Does God forgive anything--ex: homosexuals?

[Lanolin]

Not telling a child fire will hurt them is not love... Why are we Christians afraid to speak Gods Word. Not saying be mean i too have homosexual friends . We also accept Joe and Sally having sex with out marriage that is sin. Joe and Joe having sex is sin. To even suggests God loves them Joe and Sally or Joe and Joe just as they are is not loving it is being ashamed of the gospel. Would we say something like "it is ok for you to rob the old lady God loves you just as your are? "

Although in the Bible it DOES say God loved us when we were yet sinners.

The difference is the way you word it. John 3:16 God so loved the world that he sent his only begotten son so that whosever believes in Him we will not perish but have eternal life.

Many people do not believe and will perish IN THEIR SINS.

I dont know where this 'just as I am' stuff came from. EVERYONE was once a sinner. The key thing is Jesus will save us from our sin. So we can repent and stop our sin, whatever it may be...

the thief died on the cross yet Jesus saved him and said he could go to paradise (he wasnt stealing anymore was he, and he paid the price for his sin by being on the cross)
the greedy tax collector got saved and he gave back all his money he stole
the adulteress was forgiven and she stopped her adultery even though many men still saw her as a sinner, Jesus accepted her and gave her a way out of her sin

with homosexuality, God was going to pour fire and brimstone on the entire town but there were no righteous men not even ten of them but he sent Lot and angel to tell him to flee. Lot DID get out, but he also dragged his feet, and his own wife looked back. He ended up getting drugged by his daughters and comitting incest (with both of them it seemed) . Not sure if this is the happy ending you are looking for, but at least Lot did get out of Sodom and Gomorrah....the horrible thing he did though was he initially offered his own daughters to be raped by the Sodomites, to save his own skin....

 

[Beckie]

Although in the Bible it DOES say God loved us when we were yet sinners.

The difference is the way you word it. John 3:16 God so loved the world that he sent his only begotten son so that whosever believes in Him we will not perish but have eternal life.

Many people do not believe and will perish IN THEIR SINS.

I dont know where this 'just as I am' stuff came from. EVERYONE was once a sinner. The key thing is Jesus will save us from our sin. So we can repent and stop our sin, whatever it may be...

the thief died on the cross yet Jesus saved him and said he could go to paradise (he wasnt stealing anymore was he, and he paid the price for his sin by being on the cross)
the greedy tax collector got saved and he gave back all his money he stole
the adulteress was forgiven and she stopped her adultery even though many men still saw her as a sinner, Jesus accepted her and gave her a way out of her sin

with homosexuality, God was going to pour fire and brimstone on the entire town but there were no righteous men not even ten of them but he sent Lot and angel to tell him to flee. Lot DID get out, but he also dragged his feet, and his own wife looked back. He ended up getting drugged by his daughters and comitting incest (with both of them it seemed) . Not sure if this is the happy ending you are looking for, but at least Lot did get out of Sodom and Gomorrah....the horrible thing he did though was he initially offered his own daughters to be raped by the Sodomites, to save his own skin....

I do not understand why you have posted this to me?

 

[Lanolin]

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood but against principalities, against the powers, against spiritual wickedness in high places

People dont seem to know what they are dealing with here. Our weapons of warfare are not carnal, so having a gun or knife or even knowing martial arts aint going to protect us. A high heel shoe and makeup armour for a woman isnt going to stop a man from raping us if he really wanted to do it. But if we actually flee fornication as advised, its less likely that we'll get caught and trapped into sinning.

I have a new job at a school and went to an induction and the principal said all the school rooms had windows on them and we were never to put ourselves in a situation of being alone with a child in an enclosed space. To safeguard us as well as children.

from what I know about homosexuality, it tends to happen in mens toilets as known places of abuse. some public toilets in the parks had to be completely taken away because of this.

 

[Lanolin]

I do not understand why you have posted this to me?

why not, its plain...

dont know where this 'just as I am' thing came from...but God actually does love sinners. He wants to save them from their sins. When Adam and Eve sinned, yes God kicked them out of the garden but He also was merciful and gave them coats to wear so they could stop being naked.

 

[Beckie]

why not, its plain...

dont know where this 'just as I am' thing came from...but God actually does love sinners. He wants to save them from their sins. When Adam and Eve sinned, yes God kicked them out of the garden but He also was merciful and gave them coats to wear so they could stop being naked.

Seems you are thinking i dont believe God forgives, should that be the case i know God forgives sinners He has forgiven me time and time again.

 

[Beckie]

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood but against principalities, against the powers, against spiritual wickedness in high places

People dont seem to know what they are dealing with here. Our weapons of warfare are not carnal, so having a gun or knife or even knowing martial arts aint going to protect us. A high heel shoe and makeup armour for a woman isnt going to stop a man from raping us if he really wanted to do it. But if we actually flee fornication as advised, its less likely that we'll get caught and trapped into sinning.

I have a new job at a school and went to an induction and the principal said all the school rooms had windows on them and we were never to put ourselves in a situation of being alone with a child in an enclosed space. To safeguard us as well as children.

from what I know about homosexuality, it tends to happen in mens toilets as known places of abuse. some public toilets in the parks had to be completely taken away because of this.

Homosexuality in not confined to the men's room it is praised in the media, in Hollywood, in the laws of the USA .. Are we talking around each other ?

 

[oldman]

I hope they hear the gospel and decide to trust Jesus to be saved. I looked for the gospel or statement of faith on their site and couldn't find one. I Might have missed it. Do you know if they have one?

I am sorry but I totally missed your reply being a question.

This movement seems to be somewhat of an outreach ministry that is part of Bethel Baptist in Reeding California. Here's a link to their statement of faith.
https://www.bethel.com/beliefs#statement-of-faith

Here is a link to their statement of belief concerning sexuality.
https://changedmovement.com/statement-of-belief

A link to the churches home page.
https://www.bethel.tv/home

IMHO the posted testimonies are powerful and well worth reading

 

[oldman]

I believe that Romans 1 tells us that homosexual sin is the example used to describe the ultimate rebellion men and women are capable of when they reject the revelation of God.

That means to me that it is a worse sin than others.

I believe that Sodom and Gomorrah is an example that this kind of sin will receive judgment even in this life.

I believe it disrespectful to God to soften our disgust toward this heinous sin. We must not compromise with this evil generation that wants to normalize it. IT IS NOT NORMAL OR OK.

I believe that Christians should preach the Gospel the same way no matter who they are talking to. All sins must be repented of and we don't focus on individual sins when we preach the Gospel. The people ready to repent already know what the Holy Spirit is convicting them of.

Homosexuals can be forgiven if they repent and believe on Jesus, but not if they don't. Don't entertain an argument with anyone who claims to believe in Jesus and claims to be a homosexual at the same time. Just keep preaching repentance as you would to any other sinner who claimed to believe in Jesus while being a drunk at the same time, or any other obvious sin.

We don't need a different message for every person who claims to have a relationship with God when they really don't. We preach the Gospel of repentance and shake the dust off and move on when they reject and resist it.

My spirit is greatly grieved by the trend among some Christians to appeal to the popular crowds and pretend like homosexual sin is no worse than any other sin. I think fire balls from heaven are coming because of that sin and history should be a warning to people that such a judgment is at the doors. I want to be one of those who was warning people about it before it happens instead of one of those who has to repent that they did not handle it with the seriousness that the scriptures give it.

Seriously people, some sins are worse than others. We should not be afraid to agree with the bible about that.

.............................................
"I believe that Sodom and Gomorrah is an example that this kind of sin will receive judgment even in this life."
............................................
The reasons for the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah is listed in Ezekiel 16-49. I believe they are listed in order of severity
1. Pride
2. Fullness of bread (gluttony)
3. Abundance of idleness (sloth)
4. neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy (selfishness)
5. haughty (arrogant)
6. committed abomination before me

The word homosexual(ity) is not used, rather 'they committed abomination"

...........
You are correct that there is a penalty in this life for homosexual sin.
Romans 1:27
Likewise also the [j]men, leaving the natural use of the [k]woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due.

"in themselves = in their personality

.........
my question to you is how would you witness to someone struggling with same sex desires?
BTW We agree that homosexuality is sin

 

[HealthAndHappiness]

I am sorry but I totally missed your reply being a question.

This movement seems to be somewhat of an outreach ministry that is part of Bethel Baptist in Reeding California. Here's a link to their statement of faith.
https://www.bethel.com/beliefs#statement-of-faith

Here is a link to their statement of belief concerning sexuality.
https://changedmovement.com/statement-of-belief

A link to the churches home page.
https://www.bethel.tv/home

IMHO the posted testimonies are powerful and well worth reading

Thank you very much!

 

[BigRIJoe]

Although in the Bible it DOES say God loved us when we were yet sinners.

The difference is the way you word it. John 3:16 God so loved the world that he sent his only begotten son so that whosever believes in Him we will not perish but have eternal life.

Many people do not believe and will perish IN THEIR SINS.


the adulteress was forgiven and she stopped her adultery even though many men still saw her as a sinner, Jesus accepted her and gave her a way out of her sin


PLease quote chapter and verse that said the adulteress stopped her adultery
w

 

[SilverFox7]

What a great article!
I agree, I use mine as a lifetime fitness program. It's good to know that you can improve with time and refine those skill sets.

BTW, My next car will probably be a Toyota too.

Thank you! I've been training in this style for 10 years now, and at 57, I'm still able to train effectively. I can't do what I did when I was younger (e.g. jumps and rolls), but I just adapt to what my body allows me to do now.

My sensei trained into his eighties, so I plan to stick with it as long as I am able as well.

I worked with white belts today on kihon kata, and then we spent some time with the heavy and speed bags. They loved it, and so did I! Nothing better than passing on our tradition whether it's Shorinryu karate or Christianity!

 

[HealthAndHappiness]

Thank you! I've been training in this style for 10 years now, and at 57, I'm still able to train effectively. I can't do what I did when I was younger (e.g. jumps and rolls), but I just adapt to what my body allows me to do now.

My sensei trained into his eighties, so I plan to stick with it as long as I am able as well.

I worked with white belts today on kihon kata, and then we spent some time with the heavy and speed bags. They loved it, and so did I! Nothing better than passing on our tradition whether it's Shorinryu karate or Christianity!

That's a beautiful dojo. A lot of time , work and money went into that.
I hope that it gets plenty of use for the next 40 years or whenever the Lord returns for us.

 

[SilverFox7]

my question to you is how would you witness to someone struggling with same sex desires?
BTW We agree that homosexuality is sin

For the sins I struggled with as a new Christian in my early twenties, I had to turn those over to God. There was no way I could overcome those by my own strength. It wasn't like they vanished right away (and they still rear their ugly heads today--30 plus years later!), and I had to wrestle with them with God as my partner to purge them out of my life (a lot of Bible Study, prayer, fasting, fellowship, and in-depth counseling with my pastor).

The first thing I had to do, though, is face my sins head on and repent. I had to admit they were wrong and go to God on my knees to help me overcome them.

 

[SilverFox7]

That's a beautiful dojo. A lot of time , work and money went into that.
I hope that it gets plenty of use for the next 40 years or whenever the Lord returns for us.

We are so blessed. It was a former dance studio, and we have plenty of room. The hard wood flooring is perfect for our training.

Sean and Rhonda put a lot of work into remodeling the dojo and bringing more of the Okinawan spirit to the facility. Sean is a passionate student of the history, language, and culture of Okinawan karate as well, so it's like being in a graduate class with him.

Glad you enjoy the training in your tradition, too!

 

[HealthAndHappiness]

We are so blessed. It was a former dance studio, and we have plenty of room. The hard wood flooring is perfect for our training.

Sean and Rhonda put a lot of work into remodeling the dojo and bringing more of the Okinawan spirit to the facility. Sean is a passionate student of the history, language, and culture of Okinawan karate as well, so it's like being in a graduate class with him.

Glad you enjoy the training in your tradition, too!

Often our Father gives us far better than we even hope and ask for.

 

[SilverFox7]

Often our Father gives us far better than we even hope and ask for.

I did a quick review of your Shotokan branch, and it looks like we are both tied back to Okinawan roots.

It seems Shotokan evolved into a Japanese style where strict structure and processes are emphasized to build power and strength.

We certainly integrate a Japanese perspective into our doju with a hint of kung-fu from China as well.

Karate is the most in-depth and fascinating athletic training I have experienced in my career!

I highly recommend it for all ages, and I am so thankful I can still train in my fifties. The self-defense aspect is important, but it has helped me in so many areas of my life, especially being able to continue doing the physical work associated with my career that I love!

 

[HealthAndHappiness]

I did a quick review of your Shotokan branch, and it looks like we are both tied back to Okinawan roots.

It seems Shotokan evolved into a Japanese style where strict structure and processes are emphasized to build power and strength.

We certainly integrate a Japanese perspective into our doju with a hint of kung-fu from China as well.

Karate is the most in-depth and fascinating athletic training I have experienced in my career!

I highly recommend it for all ages, and I am so thankful I can still train in my fifties. The self-defense aspect is important, but it has helped me in so many areas of my life, especially being able to continue doing the physical work associated with my career that I love!

Health experts are saying that this latest generation will be cared for by the older and the elder will outlive the younger. I believe that on average this will be true, especially for those people who make an effort to live clean lives and consume good food with supplements. Combine that with the proper fitness program they enjoy and history shows this to be true. For instance, primitive cultures of zones with even harsh environments have hearty seniors who are fitter and longer lived than those children who move to western societies.

There were children I taught that were autistic and developmentally challenged physically who thrived when they became serious about my program. The parents had some of them drugged out on prescription meds so that they'd come in literally drunk. These are the fault of parents, not the ADHD (etc) children.

The common Adult Asperger's S. did well when applying themselves. Stunted growth and conditions of nutritional deficiencies were common throughout history when rulers controlled the food sources. The difference between then and now is that rulers would keep peasants borderline starvation mode and deny them the caloric/ nutritional ability to resist. Martial arts were forbidden. Even china forbade Kung Fu until recently. Today, the vast majority of Americans do not value fitness in adequate numbers, nor do they value nutrition.

Let us encourage ourselves in the Lord to improve by His grace . He offers special privileges to His close friends. That is my greatest goal in life, to love the Father as much as possible and to be Jesus' best friend.

He gave Moses the strength at 80 that he had in his prime.
We remember that Moses had the strength to kill an armed Egyptian soldier with his bare hands. David trained men with plenty of problems. They became mighty men of valor.

Exodus 33:11
"And the LORD spake unto Moses face to face as a man speaketh unto his friend."

That's my goal.

 

[SilverFox7]

Let us encourage ourselves in the Lord to improve by His grace . He offers special privileges to His close friends. That is my greatest goal in life, to love the Father as much as possible and to be Jesus' best friend.

He gave Moses the strength at 80 that he had in his prime.
We remember that Moses had the strength to kill an armed Egyptian soldier with his bare hands. David trained men with plenty of problems. They became mighty men of valor.

I love your goal. God is our loving Father, and Jesus is our best friend!

I'm happy to serve Him here on earth for as long as possible, and I hope to continue facilitating Christian values into every area that I have influence on others. Karate has become one of those important areas for me where I can live and share that tradition while integrating the gospel into the relationships I have with my sensei's and fellow students.

 

[Lanolin]

Jesus said 'go and sin no more'

then a couple of chapters later shes wiping Jesus feet with her hair and being forgiven.

Read your Bible its all there John chapter 8 and 12
Luke chapter 7

You can read it yourself if you have eyes and come to your own conclusion. Jesus did not say 'go and keep on sinning'

 

[Lanolin]

Parents are often most to blame for their childrens shortcomings...so many parents conceive in a drug/alcohol filled haze and then wonder why they 'accidentally' fall pregnant and then have so much difficulty raising a child. Hospitals pump mothers full of drugs and then give drugs to babies to keep them quiet. So no surprise there. 'baby food' 'junk food' in tiny packages and 'child friendly' food is often just full of sugar and e-numbers. I have no idea why artificial flavour and colouring and lollies are regualrly fed to children whos brains are growing and why any child needs so much sugar every day. Maybe its to disguise the awful drugs taste and chemicals in the food?