The Invocation of the Inauguration of Tribulation

I find myself to be very ignorant of politics, and that is mainly by choice, however today I watched history be made with the Inauguration of the first African American President of the United States.  I was overwhelmed with pride because our country was able to set aside personal prejudice, and take a step forward in unity.  On the other hand I am very worried about the direction our country is going, and what is in store for the U.S.  I may not know much about politics, but I know Christian history.  Time and time again God has chastised disobedient leaders and nations.  President Obama is very eloquent and capable of leading, yet he lacks to recognize the Scripture for what it is: 100% infallibly The Word of God.  Obama is like a captain without a compass, and the United States is looking more and more like Sodom and Gomorrah and Nineveh every day.  God once again was faithful to provide a messenger.  Just as He sent Jonah to Nineveh and Abraham to Sodom and Gomorrah, God sent Pastor Rick Warren to us today.  His prayer and decree was as follows: 

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“Help us Oh God to remember that we are Americans; united not by race or religion or blood, but to our commitment to freedom and justice for all.  When we focus on ourselves; when we fight each other; when we forget you, forgive us.  When we presume that our greatness and our prosperity is ours alone, forgive us.  When we fail to treat our fellow human beings and all the earth with the respect that they deserve, forgive us.  As we face these difficult days ahead may we have a new birth of clarity in our aims, responsibility in our actions, humility in our approaches, and civility in our attitudes even when we differ.  Help us to share, serve, and to seek the common good of all.  May all people of goodwill join together to work for a more just, a more healthy,  and a more prosperous nation and a peaceful planet.  And may we never forget that one day all nations and all people will stand accountable before You (GOD).  We now commit our new president (Barack Hussein Obama) and his wife Michelle and his daughters into your loving care.  I humbly ask this in the name of the one who changed my life Yeshuwa, Esa, Jesus (hey-seus), Jesus who taught us to pray.”

You may see this as a mere prayer, but it is much more than that.  It is a cry of forgiveness, a declaration of disobedience, and a challenge of repentance.   With a leader who is an advocate for homosexuality, a supporter of abortion, and is avid against the 2nd Amendment I fear our country is on the brink of tribulation.  We need to be in prayer for our country and our president.  Pray that the Holy Spirit will convict the heart of Obama and our Nation to repent from our radical liberal views on life.  Homosexuality and abortion is unacceptable, and we will one day be held accountable for it.  The Bible speaks of war and famine like we have never seen before.  The war in Iraq and the condition of our economy is nothing compared to what is in store for us if we do not come to a sense of imminence for restoration and revival.   Won’t you join me amongst thousands of other religious leaders to pray for our country and proclaim the Gospel throughout the nation?

Road Trip

Today’s the day.  I’m heading down with my pastor to Conway Arkansas to attend our State Baptist Meeting at Central Bible College.  I hear it is a beautiful campus with some of today’s top scholars.  It humbles me to be in the presence of such great men who serve an even greater God.  This will be my first state meeting since coming into the BMA.  I look forward to meeting new people, and networking with other pastors.  We can learn a great deal from one another.  I will also get the opportunity to see some of the pastors within our local association whom I have already had the pleasure to meet.  I think my favorite part about these out of town meetings and seminars is the quality time spent on the road with your fellow ministry partner. 

2008bus_smallI know I shouldn’t mention it because it probably will only add fuel to the fire, but I have been known to be a pyro.  The so called Gay Christian Organization “Soulforce” is going to be protesting at CBC the same day we are suppose to be there for the state meeting.  This organization has been active for over 10 years protesting at different colleges, universities, and churches throughout the United States.  They call it American Family Outings or The Equality Ride.  Below is one of their posts.

“The American Family Outing succeeded in getting LGBT and straight-ally families sharing the power of love, commitment, and dedication to Joel Osteen and Lakewood Church in Houston, The Potter’s House (Bishop T.D. Jakes – Senior Pastor) in Dallas, Bishop Harry Jackson and Hope Christian Church outside Washington, D.C., Bishop Eddie Long and New Birth Missionary Baptist Church near Atlanta, Bill Hybels and Willow Creek Community Church near Chicago, and Rick Warren’s Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, California.” – Soulforce

I just don’t understand how they can justify their actions, and how people can support this kind of behavior when the Bible clearly states it is a sin.

One of their foundational beliefs is that “The Biblical authors are silent about homosexual orientation as we know it today. They neither approve it nor condemn it.” – Soulforce

Umm let me see here.  I don’t know about you, but I don’t think there is any way to misinterpret 1 Corinthians 6:9,10 where the author God, and the writer Apostle Paul speak out against it loud and clear.  “Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God?  Do not be deceived.  Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. (NKJV)

Soulforce has been deceived by their own hearts.

Now don’t misunderstand me.  We ALL fall into one of these categories, and if you don’t think you do I can prove it and inside you will admit it.  The only thing we have going for us is the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.  It’s not about us, but about Christ.  That is one thing I do agree on with Soulforce, however this verse clearly states that homosexuality is a sin which hinders people from inheriting the kingdom of God.  Does that mean that they cannot be saved?  NO, however when one is saved they MUST - TURN & TRUST.  They must TURN from their ways, and TRUST in God.  If they truly TRUSTed in God they would TURN from their sin, and that is what it is.  People need to stop justifying their sin, and get down on their knees for a Savior. 

“Whatever some people believe the Bible seems to say about homosexuality, they must not use that belief to deny homosexuals their basic civil rights.” -  Soulforce

All I have to say is their Civil Rights are not going to be worth a thing when Christ Comes back, and they are living a life filled with sin.

Besides all of that, the organization even if it was scriptural (which it is not) is not acting Christ like in their actions.  They take pride in being arrested, and they even have their own little watch list which reminds me of a hit list.  Here are just a few names, groups, and organizations on the list:

  • Southern Baptist
  • United Methodist
  • Focus on the Family
  • Real Family Life
  • Jerry Falwell
  • A long list of seminaries, colleges, & universities

Final thought, they do have a point when it comes to hatred.  People’s hatred is fueled by their fear.  The Bible has called us to love one another.  We are not to speak out or act out in hatred toward the homosexual community.  We should love them for who they are, not what they do, and pray for them that their deception may become unclouded and that they might repent. (TURN)

If your bitter, and angry after reading this then maybe you need to search your heart. 

You might be an angry homosexual.  That is ok, because I love you, and am praying for you.

You might be a frustrated biblical scholar, pastor, or minister.  That is ok, because I love you, and am praying for you too.

Be praying for this meeting, soulforce, and the gay community.

These are my personal views, and do not reflect the views of my church.

Fire of Confusion – PG13

One of the most widely heard topics today is that of Homosexuality.  I even heard a sermon this morning on my way into the office by Focus on the Family.  At an alarming rate this is becoming one of today’s greatest trends or fads.  During this morning’s sermon they discussed how widely accepted homosexuality was before the creation of the Old Testament Canon, and how today is much like that period of time.  People are so obsessed with the flesh, and their own lustful desires that they fail to realize that there are consequences for our actions.  I think one of the great lies that Satan has embedded into society is homosexuality is not a sin, however the Bible clearly states it is. 

“Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? DO NOT BE DECEIVED. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, ….. will inherit the kingdom of God” 1Cor. 6:9-10. 

This is to clearly state that this is a sin that leads to condemnation.  In reality we all fall under one of the above listed categories, however there is hope.  Continue to read on to verse 11 of this same text: “And such were some of you, BUT you were washed, BUT you were SANCTIFIED (to be set apart), BUT you were justified (to be made just or right) in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.”  That is excellent news.  Even though we are sinners destined for hell, whether it be adulterers, drunkards, thieves or even homosexuals there is grace and forgiveness through Jesus Christ.  I want you to notice something here in the scripture that people are quick to overlook.  That word is sanctified or to be set apart.  To be set apart from what.  We are to be set apart from this world, and from our old ways.  In this case: to be separate from homosexuality.  We are to turn from are sinful ways, and separate ourselves from it.  In this situation you are going to have to separate from anything related to this lifestyle, and that will start by separating yourself from this or these same gender sexual relations, and establish an intimate relationship with God. 

Mr. Lonny Harper an international speaker told this story:

      Luke is a good kid.  He has great parents who are prominent leaders in their local church.  They attend church several times a week as a family.  He knows everyone, and they all love him.  But it’s just a mask.  Every time he steps out of his room, he hides behind that great big smile.  Inside, he is full of shame and confusion.  He’s tired of playing the game, but he doesn’t know what else to do.

    He’s scared to say the words, “I’m gay.” But he lives in a whirlwind of questions and fear.  He knows what the Bible says, but everyone else says it’s okay.  He wonders, “Was I born this way?  Will my parents hate me?  Will God HELP me?  Will they let me come back to church?  WHY ME?”  He wants to confess, but he’s terrified of rejection.  The contradiction between God’s Word and the world’s message fuels the fire of confusion.

Do you relate to Luke’s anguish?  If not then maybe you know someone who does.  Sin in our lives, even sin hidden behind a mask, will be revealed sooner or later.  Take charge of your life.  Confess, cry out to God, and let the healing begin.  – Lonny Harper

I use to stand firm against the idea that people are born gay; however until recently I have accepted the idea to a small degree.  Homosexuality is a sin, and everyone is born with a sinful nature.  Every Christian is fighting this spiritual battle between our flesh/sinful nature and the Holy Spirit that dwells within us.  Therefore, Christians struggling with homosexuality are engaged in a battle between the Spirit and their flesh.  But Jesus died on the cross for ALL sinners.  This includes even murderers, thieves, liars, and homosexuals.    One of the key factors in all of this is that because of Christ love we should freely turn from our sins.

*For those who don’t understand homosexuality or condemn the person; I want you to know that we are COMMANDED to love others as Christ loves us.  If you know people who struggle with homosexuality, pray for them and share the love of Jesus with them.  Don’t let your fear of the unknown or what you don’t understand become a stumbling block in your life.  Don’t mock or attack them.  Love them into an abundant life in Christ.  After all that is what Jesus did for us.

“Do not judge, or you too will be judged.  For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the same measure you use, it will be measured to you.”  – Matt. 7:1-2

“Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God.”  1 John 4:7

Homosexuality is a Sin:

1 Corinthians 6:9-10 (quoted above)

Leviticus 20:13 – “If a man lies with a man as one lies with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination” (SIN)

Romans 1:24-26, 32

If you struggle with homosexuality:

“Flee from sexual immorality.  All other sins a man (or woman) commits are outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body.  Do 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; you were bought at a price.  Therefore honor God with your body”. – 1 Corinthians 6:18-20

There are no easy answers.  It can bring you into bondage just like any other sin.  Please understand that God offers forgiveness upon confession & repentance of your sin.  You DON’T have to figure this out all by yourself.  There are people who care and are ready to walk you through this time in your life.  And remember, God made you special, and he loves you very much. 

I would encourage you to visit Focus on the Family for resources and materials by visiting www.family.org