dwinkjr

Here you are assuming that when one drinks they are drinking in excess to the point of legal intoxication, this is not the case for anyone who is drinking responsibly and in moderation. No I am not. Seriously, if you had just one or 2 beers you would drive? I find that unacceptable. You don't really know your own tolerance, you may think you do, but you do not. I am not only speaking about legal intoxication, say that the police officer goes to your church, he is new, and he asks you if you had anything to drink and you say yes. Are you seriously going to break out the Bible and explain to him that it is okay with God? Really, I feel you are gettting a little semantical. The idea is, if it would hinder, even if you feel it is okay, you should obstain for the edification of God and his Church. God will bless you more if you are willing to sacrifice for the sake of winning others to him. This is not only done in preaching and teaching, this is the cashier at the store where you bought that beer, she doesn't know that you are only going to drink one or two, even if that matters. She just sees the beer, and then you greet her with a farewell, "God Bless You", and you have one misguided cashier. You JUST CAN'T KNOW how much what you do in living affects others daily lives. It is legalists who have created this false ideal that alcohol is inherently sinful, and will try to claim Christ drank Juice not wine. What bothers me more then somebody having an occasional drink is folks coming on here posting like alcohol in and of itself is sin, and therefore make Christ a sinner. Legalism in this sense can cause more damage then any Christian having a couple drinks. This isn't about limiting the Christian in his/her ojurney to holiness, it is about creating a journey with the least casualties, and a journey that is God centered. Drinking, smoking, doing drugs, etc... these are selfish things. They are personal choices that have nothing to do with God. They give the individual a pay off, a release, a high, a buzz, that satisfies a longing. But they neglect to see that God can fill that longing. He can be the there to quench your thirst at dinner, he can be there to help you chill after a very long work day, he can be there in those moments when you just need to relax. I find it to be, a lack of faith that God is enough. Like above, it would be nice to think that they things we do in private don't affect other people but they do eventually. I know this full well. Things affect you, and whether you choose to think so or not, you cannot hide who you truly are in the end. I again, ask you to answer the above question asked by me in an earlier post. What kind of example would you be if on your way to the hospital you were pulled over, and found to have been drinking alcohol, or under the influence of drugs? What would you do if you chose not to drive, call someone and say, well, I need you to come take me to the hospital, because I drank alcohol tonight, and I don't want to take the chance. Whether you think that the person you call will be okay with it or not, it is showing poor judgement, and an inaccurate witness of a Christian striving for holiness. Again at no point do a drink to a point that I cannot function normally, nor is it for a buzz or to relax. It is simply because after a hard days work, I on occassion enjoy a beer or two. This does not constitute a lack of faith that God can provide everything I need. You are making false assumptions based off of your personal history. How do you know you can't function normally. I watched a study where they had a group of many people gather at a hotel bar, where no one was driving, it was very controlled, and they had the bar open. The asked people beforehand, how many drinks they thought they could handle etc. They kept interviewing the participants every hour, and they would estimate as to how many drinks they had had, and then they offered them a simulated driving test. Ones used by drivers ed courses to help students learn on. And there were a few who said they had only had a couple drinks and felt like they could totally drive home if they needed to. Both people ran a couple lights, one ran a person over, and the other crossed over the center line several times. Their interviews were obvious on the effects their "2 glasses of wine" or 2 drinks had had on them, but they were able the next day to see the tapes of their experiment. MANY of the particpants were so embarrassed by how they acted, and reacted on film. They laughed at how together they really thought they were, but noticed that on film they were a little tipsy. A few were interviewed then, and they said they never would have guessed that they were that out of control. They thought they were totally in control, they thought they always had been very conservative with Liquor and were very good at limiting themselves. YOU JUST CAN'T KNOW. Lastly, this isn't based on my personal history. This is based solely on HOLINESS. The Holiness that God has called us all to. And you can try and save the world and country by re-educating them on how you feel God really feels on Alcohol and Drugs, while I will be living a life that will show them I need nothing but Jesus, there is NOTHING that can satisfy me like Him. I am not talking about the future. The future is guided by the now, and right now, I will deny self, and my selfish desires, and I will try to live in a way that no one will question what my beliefs are or even be given the chance to. Everyone's ideals and opinions are based on their personal history, their is no way around that, the key is realizing that just because you feel this way about a particular topic does not mean that everyone does, or even that God does. Too often we take our personal convictions and pronounce them as they are the laws of God. I don't mean to sound judgemental, but I have really come to a point where I can't beat around the bush any longer. I just feel like you are pulling at straws to justify your selfish habits and wants. It is absolutely your choice, and I will not be judged for that, but I cannot accept it any longer, those who believe to the contrary to the principles of Holiness, to come on here and say it is acceptable. It is not. Not by any stretch of imagination or scripture. God does not tolerate selfish desire that COULD hinder his flock. The God I Love and Serve would never tolerate this behavior. I apologize for the bluntness, but I feel it had to be said. GB MHO <{POST_SNAPBACK}> God Bless, Dave <{POST_SNAPBACK}> <{POST_SNAPBACK}> No need to apologize for how you feel, but you do need to make it clear this is how YOU feel. I in good concience can continue to have an occasional drink, I know that it does not come between me and my Saviour in the slightest. However I am led to avoid legalism completely, the whole thing really leaves a bad taste in my mouth, and IMHO is more damaging to the Gospel then alcohol, smoking, tattoos, etc... ever will be. God Bless, Dave

Here you are assuming that when one drinks they are drinking in excess to the point of legal intoxication, this is not the case for anyone who is drinking responsibly and in moderation. This isn't about limiting the Christian in his/her ojurney to holiness, it is about creating a journey with the least casualties, and a journey that is God centered. Drinking, smoking, doing drugs, etc... these are selfish things. They are personal choices that have nothing to do with God. They give the individual a pay off, a release, a high, a buzz, that satisfies a longing. But they neglect to see that God can fill that longing. He can be the there to quench your thirst at dinner, he can be there to help you chill after a very long work day, he can be there in those moments when you just need to relax. I find it to be, a lack of faith that God is enough. Like above, it would be nice to think that they things we do in private don't affect other people but they do eventually. I know this full well. Things affect you, and whether you choose to think so or not, you cannot hide who you truly are in the end. I again, ask you to answer the above question asked by me in an earlier post. What kind of example would you be if on your way to the hospital you were pulled over, and found to have been drinking alcohol, or under the influence of drugs? What would you do if you chose not to drive, call someone and say, well, I need you to come take me to the hospital, because I drank alcohol tonight, and I don't want to take the chance. Whether you think that the person you call will be okay with it or not, it is showing poor judgement, and an inaccurate witness of a Christian striving for holiness. Again at no point do a drink to a point that I cannot function normally, nor is it for a buzz or to relax. It is simply because after a hard days work, I on occassion enjoy a beer or two. This does not constitute a lack of faith that God can provide everything I need. You are making false assumptions based off of your personal history. MHO <{POST_SNAPBACK}> God Bless, Dave

Problem is, Caffiene doesn't dull one's senses, etc. There are literally dozens of admonitions against drunkenness in the Bible, and between those, and the two verses I quoted above, and the known fact that cigarettes and alcohol destroy your body, it is obviously sin. Do we destroy our bodies? Do we destroy what God gave the Gifts of the Spirit to heal? Will a Christian knowingly keep smoking/drinking until they end up with lung cancer or liver disease, and then go to the altar and ask for healing? You may well do so, and the Lord may even answer, but you'd be better off quitting right now. Which is the better testimony? "The Lord convicted me and helped me stop smoking/drinking." or "Well, you know I got cancer from all those smokes I should have quit years ago, but praise God! He healed me. I think I'll quit now." Caffeine is addictive and if allowed to do so can interfere with your Christian walk. say one is used to having a couple cups of coffee a morning, but on this particular Sunday morning they donot have time to drink any coffee before Church. So now they are not wide awake, lethargic, they have a headache from Caffeine withdrawls, and cannot enjoy the fellowship and worship of their Sunday service. Now as far as destroying our bodies goes, there is nothing you can do that will not destroy your body. These bodies are temporary, they will be remade into glorified bodies with the second coming of our Lord. Does this mean we should go out and do things to excess and purposely abuse our bodies? No of course not, but to say one should avoid anything because it COULD cause health issues later is just plain silly. Regarding tattoos. Leviticus 19:28 - Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you: I am the LORD. Leviticus 21:5 - They shall not make baldness upon their head, neither shall they shave off the corner of their beard, nor make any cuttings in their flesh. I suggest taking a better look at the context of these verses There is also a definite difference between "Legalism" and "Holiness". Legalism is trying to earn favor with God through good works, such as church attendance, tithing/offering, reading 'x' chapters a day of the Bible, praying 30 minutes a day, etc, etc. Basically it is placing one's faith in ordinance and regimin. Legalism is taking your personal convictions and opinions and turning them into the law of God. 1 Corinthians 7:18 - Is any man called being circumcised? let him not become uncircumcised. Is any called in uncircumcision? let him not be circumcised. 1 Corinthians 7:19 - Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God. So then we see that the commandments, the "Thou shalt/shalt nots." is NOT what Paul was addressing regarding "Circumcision". He was addressing the fact that the Jews believe they were saved through the seal of the Old Covenant, which was actually never the case. It was always by faith. Galatians 5:2 - Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing. Galatians 5:3 - For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law. Galatians 5:6 - For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love. Galatians 5:11 - And I, brethren, if I yet preach circumcision, why do I yet suffer persecution? then is the offence of the cross ceased. Galatians 6:15 - For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature. Gal. 4:9 But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage? 10 Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years. 11 I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labour in vain. In otherwords, the ordinance in and of itself is neither good nor evil. It won't save you, but then again people who have been circumcised, observe "blue laws/sabbath", etc, are not sinning either. HOWEVER if they go around thinking that doing/not doing such saves them, or rebuking people that don't do them, or claiming that it somehow adds something to their spiritual condition, then it IS sin. Why? Because that is "Another Gospel". Kinda like saying Alcohol consumption is a sin? Now HOPEFULLY the "New Creature" will walk after the Spirit(Rom. 6, 8; Gal. 5:22-26), and not the Flesh(Rom. 7; Gal. 5:19-21). We see then, that many of the "Works of the Flesh", when compared to "A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump." it basically means, "Don't do it, period." Which brings up the other word: Holiness is being abstinent, or seperated from sin. Big difference. Psalms 119:101 - I have refrained my feet from every evil way, that I might keep thy word. Proverbs 8:13 - The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate. 2 Corinthians 7:1 - Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. Ephesians 4:24 - And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. Leviticus 20:7 - Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be ye holy: for I am the LORD your God. 1 Peter 1:15 - But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; 1 Peter 1:16 - Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. Revelation 18:20 - Rejoice over her, thou heaven, and ye holy apostles and prophets; for God hath avenged you on her. 1 Thessalonians 3:13 - To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints. 1 Thessalonians 4:7 - For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness. Hebrews 12:14 - Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: Now this is a process. As far as the Work of the Cross of Jesus Christ goes, all that will ever need to be done on his part has been fulfilled. HOWEVER, we are still in this mortal clay, and consequently cannot be totally sanctified in terms of total holiness. Because of the Blood, God sees us as Holy, Righteous, Justified, Innocent, NOt Guilty, Clean, Sanctified, and any other good word you can think of, because in truth he is looking at the workds of Christ on the Cross, and of the Holy Spirit in our hearts. HOWEVER, we have from Paul that we certainly have not attained, nor will atain in this life. The most sanctified believer alive is as a child compared to what we will be when the Lord calls us home: 1 Cor. 13: 10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. 11 When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. 12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. 13 And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity. This is one of the most oft quoted passages from Pauline epistles, and yet it is one of the least understood by any of us. No matter how far the Lord has brought us, about the only thing we really can understand in this life is that sin is far worse than we can imagine, we have much farther to go than we can imagine, and that the Lord loves us more than we can imagine. The devil loves to make you see a gray line, but all the Lord sees is black and white. He says to the Laodiceans, "I would that you were hot or cold, but because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will vommit you out of my mouth." Friends, I don't want to be the vommit. I don't think you do either. <{POST_SNAPBACK}> God Bless, Dave

Greetings Dwink, Though to an extent I might agree with you, as I read your posts, it sounds like you are attempting to justify your own sins. One thing you haven't mentioned is the example you or I might set for others. This perhaps is the most important aspect of what we can or should not do. I am reminded by Paul: 1 Corinthians 6:12 All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any. 1 Corinthians 10:23 All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not. Romans 14:13-17 Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother's way. 14 I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him it is unclean. 15 But if thy brother be grieved with thy meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died. 16 Let not then your good be evil spoken of: 17 For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. When others see you drinking, are they seeing "Christ" drinking? If they do, then do you "justify" you actions in hopes that if they are weak they won't begin embibing themselves? As shown above, it is more "expedient" for us to avoid any hint of "sin", so as not to cause a fellow Christian to fall, or for that matter, even unbelievers, when they see you, do they consider you a hypocrite? Well, I am not accusing you of anything. But these are thoughts you need to consider when you are justifying your actions. Blessings, Dad Ernie <{POST_SNAPBACK}> DE, Who created this standard of alcohol being so terrible? Why is it now that others who see me have a drink or two at dinner would get a bad impression because of it? I would much rather educate those on what the bible teaches then teach them to condemn what is not sin. The Bible clearly teaches against Being a Drunkard, but it is also very clear that alcohol was consumed in biblical times and by Christ himself. I understand what you are saying, but lets say tomorrow it becomes "un-Christianlike" to be a soldier, and all the unsaved folks in the world see Christians in the armed forces as hypocrits, do we then as Christians stop joining the armed forces? How about if driving cars becomes "un-christian" do we then stop driving cars to not hurt our image in the eyes of unbelievers? So maybe we should all renounce everything we own and go join an amish community? But then after we do that, maybe somebody says its un-christian to make those horses pull those buggies, So we stop using horses for transportation. You see where I am going with this, this is not a matter of whether I need to justify my actions, I couldn't care less if I had a drink here of there, but this whole mindset of agreeing with the mass opinion as opposed to properly educating them just doesn't sit well at all. God Bless, Dave

Alcohol, is exactly what I mean. Just because it isn't a "sin to you" doesn't mean that it couldn't become that, and it could also hinder a younger brother or sister in Christ. What if they haven't figured out what God is leading them to believe about it, it could warp their sense of God and their idea of Holiness. We are told in Romans to remember our younger brother or sister in Christ in all that we do. I think drinking is a very selfish act. It alters your state of mind. Why isn't God enough for you, that you have to alter your mind? It is something that could possibly cause you to make a provision for the flesh, which could dull our love for Him or diminish our sensitivity to sin. Why would you even take that chance? Did you read the devotional? Removing anything that could possibly dull your love for God. It does. Alcohol dulls alot, and that is its sole purpose. "to relax, chill" pretty selfish I think. Drink Milk! I am sure all the alcoholics of the world intended on enjoying alcohol in moderation. <{POST_SNAPBACK}> So instead of teaching younger Christians to be responsible in all their actions you suggest we teach them not to act at all? So then what when they are out on their own and get exposed to something new? To say alcohol comsumption is for the sole purpose of altering ones mind is nonesense, I could say the same thing about anything with caffeine in it. So Where do you draw the line? This brings me to one of the other problems with legalism you pick and choose items that you view as being problematic yet ignore those that are more widely accepted. Do you drink Coffee? eat chocolate? Eat fatty foods? Eat just for the sake of eating even if you arn't really hungry? Eat to console depression? Watch TV for entertainment? Read secular books? Listen to secular music? Please tell me where does one draw the line? And when drawing the line how do you keep from being a hypocrit? God Bless, Dave

Now you can't very well be singing Spiritual Songs and Hymns, if you are singing "Your Cheating Heart Will Tell on You." You can't be singing Spiritual songs if you are whistling along with Britney Spears "You Drive Me Crazy", or Alannis Moresette(sp?). Now I am speaking from experience. Also, most songs that are "Patriotic" or are "True Love Songs" are nearly as bad as the "Lust Songs". What I mean is, why do you love America in the strictest sense? I Love the nation because I live here, and there are certain freedoms I am afforded, but America is an apostate nation, it is not exactly truthful to say "God Bless America." How can he? We are in sin. This applies to many, many other things. i used to be addcited to games and books about magic. No wonder I had such little growth in the Lord at times!!?? I was in the heart of the very things he despises, and couldn't admit that it was destroying me. this applies to many, many pop movies and video games. Star Wars, Dungeons and Dragons, Worlds Greatest Fairy Tales, The Three Little Pigs!! I kid you not, they are all sin, and not according to my oppinion, but according to the Bible. Oh, you will say, but those are just innocent childrens tales. Some even teach valuable lessons. Well, can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit? No, it cannot. Can you call a "Tree" that uses the fantastic, and magic and sorcery, "Good". Biblically, no, you cannot do that. Sin is sin, no matter how good it looks to the undiscerning eye. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you. <{POST_SNAPBACK}> See what I mean by legalism is dangerous, you have now taken simple entertainment venues that may have caused you to stumble and judged everyone who ever participates in them as being sinning in doing so... This is just simply not true, and this judgemental attitude does nohting to further the kingdom of God. I enjoy medievil movies, fantasy and RP games, these do not in anyone take away from my relationship with my Saviour, as a matter of fact it is quite the opposite, I play an online RPG called World of Warcraft, I am connected with hundreds even thousans of people all over the world through this game, how often do you have the opportunity to witness to that many people in that many places? God Bless, Dave

Ok I while I agree with you for the most part, I also must disagree with you. You use alcohol as one of your examples, Alcohol in and of itself is not sinful, it is the intent behind it. Why is it sin for some and not for others? Some are prone to abuse and addiction while others are not. This is a personal thing. Tattoos? is getting a tattoo a sin? for some it may be, for others it is not. Again everything comes down to the heart of the matter. Why are you doing what you are doing? that is what decides sin or not. Smoking? Sin or not? again this boils down to personal conviction. Am I saying this to justify my actions? nope... I say it because it is the truth I have been led to, for me it is ok to have a beer or two with dinner, for an alcoholic it is not. We have to be careful how legalistic we become. God Bless, Dave

What would we taste like to a chicken

I would suggest Downloading E-sword from http://www.e-sword.net You can download numerous bible versions and it has the option to view them in parallel. God Bless, Dave

I must applaud this poster.... this is the heart of the matter. Marijuana is more addictive and can be more detrimental to those with addictive personalities, this is true as wolf pointed out with many things in life. As I have said in past threads we should be careful to use our personal convictions as doctrine. Just because something is not acceptable for you, does not make it wrong for everyone. I personally used to use Marijuana, there was never any addiction, nor did it lead to heavier drugs. ( I know I said I was gonna stay out of htis one ) I will end this by stating what many others have, Marijuana is not something that should be taken lightly, so kids donot go out and think it is ok to use this subtance, it is still illegal and we are commanded to obey the laws of the land. God Bless, Dave

Ok I have been involved in this debate before and donot wish to get my feet too dirty today, but I did want to mention a few things, Wine is biblical times was alcoholic unless it was drank within the first 3 days, otherwise it would start to forment at that point, no refrigeration makes htis inevitable. Marijuana is not a hallucinigetic, and is also wrongly categorized as a narcotic. You can buy drugs of worse side effects, physical addictions, and worse effects while using them at your local supremarket right there on the shelf. Now I am going to stop there as I know my views on the rest of htis have been stated previously and can be found by doing a search . otherwise i donot wish to go down that road again, it wasn't pretty the last time. God Bless, Dave

Cats, Thanks you for adding that It is all so often I forget to add the disclaimer to my posts. lol I would in no way expect a new believer to go to a satanic meeting and try to evangelize. And I realize not everyone is cut out for heated discussion and confrontation with the beast. So please everyone study, learn, and evangelize. Always follow the guidance of the Holy Spirit in your evangelizing. God Bless, Dave

Denominations for the purpose of worship style are great. It's when the Denoms start hating or discrediting others based on minor theological beliefs that I have a problem. You see the first church I attended after accepting Christ as my saviour was a Baptist church. The church was a nice church but the pastor, spoke about other denominations like they were the plague. To this day the pastor and deacons of the church are convinced that Catholism is going to be the one world religion and the Pope the anti-Christ This type of hatred and discrimination of our brethern is rediculous and outright hypocritical. Bottom line for me, while I may not agree with everything you believe theologically, If we agree on Christ, I will gladly worship him with you. God Bless, Dave

The Way of the Master, is a show about open air evangelism. The idea is to teach Christians how to go out and evangelize the world. This is not limited just to Christian venues, sometimes you have to go directly into the lair of the beast to save his prey from being consumed. I would suggest going to their website, they have ALOT of great information on there. http://www.wayofthemaster.com God Bless, Dave

Reagan. God Bless, Dave

BTW this place is only about 45minutes to and hour away from me so if anybody wants to come try it, I have a couch your welcome to sleep on all puking must be done in the toilet though please lol. God Bless, Dave

100lb woman 6lb burger 5lbs of fixins. The sandwhich weighed over %10 of her total body weight. Now that is impressive. God Bless, Dave

Anne, Thank you so much for that story, that is one I am sure to use time and time again. God Bless, Dave

Thank you for realizing your anger was not with us. May I suggest further that you donot be angry with your sister, be loving. Talk to her in Love, show her she is in Sin and that you love her enough to want to see her be made right with the Lord. The path she walks is a wide and easy path, but it leads in the wrong direction. The devil has sunk his claws into her and this "church" (I use the term loosely) she is attending is nothing but a creation of the Devil himself, the church is decieving these people into believing what they are doing is ok. I think the first step may be to get her to attend a different church, as long as she has other "christians" helping her justify her sin, she will not repent of it. God Bless, Dave

Sounds like you need to watch Stephen King's IT. If you though Killer Klowns was scary, IT will hinder your ability to sleep for days. God Bless, Dave

Amen Brother! I donot how God will deal with or judge this people and I will not pretend to. But what I can and will say is I know God is just and will deal with those who have not had the opportunity to hear the gospel in a just manner. God Bless, Dave

Marine, I am sorry if you took any of the earlier posts to be offensive. I wish I could sit here and tell you that your sister will be just fine and that what she is doing is ok. I wish life was that simple, but its not. Your sister is lost in sin, a sin that she is trying to justify. I can relate to her situation. I have been with my wife now for close to 7yrs. We have only been married for almost 3 now. Before we were married and came to know the Lord we had physical relations, even after we came to know the Lord we continued in our willful sin, we made exuses for it, we tried to justify it. Now we really did know that what we were doing was wrong, and honestly it became less enjoyable because of that. We were playing with fire, we were living in unrepented sin, and WE KNEW IT. WE justified it saying we were happy, we loved one another, we were GOING to get married SOMEDAY. Now that being said if I had died at that point in my life I would of had God to answer to, and those exuses would of meant nothing to him. Sin is sin no matter how much we try to justify it. You cannot stand by and idlely allow your sister to live this life style without making it very clear how you feel about. She is an adult and she will make her own choices, but you cannot lend support or approval to those choices in the slightest bit. Your sister may never get rid of the urge or attraction towards women all together, but she can choose to turn away from it and toward God. She does not need to choose to act upon those urges. Temptation is not sin, acting upon it is. Pray for your sister talk to your sister and Study God's word for guidance in talking with your sister. If talking to her confuses you, get yourself firmly grounded in God's word before you try to discuss this with her, be prepared for what she will try to tell you, so oyu can show her what God's word really says. Oh yes and for the record, many people will try to use Song's of Solomon to show that homosexuality was ok, but that book was not written by Solomon it was a letter from his wife to Solomon. Now about your comment about the Bible being rewritten by men so many times. The bible is the Word of God, he has preserved it as such, the Bible is a collection of books and letters written by the Apostles and those who were with them. The Bible is infallable, No matter which modern translation you pick up, they all tell the same story in the same way. They all Teach the gospel of Jesus Christ, and they all teach that homosexuality is a sin and should be repented of. The verses you should study have been provided earlier in this thread, but I would also direct you to the father on this matter. Maybe it is time you spend an hour or so of quiet time just talking to him about this? I will pray for you and your sister on this matter, I understand it is hard to turn from things we think make us so happy in life. But nothing compares to the true peace and happiness we recieve when we follow the command of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. God Bless, Dave

Ok to address the original concern. Ovedya, Ted, and myself are all using the same Blog hosting site. when establishing a profile your astrological sign is one of the questions asked, you are to select it from a drop down, as far as I know there is no option not to list this, short of hiding your profile altogether. God Bless, Dave

I am sure this post is not going to be favorable to most of you, so I apologize up front if you donot agree with me. Our government is not to be biased, onesided, or held to any religious beliefs. Gay couples should be provided with the same rights as straight couples when it comes to taxes and regulations. I have absolutely no problem with the gov't creating some type of Civil Union for Gay couples. BUT Gay MARRIAGE cannot ever be allowed. You cannot take something Holy such as marriage and use it to justify Sin. Marriage is a representation of the Relationship of Christ to his Church, furthermore I think any "marriages" preformed outside a church should simply be considered legal civil unions, the JP should not have any authority to issue a marriage under God. If this one change was made you would never have a problem with Gay marriage as no REAL pastor would marry to people of the same sex. God Bless, Dave