Purpose driven, ok, but what purpose?

 

This is long, but worth your time and consideration -

 

A Biblical Perspective on Homosexuality!

First, let me be clear, the following is not intended to hurt, but to help. Our love for you (a person with homosexual desires) and other sinners (all mankind), requires we call you and all people to repent of things God says are bad for us and offensive to Him. It is in this desire to love you and others biblically, that I offer the following information.

Biblical texts like Gen. 19:1-13, Lev. 18:22, 20:13, Rom. 1:18-32 and 1 Cor. 6:9-10 condemn homosexual activity in very clear language. However, some have suggested that these passages don’t condemn homosexual activity within committed relationships. Others have said that those writing in biblical times did not know the scientific facts of homosexuality, and if they had they would surely not have condemned it. Finally, it has been suggested that to deny homosexuals the opportunity to act on their desires, is to deny them a love that God wants all to experience.

In response to these objections to the way the church has understood these passages throughout history, I would offer the following:

1^st even if the passages cited above did not as clearly condemn homosexual activity as they do, the truth is that sexual activity was from the beginning (Gen. 2:24), and later affirmed by Jesus (Matt. 19:5), to be only properly expressed within a marriage between one man and one woman. Had there been a category of committed homosexual relationships that was allowed or approved of by God, surely He would have made that clear within the scriptures, so as to protect those within that category, but rather than that we have His word consistently condemning all homosexual activity.

2^nd the scriptures are not in error because people lacked information about homosexuality at the time of their writing, but rather the scriptures are the result of God’s Spirit moving men as they wrote (2 Pet. 1:21), every word of the scriptures is true, and we must submit to it (2 Tim. 3:16-17). Mankind may be learning things about the world as we proceed through history, but God knew all there was to know when He led these men to write His word.

3^rd the idea that people are born with homosexual tendencies is consistent with the Bible, not in conflict with it. God’s word makes it clear that we are all born with many sinful desires, that we will naturally seek to act on them, that we are condemned by God’s law for doing so, that we have need of Jesus’ sacrifice to satisfy God’s wrath for these sins, and we need His Holy Spirit in us if we are to have the power us to resist these sins (Eph. 2:1-10). If the only criteria for making something right were being born with that particular desire, then there is nothing that could be called wrong, and all things that anyone feels prone to do, they should be allowed to do.  Thankfully God has given us His word to clearly define what is right!

I would suggest that the person who has sexual desires for those of the same sex is very much like any other sinner. Any homosexual or heterosexual desires that fall outside of God’s design, even though they may feel right or necessary to the one experiencing them, are not things we should resign ourselves to and act upon, but rather, according to the Bible, we should repent of such thoughts and actions, and seek God’s help to stop them at the thought level, before we get in a place where we might act on them (Rom. 12:2, 1 Cor. 6:9-11).

Some have said that God would never deprive the person who is attracted to people of the same sex, the love that those who are attracted to people of the opposite sex get to experience. This is a most dangerous thought, as it equates sexual activity with love in a very unbiblical way.  Jesus says we are to love others as He has loved us, not sexually, but sacrificially, as that is the highest expression of love (John 15:13, Eph. 5:1-2). Further, even those who are attracted to people of the opposite sex, are not guaranteed they will find a spouse and marry, nor are those who get married guaranteed that their spouse will be able to continue participating in sexual activity throughout the relationship. The scriptures never suggest sexual activity is essential for a Godly life and even commends those who live a celibate life (Matt. 19:10-12). The truth is that according to God’s word, no one will ever be deprived of the ability to love others as Christ loved us, simply because they could not have sexual relations.

What would the Bible say to those who are attracted to people of the same sex, but now desire to follow Jesus and participate in the life of His church?

1^st know that your homosexual desires or past activity need not define you or condemn you!

Rom. 3:21 But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, ²² even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference; ²³ for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, ²⁴ being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, ²⁵ whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed, ²⁶ to demonstrate at the present time His righteousness, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. (NKJV)

Tit. 3:3 For we ourselves were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another. ⁴ But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, ⁵ not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, ⁶ whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, ⁷ that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.  (NKJV)

Further, even though you may struggle with this and other sins until the day you die, something all Christians experience with their particular bents toward sin, there is help and hope to fight the battle, and you will always be able to love others and God, and He will certainly love you!

Gal. 5:16 I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. ¹⁷ For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. ¹⁸ But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

¹⁹ Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, ²⁰ idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, ²¹ envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

²² But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³ gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. ²⁴ And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. ²⁵ If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. ²⁶ Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another. (NKJV)

Finally, know that this battle will not last forever:

Matt. 22:29 Jesus answered and said to them, “You are mistaken, not knowing the Scriptures nor the power of God. ³⁰ For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels of God in heaven.

Rev. 21:1 Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea. ² Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. ³ And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. ⁴ And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”

For the reasons above, it is perfectly appropriate for us to receive a person who has struggled with homosexual desires into our fellowship, if they are repentant and desire to follow God’s teaching on this and in others areas. However, we cannot receive a person who is not willing to repent of this lifestyle, or any other clearly condemned in God’s word, as we would be from day one in a position of having to seek to remove them from the church for the same reason (Matt. 18:15-17, 1 Cor. 5:9-13).

Again, let me remind you of where I started, this is not intended to hurt, but to help. Our love for you and all people requires we call them to repent of things God says are bad for us and offensive to Him.

What about the OT law?

 

I have traditionally fallen into the 3rd category Todd mentions, but his discussion does prompt me to think further about it. I hope you find it interesting as well -  

 

 

 

Great link for early evidence of Jesus' life, from outside the scriptures!

This link has a good collection of early historical information about Jesus, and it is from those who were hostile to the faith, so they had no reason to make anything up - Cold Case Christianity

Can you be good without God?

Can you define good without God?

No!

Wretched Radio, very well said!

This is a pretty good analogy to expose the error of presenting a man centered gospel message.

 

 

 

Is "The Sinners Prayer" Biblical?

If you have never considered the pros and cons of The Sinners Prayer, or if it is biblical, follow the link below for a good discussion of the issue.

Sean E. Harris discusses The Sinners Prayer

Wretched does it again!

 

I think this video gives a pretty good snapshot of why the gospel isn't being shared much by "Christians" today. Be sure to visit and support Wretched Radio if you can!

 

 

This is amazing - from Wretched Radio!

This is a great snapshot of the ignorance of some who claim to know Jesus, and the postmodern (absolute truth denying) worldview of many agnostics and atheists. Thanks Wretched Radio!

Good insight regarding the book and movie "Heaven is for Real"!

I received several comments from people about their concerns regarding the best selling "Christian" book and newly released movie - Heaven is for Real.

One very good article was sent to me by Amy at Al's Voice. The article is by Nate Akin and can be found here.

You can also see a video from David Platt here and from John MacArthur here.

I think Nate Akin is spot on when he qutoes a passage from the Bible that speaks directly to the problem with this emphasis on the little boys alleged experience. When it is suggested that someone coming back form the dead might convince others to beleive and be saved, God's word speaks plainly about the suficiency and necessity of the scriptures to bing new life -

Luke 16:³⁰ And he said, ‘No, father Abraham; but if one goes to them from the dead, they will repent.’ ³¹ But he said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rise from the dead.’”



"Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved."

 

Fishing with nets or bait?

I was listening to an episode of Fighting for the Faith and was struck by a comment made by the host Chris Rosbrough. This is something I may have heard before and forgotten, and it seems so simple that I am a little embarrassed that it seemed fresh to me now.

Here is a summary -

Basically, in response to an interview of  Rick Warren, where Warren was talking about using bait to attract people in evangelism, Rosebrough reminded his listeners that the apostles fished with nets not bait!

Why is this important?

If we are to use bait to get people to beleive upon Jesus, we might use whatever we think might do the job. If one thing does not work, we can keep trying different things, and of course if some are lingering around, we will likely keep the bait fresh until the day they take it. After that, I suppose we would get those people involved in baiting for more believers, so the atmosphere of the church and evangelism remains a place of bait, in hopes of catching some fish.

Or

We could proclaim the gospel and expect it to net people as God's Spirit works!

This seems to fit with what Jesus taught -

John 6:35 And Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst. ³⁶ But I said to you that you have seen Me and yet do not believe. ³⁷ All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out.

John 6:65 And He said, “Therefore I have said to you that no one can come to Me unless it has been granted to him by My Father.”

John 10:25 Jesus answered them, “I told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in My Father’s name, they bear witness of Me. ²⁶ But you do not believe, because you are not of My sheep, as I said to you.  ²⁷ My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. ²⁸ And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. ²⁹ My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand. ³⁰ I and My Father are one.”

Jesus teaches that the reason we come to believe is because it has been granted by the Father, and it is impossible that we could come any other way, even if the bait is really good, we will by no means believe! When we do believe, it is evidenced by our listening to and following Jesus' words!

So it makes sense that Jesus does not say use bait anywhere, rather He tells us how to cast a net -

Matt. 28:18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. ¹⁹ Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, ²⁰ teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.

 "Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved."

Another good video from Wretched!

See the original post and more at Wretchedradio

What would you give for your soul? How about their soul?

It is very biblical to consider what we would give for our own soul. Jesus makes this point -

Matt 16:24 Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. 25 For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. 26 For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? (NKJV)

Clearly, to believe what the Bible says about eternal life, either our souls and glorified bodies will experience God's presence forever, because we have been reconciled to God in Christ, or by contrast, if not redeemed, we will spend eternity separated from Him, in a permanent state of spiritual death, separated from God and all goodness. To believe this reality makes the value of our own souls infinitely greater than anything we might possible trade for it.

With this understood, I hope we could answer Jesus' question as to what we would give in exchange for our souls, and our eternal relationship with Him, with a confident NOTHING!

So we would give any earthly cost and suffer any earthly loss for the sake of our eternal life with God in Christ! Amen!

As we finish the a study of the book of James this week another question must be considered, what would we give for the soul of another?

James ends his letter with these words:

James 5:19 Brethren, if anyone among you wanders from the truth, and someone turns him back, 20 let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins. (NKJV)

First a theological disclaimer:

Those who are bought by the blood of Christ and born again of the Spirit, as all true believers are, can't be finally lost and separated from God. This is true because it is God's work that saves and secures us for His glory!

Eph. 1:13 In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, 14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory. (NKJV)

Heb. 12:1  Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (NKJV)

Phil. 1:3 I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, 4 always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy, 5 for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now, 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; (NKJV)

So we can confirm that God is the one who saves and He saves forever! I will assume I have no need to proof text the reality that God uses His word and His Holy Spirit to bring about people's salvation. Yet with all this focus on God's power and salvation being meant to bring Him glory, God still uses human means to bring His word to those He saves.

I believe all who will be saved are predetermined to be so from eternity past, yet these plans of God certainly include the choices we make each day, including the choice to help someone see their sin and come to repentance through sharing God's word with them. Jesus told us to -

Matt. 28:19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. (NKJV)

Likewise it makes sense -

Rom. 10:14 How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? (NKJV)

These passages are aimed at evangelism in general, while James' exhortation that "he who turn a sinner form the error of his way will save a soul from death", seems primarily addressed to those who have lived as believers and have since begun believing error or have fallen into sin. These may be actual saved persons who should repent when we or others take the time to try to turn them back, or they may be people who hung out with the church, but were never saved, and our calling them back to the truth may turn out to be the time of their conversion and salvation!

So, salvation is of the Lord, but He has made it part of His redemptive plan to use us in the salvation process.

So, with that said, what would we give for their soul? 

Would we -

Potentially lose them as a friend?

Make our coworkers or classmates uncomfortable with us?

Spend our time and money in ways that help validate or spread the gospel?

Be seen as unloving by a culture who thinks the only real sin is calling anything sin?

What did those who died so the gospel/Bible would be hear for us, give so our souls could benefit from the gospel?

What did Jesus give for our souls?

I ask again -

What will we give for their souls?

"Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved."

Something Christians and Mormons do have in common!

This is an article about a recent speech made by Dr. Al Mohler to Mormons at BYU. He does a fantastic job of pointing out the main error in Mormon theology (not seeking justification by faith in Christ alone), but at the same time makes a great point regarding our agreements on many cultural issues. Regarding these differences and those things we have in common Mohler said this: "I do not believe that we are going to heaven together, but I do believe we may go to jail together."

Please take time to read the article and be blessed!

A good testimony touching on a timely subject!

This is a testimony of a life radically changed by the gospel - Sermon Audio

I hope it gives both hope and insight!

The Secularization Thesis by Michael Horton

If you have the time and patience, and care about such things, check out this excellent article by Michael Horton on secularization and how we might respond to it.

The Secularization Thesis

A most excellent teaching on reaching Muslims with the Gospel!

This is very informative. Notice especially the evangelistic methods used at an Islamic service at the about the 19:30 point in Dr. White's lecture. Look familiar?

No Christians need apply in San Antonio!

I was not too surprised, but truly saddened by the article found here: Penalize Bible Believers. I certainly think it is appropriate to speak out against unjust laws in defense of God's truth, and because it is best for mankind. However, as I am teaching on the Christian response to unjust suffering this week, and how it is a crucial part of our witness, I am reminded that when it comes to our being personally wronged by this kind of persecution, there is a God glorifying way to respond:

1 Pet. 3:13 And who is he who will harm you if you become followers of what is good? ¹⁴ But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. “And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.”  ¹⁵ But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; ¹⁶ having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed. ¹⁷ For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. (NKJV)

God give us the wisdom and strength to respond in a way that demonstrates You are Lord and our hope is in You!


"Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved."

Altar Calls?

Follow the link to a sermon on Sermonaudio. I do typically invite people to come forward for prayer at the end of services, either with me or alone at the front of the sanctuary, and I will certainly end many services by encouraging people to put their faith in and follow Jesus if they desire to be saved. I am not at all comfortable with suggesting anyone will be saved by coming forward, praying a prayer or any other outward act.

I think the speaker in this sermon gives some very compelling arguments for not using the traditional alter call and it certainly makes me think more deeply about what I do say when closing our services.

I would love to hear some feedback!

The dangers of the church copying the culture!

Visit this link: Pyromaniacs Blog to read an article written some time back by Phil Johnson.