nikki1

Proverbs 27:5--Open rebuke is better than secret love. 2 Timothy 3:16--All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: (This is alot different than your down trod against the books of 1&2 Timothy) The preaching of those having itching ears who turn against the truth. You can see this in the OP of this thread as one day our speech will be taken away from us. We are awaiting the apperance of our Lord Jesus Christ as we don't have reason to scoff at the coming of the Lord as the Lord wil keep his promises. Hate crimes are a serious thing, hate speech targeting various groups and ultimately certain groups will be protected through hate crimes which are not in effect and not on the books yet and I hope they will fail. oc OC My thoughts on rebuking a homosexual who professes to be Christian, but is living in an immormal relationship, I think it is our obligation as Christians to first pray about the situation and wait for God to lead us in how to respond. He may tell us to take that person aside and discuss it with him/her, as the Holy Spirit leads one to do if the person is someone we know or a relative, or in our church group. This person obviously, as a professing Christian, should already be aware of his sinful lifestyle because God has given everyone a conscience that will bear witness Romans 2:15. The same applies with someone in an adultrous relationship. However, just because a person is a homosexual doesn't mean the person is living an immoral lifestyle. The political Christian right has tended to clump all homosexuals in one basket, but the truth is, many homosexuals have chosen to be celibate because of sexually related diseases, and their love for God. Many are struggling to be set free from homosexuality. The key here is to let the Holy Spirit lead you and pray about what you do first and wait for God to give you a definite answer, and understand that we are to love our neighbor even though they may be different than ourself. As far as the unsaved, I think I have already addressed that. Blessings, Nikki

Blessings, BeachedEinstein Where did you come up with a name like that? No, my friend, I was not speaking of all homosexuals...I am referring to the radical ones. I thought I made that clear by what I wrote. You don't have to worry about me. I know people in high places. Jesus first. If you want to be friends, I would like that. And then there's my very close relative, who has a very high position on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. with the United States Government who just happens to be homosexual. Like Jesus, I have been despised, kicked around, accused of being hateful, made fun of, belittled by people who call themselves Christians so I know exactly what you are talking about, and I'm not even lesbian. So I know how to love those that aren't like me inspite of their sin. Nikki

An Open Rebuke is better than Secret Love Proverbs In the book of [Timothy 5:20] the pastors are taught to rebuke those who sin before all that others may also may fear. Rebuking is simple correcting people through preachers, evangelists, teachers etc, [2 Timothy 3:16] If one teaches or preaches the Word must do so without fear so you can save yourselve and your hearers. There are many who are turning over to the mindset how we do not have to rebuke or speak out of the Word to warn against sin and preach the message of reconciliation. The message that we cannot rebuke only Jesus can do that. It's like the OP was saying, hate crimes or hate speech condemns those who speak about those who call those in sin according to the Word as alright with God as his ministers as long as they preach but not condemming to certain groups. It will come a time when all of this contention will be over and we'll go home to our long home. Blessings oc Hi OC The radical homosexual lobby and radical homosexuals despises Christianity and Christians and have been fighting against Christians for years now in the legal system and government, street protests, and the like. They mock Christians. You will not win them to Christ by a rebuke. The Bible teaches in proverbs "Do not rebuke a mocker or he will hate you. Instruct a wise man and he will be wiser still; teach a righteous man and he will add to his learning, Proverbs 9:8 The rebuke spoken of in Timothy that you note was written by the Apostle Paul to Timothy for the believers, or church, at Lystra, not the unsaved. I think what we need to understand is that we are to love our neighbor, even the least like us, inspite of their sin, and reach out to those who despise us. Like Jesus, in order to be loved, we will first have to be despised. Blessings, Nikki

Blessings, Butero Laws on the books??? If we could legislate moral behaviour, then we would have no murders or thieves or homosexuals, or adulterers, or abortions. We would still have prayer in school where God is at least recognized. We would love our neighbor and not have people hating one another, or bearing false witness, or lying. The Supreme Court didn't come up with the idea, God did in His Ten Commandments given to the world through Moses. And what has America done with them. Ask Chief Justice Roy Moore Not until Christ returns will morality be legislated when He Himself will shepherd the nations with a rod of iron Revelation 19:15 In the meantime,the best thing a Christian can do to change one's immoral behaviour is to change their heart through a true conversion by Jesus Christ. The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?Jeremiah 17:9 Nikki

I tend to agree with you. Blessings, Nikki

Blessings, LadyC: Just so you know, I never once singled you out made you the subject of anything here or even mentioned your name; and if you are referring to me in your comment above, I strive daily to get and keep the plank out of my own eye, as I think Jesus would have us all do, therefore, I choose not to call unsaved sinners derogatory names because of their sin. I have no problem with calling sin sin when the occasion arises, but I refuse to constantly throw an unsaved sinner's sin in his/her face which is not what we as Christians are called to do. There are far too many politically active Christians who have already done this IMO, trying to legislate morality with their political actions in Washington and have only brought radical homosexuals out in droves fighting against them, hurting the cause of the Gospel message because morality cannot be legislated. Nikki

Blessings, Butero I don't see where anyone is defending her, or the sin of homosexuality/lesbianism. But no one will ever cause anyone's heart to turn toward Christ by calling them derogatory names, IMO, and I don't see where the teachings of Jesus or apostles advocate or promote it. And, you didn't answer my question. What possible good can come out of it??

Blessings, Butero I don't see where anyone is defending her, or the sin of homosexuality/lesbianism. But no one will ever cause anyone's heart to turn toward Christ by calling them derogatory names, IMO, and I don't see where the teachings of Jesus or apostles advocate or promote it. And, you didn't answer my question. What possible good can come out of it??

Every church service I have ever attended, the children are always under adult supervision, so I don't see any problem here. If they are not, then there is a problem within the administration. I agree with One Light Blessings, Nikki

Blessings, Butero I don't see where anyone is defending her, or the sin of homosexuality/lesbianism. But no one will ever cause anyone's heart to turn toward Christ by calling them derogatory names, IMO, and I don't see where the teachings of Jesus or apostles advocate or promote it. And, you didn't answer my question. What possible good can come out of it??

The constitution gives you the right to free speech. So what. God commands you to temper your speech... Col 4:5-6 (ESV) Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. 6 Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person. Rom 12:18 (ESV) If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Mat 12:36-37 (ESV) I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, 37 for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned." Eph 4:29 (ESV) Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. One day you will stand before God and be asked to justify why you called one of His creation "degenerate" and I don't think "But I have the constitutional right to free speech" is going to cut it with Him. The fact that you know the generally accepted meaning that people have when they hear the nickname 'degenerate' applied to Ellen Degeneres, and still attempt to defend your right to call her that, speaks volumes. What does this have to do with the legality of speaking out against deviate behaviour? As for me calling Ellen a degenerate, Romans 1 calls her a reprobate if God calls her that then I am safe to call her a degenerate. oc I guess for me the question would be what purpose is being served in calling someone living an immoral livestyle a derogatory name such as a degenerate unless you are deliberately looking for trouble? What possible good can come out of it? Blessings, nikki

Blessings, LadyC Nebula did not make this a personal issue. She was using your kids and others as an example to show that not all kids are alike to make her point. We do it all the time. Chill out. Nikki

Blessings, Hunterpoet: Well, I don't really think I was being hard on Franklin Graham, just being honest. I have given Franklin Graham the benefit of doubt, but then I read about other things he has been doing of late, and it really does look as if he is getting himself involved with the politically correct elites, and fore saking the Gospel of repentence through God's grace by the redemptive blood of Jesus Christ, and ecuminism, or bringing all "religions" together under one roof for "works" and politics which is not biblical and in fact is another gospel. Galatians 1:9... The Christian Post writes in July of last year Christians, Jews and Muslims will gather in Madrid later this month for what could be one of the highest profile interfaith meetings in recorded history. The three-day conference, hosted by Saudi Arabia, aims to highlight the attendees

The cops had "mountains of evidence" but botched it. Renowned expert on islam and writer, Robert Spencer has been tracking this case from its inception has posted on his web site: Florida Keystone Kops ignore mountains of evidence, then find "no credible proof" that ex-Muslim teen Here are accounts from Rifqa's friends Jamal Jivanjee and Brian Williams -- both of which differ significantly from the FDLE's findings. "FDLE report on ex-Muslim runaway teen criticized: Report finds no 'credible' proof Rifqa Bary's life is endangered," by James A. Smith Sr. for Florida Baptist Witness, September 15: ORLANDO (FBW) - A Florida Department of Law Enforcement investigation has found no "credible" evidence that Christian convert Rifqa Bary is endangered by her Muslim parents she fled in July in fear of her life. Supporters of the Ohio teen, however, called the FDLE report a "travesty of justice," and one Islam expert criticized the report as "political correctness" that will endanger the girl's life. The FDLE report, which was unsealed Sept. 14 by Judge Daniel Dawson of Orange County's Ninth Judicial Circuit Court, summarizes the department's investigation of Rifqa Bary's claims that her father, Mohamed Bary, threatened her life in June after learning of her conversion to Christianity.... According to the FDLE report, on Aug. 24 Rifqa told FDLE investigators that she was fearful for her life because of the Islamic teaching she understood to require death for Muslims who convert to Christianity. FDLE investigators interviewed Rifqa's parents at their Westerville, Ohio, home on Aug. 27. Her father denied ever striking and threatening Rifqa, although he admitted during his confrontation with his daughter about her conversion that he grabbed the lap top computer and intended to throw it, but decided against doing so because of its expense. Brian Williams, a 21-year-old friend of Rifqa, contacted FDLE on Aug. 28, noting that he filed a report with the Columbus Police Department that she had told him about her father's threat and her mother finding Christian materials in July. Williams also told FDLE he baptized Rifqa in June. He also said he drove Rifqa from a friend's house to the bus station when she decided to flee. >>>>>Go to link for complete story. Blessings, Nikki

Yes, for me it is too much to ask because I have already looked at the facts from both sides, and they don't add up. You, on the other hand, have not provided any substantial links to back up what you say. Experts on islam and statements from those who have left islam for Christianity have all said Rifqa's life is in serious danger, as is their own, and I believe them. From what I know from the honor killings in the United States by muslims and around the world,and the teachings of apostates in islam, Rifqa's account of what happened is not hard to believe at all, and I am disturbed that you would think she is making it up. Blessings, Nikki

I would like to know too. Blessings, Nikki

[artsylady' date=Oct 14 2009, 10:33 PM' post='1444825] Try here Link Blessings, nikki

I for one have not avoided this issue. I posted numerous comments with links in another thread that show the other side of political correct media propaganda. And yes, I too would like to see any links to back up anything you have said. That's only fair. If you want to know the other side of the story, told by Rifqa's best friend and a pastor in Ohio, Brian Williams, who assisted Rifqa to the bus station so she could leave out of absolute fear for her life, below is the link from the blogger who did a personal interview with the entire interview with Rifqa's best friend whom Rifqa confided in, and who baptized Rifqa. There's much more to this story than you can shake a stick at, so be sure to take 10 minutes of your time to read it. I suppose he is lying too, though? One more thing I would like to know. Rifqa Bary's parents have been requested by Judge Dawson at least three times to produce to citizenship status, and have not complied. Why not? artsylady Rifqa Bary's Best Friend In Ohio Interview Blessings, Nikki

Maranatha and blessings, Here's one Worthy person who didn't vote for him! Nikki

Does Hillary Clinton, as Secretary of State, have authority to make this vital one-sided national security decision without the President or Congress knowing about it? Next, we'll wake up some morning and find out the Russians have taken over the Pentagon. Blessings, Nikki

I wouldn't put too much stock in the idea that Franklin Graham is going to N. Korea. Three years ago, he went to China and created quite a controversary and interference with his statements with the persecuted Chinese House Church. As much as I used to admire Franklin Graham for his good Christian deeds, he seems to be going politically correct and ecuminical. Because the Gospel of Christ is illegal in China, Graham advocates complying with the government and refrain from taking it to the people during the Olympics. ]The persecuted House Church is way ahead of Franklyn Graham and they really didn't need his sticking his nose in, nor does the persecuted church in N. Korea, both of which have millions of converts without Graham, which continues to grow daily Full Story Here The son of Billy Graham has been preaching and meeting with government officials in China -- and he created somewhat of a storm in recent comments to Chinese press. While in Beijing, evangelist Franklin Graham told Chinese reporters he is opposed to missionary work during the Olympic Games this summer in Beijing. Some Christian groups have announced plans to proselytize during the Games in August -- but Graham, recognizing that Chinese law prohibits such actions, said he would not encourage anything illegal. (See related story) Blessings, nikki I completely agree. US and S.Korea give millions of dollars to N.Korea to feed its people yet N.Korea hordes the money and food and only gives it to his military. Graham is only trying to make the news and is doing more harm then any, as you have already seen. Graham should be speak out against how N.Korea is mistreating the underground Christians and it citizens, yet he goes there and treats Kim Jong Il as a pal and a good friend. Blessings, Jedi4Yahweh Having been in So. Korea yourself in the military, you certainly would know what is going on first hand. Thank you and God bless you for all you do in keeping us safe. This is what disturbs me about Franklin Graham, and I thought he should be speaking out in support for the real or underground severely persecuted church in China and not supporting the communist state run church in China. Even after his interference in China, he never issued a public apology to the persecuted church in China. N. Korea is just a repeat episode, IMO. nikki

From Fox News So Hillary Clinton is now turning America's Nuclear Arsenal over to the Russians to inspect and learn their whereabouts??? Am I reading this right? Russia and the United States have tentatively agreed to a weapons inspection program that would allow Russians to visit nuclear sites in America to count missiles and warheads. The plan, which Fox News has learned was agreed to in principle during negotiations, would constitute the most intrusive weapons inspection program the U.S. has ever accepted. Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, who met with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, said publicly Tuesday that the two nations have made "considerable" progress toward reaching agreement on a new strategic arms treaty. The 1991 Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty, or START, expires in December and negotiators have been racing to reach agreement on a successor. Clinton said the U.S. would be as transparent as possible. "We want to ensure that every question that the Russian military or Russian government asks is answered," she said, calling missile defense "another area for deep cooperation between our countries." On another critical issue, Lavrov declared that it would be counterproductive to threaten Iran with more sanctions over its nuclear program -- as he resisted efforts by Clinton to win agreement for tougher measures should Iran fail to prove its program is peaceful. Clinton visited Moscow on her first trip since becoming America's top diplomat, in an effort to gauge Moscow's willingness to join the U.S. in imposing sanctions. Clinton said the U.S. agreed it was important to pursue diplomacy with Iran. "At the same time that we are very vigorously pursuing this track, we are aware that we might not be as successful as we need to be, so we have always looked at the potential of sanctions in the event we are not successful and cannot assure ourselves and others that Iran has decided not to pursue nuclear weapons," she said at a joint news conference. Iran insists it has the right to a full domestic nuclear enrichment program and maintains it is only for peaceful purposes, such as energy production. President Obama -- who visited Russia in July -- has vowed to "reset" U.S.-Russia relations. On Tuesday, Clinton apologized for missing that meeting because of a broken elbow. "But now both my elbow and our relationships are reset and we're moving forward, which I greatly welcome," she said. She was to meet with Russian President Dmitry Medvedev later Tuesday.

Blessings, humbleseeker America has the strongest military in the world. The weakness is in American leadership, the Commander-in-Chief,Obama who bows to the Saudis and goes around the world apologizing for America's needed war time actions in defeating this enemy. nikki

Hunterpoet: From the article I think it was only another political move, as the article implies. Blessings, Nikki

Blessings, Hunterpoet: Well, I don't really think I was being hard on Franklin Graham, just being honest. I have given Franklin Graham the benefit of doubt, but then I read about other things he has been doing of late, and it really does look as if he is getting himself involved with the politically correct elites, and fore saking the Gospel of repentence through God's grace by the redemptive blood of Jesus Christ, and ecuminism, or bringing all "religions" together under one roof for "works" and politics which is not biblical and in fact is another gospel. Galatians 1:9... The Christian Post writes in July of last year Christians, Jews and Muslims will gather in Madrid later this month for what could be one of the highest profile interfaith meetings in recorded history. The three-day conference, hosted by Saudi Arabia, aims to highlight the attendees