Fair enough. But the very reason this thread exists is because people can be too focused on bashing one section of people for what they do wrong without taking a good look and realising the judgemental attitude that comes with what they do. I'm judging right now by saying this, I know. But I'll take the heat for it when the time comes. I don't believe in taking one section, and one sin and focusing so much hatred and opposition towards it when there are a multitude of sins much worse in the consequences that they have. How about murder, rape, molestation, sexual infidelity, just to name a few. But as I say, I am also guilty of a multitude of wrongdoings and as such, I have no right to do anything other than love someone regardless. Which is why I oppose overkill.
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Despite the fact that God irrefutably condemns homosexuality in both the Old and the New Testaments, many Believers quote Matthew 7:1 in support of homosexuality and gay marriage. It states, “Judge not, that you be not judged.” These Believers interpret this verse to mean that they should not to judge anyone at all. This is also not so! Let’s examine this Scripture in context. In Matthew 7:1-6 Yeshua states, “Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you. And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove the speck from your eye’; and look, a plank is in your own eye? Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.” Notice that Yeshua’s statement, “First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye…,” actually encourages Believers to judge, albeit under the condition that we remove the plank from their own eye first!
Sadly, many Believers cite one Scripture, interpret it out of context and then establish an entire doctrine based on it as these Believers do with Matthew 7:1. However, Isaiah 28:10 states, “For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept, Line upon line, line upon line, Here a little, there a little.” In other words, we must interpret the statement, “Judge not, that you be not judged…,” in the light of every Scripture in the Bible that deals with the topic of judging. To this end, let’s also consider another one of Yeshua’s statements on the topic of judging found in John 7:24, which states, “Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment.” This Scripture is ignored by most Believers because it doesn’t fit in with their preconceived ideas regarding judging! This begs the question, though, “What is righteous judgment?” The answer is found in Psalm 119:172 which states, “My tongue shall speak of Your word, For all Your commandments are righteousness.” Thus, the Scriptures prove that Believers are commanded to judge, but according to God’s commandments!
The Scriptures also tell us that Moses was a righteous judge over Israel and that he appointed other Godly men as judges to assist him (Ex. 18:13-27). In like manner, the United States has its own judicial system with a multitude of judges and it is hypocritical that these Believers allow themselves to serve on juries and seek justice through the courts!
These misguided Believers also argue that everyone sins in support of gay marriage! The truth is that here is a huge difference between Believers who sin and subsequently repent of their sins and homosexuals who practice sin without repenting in willful disobedience against God! With regard to those who repent of their sins (Matt. 3:8), 1 John 1:9 states, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” With regard to those who refuse to repent of their sins, Matthew 7:21-23 states, “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’” Notice that these sinners “practice” lawlessness!
The Apostle James states, “Brethren, if anyone among you wanders from the truth, and someone turns him back, 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” (James 5:19-20).
1 Corinthians 6:9-10 states, “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.”
If we truly love homosexuals, how can we sit idly by and do nothing as they forsake their salvation! We must share the message of repentance with them!
Galatians 6:7 states, "Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap." Hebrews 10:26 states, "For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins..."
Another argument is, God loves everyone, including homosexuals! This is true, but that doesn't change the fact that we must repent of our sins before we accept Yeshua as our Savior! Remember, God loved the people of Sodom and Gomorrah, but He destroyed them anyway!
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Sadly, many Believers cite one Scripture, interpret it out of context and then establish an entire doctrine based on it as these Believers do with Matthew 7:1. However, Isaiah 28:10 states, “For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept, Line upon line, line upon line, Here a little, there a little.” In other words, we must interpret the statement, “Judge not, that you be not judged…,” in the light of every Scripture in the Bible that deals with the topic of judging. To this end, let’s also consider another one of Yeshua’s statements on the topic of judging found in John 7:24, which states, “Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment.” This Scripture is ignored by most Believers because it doesn’t fit in with their preconceived ideas regarding judging! This begs the question, though, “What is righteous judgment?” The answer is found in Psalm 119:172 which states, “My tongue shall speak of Your word, For all Your commandments are righteousness.” Thus, the Scriptures prove that Believers are commanded to judge, but according to God’s commandments!
The Scriptures also tell us that Moses was a righteous judge over Israel and that he appointed other Godly men as judges to assist him (Ex. 18:13-27). In like manner, the United States has its own judicial system with a multitude of judges and it is hypocritical that these Believers allow themselves to serve on juries and seek justice through the courts!
These misguided Believers also argue that everyone sins in support of gay marriage! The truth is that here is a huge difference between Believers who sin and subsequently repent of their sins and homosexuals who practice sin without repenting in willful disobedience against God! With regard to those who repent of their sins (Matt. 3:8), 1 John 1:9 states, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” With regard to those who refuse to repent of their sins, Matthew 7:21-23 states, “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’” Notice that these sinners “practice” lawlessness!
The Apostle James states, “Brethren, if anyone among you wanders from the truth, and someone turns him back, 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” (James 5:19-20).
1 Corinthians 6:9-10 states, “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.”
If we truly love homosexuals, how can we sit idly by and do nothing as they forsake their salvation! We must share the message of repentance with them!
Galatians 6:7 states, "Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap." Hebrews 10:26 states, "For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins..."
Another argument is, God loves everyone, including homosexuals! This is true, but that doesn't change the fact that we must repent of our sins before we accept Yeshua as our Savior! Remember, God loved the people of Sodom and Gomorrah, but He destroyed them anyway!
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You make some really interesting points, and to an extent you are correct. Yet what I am saying is, I have sinned willfully before. I have also done things knowing they are wrong. I would not appreciate someone battering on and on at me about it, simply because it is not a loving thing to do. it doesn't help.
If I know it's wrong, then I will try to change it.
Patience is a wondrous thing though. There is no need for the constant barrage of anti-homosexuality directed to them as if it will change their minds.
A soft spoken word can break a bone.
Let it settle. Show them love. Let it manifest itself in them as truth, wrapped up in the love that the 'preacher' gives them. Because if it is not done in love, then it's done in malice. 'For whosoever is not for me, is against me'.
God is love.
If I know it's wrong, then I will try to change it.
Patience is a wondrous thing though. There is no need for the constant barrage of anti-homosexuality directed to them as if it will change their minds.
A soft spoken word can break a bone.
Let it settle. Show them love. Let it manifest itself in them as truth, wrapped up in the love that the 'preacher' gives them. Because if it is not done in love, then it's done in malice. 'For whosoever is not for me, is against me'.
God is love.
God's love is perfect, and should not be equated with the love we know in the world.
And I agree, one should not attack, but we are called to speak to God's truth and a rightous judgement.
But if one dissagrees about any act that God says is an abomination, thier argument is not with the witness, but with God.
Because of His love, He has given these commandments and laws to us and for us, given out of His understanding,compassion, wisdom and perfect love.
For in Jesus, we are called by faith to live that which is spiritual, not flesh.
One simply needs to look to Jesus to see that it is not about what one gives up, or loses, but to set their eyes on the goal, to the gain.
Eternal life in the love of God!
God bless
pickles
And I agree, one should not attack, but we are called to speak to God's truth and a rightous judgement.
But if one dissagrees about any act that God says is an abomination, thier argument is not with the witness, but with God.
Because of His love, He has given these commandments and laws to us and for us, given out of His understanding,compassion, wisdom and perfect love.
For in Jesus, we are called by faith to live that which is spiritual, not flesh.
One simply needs to look to Jesus to see that it is not about what one gives up, or loses, but to set their eyes on the goal, to the gain.
Eternal life in the love of God!
God bless
pickles
It is exactly about what one loses. Self sacrifice, at my own expense, for the benefit of others is exactly what God commands for us. Sacrifice for gain is little but striving for success.
Would you go up to a random group of gay people and say 'Jesus thinks what you do is wrong', then expect them to be willing to listen?
Or rather would you put the preaching to the sidelines for a bit, give up some of your own time, befriend these people for who they are (regardless of their sins), and acknowledge that they too, are people worthy of respect and patience?
Jesus befriended prostitues and tax collectors because it is the sinners who need saved. He did not go to them and say 'You are going to burn. You are wrong. I judge you. You are a prostitute. You are living in sin'. He brought them into his company and ate meals, drank and laughed with them, all the while talking GENERALLY about the sins of mankind. Not attacking people, ever. Always showing compassion, patience and understanding of those around Him.
He never singled out one group (except for the Pharisees, the harsh judgers, those who attacked others for their sins when they themselves lived in it).
Would you go up to a random group of gay people and say 'Jesus thinks what you do is wrong', then expect them to be willing to listen?
Or rather would you put the preaching to the sidelines for a bit, give up some of your own time, befriend these people for who they are (regardless of their sins), and acknowledge that they too, are people worthy of respect and patience?
Jesus befriended prostitues and tax collectors because it is the sinners who need saved. He did not go to them and say 'You are going to burn. You are wrong. I judge you. You are a prostitute. You are living in sin'. He brought them into his company and ate meals, drank and laughed with them, all the while talking GENERALLY about the sins of mankind. Not attacking people, ever. Always showing compassion, patience and understanding of those around Him.
He never singled out one group (except for the Pharisees, the harsh judgers, those who attacked others for their sins when they themselves lived in it).
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ROM. 1:26-28 FOR THIS CAUSE God gave them up unto vile affections; for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their LUST one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet. And even as they did not like to retain GOD in their knowledge, GOD gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient.
I have recently been approached by a member of CC who confessed to me that he is having problems with homosexual behavior. It took alot for him to even admit that to me. A total stranger. One reason why he did was because I was kind, loving and open minded enough to talk to him civilly about what the bible says. He even admittted his desires were a sin, and asked for help. I gave him the best advice I could, and I did it in a LOVING way. He also thanked me for being nonjudgmental and kind enough to put aside my own views and strictly talk about what the bible says about homosexuality.
So, next time you want condemn those who fall short, and sin you might want to take a step back and look in the mirror. We are not to embrace a sinful lifestyle but we are to love everyone. All sin is disgusting. Not just homosexuality. So, next time you want to judge those consider the fact that maybe, just maybe SOME people are struggling and need help, and your cruel and harsh nonloving words are likely to drive people away from God.
So, next time you want condemn those who fall short, and sin you might want to take a step back and look in the mirror. We are not to embrace a sinful lifestyle but we are to love everyone. All sin is disgusting. Not just homosexuality. So, next time you want to judge those consider the fact that maybe, just maybe SOME people are struggling and need help, and your cruel and harsh nonloving words are likely to drive people away from God.
S
Lol, not the same, but I actually had to come out of the closet and tell my family that I was straight 
My family swore up and down that I was a lesbian because,get this- I played softball. I didn't have a boyfriend until my senior year of high school bc I had trust issues with guys (still do). I had to sit my family down,all of them in a circle and no joke- had to break it to them that I was a girl who liked boys. I was straight and they were shocked.
My family swore up and down that I was a lesbian because,get this- I played softball. I didn't have a boyfriend until my senior year of high school bc I had trust issues with guys (still do). I had to sit my family down,all of them in a circle and no joke- had to break it to them that I was a girl who liked boys. I was straight and they were shocked.
Lol, not the same, but I actually had to come out of the closet and tell my family that I was straight My family swore up and down that I was a lesbian because,get this- I played softball. I didn't have a boyfriend until my senior year of high school bc I had trust issues with guys (still do). I had to sit my family down,all of them in a circle and no joke- had to break it to them that I was a girl who liked boys. I was straight and they were shocked.
My family swore up and down that I was a lesbian because,get this- I played softball. I didn't have a boyfriend until my senior year of high school bc I had trust issues with guys (still do). I had to sit my family down,all of them in a circle and no joke- had to break it to them that I was a girl who liked boys. I was straight and they were shocked.
Lol I couldn't believe the first time my mom asked me. Honestly- what do you say when you're like...12 and your mom comes up to you and says "Anytime you're ready to come out of the closet, we're here to support you."
D
Lol, not the same, but I actually had to come out of the closet and tell my family that I was straight My family swore up and down that I was a lesbian because,get this- I played softball. I didn't have a boyfriend until my senior year of high school bc I had trust issues with guys (still do). I had to sit my family down,all of them in a circle and no joke- had to break it to them that I was a girl who liked boys. I was straight and they were shocked.
My family swore up and down that I was a lesbian because,get this- I played softball. I didn't have a boyfriend until my senior year of high school bc I had trust issues with guys (still do). I had to sit my family down,all of them in a circle and no joke- had to break it to them that I was a girl who liked boys. I was straight and they were shocked.
I was just wondering cause in my opinion it just seems like a bunch of straight people talking about how to solve the gay "problem." Granite not everyone is like that, but it seems to me that is what the majority is. They honestly can not even understand what a gay person goes through. Sure some of them embrace it and have no problem or struggle. I can say from experience that most of us have so many things that affect our daily lives. I say us in the sense I am gay, but I do not, have not, and probably will not ever act on any of my feelings. I am a gay Christian and I will throw the ol' saying out there "I was born this way." At the end of the day though I really don't care what people on here think. I just get really annoyed with how people talk about this topic and the fact that is all we seem to focus on. As much as people talk about gay people it wouldn't surprise me if half of them were gay lol
I know all sins are judged equally, but it is extremely difficult having something feel right, but wrong at the same time. It isn't like lying where you automatically know that you shouldn't lie. In my opinion it is different from the other sexual sins too. Everyone knows you shouldn't cheat on your spouse and I think most might say pornography is bad for the simple fact you can get addicted to something like that. Also how many people do you see out there for "porn rights?" People fight everyday for "gay rights." Then you also have to take into consideration that there are Christians who accept gay behavior and then there are those that don't accept it. It is extremely confusing and honestly all I know to believe anymore is God and the fact that Jesus died for me.
D
Honestly I can say that I am not strong or courageous. If anything it is more fear than strength and courage. If I were truly strong and courageous I would tell my family, but I have a fear of disappointing God and my family. No one in world knows except God, me and all the people on here that have read almost anything I have posted. There is no way I would ever tell my parents. I don't think they would disown me or anything like that, but rather...in all honesty I have no idea what they would do or say and that absolutely scares me to death.
Exactly, Jesus showed His love, and in this the heart was won and willing.
If we focas on the sin, then who will listen?
But, if we witness to His great love, and that the heart will desire His rightousness, then mountains can be moved.
Saddly some refuse though, useing the worlds love to defend thier choices.
I have a nephew who is gay, as a child he accpted Jesus into his heart.
But then through terrible circomstances, embraced homosexuality.
I love him and speak to him when ever I can, not always about being gay.
But try to show him the love that is perfect in Jesus.
He has almost died several times, been broken an beaten, abused and demoralised.
Yet the hold on him is great.
The lifestyle is trully destructive.
All we can do is love him, pray for him, and pray that the help, knoladge and wisdom is with us or who ever will witness and reach his heart.
But I know aproval cannot be given, for even the slightest given, he uses and runs with.
God bless
pickles
If we focas on the sin, then who will listen?
But, if we witness to His great love, and that the heart will desire His rightousness, then mountains can be moved.
Saddly some refuse though, useing the worlds love to defend thier choices.
I have a nephew who is gay, as a child he accpted Jesus into his heart.
But then through terrible circomstances, embraced homosexuality.
I love him and speak to him when ever I can, not always about being gay.
But try to show him the love that is perfect in Jesus.
He has almost died several times, been broken an beaten, abused and demoralised.
Yet the hold on him is great.
The lifestyle is trully destructive.
All we can do is love him, pray for him, and pray that the help, knoladge and wisdom is with us or who ever will witness and reach his heart.
But I know aproval cannot be given, for even the slightest given, he uses and runs with.
God bless
pickles