Where the Battle Rages: The Need for Holiness- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
The scenario was concerning a Christian believer who is struggling with sexual identity issues. They were met with many responses from non-Christians, Christians spreading false doctrine, as well as some good encouragement. I wrote my first response as a letter of encouragement for them to continue to draw near to Christ and keep walking on the narrow road. I got a response from a different person addressing my opinion, and finally there is my rebuke and encouragement to both (and especially believers).
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My first response:
Take the narrow road and never settle for less.
I've struggled with being bisexual/homosexual for 17 years, and it has never proved to be worth the trouble of going with what I feel (I've lived it, experienced all it has to offer, and the result was a truckload of pain in exchange for a moment of pleasure). I believe that God has a lot of things to say about sexuality in his Word, and though I'm only 22, God has spoken to me about this issue many times, and it's my personal conviction that acting upon it greatly impacts my relationship with my Dad (Jesus Christ).
I just want to encourage you on in your walk with Jesus Christ (assuming you know him), and not seek earthly wisdom from people who are bound to point you in the direction of the world and its earthly desires...
Christ asks us, out of our love for him, to die to ourselves and live as a living sacrifice... which is not an easy road, nor is it for the faint of heart. Though I must admit, your faith in Christ alone is what saves you. Regardless of your conviction about such subjects, the power that is found in the blood of Jesus Christ is able to change things that you may feel cannot be changed. But remember, the Lord fearfully and wonderfully made you, knitting together your inmost being... He knew you before the creation of the world.
Run to Christ and don't look back... Seek out Jesus and the Kingdom of Heaven first and changes will come...
In Christ Jesus (... "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.")
Matthew Palfenier
~~~ BE ENCOURAGED!!! ~~~
Matthew 5:8 - “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.”
Matthew 7:13-14 - "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.”
John 10:10 - “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”
Philippians 4:8 - “Finally, 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.”
1 John 4:4 - “You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.”
Hebrews 2:18 - “Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.”
Galatians 6:1 - “Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted.”
Ephesians 5:1-12 - "Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a man is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God's wrath comes on those who are disobedient. Therefore do not be partners with them. For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord. Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them."
Leviticus 18:22 and 24-29 - “Do not lie with a man as one lies with a woman; that is detestable.' ... 'Do not defile yourselves in any of these ways, because this is how the nations that I am going to drive out before you became defiled. Even the land was defiled; so I punished it for its sin, and the land vomited out its inhabitants. But you must keep my decrees and my laws. The native-born and the aliens living among you must not do any of these detestable things, for all these things were done by the people who lived in the land before you, and the land became defiled. And if you defile the land, it will vomit you out as it vomited out the nations that were before you. Everyone who does any of these detestable things—such persons must be cut off from their people. Keep my requirements and do not follow any of the detestable customs that were practiced before you came and do not defile yourselves with them. I am the LORD your God.' "
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Regarding this section of what I wrote:
“Regardless of your conviction about such subjects, the power that is found in
the blood of Jesus Christ is able to change things that you may feel cannot be
changed.”
Response:
Which doesn't include your sexuality. You may feel like a self-hater and that's all fine and dandy if you want to live your life that way. But don't spread lies. I've known many people in the "ex-gay" programs...and they tell me it's lies.
M. M.
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My second response:
Let me make myself clear... I do not ever want give false testimony about the Power of Christ in my own life. Christ has done miraculous things in my life, continues to do amazing things, and it had nothing to do with "ex-gay" or "12 step programs." My journey has been strictly personal, between Jehovah-Hashopet (Lord my Judge; for he does judge his own household first) and myself, and I seek out God and his holy ways alone... Yes, there are others who have come along side me in my walk with Christ, but they only aid me in the direction I want to go, which is accordance with God's will.
I don't believe I've ever mentioned anything about "self hating." I go with what the Bible teaches and I hold true to that alone. I actually love Christ, and myself believe it or not, enough to have a desire to rid myself of all the things that don't line up with who he is... I get tired of "christians" running around spreading false doctrine saying, "Because we live in a grace period we can openly live like demons 6 out of the 7 days of the week, then go to church on Sunday, give God 1 hour of my life, and I still will be saved." It's ridiculous. Jesus even says that one day there will be emphatic "christians" who miss his coming, and they will run to the door and say, "Sir! Sir! Let us in!" and he will say, "Surely I tell you the truth, I never knew you. Now depart from me."
It makes me so sad and almost angry to see such spineless believism. The Prophets and Disciples were martyred for their faith, and for speaking the Truth. They literally gave up every aspect of their lives to follow Jesus Christ (who was bold enough to be tortured and die, alone, abandoned, betrayed, and belittled by men who thought they knew better than God), and I don't see this and my life any differently. It's just one more thing I can happily give up for my King... Is it easy, absolutely not. Is it fun, no. Do I still struggle all the time with the temptations, absolutely, but can I overcome it?
"I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength." - Philippians 4:13
"In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I (Jesus) have overcome the world." - John 16:33
"This is love for God: to obey his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God." - 1 John 5:3-5
I have nothing against people who struggle and fight with their sin, or non-believers who are involved with the sin (for my wish is that they come to Christ Jesus and know his ways first), but "christians," true blood bought believers, shame on you if you think that you can be a child of God and live like a follower of Satan. I don't care what area of your life it is... Sexuality, gossip, slander, murder with the tongue, envy, strife, greed, jealousy, addictions, pornography, lust, anger, gluttony, religion, playing devil's advocate, etc...
"What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? Or don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. If we have been united with him like this in his death, we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection. For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin — because anyone who has died has been freed from sin." - Romans 6:1-7
I stand by my conviction and by God's Holy Infallible Word. And I continue to encourage other believers to do the same... For it is a narrow road that leads to life, and only a few find it. (Only to followers of Christ) If you are a blood bought believer, and you support ungodly actions, you will be held responsible. I too will be held responsible for what I say and do not... my actions and conduct alike. But the truth is the truth and I will encourage those who are seeking truth to search long and hard, with discerning eyes, so that they are not deceived by empty words.
"What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us?" - Romans 8:31
Remorse
Devious Comments
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One heart , One voice, One love, One spirit
avatar created by =iMegatron
So often in life we settle for making sand castles in dairy manure before we ever make it to the beach. (an illustration my pastor used last week.)
It seems like God's given you a pretty though crowd to minister to, o brother of mine. But also, it seems that the struggles that you're going through give YOU the best platform to speak God's Truth in Love to people that share that same struggle. It makes sense that Christians who are inclined to a lifestyle of homosexuality--somehow trying to make both lifestyles work--would be more inclined to listen to you than they would be to listen to someone who has no idea what they're going through.
AND you're perspective also opens a whole new world of understanding for Christians who do not share the struggle of homosexuality.
There will probably (actually, most certainly) be people who will (viciously--because that's how the enemy works) try to impugn your motives--try to tell you you're something you're absolutely not. Don't worry about them. Better yet, LOVE them. And PRAY for them. Ask God to open their eyes to see the Truth of who He is. The people who are inclined to God's voice will hear what you have to say, and will be deeply refreshed by your words--no, GOD's words. But you are temple. And God's living word rests on you.
I am thankful to God for you--For giving you as a gift at such a time in history as this.
Matthew 9:35-38 & 10:1-28 (the Message translation)
"Then Jesus made a circuit of all the towns and villages. He taught in their meeting places, reported kingdom news, and healed their diseased bodies, healed their bruised and hurt lives. When he looked out over the crowds, his heart broke. So confused and aimless they were, like sheep with no shepherd. "What a huge harvest!" he said to his disciples. "How few workers! On your knees and pray for harvest hands!"
The prayer was no sooner prayed than it was answered. Jesus called twelve of his followers and sent them into the ripe fields. He gave them power to kick out the evil spirits and to tenderly care for the bruised and hurt lives. This is the list of the twelve he sent:
Simon (called Peter, or "Rock"),
Andrew, his brother,
James, Zebedee's son,
John, his brother,
Phillip,
Bartholomew,
Thomas,
Matthew, the tax collector,
James, son of Alphaeus,
Thaddaeus,
Simon, the Canaanite,
and Judas Iscariot (who later turned on him).
Jesus sent his twelve harvest hands out with this charge:
"Don't begin by traveling to some far-off place to convert unbelievers. And don't try to be dramatic by tackling some public enemy. Go to the lost, confused people right here in the neighborhood. Tell them that the kingdom is here. Bring health to the sick. Raise the dead. Touch the untouchables. Kick out the demons. You have been treated generously, so live generously.
"Don't think you have to put on a fund-raising campaign before you start. You don't need a lot of equipment. YOU are the equipment, and all you need to keep that going is three meals a day. Travel light.
"When you enter a town or village, don't insist on staying in a luxury inn. Get a modest place with some modest people, and be content there until you leave.
"When you knock on a door, be courteous in your greeting. If they welcome you, be gentle in your conversation. If they don't welcome you, quietly withdraw. Don't make a scene. Shrug your shoulders and be on your way. You can be sure that on Judgement Day they'll be mighty sorry--but it's no concern of yours now.
Stay alert. This is hazardous work I'm assigning you. You're going to be like sheep running through a wolf pack, so so don't call attention to yourselves. Be as cunning as a snake, inoffensive as a dove.
Don't be naive. Some people will impugn your motives, others will smear your reputation--just because you believe in me. Don't be upset when they haul you before the civil authorities. Without knowing it, they've done you--and me--a favor, given you a platform for preaching the kingdom news! And don't worry about what you'll say or how you'll say it. The right words will be there; the Spirit of your Father will supply the words.
When people realize it is the living God you are presenting and not some idol that makes them feel good, they are going to turn on you, even people in your own family. There is a great irony here: proclaiming so much love, experiencing so much hate! But don't quit. Don't cave in. It is all well worth it in the end. It is not success you ar after in such times but survival. Be survivors! Before you've run out of options, the Son of Man will have arrived.
A student doesn't get a better desk than her teacher. A laborer doesn't make more money than his boss. Be content--pleased, even--when you, my students, my harvest hands, get the same treatment I get. If they call me, the Master, 'Dungface,'
what can the workers expect?
Don't be intimidated. Eventually everything is going to be out in the open, and everyone will know how things really are. So don't hesitate to go public now.
Don't be bluffed into silence by the threats of bullies. There's nothing they can do to your soul, your core being. Save your fear for God, who holds your entire life--body and soul--in his hands."
I'd like to request prayers for my friends Rex Fitzpatrick and Mike Bates who are struggling with homosexuality, and/or are trying to make both Christianity and homosexuality run simultaneously in their lives. And Gary Meyer, too, I think. And pray for the people around them, too. For wisdom and compassion.
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Vic Mignogna (Ed Elric, Fai D. Flowright, Dark Mousey, Ikkaku, etc.) speaks about his faith, and I agree.
I'll add those people to my prayer list.
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Don't be discouraged, have Faith! Jesus is LORD! ~ I'm going to live for the Father every day! ~ God places the heaviest burden on those who can carry its weight. ~ I love my Daddy!
Thank you for your wisdom. Praise the Lord Jesus!
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Don't you wish there were a knob on the TV to turn up the intelligence? There's one marked "brightness," but it doesn't work.
~Gallagher
God's the real artist. I just hold the pencil.
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