The 'gay marriage' gauntlet: Time to choose

The 'gay marriage' gauntlet: Time to choose by Matt Barber

The Just Judgement of The Just God

Romans 1:15-31 KJV

 

		Romans 1 "15.) So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also 16.)For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
		17.)For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.
		¶ 18.)For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;
		19.)Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.
		20.)For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
		21.)Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.
		22.)Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,
		23.)And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.
		24.)Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:
		25.)Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.
		26.)For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:
		27.)And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.
		28.)And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;
		29.)Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,
		30.)Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,
		31.)Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:
		32.)Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them." Here it is written, to the church at Rome, via the Apostle Paul some twenty plus years after Jesus had ascended, the Holy Spirit's treatise about how God's righteousness can be placed in the account of a sinful human.  Here in this epistle much meat on the doctrines of Total Depravity, Justification, and Sanctification are laid out. Picking up at verse fifteen, after the intro where Paul gives his greetings, pedigree, and intentions, we see the Apostle is ever ready to preach the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ!  We see the next verse in which Paul is not ashamed of the Gospel because He knows from personal experience it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone!   The Indictment Against Humanity The style and intent of the letter to the church at Rome is that of a lawyer writing a brief for the prosecution in many spots, and the others its the defense writing his brief.  The charges are starting to be laid out in verse eighteen and they look much like the common societies of Western nations today and 100% America of today.  To begin with, it is clearly written that the WRATH of God rest on those who are unrighteous, ungodly, and  suppress the Truth in unrighteousness: "18.)For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;"  The sin that runs rampant, yes even that which governments of men have said is "legal" is still a sin and ungodly, even if the Supreme Court of the United States says it is legal, its ungodly, then reader it is a SIN!  The lost, those who have no righteousness of Christ placed into their account, they are under the wrath of God! Those who know of the Gospel, the moral law demands of The Holy, Holy, Holy God in heaven, those judges and lawyers who know the codex of laws come from the laws of nature and Nature's God.  Those in groups who sue when a child cites a prayer in school, who fire someone because they hold a Biblical view on marriage, who sue to shut down a business because they live a Biblical worldview, and those who stop Gideons from handing Bibles out to children, are ALL examples of humans that suppress the Truth in unrighteousness, and have the full weight of God's WRATH resting on them.  Why?  Because first, Jesus carried the full weight of God's wrath at Calvary, and the soul that rejects Christ is the soul that begs and pleads to carry their own wrath from God! "19.)Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. 20.)For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: 21.)Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened." In verses nineteen through twenty-one, the reasons for God's wrath are spelled out.  Notice the words because which indicate reason for God's WRATH and His justice in having wrath.  God has clearly demonstrated in nature that there is a CREATOR, for the heavens declare the Glory of God, the mighty oceans and its waves testify to His greatness, and stand at the Grand Canyon in Arizona, and try to lie to yourself and say there is no Creator...to do so is to suppress the Truth in unrighteousness! God's creation, the crown of creation, the only part in which He said, "It is very good." failing to give Him Glory, and foolishly attempting to suppress the truth.  Yes the WRATH of God is JUST! Especially when He placed it on His Son because He so loved the world.  The Evidence Is Presented 22.)Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, 23.)And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.  24.)Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:  25.)Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.  26.)For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: 27.)And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.  28.)And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; 29.)Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, 30.)Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31.)Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: 32.)Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them." Yahweh left nothing out in the specific charges against mankind, or if the American Christian reading this, charges against America!  See the blindness?  "Professing themselves wise, they became fools..."  In 2015 America, with computers and cell phone computers so nifty, speedy, and accessible, Americans think we are the wisest and most sophisticated country on earth; HOWEVER we are NOT!  First God says so, and secondly, over 57,000, 000 babies murdered in their mother's womb, and supplemented by government, taxes, and the executive, judicial, and legislative branches of government!  Yes even the Christian American who has given money to the pink ribbons of Susan Komen Foundation, Christians on Facebook if they hit like on a product that advertises on Facebook, and sadly Relay for Life O Christian, for these three seemingly "harmless and beneficial" charities give hundreds of billions of dollars to Planned Parenthood.  Consider the onslaught of LGBT lobby, pumping billions of dollars to attack Christians, make laws, and set policies in motion detrimental to the family, God's first institution in the book of Genesis.  No contest divorces (covenant breakers) of the 70's starting the same decade as Roe vs Wade.  All these are in verses 22-31 of Romans chapter 1.  All of this is evidence that America and the world for that matter is already under judgement from God.  He's allowing the "wallowing in sin" as a part of this verdict.  This  continues to escalate daily in geometrical portions!  By knowing the judgement of God, these folks are suppressing the Truth in unrighteousness.  The hope:     16.)For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.  17.)For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.   There really is no need for commentary of the two verses that sum up the hope for humanity that is in Christ Jesus. The facts are these, every bit of what is written above is true.  Take the news tomorrow and hold it next to, compare it to, and realize the indictment verses are just, and God will have His Justice!  We need only to Calvary to see that God's Wrath is real, that He's made a way, and lastly, the soul who doesn't trust Jesus will receive his due and proper!

God's Word: The Answer to Everything

God's Word: The Answer to Everything

By Brother Joseph Parker of the American Family Association.

The Most Powerful Pronoun

"1 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life;

2 (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;)

3 That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.

4 And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full." (1 John 1:4) KJV

  What a beautiful passage!  That Which was from the beginning... let us focus on the dual grouped Pronoun that sets off the first verse of the first chapter of the epistle scribed by the Beloved disciple, the aging Apostle John.  We notice that its not just the average "That" Pronoun, we notice That has been since before the earth was, and that was seen, heard, and touched by human witnesses.  Remember back to the Old Covenant where the national and social laws for the nation of Israel where gifted by God unto His people to govern and regulate horizontal relationships of the nation.  The penalty for bearing false witness and perjury was death. 

  Even more to consider is the fact that in Jerusalem at, during, and immediately after the arrest, mock trial, crucifixion, and resurrection of Jesus men were forbidden to speak, teach, and preach the Name of Jesus.  More than just taboo, it cost a price if one was caught doing so, yet this very John along with Peter (who ultimately gave his life for the Gospel just as Jesus prophesied) were beaten, questioned, and forbidden to mention Jesus by the very men who were responsible to getting Christ to the cross. [Acts 4]

  Now here John is many years later, in exile having been persecuted (tradition says burned in a vat of oil by Nero) nonetheless persecuted for sure by Nero being on Patmos, and he's giving a testimony, bearing witness to That Which was from before the beginning!  As in Acts 4, how could John not declare what he had personally observed?  He walked with Jesus, Jesus called him from fishing to walking with the Son of God!  He heard Him teach, he saw the miracles, he broke bread with Him, he was at the cross, and saw the empty tomb!  So John declares unto us SO we can know Jesus too.  So we can have fellowship with God the Father and other Believers.  Consider how much the word fellowship must have meant to the elderly apostle.  Exiled on Patmos, removed from fellowship of the church at Ephesus by the monster tyrant Nero. John no doubt knew the other disciples were gone. His circle of family and friends long gone to be with the Lord.  The Holy Spirit had John declare to us that Jesus is the Word of Life in verse 3b-4 "...of the Word of life; 2 (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;)"  It is only in, by, through, and because of the Word of Life that we can even fellowship with God the Father and each other as the Body of Christ, our local church, and each other, yes even those who read this with me. 

  In the original Koine text the Word of Life is in the Genitive Mood.  This matters in the position that it not only describes but qualifies Word of Life, hence showing us the way, and showing us its the ONLY way to fellowship with God the Father and Jesus the Son. Jesus spoke this to John before He was crucified, remember the most popular passage from the Gospel according to John?  "Jesus said, I AM the Way, the Truth, and the Life, NO ONE comes to the Father except by Me..."  Let us each ask our self this question, am I in fellowship with God the Father?  Am I in fellowship with my fellow Christians?  If not, let us go to that Powerful Pronoun, That Which was from the beginning, That Which is the Word of Life!

Why Is The Lamb Worthy?

"5:1 And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals. 2 And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof? 3 And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon.4 And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon. 5 And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof. 6 And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth. 7 And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne. 8 And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints. 9 And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; 10 And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth. 11 And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands; 12 Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing. 13 And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever. 14 And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever." Revelation 5:1-14 KJV Why is the Lamb worthy? First thing to consider is what does the word worthy mean? In the 1828 Webster's it is defined as: "WORTHY, a. [Greek.] 1. Deserving; such as merits; having worth or excellence; equivalent; with of, before the thing deserved. She has married a man worthy of her. Thou art worthy of the sway. I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies--Genesis 32. 2. Possessing worth or excellence of qualities; virtuous; estimable; as a worthy citizen; a worthy magistrate. Happier thou mayst be, worthier canst not be." The first thing seen here is that in the English before words took an heavy assault of being redefined like marriage of today, it means deserving. That's in the English, when we dig a little deeper into the actual word that the Holy Spirit had the Apostle John dictate it has an even more significant meaning to it. In the Koine it is axios which means weight. Weight? Weight of what? Weight of Glory, Person, and deeds performed. Exactly what is the weight of Glory that rests on and exudes from the Christ? For one, He is Son of the Most High God, fully God, fully man. He left the glory of heaven, uninterrupted presence of the Father, uninterrupted presence of the angels of heaven. Secondly, leaving heaven He laid down His Glory temporarily for over thirty earthly years enter the womb of a sinful human, be born, live spotless, and willingly lay His life down for the sinful creation that He created. Consider the significance of this very act. In the beginning, God created a perfect creation. He created our first earthly father Adam. From Adam He created a perfect female helpmeet. He gave them and us the valuable gift of intellect, will, and choice. Everything was so perfect and God not only said it was good but after man he said it was very good! Created in the image of God, man enjoyed uninterrupted fellowship and walks with God. Thriving with all he needed in the Garden of Eden. Then it happened. Man chose cosmic treason against our Creator. Everything lost, tainted, fallen, willfully against the Creator. Jesus, came and paid the price to buy back, to redeem that which chose to commit treason and adultery against Him. Hated, despised, and rejected He chose to redeem what always was His! Next we can see that His Person that left Glory performed such a deed that heaven rejoices, and shall rejoice, and worships the Lamb. Of course, the Lamb is Jesus and he was slain before His creation was ever Created. God in His foreknowledge, and Jesus both knowing the cost this creation would cost them personally still created us! What a deed! That is why in the last few verses of this passage we see worship. What is worship? In the English it comes from the Old English word "worthship." Which is from the Koine Greek word "proskuneo." This is a compound word, pros being the preposition towards, and kuneo being to kiss. What I and we often forget is that God could have never created us, or even worse than that, He didn't have to redeem us back. When we consider what Jesus laid down before He ever created us, it will initiate in our spirit, heart, and volitional will to kiss towards the Lamb for He ALONE is WORTHY. He alone paid the price for sin which we can not pay. The wages of sin is death. I can't pay mine friend! You can't either! Jesus has and He is WORTHY! Worthy is the Lamb!! Amen and Maranatha!