MarleneF

"For God so loved the world he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in him shall not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16 Jesus is the Saviour of the world, to all who believe!

My questions are for the OP. You said this sermon made you uncomfortable. Was it because you personally felt judged? Did you hear one of the 50 things, and realized you did have some of them in your life, and when the preacher said that even one of those characteristics makes you a Pharisee, did you feel like he was speaking to you? While I don't agreee with this sort of sermon, it could be that God was using it to convict you, or others of something that they need to change in their lives. It could be an attitude, or a lack of service, or selflishness or any other thing. God has a way of speaking to us - and even using bad things - to help us grow as a Christian. So my thought is to examine our hearts. Was there anything specifically that you heard, that you felt like applied to you? If so, then time to take it to God in prayer. If not, maybe someone else heard something and you might want to pray for them. As to the statement that one thing makes you a Pharisee, I wouldn't worry about it. The Pharisees became what is now our modern Jews after the temple in Jerusalem was raised in 70 AD. Those Pharisees went on to spend decades writing the Talmud - which are a bunch of rules and interpretations of the Old Testament. I've read some of it, and it is mostly very bad hermenutics. (Interpretation) That means rules upon rules. So I guess we will have to let God deal with the real descendents of the Pharisees. As for us, if the shoe fits, we need to wear it! In other words, don't worry about the messenger, but do pay attention to the conviction of the Holy Spirit. God is speaking to you, one way or another, so dig deep and find out what his message is.

We have a man in our church who was a homosexual but he repented and changed his lifestyle. He has been married for over 26 years to a woman, and they are both in leadership positions in our church, and they should be! Their love for Christ and the body of Christ is amazing. He still testifies at Christian conferences and workshops as to how God changed him and set him free. And he gives all the glory to God. Again, he has been totally welcomed by our church - but he also knew that he had to change his lifestyle, and repent of his sin. That is a gospel basic, and if it is missing in the presentation or in a church, then a most important part is missing in order to be saved. "And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." Acts 2:38

I have always used music to help me especially when I was depressed. In the early 2000's, I was very physically ill, unable to do much, and I just felt like giving up on life. I even stopped reading my Bible, praying and going to church. I would pull out some of my old 60's and 70's music and listen to the sad songs. The I would feel prompted to listen to one Christian song, then another. Next thing you know, I was praising God, and slept like a baby. In the end, I improved physically, but the depression and bitterness were still there. But God told me to read 5 Psalms a day. I did for a while, and God showed me amazing things about people and who he was! In the end, I found a good church, started exercising and went back to playing music in church, and it turned me right around. Now, that is not the kind of depression you have, I know - mine was circumstantial. Although, I have been through tremendous pain the last year, when the meds failed, but God had helped me grow enough that I did not go through that deep horrible depression, like I did before. I think listening to the right kind of music is not new age - find Christian music that offers hope in Christ. And try reading the psalms every day. I heard Billy Graham did that, which is part of what inspired me. And try to get to a church and make friends, although that may seem impossible right now. But make it a future goal. As for healing, there are no promises in the Bible we will get healing, despite the twisting of the Bible by some groups. Instead, God promises us - HIM! I do believe that you can improve but it will mean climbing out of that pit. And since it is too hard to do on your own, let us help you! That is what the body of Christ is for. Praying and God bless!