God’s Word for the LGBTQI+ Community
12/15/2017
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I know there are many LGBTQI+
individuals who have been hurt by friends, family and even “Church” that dread
the Holiday Season. The stress from knowing there isn’t a “Welcoming” home to
go home to anymore because of familial rejection of the person God created you
to be can weigh heavy on a person this time of year. Reflecting on the years
spent in “Church” choir rehearsals for the “Christmas” production, the friends
lost from rejecting you when you came out to them and even thoughts of the Man
or Woman of God who betrayed you when you went to them with a heavy heart all seem
to weigh a bit heavier on a person this time of year.
Just for a moment or so I want to take
you through a Book full of Good News about how much God loves you and even knew
you before you were born. Come with my now on this journey through time and
space as we explore the world of TRUTH from the very One who made us in His
image {Genesis1:27}.
Let us now rejoice with the Psalmist giving God praise for the marvelously
person He created when He created you in your mother’s womb.
Psalm139:13-16 {MSG}
Oh yes, you shaped me first inside, and then out; you formed me in my mother’s womb. I thank you, High God—you’re breathtaking! Body and soul, I am marvelously made! I worship in adoration—what a creation! You know me inside and out, you know every bone in my body; You know exactly how I was made, bit by bit, how I was sculpted from nothing into something. Like an open book, you watched me grow from conception to birth; all the stages of my life were spread out before you, the days of my life all prepared before I’d even lived one day.
Truly you must feel more alive now that
you know God created and formed you in your mother’s womb, even knowing exactly
who you would be when you were grown. If you grew up in any type of “Church” environment
I am certain you were told or heard it preached from the pulpit that “Homosexuality”
is one of the worst sins ever. I find it rather humorous myself when I hear
those words even on social media today. Then it saddens my heart knowing that
God actually created me just as I am confirming it through a prophet in the
church and years latter through a wonderful older lady who spoke with me at a
food bank one year. You are invited to read all about my experience with God
from my blog post entitled - Be the YOU, God created you too be…
Knowing who you are through Christ Jesus
is the first step in the healing process from all the HURT and HATE that has
been tossed your by family, friends and even church. Loving and serving God
will help you grow in strength and courage helping you to become the person God
created you to be.
Study now from the Old through to the New
Testament of God and learn what we must do in order to be pleasing to God – NOT
MANKIND.
In Deuteronomy 6:1-2, 4-9 instructs us to keep the commandments of God living in
awe-filled reverence and profound respect so we can have a long life. We learn
that we must LOVE God with everything we have in us to do so that others may
see and know God through us.
In Deuteronomy 13 we are instructed to not follow after false gods,
worship idols or dabble in witchcraft and sorcery. Here again if we Love the
Lord our God with every fiber of our being we will not want to do anything that
displeases God.
Deuteronomy 10:12-19 admonishes us again to Love
God with everything we have, to serve Him only, to keep His commandments and to
love strangers by giving them food and clothing and shelter.
Now in 1 Samuel 7:2-3, Samuel told the house of Israel
the only way they could return to God again was if they gave up worshiping
foreign gods and the pagan goddesses {Ashtaroth}. Then they must direct their
hearts back to God and serve Him only.
Moving on to some of the laws of Lord during the time before Christ Jesus we find these - ‘Now when you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not reap to the very corners of your field, nor shall you gather the gleanings (grain left after reaping) of your harvest. And you shall not glean your vineyard, nor shall you gather its fallen grapes; you shall leave them for the poor and for the stranger. I am the Lord your God.‘You shall not steal, nor deal deceptively, nor lie to one another. You shall not swear [an oath] falsely by My name, so as to profane the name of your God; I am the Lord. ‘You shall not oppress or exploit your neighbor, nor rob him. You shall not withhold the wages of a hired man overnight until morning. You shall not curse a deaf man nor put a stumbling block before the blind, but you shall fear your God [with profound reverence]; I am the Lord. ‘You shall not do injustice in judgment; you shall not be partial to the poor nor show a preference for the great, but judge your neighbor fairly. You shall not go around as a gossip among your people, and you are not to act against the life of your neighbor [with slander or false testimony]; I am the Lord. ‘You shall not hate your brother in your heart; you may most certainly rebuke your neighbor, but shall not incur sin because of him. You shall not take revenge nor bear any grudge against the sons of your people, but you shall love your neighbor (acquaintance, associate, and companion) as yourself; I am the Lord. Leviticus 19:9-18
As we journey through the Old Testament we find that the “Religious” Leaders put many restrictions and judgments on the people that burden then down so much that they would easily be tempted to turn from God to worship false gods and idols. Even today we have “Religious Leaders” who want to strap the Children of God back to those laws that where bondage not FREEDOM. Thankfully Jesus came into the world to FREE us from the BONDAGE of the Old Laws. Jesus became the fulfillment of the law and gave us instruction so we could follow Him and tell others about His Great Love for ALL people.
Now when the Pharisees heard that He had silenced (muzzled) the Sadducee's, they gathered together. One of them, a lawyer [an expert in Mosaic Law], asked Jesus a question, to test Him: “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” And Jesus replied to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. The second is like it, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself [that is, unselfishly seek the best or higher good for others].’ Matthew 22:34-39
and you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul (life), and with all your mind (thought, understanding), and with all your strength.’ This is the second: ‘You shall [unselfishly] love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”
Then turning to His disciples, Jesus said privately, “Blessed [joyful, spiritually enlightened, and favored by God] are the eyes which see what you see, for I say to you that many prophets and kings longed to see what you see, and they did not see it; and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it.” And a certain lawyer [an expert in Mosaic Law] stood up to test Him, saying, “Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus said to him, “What is written in the Law? How do you read it?” And he replied, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.” Jesus said to him, “You have answered correctly; do this habitually and you will live.” But he, wishing to justify and vindicate himself, asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” Jesus replied, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he encountered robbers, who stripped him of his clothes [and belongings], beat him, and went their way [unconcerned], leaving him half dead. Now by coincidence a priest was going down that road, and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. Likewise a Levite also came down to the place and saw him, and passed by on the other side [of the road]. But a Samaritan (foreigner), who was traveling, came upon him; and when he saw him, he was deeply moved with compassion [for him], and went to him and bandaged up his wounds, pouring oil and wine on them [to sooth and disinfect the injuries]; and he put him on his own pack-animal, and brought him to an inn and took care of him. On the next day he took out two denarii (two days’ wages) and gave them to the innkeeper, and said, ‘Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I return.’ Which of these three do you think proved himself a neighbor to the man who encountered the robbers?” He answered, “The one who showed compassion and mercy to him.” Then Jesus said to him, “Go and constantly do the same.” Luke 10:23-37
But, as Christians, we have been cleansed from sin and we do have the Spirit. So how do we begin to love God the way we should? Just as the man in Mark 9:24 asked God to help his unbelief, so too we can ask God to help us in areas where we don’t love Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. It is His power that we need to do the impossible, and we begin by seeking and appropriating that power.
In most cases, our love and affection for God grows more intense as time goes by. Certainly, young Christians newly saved are very much aware of the love of God and their love for Him. But it is through the witness of God’s faithfulness during times of struggle and trial that a deep love for God grows and grows. Over time, we witness His compassion, mercy, grace, and love for us, as well as His hatred for sin, His holiness, and His righteousness. We cannot love someone we don’t know, so knowing Him should be our first priority. Those who pursue God and His righteousness, who take seriously the command to love Him above all else, are those who are consumed with the things of God. They are eager to study God’s Word, eager to pray, eager to obey and honor God in all things, and eager to share Jesus Christ with others. It is through these spiritual disciplines that the love for God grows and matures to the glory of God.
As we grow in our relationship with Christ Jesus we will learn how “TEST”
the Spirits so we will know who the False Preachers and Teachers are in our
time. In 1 John 4 we are given a
quick study on testing the Spirits and loving others because God loves us and
we love Him.
Beloved, do not believe every spirit [speaking through a self-proclaimed prophet]; instead test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets and teachers have gone out into the world. By this you know and recognize the Spirit of God: every spirit that acknowledges and confesses [the fact] that Jesus Christ has [actually] come in the flesh [as a man] is from God [God is its source]; and every spirit that does not confess Jesus [acknowledging that He has come in the flesh, but would deny any of the Son’s true nature] is not of God; this is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming, and is now already in the world. Little children (believers, dear ones), you are of God and you belong to Him and have [already] overcome them [the agents of the antichrist]; because He who is in you is greater than he (Satan) who is in the world [of sinful mankind]. They [who teach twisted doctrine] are of the world and belong to it; therefore they speak from the [viewpoint of the] world [with its immoral freedom and baseless theories—demanding compliance with their opinions and ridiculing the values of the upright], and the [gullible one of the] world listens closely and pays attention to them. We [who teach God’s word] are from God [energized by the Holy Spirit], and whoever knows God [through personal experience] listens to us [and has a deeper understanding of Him]. Whoever is not of God does not listen to us. By this we know [without any doubt] the spirit of truth [motivated by God] and the spirit of error [motivated by Satan]. Beloved, let us [unselfishly] love and seek the best for one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves [others] is born of God and knows God [through personal experience]. The one who does not love has not become acquainted with God [does not and never did know Him], for God is love. [He is the originator of love, and it is an enduring attribute of His nature.] By this the love of God was displayed in us, in that God has sent His [One and] only begotten Son [the One who is truly unique, the only One of His kind] into the world so that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation [that is, the atoning sacrifice, and the satisfying offering] for our sins [fulfilling God’s requirement for justice against sin and placating His wrath]. Beloved, if God so loved us [in this incredible way], we also ought to love one another. No one has seen God at any time. But if we love one another [with unselfish concern], God abides in us, and His love [the love that is His essence abides in us and] is completed and perfected in us. By this we know [with confident assurance] that we abide in Him and He in us, because He has given to us His [Holy] Spirit. We [who were with Him in person] have seen and testify [as eye-witnesses] that the Father has sent the Son to be the Savior of the world. Whoever confesses and acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God. We have come to know [by personal observation and experience], and have believed [with deep, consistent faith] the love which God has for us. God is love, and the one who abides in love abides in God, and God abides continually in him. In this [union and fellowship with Him], love is completed and perfected with us, so that we may have confidence in the day of judgment [with assurance and boldness to face Him]; because as He is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love [dread does not exist]. But perfect (complete, full-grown) love drives out fear, because fear involves [the expectation of divine] punishment, so the one who is afraid [of God’s judgment] is not perfected in love [has not grown into a sufficient understanding of God’s love]. We love, because He first loved us. If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates (works against) his [Christian] brother he is a liar; for the one who does not love his brother whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen. And this commandment we have from Him, that the one who loves God should also [unselfishly] love his brother and seek the best for him. 1 John 4
As we journey forward let us remember to always love our brothers and
sisters in Christ Jesus, EVEN the ONES who have caused us HURT and PAIN with
their HATEFUL RHETORIC towards the LGBTQI+ Community that they cannot possibly
be saved. We are instructed in Galatians 6:1-10 to bear one another’s burdens and to help those who have lost their
way. We learn too that we are not to think of ourselves as above any other believer;
we only fool ourselves if we think that way. I know you are running through
your list of believers who have done you wrong and made you feel this way. That
is okay as long as we forgive them and move forward in our journey with Christ
Jesus.
“Just as Moses lifted up the [bronze] serpent in the desert [on a pole], so must the Son of Man be lifted up [on the cross], so that whoever believes will in Him have eternal life [after physical death, and will actually live forever]. “For God so [greatly] loved and dearly prized the world, that He [even] gave His [One and] only begotten Son, so that whoever believes and trusts in Him [as Savior] shall not perish, but have eternal life. For God did not send the Son into the world to judge and condemn the world [that is, to initiate the final judgment of the world], but that the world might be saved through Him. Whoever believes and has decided to trust in Him [as personal Savior and Lord] is not judged [for this one, there is no judgment, no rejection, no condemnation]; but the one who does not believe [and has decided to reject Him as personal Savior and Lord] is judged already [that one has been convicted and sentenced], because he has not believed and trusted in the name of the [One and] only begotten Son of God [the One who is truly unique, the only One of His kind, the One who alone can save him].”
In Romans 10:8-15 and Romans 3:22-26 we read regarding Salvation:
“For with the heart a person believes [in Christ as Savior] resulting in his justification [that is, being made righteous—being freed of the guilt of sin and made acceptable to God]; and with the mouth he acknowledges and confesses [his faith openly], resulting in and confirming [his] salvation. For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes in Him [whoever adheres to, trusts in, and relies on Him] will not be disappointed [in his expectations].” For there is no distinction between Jew and Gentile; for the same Lord is Lord over all [of us], and [He is] abounding in riches (blessings) for all who call on Him [in faith and prayer]. For “whoever calls on the name of the Lord [in prayer] will be saved.” But how will people call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how will they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher (messenger)? And how will they preach unless they are commissioned and sent [for that purpose]? Just as it is written and forever remains written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news of good things!”
“This righteousness of God comes through faith in Jesus Christ for all those [Jew or Gentile] who believe [and trust in Him and acknowledge Him as God’s Son]. There is no distinction, since all have sinned and continually fall short of the glory of God, and are being justified [declared free of the guilt of sin, made acceptable to God, and granted eternal life] as a gift by His [precious, undeserved] grace, through the redemption [the payment for our sin] which is [provided] in Christ Jesus, whom God displayed publicly [before the eyes of the world] as a [life-giving] sacrifice of atonement and reconciliation (propitiation) by His blood [to be received] through faith. This was to demonstrate His righteousness [which demands punishment for sin], because in His forbearance [His deliberate restraint] He passed over the sins previously committed [before Jesus’ crucifixion]. It was to demonstrate His righteousness at the present time, so that He would be just and the One who justifies those who have faith in Jesus [and rely confidently on Him as Savior].”
Furthermore we read that Jesus commissioned us to tell others
about Him and demonstrate His power so others would believe.
“And He said to them, “Go into all the world and
preach the gospel to all creation. He who has believed [in Me] and has been baptized will be
saved [from
the penalty of God’s wrath and judgment]; but he who has not believed will be
condemned. These signs will accompany
those who have believed: in My name they will cast out demons, they will speak
in new tongues;
they will
pick up serpents, and if they drink anything deadly, it will not hurt them;
they will lay hands on the sick, and they will get well.” Mark 16:15-18
Jesus told Martha in John 11:25, “I am the Resurrection and the Life. Whoever believes in (adheres to,
trusts in, relies on) Me [as Savior] will live even if he dies”.
The Short Answer: Yes
Here are Scriptures for you to explore
explaining the difference in just saying you believe in Jesus and actually
accepting the FREE SALVATION of Jesus as your Lord and Savior.
You believe that God is one; you do well
[to believe that]. The demons also believe [that], and shudder and
bristle [in awe-filled terror—they have seen His wrath]!
I assure you and most solemnly say
to you, anyone who believes in Me [as Savior] will also do the things that I do; and he
will do even greater things than these [in extent and outreach], because I am going to the
Father. And I will do whatever you ask
in My name [as
My representative], this I will do, so that the Father may be glorified and
celebrated in the Son. If
you ask Me anything in My name [as My representative], I will do it. “If you [really] love Me, you will keep and
obey My commandments. The person who has My commandments
and keeps them is the one who [really] loves Me; and whoever [really] loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and reveal
Myself to him [I will make Myself real to him].” Judas (not Iscariot) asked Him, “Lord, what has happened that You are going to reveal
Yourself to us and not to the world?” Jesus answered, “If
anyone [really] loves Me, he
will keep My word (teaching); and My Father will love him, and We will come to
him and make Our dwelling place with him. One who does not [really] love Me does not keep My words. And the word (teaching) which you
hear is not Mine, but is the Father’s who sent Me.
I am the true Vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes
away; and every branch that continues to bear fruit, He [repeatedly] prunes, so that it will bear more
fruit [even
richer and finer fruit]. You are already clean because of the word which I have given you [the teachings which I have
discussed with you]. Remain
in Me, and I
[will remain] in
you. Just as no branch can bear fruit by itself without remaining in the vine,
neither can you
[bear fruit, producing evidence of your faith] unless you remain in Me. I am the Vine; you are the branches. The one who
remains in Me and I in him bears much fruit, for [otherwise] apart from Me [that is, cut off from vital union with Me] you can do nothing. If anyone does not remain in Me, he is thrown out like
a [broken off] branch, and withers and dies;
and they gather such branches and throw them into the fire, and they are
burned. If you remain in Me and My words
remain in you
[that is, if we are vitally united and My message lives in your heart], ask whatever you wish and it will be
done for you. My Father is glorified and
honored by this, when you bear much fruit, and prove yourselves to be My [true] disciples. I have loved you just as the Father has loved Me;
remain in My love
[and do not doubt My love for you]. If you keep My commandments and obey My
teaching, you will remain in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s
commandments and remain in His love. I have told you these things so that My joy and delight may be
in you, and that your joy may be made full and complete and
overflowing. “This is My commandment, that you love and unselfishly seek
the best for one another, just as I have loved you. No one has greater love [nor stronger commitment] than to lay down his own life for his
friends. You are my friends if you keep on
doing what I command you. I do not
call you servants any longer, for the servant does not know what his master is
doing; but I have called you [My] friends, because I have revealed to you everything
that I have heard from My Father. You have not chosen Me, but I have chosen you and I have appointed and
placed and purposefully planted you, so that you would go and bear fruit
and keep on bearing, and that your fruit will remain and be
lasting, so that whatever you ask of the Father in My name [as My representative] He may give to you. This [is what] I command you: that you love and unselfishly
seek the best for one another.
“If the world hates you [and it does], know that it has hated Me before it hated you. If you belonged to the world, the world would love [you as] its own and would treat you
with affection. But you are not of the world [you no longer belong to it], but I have chosen you out of the
world. And because of this the world hates you. Remember
[and continue to remember] that I told you, ‘A servant is not greater than his
master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My
word, they will keep yours also. But they will do all these [hurtful] things to you for My name’s sake [because you bear My name and are
identified with Me], for
they do not know the One who sent Me. If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not have [the guilt of their] sin; but now they have no excuse for
their sin.The one who hates Me also hates My Father. If I had not done among them the works (attesting
miracles) which no one else [ever] did, they would not have [the guilt of their] sin; but now [the fact is that] they have both seen [these works] and have hated Me [and continue to hate Me] and My Father as well. But [this is so] that the word which has been written in their Law
would be fulfilled, ‘They hated Me without a cause.’ “But when the Helper (Comforter,
Advocate, Intercessor—Counselor, Strengthener, Standby) comes, whom I will send
to you from the Father, that is the Spirit of Truth who comes from the
Father, He will testify and bear witness about Me. But you will testify also and be My
witnesses, because you have been with Me from the beginning.
Everyone who believes [with a deep, abiding
trust in the fact] that Jesus is the Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed) is born
of God [that is, reborn from above—spiritually transformed, renewed, and set
apart for His purpose], and everyone who loves the Father also loves the child
born of Him. By this we know [without any doubt] that we love
the children of God:
[expressing that love] when we love God and obey His
commandments. For the [true] love of God is this: that we habitually
keep His commandments and remain focused on His precepts. And His
commandments and His precepts are not difficult [to obey]. For everyone
born of God is victorious and overcomes the world; and this is the
victory that has conquered and overcome the world—our [continuing,
persistent] faith [in Jesus the Son of God].
Who is the one who is victorious and
overcomes the world? It is the one who believes and recognizes the fact
that Jesus is the Son of God. This is He who came through water and blood [His
baptism and death], Jesus Christ—not by the water only, but by the water and
the blood. It is the [Holy] Spirit who testifies, because the Spirit is the
truth. [He is the essence and origin of truth itself.] For there are three
witnesses:the Spirit and the water and the blood; and these
three are in agreement [their testimony is perfectly consistent]. If we accept
[as we do] the testimony of men [that is, if we are willing to take the sworn
statements of fallible humans as evidence], the testimony of God is greater
[far more authoritative]; for this is the testimony of God, that He has
testified regarding His Son. The one who believes in the Son of God [who
adheres to, trusts in, and relies confidently on Him as Savior] has the
testimony within himself [because he can speak authoritatively about Christ
from his own personal experience]. The one who does not believe God [in this
way] has made Him [out to be] a liar, because he has not believed in the
evidence that God has given regarding His Son. And the testimony is this: God
has given us eternal life [we already possess it], and this life is in His Son
[resulting in our spiritual completeness, and eternal companionship with Him]. He
who has the Son [by accepting Him as Lord and Savior] has the life [that is
eternal]; he who does not have the Son of God [by personal faith] does not have
the life. These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son
of God [which represents all that Jesus Christ is and does], so that you will
know [with settled and absolute knowledge] that you [already] have eternal
life. This is the [remarkable degree of] confidence which we [as believers are
entitled to] have before Him: that if we ask anything according to His will,
[that is, consistent with His plan and purpose] He hears us. And if we know
[for a fact, as indeed we do] that He hears and listens to us in
whatever we ask, we [also] know [with settled and absolute knowledge] that we
have [granted to us] the requests which we have asked from Him. If anyone sees his
brother committing a sin that does not lead to death, he will pray and
ask [on the believer’s behalf] and God will for him give life to those
whose sin is not leading to death. There is a sin that leads to
death; I do not say that one should pray for this [kind of sin]. All wrongdoing
is sin, and there is sin that does not lead to death [one can repent of
it and be forgiven]. We know [with confidence] that
anyone born of God does not habitually sin; but He (Jesus) who was born
of God [carefully] keeps and protects him, and the evil one does not
touch him. We know [for a fact] that we are of God, and the whole world [around
us] lies in the power of the evil one [opposing God and His precepts]. And we
[have seen and] know [by personal experience] that the Son of God has
[actually] come [to this world], and has given us understanding and
insight so that we may [progressively and personally] know Him who is true; and
we are in Him who is true—in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and
eternal life. Little children (believers, dear ones),
guard yourselves from idols—[false teachings, moral compromises, and anything
that would take God’s place in your heart].
[I am writing about] what existed from the beginning,
what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at and
touched with our hands, concerning the Word of Life [the One who existed even
before the beginning of the world, Christ]— and the Life [an aspect of His
being] was manifested, and we have seen [it as eyewitnesses] and testify and
declare to you [the Life], the eternal Life who was [already existing] with the
Father and was [actually] made visible to us [His followers]— what
we have seen and heard we also proclaim to you, so that you too may have
fellowship [as partners] with us. And indeed our fellowship [which is a
distinguishing mark of born-again believers] is with the Father, and with His
Son Jesus Christ. We are writing these things to you so that our joy [in seeing
you included] may be made complete [by having you share in the joy of
salvation]. This is the message [of God’s promised revelation] which
we have heard from Him and now announce to you, that God is Light [He is holy,
His message is truthful, He is perfect in righteousness], and in Him there is
no darkness at all [no sin, no wickedness, no imperfection]. If we say that we
have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness [of sin], we lie and do
not practice the truth; but if we [really] walk in the Light [that is, live
each and every day in conformity with the precepts of God], as He Himself is in
the Light, we have [true, unbroken] fellowship with one another [He with us,
and we with Him], and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin [by
erasing the stain of sin, keeping us cleansed from sin in all its forms and
manifestations]. If we say we have no sin [refusing to admit that we are
sinners], we delude ourselves and the truth is not in us. [His word does not
live in our hearts.] If we [freely] admit that we have sinned and
confess our sins, He is faithful and just [true to His own nature and
promises], and will forgive our sins and cleanse us continually from all
unrighteousness [our wrongdoing, everything not in conformity with His will and
purpose]. If we say that we have not sinned [refusing to admit acts of sin], we
make Him [out to be] a liar [by contradicting Him] and His word is not in us.
Do not be deceived by the Lies that you
cannot be saved. Jesus said there are many FALSE TEACHERS, PREACHERS, PROPHETS
in the WORLD who come into the body of Christ as WOLVES in SHEEP'S clothing
seeking whom they can devour {Matthew 7:15-20}.
“Be wary of false preachers who smile a lot, dripping with practiced sincerity. Chances are they are out to rip you off some way or other. Don’t be impressed with charisma; look for character. Who preachers are is the main thing, not what they say. A genuine leader will never exploit your emotions or your pocketbook. These diseased trees with their bad apples are going to be chopped down and burned.” Matthew 7:15-20 {MSG}
We are also warned in 2 Timothy 3:1-9 about the difficult times in the last days. Including people
who are not of God doing the work of their father, Satan to try and sway the
people of God.
Let
us look now at 2 Thessalonians 2 that warns us about the Man of Lawlessness.
“Now in regard to the coming of our Lord
Jesus Christ and our gathering together to meet Him, we ask you, brothers
and sisters, not to be quickly unsettled or alarmed either by a [so-called
prophetic revelation of a] spirit or a message or a letter [alleged to be] from
us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has [already] come. Let no one in
any way deceive or entrap you, for that day will not come unless
the apostasy comes first [that is, the great rebellion, the abandonment of the
faith by professed Christians], and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son
of destruction [the Antichrist, the one who is destined to be destroyed], who
opposes and exalts himself [so proudly and so insolently] above every so-called
god or object of worship, so that he [actually enters and] takes his seat in
the temple of God, publicly proclaiming that he himself is God. Do
you not remember that when I was still with you, I was telling you these
things? And you know what restrains him now [from being revealed]; it is so
that he will be revealed at his own [appointed] time. For the mystery of
lawlessness [rebellion against divine authority and the coming reign of
lawlessness] is already at work; [but it is restrained] only until he who now
restrains it is taken out of the way. Then the lawless one [the Antichrist]
will be revealed and the Lord Jesus will slay him with the breath of His mouth
and bring him to an end by the appearance of His coming. The coming of the
[Antichrist, the lawless] one is through the activity of Satan, [attended] with
great power [all kinds of counterfeit miracles] and [deceptive] signs and false
wonders [all of them lies], and by unlimited seduction to evil
and with all the deception of wickedness for those who are perishing,
because they did not welcome the love of the truth [of the gospel] so as to be
saved [they were spiritually blind, and rejected the truth that would have
saved them]. Because of this God will send upon them a misleading influence,
[an activity of error and deception] so they will believe the lie, in order
that all may be judged and condemned who did not believe the truth
[about their sin, and the need for salvation through Christ], but instead
took pleasure in unrighteousness. But we should and are [morally]
obligated [as debtors] always to give thanks to God for you, believers beloved
by the Lord, because God has chosen you from the beginning for salvation
through the sanctifying work of the Spirit [that sets you apart for God’s
purpose] and by your faith in the truth [of God’s word that leads you to
spiritual maturity]. It was to this end that He called you
through our gospel [the good news of Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection],
so that you may obtain and share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. So
then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold [tightly] to the traditions
which you were taught, whether by word of mouth or by letter from us. Now
may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who has loved us and
given us everlasting comfort and encouragement and the good
[well-founded] hope [of salvation] by His grace, comfort and
encourage and strengthen your hearts [keeping them steadfast and on course] in
every good work and word.
Always keep your guard up and know the Word of God
because Satan has ministers all around the world teaching false doctrines that
sound good enough to be real which will fool a lot of people.
But I am afraid that, even as the serpent
beguiled Eve by his cunning, your minds may be corrupted and led away
from the simplicity of [your sincere and] pure devotion to Christ. For [you
seem willing to allow it] if one comes and preaches another Jesus whom we have
not preached, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you received,
or a different gospel from the one you accepted. You tolerate all this
beautifully [welcoming the deception].
Galatians 1:6-10 Perversion of the Gospel
I am astonished and extremely
irritated that you are so quickly shifting your allegiance and deserting
Him who called you by the grace of Christ, for a different [even contrary]
gospel; which is really not another [gospel]; but there are [obviously] some
[people masquerading as teachers] who are disturbing and confusing you
[with a misleading, counterfeit teaching] and want to distort the gospel of
Christ [twisting it into something which it absolutely is not]. But even if we,
or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to that which
we [originally] preached to you, let him be condemned to destruction! As we
have said before, so I now say again, if anyone is preaching to you a gospel
different from that which you received [from us], let him be condemned to
destruction! Am I now trying to win the favor and approval of men, or of
God? Or am I seeking to please someone? If I were still trying to be popular
with men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ.
And He said to me, “It is done. I am the
Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the one who thirsts I will
give [water] from the fountain of the water of life without cost. He who
overcomes [the world by adhering faithfully to Christ Jesus as Lord and Savior]
will inherit these things, and I will be his God and he will be My son. But as
for the cowards and unbelieving and abominable [who are devoid of character and
personal integrity and practice or tolerate immorality], and murderers, and
sorcerers [with intoxicating drugs], and idolaters and occultists [who
practice and teach false religions], and all the liars [who knowingly deceive
and twist truth], their part will be in the lake that blazes with fire and
brimstone, which is the second death.”
1Timothy 1:5-19 {MSG}
The whole point of what we’re urging is
simply love—love uncontaminated by self-interest and counterfeit faith,
a life open to God. Those who fail to keep to this point soon wander off into
cul-de-sacs of gossip. They set themselves up as experts on religious issues,
but haven’t the remotest idea of what they’re holding forth with such imposing
eloquence. It’s
true that moral guidance and counsel need to be given, but the way you say it
and to whom you say it are as important as what you say. It’s obvious, isn’t
it, that the law code isn’t primarily for people who live responsibly, but for
the irresponsible, who defy all authority, riding roughshod over God, life,
sex, truth, whatever! They are contemptuous of this great Message I’ve been put
in charge of by this great God. Here’s a word you can take to heart and depend
on: Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners. I’m proof—Public Sinner
Number One—of someone who could never have made it apart from sheer mercy. And
now he shows me off—evidence of his endless patience—to those who are right on
the edge of trusting him forever.
Deep honor and bright glory
to the King of All Time—
One God, Immortal, Invisible,
ever and always. Oh, yes!
to the King of All Time—
One God, Immortal, Invisible,
ever and always. Oh, yes!
There are some, you know, who by relaxing
their grip and thinking anything goes have made a thorough mess of their faith.
As they went from town to town, a lot of
people joined in and traveled along. He addressed them, using this story: “A
farmer went out to sow his seed. Some of it fell on the road; it was tramped
down and the birds ate it. Other seed fell in the gravel; it sprouted, but
withered because it didn’t have good roots. Other seed fell in the weeds; the
weeds grew with it and strangled it. Other seed fell in rich earth and produced
a bumper crop. Are you listening to this? Really listening?” His disciples asked, “Why
did you tell this story?” He said, “You’ve been given
insight into God’s kingdom—you know how it works. There are others who need
stories. But even with stories some of them aren’t going to get it: Their eyes
are open but don’t see a thing, Their ears are open but
don’t hear a thing. “This story is about some of those people.
The seed is the Word of God. The seeds on the road are those who hear the Word,
but no sooner do they hear it than the Devil snatches it from them so they
won’t believe and be saved. “The seeds in the gravel are those
who hear with enthusiasm, but the enthusiasm doesn’t go very deep. It’s only
another fad, and the moment there’s trouble it’s gone. “And the
seed that fell in the weeds—well, these are the ones who hear, but then the
seed is crowded out and nothing comes of it as they go about their lives
worrying about tomorrow, making money, and having fun. “But
the seed in the good earth—these are the good-hearts who seize the Word and
hold on no matter what, sticking with it until there’s a harvest.
Because we are living in an age when so
many FALSE PREACHERS are blazing the AIR WAYS with their FALSE DOCTRINES, I
urge you as a Child of God to stay grounded in the Word and Pray that Holy
Spirit will help you discern the TRUTH from the LIES.
1Timothy 2:1-8 A Call to Prayer
First of all, then, I urge that petitions (specific requests), prayers, intercessions (prayers for others) and thanksgivings be offered on behalf of all people, for kings and all who are in [positions of] high authority, so that we may live a peaceful and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. This [kind of praying] is good and acceptable and pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who wishes all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge and recognition of the [divine] truth. For there is [only] one God, and [only] one Mediator between God and mankind, the Man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom [a substitutionary sacrifice to atone] for all, the testimony given at the right and proper time. And for this matter I was appointed a preacher and an apostle—I am telling the truth, I am not lying [when I say this]—a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth. Therefore I want the men in every place to pray, lifting up holy hands, without anger and disputing or quarreling or doubt [in their mind].
Many
disciples turned back from Jesus Christ because they did not believe that He
was the Son of God. After Jesus gave the hard teaching about drinking His blood
and eating His flesh, many disciples turned their back on Him.
John 6:60-67 Many among his disciples heard this and
said, “This is tough teaching, too tough to swallow.” Jesus sensed that his
disciples were having a hard time with this and said, “Does this throw you
completely? What would happen if you saw the Son of Man ascending to where he
came from? The Spirit can make life. Sheer muscle and willpower don’t make
anything happen. Every word I’ve spoken to you is a Spirit-word, and so it is
life-making. But some of you are resisting, refusing to have any part in this.”
(Jesus knew from the start that some weren’t going to risk themselves with him.
He knew also who would betray him.) He went on to say, “This is why I told you
earlier that no one is capable of coming to me on his own. You get to me only
as a gift from the Father.” After this a
lot of his disciples left. They no longer wanted to be associated with him.
Then Jesus gave the Twelve their chance: “Do you also want to leave?”
Jesus
knew who would turn back, but did they know? No, they didn't know until
they were confronted with truth they were unwilling to accept, the cost of
discipleship. These disciples who turned back believed for awhile and
followed Jesus Christ, perhaps as a great teacher or prophet, but they did not
have enough faith in Christ to accept His words as truth, which they would have
if they had believed that He was God. Notice that the Twelve did believe.
Nonetheless, these "many disciples" who turned back did so because
they did not ultimately recognize Jesus Christ as Lord. If they had they
would have entrusted themselves into His care like the Twelve did.
Will
you be like the many and turn your back on Jesus and God just because some “Evangelical
Preacher” teaching “False Doctrines” tells you that you are EVIL and therefore
cannot be saved just because of how God created you?
Here
are a couple of examples of the MODERN DAY {FALSE PREACHER}. If you are not appalled
by what these men say from the pulpit then you need to re examine your
relationship with the Lord Jesus.
Though
I have my serious doubts whether or not the following people have ever truly
believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, the fact is that they claim to be shining
examples of belief that "Jesus Is Lord" and claim they are the "anointed
ones" and "holy men of God". These are examples of people
who may never have been true believers, and though they claim to believe in
Jesus, they teach false doctrines, make false prophecies and do not exhibit the
fruit of the Spirit. The most important point, however, is that they have
proven by what they say and do, that they do not believe in the TRUTH about the
Lord Jesus Christ.
KENNETH COPELAND-Click on
his name to learn more about the deception he is creating in the body of
Christ.
The
big logo on Kenneth Copeland's television program reads "Jesus Is
Lord". Many would infer from this statement that since Copeland is
confessing that "Jesus Is Lord" that he is saved. But the
problem is that the "Lord" of Copeland is ultimately himself.
He has said that Jesus Christ is the "high priest of his (Copeland's)
words" (Kenneth Copeland, TBN). This means that though he regards Jesus
Christ as his high priest, he is a "high priest" who must do what
Copeland proclaims and immediately grant him his every wish when he declares
something "into existence". How can Jesus Christ be the Lord of
Copeland when Copeland is the one doing the bossing around? Kenneth has
also claimed many times to be "God":
"You
don't have a god in you, you are one." (Kenneth
Copeland, "The Force Of Love" tape # 02-0028)
"You
are not a spiritual schizophrenic -- half-God and half-Satan -- you are
all-God" (Kenneth Copeland, Now We Are in
Christ Jesus (Fort Worth: KCP Publications, 1980), 16-17)
Who
has the Lordship over whom? The "Lord" of Word-Faith is a
"lord" who is at their beck and call for anything they want,
especially money, who can be thrown around a room at will, and who loves to put
people into trances and make them act like animals. This is clearly not
the Lord Jesus Christ we are talking about.
"Jesus
had to go through that same spiritual death in order to pay the price. Now it
wasn't the physical death on the cross that paid the price for sin,
because if it had of been any prophet of God that had died for the last couple
of thousand years before that could have paid that price. It wasn't physical
death anybody could do that." (Kenneth
Copeland, "What Satan Saw on the Day of Pentecost" (Kenneth Copeland
Ministries, audio tape #020022)
Jesus had to "accept the sin nature of
Satan." (Kenneth Copeland, What Happened from the Cross to the Throne,
side 2.)
"...
He (Jesus) was the first man to every be born from death to spiritual life ...
if He hadn't been spiritually born again, how in the world do you
think you ever got it?..." (You need Internet Explorer to hear this
file. Go to this page, read the instructions, then click on "Jesus
Was The First Born Again Man!").
The
"Jesus" of Kenneth Copeland and ALL Word-Faith teachers including Kenneth
Hagin, Benny Hinn, Creflo Dollar, and many more is a "Jesus" whose
physical death on the cross did not pay for our sins, who accepted the nature
of Satan on the cross, and who had to be born again spiritually. This is
not the Lord Jesus Christ we are talking about. So when Kenneth Copeland
displays his logo "Jesus Is Lord" he is talking about another
"Jesus", a "Jesus" who is not 100% God and 100% human for
all eternity, was not sinless, and therefore cannot save.
BENNY HINN – Click on
his name to learn more about the deception he is creating in the body of
Christ.
As
mentioned above, Benny Hinn also claims he believes in Jesus Christ, but his
"Jesus" is not the Jesus of the Bible, nor is He the Son of
God. Hinn also asserts that he is a "little messiah", a
"god", the "I AM":
"Christians
are "Little Messiah's and "little gods" on the earth. Thus
[Encouraging the audience]...say "I am a God-man....This spirit-man within
me is a God-man..." say "I'm born of heaven-a God-man. I'm a God man.
I am a sample of Jesus. I'm a super being. Say it! Say it! Who's a super being?
"I walk in the realm of the supernatural." Say it! You want to
prosper? Money will be falling on you from left, right and centre. God will
begin to prosper you, for money always follows righteousness....Say after me,
"everything I ever want is in me already." (Benny Hinn, TBN, 1990)
"Are
you ready for some real revelation knowledge....you are god" (Benny Hinn,
"Our Position In Christ", tape # AO31190-1)
"Don't
tell me you have Jesus. You ARE everything He was, and everything He is and
shall be." (Benny Hinn, TBN)
Let's
look at what Hinn has taught about the Lord Jesus Christ:
"He
[Jesus] who is righteous by choice said, 'The only way I can stop sin is by Me
becoming it. I can't just stop it by letting it touch Me; I and it must become
one.' Hear this! He who is the nature of God became the nature of Satan where
He became sin!" (Benny Hinn, TBN, 12/1/90).
What
more needs to be said? Benny Hinn claims he is a Christian and believes
in Jesus Christ, but his "Jesus" became one in nature with
Satan. Hinn says that he and other Christians are "little
gods". I have one video where he gets the audience to chant that
they are the "I AM". This is blasphemy and it proves that Benny
Hinn cannot be saved unless he repents of these beliefs.
PAULA WHITE - Click on
her name to learn more about the deception she is creating in the body of
Christ.
made the following statement on TBN on 10/30/07 from a women's convention in
Orlando, FL.
"Anyone
who tells you to deny your self is from Satan."
The
Bible clearly teaches the opposite of this.
Matt
16:24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let
him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
The sad thing is that the
congregation at the conference gave Paula White a standing ovation! These types of
statements are a mainstay among Word of Faith false teachers.
When
you don't give money, it shows that you
have the devil's nature. (Benny
Hinn, Praise-a-thon (TBN), recorded 4/21/91)
"Poverty is from the devil and that God
wants all Christians prosperous." (Benny
Hinn, TBN, 11/6/90)
God has displeasure in poverty.
(Fred Price, Ever Increasing Faith, recorded
11/16/90)
"The
basic principle of the Christian life is to know that God put our sin,
sickness, disease, sorrow, grief, and poverty on Jesus at Calvary," he
asserts. "For Him to put any of
this on us now would be a miscarriage of justice." (Kenneth Copeland, The Troublemaker, 6.)
Being poor is a sin. (Robert
Tilton, Success in Life, recorded 12/2/90)
The only time people were poor in
the Bible is when they were under a curse. (Robert
Tilton, Success in Life, recorded 12/2/90)
Be
careful of those who claim to believe in Jesus Christ yet teach against His
dual nature. Be sure to check what is being taught both explicitly and
implicitly regardless of doctrinal statements and position papers. When
the Godhead is denied, there is no salvation. When the dual nature of
Christ is denied, there is no salvation. When salvation by grace alone
through faith alone in Christ alone is denied, there is no salvation.
When the Word of Truth is denied, there is no salvation. When Jesus'
second coming bodily to rule and judge the earth is denied, there is no
salvation.
The point is that it matters what a
person believes!
We are not saved on the basis of simply saying we believe Jesus
existed, was a great guy, was a prophet, was a wonderful teacher ... but on the
basis of our continued belief that Jesus Christ is Lord and that He will
ultimately save us and give us eternal life.
VERSES ON "BELIEVING"
Note: All the following verses are from the Amplified version of the
Bible.
Mark 9:23 Jesus said to him, “[You say to Me,] ‘If You can?’ All things are possible for the one who believes and
trusts [in Me]!”
John 1:12 But to as many as did receive and welcome Him, He gave the right [the authority, the privilege] to become children of God, that is, to those who believe in (adhere to, trust in, and rely on) His name—
John 3:15 so that whoever believes will in Him have eternal life [after physical death, and will actually live forever].
John 3:16 “For God so [greatly] loved and dearly prized the world, that He [even] gave His [One and] only begotten Son, so that whoever believes and trusts in Him [as Savior] shall not perish, but have eternal life.
John 3:18 Whoever believes and has decided to trust in Him [as personal Savior and Lord] is not judged [for this one, there is no judgment, no rejection, no condemnation]; but the one who does not believe [and has decided to reject Him as personal Savior and Lord] is judged already [that one has been convicted and sentenced], because he has not believed and trusted in the name of the [One and] only begotten Son of God [the One who is truly unique, the only One of His kind, the One who alone can save him].
John 3:36 He who believes and trusts in the Son and accepts Him [as Savior] has eternal life [that is, already possesses it]; but he who does not believe the Son and chooses to reject Him, [disobeying Him and denying Him as Savior] will not see [eternal] life, but [instead] the wrath of God hangs over him continually.”
John 5:24 “I assure you and most solemnly say to you, the person who hears My word [the one who heeds My message], and believes and trusts in Him who sent Me, has (possesses now) eternal life [that is, eternal life actually begins—the believer is transformed], and does not come into judgment and condemnation, but has passed [over] from death into life.
John 5:46 For if you believed and relied on [the Scriptures written by] Moses, you would believe Me, for he wrote about Me [personally].
John 6:35 Jesus replied to them, “I am the Bread of Life. The one who comes to Me will never be hungry, and the one who believes in Me [as Savior] will never be thirsty [for that one will be sustained spiritually].
John 6:40 For this is My Father’s will and purpose, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him [as Savior] will have eternal life, and I will raise him up [from the dead] on the last day.”
John 6:47 I assure you and most solemnly say to you, he who believes [in Me as Savior—whoever adheres to, trusts in, relies on, and has faith in Me—already] has eternal life [that is, now possesses it].
John 6:64 But [still] there are some of you who do not believe and have faith.” For Jesus knew from the beginning who did not believe, and who would betray Him.
John 7:38 He who believes in Me [who adheres to, trusts in, and relies on Me], as the Scripture has said, ‘From his innermost being will flow continually rivers of living water.’”
John 7:39 But He was speaking of the [Holy] Spirit, whom those who believed in Him [as Savior] were to receive afterward. The Spirit had not yet been given, because Jesus was not yet glorified (raised to honor).
John 11:25 Jesus said to her, “I am the Resurrection and the Life. Whoever believes in (adheres to, trusts in, relies on) Me [as Savior] will live even if he dies;
John 11:26 and everyone who lives and believes in Me [as Savior] will never die. Do you believe this?”
John 12:11 because on account of him many of the Jews were going away [from the teaching and traditions of the Jewish leaders] and believing in Jesus [following Him as Savior and Messiah].
John 12:37 Even though He had done so many signs (attesting miracles) right before them, yet they still did not believe and failed to trust Him—
John 12:44 But Jesus loudly declared, “The one who believes and trusts in Me does not believe [only] in Me but [also believes] in Him who sent Me.
John 12:46 I have come as Light into the world, so that everyone who believes and trusts in Me [as Savior—all those who anchor their hope in Me and rely on the truth of My message] will not continue to live in darkness.
John 14:12 I assure you and most solemnly say to you, anyone who believes in Me [as Savior] will also do the things that I do; and he will do even greater things than these [in extent and outreach], because I am going to the Father.
John 17:20 “I do not pray for these alone [it is not for their sake only that I make this request], but also for [all] those who [will ever] believe and trust in Me through their message,
John 20:27 Then He said to Thomas, “Reach here with your finger, and see My hands; and put out your hand and place it in My side. Do not be unbelieving, but [stop doubting and] believe.”
John 20:31 but these have been written so that you may believe [with a deep, abiding trust] that Jesus is the Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed), the Son of God; and that by believing [and trusting in and relying on Him] you may have life in His name.
Acts 2:44 And all those who had believed [in Jesus as Savior] were together and had all things in common [considering their possessions to belong to the group as a whole].
Acts 10:43
John 1:12 But to as many as did receive and welcome Him, He gave the right [the authority, the privilege] to become children of God, that is, to those who believe in (adhere to, trust in, and rely on) His name—
John 3:15 so that whoever believes will in Him have eternal life [after physical death, and will actually live forever].
John 3:16 “For God so [greatly] loved and dearly prized the world, that He [even] gave His [One and] only begotten Son, so that whoever believes and trusts in Him [as Savior] shall not perish, but have eternal life.
John 3:18 Whoever believes and has decided to trust in Him [as personal Savior and Lord] is not judged [for this one, there is no judgment, no rejection, no condemnation]; but the one who does not believe [and has decided to reject Him as personal Savior and Lord] is judged already [that one has been convicted and sentenced], because he has not believed and trusted in the name of the [One and] only begotten Son of God [the One who is truly unique, the only One of His kind, the One who alone can save him].
John 3:36 He who believes and trusts in the Son and accepts Him [as Savior] has eternal life [that is, already possesses it]; but he who does not believe the Son and chooses to reject Him, [disobeying Him and denying Him as Savior] will not see [eternal] life, but [instead] the wrath of God hangs over him continually.”
John 5:24 “I assure you and most solemnly say to you, the person who hears My word [the one who heeds My message], and believes and trusts in Him who sent Me, has (possesses now) eternal life [that is, eternal life actually begins—the believer is transformed], and does not come into judgment and condemnation, but has passed [over] from death into life.
John 5:46 For if you believed and relied on [the Scriptures written by] Moses, you would believe Me, for he wrote about Me [personally].
John 6:35 Jesus replied to them, “I am the Bread of Life. The one who comes to Me will never be hungry, and the one who believes in Me [as Savior] will never be thirsty [for that one will be sustained spiritually].
John 6:40 For this is My Father’s will and purpose, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him [as Savior] will have eternal life, and I will raise him up [from the dead] on the last day.”
John 6:47 I assure you and most solemnly say to you, he who believes [in Me as Savior—whoever adheres to, trusts in, relies on, and has faith in Me—already] has eternal life [that is, now possesses it].
John 6:64 But [still] there are some of you who do not believe and have faith.” For Jesus knew from the beginning who did not believe, and who would betray Him.
John 7:38 He who believes in Me [who adheres to, trusts in, and relies on Me], as the Scripture has said, ‘From his innermost being will flow continually rivers of living water.’”
John 7:39 But He was speaking of the [Holy] Spirit, whom those who believed in Him [as Savior] were to receive afterward. The Spirit had not yet been given, because Jesus was not yet glorified (raised to honor).
John 11:25 Jesus said to her, “I am the Resurrection and the Life. Whoever believes in (adheres to, trusts in, relies on) Me [as Savior] will live even if he dies;
John 11:26 and everyone who lives and believes in Me [as Savior] will never die. Do you believe this?”
John 12:11 because on account of him many of the Jews were going away [from the teaching and traditions of the Jewish leaders] and believing in Jesus [following Him as Savior and Messiah].
John 12:37 Even though He had done so many signs (attesting miracles) right before them, yet they still did not believe and failed to trust Him—
John 12:44 But Jesus loudly declared, “The one who believes and trusts in Me does not believe [only] in Me but [also believes] in Him who sent Me.
John 12:46 I have come as Light into the world, so that everyone who believes and trusts in Me [as Savior—all those who anchor their hope in Me and rely on the truth of My message] will not continue to live in darkness.
John 14:12 I assure you and most solemnly say to you, anyone who believes in Me [as Savior] will also do the things that I do; and he will do even greater things than these [in extent and outreach], because I am going to the Father.
John 17:20 “I do not pray for these alone [it is not for their sake only that I make this request], but also for [all] those who [will ever] believe and trust in Me through their message,
John 20:27 Then He said to Thomas, “Reach here with your finger, and see My hands; and put out your hand and place it in My side. Do not be unbelieving, but [stop doubting and] believe.”
John 20:31 but these have been written so that you may believe [with a deep, abiding trust] that Jesus is the Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed), the Son of God; and that by believing [and trusting in and relying on Him] you may have life in His name.
Acts 2:44 And all those who had believed [in Jesus as Savior] were together and had all things in common [considering their possessions to belong to the group as a whole].
Acts 10:43
All the prophets testify about Him, that
through His name everyone who believes in Him [whoever trusts in and relies on
Him, accepting Him as Savior and Messiah] receives forgiveness of sins.”
Acts 13:39 and through Him everyone who believes [who acknowledges Jesus as Lord and Savior and follows Him] is justified and declared free of guilt from all things, from which you could not be justified and freed of guilt through the Law of Moses.
Acts 18:8 Crispus, the leader of the synagogue, believed in the Lord together with his entire household [joyfully acknowledging Him as Messiah and Savior]; and many of the Corinthians who heard [Paul’s message] were believing and being baptized.
Acts 22:19 And I said, ‘Lord, they themselves know [without any doubt] that in one synagogue after another I used to imprison and beat those who believed in You [and Your message of salvation].
Acts 28:24 Some were persuaded by what he said, but others would not believe.
Romans 1:16 I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation [from His wrath and punishment] to everyone who believes [in Christ as Savior], to the Jew first and also to the Greek..
Romans 3:22 This righteousness of God comes through faith in Jesus Christ for all those [Jew or Gentile] who believe [and trust in Him and acknowledge Him as God’s Son]. There is no distinction,
Romans 4:5 But to the one who does not work [that is, the one who does not try to earn his salvation by doing good], but believes and completely trusts in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited to him as righteousness (right standing with God).
Romans 4:11 He received the sign of circumcision, a seal or confirmation of the righteousness which he had by faith while [he was still] uncircumcised—this was so that he would be the [spiritual] father of all who believe without being circumcised—so that righteousness would be credited to them,
Romans 4:24 but for our sake also—to whom righteousness will be credited, as those who believe in Him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead—
Romans 9:33 As it is written and forever remains written, “Behold I am laying in Zion a Stone of stumbling and a Rock of offense; And he who believes in Him [whoever adheres to, trusts in, and relies on Him] will not be disappointed [in his expectations].”
Acts 13:39 and through Him everyone who believes [who acknowledges Jesus as Lord and Savior and follows Him] is justified and declared free of guilt from all things, from which you could not be justified and freed of guilt through the Law of Moses.
Acts 18:8 Crispus, the leader of the synagogue, believed in the Lord together with his entire household [joyfully acknowledging Him as Messiah and Savior]; and many of the Corinthians who heard [Paul’s message] were believing and being baptized.
Acts 22:19 And I said, ‘Lord, they themselves know [without any doubt] that in one synagogue after another I used to imprison and beat those who believed in You [and Your message of salvation].
Acts 28:24 Some were persuaded by what he said, but others would not believe.
Romans 1:16 I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation [from His wrath and punishment] to everyone who believes [in Christ as Savior], to the Jew first and also to the Greek..
Romans 3:22 This righteousness of God comes through faith in Jesus Christ for all those [Jew or Gentile] who believe [and trust in Him and acknowledge Him as God’s Son]. There is no distinction,
Romans 4:5 But to the one who does not work [that is, the one who does not try to earn his salvation by doing good], but believes and completely trusts in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited to him as righteousness (right standing with God).
Romans 4:11 He received the sign of circumcision, a seal or confirmation of the righteousness which he had by faith while [he was still] uncircumcised—this was so that he would be the [spiritual] father of all who believe without being circumcised—so that righteousness would be credited to them,
Romans 4:24 but for our sake also—to whom righteousness will be credited, as those who believe in Him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead—
Romans 9:33 As it is written and forever remains written, “Behold I am laying in Zion a Stone of stumbling and a Rock of offense; And he who believes in Him [whoever adheres to, trusts in, and relies on Him] will not be disappointed [in his expectations].”
Romans 10:4 For Christ
is the end of the law [it leads to Him and its purpose is fulfilled in Him],
for [granting] righteousness to everyone who believes [in Him as Savior].
Romans 10:11 For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes in Him [whoever adheres to, trusts in, and relies on Him] will not be disappointed [in his expectations].”
Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing [through the experience of your faith] that by the power of the Holy Spirit you will abound in hope and overflow with confidence in His promises.
1Corinthians 1:21 For since the world through all its [earthly] wisdom failed to recognize God, God in His wisdom was well-pleased through the foolishness of the message preached [regarding salvation] to save those who believe [in Christ and welcome Him as Savior].
Galatians 3:22 But the Scripture has imprisoned everyone [everything—the entire world] under sin, so that [the inheritance, the blessing of salvation] which was promised through faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe [in Him and acknowledge Him as God’s precious Son].
Ephesians 1:19 and [so that you will begin to know] what the immeasurable and unlimited and surpassing greatness of His [active, spiritual] power is in us who believe. These are in accordance with the working of His mighty strength
1 Thessalonians 1:7 so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia.
2 Thessalonians 1:10 when He comes to be glorified in His saints on that day [that is, glorified through the changed lives of those who have accepted Him as Savior and have been set apart for His purpose], and to be marveled at among all who have believed, because our testimony to you was believed and trusted [and confirmed in your lives].
2 Thessalonians 2:11 Because of this God will send upon them a misleading influence, [an activity of error and deception] so they will believe the lie,
1 Timothy 4:3 who forbid marriage and advocate abstaining from [certain kinds of] foods which God has created to be gratefully shared by those who believe and have [a clear] knowledge of the truth.
1 Timothy 4:10 It is for this that we labor and strive [often called to account], because we have fixed our [confident] hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe [in Him, recognize Him as the Son of God, and accept Him as Savior and Lord].
1 Timothy 4:12 Let no one look down on [you because of] your youth, but be an example and set a pattern for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in [moral] purity.
1 Timothy 5:16 If any believing woman has [dependent] widows [in her household], she must assist them [according to her ability]; and the church must not be burdened [with them], so that it may assist those who are truly widows [those who are all alone and are dependent].
1 Timothy 6:2 Those who have believing masters are not to be disrespectful toward them because they are brothers [in Christ], but they should serve them even better, because those who benefit from their kindly service are believers and beloved. Teach and urge these [duties and principles].
Hebrews 10:39 But our way is not that of those who shrink back to destruction, but [we are] of those who believe [relying on God through faith in Jesus Christ, the Messiah] and by this confident faith preserve the soul.
1 Peter 1:8 Though you have not seen Him, you love Him; and though you do not even see Him now, you believe and trust in Him and you greatly rejoice and delight with inexpressible and glorious joy,
1 Peter 2:6 For this is contained in Scripture: “Behold, I am laying in Zion a chosen stone, a precious (honored) Cornerstone, And he who believes in Him [whoever adheres to, trusts in, and relies on Him] will never be disappointed [in his expectations].”
1 Peter 2:7 This precious value, then, is for you who believe [in Him as God’s only Son—the Source of salvation]; but for those who disbelieve, “The [very] stone which the builders rejected Has become the chief Cornerstone,”
1 John 5:1 Everyone who believes [with a deep, abiding trust in the fact] that Jesus is the Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed) is born of God [that is, reborn from above—spiritually transformed, renewed, and set apart for His purpose], and everyone who loves the Father also loves the child born of Him.
1 John 5:5 Who is the one who is victorious and overcomes the world? It is the one who believes and recognizes the fact that Jesus is the Son of God.
1 John 5:10 The one who believes in the Son of God [who adheres to, trusts in, and relies confidently on Him as Savior] has the testimony within himself [because he can speak authoritatively about Christ from his own personal experience]. The one who does not believe God [in this way] has made Him [out to be] a liar, because he has not believed in the evidence that God has given regarding His Son.
1 John 5:13 These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God [which represents all that Jesus Christ is and does], so that you will know [with settled and absolute knowledge] that you [already] have eternal life.
Romans 10:11 For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes in Him [whoever adheres to, trusts in, and relies on Him] will not be disappointed [in his expectations].”
Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing [through the experience of your faith] that by the power of the Holy Spirit you will abound in hope and overflow with confidence in His promises.
1Corinthians 1:21 For since the world through all its [earthly] wisdom failed to recognize God, God in His wisdom was well-pleased through the foolishness of the message preached [regarding salvation] to save those who believe [in Christ and welcome Him as Savior].
Galatians 3:22 But the Scripture has imprisoned everyone [everything—the entire world] under sin, so that [the inheritance, the blessing of salvation] which was promised through faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe [in Him and acknowledge Him as God’s precious Son].
Ephesians 1:19 and [so that you will begin to know] what the immeasurable and unlimited and surpassing greatness of His [active, spiritual] power is in us who believe. These are in accordance with the working of His mighty strength
1 Thessalonians 1:7 so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia.
2 Thessalonians 1:10 when He comes to be glorified in His saints on that day [that is, glorified through the changed lives of those who have accepted Him as Savior and have been set apart for His purpose], and to be marveled at among all who have believed, because our testimony to you was believed and trusted [and confirmed in your lives].
2 Thessalonians 2:11 Because of this God will send upon them a misleading influence, [an activity of error and deception] so they will believe the lie,
1 Timothy 4:3 who forbid marriage and advocate abstaining from [certain kinds of] foods which God has created to be gratefully shared by those who believe and have [a clear] knowledge of the truth.
1 Timothy 4:10 It is for this that we labor and strive [often called to account], because we have fixed our [confident] hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe [in Him, recognize Him as the Son of God, and accept Him as Savior and Lord].
1 Timothy 4:12 Let no one look down on [you because of] your youth, but be an example and set a pattern for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in [moral] purity.
1 Timothy 5:16 If any believing woman has [dependent] widows [in her household], she must assist them [according to her ability]; and the church must not be burdened [with them], so that it may assist those who are truly widows [those who are all alone and are dependent].
1 Timothy 6:2 Those who have believing masters are not to be disrespectful toward them because they are brothers [in Christ], but they should serve them even better, because those who benefit from their kindly service are believers and beloved. Teach and urge these [duties and principles].
Hebrews 10:39 But our way is not that of those who shrink back to destruction, but [we are] of those who believe [relying on God through faith in Jesus Christ, the Messiah] and by this confident faith preserve the soul.
1 Peter 1:8 Though you have not seen Him, you love Him; and though you do not even see Him now, you believe and trust in Him and you greatly rejoice and delight with inexpressible and glorious joy,
1 Peter 2:6 For this is contained in Scripture: “Behold, I am laying in Zion a chosen stone, a precious (honored) Cornerstone, And he who believes in Him [whoever adheres to, trusts in, and relies on Him] will never be disappointed [in his expectations].”
1 Peter 2:7 This precious value, then, is for you who believe [in Him as God’s only Son—the Source of salvation]; but for those who disbelieve, “The [very] stone which the builders rejected Has become the chief Cornerstone,”
1 John 5:1 Everyone who believes [with a deep, abiding trust in the fact] that Jesus is the Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed) is born of God [that is, reborn from above—spiritually transformed, renewed, and set apart for His purpose], and everyone who loves the Father also loves the child born of Him.
1 John 5:5 Who is the one who is victorious and overcomes the world? It is the one who believes and recognizes the fact that Jesus is the Son of God.
1 John 5:10 The one who believes in the Son of God [who adheres to, trusts in, and relies confidently on Him as Savior] has the testimony within himself [because he can speak authoritatively about Christ from his own personal experience]. The one who does not believe God [in this way] has made Him [out to be] a liar, because he has not believed in the evidence that God has given regarding His Son.
1 John 5:13 These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God [which represents all that Jesus Christ is and does], so that you will know [with settled and absolute knowledge] that you [already] have eternal life.
Finally brothers and sisters in Christ
Jesus who are LGBTQI+ let us know that in Christ’s family according to Galatians
3:28-29 {MSG}:
"In Christ’s family there can be no division into Jew and non-Jew, slave and free, male and female. Among us you are all equal. That is, we are all in a common relationship with Jesus Christ. Also, since you are Christ’s family, then you are Abraham’s famous “descendant,” heirs according to the covenant promises."
It is my personal desire to see as many
LGBTQI+ individuals come to know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. I pray
that God the Father of ALL CREATION give you PEACE in knowing that HE loves you
just as HE created you to be.
Have a Happy Holiday Season filled with the LOVE of CHRIST JESUS - SAVIOR TO ALL THE WORLD!!!
God Bless you,
Source throughout this article originally found, here at Deception In The Church.
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