Preacher "Cower Down"...You Might Loose You Might Loose Your Popularity

Here is a Nov. 2009 Interview with Pastor Joel Osteen on The View.




Here is a Nov. 2010 interview with Pastor Joel Osteen on The View

As you can see a pastor, described by Barbra Walters as one who "tries to stay away from controversy", has done it again. Pastor Joel Osteen has proven once again that he can cower down better than most, to the liberal and social elite. What Barbara meant to say is that Pastor Joel stays away from "certain controversial subjects that would damage his public perception". What is amazing is that the controversy that ignites the church doesn't seem to bother Pastor Osteen. It would seem that any controversy that that would damage book sales, diminish church attendance or otherwise cause cause individuals to question his smile, are the only types of controversies that he will avoid.



Pastor Osteen declares that he doesn't think that homosexuality is "God's best for 'your' life" that is not to say that "it's not God's best making us" and goes on to suggest that Pastor Swilley, who recently announced his homosexuality after years of ministry, may have had an excuse and or reason to become a homosexual...This is certainly a CAVEMAN moment!

I would like to ask Joy Behar, where is her evidence that homosexuality is not a choice? Where is any evidence that individuals were born homosexuals? Where is her evidence that sexuality in general is not a choice? All sex is a choice and inclinations that we now call "orientation" are meant to be handled, dealt with and controlled. They are not intended to control us as individuals. One thing we know for certain is that the human race would not exist without heterosexual sexual activity. This by nature is normal and in line with the existence of life itself. Out of control "orientations" not only produce homosexuals, it also produces rapists, pedophiles, polygamists, masochists, swingers and a host of other types of sexual deviations and deviants.

Is the realization that what a person likes is wrong or unacceptable something that individuals should apologize for? I think not, otherwise we owe every prisoner in prison a pardon and a do-over no matter how heinous the crime.  No criminal liked the judgement of their sentencing judge and or jury, but should society apologize? This is a ridiculous notion.

On Civil Rights And "Backlash"

Does making note that homosexuality as a sexual practice and lifestyle is wrong create an hysteria and backlash against homosexuality? ABSOLUTELY NOT. What about preaching against adulterers? There are certainly some of them in church and out of church. Is there a "backlash" against them because of the church's stance on the issue? Tying abuse, mental stress, and bullying to the sin of homosexuality may be novel and may sound like a valid reason to accept homosexuality as a practice, but in reality is one of the greatest deceptions perpetrated by the homosexual rights proponent today. The problem is that one can insert any sexual practice for homosexuality and make the same argument. tying the argument to issues of civil rights is yet another cop out. It is a cop out partially because homosexuals can stop being homosexuals and all sex is a choice, whether one knows it, realizes it or not, whereas race and ethnicity is permanent, cannot be changed, genetically inspired and is not in the same category.   

On "Homophobia"

Sin causes us to like things that we shouldn't and the sin of homosexuality is no different. It is not modern thinking to pretend that something damaging to both the body, mind and spirit is valuable or good. To do so is the ultimate fantasy and far from reality. The word "homophobic" is a made up word that does not apply to anyone who denounces homosexuality as a valid sexual and relationship practice. We also deny pedophilia, murder, rape and incest...are we "phobic" against them? NO...we simply pronounce and stand for the TRUTH of nature and creation.

The Cost Of Ministry

It may cost associations, political aspirations and our life to stand up for and pronounce the truth of the gospel clearly and every preacher that focuses on crowds, attention and manages popularity and public perception is simply not ready to be used by God.



John 6:59-69~"59-These things said he in the synagogue, as he taught in Capernaum. 60-Many therefore of his disciples, when they had heard this, said, This is an hard saying; who can hear it? 61-When Jesus knew in himself that his disciples murmured at it, he said unto them, Doth this offend you? 62-What and if ye shall see the Son of man ascend up where he was before? 63-It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life. 64-But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him. 65-And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father. 66-From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him. 67-Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away? 68-Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life. 69-And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God."

Real Ministry is not pretty and cute as the deceivers have made it out to be. Real ministry is about facing ugly situations, standing against the wind, placing one's self in the way for the sake of God, right and the community that needs direction of truth. Unlike the part bible that Woopie reads, the bible actually teaches that  God is NOT the only one we answer to here on earth. We answer to one another as we are accountable to one another. then, the preacher, the god sent and God inspired preacher is a key part to the plan. The bible still says:

Rom. 10:14- 15 ~ "14-How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? 15-And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!"

The God sent preacher and minister is essential to the growth of a healthy and blessed community.  That minister may not be popular as other count popularity, but to do the will of Christ is the goal and must be the aim.  Don't cower down to the enemy, the life of the community may be in your stand!

Blessed!

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Praying For The Healing Of AIDS?

On Sunday Aug. 17th 2008, the CBS Evening News featured a story on an organization called RAIN (Regional AIDS Interfaith Network). The impetus of the story was to uncover the alarming rates of HIV and AIDS infections among African American individuals especially in the Southern United States. The report was that although African Americans, by demographic, only make up 19% of the population of the South, we somehow manage to represent 56% of all new diagnosed HIV infections.

An August 8th article at Charlotte Observer.com stated the following:

• "The South is now the epicenter of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in this country. We have the highest number of adults and adolescents living with and dying from AIDS. (Southern States Manifesto: Update 2008). The South does not get the attention or funding to adequately address prevention, treatment care and housing."

Along with setting forth information of the current conditions, the story also set out to uncover the religious community's relationship to this resurgence. The report claimed negligence and absenteeism by the black church in dealing with people both infected and affected by HIV/AIDS virus. Repeatedly representatives form RAIN claimed that the Black church has been disengaged in ministering to the needs of individuals with HIV and AIDS within the Black community and community in general.

This Deserves A Much Closer Look

On June 27th 2008 the Washington Post.Com reported what the CDC (Centers For Disease Control) called the current resurgence of HIV/AIDS in the United States a "2nd wave epidemic". The CDC reports a a 12% rise per year in reported HIV infections among young black gay males ages 13-24. The reported stated the following:

• " The study found that homosexual men were the only risk group in which the number of new infections rose annually from 2001 through 2006. (Epidemiologists prefer the term "men who have sex with men," or MSM, because many of them do not identify themselves as homosexual or gay.)"

The week of Aug. 11th 2008, NBC News reported an Associated Press discovery that treatment for men with HIV/AIDS is inadequate. Reporting on the same story Newser.com stated:

• "In 86 nations, homosexual sex is considered a crime, and in seven countries it is punishable by death, according to the Foundation for AIDS Research, known as Amfar. During the conference's inauguration, U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon urged nations "to follow Mexico's bold example and pass laws against homophobia." "In 2003, Mexico banned discrimination based on sexual orientation, and it has opened what it calls homophobic-free health clinics. The government has a national campaign that includes radio spots with mothers accepting their gay sons. Saavedra's program has earmarked 10 percent of its $12 million budget toward prevention among gay and bisexual men."

The RAIN website said the following:

• "RAIN hosts the nation’s largest minority CareTeam program. The Minority program targets the African American community through African American congregations. RAIN is a national partner with the Balm in Gilead and sponsors the Black Church Week of Pray for the Healing of AIDS. The minority program staff hosts Pastors Summits providing culturally appropriate theology training for ministers and lay leaders."

"culturally appropriate theology training for ministers and lay leaders"

What does this little statement mean?

This means that RAIN is teaching churches and church leaders to respect the diversity of sexual lifestyles within the African American community. In the CBS report one minister proclaimed that the church shouldn't be known for its "homophobia" and that stigma against the church created by the church must cease. In essence the suggestion was that the church engage the gay community with "love" and "tolerance" instead of with "love" and "truth".

Here we have two things inextricably woven together to create the greatest emotional response, and stir up unrest against the bible and the church. The seeming objective of RAIN and other organizations is to use the resurgence of the epidemic of HIV/AIDS and inadequate medical care associated with it, as being directly associated with issues of religious tolerance.

In other words the suffering of individuals with HIV/AIDS is being exploited and used as a camouflage in an attempt to reinculturate the church in the acceptance of ungodly and unbiblical value systems, thereby committing the church and church leaders in accepting, allowing and having regard for the homo-agenda and the homosexual lifestyle.

One Thing That RAIN Does Not Teach Or Promote Is Repentance From The SIN Of Homosexuality

I acknowledge that NOT every HIV/AIDS infection is solely the result of homosexual activity or sin. In fact current statistics affirm that the largest segment of new HIV infections in the United States are among heterosexual black women. Many of these women contracted the disease from their male lovers, "friends with benefits", and in some cases husbands.

I acknowledge that anyone who has contracted this disease should have access to the most proficient medical care available to anyone with a life threatening illness.

I acknowledge that anyone should not face any sort of discrimination or lack of care because of the disease.

I acknowledge that the medical profession and social service agencies should treat the HIV/AIDS virus like any other illness that is currently allowable in their system.

I acknowledge that the human aspects and devastation of this dreaded disease cannot and should not be overlooked.

Simultaneously, I also acknowledge that it is inappropriate to ask the church to change it's message against the sin of homosexuality and non marital sexual relations simply because individuals are infected with this deadly disease.

Some call this sentiment cold, unfeeling, callous and insensitive. I would respond to that accusation by presenting the following three points:

1- The New Testament message against sexual immorality is clear. All sexual sin is grievous (Gal. 5:19). Although most individuals clearly acknowledge the Old Testament mandate against homosexual activity, it should also be acknowledged that the New Testament has set forth a convincing and solid case against homosexuality and homosexual behavior as well as other sexually immoral behaviors. I have set forth and affirmed the New Testament Case against homosexuality HERE. The church should remain stable in the acknowledgement of the Word Of God and remain steadfast against the special pleading of RAIN, Balm In Gilead, and/or any other organization that addresses this issue suggesting that the church must change.

2- The church is not a social service agency. The world's vision of the church is no greater than the "sifted" and powerless social gathering. The world views the church as a glorified and unfunded social service respot and in many cases a mere marketing opportunity. To the contrary, the church that Jesus established has a mission is to draw men and women to salvation through preaching and teaching the gospel of Jesus Christ. (Mt. 28:19) Part of that mission is to preach against sin. (Isa. 58:1) with love and humility. Without equivocation, homosexuality is a sin and must be preached against. I submit that the epitome of being unfeeling is to minister to a person's physical or emotional condition with no or little regard for their spiritual welfare and behavioral and spiritual condition.

3- The church should be careful as not to interfere with the judgement of God upon certain sins and behaviors. If we are not careful, vicariously, the church could become guilty of endorsing unrepentant sin. I acknowledge that this is the most emotionally charged part of this discussion, and a point that fuels rage among many.

Many individuals assert that the HIV/AIDS virus is a judgement against homosexuality but they do not explain how. In the following I will attempt to provide the biblical precedent as to why the church must continue to be on the Lord's side of this issue no matter what type of pressure is exerted from organizations such as RAIN and Balm In Gilead.

Part I: The Establishment Of The Justice Of God.

As any other attribute of God, HIS ability to judge and judge righteously cannot be overlooked, diminished or set aside for our convenience. The church must continue to be made aware of the judgement of God because judgement will first begin at the church.

1 Peter 4:17~ "For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?"

Scripturally, when God moves in judgement, those that oppose HIM are often cast aside and in many cases included in that judgement.

In Judges 19, we have a story of a Levite who had an unfaithful wife. She left him for a season and ended up at her father's house. To cut to the heart of the issue, after the Levite recovers his wife they end up spending the night in Gibeah which was part of the Tribe Of Benjamin. An "Old Man" of Mount Ephraim that lived in Gibeah ended up taking them into his house to lodge for the night. As it got darker and later the true problem of the city became magnified:

Judges 19:22 ~"Now as they were making their hearts merry, behold, the men of the city, certain sons of Belial, beset the house round about, and beat at the door, and spake to the master of the house, the old man, saying, Bring forth the man that came into thine house, that we may know him."

The term "sons of Belial" was used to indicate men who had an evil nature and evil intentions. These men ruled the night of the city and were certainly observant of the changes that took place in the are with a purpose of exploiting weakness. They were also homosexual and bisexual men and at the very least men who believe that having sex with other men and strangers were permissible acts.

Now it should be remembered that these "sons of Belial" were descendents the Gibeonites who, approximately 200 years earlier, (Joshua 6-8) deceived Joshua and the Elders of Israel into an agreement of protection from the Amorites by pretending to be sojourners and strangers instead of residents of the land.

The Levite eventually gave his wife to these evil men and they sexually abused he and killed her(Judges 19:27)

That incident prompted the following actions:

Judges 19:29 ~ "29-And when he was come into his house, he took a knife, and laid hold on his concubine, and divided her, together with her bones, into twelve pieces, and sent her into all the coasts of Israel. 30-And it was so, that all that saw it said, There was no such deed done nor seen from the day that the children of Israel came up out of the land of Egypt unto this day: consider of it, take advice, and speak your minds."

After this incident, the Levite cut his wife's body into 12 pieces and sent them to the elders of Israel. This represented a message of distress and untold despair. Once the elder's received this they met the Levite in Mizpeh (Judges 20:1). In this council it was decided that all of Israel would go up and make war against Gibeah.

The Benjamites were bound to protect the Gibeonites and the inhabitants of Israel resided in the city also. The message and response was clear:

Judges 20: 19~ "Now therefore deliver us the men, the children of Belial, which are in Gibeah, that we may put them to death, and put away evil from Israel. But the children of Benjamin would not hearken to the voice of their brethren the children of Israel:"

The Benjamites refused to hear the council of God because they were busy "protecting" the people from God's judgement. This led to the loss of 26,000 Benjamite soldiers in the battle (Judges 20:35) and an utter destruction of the city.

Four Things Are Interesting To Note Here:

1. The deceit of the Gibeonites graduated to other sins for which the Bejamites became responsible.
2. The sins of the Gibeonites grew to affect the entire region.
3. The people of God in trying to assist and protect the Gibeonites and "sons of Belial" positioned themselves as enemies of God and HIS righteousness and were judged accordingly.
4. At NO POINT did the people of God pray for the "healing" of the sin. Sin cannot be healed, it can only be repented of.

AIDS can be healed, SIN can only be repented of and there is a distinguishable difference between the two. The healing of the Homosexual comes when they repent of their SINS which includes their homosexual activity.

In Part 2 I will set forth a deeper biblical precedent and reaffirm the call of God to HIS church.

Blessed!

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