The Cowardliness Of Modern Day Christians!

I'm not saying to go about it the way he's doing it though. I can understand reacting that way if a transgendered or gay person went parading through the streets with a picture of st. Peter (it didn't feel right to use Jesus for an example) wearing lipstick and a bra, but that's not the case.

How intolerable! A sinner on a Christian site?! Here, throw this at him. Make sure the terms and conditions apply to you though, you know what they are.

"Physical" transgenders, such as hermaphrodites, cannot help their state of existance any more than a man born with 3 arms. It is a deformity. Such a one with one sex, but the hormone system of another cannot help their problem either, except with hormone therapy. These people need to be saved like any other, & equal grace should be given to them.

Someone with one sex & psychologically believes they're the other, now that's a different subject altogether. They also need to be saved, & need special deliverance from their sin problem. This sinful situation is no different than any other....sin is sin.

Those that choose out such people for condemnation are themselves judges, believing they have the authority to do so. This attitude will send you to Hell as quick as the sinner you condemn. Your sins are judging, as well as interfering with God's plan of equality to save whosoever will.... & who know what others.....

1 Timothy 2:1-4 (KJV) [SUP]1 [/SUP]I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; [SUP]2 [/SUP]For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. [SUP]3 [/SUP]For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; [SUP]4[/SUP]Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.

Luke 19:10 (KJV) [SUP]10 [/SUP]For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.

[h=2]A Life Worth Rewarding, Part 2[/h]

By Dr. Charles Stanley

Are you prepared for your eternal future? How can you be sure? In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus gives clear, timeless instructions on how to structure your life. In this second part of our study, let’s examine what Matthew 7 has to say about a life that pleases God.
A. Use wisdom in your relationships with others
1. Correct others only after examining yourself.
Read Matthew 7:1-5.

• Why do you think the Bible warns us about judging others?

• Read Romans 2:1. Think about the most recent judgment you made of another person. In what way was this verse true for you?

Notice that Jesus doesn’t say we should never judge. In verse 5, he mentions that if we repent of our own sins, we can help others by pointing out their blind spots.

• In light of this, how can you reconcile Christ’s words in Matthew 7:1-2 with 1 Corinthians 5:9-13?

2. Use prudence in sharing your beliefs.
Read Matthew 7:6. In Jesus’ day, dogs and pigs were considered lowly creatures. Often ungodly people were likened to these animals to suggest a sense of unworthiness. Jesus’ point here is that if someone has rejected the gospel, we are foolish to reveal the precious things of the faith to them.

• The analogy says the dogs and pigs “will trample [what is holy] under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces” (Matt. 7: 6). What does this mean for us today?

• How do you decide if someone can be trusted with the “treasures” of your faith?

B. Live in light of the truth that God is good and loves humankind.
1. Boldly and persistently ask the Lord for what you need.
Read Matthew 7:7-11. The words ask, seek and find in Greek could be translated as “keep on asking,” “keep on seeking,” and “keep on finding.”

• Does this describe how you pray? Why or why not?

• Some believers question the promise in Matthew 7:7 because they experience unanswered prayer. How does the analogy of a good father with a son (vv. 9-11) illuminate your understanding of Matthew 7:7?

• In the past, how has God protected or blessed you through unanswered prayer?

• What are you currently asking of God that has so far remained unanswered? Recommit to trusting that He will respond.

2. Treat others with kindness, even if they don’t deserve it.
Because our heavenly Father is gracious to bless us with things we haven’t earned, we should treat others well too (Matt. 5:43-45).

• Other faiths have the Golden Rule in negative form: “Don’t do to others what you wouldn’t want done to you.” How is Jesus’ command more challenging (Matt. 7:12)?

• How might you fulfill the Golden Rule toward someone who recently wronged you?

C. Establish your faith and life on Christ’s instruction.
1. Determine to walk closely with the Lord.
Read Matthew 7:13-14. Jesus compared our life with Him to a journey along a narrow path.

• Why is this analogy an effective description of the Christian life?

• Ultimately, why is it worth the effort to walk God’s narrow path?

2. Examine the character, not just the teaching, of your spiritual leaders.

• How can you tell a godly leader from a “wolf in sheep’s clothing” (Matt. 7:15-20)?

• What do you think Jesus means by “fruit”?

Jesus describes two other methods of determining true spirituality: 1) obedience to God’s will (v. 21) and 2) a personal relationship with Him (v.23).

• Why are demonstrations of spiritual power not necessarily a sign of genuine connection with God (Matt. 21-23)?

3. Build your life on the Word of God.
Read Matthew 7:24-27. Every believer should both listen to and apply the truth. It is the foundation of the Christian life.

• Upon what else do people build their lives?

• Why do you think Jesus compared these things to a home’s unsteady foundation?

• What are you tempted to make your foundation, other than Jesus Christ?

The apostle James compared Scripture to a mirror in which a person can see his or her faults (James 1:22-25).

• After doing this study, in what area of life do you see a need to apply the Word’s teaching? Explain.

Closing: Following God’s Word prepares us to spend eternity in His presence and also blesses us in the present. Allow Christ to reveal whatever adjustments in your life are necessary.
Prayer: Dear heavenly Father, thank You for Scripture, which so clearly tells us how to live. Help me put aside the world, my sin, and my selfishness to live in such a way that I will know Your fullest blessing now and throughout eternity. In Jesus’ name, amen.

I know I shouldn't have copied and pasted to share this, but I couldn't find on In Touch where Dr. Stanley went over this. This is as close as I could find and wanted to share.....

Editor's note: The following is an excerpt from Chapter 2 of Eric J. Bargerhuff's new book, The Most Misused Verses in the Bible: Surprising Ways God's Word is Misunderstood (Bethany House Publishers, 2012).
Chapter 2
Judging Others
“Do not judge, or you too will be judged.”
—Matthew 7:1 niv 1984
It is a phrase that has been used countlesss times during contentious conversations or in defensive moments when someone is confronted about their behavior: “Do not judge, or you too will be judged.” These famous words from Jesus are recited by many but profoundly misunderstood. One could easily argue that Matthew 7:1 is by far the most frequently misapplied verse in the entire Bible, used and abused by both Christians and non-Christians alike.
Those who mishandle this verse often use it as a “shield for sin,” a barrier to keep others at bay, allowing them to justify living as they please without any regard for moral boundaries or accountability. Their objections sound like this: “Aren’t we all sinners? What gives us the right to make moral judgments about someone else? Isn’t that God’s job?”
However, when we take a closer look at the context of Matthew 7 and the teachings of the rest of Scripture, it is clear that this verse cannot be used to substantiate unrestrained moral freedom, autonomy, and independence. This was not Jesus’ intent. He was not advocating a hands-off approach to moral accountability, refusing to allow anyone to make moral judgments in any sense.
Quite the opposite, Jesus was explicitly rebuking the hypocrisy of the Pharisees, who were quick to see the sins of others but were blind and unwilling to hold themselves accountable to the same standard they were imposing on everyone else. We’ll unpack this further in a moment.
But first, let’s zero in on Matthew 7:1. It is found in Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, the place in the Bible where Jesus teaches what it means to live faithfully as a committed follower of Christ, one who pursues holiness out of reverence for God. Jesus is proclaiming a high moral standard that is consistent with what it means to live as a citizen of the kingdom of God.
In other words, those who repent and place their faith and trust in Jesus alone for their salvation become “children of God,” are adopted into God’s family, and become members of the spiritual kingdom he has established on earth. Believers who live in this kingdom are called to live differently, and Jesus is explaining what that looks like in a very practical sense. His words are not hard to understand as he sets up a strong moral ethic that reflects what it means to love God with all your heart and your neighbor as yourself. It is here that Jesus addresses the issue of hypocrisy. For he says:
Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, “Let me take the speck out of your eye,” when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye. Matthew 7:1-5 niv 1984)
I can’t but wonder if Jesus was looking right at the Pharisees when he said this. Many times throughout the Gospels, Jesus rebukes the Pharisees for their blatant hypocrisy and impossible man-made standards. They were notorious for condemning the shortcomings of others when all the while they were the ones who stood condemned because they were doing the very same things.
How ridiculous. Jesus said that judgment always reciprocates. In other words, the measuring stick they used to measure the lives of others will be the same measuring stick held up against their lives by God himself. Consider this: It is one thing to be judged by your fellowman, but quite another to be judged by God himself. The hypocritical Pharisees were in danger of the latter.
Notice that Jesus says the hypocrite will be the one with the bigger problem. Why? Because their sin was not merely comparable to a speck of dust; it was more like a wooden plank (quite a difference). And they refused to take it out.
What this means is that the greater judgment is reserved for the one who has purposefully overlooked his own mammoth sin while pointing out the smaller sins of others. Jesus emphatically says this must change, so he gives two commands: Stop judging others in a hypocritical fashion, and get the sin out of your own life.
Yet let’s be clear. Jesus is not suggesting that we have no right to make moral judgments about human behavior, and he is certainly not suggesting we have no right to hold others accountable. He doesn’t condemn mutual accountability and moral responsibility and the need to address sin in the church—he addresses hypocrisy.
But it makes little sense to approach a Christian brother or sister about their specific sin (even if you should rightly do so) if you are committing the very same sin and are unwilling to address it or break free from it.
For example, you hear another believer cursing and in humility you gently and lovingly correct him in private, but not a moment later you get on the phone with a friend and share some juicy gossip about someone in church. Do you correct someone else’s tongue, but are not willing to correct and restrain your own?
Or imagine a father concerned about how his teenage daughter dresses when she goes to the mall (he wants her to have a sense of propriety, and he understands the struggle males can have in this area). Does he have the right to be concerned? Yes, of course. As a responsible father and mature adult, he has every right to draw up moral boundaries for his children that are in keeping with the principles of Scripture (in this case modesty).
Right after his daughter leaves for the mall, imagine this same father alone in the house. He immediately turns on his computer and begins surfing the Internet for pornography. One minute he is addressing his daughter’s need for appropriate modesty (and rightly so) and the next minute he is reveling in immodesty and sexual fantasy with his own eyes and heart. This, my friends, is hypocrisy, and Jesus condemns this sort of behavior. A father should not set up a standard for his daughter that he is unwilling to follow.
Unfortunately, much damage has been brought to the reputation of the church by Christians who say one thing and do another. This is not to say we can ever be perfect, but it is of utmost importance that we live lives of consistency and integrity in order to safeguard the name of Christ, whom we represent, as well as the reputation of his church.
The truth of the matter is we should all be grieved about sin in our lives. And when we see it, we should address it, confessing it and forsaking it out of reverence for God. It is only when we are consistently doing this ourselves that we are qualified and able to address the sins in the lives of our brothers and sisters in the church, which we must do as well.
The Bible makes it clear that it is our duty to spur one another on to live lives that please God. First, our lives should give evidence that we have truly repented of our sin and received Christ by faith. Then from time to time, as necessary, we are also called to mutually correct, rebuke, and encourage one another in love.
Again, no one will reach perfection in this life, but togetherwe are to wage war against and forsake the sin that results from living in our fallen flesh. We are to “take off the old life,” so to speak, and “put on the new,” growing in holiness out of reverence for God. But the reality is we can’t accomplish this without the help of the indwelling Holy Spirit and the mutual encouragement and accountability of our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. We can’t do this alone; we need each other!
This then, is why the apostles called us to help one another in our struggle with sin. For example, James says:
My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins. (James 5:19-20 niv 1984)
Paul said something similar in the book of Galatians:
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. Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:1-2 niv 1984)
Notice that both James and Paul assume two things. First, there will be times when fellow believers will wander off the straight and narrow path. Second, they assume that other Christians, out of love, will seek to come alongside that brother or sister in an effort to bring him or her back from the error of their ways and save them from the destructive power of sin (see Jesus’ method for doing this in Matthew Matthew 18:15-17).
Since we have been commissioned to proclaim a message of repentance and faith to those outside the church who need to hear the good news, certainly we need to proclaim the same message of repentance and faith to those inside the church.
Therefore, Jesus does not forbid all moral judgment or accountability. Rather, he forbids harsh, prideful, and hypocritical judgment that condemns others outright without first evaluating one’s own spiritual condition and commitment to forsake sin.
It is my contention that the popular misuse of “do not judge” reveals just how far the discipline of sound biblical study has slipped in recent years. More than that, it sheds light on the state of our culture, a culture that seeks to avoid accountability and responsibility for personal actions.
This current trend and mentality runs counter to the teachings of Scripture. For the collective teaching of the Bible insists that those who are created in the image of God are morally responsible to God and to one another. So to use “do not judge” as a means of dismissing oneself from moral responsibility would be to interpret it in a way that pits it against the rest of Scripture.
We should remember that2 Timothy 3:16-17 or inspired by the Holy Spirit, and as such it is without error and never contradicts itself (because God never contradicts himself). Therefore, it is always wise to interpret a given passage of Scripture by comparing it with the principles and teachings found elsewhere in Scripture. This provides a healthy check and balance and helps us avoid misinterpretations, logical inconsistencies, and inappropriate applications.
Eric J. Bargerhuff, Ph.D., author of The Most Misused Verses in the Bible, is a Bible scholar who has served in pastoral ministry in churches in Ohio, Illinois, and Florida. He received his doctorate in biblical and systematic theology from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. Eric and his family live in Palm Harbor, Fla.
Excerpted from:
The Most Misused Verses in the Bible by Eric Bargerhuff, PhD
Copyright © 2012; ISBN 9780764209369
Published by Bethany House Publishers
Used by permission. Unauthorized duplication prohibited.
Publication Date: June 18, 2012

Thank you for your lengthy input, and very well done! It is good to see that there is at least one other Christian on this site with a backbone and not afraid to stand up!

My anger isn't so much directed at anyone in the LGBT community, but towards Christians who do not stand up. These Christians fear man and his persecution and not God and his judgement. We are all sinners and fall short of the glory of God!

I took a stand where others would not! I dared to tread where others feared to!

Jesus died on the cross and shed his blood for you, and you Christians make a mockery of my criticism of homosexuality, resemble the Pharisees who crucified Jesus!

Matthew 24:9-10
Then they will deliver you to tribulation, and will kill you, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name. At that time many will fall away and will betray one another and hate one another.…

Matthew 10:22
You will be hated by everyone because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.


Proverbs 29:27
The righteous detest the dishonest; the wicked detest the upright.

John 15:16
If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.

John 16:2
They will put you out of the synagogue; in fact, the time is coming when anyone who kills you will think they are offering a service to God.

Grow a backbone and stop trying to please man!

*sigh*


I actually am very much for standing for the name of Jesus. I love Jesus, God, a lot and it always makes me angry when people disrespect Him.

So many times I've seen people saying the name of Jesus, as a swear word.

It hurts me because Jesus is my everything. I want to honour all the things of God deeply.


I am not sure about your post and the fracas that is happening because of a transgender person, but if you're passionate about serving God, then all things of His are holy.

However, we don't always have control over other people.

So we need to be gentle as doves, wise as serpents.

If something bothers you, then bringing up an issue in a manner of kindness and self control, speaks volumes more than angry ranting.

I can understand that the OP must be upset, I sympathize. But you'll have to relax.

You catch more flies with honey, than vinegar. More flies for Jesus?

I only read some of the other comments that people left and I was somewhat saddened by some.

To be honest, I think a lot of people misunderstood the original post and what was being said. I think it was a way (whether done properly or not, is not for me to say), to bring light to a huge problem that is going on in this country today. Too many churches/Christians are busy pleasing man rather than God. They allow homosexual pastors, women as pastors, same sex marriages, etc. God's word plainly states His views on these things. They are wrong and unacceptable. Does it mean we as Christians hate these people...no, certainly not.

This reminds me of something the pastor at the last church I belonged to said when he went to India on a missionary trip. He told them in India, there will come a day, when missionary's from other countries will be coming to the USA to minister to us. At the state this nation is in as well as the churches here, I believe that one day this will become truth.

I by no means am judging anyone or trying to make myself out to be better than others. I know my sin and my struggles and I am trying hard to work on having a closer walk with Christ. I was there once and have backslid, sadly from a lot of people and things in my life, where I tend to let people get to me and then I get frustrated and in short, I sin. My thoughts and attitudes are not where I once was nor where God would want me to be. But I am trying and it is a work in progress.

Other things I tried to share in other posts, God does want us to be accountable. Our responsibility as Christians is to speak up and to bring these sins to light and help others to understand it is wrong and lead them to Christ. At the same time we need to make sure our sin nature is in check and we are working on our own selves as well. Asking forgiveness and repentance and trust God to lead and guide us. If He brings something to our heart that He wants us to share or to speak up and say something, that is not judging. It is called accountability.

Because of us Christians who don't speak up or stand up for our rights, is the reason why our nation is in the state it is in at this time. We stand back and allow the government and the unbeliever to strip us of our Christian rights. Are we as Christians suppose to stand by and allow homosexual marriages within our churches, are we suppose to stand back and allow government and man to take innocent lives while still in the womb? What does God say about all of these things as well as many others???

By standing up and pointing out that something is wrong, doesn't mean any of us hate, that we are judging or being mean. We should actually each have an accountability partner to help keep us in check. I sadly don't have anyone in my life whom I can trust to put in this position, so I rely fully on the Holy Spirit only, to guide me and convict me when and if I am heading in the wrong direction and sinning where I may not be able to see it myself.

Threads like these are always ones to really get to know your fellow Christians. Thanks for sharing and opening up an interesting conversation.

God bless you all

If we are supposed always to be "doves" than explain why God had David stand up to Goliath? He did not kill Goliath with kindness! Oh, and lets not forget, who used Goliath's sword to "behead him"!

Let us also not forget that King David was commanded to fight (this means the use of violence) the enemies of God! Yep, God command him to do this!

Oh, and let us also not forget that the Israelites were also commanded by God to invade and occupy the land of Canaan!

What did Jesus do when Peter used his sword to cut off the ear of the servant of the High Priest?


He said no more of this, and healed the ear of the servant.

God told the Israelites to destroy the people living in Canaan. Now as Christians should we go and destroy other unbelievers? Should we also start a religious war like jihad?

My post was actually coming out to support standing for Jesus, but this thread is too poisonous. Have a good day.

I am out.


PS - if you have a problem with Scripture and what Jesus said, then you might have to take it up with God. I didn't write those

You call condemning ppl and mocking and name calling your brethren in Christ standing for Christ? If anything you are standing for your own disgust in ppls ways of handling the ways of sexual immorality.

If thats not the case then considering the anger and harsh and uncalled for words then i dont know who you are standing for but its not Christ.

The fact that this thread was even posted and people have an opinion, maybe we have a problem in each line of thinking we have? ...Even if we have the urge to conceal it by being outwardly 'not so politically correct' or even 'over nice. almost agreeing with the LGBT community?'

I think both are equally bad.
And yeah. I am definitely going to say that I agree that Christianity in the world has gone a little cowardly, maybe even a little sour... People aren't emptying themselves and dying to themselves daily to allow the Holy Ghost to fill them up and work it out in the world!

And I am not going to lie, it is OVERWHELMING at times because people, and organizations and systems put so much pressure on you to make you follow their 'formula', but you know what, we aren't even supposed to be like that! We do not belong to the world!

If people are repenting I think we have to be a little more understanding.
If people are unrepentant why beat a dead horse after you expose it?
Why let your pride and ego get in the way?

I'd say there is a little bit of fear that resides in man's heart.
But this is what the Lord says.....
Matthew 10:27-29----
What I tell you in the darkness, speak in the light; and what you hear whispered in your ear, proclaim upon the housetops. 28"Do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. 29"Are not two sparrows sold for a cent? And yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father.…

Yes it is unnatural to be fearless,
Pray for that trait you lack!

Accept that there is going to be loopholes in your thinking and allow your brothers and sisters help you fill in the gaps! But make sure they are your brother and sister and not an imposter.

[h=1]Matthew 22:36-40New International Version (NIV)[/h][SUP]36 [/SUP]“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”
[SUP]37 [/SUP]Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’[SUP][a][/SUP] [SUP]38 [/SUP]This is the first and greatest commandment. [SUP]39 [/SUP]And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’[SUP][b][/SUP] [SUP]40 [/SUP]All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

I like your way of thinking, BelieverInChrist. So far, its just you and I on this forum who are standing up. Well, on this subject anyway.

Your choice of words are true and honest. The world needs more Christians like you.

Could I have been more polite? Sure I could have, but would this debate have attracted more attention if I did so?

I just have become so frustrated with modern Churches and Christians because everyone is soooo worried about offending someone. Christians back in our grandparents day were more concerned with offending people! Actually, Christians back then stood up and made their voices heard. Something today that modern Christians know nothing about!

Jihad? I never said anything about Jihad!

Lets not forget that Jesus too got angry. If you remember, he turned over a table or two!

This is exactly what is wrong with Christians today. They don't stand up!