Ah...just for the heck of it I'll include a portion of the article, including a quote from one of the more insane homosexual CA legislators from San Fransicko:
The cultural, and now political, straight-arm to adherents of the Christian faith in San Francisco has been increasingly public in the last two years. Just one week after the anti-Catholic resolution was passed, the San Francisco Board issued a similar resolution against a mostly evangelical group.
Following a gathering of 25,000 teens at San Francisco's AT&T Park as part of Ron Luce's Teen Mania "Battle Cry for a Generation" rally against the sexualization of America's youth culture by advertisers and media, the board spoke out formally again.
According to the San Francisco Chronicle, the Board of Supervisors unanimously passed a resolution condemning the "act of provocation" by what it termed an "anti-gay," "anti-choice" organization that aimed to "negatively influence the politics of America's most tolerant and progressive city."
Openly gay California Assemblyman Mark Leno told protesters of the teen rally that though such religious people may be few, "they're loud, they're obnoxious, they're disgusting, and they should get out of San Francisco."
Mr. Leno. If you want to see "loud, obnoxious, disgusting people, look at the Catholic Church bashing mockers called the "Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence." Next, Mr. Leno, look in the mirror, too!
Personally, I'm quite proud of these teens for standing up against the sleeze that the nutroots of the rabid, homosexual agenda continue to display.
Praise God that they are brave and courageous enough to do so.
HT: World Net Daily
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteDear Christine—
ReplyDeleteMost homosexuals are people in very deep pain who are completely unaware in the conscious realm they are hurting. How to I know? I lived what the world calls a homosexual “lifestyle” for more than 20 years of my life. I was a drunk for more than 30 years, during and after my “life” as a lesbian.
I never prayed for deliverance from homosexuality. My deliverance was a miracle of God, because I did not want to change. I believed my homosexual desires for inappropriate behavior with the same sex was simply the way God made me. The behavior was part of my very identity. That is just the way I was. How could anyone want me to change how God made me?
A mental and emotional parallel would be my telling you, your being a woman is sinful. “Don’t you know you are supposed to be a man if you want to be loved and accepted by God?” When a person believes in their heart, they are “gay,” then nothing anyone says or writes can change this belief. Only the power of God can change what we believe. Only God can touch our hearts.
You and I both know that no one is born a homosexual. Does one commit homosexual acts, because he or she is “gay” or does one’s behavior cause them to be labeled a homosexual? Is somebody a bank robber because he/she was born that way, or does robbing a bank make you a bank robber? See what I mean?
Only after Jesus delivered me from living the life of a lesbian and only after he delivered me from drunkenness did I begin to see clearly my depraved and sinful nature. We all have this nature. The heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked (JER 17:9). Any sexual sin (homosexual or heterosexual) is an abomination in the eyes of our Holy God. I was deceived for many years and never realized I was a victim of statutory rape when I was a little girl until I was more than 50 years old!
The thought that I was sexually molested by an older brother was something I repressed. The pain was too much for me in my conscious thoughts for more than 40 years. My hurt was deep and I praise Jesus the Messiah for setting me free from not only the pain, but also the shame and guilt in my life. I am not “special.” We all have hurts and sometimes we have deep and hidden pain in our lives. Only the love of God can set us free.
The Lord arranged for me to meet a woman who was 65 back in 1984. I was 35 at the time. God’s divine motherly love flowed through this woman who was a surrendered and willing vessel. She walked in the power of God, because she walked in His light and love every day. My angry, bitter and unforgiving soul began to be watered. My heart was hard. I was starving and I was thirsty for a mother’s love that I never felt during my childhood, adolescence or adult years. Only the love of God can transform our lives.
Today, our minds are being renewed and transformed (ROM 12:2) on a daily basis, because we know the truth. Jesus is the truth (JOH 14:6). You are such a blessing in my life, Christine. You have nurtured my womanhood and God has used you to help me grow in the knowledge of his will for my life. God bless you this day, my sister. (ss)
Dear Susan,
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your heartfelt testimony. It certainly adds balance to this post.
I am glad that you stated that "most homosexuals (but not all) are people in very deep pain who are completely unaware in the conscious realm they are hurting." Your individual testimony proves this to be true. The awfulness of being molested as a child by your brother probably had a huge affect upon your trust towards men. (see the verse below of how Jesus felt about adults harming children.) Of course, any sinful act perpetuated by a person can be forgiven through repentance by the grace and mercy of Jesus Christ and his sacrificial death on the cross for our sins.
However, there are also those (like Mr. Leno and many homosexual activists) who may, or may not be in pain - but at the same time are purposely inflicting pain upon others. They are of a different "breed" - so to speak -of the lost. Repentance isn't anywhere near their minds or their hearts. Perhaps they have been "given over to shameful lusts" as the Scriptures teach? We must pray that they don't permanently remain in that condition.
I have a question for you. Do you think that people like him (homosexual, atheistic, rabidly anti-Christian and hateful towards any religious people) are being influenced by a demonic presence?
On this blog, I have often attempted to separate those who are (knowingly, or unknowingly) in bondage to homosexual behavior and identity vs. those who are rabid activists of it.
The activists promote and inflict, a LOT of evil upon traditional families - especially our children. I know that we are to share the "truth in love" towards even the most vile people on this earth. But sometimes, do you think it is necessary to battle against them with the truth of the Bible - even if it hurts?
Some people call that "tough love."
Even Jesus had very harsh words for those who would harm them (physically, emotionally, intellectually or spiritually). He rebuked those who would even just influence children away from him!
Mat 18:6 But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and [that] he were drowned in the depth of the sea.
Mar 9:42 And whosoever shall offend one of [these] little ones that believe in me, it is better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he were cast into the sea.
Luk 17:2 It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones.
Balance that with the fact that God does not want anyone to perish.
2Pe 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
No matter what type of sin a person is involved in, he/she may need the compassionate approach (like your mentor did for you) while others admit that they actually needed a Bible thumping (like our friend Stephen admitted).
In any case, I do believe that Christ would want us (like the brave teens in the article) to counter the immoral slippery slope slide going on in the political climate of our nation. Not every Christian is "equipped" for such an effort, but those who are equipped for such a purpose and time as this need to keep up the fight. Just my opinion, of course.
Your post is truly a blessing Susan! It is my prayer that the words and wisdom that you have shared via your testimony and God's Word will stir the hearts of any lesbian and/or homosexual person who happens to visit and read here.
Those who would willingly refuse the freedom that Christ offers are foolish. As you had stated:
Only the love of God can set us free.
Only the love of God can transform our lives.
Hbr 11:6 But without faith [it is] impossible to please [him]: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and [that] he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
All that we can do, as believers in Jesus Christ, is encourage others to "diligently seek him." The Holy Spirit will do the rest!
God bless you my dear sister in Christ! You are such a blessing in my life as well!
Christine asked: “Do you think that people like him (homosexual, atheistic, rabidly anti-Christian and hateful towards any religious people) are being influenced by a demonic presence?”
ReplyDeleteOnly God can arrange perfect timing for words like these comments, Christine. Accidents do not happen in God’s kingdom. Jesus is Lord. Following is part of my newsletter for this Friday:
There was a great deal of repressed anger for many years in my life after I was sexually molested by an older brother. This anger affected my childhood development, my adolescence and my adulthood. Repression is an unconscious type of forgetting of something that brings us pain. We are not aware of repressed anger. The concept of repression is involved in all neurotic behavior according to one personality theory. There was also a lot of anger toward my mother due to real and perceived rejection. Praise God for deliverance. Does this mean I was “possessed” by an evil spirit? I do not know.
Some Christians argue about being possessed versus being oppressed by the evil one. We must refuse to take part in foolish and stupid arguments, because we know they produce quarrels. God’s servants must not quarrel; we must be kind, able to teach and not resentful (2TI 2:23-24). Does the argument over possession really matter? Think about it this way. If someone has a loaded shotgun pointing in your face, then chances are that person has you under control. They may not “possess” you, but you are under the control of another.
Evil spirits are similar to the shotgun. You may not be possessed, but they can control your life. Demonic spirits can be noticeable and obvious in words and in behavior just as the Holy Spirit can be evident and apparent in one’s life. Jesus said, “It is the Spirit which gives life; the flesh is of no help. The words I speak to you are spirit and life” (JOH 6:63). We are slaves to the spirit we obey.
It is such a blessing to call you “friend” Christine. The Holy Spirit is present when we put on humility seek truth and understanding. The Holy Spirit is evident in your life by your words. Praise His Name. Much love to you and your family. (ss)
This statement was very informative!
ReplyDeleteSome Christians argue about being possessed versus being oppressed by the evil one.
Couldn't both views be correct?
Of course as "outsiders looking in" we can only assume between the two. However, perhaps the degree of evil being perpetuated by a person would give us the clues we need to determine which definition fits for any particular person.
Did you have the chance to read my post about Heath Ledger and how he was extremely bothered by playing the role of the Joker in the new Batman movie? From what I have read, it was a role that required him to be an evil, psychotic murderer. Would this be an example of being "oppressed by the evil one?"
It is safe to say that we all are (or were) once oppressed by him?
Your shotgun analogy about being "under control" is a good one. Non-Christians, of course, don't want to believe this. I need to do some research later today to find additional Bible verses that back this up. The one you posted (John 6:63) is a good one.
You wrote, "We are slaves to the spirit we obey."
How true. We are either for God or in Rebellion against God. There is no "middle ground."
We are either slaves to sin or, we are reconciled back to God through Christ. Praise His holy name!
Verses from Jesus:
ReplyDeleteMat 12:30 He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad.
Luk 11:23 He that is not with me is against me: and he that gathereth not with me scattereth.
Christine said: “It is safe to say that we all are (or were) once oppressed by him?”
ReplyDeleteI agree, absolutely. Spiritual warfare is real, and many Christians are unaware it is happening every single day in every life. Our enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour (2PE 5:8).
It is so easy for me to try and fight what I think is “evil” in the power of my flesh. It is a mistake every time. Nothing good dwells in my flesh (ROM 7:18). My sinful nature is depraved and corrupt. I believe the lie (GEN 3:5) when I believe I can “be like God, knowing good and evil.” Only God is good (LUK 18:19).
The weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty in God. Our weapons have divine power to demolish strongholds. In Christ we can demolish every argument and thought that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and make it obedient to Christ (2CO 10:4-5). There were many strongholds in my mind during my years of homosexual behavior and drunkenness.
I thank God today for the freedom we all can experience and enjoy in Jesus the Messiah.
What a profound statement when you said: “All that we can do, as believers in Jesus Christ, is encourage others to ‘diligently seek him.’ The Holy Spirit will do the rest!”
Amen and Amen! (ss)
The Board of Supervisors' comments are a self-parody. What happened to tolerance, open mindedness and free speech?
ReplyDeleteThey have perverted the word tolerance to mean its opposite: You can say whatever you like as long as you agree with them, and you can treat those you disagree with disrespectfully.
But, by its original definition, you could only tolerate someone who disagreed with you (otherwise, what is there to tolerate?) and you were to treat them with respect.
So true Neil! Those who have clamored for tolerance over the past 30 years have turned out to be THE most INTOLERANT of all!
ReplyDeleteSusan,
ReplyDeleteOccasionally, a blogger with the screename "MB" posts here. She has often claimed that she was not molested or hurt in any way, but is still a lesbian. She also once attended a church that held to the biblical claim that homosexual behavior is sin and needs to be repented of. She refuses to do that. Her current church is probably a homosexual-behavior-affirming environment. She and I have gone back and forth on this issue. She seems to think that God is fine with her being a lesbian. Apparently, she does not take the verses in the Bible seriously that unequivocally inform us that it is sin. She says she is a Christian. Do you think her salvation is secure with her current beliefs?
I would think that she is deceived. Therefore, her salvation may be (is?) in jeopardy. I recall that you have mentioned not being sure if you were saved during all those years when you believed that you were lesbian in both behavior and identity.
Next, what I'm about to say may sound strange. But it is something that has been on my mind to ask for some time now. Is there any reason to believe that the sin of male homosexality is partially to blame for women becoming lesbian? It seems that there are many more examples of male homosexual behavior condemnation in the Bible and less of the condemnation of lesbianism. I'm not trying to say that one or the other is a "lesser" sin - because that's a Catholic concept that doesn't hold up under biblical scrutiny. However, I guess that what I am asking is whether or not the failure of men - and all that entails (who are supposed to the the head of families and who, unfortunately, do not know Christ as Savior and King over their lives) could be partially responsible for women succombing to sexual deviancy (not only lesbianism, but also prostitution, porn, sex slave industry etc.)because the male did not hold to his proper place in God's plan for human sexual behavior?
Sorry about that run-on sentence! I'm finding this difficult to express. But do you get the idea of what I mean?
You have often stated that "nothing good dwells in my (your) flesh." Could it be that as far as sexuality and the flesh goes, the only good that exists is Christ's plan for one man and one woman to be sanctified in marriage and that any other sexual union and/or deviancy from that is depraved and corrupt?
I also realize that such a concept could be broadened to include other deeds of the flesh, too.
What are your thoughts on all of this?
Hi again Susan!
ReplyDeleteTalk about God's timing! Read this email devotional from Turning Point. It points out what is needed for salvation!
Thursday, July 17
The Forgivable Sin
I acknowledged my sin to You, and my iniquity I have not hidden. I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the Lord," and You forgave the iniquity of my sin. Selah
Psalm 32:5
Recommended Reading
Luke 18:9-14
There is an "unforgivable sin" mentioned in the Bible by Christ himself (Mark 3:29). It seems to have involved the Pharisees attributing Jesus' miracle power to Satan rather than to the Holy Spirit (Mark 3:22). Indeed, that is a serious infraction. Could it be committed today? Possibly—but it's (hopefully) not a sin that a Christian needs to worry about.
Strangely, Christians often think they have committed an "unforgivable sin." Not the one Christ referenced, but one of their own making. Even though the New Testament epistles mention no sin that is unforgivable, many believers live in a permanent state of guilt and shame over something(s) they have done: "What I did was awful. I'm so embarrassed and ashamed. I don't see how God could ever forgive me." They're convinced they will spend the rest of their life on earth being forgiven for everything except "that." But the New Testament says the only sins we haven't been forgiven for are the ones we haven't confessed (1 John 1:9).
Transforming your sin from unforgivable to forgiven is simply a matter of asking and receiving.
The glory of Christianity is to conquer by forgiveness.
William Blake
Read-Thru-the-Bible
Isaiah 9:1 - 13:22
*******
Isn't that quote by William Blake awesome???
Good question!
ReplyDelete"Double standard in the Bay I'm curious. Where does San Francisco stand on the subject of how Islam deals with homosexuals. Don't Muslims kill them? Where's the outrage against this violent bigotry?"
Peggy Beckwith
Letters to Editor
WorldNetDaily
Christine asked: “Do you think her salvation is secure with her current beliefs?”
ReplyDeleteI am unable to judge another person’s salvation. Only God knows what is in our hearts.
Christine said: “I recall that you have mentioned not being sure if you were saved during all those years when you believed that you were lesbian in both behavior and identity.”
My personal testimony is that I accepted Jesus as my savior when I was twelve years old. I did not have the assurance of my salvation (that I have today) for many years when I was willingly sinning by practicing homosexual acts and by practicing drunkenness. Was I saved during those years? I do not know.
Something happened in my life when I accepted Jesus as my savior when I was twelve years old. Was this experience simply an emotional experience? I do not know. One devout Christian told me the pure and undefiled seed of the Word of God was planted in my heart when I was twelve. “For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God” (1PE 1:23).
Many forget the verse right before First Peter 1:23... “Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart” (1PE 1:22).
The Lord has delivered me completely from the sins of homosexuality and drunkenness. Other sins are sometimes committed in my life today; however, these other sins are not willingly or knowingly committed. “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us” (1JO 1:8). Jesus is the truth (JOH 14:6). Christ lives in me. I believe this by faith.
“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me” (GAL 2:20). “I die every day” (1CO 15:31) as I surrender my life to God on a daily basis. We are saved or we are lost. There are not different “breeds” of Christians who are going to be in heaven. Some Christians choose to divide the one Body of Christ into “spirit-filled” believers and other believers. Others choose to divide the Body into carnal and spiritual believers. We are saved or we are lost. The Body of Christ is not divided.
There is one body and one baptism (EPH 4:4-5). Those who have been baptized into Christ have clothed themselves with Jesus the Messiah (GAL 3:27). We were all baptized by one Spirit into one Body (1CO 12:13). The more my flesh (sinful nature) dies, then the more true life I experience. There are different levels of spiritual maturity as we grow; however, no born-again believer is “more saved” than another.
Christine asked: “Is there any reason to believe that the sin of male homosexuality is partially to blame for women becoming lesbian?”
Each individual is accountable to God. We cannot blame (not even partially) another for the sins we choose to commit. I played the “blame game” for many years and only the mercy of God kept me alive during those years.
Christine asked: “Could it be that as far as sexuality and the flesh goes, the only good that exists is Christ's plan for one man and one woman to be sanctified in marriage and that any other sexual union and/or deviancy from that is depraved and corrupt?”
“For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil” (GEN 3:5). I do not know the answer to the question asked.
You have asked some very thought-provoking questions, Christine. Thank you. It is a blessing to be able to write what I believe in my heart. I believe the truth and Jesus is the truth. Thank you for wanting to hear what I believe. Much love to you and Shabbat Shalom too! (ss)
"We are saved or we are lost."
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely true. There is no "in between" state of being.
“For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God” (1PE 1:23).
That is such a beautiful verse that re-emphasizes why Jesus said that we must be born again.
"Some Christians choose to divide the one Body of Christ into “spirit-filled” believers and other believers. Others choose to divide the Body into carnal and spiritual believers."
But aren't those who are not born again still considered unsaved? Jesus did say, "by their fruits ye shall know them."
We can't always tell who is saved and who is not. However, by their "fruits" we can often get a good idea about it. Even Billy Graham once admitted that not every person who comes forward at his events is genuinely saved. The Way of the Master mentions that there can be "fakers" and imposters among the brethren. There is a difference between those who are backsliden and those who are not saved in the first place.
One of the reasons I brought up the failure of men in influencing the choices (good or bad) of women is the fact that Jesus tells us that a Christian husband should be head of the home with Christ as head of his life. When a man fails, in this respect, it can trickle down and affect his wife and subsequently, his children as well.
I'm not really trying to blame EVERYTHING or every sin upon men; but I do wonder if the Fall affected us in a kind of "line of succession" or line towards depravity - of some sort.
I'm not articulating this very well so I apologize for that.
Thanks for your patience with me! Your answers, as always, were truly accurate and valuable!
I have often discussed the fact that Adam and Eve already KNEW good - they were living in it in perfect fellowship with God. However, when they made the free will choice to disobey the One who loved them (even when they had loved God and "walked with Him" in the garden), it was the choice and decision to know evil that entered in and had severed that perfect relationship.
Obviously, they made the wrong choice! More obviously, humans don't have the capacity to know evil and not use it!
Their desire to know evil, apparently, destroyed the perfect goodness they had been experiencing. Therefore, we needed Jesus Christ as Savior to rescue us from the consequences of sin, evil and death.
Just like when "iniquity was found in him" - meaning - Lucifer; by the same token the first man and woman sinned. Thus, iniquity was found in them and all the descendents since.
Hope you don't mind if I "think out loud" here.
When Lucifer became an evil demon and was cast out of heaven, the Bible tells us that he took a third of the angels with him. Then, the Bible tells us that the rest of the angels who were loyal to God were "sealed."
In the same way, we are "sealed in redemption" when we confess our sin, repent and ask Jesus Christ to enter our hearts as Savior and Lord.
Do you think that it is fair to say that an "act of the will" was required by both the angels and us? The angels resisted Satan's temptation to "be like God." Rather, they chose to continue to serve God.
In our case, it is an act of the will to confess and repent of our sins. It is when we are cleansed from unrighteousness through Christ that we are born again and saved from eternal death.
Satan and his demons cannot be redeemed. They are lost forever and are doomed towards destruction.
In the same way, those who are lost (and die in their own sins) cannot be redeemed either.
This is why evangelism is so important. We are called to share the gospel here on earth. Once a person dies, their fate is to end up eternally with God or separated from Him.
Jesus gave us the Great Commission as his last commandment before his ascension into heaven. Like you have shared with me many times Susan, we have a GREAT RESPONSIBILITY to share the truth with others!
Thanks for reading all of this!
I look forward to your newsletter tomorrow morning!
God bless you and good night!
Wow! You have pointed out some very important facts about life as a Christian, Christine. I like it when you “think out loud”...
ReplyDeleteYou questioned: “Do you think that it is fair to say that an "act of the will" was required by both the angels and us?”
Angels are not human beings as Jesus pointed out to the person who asked whose wife would she be at the resurrection after having seven husbands (MAT 22:28). According to Watchman Nee, the soul consists of the mind, will and emotions. Do angels have souls? I do not know.
Jesus also said, “You are in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God. At the resurrection people will neither marry nor be given in marriage, they will be like the angels in heaven” (MAT 22:29-30).
So often I am in error, because of my ignorance of the Scriptures (the written Word of God). The power of God (the Holy Spirit) is what makes the Scriptures come alive for me. The Holy Spirit reveals revelation knowledge to believers when we read the Bible. An individual human being without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God (1CO 2:14).
“You will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” when you repent and are baptized (ACT 2:38). Is this baptism by the Holy Spirit or water baptism? As I listen when I read this verse, it appears to me that the gift of the Holy Spirit comes AFTER repentance. How long does it take to receive the gift after repentance? Is the time to receive longer for those who do not stop willfully sinning immediately?
It took three years after I stopped overt homosexual acts before I stopped believing I was a lesbian. When was I really delivered or saved from homosexuality? For more than a decade after I was delivered from the identity of a lesbian, I continued to practice (willfully) the sin of drunkenness. Was I saved during those years of drunkenness even though I had stopped believing and practicing homosexuality?
Now about Adam and Eve...the responsibility of sin definitely falls on Adam, not Eve. “Sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all men, because all sinned” (ROM 5:12). Now some Christian denominations do not believe this means we were “in” Adam when he chose to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. This is my belief at this point in time.
Men and women have different roles in life on earth. Men and women are loved equally by God. There is no difference between the sexes (spiritually speaking) in the eyes of God. There is “neither male nor female” for we are all one in Christ (GAL 3:28). Your words touched a very sensitive area in my soul when...
Christine said: “Could it be that as far as sexuality and the flesh goes, the only good that exists is Christ's plan for one man and one woman to be sanctified in marriage and that any other sexual union and/or deviancy from that is depraved and corrupt?”
Why? This statement disregards or leaves out those who never marry during their life on earth. Single people do indeed have a sense of their sexuality as do those who are married. According to my Systematic Theology professor, being single is a “calling”...it is not a choice. I liked his statement. God has called me to be single at this point in time. The Lord has never given me the desire for a husband. This does not mean I am a man-hater. It means my calling and purpose on earth is different from those who are married. Singleness is a great blessing for me.
It is such a blessing to have a wonderful sister on the West coast who loves Jesus the Messiah and others with such intensity. You have a passion for souls, Christine. I love you. Thank you for reading my weekly newsletter when your time permits. Shabbat Shalom. (ss)
Susan wrote: "Angels are not human beings as Jesus pointed out to the person who asked whose wife would she be at the resurrection after having seven husbands (MAT 22:28). According to Watchman Nee, the soul consists of the mind, will and emotions. Do angels have souls? I do not know."
ReplyDeleteWow! That's a good subject to study! I haven't ever thought of angels as being without a "soul." Scripture also tells us that we will one day "judge the angels." And, we are told that Jesus as the God-man sent to us through the virgin birth was described as willingly humbling himself to the point of being "a little lower than the angels." (Hebrews Chapter 2 explains what this means in more detail.) Particularly this verse:
Hbr 2:9 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.
And, how awesome it is that we are (so undeservedly) called "his brethren":
Hbr 2:11 For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified [are] all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren,
1 Corinthians 6 discusses how Christians should utilize the proper method of judgment while we are on this earth. And in the following verse, we find believers are destined to one day judge angels:
1Cr 6:3 Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life?
This brings up a whole host of additional questions...doesn't it?
We are creating quite the Bible study in this thread Susan! I really like it! As we "bounce off verses and explanations" with each other, I am certainly learning a lot!
I do recall a study about the fact that people will not be given in marriage to each other in eternity. Why? Because of that higher level of the "marriage supper of the Lamb" - with Jesus Christ. It will be a whole new way of existence. The purpose (to have children) of the sexual union between men and women will no longer be needed. (I may have just lost all of the non-Christians reading here...ha!) That may sound like bad news to those who are so singularly focused on and attached to the "pleasures of the flesh." However, there will be an existence that is FAR BETTER than anything we could imagine here on earth!
Susan wrote: "So often I am in error, because of my ignorance of the Scriptures (the written Word of God)."
Ah my sister...I can certainly relate! The more I study the Bible, the more I realize how much I don't know!! But through God's grace, I'm learning more and more each and every day. the Bible is the most marvelous book in existence. It's timeless wisdom and knowledge can never be replaced by anything that man could write or achieve! Thank God we HAVE the written Word of God to guide us through while discovering, and learning about truth vs. error!
I personally think that you have a very high level of Scripture knowledge. Your writings show this to be true.
On another thread I am having a discussion with a new commenter here named Cindy. We have been discussing recognizing truth from error and one thing we both agree on is the importance of discernment, correction, and reproof. It can be difficult, though. Even little disagreements can lead to hurt feelings.
Yes. We are to try and avoid the "silly arguments" (as you have stated in the past), however, when someone errs in a heretical way (especially regarding the gospel of Christ), then we are obligated to speak out.
Susan wrote: "An individual human being without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God (1CO 2:14)."
So true. I have had debates with non-believers who have accused me of "speaking another language" just because I use a lot of Scripture to back up what I am saying. God's written Word IS ANOTHER LANGUAGE! And, without the Holy Spirit's guidance, it often does not make sense to non-believers. Therefore, our discussions with them often just turn into battles.
I agree with you that some are called to live a single life. For example. A male cousin of mine (who is a few years younger than I) has never married. We aren't in touch often enough for me to know all of the reasons why he is single. However, I found out some details from his much older step-sister recently. Apparently, his father (deceased for many years) was brutally verbally abusive to him. My cousin went through decades of counseling because of this abuse. It just broke my heart to find this out after all of these years. I knew that my male cousin had a temper (like his father), but did not realize the extent of the emotional abuse that he had suffered when his dad was alive.
Thirteen years ago, my male cousin attended my dad's funeral. I spoke at the podium and shared how my dad accepted Christ as Savior (it was mostly a Catholic audience) just four months before he passed away. My male cousin came up to me afterwards and our discussion led me to believe that he is born again. Praise God! The Lord our God turns everything to good - for those who love the Lord and are called according to His purpose!
Susan wrote: "It means my calling and purpose on earth is different from those who are married. Singleness is a great blessing for me."
Amen! And what a blessing your calling and purpose is for those who love you! :-)
God bless your day, my dear sister! Time to check my email and read your newsletter!
Christine
Dear Christine—
ReplyDeleteThat is an amazing testimony about your cousin. Thank you for sharing.
On a lighter note:
Christine said: “God's written Word IS ANOTHER LANGUAGE!”
Does that mean we have been speaking in tongues?
Smile, laugh a lot and have a wonderful weekend my very special “blood” sister. The blood of Jesus, God’s Son, purifies us from all sin, if we walk in the light as he is in the light (1JO 1:6). Much love and Shabbat Shalom... (ss)
Ha ha! Yep! It just might seem that way to some people.
ReplyDeleteBefore I was born again, I can still remember having animosity towards "all those Christians" who must have thought they were better than me. I had a terrible attitude. I thought that Catholism was the only "right religion."
Then, when I read the Bible, John chapter 3 came alive to me and I realized that when Jesus said, "you MUST be born again" ...he obviously meant it!
I was a sinner who desperately needed the Lord Jesus Christ in my life. I am a sinner in need of the Savior - just like all people. I am no worse nor better
than anyone else. Yet, when this change occurred, the attitudes that I once held about Christians were now being directed at me! Recalling this helps to keep things in perspective.
Family members are the hardest people to witness to. They often bring up what we once "were" and either call us names for changing - or even worse - want us back the way we used to be because they could relate to us better in the past. How's that for irony?
Have a wonderful weekend!