Wednesday, January 28, 2009
How do you know if God has forgiven your sin when you ask for it?
Are sports a sin?
1 Corinthians 10:31 So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.
How do I know to trust the bible?
For more information download this document called MAPS
Why can’t you cuss? It’s not in the bible that says you can’t… you just can’t say his name in vain.
However, Ephesians 4:29 says this:
29Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. (NIV)
29 Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. (NLT)
29Watch the way you talk. Let nothing foul or dirty come out of your mouth. Say only what helps, each word a gift. (MSG)
So I guess the Bible does speak to that.
Can I be saved by faith without church?
Some people joke about the “Bedside Baptists” who attend the "Chapel of the Tube" on Sunday mornings. But it's more than a joke. Many people refuse to get near a church unless their nephew is playing the role of a sheep in the Christmas pageant! They claim they can get more out of a walk in the woods than from the typical sermon.
Can a Christian survive apart from a church? Some Christians have no choice. They are trapped in a hospital bed, or working in an isolated area where no church exists. And God is certainly sufficient to care for their needs. You can still get to heaven if you can't go to church.
But even though it's technically possible to live the Christian life in isolation, it's certainly not the norm.
When you become a Christian, you are called into a relationship with God (1 Corinthians 1:9). But I John 1:3 makes it clear that we enter a fellowship that goes two ways: with God and with other Christians.
The New Testament never divides Christians into the church members and the non-church members. All the way through, it assumes that everybody participates in their local assembly. It gives no samples of Christians who belong to the “universal church” but have no link with a local church. One scholar has said that "any idea...of enjoying salvation or being a Christian in isolation is foreign to the New Testament writings" (Alan Stibbs, God's Church, p. 92). Wherever Christians are within range of each other in the New Testament, they meet. Every time the apostle Paul comes to a town in the book of Acts where there are no Christians, he wins a few converts and immediately organizes them into a small group - a little church.
Acts 20:7 reveals the practice of the early church: "And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached to them." For Christians in every location, regular gathering was a part of life.
It's illogical to say that you are merely part of the worldwide, universal church, yet refuse to gather with the segment of that universal church that exists in your geographical area. It would be like claiming you have a car, when the right fender is in Phoenix, the engine is in Tucson, and the wheels are in Paradise Valley! You don't have a car; you have the beginning of the inventory for a junkyard. It just won't function until the pieces are put together.
The church must be together to carry out many of its purposes.
Here are some irreplaceable pieces of the Christian that cannot happen when you live in isolation from the church:
USE OF SPIRITUAL GIFTS - I Corinthians 12 makes it clear that God has given spiritual gifts to every Christian. And verse 7 states unmistakably that these abilities are not provided to make you feel good; they are abilities to minister that should be used for the common good! I Peter 4:10 commands us to use spiritual gifts to help each other.
The same passage makes it clear that we meet with other Christians so they can use their gifts to strengthen us. God's gift of a preacher or teacher is wasted if no one comes to hear them speak.
MUTUAL MINISTRY - The church is pictured as a body in I Corinthians 12, and Paul explains that each part of the body exists to meet the needs of other body parts. In the same way, God intends each of us to meet the needs of other believers, using our strengths to help in their areas of weakness. I Corinthians 12:21 expresses it this way: "The eye cannot say to the hand, I have no need of you." Neither can a Christian claim to be self-sufficient today.
The New Testament is full of “one another” commands. We are to comfort one another (I Thessalonians 4:18), build up one another (I Thessalonians 5:11), confess our sins to one another (James 5:16), pray for one another (James 5:16), and many more. How can we obey these directives if we stay away from the gathering of believers?
ACCOUNTABILITY - God designed the church as a place where spiritual leaders could watch out for our welfare, as a shepherd guards the sheep (I Peter 5:1-4; Hebrews 13:17). A Christian who answers only to himself can easily rationalize sinful attitudes or actions; regular contact with other Christians can keep us sharp.
A single verse should actually be sufficient answer for this question: Hebrews 10:25 warns its readers against “forsaking the assembly of yourselves together, as the manner of some is.”
Author: Dr. John Bechtle.
Is there a difference between a Catholic and a Christian?
For more information see this chart.
Did we evolve from monkeys or pond scum?
Guys say that I am ugly... what's wrong?
This is a loaded question.
If this so-called “ugly” person does not have a relationship with Christ, then they will spend the rest of their life trying to be “pretty” according to the world’s standards while all the time having the darkness and ugliness of sin in and around your life. If this so-called “ugly” person has a relationship with Christ, then she needs to have an understanding of who she is in Christ.
So Miss Ugly, let me tell you who you are in Christ… and maybe you need to say this to yourself and read it for yourself every day until you believe it:
• I am God's child (John 1:12)
• I am Christ's friend (John 15:15)
• I belong to God (1 Corinthians 6:20)
• I am a member of Christ's Body (1 Corinthians 12:27)
• I am assured all things work together for good (Romans 8:28)
• I am confident that God will perfect the work He has begun in me (Philippians 1:6)
• I am a citizen of heaven (Philippians 3:20)
• I have not been given a spirit of fear, but of power, love and self-discipline (2 Timothy 1:7)
• I am born of God and the evil one cannot touch me (1 John 5:18)
• I am chosen before the creation of the world (Ephesians 1:4, 11)
• I am holy and blameless (Ephesians 1:4)
• I am adopted as his child (Ephesians 1:5)
• I am given God's glorious grace lavishly and without restriction (Ephesians 1:5,8)
• I am in Him (Ephesians 1:7; 1 Corinthians 1:30)
• I am forgiven (Ephesians 1:8; Colossians 1:14)
• I have purpose (Ephesians 1:9 & 3:11)
• I have hope (Ephesians 1:12)
• I am a saint (Ephesians 1:18)
• I have been chosen and God desires me to bear fruit (John 15:1,5)
• I am a personal witness of Jesus Christ (Acts 1:8)
• I am God's coworker (2 Corinthians 6:1)
• I am alive with Christ (Ephesians 2:5)
• I have been shown the incomparable riches of God's grace (Ephesians 2:7)
• I am God's workmanship (Ephesians 2:10)
• I have peace (Ephesians 2:14)
• I have access to the Father (Ephesians 2:18)
• I am a member of God's household (Ephesians 2:19)
• I am secure (Ephesians 2:20)
• I am a dwelling for the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 2:22)
• I share in the promise of Christ Jesus (Ephesians 3:6)
• God's power works through me (Ephesians 3:7)
• I can approach God with freedom and confidence (Ephesians 3:12)
• I can grasp how wide, long, high and deep Christ's love is (Ephesians 3:18)
• I am completed by God (Ephesians 3:19)
• I can bring glory to God (Ephesians 3:21)
• I can be humble, gentle, patient and lovingly tolerant of others (Ephesians 4:2)
• I can be certain of God's truths and the lifestyle which He has called me to (Ephesians 4:17)
• I can have a new attitude and a new lifestyle (Ephesians 4:21-32)
• I can be kind and compassionate to others (Ephesians 4:32)
• I can forgive others (Ephesians 4:32)
• I am a light to others, and can exhibit goodness, righteousness and truth (Ephesians 5:8-9)
• I can understand what God's will is (Ephesians 5:17)
• I can give thanks for everything (Ephesians 5:20)
• I can be strong (Ephesians 6:10)
• I have God's power (Ephesians 6:10)
• I can stand firm in the day of evil (Ephesians 6:13)
• I am dead to sin (Romans 1:12)
• I am not alone (Hebrews 13:5)
• I am growing (Colossians 2:7)
• I am His disciple (John 13:15)
• I am prayed for by Jesus Christ (John 17:20-23)
• I am united with other believers (John 17:20-23)
• I am not in want (Philippians 4:19)
• I am promised eternal life (John 6:47)
• I am promised a full life (John 10:10)
• I am victorious (I John 5:4)
• My heart and mind is protected with God's peace (Philippians 4:7)
• I am chosen and dearly loved (Colossians 3:12)
• I am set free (Romans 8:2; John 8:32)
• I am a light in the world (Matthew 5:14)
• I am more than a conqueror (Romans 8:37)
• I am safe (I John 5:18)
• I am part of God's kingdom (Revelation 1:6)
• I am healed from sin (I Peter 2:24)
• I am no longer condemned (Romans 8:1, 2)
• I am not helpless (Philippians 4:13)
• I am overcoming (I John 4:4)
• I am persevering (Philippians 3:14)
• I am protected (John 10:28)
• I am born again (I Peter 1:23)
• I am a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17)
• I am delivered (Colossians 1:13)
• I am redeemed from the curse of the Law (Galatians 3:13)
• I am qualified to share in His inheritance (Colossians 1:12)
• I am victorious (1 Corinthians 15:57)
On another note, any guy that tells you that you are ugly, you don’t want to have nothing to do with! What a loser these guys are! :-)
Why does every guy I like end up just being friends?
Proverbs 4:23 (New International Version)
Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.
Is Twilight OK?
Twilight’s Blood-Soaked Romance by Melanie M. Cogdill
In the dappled sunlight in the clearing of a meadow on the edge of a forest, 16-year-old Bella Swan’s heart races as GQ-model-handsome Edward Cullen draws near to her. Edward, in love with Bella, musters every ounce of self-control not to kill her. Killing’s his first instinct—because he’s a vampire. This scene, a vivid dream of author Stephenie Meyer, sparked her imagination to write Twilight, the first book of a bestselling young-adult series.
The Phenomenon
From that original dream, Stephenie, a 30-something housewife and mom of three young boys, has birthed a four-novel series that has sent teen girls and women of every age swooning over the star-crossed love story of Bella and Edward. In fact, a movie based on the series, starring Kristen Stewart (Into the Wild) as Bella Swan and Robert Pattinson (two of the “Harry Potter” movies) as Edward Cullen, opens Nov. 21.
The series has certainly appealed to a wide audience, but just because everyone’s reading it, should you? Despite the series’ surface appeal as a romance, it communicates many messages that are contrary to the Christian faith, and that’s not something you should be filling your mind with.
Truth and Relationships
God created us as relational beings, and girls in particular are created to be relational (Genesis 2-3). We tend to focus on relationships, but sometimes we make an idol out of them or fantasize over our desire for a relationship with that “perfect” guy. No guy can ever live up to the way Stephenie portrays Edward. He’s the fantasy creation of a woman writer.
Bella’s obsession with Edward is wrong. She’s even willing to become a vampire herself so she can “live” forever with Edward. But how can a human ever be yoked to or be in a serious relationship with a vampire? And what’s dangerous about Stephenie’s series is that the reader, too, enters into Bella’s obsession with Edward.
If we believe in God and believe the Bible guides how we live our lives, then we know our highest priority is our love for God and our relationship with Him. God should be the driving force of our lives and not a guy, no matter how attentive, respectful, cool and loving he appears to be. The “Twilight” books don’t communicate God’s truth about relationships.
The “Twilight” series also teaches unbiblical attitudes toward authority. Bella doesn’t respect her parents. She loves them, but they come across as clueless and out of touch with what’s going on in her life. Edward sneaks into Bella’s room every night to sleep next to her, and Bella lies to her dad about it.
Talking About God Every part of culture (books, movies, music, art and fashion) communicates the belief of the writer, musician, designer or director. The “Twilight” series is no different. It conveys specific beliefs about God. Statements about God and salvation are peppered throughout the story in a subtle way. But are they biblical?
Good and evil in Twilight. Edward and his family are supposedly a different kind of vampire. The Cullens think killing humans is wrong. Even though they thirst for human blood, they abstain and instead hunt bears and large game for their blood. Stephenie’s story communicates that even though Edward is technically an evil being—he is, after all, a vampire—he tries to be good by not killing humans for food. But can an evil being ever be “good”? If he repents and reforms his ways—Beauty and the Beast, anyone?—yes, but the vampires in this series do not. They remain vampires.
Good and evil in the Bible. The Bible teaches the opposite of what “Twilight” does about goodness and salvation. Human beings are sinners. We cannot know God apart from faith in Christ’s death on the cross for our sins. Romans 3:22-24 states, “This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”
Many people believe that when they die, God will allow them into heaven because they tried to live a good life and do good deeds. That is basically what the vampires of this series do; they believe that by doing “good” deeds (e.g., not killing humans), they can be saved.
But the Bible clearly teaches no one can be redeemed by good deeds. It’s only through faith in Christ that we can enter heaven and into the presence of the God. Yes, the “Twilight” story is only fiction. It’s not the Bible, but Christian readers need to be on guard to discern if spiritual statements in books, films or music match the truth of God’s Word.
An Entry to the Occult
The final book in the series, Breaking Dawn, makes a hard turn from romance into horror and the occult. Bella and Edward get married and have sex.
In one extended, very disturbing scene, Bella dies and is transformed into a vampire. She gives birth to a half-human, half-vampire baby, which tears its way out of her belly with torrents of blood.
What Do You Believe?
It’s easy to think it’s no big deal to see the latest hip movie or read the books everyone else is reading and not pay attention to what those media are saying.
We’re to love God with every fiber of our beings, and that includes loving Him with our minds (Matthew 22:36-38). We need to think about what fills our minds. Does it reflect biblical truth? The “Twilight” series does not. Just because the culture loves these books does not mean you should. As Scripture tells us, “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will” (Romans 12:2).
This article appeared in Brio magazine in December 2008. Copyright © 2008 Melanie M. Cogdill. All rights reserved. International copyright secured.
***********************
A student in our youth group said this:
The morals that the books try to instill in the readers leave a lot to be questioned. For one thing, Bella's love for Edward consumes her to the point that she is willing to give up everything she has - her family, her friends, the life she knows, even her own soul, to be with Edward. It does sound very, very romantic. On the other hand, as a Christian, this is something that really bothered me. After all, what would it profit a [woman] to gain the whole world, to have the love is she dying to have, if she loses her own soul? The danger is that people who are unsure about the reality of heaven and hell might be led astray by Bella's seemingly right decision, no matter how romantic it sounds.
I also have trouble with the fact that the author made a bad thing(vampires) into a good thing.
Are you filling your minds with Good things?
Philippians 4:8 (New International Version)
8Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
Why can’t guys in real life be like the guys in books?
Unfortunately we are raising a generation of effeminate “men” who don’t know what it is to be a man, let alone how to treat a lady.
I do however know of a book that guys should pattern their life after, and that is the Bible. Girls, listen up, here are the qualities you should look for in a guy/husband:
(Taken from The Qualities of a Godly Mate By: Bob Deffinbaugh , Th.M.)
In general, we can say that a woman should seek a man who is wise. Since we have already studied the characteristics of the wise, we will only summarize them here. These seem especially applicable to marriage: (all scripture references are from Proverbs)
1. A wise husband is kind and compassionate (12:10).
2. A wise husband is honest (29:24).
3. A wise husband is hard-working (12:11; 27:23-27).
4. A wise husband is truthful (12:17,19).
5. A wise husband exercises self-control (12:15; 16:32).
6. A wise husband has a gentle tongue (12:18; 15:1-2,4).
7. A wise husband is generous (14:21; 28:27).
8. A wise husband is willing to be corrected (even by his wife) and listens to counsel (12:15; 15:12,31-32; 28:13; 29:1).
9. A wise husband is a man of integrity (19:1; 20:7).
10. A wise husband is faithful and reliable (17:17; 29:3; contrast 25:19; 31:3).
11. A wise husband is forgiving (19:11).
12. A wise husband is willing to admit he is wrong (28:13).
13. A wise husband is humble (15:25,33; 16:18-19; 18:12; 29:23).
14. A wise husband is not contentious, but a peacemaker (17:1; 18:1,19).
15. A wise husband has control of his temper (14:29; 16:32; 17:27; 29:11).
16. A wise husband is a man who avoids excesses (20:1; 23:20-21, 29-35; 31:3-9).
17. A wise husband has a concern for others, especially the poor and the oppressed (29:7).
18. A wise husband can keep a confidence (17:9; 26:20).
19. A wise husband fears God and is obedient to His Word (13:13; 14:26; 16:20; 28:25; 31:30).
20. A wise husband is not a jealous man (27:4).
21. A wise husband has a positive outlook on life (15:15; 17:22; 18:14).
As I look at these characteristics of the wise I am reminded of the qualifications laid down by the apostle Paul for elders and deacons in 1 Timothy 3.I find a great similarity between the qualifications for church leaders and the characteristics of the wise in Proverbs. But should this come as a surprise? After all, isn’t Proverbs written to young men who will be leaders, instructing them about wisdom? In this sense 1 Timothy 3 only summarizes what Proverbs has taught in greater detail.
Why does me liking someone always end up in a broken heart?
Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.
The Bible tells us to guard our hearts, my question back to you would be why are you giving your hearts to all of these guys to break?
Why do my good friends always talk about me behind my back?
5Better is open rebuke than love that is concealed. 6Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but deceitful are the kisses of an enemy.
I would say that these people must not be your “good friends” especially if they talk behind your back!
Who is more powerful Michael or Satan? Pt.2
I just wanted to say that I actually have the power to be more powerful than Satan
1 John 4: 4… because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.
Jesus gave us an example of how to combat Satan when he was in the wildness being tempted by Satan. Jesus always combated Satan with the Word of God… “IT IS WRITTEN”.
This is why we need to hide God’s Word in our hearts!
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Who is more powerful: Michael or Satan?
Angels are divided by rank, etc. so they each have different responsibilities. There are twice as many "good angels" as "bad angels" so there is more help at the disposal of the good ones (i.e. Michael) Michael is the military leader (Rev 12:7) and his responsibility specifically is to watch over Israel (which we know because of observing his activities in scripture.) In Daniel 10:21 he is referred to as "Michael your prince."
Michael is called the archangel which may mean he was head of that rank of angelic beings. His name means "who is like God." Even though he is great in power, when Michael was disputing with Satan about the body of Moses, he deferred to God and said "The Lord rebuke thee" (Jude 9) rather than doing that himself.
Lucifer's description in Ez. 28:11-19 tells of his beauty and perfection. He was probably the worship leader in heaven. Pride went to his head. The scope of his territory, once he was cast out of heaven, and the methods he uses to deceive and trick others to follow after him could make him appear more powerful. He is ruler of the fallen angels and the world system. His power and activity are directed primarily against God. Since we know what happens to him in the end, his power is limited and will come to an end.
How does one justify the use of energy and resources on excessive things such as art and music while millions of people starve?
(This answer is brought to us by Bro. Mike Bronson. Bro. Mike is the Pastor of West Haven Baptist Church.)
That is an EXTREMELY good question and one I have asked myself. We spend millions of dollars on organized sports in this country while half the world lives on less than $2 a day.
This is probably why America is under judgment and will continue to receive God’s judgment. There is no difference between America and Sodom. Ezek 16:49 "Behold, this was the guilt of your sister Sodom: she and her daughters had arrogance, abundant food and careless ease, but she did not help the poor and needy.
Having said that, it is the church, and specifically Southern Baptists that look to spread the gospel worldwide and help people worldwide. IMB & its amazing outreach. The IMB’s World Hunger Fund, 100% of which goes toward food for impoverished countries.
Keep in mind there are also vast quantities of financial aid that would go and have gone to corrupt nations whose rules and kings consume themselves, or actually refuse (Russia, Uganda, North Korea, Zimbabwe, just to name a few examples.) So not everyone is guilty.
Often, no one is able to help in a lasting and permanent way because of the anti-christian worldview that pervades a country. For example, how can you ever bring a decent, law-abiding, Democracy to an Islamic nation? Or a Hindu nation (Hindu nations go hungry because animals are considered sacred and therefore cannot be eaten. And because of their bizarre religion, society operates on a caste system where many people are considered nothing but chattel. It also causes them to do dumb things like dump all dead bodies and waste in rivers. But they drink straight from the rivers because many Hindus believe rivers are “givers of life’. Therefore, they just spread more disease and misery.) , So the most lasting change that we can bring is not throwing money at people in need but its to bring the gospel to their land. The gospel leads to repentance, and a right worldview, and a right worldview leads to better living conditions.
If the Lord has no gender, then why is the lord referred to as “he” over a “she”, or more accurately, what a gender neutral term?
Specifically it has to do with the background of his name, and more specifically, the essence of who He is. Common biblical names for God are Elohim, Jehovah, The Lord. There are volumes written about His name/names, but the essence of His name has to do with: Absolute Deity, the Existing One, the One of underived existence, the Mighty One, the Almighty. In every instance, it is recognized grammatically from a masculine perspective.
The real essence however, of understanding that God should be reverently recognized in the masculine gender has to do with who He is. He is the “father” within the trinity (Father, Son and Holy Spirit). Jesus Himself referred to God as “Father” (i.e. John 17). Scripture clearly identifies the fact that “a virgin shall conceive and bear a son and shall call his name Emmanuel” (Isaiah 7:14). This, of course, is fulfilled in Matthew 1:23 “a virgin shall be with child and shall bring forth a son and they shall call his name Emmanuel which being interpreted is God with us.”
He is masculine gender grammatically, theologically, and practically.
Is it acceptable for one to support an immoral government or governmental system?
Romans 13:1-2 1Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.
Who should one vote for if all politicians are immoral?
CHOOSE LIFE! Everyone has their issues, but for me the first thing that I look at is whether or not the candidate is pro-life… without life, what are we? Dead?
RESOURCE: www.kfl.org (Kansans for Life- They produce voters guides of pro-life candidates)
How should we feel about this year’s election?
1. Regardless of where you stand on this, you should pray for him.
I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. --I Timothy 2:1-2
2. Be VIGILANT
President Obama has promised, “The first thing I’d do as president is sign the Freedom of Choice Act.” That bill could wipe out every abortion restriction in state and federal law and result in an increase in abortions each year in America.
He has also pledged to overturn the Defense of Marriage Act—signed by President Clinton in 1996—and force every state to recognize same-sex marriages, unless they have a constitutional amendment or specific state law protecting traditional marriage.
And religious freedom will be badly damaged if and when the gay lobby’s two top bills—adding sexual orientation to hate-crimes and job-protection laws—are passed. A veto threat is all that has stopped them before, and Obama has vowed to sign them.
SOURCE FOCUS ON THE FAMILY CITIZEN LINK
The bible says that Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people. Proverbs 14:34
What is the best way to deal with the earth’s overpopulation as far as humans are concerned?
Author: Bruce Malone
All too frequently there are stories which present as a fact the idea that the world is "over-populated". This alarm has been sounded repeatedly over the last century with dire consequences always predicted if human population is not controlled or reduced. Billions of taxpayer dollars have been spent both studying the "problem" and attempting to coerce developing nations into stricter birth control methods, sterilizations, and abortions. How should we respond to the dire predictions that the Earth is being overrun with human vermin?
First we need to get the facts correct. Predictions of overpopulation have been repeatedly wrong in the same way that predictions of massive oil shortages by the end of the last century (made during the gasoline shortages of the early 1970's) were totally inaccurate.
The entire population of the world could be placed into the state of Texas and families in the entire world could be given a 2000 square foot home on a 40 by 100 foot lot. This planet has more than enough resources for its growing population and almost all problems associated with "over-population" are the result of greed, pride, and racial hatred rather than the total number of people present.
Japan is home to over 125 million people on a land mass smaller than the state of California. Most of these people live in urban areas because of the mountains. Yet the Japanese are quite satisfied with their quality of life.
In addition to these facts, some population models predict that it will take over 200 years to double the current world population. Other models actually predict a shrinking future world population.
The most important perspective to maintain is the perspective that the Creator of mankind is ultimately in control. God really does know what He is doing. The Bible clearly teaches that children are to be considered blessings, (rather than a curse to be prevented and disposed of). Nowhere in the Bible is there even a hint it is our responsibility to reduce the number of children desired by our neighbors. Almost all methods limiting world population involve coercion at best and murder at worst. The dignity of human life is often reduced to statistics in an effort to obtain some arbitrary population growth goal. Only God knows what population this planet was built to sustain, but we are certainly nowhere near that limit. Money currently spent to control world population would be much better spent improving the quality of human life.
The next time you hear dire predictions of the effects of over population, respond with a statement of trust in God's providence rather than jumping on the "over-population" bandwagon. Once we start treating people with dignity and respect rather than as numbers and statistics, we will be motivated to fund economic development instead of overseas abortions.
This article is one of many found within BRUCE Malone's book, Search for the Truth. (Click the link to download it)
If the school teaches things contrary to your beliefs, or if an answer on a test is wrong according to your beliefs... How should I react?
The easiest way would be to answer by saying: “THE BOOK SAID” or “THE TEACHER TAUGHT” without picking a fight.
Who wrote the book of Revelations?
I can't get anyone to take me serious... What do I do?
Being the least funny person in a house full of fun-loving, hilarious people, I can understand why less-funny people can get frustrated with naturally-funny people. Because it isn't easy to tell when an always-funny person is trying to be serious, it is hard to take an always-funny person seriously. Then, it is exremely frustrating when that "funny" person becomes irritated when you don't take him or her seriously.
After living for 38 years on this planet, I have come to realize that it is possible that some always-funny people are really hiding their insecurities behind a mask of humor. That's o.k., because we all have different ways of masking our own insecurities. So, I think my advice to you is to trust in Jesus Christ to be your All-In-All. Realize that you are made perfect in Christ Jesus. You MUST read Psalm 139! This Psalm gives a clear picture of how well God knows each of us, and it is so comforting to know that there is nothing you can hide from him, not even the most secret, private thoughts you have. He is before you and behind you, on either side of you, and He even created your inmost being! In addition, He promises in Philippians 1:6... "being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;" and in Hebrews 13:21, he will "make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever."
In short, just quit trying to impress people, and instead, seek to use the gift of humor for God's glory, not your own! Ask God to humble your heart in His sight so that you can be a blessing to others, and a servant and soldier for His kingdom.
What is the first mention of the rapture?
We continue to receive many questions concerning the "Rapture" of the church and its apparent contrast with the "Second Coming" of Jesus Christ. Where does this strange view come from? Is the term "rapture" even in the Bible?
Clearly, the idea of the Rapture can be considered the most preposterous belief in Biblical Christianity. It reminds me of the famous quote by Dr. Richard Feynman, speaking of quantum physics:
I think it is safe to say that no one understands quantum mechanics... in fact, it is often stated of all the theories proposed in this century, the silliest is quantum theory. Some say that the only thing that quantum theory has going for it, in fact, is that it is unquestionably correct.
The situation regarding the doctrine of the Rapture is painfully similar.
The Harpázô
The mysterious event known as the Rapture is most clearly presented in Paul's first letter to the Thessalonians, in which he encourages the grieving Christians that, at the "great snatch," they will be reunited with those who have died in Christ before them.
But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not precede them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first. Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words. -1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
In verse 17, the English phrase "caught up" translates the Greek word harpázô, which means "to seize upon with force" or "to snatch up."
There are those who claim that the word "rapture" isn't in their Bible. That's because they aren't using the Latin translation:
...deinde nos qui vivimus qui relinquimur simul rapiemur cum illis in nubibus obviam Domino in aera et sic semper cum Domino erimus.. -1 Thessalonians 4:17 (Latin Vulgate) 1
The Latin equivalent of the Greek harpázô is the Latin verb rapio, "to take away by force." In the Latin Vulgate, one of the oldest Bibles in existence, the appropriate tense of rapio appears in verse 17. (Raptus is the past participle of rapio, and our English words "rapt" and "rapture" stem from this past participle.)
At the Rapture, living believers will be "caught up" in the air, translated into the clouds, in a moment in time, to join the Lord in the air.
Is dating OK?
Is Dating OK?
I believe that there are many views on dating. First, you should ask yourself these questions?
Why is it important for you to "date" someone?
What is the reason you want to date?
Are you being pressured to date?
What do you want to get out of the dating experience?
Today's society bases people's identity on who they are dating or why they are alone. Dating tends to be a status thing in school. Yes, I dated in high school. I should NOT have done that. I wasn't grounded spiritually to start with and I believe that would have helped. My rule is that it's okay to have friends of the opposite sex but why ruin a friendship with all the hassles of dating. You can go out with groups of friends without having a "date". You get into trouble when group dating starts. Couples end up where they shouldn't even though they're in a group setting. Don't be out there pleasing your friends or doing as some of them often do. Make a stance and make your own choices!
Colossians 3:5
"Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry."
2 Timothy 3: 1-5
"But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disodedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God-having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them."
Galatians 5:19-21
"The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkeness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God."
What do you think about dating?
I view dating as something that happens when you are courting someone for marriage. You want to learn about that person so your relationship can develop. You want to share common interests and goals in your lives. You will want to be equally yoked with that individual to start with, not to attain as a goal later in your relationship. At my house, we will encourage courting. If a guy/ girl wants to be with my daughter/son, then they get to be with mom and dad as well at all times. You can tell a lot about a person's intentions by how they react to this. I don't want to put my children into any compromising situation with someone else. Yes, I'll teach them how to handle themselves, but why put them in the middle of something they don't need to be in the first place. Of course, your own parent's have their own rules so follow them.
2 Corinthians 6:14-17
"Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? What does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: "I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people." "Therefore, come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you."
Some resource books on the subject of dating:
I Kissed Dating Goodbye by Joshua Harris
Boy Meets Girl: Say Hello to Courtship by Joshua Harris
Every Young Man's Battle by Stephen Arterburn & Fred Stoeker
Every Young Woman's Battle by Shannon Ethridge & Stephen Arterburn
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
If the girl you think you could marry dumps you, what do you do?
I would first have to ask, “What can you tell me about love?” And let the individual answer my question. The answer to this question would bring about other questions from me like: “How do you know you are in love? What is it about this person that you love?” I would try to help the individual determine if they just enjoy the company of this person, or perhaps they are afraid of being alone. There may be issues in the home life that make the young man or young woman seek out attention from the opposite sex, like the absence of a father or mother figure in their life.
There are many different emotions that we go through and sometimes it is easy to get them confused. Love is very complicated, it is hard to understand and harder to try to define. I believe we will never fully understand the true meaning of love until we come face to face with Jesus, who is the author of love. Think of it this way, Jesus loves us so much He died on a cross for us. Is this something you would do for this young man or young woman who has decided to break up with you?
My next set of questions would have to be, “Did you pray about this relationship before you ever started to date this person?” I, of course, would have to address the serious issue of sex outside of marriage. “Have you had any type of sexual contact with this individual?” If not, that is great! If yes, we have a serious issue at hand. You see, God made us to be sexual creatures. He gave us this act of intimacy for procreation and recreation, however, it was meant to be between a husband and wife. There is a special bond that happens during sexual intimacy between two people, God designed it that way. It is more that a good feeling, it is physical and spiritual all rolled up in one.
There is a connection that takes place, and that connection is called consummation. The definition of consummation is this: used as a verb – 1. To make perfect, finish, complete. 2. To make (marital union) complete by sexual intercourse. Let me break it down for you. God’s intension for one man and one woman coming together as husband and wife is “finished” and “made complete” when they consummate the marriage by the act of intimacy. So if you have had this type of contact with another individual outside of the marriage bed, then yes, there will be that deep affection between the two of you that will be hard to understand and cope with.
Another question I would ask would be, “Do you know for certain that when you die you will spend forever in heaven with Jesus?” What about this young person you have these feelings for?” This is paramount! Young people I can’t stress enough the importance of being equally yoked! If you think it is vital to have a boyfriend or girlfriend than you need to make sure they are a Christian first! There is no such thing as dating evangelism. That is dating a non-Christian and believing you will be able to convert them just by dating them. Don’t misunderstand me, there have been people lead to the Lord and Saved this way, however, start out on the right foot. Make sure they are of like mind and the same spirit as you. Do not compromise in the area of relationships, especially at the beginning of one.
Young people you should be praying every day for God to bring into your life that special someone He has for you. Ask Him to keep you strong and focused on Him and build on your relationship with Him through prayer and Bible study. Place your focus on your relationship with Jesus, and let Him bring to you that special someone He has for you, and believe me, He will deliver someone you would never expect!
If the relationship has been sexual, if the other person is not a Christian, if you have compromised in any way your relationship with Jesus for this other individual, let them go. Start over! Return to your first love, which is Jesus! In the book of the Revelation Jesus speaks to the church at Ephesus and tells them in chapter 2:4-5a, “But I have this against you, that you have left your first love. Remember therefore from where you have fallen, and repent and do the deeds you did at first.” Get right with God; restore your relationship with Him. He promises He will provide for us in every way. Do you trust Him? Do you trust Him with your relationships? You should.
Now if there has been no compromise, if the person is a Christian, then there has to be another reason they do not wish to be together anymore. They might not be walking with God as you are, maybe you are not walking with God as they are, and the Spirit of God is leading them down a different path. The best thing you can possibly do is to make sure you are in a right relationship with God, bathe your relationship with prayer, and seek God’s face together in prayer, Bible study and worship. Most importantly, trust God to be in control, and allow Him to be in control as you have asked Him to be, and let Him work, you may find out it is was Him protecting you from a harmful relationship all along.
Proverbs 3 is a wonderful chapter to read concerning “The Rewards of Wisdom”. Read it for comfort and direction. Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.”
Why isn't it legal to "SUCK FACE" in the youth group?
Are you serious? I like paintball but that doesn’t mean I need to play it in the youth room! If the relationship you are in isn’t able to survive unless you're “Sucking Face” then it is probably time for you to ask God if this is a relationship you need to be in. Plus be respectful of the people around you who don’t want to see it!
I find myself being a jealous a lot. What do I do?
When dealing with the subject of “jealousy” you must find the root, or cause, of the jealousy. Many times jealousy is caused by three main issues. I will focus on these three because I feel they are the most common root causes of jealousy.
1. Personal Insecurity: It seems that many times, as humans, we base our security and self-esteem on the opinion and acceptance of others. We should not look to others for our own self worth…we should look to the Creator…God! (Genesis 1:27) says “ So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.”(NIV) This passage of scripture tells us that we all are different, yet unique skills and attributes that are given to us by God made in his likeness. Instead of complaining about what we “don’t have”, we should use what “we were given by God” for His glory. A good example would be: Suppose two friends want to do something for the Lord. One is gifted in writing,…the other in music. The friend gifted at writing decides he wants to write a book and does. The book goes to the Bestsellers list in the NY Times. The other friend should not be jealous of his success and wish he could write a book also. Instead he should use his musical gifts for the glory of God. Whether that is recording a CD or producing music for others. The point of the story is each friend should use their gifts to the best of their abilities, not worry about the success of the other one.
2. Fear: I suppose in many cases jealousy is caused by fear due to people fearing being alone. Maybe deep down you are afraid of losing your friend. Or you might be lonely and would like a “significant other” for yourself. Joshua 1:9 says..”Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”(NIV) Wow! What a promise from God! Sometimes these feelings of loneliness are natural…but remember God’s promise in Joshua and as 1 Peter 5: 7 says..” Cast all your anxiety on him(Jesus) because he cares for you.” When you are feeling fearful and lonely…pray and seek God because as 1 Peter says “he cares for you.”
3. Covetousness: This word basically means that you want what others have. If Timmy has an Ipod, you think you need an Ipod. If so and so’s parents drive a Mercedes..you think your parents need to drive a Mercedes. This desire is shown to be wrong in the 10 Commandments. Exodus 20:17 says.. “You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his manservant or maidservant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.” We should be happy for the blessing God has given us, instead of constantly focusing on what we don’t have. Philippians 4:19 says “And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” Now this does not mean that everything you “want” you will receive,..but those who actively seek God’s will in their lives will be provided with what they “need.”
Conclusion: I don’t know the root causes of your jealousy…only you can answer that. But what I do know is that you need to find these root causes and seek help in dealing with these issues from God. Always, Always, Always consult the word of God and let him change your view on you situations. Romans 12:2 says “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” We can do this by spending daily time in His word the Bible and praying for God’s guidance.
If the Bible tells you not to have sex, can you still have kids?
The Bible does not state that one can’t have sex, BUT God makes it very clear in His Word that sex is to be between one man and one woman who are married. Genesis 2:24 speaks of this with the very first married couple, Adam and Eve: “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh.” This verse alludes to not only a physical union, but also a spiritual one. The apostle Paul elaborates on this spiritual union in 1 Corinthians 6: 16-17. Each time one commits adultery (sex outside of marriage) or fornicates (sex before marriage), a part of your soul/spirit is left with that other person. Sex is so sacred to God and is more than just a ‘physical thing’.
God’s moral law, the Ten Commandments, God says, “You shall not commit adultery” (Exodus 20:14). Again, we see that sex should be within the confines of marriage.
Ignoring the standards that God has placed on sex has proven throughout history to be devastating with detrimental effects on society:
*The cities of Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed because of their sexual promiscuity (homosexuality, fornication, adultery, lust, etc.) and total disregard for His standards of morality. (Genesis 19)
*Calamity and death in King David’s household as a result of adultery (2 Samuel 11-12)
*Empires of old that have collapsed within in part to sexual perverseness---Grecian Empire, Roman Empire, Babylonian Empire, etc.
*Venereal diseases that leave one sterile from sexual promiscuity.
*Millions of lives needlessly lost from HIV sexual promiscuity.
Though this list is nowhere near exhaustive, one can understand clearly why in the writer in Hebrews 13:4: ”Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral.”
Because we live in a sin-filled world and God has given us a free-will (to choose good or evil), many children have been born out of wedlock as well as from rape and incest. God does not look upon these children as being sub par or average. God loves these children as much as any child that has been born.
God speaks direct and consistent all the way through the Bible concerning His design of sex and the consequences (some noted above) for ignoring His standards. Sex before marriage is not the unpardonable sin, but the Bible clearly says to stop, flee, and avoid sex that is not within His confines. (John 8:10-11, Ephesians 5: 3-4, 1 Thessalonians 4: 3-6)
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Can I be a Christian and a Homosexual?
QUESTIONS ABOUT HOMOSEXUALITY-
The Bible says “love thy neighbor” and we are “equals under god’s eyes” but as church people look down on certain things like homosexuality. Now I understand that the Bible says it is wrong but it is really fair to us to judge them when (as it says in the bible) every sin is equal and no sin is too big you you ask for God to forgive you. Who are we to judge them, whenever our sin, even if it was just a little white lie is just as bad in Gods eyes as if you were a homosexual.
Can I be a Christian and a Homosexual?
Why are people homosexuals when God made everyone as if Adam and Eve?
This covers several topics and hopefully by the end of this you will have a super-quick overview,
There are several points to go at here:
1. The Bible does say “Love Thy Neighbor”. (Matt 19:19, 22:39; Mark 12:31; Luke 10:27; Romans 13:9)
2. The Bible does not say we are all EQUALS under God’s eyes. This is an incorrect statement. Before I go any further, let me explain this.
#1- Sin is sin and it is not something that we should be doing. Big or little.
#2- Different sins in the Bible have different consequences-
In the Old Testament, a thief paid restitution; an occult practitioner was cut off from Israel and someone who committed adultery or a homosexual act was put to death (Exodus 22 & Leviticus 20)
1 Corinthians 6:18 Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a man commits are outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body. 19Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.
Paul expresses that sexual sin is different from other sins. Because the sin is against the human body, Christians commit the sin against the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit. Paul said, "All other sins are outside the body." This distinguishes sexual sin from gossip, for example, because gossip is a sin done outside the human body.
#3- We know that from Romans 3:23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and from Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. So everyone is a sinner and everyone deserves death. But here lies a case of the Grace of God vs. the Government of God.
Grace is extended to all sin (except one and we will deal with that in just a minute)
Government of God because of God’s Justice. God is a JUST God and he must punish sin.
EXAMPLE: Is stealing a package of post-it notes off of you teachers desk just as bad as bringing a gun to school and killing your teacher?
Both examples you can ask for forgiveness on and God will forgive you… That is His Grace.
As far as stealing the post-it notes, there really isn’t much of a repercussion on this sin. You may or may not return them. You may or may not deal with guilt. (your guilt is God dealing with that sin) It wasn’t right that you did it, but no one is going to put you in jail for this, or cut off your hand, etc.
Now, on the other hand if you were to go into school tomorrow with a gun and kill your teacher, there would be some repercussion on this sin. God is a JUST God and he has to punish the sin. You will deal with the guilt and also the law of the land. You will get put into jail. You will have a record that will follow you the rest of your life.
Both were sins, but one had greater consequences… SO DON’T FOR A MINUTE BELIEVE THAT ALL SIN IS CREATED EQUAL!
(on a sidenote, because I said I would deal with it earlier… the ONLY unforgivable sin is the permanent rejection of Jesus Christ Matthew 12:31-32)
#4- The Bible doesn’t say not to judge (Matthew 7) but it is saying by what measure you should judge.
So now that I have tackled all of those, let’s dive into Homosexuality.
The Question of “Can I be a Christian and a Homosexual”, the answer would be “YES”. However, I need to address this a little bit.
If you are asking this question trying to defend your homosexuality, then I would personally question whether or not you are saved. Because homosexuality is a sin and if you are living in that sin nature and not wanting to get out of it, I would question whether or not the Holy Spirit is in your life.
2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!
If the old hasn’t gone is a person actually in Christ.
If you are a Christian and a Homosexual and you think that it is OK, then you obviously don’t have a good grasp of what it means to be a Christian and you for sure have not read in the Bible what God thinks about homosexuality.
The last question on homosexuality is this: Why are people Homosexuals if God created everyone as ADAM and EVE?
First let me tell you my journey about understanding homosexuals, I used to think that if someone was homosexual, that you could just get a can of “STOP IT” and spray it on them and they could quit, but over the past few months have realized that this is not the case.
I understand that for some of you there is a major “YUCK FACTOR” when we talk about homosexuality, but we need to talk about it, because many people around you are dealing with it, some of you are dealing with it and my guess is that at some point in your life someone very close to you will deal with it.
I went to a conference this past November where Melissa Fryrear spoke and all of this data is from her:
There are Two Big Myths about Homosexuality in the world today:
1. Homosexuality is genetic
2. People choose to be gay
First for the Genetic issue…
Are people born Gay?
A. The American Psychological Association’s statement: “There are no replicated studies that prove homosexuality is genetic.”
B. Gay researchers admit no discovery of so-called gay gene (Simon LeVay, Dean Hamer, Richard Pillard)
C. Further study: Homosexuality and The Politics of Truth by Jeffrey Satinover, M.D.; Homosexuality: The Use of Scientific Research in the Church’s Moral Debate by Drs. Stanton Jones and Mark Yarhouse; http://www.narth.com/ (National Association for Research and Therapy of Homosexuality) http://www.exodus.to/
Do People Choose to be Gay?
A. Most people do not choose the feelings, to be emotionally, romantically, sexually drawn to the same sex.
B. Some people with the feelings decide not to engage in same-sex behaviors
C. Some people with the feelings decide to engage in same-sex behaviors
D. Some people with the feelings decide also to adopt a gay- or lesbian- identity
E. There is increase in number of teen, young adults experimenting bisexually (cultural trend toward pansexuality)
Why would someone be attracted to the same sex?
A. Current scientific consensus is homosexuality develops across person’s lifetime and likely caused by complex interaction of familial, environmental, social, psychological, and temperamental factors
B. Official position of two liberal and gay-affirming American Psychological Association and American Psychiatric Association (believe it or not!)
C. For further study: Desires in Conflict by Joe Dallas (men); Restoring Sexual Identity by Anne Paulk (women)
Male Homosexuality
A. Familial Dynamics (Real or Perceived): Classic Triadic Relationship
a. Temperaments
1. Father is quiet, withdrawn, non-expressive and/or even hostile
2. Mother is overly emotionally involved, dominant, and strong
3. Son is shy, timid, introverted, artistic, and imaginative
b. Relational Components
1. Father and son do not healthily connect
2. Poor relationship between husband and wife
3. Mother shifts emotional needs to her son, becomes overly involved, two form special relationship
4. Father becomes even more withdrawn and uninvolved in his son’s life
c. Results
1. Breakdown between father/son, over attachment between mother/son, creates in son lacking confidence in own masculine identity (and possibly over-identification with feminine identity)
2. Attempts to fulfill sense of masculine deficit by connecting with another man—only knows how sexually: homoemotional needs expressed homosexually
B. Sexual Violation
a. 93% study participants reporting sexual contact with older or more powerful partner classified as sexually abused
b. 37% participants reported encouraged or forced sexual contact before age 19 with older or more powerful partner
c. 94% occurred with men. Median age participant at first contact 10; median age difference between partners 11 years
d. 51% involved use of force; 33% involved anal sex
C. Peer Alienation, Labeling, Harassment
a. Overwhelming sense of feeling “different”
b. Does not “measure up” in his own estimation
c. “Kitchen Window Boy”: viewing masculine world from outside, but never being a part of it
d. Teased and labeled “sissy,” “fag,” “queer”
D. Other Influencing Factors
a. Personality temperament
b. “Reverse effects” viewing pornography
c. Fear of, or rejection by, opposite sex
d. Pro-gay cultural messages
e. Negative spiritual influences aligning with Christian worldview
Female Homosexuality
A. Variations of Lesbianism
a. Same-Sex Experimentation: women who have “dabbled” in same-sex experience(s) but have not embraced homosexuality as an identity
b. Emotional Enmeshment: women who would never act out sexually, but have relied on another woman to gain an identity and a sense of well-being
c. Generation Y: younger women who think that bisexuality is in vogue or “cool”
d. “Classic” Lesbianism: women who strive to fulfill emotional needs and sexual desires through other women; they embrace a lesbian identity
B. Familial Dynamics (Real or Perceived)
a. Mother-Daughter Relationship
1. Core emotional needs met develops healthy “sense of being”
2. If no “sense of being,” vulnerable to emptiness and longing
3. Emptiness, longing emerge in drive to connect with another woman
4. Breakdown in maternal bonding creates same-sex love deficit; this becomes sexualized
5. Homoemotionality develops into homosexuality
b. Father-Daughter Relationship
1. Protection, Attention, Adoration, Support: Instills sense worth as person; sense value as female; models opposite sex relating
2. Lack protection, attention, adoration, support converse occurs
c. Husband-Wife Relationship
1. Affects whether daughter will desire to emulate or reject her roles wife and mother
C. Abuse: Sexual, Physical, and/or Emotional
a. National estimates against women in general: 17% to 25%; among lesbian women, conservative figure 60% and as high as 90%
b. Anne Paulk’s Interviews: 66% women experienced sexual abuse; 62% witnessed some form abuse against family member; of those molested, 85% sexually violated by male; 17% sexually violated by female; 25% were molested more than once
c. Dr. Stanton Jones: “Experience of sexual abuse as a child…more than tripled likelihood of later reporting homosexual orientation.”
D. Peer Issues
a. Overwhelming sense of feeling “different”
b. Does not “measure up” in his own estimation
c. “Third Sex” mentality
E. Gender Rejection
a. Paulk’s interviews study: “Did you want to be like your mother when you were growing up?” 80% “No!”
b. 75% responded men more desirable role models
c. 90% identified as tomboys; 60% mistaken for boy
d. Judgments: “Being a woman is bad.” “Women are weak.” “Men cannot be trusted.” “Men only want sex.”
F. Other Influencing Factors
a. Personality temperament
b. Exposure to pornography
c. Exposure to radical feminist ideologies
d. Negative experiences with boys/boyfriends/husband
e. Loneliness
f. Pro-gay cultural messages
g. Negative spiritual influences aligning with Christian worldview
What is the truth?
A. Because homosexuality is not genetic, it can be prevented
B. Because homosexuality is not genetic, people can overcome it
C. Thousands of personal stories testify to this reality; Biblical Evidence 1 Corinthians 6:11
D. More information: Ex-Gays? A Longitudinal Study of Religiously Mediated Change in Sexual Orientation by Drs. Stanton Jones and Mark Yarhouse. A Parent’s Guide to Preventing Homosexuality by Joseph Nicolosi, Ph.D.; An Ounce of Prevention by Don Schmierer.
Why is this a big deal?
The Bible only condones heterosexual behavior within marriage of one man, one woman. (True throughout the entire Bible)
Marriage is central to Christian theology-
As God has impressed His image on humankind in male and female, two people of the same sex do not reflect His image; only the complement of male and female do.
Earthly marriage (male as bridgegroom and female as bride) serves as a symbol of the ultimate heavenly marriage when Christ, the bridgegroom, marries His church, the bride (Rev 19)
Is it OK to Adopt Kids?
ANSWER: YES
3 Easy Examples in the Bible
1. Moses was Adopted- Pharaoh says kill all the baby boys. Moses’ mom Jochebed put in him a basket and sent him down the river. Pharaoh’s daughter sees him and adopts him. (Exodus 1, 2, & 6)
2. Esther was adopted by Mordecai upon the death of her parents (Esther 2:7)
3. Jesus was adopted by Joseph (Matthew & Luke)
As a Christian, God says we become part of His family… we are adopted.
Romans 8:15 (King James Version)
15For you have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but you have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
Ephesians 1:5
5he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will—
Adoption is a wonderful thing. There are so many children out there that need and deserve the love, protection, and security that they can only receive from having a "Forever Family". These children are all around the world, but yet you wouldn't believe how many children need our help here in the United States and you may be surprised learn there are many in our own back yards. These kids did not ask to be brought into this world, yet God created them, just as he created us...for a reason. Listen to what God tells you in this area. There may be a special little boy or girl that God has created just for you....to love and protect and to teach them about God's love...otherwise they may never know. As an adoptive parent I feel like I am the one that is so lucky and blessed...I got the long end of the stick!!!
