at liberty to do almost anything, within reason (Gen. 2:16-17), we're to remember that we're held responsible for how we handle ourselves and manage our new-found freedoms (Ga. 5:13). We're not to abuse our privileges (1 Cor. 8:9), but be careful not to get caught up in things that could too easily get out of control (2 Pet. 2:20). A night of good, clean fun can quickly degenerate into an atmosphere of "just like the old times." We're entitled to time-out with the boys (or girls), just don't let your diversion become an obsession (1 Cor. 6:12) - as my mother once warned me!
Keep Your Head Above Your Heart!
Is it - as some would charge - being cold and cruel, even inhuman, to be in control of your mind and emotions? Isn't it rather mature to exercise proper self-control, sick and tired of giving in to compulsion? Isn't it judicious to carefully cross-examine every thought, thereby destroying the defense of our death sentence, commuting it in Christ (2 Cor. 1:9; 10:4-5; 1 Cor. 11:31)?
Doing what just comes natural or seems normal might excite Nietzsche; but it's not good enough for God. God wants us - mere mortals made out of matter - to come to resemble, think and act like Him. "Like Father, like Son." Why? Is God on some big ego-trip and wants a bunch of clones to come along for the joy-ride? No, but because it's the only way that'll work. He ought to know the secret for living happily ever after.
Mankind, after all, was created in the image of the Godkind, and shares the awesome potential to become composed of God's Spirit - after we've developed His characteristics (1 Cor. 15:53). God's eager to award us all the Diploma of Divinity after we've finished the course of conversion (2 Cor. 3:18). Therefore, instead of just doing what comes natural - we're to do the supernatural! As Christian individuals, we're to turn the other cheek instead of busting their jaw; forgive rather than fume; pray for our enemies rather than swear revenge. We're continually called to be different - in contrast, not conformity, to this world (Rom. 8:29).
Tough-Love
There is a time and a place for "tough-love." We're not to show the "mercy of fools" for welfare frauds or lazy bums (2 Thes. 3:10), or have compassion on cold-blooded murderers or hardened criminals, despite their many appeals (1 Sam. 15:32-33; Rom. 13:4).
We shouldn't refuse to use corporal punishment (Prov. 13:24). It might hurt for awhile, but hopefully the lesson (that actions have consequences) will last a lifetime (Prov. 19:18; 23:13; 29:15). It could keep them out of worse trouble later (Ecc.8:11).
We're also not to allow our emotions for loved ones to lead us to hell (Deut. 7:3-4; 13:6-9), or wrong relationships to get in our way. Despite the grief of saying goodbye, and the pain of tearful separation (2 Sam. 3:14-16; Ezra 10:3), you've got to do what you've got to do. Why make it any more difficult? Don't procrastinate and prolong your misery. Get it over with and get on with your life! We don't have time to waste in no-win situations (Ephes. 5:16).
We shouldn't try and be more understanding and tolerant than God, but refuse to even associate with a Church member who's living in sin without any apology or shame (1 Cor. 5:1-2, 9-13). And we should NEVER entertain any notions about ordaining such people!
Of course, we shouldn't cop a self-righteous attitude (Ga. 6:1), but realize the prayerful purpose is to help restore everyone to their senses (knowing that ongoing sin results in an eternal separation). If and whenever such a person "comes to" (Luke 15:17, 20), he's to be welcomed back with wide-open arms (2 Cor. 2:6-8). A little love can go a long way (as Mama Evans used to say), and encourage us to do even better - rather than give up. But sometimes the situation calls for "shock-treatment" (tough-love), as well as private counseling. "Different strokes for different folks," so to speak (Luke 12:47-48). The moral of this story? Don't get blinded by the light: the glitter of "love," the hot-flash of emotion, and the gleam of relationships (2 Cor. 11:14). The going price for fool's gold is too high to pay. Walk away. It's not worth it.
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5
ALL THAT GLITTERS ISN'T GOLD
The gay bar scene or high risk promiscuous sex... Is it so happy-go-lucky? Something so sweet and wonderful we'd "wish you were here?" Or is it actually something you wouldn't wish upon your worst enemy? Is it simply a matter of being well-adjusted? Or resigned? What's so gay about it all anyway? Who ever dreamed up that label? What about truth in advertising? Some want their money back. Were they sold a line? Is homosexuality a victimless crime? What about their minds? Aren't they victimized? When they refuse to even "think straight" - aren't they denying themselves the opportunity to change? After all, isn't the brain the biggest sex organ?
God has provided for proper sexual satisfaction in marriage; but there's always that allure of the unknown, the forbidden zone. It arouses our curiosity, attempts to lower our resistance, and seduces our weakened will. In such a state, intoxicated with lust, we could engage in a deadly liaison and only discover later what a fatal attraction it really was (Prov. 5:11). "You play, you pay" (Prov. 6:27). Don't let a one-night stand be your fall. But isn't that the main purpose for going out to the bars? And if there's any such thing as gay community centers, they'd have to be THE BARS! They're the familiar haunts, pick-up joints, and popular retreats; everything from your local dive to those pulsating places that are practically cities under a roof - something for everyone.
The bars - hallowed be their names - are a place to go when you're bored, a welcoming-wagon for the new kids on the meat block, and somewhere to let your hair down and unwind, enjoying the company of your substitute family. The gay lifestyle definitely revolves around these dark dens of iniquity. Such a polluted environment naturally encourages drug and alcohol abuse ("communion"), sexual abuse in a casual way with careless partners ("confirmation"), and verbal abuse (Prov. 4:24) in an overflow of raunchy talk ("fellowship") and gossip - jes' dishin' the dirt....
"Out" On the Town
Your first experience "out" on the town (with the boys) could be exhilarating - or bizarre! You might see wonderful men dressed to kill, or hunks in tank tops and T shirts; enter a wet jock-strap contest or watch gyrating male strippers, or view the make-believe world of make-up queens trying to steal the show, a different person on stage.... Then there's the games people play, the vicious backbiting and hair-pulling of the young and breastless, or the S & M (stand & modeling) crowd who love themselves and lots of mirrors. Quite a carnival atmosphere.
But it kind of puts a damper on your evening's fun when you go into bars and find yourself greeted by pornographic posters (trying to get across the point about "safe-sex"), or see a fishbowl or platter filled with assorted colors of "life-savers" (condoms); or to order yourself a strong drink and notice AIDS donation jars staring you down: L'Chaim suddenly becomes more personal. And then there's the endless ads in all the gay mags about HIV testing, "understanding doctors" who'll screen you in private, surgically remove your hemorrhoids, laser your anal warts, counsel you about your problems, ad nauseum. Makes you eager to jump in bed, eh? Or run scared! But welcome to the real world - the good, the bad, and the ugly. But jump from bed to bed until we all drop dead? Is that what life's all about?
Isn't it stupid to keep playing this deadly game (of Russian roulette) until someone doesn't shoot blanks? DEATHBED takes on a whole new meaning. The next time you want to get "laid" - hope that it's not in a grave! So what if you can trick with every Tom, Dick, and Harry if you become just another name on the AIDS quilt (a "grave-blanket"). Don't sell yourself short (John 8:36; Heb. 12:16).
Eventually, the wear and tear, the abuse of your mind and body, is going to take its expensive toll. All of the cheap, mechanical, meaningless, sexploitation has got to affect you. How could you not become desensitized? If you deviate from the strait and narrow, how can you not get lost? If you forget or pervert the original purpose of sex, how can you escape confusion? You'll condemn yourself to wander in your sexual bewilderment, experimenting with everything since "anything goes."
Look around you the next time you go out (if you haven't had enough of that tired crowd and empty scene). From drag-queens to muscle men, welfare alcoholics to executives on cocaine; the homosexual world is as diverse and perverse as the "straight" world. Some men acting like women, some women acting like men; worlds in collision, an identity crisis, suicidal tendencies - but have another drink, what are friends for?
Are "gay" people really so happy? Or just putting on a front? Beneath the smiling faces, love and laughter, you'll too often find broken hearts and lost dreams. And although the clubs are usually full, there are too many empty individuals who are lonely and aching inside; but the show must go on, drinking and dancing, until another burnt-out dawn....
One-Night Stands
And what are one-night stands, really? Other than quick sex with "no strings attached," it's a cheap counterfeit of what we're actually looking for: true love, undivided attention, special affection, and sincere compliments. We're starved for love and yet dying from "fast-food." What we're really hungry for is some "good ol' home-cookin'!" But once you've lost your looks (if you ever had any), you won't have to worry about any more "strangers in the night" - unless you're able and willing to pay them for their time and trouble.
The bar-scene brazenly worships at the altar of youth, and devotes itself to the beauty that's only skin-deep. Everyone else is thrown on the human heap, scrapped and abandoned. Of course, there's some "hope" for these discarded lives: they can join the lonely hearts club of dashed hopes and lowered standards. The only requirement is to be desperate and dateless. If I've overstated this case, it's only to emphasize the point that sex sells - and without your youth and/or looks you're flat broke. It's twisted values, but reflective of our troubled times.
Happy and in Love?
Many gays will protest that God is a "God of love," and they think that as long as we're happy and in love - how could something so right be so wrong? They feel God couldn't condemn such relationships and wonder how anyone could think He would. But mortal thoughts and opinions aside (Prov. 14:12; Isa. 55:8), if there is a Creator God, and if the Bible is His Instruction Manual for mankind, we'd better base our beliefs solely on what's revealed within its pages. Faith must have a foundation (Rom. 10:17).
If the homosexual argument that "as long as we're happy and in love" is valid, couldn't the same defense be made to sanction incestuous relationships? Or premarital experiences or adulterous affairs? Do we always know what's best for us? Couldn't we be like grown-up teenagers who think they know everything, when in reality they don't?
Hasn't it been said, and true at times, that "love is blind?" Is it just a matter of feeling happy? Can't feelings fool us sometimes? Isn't that why family and friends have cautioned us to "keep your head above your heart?" Is all love proper? Are all affections good and healthy? What about being "lovesick?" Shouldn't there be some form of standards to judge by or criteria for character? Isn't there any game plan? Hasn't love too often been confused with lust (2 Sam. 13:15)?
Satan is "love!"
If we look into the Bible (not Freud, the latest sexual survey, or some kinky report), we'll find that it does condemn: the love of vanity (Ps. 4:2), of simplicity (Prov. 1:22), of excessive sleep (Prov. 20:13), of religious lies (2 Thes. 2:10), illicit sex, improper lovers, and "foreign affairs" (Ezek. 23:11, 17, 22; 16:37), of evil (Micah 3:2), drunkenness (Hos. 3:1), self-righteousness (Mat. 6:5; 23:6), of money (1 Tim. 6:10), this present world system and its ways (1 John 2:15), spiritual darkness (John 3:19), the kick-back of wrongdoing (2 Pet. 2:15), of ourselves in an unhealthy way and of cheap thrills (2 Tim.3:2,4), violence (Ps. 11:5), strife (Prov. 17:19), and even having a greater love for family or friends than for God (Mat. 10:37).
Therefore, the Bible clearly reveals that various forms of love and feelings are wrong, that certain human relationships are forbidden and condemned (Lev. 18), and that true love must be consistent with God's character and commandments (1 John 5:3). Any other "love" isn't from God, but from Satan who is (such) "love!" He's the clever counterfeit; the snake who confuses the issues and twists the truth. It's precisely because God is Love (1 John 4:8) that He wants to protect us from those Canaanite customs, perverted practices, and harmful ways that would ultimately undermine our land and lives (Lev. 18:30).
Still, some would angrily question how anyone could allow some old-fashioned Book to dictate their lives; after all, it's thousands of years old! But who would argue that the time-honored commandments against murder, or prohibition that protects private property or safeguards marriage and minds, or upholds honesty and virtue and being content are outdated? They're tried, tested, and true. Naturally, it's easier to accept something as long as it doesn't hit home or step on our toes. It's still typical, "A man (or woman) convinced against his will is of the same opinion still." Don't waste your time confusing them with the facts (Mat. 7:6; 15:14).
This booklet's intention is to make the plain truth about homosexuality known and available. It's to assist those who really want to consider what the Good Book has to say. Obviously, this is a very sensitive subject. If someone does become convinced or converted to the truth - great!
More power to them. But if others choose to continue in their contrary lifestyles, dying for sex rather than living for God and His Kingdom - that's their choice. God gives us all the prerogative to do as we please, but He strongly recommends and encourages us to "choose life" (Deut. 30:10); an even more appropriate message considering the high risk of AIDS. It's so difficult to TRANSCEND HUMAN RELATIONSHIPS - but we must, if and whenever it's necessary (Mark 10:28-30).
Living Responsible Lives
Is the first "gay" decade of 2,000 fulfilling prophecy? The "last days" are supposed to be reminiscent of earlier times, "as it was in the days of Noah," and "as it was in the days of Lot." How was it in days of yore? Just like today. Apparently, ignoring the dire need to make drastic changes in their lives, they conducted "business as usual" and fiddled about or got carried away with less important things (Deut. 32:47; Mark 4:19). It's recorded that they ate and drank, got married, and went to work everyday - until they were consumed by their burning desires and swept away by their sins (Luke 17:26-30).
What's wrong with eating and drinking or working? We might very well wonder. Didn't God create us with an appetite and a thirst, as well as a need for physical exertion? Yes, but certain tastes, desires and relationships should be nipped in the bud; not allowed to grow or develop or take root (Jas. 1:14-15)! Many things are good of and by themselves, and not wrong, but God's imposed conditions, restraints and guidelines for us to live by.
We're meant to enjoy those foods that God has blessed and offered us (Lev. 20:25; 1 Tim. 4:5), and even have an occasional drink, if we want. The Bible condemns gluttony, not eating; drunkenness, not drinking; greed, not need. It's what we do with what we're given. And we are instructed to work and be productive, but we're also commanded to remember the Sabbath (seventh day) to keep it holy. It's counterproductive to become too busy earning a living, that we neglect learning how to live (2 Pet. 3:18).
Although we're at liberty to do almost anything, within reason (Gen. 2:16-17), we're to remember that we're held responsible for how we handle ourselves and manage our new-found freedoms (Ga. 5:13). We're not to abuse our privileges (1 Cor. 8:9), but be careful not to get caught up in things that could too easily get out of control (2 Pet. 2:20). A night of good, clean fun can quickly degenerate into an atmosphere of "just like the old times." We're entitled to time-out with the boys (or girls), just don't let your diversion become an obsession (1 Cor. 6:12) - as my mother once warned me!
Keep Your Head Above Your Heart!
Is it - as some would charge - being cold and cruel, even inhuman, to be in control of your mind and emotions? Isn't it rather mature to exercise proper self-control, sick and tired of giving in to compulsion? Isn't it judicious to carefully cross-examine every thought, thereby destroying the defense of our death sentence, commuting it in Christ (2 Cor. 1:9; 10:4-5; 1 Cor. 11:31)?
Doing what just comes natural or seems normal might excite Nietzsche; but it's not good enough for God. God wants us - mere mortals made out of matter - to come to resemble, think and act like Him. "Like Father, like Son." Why? Is God on some big ego-trip and wants a bunch of clones to come along for the joy-ride? No, but because it's the only way that'll work. He ought to know the secret for living happily ever after.
Mankind, after all, was created in the image of the Godkind, and shares the awesome potential to become composed of God's Spirit - after we've developed His characteristics (1 Cor. 15:53). God's eager to award us all the Diploma of Divinity after we've finished the course of conversion (2 Cor. 3:18). Therefore, instead of just doing what comes natural - we're to do the supernatural! As Christian individuals, we're to turn the other cheek instead of busting their jaw; forgive rather than fume; pray for our enemies rather than swear revenge. We're continually called to be different - in contrast, not conformity, to this world (Rom. 8:29).
Tough-Love
There is a time and a place for "tough-love." We're not to show the "mercy of fools" for welfare frauds or lazy bums (2 Thes. 3:10), or have compassion on cold-blooded murderers or hardened criminals, despite their many appeals (1 Sam. 15:32-33; Rom. 13:4).
We shouldn't refuse to use corporal punishment (Prov. 13:24). It might hurt for awhile, but hopefully the lesson (that actions have consequences) will last a lifetime (Prov. 19:18; 23:13; 29:15). It could keep them out of worse trouble later (Ecc.8:11).
We're also not to allow our emotions for loved ones to lead us to hell (Deut. 7:3-4; 13:6-9), or wrong relationships to get in our way. Despite the grief of saying goodbye, and the pain of tearful separation (2 Sam. 3:14-16; Ezra 10:3), you've got to do what you've got to do. Why make it any more difficult? Don't procrastinate and prolong your misery. Get it over with and get on with your life! We don't have time to waste in no-win situations (Ephes. 5:16).
We shouldn't try and be more understanding and tolerant than God, but refuse to even associate with a Church member who's living in sin without any apology or shame (1 Cor. 5:1-2, 9-13). And we should NEVER entertain any notions about ordaining such people!
Of course, we shouldn't cop a self-righteous attitude (Ga. 6:1), but realize the prayerful purpose is to help restore everyone to their senses (knowing that ongoing sin results in an eternal separation). If and whenever such a person "comes to" (Luke 15:17, 20), he's to be welcomed back with wide-open arms (2 Cor. 2:6-8). A little love can go a long way (as Mama Evans used to say), and encourage us to do even better - rather than give up. But sometimes the situation calls for "shock-treatment" (tough-love), as well as private counseling. "Different strokes for different folks," so to speak (Luke 12:47-48). The moral of this story? Don't get blinded by the light: the glitter of "love," the hot-flash of emotion, and the gleam of relationships (2 Cor. 11:14). The going price for fool's gold is too high to pay. Walk away. It's not worth it.
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5
God and the Gays: Once Gay, Always Gay? (Chapter 3)
Chapter Three
ONCE GAY, ALWAYS GAY?
If we accept the Bible as the literal Word of God, and believe that God says what He means and means what He says, then we can't escape the fact that God expressly forbids any premarital or extramarital sex. The Bible doesn't fool around, it gets straight to the point. The Hebrew God isn't shy. He's also not ashamed of the anatomy He's equipped humans with. He pulls no punches and doesn't allow anyone to pervert His plans. Within the Instruction Manual that God gave to Israel (to give to the world), were explicit blueprints for building successful relationships between both God and man. That scriptural foundation assures us of strong and stable bonds, blessed by God (Ps. 127:1). Anything that contradicts God's building codes undermines and condemns itself.
The Bible bluntly states: 1) There's no room in its quarters for "gay rights." Homosexuality isn't within the bounds of acceptable behavior. It's practice isn't permissible within the Christian Camp and will quickly find itself dumped outside of the City limits (Rev. 22:15). Anyone who dares to defy this ban automatically excludes himself from society at large and brings the death penalty upon himself (Gen. 2:17). We're not supposed to tolerate any deviation, whatsoever, from the "strait and narrow" path of our God. 2) Cross-dressing, transvestism, is also out of the question (Deut. 22:5). God doesn't want any "half-breeds" to promote their hybrid ideas that don't mix too well with God's Word (Lev. 19:19). There's no ifs, ands, or buts about it - no quack psychological explanations or accepted justifications: it's not allowed! Everything's to be black and white, right or wrong, male or female; there's no sense in blurring distinctions or causing unnecessary confusion (Ezek. 22:26). 3) Gay prostitutes shouldn't even attempt to walk the streets, because they'll find out the hard way that it's a dead end (Deut. 23:17-18).
God wants to spare us all and safeguard our homes and mind. He doesn't want us to go past the point of no-return! Once you break down one moral barrier it's easier to break down another. Once the floodgates of hell are opened, everyone's swept away and sexual anarchy reigns!
The barometer of a nation's fall from grace and descent into depravity - just before national captivity and deportation - is whenever homosexuality begins to lose its purposeful stigma (Rom. 1:28). That and every other Biblically-attached stigma is to help keep us in line, remind us of what we're doing, and force us to pay the fine. Instead of attacking the doctor's diagnosis, we should concentrate on improving our condition!
We're free to ignore or reject the scripture's counsel against homosexual activities, but we shouldn't pretend that the Bible's silent on the subject. If someone continues to smoke even after they've read the Surgeon General's warnings against it, so be it. But they shouldn't deny that they've voluntarily increased their risks of contracting a variety of diseases.
Reason for Living
Our reason for living shouldn't be sex - but to develop a proper relationship with God! Life is meant to be far more meaningful that momentary physical pleasures. When Jesus said that "man shouldn't live by bread alone," He revealed there's another dimension - the spiritual - that completes us and transcends the mundane. Our daily request for "bread" (in the Lord's prayer sample) isn't only a humble petition to meet all our physical needs, but that we'll also be spiritually sustained (John 6:35).
The supreme purpose in our respective lives should be to know and become more like out Father in Heaven (Mat. 5:48). Especially when you consider God created each kind after its kind, and then He made mankind after the Godkind! We're offered the opportunity to increasingly bear the divine image and more closely resemble Him (in characteristics) daily. We're urged to live compatible with His glorious Kingdom. At the resurrection, we'll be born again and enter the Kingdom of God.
If we want to be on God's wavelength, come up to His level, and live in peace and harmony (with the law and order of His universe) - we need to realize and accept that certain "trees, food, and fruits" aren't kosher, but are off-limits, taboo! We need to avoid those pitfalls and steer clear of such danger-zones if we're to survive this unique journey (Prov. 4:15). We don't want to become another casualty along the way (Prov. 15:10). God hasn't singled out the gays for any special treatment - or persecution! He's not homophobic, racist, or sexist: God is Love.
And because God loves us all, He has high hopes and dreams for us. That's why God's graciously given us some guidelines and helpful instructions for happy, healthy, and wholesome living: the Tree of Life (1 John 5:3). These voluntary restrictions (you are a free moral-agent) are intended to enhance our lives and enable us to truly enjoy our experiences as humans (John 10:10; Deut. 4:40). They gently regulate our food, thoughts, worship, behavior, drink - every facet of our lives - and benefit every fiber of our being. Sin is sin (Rom. 3:23). Transgression - the breaking - of these practical principles is self-destructive (1 John 3:4; Ezek. 18:31). God forbids any hanky-panky, plain and simple! He doesn't target homosexuals or put them first in the line-up of sex-offenders (1 Cor. 6:9).
We need to put everything in context, within perspective and Biblical focus. Too often today, especially on the too many talk-shows (Mat. 12:36), things are too easily distorted, twisted, and confused. These vital issues are usually viewed from the wrong angle, broached with dishonest motivations and questioned by prejudiced people (Gen. 3:1). How they live for the applause of their "broad-minded" crowd (John 12:34)! Generally, you can't reason with such a mob-mentality or argue with their sick minds (Mat. 7:6). God condemns those "enlightened" hosts who turn things upside down (Isa. 5:20; 2 Cor. 11:14). Regardless of their ratings or rantings, they're not too popular with God. We don't have to remain slaves to sin. Christ can set us free (John 8:36). Should the living dwell among the dead (John 5:25)? Why stay down and out, when you're able to improve your situation, rise above your circumstances, and be within God's grace (Col. 2:13)?
Once gay always gay? How about once an adulterer always an adulterer? Better yet, once a sinner always a sinner (1 Cor. 6:11; 1 John 1:9)? WHO says so? Only if you choose to become a "hardened criminal." You can make progress toward perfection! You can refuse to go with the flow, change the course of your thought-patterns, and escape from the belly of the beast (Ephes. 2:1-6). You can stage a revolt and go free! You don't have to die in "Egypt."
Once a sinner, NOW a saint! There isn't any sin too great, or problem deep-rooted, or mind that's scarred, that Christ can't reach or touch or heal (Ps. 139:7-12; Mat. 15:30). Who would dare condemn whom God has forgiven (Rom. 8:1)? God sent Christ into your world to save, not destroy; to forgive, not damn; to help, not hurt (Luke 9:56). Even Jesus' Hebrew name declares His good intentions toward us (Mat. 1:21).
Pulls From the Past
Without a doubt, there'll be strong pulls from the past and pressure to revert to old, familiar ways: testing our resolve, trying our mettle, and cross-examining our conversion (Deut. 8:2-3). They're to be expected (1 Pet. 4:12), but should be put in proper perspective (Heb. 12:11-13). The very fact that you're now a part of the "Resistance Movement," and engage in bitter conflicts (refusing to surrender), proves your patriotism and displays your determination to win (Ga. 5:17). God respects and will reward your efforts (Heb. 6:10; 11:6). They've been brought to His attention repeatedly (Ps. 116:15). You're not left to fend for yourself! You might feel like it, but you're not all alone. We have a Great Helper, an Unseen Assistant, who can handle anything that might befall us during this battle (Heb. 4:14-16).
When we're pardoned, WE'RE EMPOWERED to overcome our past (Jn. 1:12). God enables us to withstand the onslaught of sin, and remain within the good graces of our Governor (Isa. 9:11; Jude 24). Although you may still feel "gay," your reorientation hasn't taken full effect yet (Ephes. 4:23; Jas. 1:4), DON'T GET DISCOURAGED! Be happy that you've made progress, and that you're even trying to better yourself. That's a miracle in itself. Trust in God (Philip. 4:13). He'll see you through thick and thin, and He'll stay by your side "come hell or high water" (Isa. 43:1-2). It's true that "We conquer by continuing." DON'T GIVE UP! Keep up the struggle: everything you believe in is worth fighting for (Matt. 11:12). You can rest assured that you're very precious to God. He knows you by name.
"Once gay always gay" is a damn LIE! It denies Christ's ability to save and slanders His sacrifice as insufficient! We don't have to believe that propaganda though it's repeated a thousand times. It's nothing more than psychological warfare (2 Cor. 2:11). It's jealously directed against those who've sobered up and have made an about-face in life (1 Pet. 5:8).
Conversion - change - is possible, but it demands patience. Purification is a process that takes time ( 1 John 3:3; Isa. 48:10). It all begins in the mind. We don't have to remain subject to sin's every whim and desire (Rom. 6:14). Slowly but surely, the homosexual obsession will lose its hold over our lives. God can rid us of its side-effects, break our hobbling habits, and release us from the ball and chain of our past (Isa. 45:2).
Christ will gently assist and energize us as we carry on (Isa. 40:29). We're to unburden ourselves before the Father in heartfelt prayer (Mat. 11:28-30; 1 Pet. 5:7), like Jesus did when He was here (Heb. 5:7). Everyone's offered this opportunity of a lifetime: to start over, have a new lease on life, and to wipe the slate clean. It's our option. It's your choice.
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ONCE GAY, ALWAYS GAY?
If we accept the Bible as the literal Word of God, and believe that God says what He means and means what He says, then we can't escape the fact that God expressly forbids any premarital or extramarital sex. The Bible doesn't fool around, it gets straight to the point. The Hebrew God isn't shy. He's also not ashamed of the anatomy He's equipped humans with. He pulls no punches and doesn't allow anyone to pervert His plans. Within the Instruction Manual that God gave to Israel (to give to the world), were explicit blueprints for building successful relationships between both God and man. That scriptural foundation assures us of strong and stable bonds, blessed by God (Ps. 127:1). Anything that contradicts God's building codes undermines and condemns itself.
The Bible bluntly states: 1) There's no room in its quarters for "gay rights." Homosexuality isn't within the bounds of acceptable behavior. It's practice isn't permissible within the Christian Camp and will quickly find itself dumped outside of the City limits (Rev. 22:15). Anyone who dares to defy this ban automatically excludes himself from society at large and brings the death penalty upon himself (Gen. 2:17). We're not supposed to tolerate any deviation, whatsoever, from the "strait and narrow" path of our God. 2) Cross-dressing, transvestism, is also out of the question (Deut. 22:5). God doesn't want any "half-breeds" to promote their hybrid ideas that don't mix too well with God's Word (Lev. 19:19). There's no ifs, ands, or buts about it - no quack psychological explanations or accepted justifications: it's not allowed! Everything's to be black and white, right or wrong, male or female; there's no sense in blurring distinctions or causing unnecessary confusion (Ezek. 22:26). 3) Gay prostitutes shouldn't even attempt to walk the streets, because they'll find out the hard way that it's a dead end (Deut. 23:17-18).
God wants to spare us all and safeguard our homes and mind. He doesn't want us to go past the point of no-return! Once you break down one moral barrier it's easier to break down another. Once the floodgates of hell are opened, everyone's swept away and sexual anarchy reigns!
The barometer of a nation's fall from grace and descent into depravity - just before national captivity and deportation - is whenever homosexuality begins to lose its purposeful stigma (Rom. 1:28). That and every other Biblically-attached stigma is to help keep us in line, remind us of what we're doing, and force us to pay the fine. Instead of attacking the doctor's diagnosis, we should concentrate on improving our condition!
We're free to ignore or reject the scripture's counsel against homosexual activities, but we shouldn't pretend that the Bible's silent on the subject. If someone continues to smoke even after they've read the Surgeon General's warnings against it, so be it. But they shouldn't deny that they've voluntarily increased their risks of contracting a variety of diseases.
Reason for Living
Our reason for living shouldn't be sex - but to develop a proper relationship with God! Life is meant to be far more meaningful that momentary physical pleasures. When Jesus said that "man shouldn't live by bread alone," He revealed there's another dimension - the spiritual - that completes us and transcends the mundane. Our daily request for "bread" (in the Lord's prayer sample) isn't only a humble petition to meet all our physical needs, but that we'll also be spiritually sustained (John 6:35).
The supreme purpose in our respective lives should be to know and become more like out Father in Heaven (Mat. 5:48). Especially when you consider God created each kind after its kind, and then He made mankind after the Godkind! We're offered the opportunity to increasingly bear the divine image and more closely resemble Him (in characteristics) daily. We're urged to live compatible with His glorious Kingdom. At the resurrection, we'll be born again and enter the Kingdom of God.
If we want to be on God's wavelength, come up to His level, and live in peace and harmony (with the law and order of His universe) - we need to realize and accept that certain "trees, food, and fruits" aren't kosher, but are off-limits, taboo! We need to avoid those pitfalls and steer clear of such danger-zones if we're to survive this unique journey (Prov. 4:15). We don't want to become another casualty along the way (Prov. 15:10). God hasn't singled out the gays for any special treatment - or persecution! He's not homophobic, racist, or sexist: God is Love.
And because God loves us all, He has high hopes and dreams for us. That's why God's graciously given us some guidelines and helpful instructions for happy, healthy, and wholesome living: the Tree of Life (1 John 5:3). These voluntary restrictions (you are a free moral-agent) are intended to enhance our lives and enable us to truly enjoy our experiences as humans (John 10:10; Deut. 4:40). They gently regulate our food, thoughts, worship, behavior, drink - every facet of our lives - and benefit every fiber of our being. Sin is sin (Rom. 3:23). Transgression - the breaking - of these practical principles is self-destructive (1 John 3:4; Ezek. 18:31). God forbids any hanky-panky, plain and simple! He doesn't target homosexuals or put them first in the line-up of sex-offenders (1 Cor. 6:9).
We need to put everything in context, within perspective and Biblical focus. Too often today, especially on the too many talk-shows (Mat. 12:36), things are too easily distorted, twisted, and confused. These vital issues are usually viewed from the wrong angle, broached with dishonest motivations and questioned by prejudiced people (Gen. 3:1). How they live for the applause of their "broad-minded" crowd (John 12:34)! Generally, you can't reason with such a mob-mentality or argue with their sick minds (Mat. 7:6). God condemns those "enlightened" hosts who turn things upside down (Isa. 5:20; 2 Cor. 11:14). Regardless of their ratings or rantings, they're not too popular with God. We don't have to remain slaves to sin. Christ can set us free (John 8:36). Should the living dwell among the dead (John 5:25)? Why stay down and out, when you're able to improve your situation, rise above your circumstances, and be within God's grace (Col. 2:13)?
Once gay always gay? How about once an adulterer always an adulterer? Better yet, once a sinner always a sinner (1 Cor. 6:11; 1 John 1:9)? WHO says so? Only if you choose to become a "hardened criminal." You can make progress toward perfection! You can refuse to go with the flow, change the course of your thought-patterns, and escape from the belly of the beast (Ephes. 2:1-6). You can stage a revolt and go free! You don't have to die in "Egypt."
Once a sinner, NOW a saint! There isn't any sin too great, or problem deep-rooted, or mind that's scarred, that Christ can't reach or touch or heal (Ps. 139:7-12; Mat. 15:30). Who would dare condemn whom God has forgiven (Rom. 8:1)? God sent Christ into your world to save, not destroy; to forgive, not damn; to help, not hurt (Luke 9:56). Even Jesus' Hebrew name declares His good intentions toward us (Mat. 1:21).
Pulls From the Past
Without a doubt, there'll be strong pulls from the past and pressure to revert to old, familiar ways: testing our resolve, trying our mettle, and cross-examining our conversion (Deut. 8:2-3). They're to be expected (1 Pet. 4:12), but should be put in proper perspective (Heb. 12:11-13). The very fact that you're now a part of the "Resistance Movement," and engage in bitter conflicts (refusing to surrender), proves your patriotism and displays your determination to win (Ga. 5:17). God respects and will reward your efforts (Heb. 6:10; 11:6). They've been brought to His attention repeatedly (Ps. 116:15). You're not left to fend for yourself! You might feel like it, but you're not all alone. We have a Great Helper, an Unseen Assistant, who can handle anything that might befall us during this battle (Heb. 4:14-16).
When we're pardoned, WE'RE EMPOWERED to overcome our past (Jn. 1:12). God enables us to withstand the onslaught of sin, and remain within the good graces of our Governor (Isa. 9:11; Jude 24). Although you may still feel "gay," your reorientation hasn't taken full effect yet (Ephes. 4:23; Jas. 1:4), DON'T GET DISCOURAGED! Be happy that you've made progress, and that you're even trying to better yourself. That's a miracle in itself. Trust in God (Philip. 4:13). He'll see you through thick and thin, and He'll stay by your side "come hell or high water" (Isa. 43:1-2). It's true that "We conquer by continuing." DON'T GIVE UP! Keep up the struggle: everything you believe in is worth fighting for (Matt. 11:12). You can rest assured that you're very precious to God. He knows you by name.
"Once gay always gay" is a damn LIE! It denies Christ's ability to save and slanders His sacrifice as insufficient! We don't have to believe that propaganda though it's repeated a thousand times. It's nothing more than psychological warfare (2 Cor. 2:11). It's jealously directed against those who've sobered up and have made an about-face in life (1 Pet. 5:8).
Conversion - change - is possible, but it demands patience. Purification is a process that takes time ( 1 John 3:3; Isa. 48:10). It all begins in the mind. We don't have to remain subject to sin's every whim and desire (Rom. 6:14). Slowly but surely, the homosexual obsession will lose its hold over our lives. God can rid us of its side-effects, break our hobbling habits, and release us from the ball and chain of our past (Isa. 45:2).
Christ will gently assist and energize us as we carry on (Isa. 40:29). We're to unburden ourselves before the Father in heartfelt prayer (Mat. 11:28-30; 1 Pet. 5:7), like Jesus did when He was here (Heb. 5:7). Everyone's offered this opportunity of a lifetime: to start over, have a new lease on life, and to wipe the slate clean. It's our option. It's your choice.
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5
God and the Gays: Of Vice and Men (Chapter 4)
Chapter Four
OF VICE AND MEN
Why do we do the things we do? Who hasn't asked themselves that question at one time or another? Must we remain creatures of habit? Is there "No Way Out?" Even the apostle Paul wrestled with this problem, but he came to the happy conclusion that we can overcome all in Christ (Rom. 7:14-25; Philip. 4:13). But Christ Himself said it wouldn't be easy, and Paul basically admitted that we'd have to go through hell before Heaven would be established on earth (Acts 14:22). Yet as Thomas Paine declared: "The harder the conflict the more glorious the Triumph." And indeed there is a war within, a dueling conflict of interests, a dual nature that demands constant attention (1 Pet. 2:11; Ga. 5:17). True Christians are even compared to soldiers that must learn how to effectively fight and become toughened in the process (2 Tim. 2:3; 1 Tim. 6:12). We're commanded to kill carnality, subdue sin, and force ourselves into line (Col. 3:5; Mat. 11:12). Of course, it's only through the power and Spirit of God that we're able to overcome, grow, and conquer all of those things that would love to tear us down (Ps. 60:12; Ephes. 6:10-17).
What is one man's strength is another man's weakness, but we must all struggle to attain God's Image through the process of conversion (Philip. 3:12). We're to become spiritually stronger by carrying our cross and bearing our burden; they're to make us and not break us. Although we're presently only too human, we're offered the opportunity to increasingly partake of the divine nature and holiness (2 Pet. 1:4), experiencing in advance the glory of the Kingdom of God (Heb. 6:5); all contingent upon our response to God's lead, submission to His Will, and the exercising of His Spirit (Rom. 8:14).
Considering how transcendent true spirituality can be, why do we allow ourselves to lower our sights and settle for less (Rom. 8:6)? How damnable are such distractions that would disrupt our clear concepts of Christ and His Kingdom! Satan attempts to short-circuit God's Spirit, cause static on our wavelength to Heaven, and overload our minds to jam God's message (Ephes. 2:2).
We're to keep life's purpose uppermost in mind, putting all things in perspective, enjoying the light of this Vision (2 Tim.1:7; Ephes.1:17-19). Yet the god of this present world's system has blinded his subjects to their glorious potential (2 Cor. 4:4), led them astray by tinsel temptations, and enslaved them through deceitful sin.
Adrenalin and Ego
The Bible reveals that two of men's biggest problems are LUST and PRIDE (1 John 2:16). They go hand in hand, and are like a dog chasing its tail: a vicious cycle. Why do we keep going out to the bars? Because it's an addiction. When you're all dressed up, and want to strut your stuff, where else is there to go? It's adrenalin and ego. They're partners for life - or death. They artificially energize us and bring us back for more.
Who doesn't like to cruise and be cruised? There's always that challenge of the chase, that anticipation of the evening. But what if the next time your catch includes some sexual disease? Are you ready and willing to exchange the cool clothes and hot look for a hospital robe? Those boots that are made for walkin' for slippers? That well-groomed hair for baldness? Go from Mr. Popular to poor pariah? It is a possibility. It is reality. But then we don't like to think about such disturbing thoughts, and besides, it always happens to someone else, "the other guy." At least so far. Well? Another notch on the bedpost might be another foot in the grave. This is a serious subject and an uncomfortable one, but as far as promiscuity goes - you've got to stop it, before it stops you!
We're told that the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life (Rom. 6:23). Ultimately, the penalty for every sin unrepented of is death (Rev. 21:8), but some sins exact their penalty quicker than others. Is AIDS a plague sent from some angry God? Could He be upset with our stubborn ways (Mark 3:5)? Is it possible God's simply taken away His protective shield (Isa.5:5), and left us at the mercy of cause and effect (Jer. 2:19; 4:18)? God reveals that same-sex practices are self-destructive and contrary to what's natural (Rom. 1:26-28). He also explodes the myth that it's harmless and declares both minds and bodies become abused (Ps. 107:17). Does this stark fact justify "gay-bashing?" NO! We need to pray for those entangled in sin's web.
Nothing's so hypocritical as a straight couple (living together with children out of wedlock) getting interviewed as they watch the spectacle of a "Gay Pride" parade. Shaking their heads, they say: "We just think it's disgusting. Besides, the Bible says it wrong." Since when did they ever care about what the Bible has to say? It probably has a few things to say to them also! Everybody needs to get their act together and straighten up (Isa. 40:3). We could all use some "home-improvement" (1 Cor. 6:19-20). Whereas there are many sins - and sin is simply breaking God's code of conduct (1 John 3:4) - this booklet's specifically dealing with homosexuality, although the principles contained within these pages pertain to all.
Offensive Stereotypes
What's so difficult for heterosexuals to comprehend is that being gay is as normal for homosexuals as being straight is for them. And that many homosexuals also can't understand the sexual attraction of straights. Both "sexes" are a mystery to each other! Gays are quite capable of appreciating a woman's mind, beauty or charm - but are generally repulsed at the thought of having sex with one! Many women adore their unique relationships with homosexuals because they know they're accepted for who they are without any ulterior motives. It's refreshing to be free of sexual harassment or pressure. Although there are other women who consider gay men a tremendous turn on, and are titillated by the challenge to be their first and "convert" them.
It's offensive to be thoughtlessly thrown in together, as if we all shared the same sexual desires or fantasies, or to be stereotyped as drag-queens or pinko sissies! Homosexuals are individuals and as different from one another as heterosexuals are. We have our "Marlboro Men" as well as a "Minnie Mouse" or two, some who are promiscuous and others who remain monogamous or celebrate celibacy. And the idiotic idea that homosexuals will jump for anything that happens to be male is an insult. Don't flatter yourself. Homosexuals have their own tastes, preferences and standards (or lack of them) like everybody else. Should that be so surprising?
Homosexuals shouldn't be equated with rapists. Rarely would they force themselves upon anyone who wasn't a willing person or a consenting adult. However, as in the "straight" world, there are those ugly exceptions to the rule who don't know how to take no for an answer or keep their hands to themselves.This isn't an attempt to promote homosexuality (it doesn't need any) or enlist hungry recruits. It's an honest effort to dispel myths and help rid people of dangerous misconceptions. Only the truth can liberate us from lies and deliver us from deception. A new and improved understanding is essential for everybody's growth.
As for those who might forget that homosexuals are human - whom Christ also died for and seeks to save - they'd do well to remember that immature name-calling falls into the same category of those who could be held in contempt of court (Mat. 5:22).
Hate-words such as nigger, spic, kike or faggot aren't representative of God's Kingdom. But then again, neither is yelling bigot or such brand names as sexist, homophobe, and racist (1 John 2:9). Condemning all Christians because of the words or actions of a few is foolish.
Sometimes we need to forcibly remind ourselves that everyone is potentially in God's image. We must hate the sin, but never the sinner. And we should hate the sin - not just because it upsets up or disturbs us personally - but because it's harming the sinner (whom we should love). This goes against the flow and demands that we rise above ourselves and our petty prejudices, but it's prayerfully possible (Mat. 5:45). And again, there are degrees of homosexuality. Some are "gay all the way" or bisexual (double trouble!), while others only experiment with it and decide it's not for them. There are also those who wish to God they were straight and could marry and have a family (often due to unbearable pressure or religious convictions).
Few homosexuals are mass murderers or child-molesters, contrary to exaggerated fears and bizarre movies or twisted individuals. Any "sex-offender" will be denied entrance into God's Kingdom (Rev. 21:27). Perverts will find themselves prevented from spoiling Paradise. It's not just because of their physical acts, but because of their mind's spiritual miscarriage. It's their attitude, not just their selfish actions, that abort their royal birth.
Active homosexuals and practicing heterosexuals, must repent of their sexual sins and become practicing - not just professing - Christians! It's something that will have to be kept under control daily, even though it can be frustrating and frightening to forego such a personal part of our lives, but it's for a good cause: God's Kingdom (Isa. 56:4-5).
Remember, as stated before, God forbids any premarital or extramarital sex. He hasn't made an exception for homosexuals. There's no preferential treatment. Even if God did allow homosexuality - which He doesn't - that wouldn't excuse continued careless sex, but would require of homosexuals the same as heterosexuals: no illicit sex, a strictly monogamous relationship, and a sure commitment. God doesn't have a double-standard.
We have to overcome lust or it will overcome us. Without a doubt, sex is one of the greatest physical sensations. No wonder it's so popular - but it comes and it goes. Since we're here today and gone tomorrow - is sex (or a relationship) really worth giving up eternal life for? If we could only begin to grasp how transcendent, pure and glorious our spiritual experiences are destined to be - the rotting flesh can't compare! The divine delights are so far superior, utterly indescribable to mortal man, that it's mind-boggling! God is the joyous Fountain of Life with flowing Rivers of endless Pleasures (Ps. 16:11; 36:8)!
The Fire Within
Everyone - gay or straight - has the "fire" within (1 Cor. 7:9). Some burn more than others, but it's still there. God understands proper sexual desire and simply commands that we develop His character to control and channel it. He knows our human need to love and be loved, to touch and feel, to give of ourselves totally in a reciprocal relationship. However, God requires that we find such fulfillment within the safe and secure boundaries of marriage, lest we careen out of control with unwanted children, abortion, devastating disease, scarred minds and abused bodies (Heb. 13:4). But it can be traumatic if you're NOT straight and marriage isn't an option! It's heartbreaking and gut-wrenching, initially, to realize God might want you to remain single, without a significant other ( 1 Cor. 7:24; Matt. 11:6). Although just being straight doesn't guarantee you'll ever marry, there's always that hope. Everything must be kept in Biblical focus or you'll lose your mind and salvation! God PURPOSELY calls some who aren't attached (1 Cor. 12:18). Why? It's easier for them to be wedded to God's Work and married to Christ's Mission (1 Cor. 7:32,35; Matt. 19:12).
Therefore, if someone can see through the smokescreen of exploited emotions and desires, and decides to love and obey Christ through it all - rejecting sin's advances and turning down its many propositions - God will highly honor and respect their efforts. He promises to love and comfort them, and graciously grant them an even greater strength and peace of mind (John 14:15-16, 27).
Dare to be different. Don't just follow the crowd - especially when they don't even know where they're going! The sooner you recognize the seriousness of sin, and act accordingly, the better (Ecc. 12:1). Youth is transient and one-night stands are vain. Wake up and smell the coffee!
Sin must become unthinkable (Jas. 1:14-15)! We can't afford to entertain any thoughts that would drag us both down and under, sweeping us away again (Mat. 5:28). We shouldn't risk going past the point of rescue. We should've learned our lesson by now and feel enough is enough! Haven't we graduated from the school of hard knocks? Therefore, we're sufficiently educated to reject the trial and error approach (1 Pet. 4:3). We know which "school of thought" is worthwhile and offers any sort of a future.
Understanding that we're living on borrowed time, that we've been given a new lease on life, and that we had been on death row (and yet received an unbelievable pardon from our Governor) - we must let go of the past and its corrosive influence (Philip. 3:13). We're to be dead to our old way of life and thinking (Ps. 146:4), and accept the resurrection that is in Christ (Rom. 6).
We're no longer to imbibe of alcohol excessively, but instead be embued with God's Holy Spirit (Ephes. 5:18). Our new moderation is intended to magnify God's glory, revealing His influence in our lives (Philip. 4:5). And we're not to be surprised when our old friends and former acquaintances express shock or challenge our change (1 Pet. 4:4). It doesn't compute with their old way of thinking. They're relying on out-dated information and really don't know the new you!
Knowing how grave and deceitful sin can be (Heb. 3:13), we're not to offer it any occasion to oppress us (Ephes. 4:27), nor ever attempt to compromise or participate in the charade of a "peaceful coexistence" (Deut. 7:2). Therefore, aware of the inherent dangers, we're to avoid those people, places or things that would throw fuel on our fire (Prov. 1:10; 4:14-15; 2 Tim. 2:22). Don't set yourself up for a fall, or be fooled by selfish flattery (Prov. 7:21), or seduced by lying eyes (Prov. 6:25). In short, beware the "devil in blue jeans!"
God can break the grip and release us from whatever hold vice might have on us (Isa. 45:2; Ps. 107:16). We don't have to remain creatures of habit. We can become God's Sons and Daughters. There is a Way out: God has provided us with a marvelous Door of opportunity - but we must walk through it (John 10:9). Instead of suffering paralysis (like prisoners of the past), let's look forward and go ahead, confident of our bright future (Mat. 13:43; Philip. 1:6).
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OF VICE AND MEN
Why do we do the things we do? Who hasn't asked themselves that question at one time or another? Must we remain creatures of habit? Is there "No Way Out?" Even the apostle Paul wrestled with this problem, but he came to the happy conclusion that we can overcome all in Christ (Rom. 7:14-25; Philip. 4:13). But Christ Himself said it wouldn't be easy, and Paul basically admitted that we'd have to go through hell before Heaven would be established on earth (Acts 14:22). Yet as Thomas Paine declared: "The harder the conflict the more glorious the Triumph." And indeed there is a war within, a dueling conflict of interests, a dual nature that demands constant attention (1 Pet. 2:11; Ga. 5:17). True Christians are even compared to soldiers that must learn how to effectively fight and become toughened in the process (2 Tim. 2:3; 1 Tim. 6:12). We're commanded to kill carnality, subdue sin, and force ourselves into line (Col. 3:5; Mat. 11:12). Of course, it's only through the power and Spirit of God that we're able to overcome, grow, and conquer all of those things that would love to tear us down (Ps. 60:12; Ephes. 6:10-17).
What is one man's strength is another man's weakness, but we must all struggle to attain God's Image through the process of conversion (Philip. 3:12). We're to become spiritually stronger by carrying our cross and bearing our burden; they're to make us and not break us. Although we're presently only too human, we're offered the opportunity to increasingly partake of the divine nature and holiness (2 Pet. 1:4), experiencing in advance the glory of the Kingdom of God (Heb. 6:5); all contingent upon our response to God's lead, submission to His Will, and the exercising of His Spirit (Rom. 8:14).
Considering how transcendent true spirituality can be, why do we allow ourselves to lower our sights and settle for less (Rom. 8:6)? How damnable are such distractions that would disrupt our clear concepts of Christ and His Kingdom! Satan attempts to short-circuit God's Spirit, cause static on our wavelength to Heaven, and overload our minds to jam God's message (Ephes. 2:2).
We're to keep life's purpose uppermost in mind, putting all things in perspective, enjoying the light of this Vision (2 Tim.1:7; Ephes.1:17-19). Yet the god of this present world's system has blinded his subjects to their glorious potential (2 Cor. 4:4), led them astray by tinsel temptations, and enslaved them through deceitful sin.
Adrenalin and Ego
The Bible reveals that two of men's biggest problems are LUST and PRIDE (1 John 2:16). They go hand in hand, and are like a dog chasing its tail: a vicious cycle. Why do we keep going out to the bars? Because it's an addiction. When you're all dressed up, and want to strut your stuff, where else is there to go? It's adrenalin and ego. They're partners for life - or death. They artificially energize us and bring us back for more.
Who doesn't like to cruise and be cruised? There's always that challenge of the chase, that anticipation of the evening. But what if the next time your catch includes some sexual disease? Are you ready and willing to exchange the cool clothes and hot look for a hospital robe? Those boots that are made for walkin' for slippers? That well-groomed hair for baldness? Go from Mr. Popular to poor pariah? It is a possibility. It is reality. But then we don't like to think about such disturbing thoughts, and besides, it always happens to someone else, "the other guy." At least so far. Well? Another notch on the bedpost might be another foot in the grave. This is a serious subject and an uncomfortable one, but as far as promiscuity goes - you've got to stop it, before it stops you!
We're told that the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life (Rom. 6:23). Ultimately, the penalty for every sin unrepented of is death (Rev. 21:8), but some sins exact their penalty quicker than others. Is AIDS a plague sent from some angry God? Could He be upset with our stubborn ways (Mark 3:5)? Is it possible God's simply taken away His protective shield (Isa.5:5), and left us at the mercy of cause and effect (Jer. 2:19; 4:18)? God reveals that same-sex practices are self-destructive and contrary to what's natural (Rom. 1:26-28). He also explodes the myth that it's harmless and declares both minds and bodies become abused (Ps. 107:17). Does this stark fact justify "gay-bashing?" NO! We need to pray for those entangled in sin's web.
Nothing's so hypocritical as a straight couple (living together with children out of wedlock) getting interviewed as they watch the spectacle of a "Gay Pride" parade. Shaking their heads, they say: "We just think it's disgusting. Besides, the Bible says it wrong." Since when did they ever care about what the Bible has to say? It probably has a few things to say to them also! Everybody needs to get their act together and straighten up (Isa. 40:3). We could all use some "home-improvement" (1 Cor. 6:19-20). Whereas there are many sins - and sin is simply breaking God's code of conduct (1 John 3:4) - this booklet's specifically dealing with homosexuality, although the principles contained within these pages pertain to all.
Offensive Stereotypes
What's so difficult for heterosexuals to comprehend is that being gay is as normal for homosexuals as being straight is for them. And that many homosexuals also can't understand the sexual attraction of straights. Both "sexes" are a mystery to each other! Gays are quite capable of appreciating a woman's mind, beauty or charm - but are generally repulsed at the thought of having sex with one! Many women adore their unique relationships with homosexuals because they know they're accepted for who they are without any ulterior motives. It's refreshing to be free of sexual harassment or pressure. Although there are other women who consider gay men a tremendous turn on, and are titillated by the challenge to be their first and "convert" them.
It's offensive to be thoughtlessly thrown in together, as if we all shared the same sexual desires or fantasies, or to be stereotyped as drag-queens or pinko sissies! Homosexuals are individuals and as different from one another as heterosexuals are. We have our "Marlboro Men" as well as a "Minnie Mouse" or two, some who are promiscuous and others who remain monogamous or celebrate celibacy. And the idiotic idea that homosexuals will jump for anything that happens to be male is an insult. Don't flatter yourself. Homosexuals have their own tastes, preferences and standards (or lack of them) like everybody else. Should that be so surprising?
Homosexuals shouldn't be equated with rapists. Rarely would they force themselves upon anyone who wasn't a willing person or a consenting adult. However, as in the "straight" world, there are those ugly exceptions to the rule who don't know how to take no for an answer or keep their hands to themselves.This isn't an attempt to promote homosexuality (it doesn't need any) or enlist hungry recruits. It's an honest effort to dispel myths and help rid people of dangerous misconceptions. Only the truth can liberate us from lies and deliver us from deception. A new and improved understanding is essential for everybody's growth.
As for those who might forget that homosexuals are human - whom Christ also died for and seeks to save - they'd do well to remember that immature name-calling falls into the same category of those who could be held in contempt of court (Mat. 5:22).
Hate-words such as nigger, spic, kike or faggot aren't representative of God's Kingdom. But then again, neither is yelling bigot or such brand names as sexist, homophobe, and racist (1 John 2:9). Condemning all Christians because of the words or actions of a few is foolish.
Sometimes we need to forcibly remind ourselves that everyone is potentially in God's image. We must hate the sin, but never the sinner. And we should hate the sin - not just because it upsets up or disturbs us personally - but because it's harming the sinner (whom we should love). This goes against the flow and demands that we rise above ourselves and our petty prejudices, but it's prayerfully possible (Mat. 5:45). And again, there are degrees of homosexuality. Some are "gay all the way" or bisexual (double trouble!), while others only experiment with it and decide it's not for them. There are also those who wish to God they were straight and could marry and have a family (often due to unbearable pressure or religious convictions).
Few homosexuals are mass murderers or child-molesters, contrary to exaggerated fears and bizarre movies or twisted individuals. Any "sex-offender" will be denied entrance into God's Kingdom (Rev. 21:27). Perverts will find themselves prevented from spoiling Paradise. It's not just because of their physical acts, but because of their mind's spiritual miscarriage. It's their attitude, not just their selfish actions, that abort their royal birth.
Active homosexuals and practicing heterosexuals, must repent of their sexual sins and become practicing - not just professing - Christians! It's something that will have to be kept under control daily, even though it can be frustrating and frightening to forego such a personal part of our lives, but it's for a good cause: God's Kingdom (Isa. 56:4-5).
Remember, as stated before, God forbids any premarital or extramarital sex. He hasn't made an exception for homosexuals. There's no preferential treatment. Even if God did allow homosexuality - which He doesn't - that wouldn't excuse continued careless sex, but would require of homosexuals the same as heterosexuals: no illicit sex, a strictly monogamous relationship, and a sure commitment. God doesn't have a double-standard.
We have to overcome lust or it will overcome us. Without a doubt, sex is one of the greatest physical sensations. No wonder it's so popular - but it comes and it goes. Since we're here today and gone tomorrow - is sex (or a relationship) really worth giving up eternal life for? If we could only begin to grasp how transcendent, pure and glorious our spiritual experiences are destined to be - the rotting flesh can't compare! The divine delights are so far superior, utterly indescribable to mortal man, that it's mind-boggling! God is the joyous Fountain of Life with flowing Rivers of endless Pleasures (Ps. 16:11; 36:8)!
The Fire Within
Everyone - gay or straight - has the "fire" within (1 Cor. 7:9). Some burn more than others, but it's still there. God understands proper sexual desire and simply commands that we develop His character to control and channel it. He knows our human need to love and be loved, to touch and feel, to give of ourselves totally in a reciprocal relationship. However, God requires that we find such fulfillment within the safe and secure boundaries of marriage, lest we careen out of control with unwanted children, abortion, devastating disease, scarred minds and abused bodies (Heb. 13:4). But it can be traumatic if you're NOT straight and marriage isn't an option! It's heartbreaking and gut-wrenching, initially, to realize God might want you to remain single, without a significant other ( 1 Cor. 7:24; Matt. 11:6). Although just being straight doesn't guarantee you'll ever marry, there's always that hope. Everything must be kept in Biblical focus or you'll lose your mind and salvation! God PURPOSELY calls some who aren't attached (1 Cor. 12:18). Why? It's easier for them to be wedded to God's Work and married to Christ's Mission (1 Cor. 7:32,35; Matt. 19:12).
Therefore, if someone can see through the smokescreen of exploited emotions and desires, and decides to love and obey Christ through it all - rejecting sin's advances and turning down its many propositions - God will highly honor and respect their efforts. He promises to love and comfort them, and graciously grant them an even greater strength and peace of mind (John 14:15-16, 27).
Dare to be different. Don't just follow the crowd - especially when they don't even know where they're going! The sooner you recognize the seriousness of sin, and act accordingly, the better (Ecc. 12:1). Youth is transient and one-night stands are vain. Wake up and smell the coffee!
Sin must become unthinkable (Jas. 1:14-15)! We can't afford to entertain any thoughts that would drag us both down and under, sweeping us away again (Mat. 5:28). We shouldn't risk going past the point of rescue. We should've learned our lesson by now and feel enough is enough! Haven't we graduated from the school of hard knocks? Therefore, we're sufficiently educated to reject the trial and error approach (1 Pet. 4:3). We know which "school of thought" is worthwhile and offers any sort of a future.
Understanding that we're living on borrowed time, that we've been given a new lease on life, and that we had been on death row (and yet received an unbelievable pardon from our Governor) - we must let go of the past and its corrosive influence (Philip. 3:13). We're to be dead to our old way of life and thinking (Ps. 146:4), and accept the resurrection that is in Christ (Rom. 6).
We're no longer to imbibe of alcohol excessively, but instead be embued with God's Holy Spirit (Ephes. 5:18). Our new moderation is intended to magnify God's glory, revealing His influence in our lives (Philip. 4:5). And we're not to be surprised when our old friends and former acquaintances express shock or challenge our change (1 Pet. 4:4). It doesn't compute with their old way of thinking. They're relying on out-dated information and really don't know the new you!
Knowing how grave and deceitful sin can be (Heb. 3:13), we're not to offer it any occasion to oppress us (Ephes. 4:27), nor ever attempt to compromise or participate in the charade of a "peaceful coexistence" (Deut. 7:2). Therefore, aware of the inherent dangers, we're to avoid those people, places or things that would throw fuel on our fire (Prov. 1:10; 4:14-15; 2 Tim. 2:22). Don't set yourself up for a fall, or be fooled by selfish flattery (Prov. 7:21), or seduced by lying eyes (Prov. 6:25). In short, beware the "devil in blue jeans!"
God can break the grip and release us from whatever hold vice might have on us (Isa. 45:2; Ps. 107:16). We don't have to remain creatures of habit. We can become God's Sons and Daughters. There is a Way out: God has provided us with a marvelous Door of opportunity - but we must walk through it (John 10:9). Instead of suffering paralysis (like prisoners of the past), let's look forward and go ahead, confident of our bright future (Mat. 13:43; Philip. 1:6).
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