Blog https://www.stephenblack.org Thu, 28 Mar 2024 10:13:17 -0500 http://churchplantmedia.com/ Humility: A Prerequisite to Grace https://www.stephenblack.org/blog/post/humility-a-prerequisite-to-grace https://www.stephenblack.org/blog/post/humility-a-prerequisite-to-grace#comments Thu, 07 Dec 2023 11:00:00 -0600 https://www.stephenblack.org/blog/post/humility-a-prerequisite-to-grace Cultural Competence and Humility in Healthcare - Elite Learning
"For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast." (Eph. 2:8-9). ". . . God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble." (James 4:6). "For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age. . ." (Titus 2:11)

Humility is an absolute to the Christian life, for without it, we cannot grow in our salvation and knowledge of God. Many well-meaning Christians are stifled in their growth, because they have become full of knowledge and pride. Salvation and the deliverance of Christ is a lifetime experience in Christianity. We are saved, delivered by God’s precious wonderful grace. We must access His power (grace) that actually gives us the ability to rise up above the temptations of sin, the world, the flesh, and Satan’s influences. God’s grace teaches us sobriety and discernment. However, there is a prerequisite to receiving grace. It is a life of seeing our own neediness. It is a life of yieldedness. When we surrender in total trust to God with all our life circumstances without fear and with a teachable spirit, He rescues us! Do we stop God from moving in our lives by our pride?

"An opinionated person is an unbroken person." - Watchman Nee.

"Humility is measured by your willingness to allow others to see who you really are in your own weaknesses and in brokenness. Not what we would like for others to see." 1 Cor. 8:21 Cor. 10:12. - Bill Bright.

"Our measure of humility is not how humble we are before God, but is actually measured by our humility before man and it begins in the home." - Andrew Murray.

Humility Bowing Down

 

"Humility and a real trust in God. It is also measured by our willingness to submit to

 those who are in authority over our lives, i.e. parents, elders, pastors, leaders, employers, officers, and the laws of the land" - Stephen Black.

Humility is a life marked with yieldedness to Christ and to others around us. Humility is a childlike life always seeking Him as hidden treasure and learning from the Master, Jesus Christ. -"All things have been delivered to Me by My Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father. Nor does anyone know the Father except the Son, and the one to whom the Son wills to reveal Him. Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." Matt. 11:27-30. We will actually learn from Jesus Christ by having a hidden life of prayer. It is in this beautiful secret place that our lives are transformed. This secret place causes the boundaries of our hearts to be enlarged where faith can grow. The following is taken from E. M. Bounds, "Prayer and Humility" a man not well known until after he died.

Humility is to be modest, and lowly, with a disposition to seek obscurity. Humility retires itself from the public gaze. It does not seek publicity nor hunt for a high place. Humility never exalts itself in the eyes of others nor even in the eyes of itself. Modesty is one of it most prominent characteristics. In humility, there is the total absence of pride. There is no self-praise in humility, rather it has the disposition to praise others. "In honor preferring one another." It is not given to self-exaltation. Humility does not love the uppermost seats and aspire to the high places. It is willing to take the lowest seat and prefers those places where it will be unnoticed. The prayer of humility is after this fashion:

Never let the world break in,
Fix a mighty gulf between;
Keep me humble and unknown,
Prized and loved by God alone.

It is imperative in prayer that we come to God as our Father as our Lord taught us, "Our Father, who art in heaven." It is in this childlike attitude and heart we understand that we are nothing without Him. The walk of humility does not come to God the Father in a demand, but in the recognition that Our Father is HOLY. Childlike faith is learning to be conformed into the very image of Jesus Christ for without it, in Christ's very words, "Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven," we do not enjoy heaven. Humble prayer does not have its eyes on self, but rather on God and others. It is meek and lowly in heart, learning what is pleasing to the Lord. This attitude and character asks and receives. God gives GRACE to the HUMBLE. God gives answers to those who desire HIS kingdom. And Jesus said, "Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father. And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything in My name, I will do it." John 14:12-14. Our modern-day problem is that many want their will, their desires, and have not really put their TRUST in God's desires. AMAZING, could it really be true? - If you ask anything in His name, WILL HE DO IT? I have found the problem isn't with God, but with me. There is still so much pride that needs to come down.

"For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast." (Eph. 2:8-9). ". . . God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble." (James 4:6).

"For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age. . ." (Titus 2:11).

]]>
Cultural Competence and Humility in Healthcare - Elite Learning
"For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast." (Eph. 2:8-9). ". . . God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble." (James 4:6). "For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age. . ." (Titus 2:11)

Humility is an absolute to the Christian life, for without it, we cannot grow in our salvation and knowledge of God. Many well-meaning Christians are stifled in their growth, because they have become full of knowledge and pride. Salvation and the deliverance of Christ is a lifetime experience in Christianity. We are saved, delivered by God’s precious wonderful grace. We must access His power (grace) that actually gives us the ability to rise up above the temptations of sin, the world, the flesh, and Satan’s influences. God’s grace teaches us sobriety and discernment. However, there is a prerequisite to receiving grace. It is a life of seeing our own neediness. It is a life of yieldedness. When we surrender in total trust to God with all our life circumstances without fear and with a teachable spirit, He rescues us! Do we stop God from moving in our lives by our pride?

"An opinionated person is an unbroken person." - Watchman Nee.

"Humility is measured by your willingness to allow others to see who you really are in your own weaknesses and in brokenness. Not what we would like for others to see." 1 Cor. 8:21 Cor. 10:12. - Bill Bright.

"Our measure of humility is not how humble we are before God, but is actually measured by our humility before man and it begins in the home." - Andrew Murray.

Humility Bowing Down

 

"Humility and a real trust in God. It is also measured by our willingness to submit to

 those who are in authority over our lives, i.e. parents, elders, pastors, leaders, employers, officers, and the laws of the land" - Stephen Black.

Humility is a life marked with yieldedness to Christ and to others around us. Humility is a childlike life always seeking Him as hidden treasure and learning from the Master, Jesus Christ. -"All things have been delivered to Me by My Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father. Nor does anyone know the Father except the Son, and the one to whom the Son wills to reveal Him. Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." Matt. 11:27-30. We will actually learn from Jesus Christ by having a hidden life of prayer. It is in this beautiful secret place that our lives are transformed. This secret place causes the boundaries of our hearts to be enlarged where faith can grow. The following is taken from E. M. Bounds, "Prayer and Humility" a man not well known until after he died.

Humility is to be modest, and lowly, with a disposition to seek obscurity. Humility retires itself from the public gaze. It does not seek publicity nor hunt for a high place. Humility never exalts itself in the eyes of others nor even in the eyes of itself. Modesty is one of it most prominent characteristics. In humility, there is the total absence of pride. There is no self-praise in humility, rather it has the disposition to praise others. "In honor preferring one another." It is not given to self-exaltation. Humility does not love the uppermost seats and aspire to the high places. It is willing to take the lowest seat and prefers those places where it will be unnoticed. The prayer of humility is after this fashion:

Never let the world break in,
Fix a mighty gulf between;
Keep me humble and unknown,
Prized and loved by God alone.

It is imperative in prayer that we come to God as our Father as our Lord taught us, "Our Father, who art in heaven." It is in this childlike attitude and heart we understand that we are nothing without Him. The walk of humility does not come to God the Father in a demand, but in the recognition that Our Father is HOLY. Childlike faith is learning to be conformed into the very image of Jesus Christ for without it, in Christ's very words, "Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven," we do not enjoy heaven. Humble prayer does not have its eyes on self, but rather on God and others. It is meek and lowly in heart, learning what is pleasing to the Lord. This attitude and character asks and receives. God gives GRACE to the HUMBLE. God gives answers to those who desire HIS kingdom. And Jesus said, "Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father. And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything in My name, I will do it." John 14:12-14. Our modern-day problem is that many want their will, their desires, and have not really put their TRUST in God's desires. AMAZING, could it really be true? - If you ask anything in His name, WILL HE DO IT? I have found the problem isn't with God, but with me. There is still so much pride that needs to come down.

"For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast." (Eph. 2:8-9). ". . . God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble." (James 4:6).

"For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age. . ." (Titus 2:11).

]]>
Night of Truth @ GR Church in Grand Rapids https://www.stephenblack.org/blog/post/night-of-truth---gr-church-in-grand-rapids https://www.stephenblack.org/blog/post/night-of-truth---gr-church-in-grand-rapids#comments Thu, 14 Sep 2023 17:00:00 -0500 https://www.stephenblack.org/blog/post/night-of-truth---gr-church-in-grand-rapids Pastor, Author and Speaker Stephen Black with Coram Deo Ministries from Oklahoma City shares testimony and Biblical Truth in God's Divine Intent in Human Sexuality and looks at the roots of LGBTQ+ chaos.

I had a wonderful time of fellowship and sharing with the Patriot and Liberty Pastors of West Michigan and the community of believers at Grand Rapids Church, where Cody Kuehl is the pastor. I am sincerely grateful this community desires to hold the line of Biblical truth and embraces a real Biblical world-view.


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Pastor, Author and Speaker Stephen Black with Coram Deo Ministries from Oklahoma City shares testimony and Biblical Truth in God's Divine Intent in Human Sexuality and looks at the roots of LGBTQ+ chaos.

I had a wonderful time of fellowship and sharing with the Patriot and Liberty Pastors of West Michigan and the community of believers at Grand Rapids Church, where Cody Kuehl is the pastor. I am sincerely grateful this community desires to hold the line of Biblical truth and embraces a real Biblical world-view.


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“No one Born Gay” - Largest Study Ever Conducted Finds No Genetic Link https://www.stephenblack.org/blog/post/no-one-born-gay-gwas https://www.stephenblack.org/blog/post/no-one-born-gay-gwas#comments Sat, 09 Sep 2023 03:00:00 -0500 https://www.stephenblack.org/blog/post/no-one-born-gay-gwas How the “born gay” fiction changed social perception of homosexual behavior

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma -- There's no such thing as a single "gay gene" that drives a person's sexual behavior, concludes the largest genetic study ever conducted on the issue. Nearly half a million genetic profiles from the United States and the United Kingdom found no causality between genetics and same-sex attraction.

While LGBTQ advocacy groups have been pushing the “born this way” theory for decades, they are now left with no science to back up claims that have largely been accepted and mainstreamed in culture. Stephen Black is the author of his own study on homosexual behavior and change (The First Stone Ministries Effectiveness Survey Report). He says, “Many very educated people will posture and pose with obscure heady language to sow further confusion from both sides of the argument but the bottom line is that people change and that’s good news.”

Black is an outspoken advocate for the possibility of change and the new study shows this to be possible – something most Christians have been saying all along. “This study of the genetics of sexual orientation revealed what has been known since the sequence mapping during The Human Genome Project (HGP) from 2003.  There is no ‘gay gene’ – no one is born gay.  It is not immutable” says Black.  “This is what I have personally known in coming out of homosexuality 37 years ago and in helping others in pastoral care find lasting freedom – this is a sin problem that corrupts humans, not a genetic problem without answers.” 

Black says the GWAS study of same-sex sexual behavior revealed the opposite of what those who having been pushing the “gay gene” narrative. “I have no doubt” says Black “gay advocates will also try to spin this to communicate that ‘conversion therapy’ – talk therapy to help people overcome homosexuality -- is bad. Overall, however, he sees this as reinforcement for those who have all along claimed sexual addictions were genetic rather than symptomatic of choices. “When anyone engages in sexual immorality, it physically changes brain structure, not the other way around. No one is born gay” explains Black. 

For an interview with Stephen Black, please contact, Don Otis with Veritas Communications: 719.275.7775 or Email: don@veritasincorporated.com

SOURCES: www.cbsnews.com/news/no-gay-gene-new-study-no-single-gene-drives-sexual-behavior-complex-mix-of-genetic-and-other-influences-2019-08-29

https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/massive-study-finds-no-single-genetic-cause-of-same-sex-sexual-behavior/

______________

See other links on "Born Gay" ?




 

]]>
How the “born gay” fiction changed social perception of homosexual behavior

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma -- There's no such thing as a single "gay gene" that drives a person's sexual behavior, concludes the largest genetic study ever conducted on the issue. Nearly half a million genetic profiles from the United States and the United Kingdom found no causality between genetics and same-sex attraction.

While LGBTQ advocacy groups have been pushing the “born this way” theory for decades, they are now left with no science to back up claims that have largely been accepted and mainstreamed in culture. Stephen Black is the author of his own study on homosexual behavior and change (The First Stone Ministries Effectiveness Survey Report). He says, “Many very educated people will posture and pose with obscure heady language to sow further confusion from both sides of the argument but the bottom line is that people change and that’s good news.”

Black is an outspoken advocate for the possibility of change and the new study shows this to be possible – something most Christians have been saying all along. “This study of the genetics of sexual orientation revealed what has been known since the sequence mapping during The Human Genome Project (HGP) from 2003.  There is no ‘gay gene’ – no one is born gay.  It is not immutable” says Black.  “This is what I have personally known in coming out of homosexuality 37 years ago and in helping others in pastoral care find lasting freedom – this is a sin problem that corrupts humans, not a genetic problem without answers.” 

Black says the GWAS study of same-sex sexual behavior revealed the opposite of what those who having been pushing the “gay gene” narrative. “I have no doubt” says Black “gay advocates will also try to spin this to communicate that ‘conversion therapy’ – talk therapy to help people overcome homosexuality -- is bad. Overall, however, he sees this as reinforcement for those who have all along claimed sexual addictions were genetic rather than symptomatic of choices. “When anyone engages in sexual immorality, it physically changes brain structure, not the other way around. No one is born gay” explains Black. 

For an interview with Stephen Black, please contact, Don Otis with Veritas Communications: 719.275.7775 or Email: don@veritasincorporated.com

SOURCES: www.cbsnews.com/news/no-gay-gene-new-study-no-single-gene-drives-sexual-behavior-complex-mix-of-genetic-and-other-influences-2019-08-29

https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/massive-study-finds-no-single-genetic-cause-of-same-sex-sexual-behavior/

______________

See other links on "Born Gay" ?




 

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New Study Reveals - AGAIN - No One Is Born Gay! https://www.stephenblack.org/blog/post/new-study-reveals---again---no-one-is-born-gay https://www.stephenblack.org/blog/post/new-study-reveals---again---no-one-is-born-gay#comments Sat, 09 Sep 2023 03:00:00 -0500 https://www.stephenblack.org/blog/post/new-study-reveals---again---no-one-is-born-gay no-gay-gene-9-2019-rotator

Conclusive Evidence - Reveals AGAIN No One Is Born Gay - "LGBTQ+ Behavior is Environment - Truly A Learned Behavior

The findings, which were published on 29 August 2019, in Science and based on the genomes of nearly 500,000 people, shore up the results of earlier, smaller studies and confirm the suspicions of many scientists that not one single gene has a large effect on sexual behaviors - no one is born gay!

First Stone Ministries Press Release by Don Otis -- “NO ONE BORN GAY” - LARGEST STUDY EVER CONDUCTED FINDS NO GENETIC LINK

 

Johns Hopkins Scientists Offer Absolute Proof Gay Agenda's 'Born This Way' Is a Lie

See News

No ‘gay gene’: Massive study homes in on genetic basis of human sexuality

Is There A "Gay Gene"? Major New Study Says No!

New Study Finds There Is No 'Gay Gene'

Massive Study Finds No Single Genetic Cause of Same-Sex Sexual Behavior

]]>
no-gay-gene-9-2019-rotator

Conclusive Evidence - Reveals AGAIN No One Is Born Gay - "LGBTQ+ Behavior is Environment - Truly A Learned Behavior

The findings, which were published on 29 August 2019, in Science and based on the genomes of nearly 500,000 people, shore up the results of earlier, smaller studies and confirm the suspicions of many scientists that not one single gene has a large effect on sexual behaviors - no one is born gay!

First Stone Ministries Press Release by Don Otis -- “NO ONE BORN GAY” - LARGEST STUDY EVER CONDUCTED FINDS NO GENETIC LINK

 

Johns Hopkins Scientists Offer Absolute Proof Gay Agenda's 'Born This Way' Is a Lie

See News

No ‘gay gene’: Massive study homes in on genetic basis of human sexuality

Is There A "Gay Gene"? Major New Study Says No!

New Study Finds There Is No 'Gay Gene'

Massive Study Finds No Single Genetic Cause of Same-Sex Sexual Behavior

]]>
Continuing to Faithfully Serve https://www.stephenblack.org/blog/post/continuing-to-faithfully-serve https://www.stephenblack.org/blog/post/continuing-to-faithfully-serve#comments Fri, 04 Aug 2023 17:00:00 -0500 https://www.stephenblack.org/blog/post/continuing-to-faithfully-serve


Stephen Black’s Statement Concerning Separation from First Stone Ministries

August 4, 2023, Oklahoma City, OK – I am very grateful for the outpouring of care and concern I have received in the last few days. I received many phone calls, emails, and text messages, all beautifully well-meaning in a desire to be a support and inquire about my spiritual and moral condition. I am eternally grateful. This outpouring of love and concern was a result of the First Stone Ministries’ (FSM) press release on Wednesday, August 2. I had asked the Board of Directors (Board) of FSM to issue a joint press release with me but unfortunately, they issued the press release without my review or input.  A joint press release would have answered many of the questions that have been in the calls, emails, and text messages.  The statement was for the purpose of announcing my replacement as executive director and my resignation.  But unfortunately, the statement did not explain that my resignation was not for ethical, moral, or immoral failure. I want to assure those seeking my care that I am not and was not in ethical, moral, or immoral failure.  Unfortunately, this was not clearly communicated and for some in the media and ministry, this clarification was and is of utmost importance. After serving FSM for 32+ years (22 as Executive Director) without any sabbatical for refreshing and development, I needed some time off to seek the Lord for personal care, care for my family, and to quietly hear from the Lord on what He has for me in the upcoming most productive years of my life (all the books and experts say that your 60s are the most productive decade of a person’s life). I am truly very grateful for the last few months of time to seek the Lord and get wise counsel from friends and spiritual leaders.  I can happily say that by the end of the short but much-needed and appreciated sabbatical I had gained some very valuable spiritual vitality and refreshing in the Holy Spirit which showed me that God was moving me in a new direction (more on that below).

I am very grateful to God and the Board of FSM for allowing me the 32+ years of serving the ministry, with the last 22 years serving as Executive Director in the development of FSM where it is today. It was a pleasure to work on the development of the staff, and other leaders who are now serving around the world. It has been an extraordinary honor. Please know that I only desire the very best for the FSM Board and staff. I hope and pray for the prosperity of all involved in FSM. Ministries like FSM are needed today more than ever before. I pray this change will only bring multiplication of more ministry for the glory of God.

GettyImages-1015820498 web

There comes a time in serving anywhere when it becomes necessary for change for the benefit of all. This time became obvious to me this last Spring. The Board, out of concern for me and my family’s care and wellbeing, requested I take a sabbatical (even though FSM graciously had a written policy for staff to take a sabbatical every 10 years I had never taken one) to seek the Lord for healing and refreshing.  I was blessed to receive many hours of soul care each week during my sabbatical time. As I listened to wise Spiritual counsel and reflected on the past and present and anticipated the future, the Lord’s direction for my life became clear and obvious. It was clear that I needed to go a different direction in serving. It would no longer be the highest and best use (stewardship) of my time, talents, and energy to mentor and lead the FSM staff.  I loved developing and working with the FSM staff over the years but my true love and equipping from God is writing and teaching/leading at a national and international level.  I sincerely wish Laura Leigh all the best in shepherding the staff and working with the Board.  I am now on a new and exciting journey in seeking the Lord as His ordained minister into a time of more development to faithfully serve the Church at large.  Now, without the administrative duties of overseeing FSM staff, operations, finances, etc., I am able to fully carry out God’s call on my life and more fully devote my time, talent, and energy to pastoral care, speaking, other ministry development, and writing. I am excited about this new season God has brought into my life. I have a new book coming soon, and other new ministry announcements will be forthcoming which will bring further clarity. I am currently continuing the much-needed sabbatical for a few more months to allow further soul care for me and my family. Therefore, please continue to cover us in prayer and support for these next six months or so. I sincerely thank each and every one of you who has reached out to me and welcome your communications and prayers.  To contact Stephen Black, please use the online Contact Form.


Please consider making a donation today.

Additional information for continued ministry and support is forthcoming at www.stephenblack.org.

logo-footer

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Stephen Black’s Statement Concerning Separation from First Stone Ministries

August 4, 2023, Oklahoma City, OK – I am very grateful for the outpouring of care and concern I have received in the last few days. I received many phone calls, emails, and text messages, all beautifully well-meaning in a desire to be a support and inquire about my spiritual and moral condition. I am eternally grateful. This outpouring of love and concern was a result of the First Stone Ministries’ (FSM) press release on Wednesday, August 2. I had asked the Board of Directors (Board) of FSM to issue a joint press release with me but unfortunately, they issued the press release without my review or input.  A joint press release would have answered many of the questions that have been in the calls, emails, and text messages.  The statement was for the purpose of announcing my replacement as executive director and my resignation.  But unfortunately, the statement did not explain that my resignation was not for ethical, moral, or immoral failure. I want to assure those seeking my care that I am not and was not in ethical, moral, or immoral failure.  Unfortunately, this was not clearly communicated and for some in the media and ministry, this clarification was and is of utmost importance. After serving FSM for 32+ years (22 as Executive Director) without any sabbatical for refreshing and development, I needed some time off to seek the Lord for personal care, care for my family, and to quietly hear from the Lord on what He has for me in the upcoming most productive years of my life (all the books and experts say that your 60s are the most productive decade of a person’s life). I am truly very grateful for the last few months of time to seek the Lord and get wise counsel from friends and spiritual leaders.  I can happily say that by the end of the short but much-needed and appreciated sabbatical I had gained some very valuable spiritual vitality and refreshing in the Holy Spirit which showed me that God was moving me in a new direction (more on that below).

I am very grateful to God and the Board of FSM for allowing me the 32+ years of serving the ministry, with the last 22 years serving as Executive Director in the development of FSM where it is today. It was a pleasure to work on the development of the staff, and other leaders who are now serving around the world. It has been an extraordinary honor. Please know that I only desire the very best for the FSM Board and staff. I hope and pray for the prosperity of all involved in FSM. Ministries like FSM are needed today more than ever before. I pray this change will only bring multiplication of more ministry for the glory of God.

GettyImages-1015820498 web

There comes a time in serving anywhere when it becomes necessary for change for the benefit of all. This time became obvious to me this last Spring. The Board, out of concern for me and my family’s care and wellbeing, requested I take a sabbatical (even though FSM graciously had a written policy for staff to take a sabbatical every 10 years I had never taken one) to seek the Lord for healing and refreshing.  I was blessed to receive many hours of soul care each week during my sabbatical time. As I listened to wise Spiritual counsel and reflected on the past and present and anticipated the future, the Lord’s direction for my life became clear and obvious. It was clear that I needed to go a different direction in serving. It would no longer be the highest and best use (stewardship) of my time, talents, and energy to mentor and lead the FSM staff.  I loved developing and working with the FSM staff over the years but my true love and equipping from God is writing and teaching/leading at a national and international level.  I sincerely wish Laura Leigh all the best in shepherding the staff and working with the Board.  I am now on a new and exciting journey in seeking the Lord as His ordained minister into a time of more development to faithfully serve the Church at large.  Now, without the administrative duties of overseeing FSM staff, operations, finances, etc., I am able to fully carry out God’s call on my life and more fully devote my time, talent, and energy to pastoral care, speaking, other ministry development, and writing. I am excited about this new season God has brought into my life. I have a new book coming soon, and other new ministry announcements will be forthcoming which will bring further clarity. I am currently continuing the much-needed sabbatical for a few more months to allow further soul care for me and my family. Therefore, please continue to cover us in prayer and support for these next six months or so. I sincerely thank each and every one of you who has reached out to me and welcome your communications and prayers.  To contact Stephen Black, please use the online Contact Form.


Please consider making a donation today.

Additional information for continued ministry and support is forthcoming at www.stephenblack.org.

logo-footer

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The Power of Humility and Confession: Characteristics of Freedom Realized https://www.stephenblack.org/blog/post/the-power-of-humility-and-confession-characteristics-of-freedom-realized https://www.stephenblack.org/blog/post/the-power-of-humility-and-confession-characteristics-of-freedom-realized#comments Fri, 28 Jul 2023 12:00:00 -0500 https://www.stephenblack.org/blog/post/the-power-of-humility-and-confession-characteristics-of-freedom-realized FR Book for Confession ArticleConfession Humility Article 2Freedom realized is not merely the title of my book;(1) freedom realized is a concept of sincere Christianity found in realizing God’s grace to walk in lasting freedom from all forms of sexual sin and relational idolatry. Humility and confession are two of several characteristics necessary in knowing consistent freedom and growth in Christ as His disciple – a sincere believer, which is a real Christian.

A Required Prerequisite to Knowing and Experiencing God – Humility
There is a prerequisite to experiencing the power of God in our lives. The power of God is made manifest by the Holy Spirit of Grace Who comes to enthrone Himself in the heart of a sincere, surrendered believer. The scripture is very clear; one receives this Holy Spirit power by humbling oneself. God gives His grace, which is His power in the Holy Spirit, to the humble. (James 4:6-10 & 1 Peter 5:5- 6) Cultivating humility is an absolute necessity in growing in the grace/power of God and in knowing and experiencing the Holy Spirit. I want everyone I know to read Andrew Murray’s book, “Humility,” and for a wonderful free introduction, I want to encourage everyone to read Laura Leigh Stanlake’s compilation of thoughts about humility.(2)

Confession Humility Article 2Contrition / Brokenness / A Sorrow that Leads to Repentance
We are living in a ‘post-Christian’ culture in the United States, where we find many who have little understanding of the beauty of contrition and brokenness over sin. There are many false converts abiding in the evangelical church today. How do I know that they are false converts? They have not embraced repentance and a sorrow over sin that causes souls to draw closer to Jesus as Lord and to community producing a confessing life. Confession is the beginning, but it is also the continuation of the life of the humble, surrendered, sincere Christian believer.

The Benefits of Confession Are Eternal
The devoted follower of Jesus keeps an eternal perspective by having a watchful eye and a soul waiting for the return of Jesus Christ—the longing for intimate connection finally realized in the coming of our Savior. First-century Christians lived with an eternal perspective and were ready to die at any moment and to face the judgment seat of Jesus Christ. We should be ready as well. Keeping ourselves in a humble attitude of confession, living the confessing life, and walking out genuine repentance are the marks of a true believer. We must have community to walk out a sincere lifestyle of Christianity.

“He who covers his transgressions will not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes his sins will obtain mercy. Blessed (happy, fortunate, and to be envied) is the man who reverently  and  worshipfully fears [the Lord] at all times [regardless of circumstances], but he who hardens his heart will fall into calamity.” Proverbs 28:13-14 AMPC [emphasis mine]

“Confess to one another therefore your faults (your slips, your false steps, your offenses, your sins) and pray for one another, that you may be healed and restored [to a spiritual tone of mind and heart]. The earnest (heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available [dynamic in its working].” James 5:16 AMPC

Confession Humility Article 3Confessing Jesus as Lord
The Bible is clear on experiencing real deliverance. Freedom or deliverance comes with the confession of Jesus as Lord. The promise is that you will be saved, you will be delivered, and ultimately, it does mean that you will receive eternal life. This promise is for those who believe until the end. What does it really mean to have a “confession” or a “confessing life,” leading to saving faith? A Christian that is sincere and real is a human being surrendered to the will of God with a consistency of devotion. This sincere devotion is having a heart that is motivated to find what is pleasing to God, to the Holy Spirit of God, in putting self-will under the Lordship of Jesus Christ—that is, under the authority and mastering of Jesus over the soul of man. A human soul that has saving faith, secure for an abundant entrance into the Kingdom of Heaven, is a soul that is living a life of confessing Jesus Christ as Lord without shame. This confessing life is a manifestation of the character of freedom realized, confessing Jesus Christ as Lord in word, thought and deed each day.

“… If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the Scripture says,  “Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.” Romans 10:9-11 [emphasis mine]

Believing in Jesus or believing on Him is not merely a mental assent to the historical facts of Jesus’ existence and His amazing sacrifice for the sins of the world. A saving faith with a confessing life is one that brings about a changed, “repentant” life. Those who live this life of humility, in confession and repentance, are conforming into the image of Jesus Christ.

“For whom  He foreknew,  He also predestined  to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.” Romans 8:29 [emphasis mine]

 

And in 2 Peter 1:2-11 he makes the confessing of Jesus Christ as Lord very clear:

“Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, (knowing Jesus as Lord) as His  divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him  who called us by glory and virtue,  by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge selfcontrol, to self-control  perseverance, to perseverance godliness,  to godliness brotherly kindness, and  to brotherly kindness love. For IF these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For he who lacks these things is  shortsighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins. Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent  to make your call and election sure, for IF you do these things you will never stumble; for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” 2 Peter 1:2-11 [emphasis mine]

Sincere Commitment to Community is necessary for the growth of humility in keeping confession consistent, so the soul has a clear conscience to find freedom realized. When a true believer is in subjection to others on a weekly basis, freedom iscultivated by living in the light of transparency and in Biblical authenticity. A Biblical authenticity can only be achieved by living honestly in community!

Authenticity is not a call to be true to the sinful nature.
Confession with other believers dispells sinful lust. Biblical authenticity calls for a life lived in the light. True authenticity in God’s economy produces humility, which in turn produces transformation. Authenticity does not leave a soul in bondage to a same-sex attraction as an identity or to same-sex lust, or any lust. True authenticity, born of faith in God, produces a new lifestyle of repentance and love.

There must be weekly, if not daily, confession of sin. This includes confession of vulnerabilities to sin so as to keep the devil and his temptations eradicated from further attack in the mind as we realize our great need to take every thought captive in obedience to Christ. This is true authenticity.

“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. (We are not warring according to our own strength). For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.” 2 Cor. 10:3-5.

The only way we can truly be free is to expose the unfruitful deeds of darkness in our own souls.

“For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light  (for  the fruit of the  Spirit  is  in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), finding out what is acceptable to the Lord.  And have  no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them.” Eph. 5:8- 11 [emphasis mine]

We can only accomplish living this passage out while living in community with other believers. The author of Hebrews makes this very clear:

“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for  He who promised  is  faithful.  And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another,  and  so much the more as you see  the Day approaching.” Hebrews 10:23-25. [emphasis mine]

This is the promise we have in living in the light, in confession, in community, and in confession of our sins to Christ; He will forgive us and cleanse us of ALL sin.

“But if we walk in the light as He is in the light [true authenticity in community], we have fellowship with one another, and  the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. IF we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:7-9 [emphasis mine]

Coram Deo Allows for the Experience of Freedom Realized
I have found that the only way we can live the confessing life as a truly devoted follower of Jesus Christ as Lord is by living in Coram Deo. What is Coram Deo? Coram Deo is a Latin phrase translated as “in the presence of God.” In historic church theology, Coram Deo communicates the truth of Christians living in the presence of, under the authority of, and to the honor and glory of God at all times. Coram Deo is living in a cognizant state of being before the face of God. To live in the presence of God is to understand that whatever we do and wherever we do it, we are before the gaze of Almighty God. God is omnipresent; therefore, there is no place that we can escape His penetrating gaze. HE sees! Coram Deo is to live with a conscious state of awareness of His sovereignty. We enjoy His terrible awesomeness and fear God when we encounter this relationship as a fountain of life to us as we read in Proverbs 14:27:

Confession Humility Article 4

“The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, to turn one away from the snares of death.”

Coram Deo also means to be overwhelmed by God’s love, to be in awe of Him because He is so forgiving and merciful. Only those who are truly born of the Holy Spirit can understand this dual awesomeness! God is terrible, fearful, and full of awe! As C.S. Lewis revealed in his writing, God is NOT tame, and He is certainly NOT safe, but He is oh so very good!(3) Oh, so holy, oh, so merciful, and oh, so very loving. Without understanding the duality of holy severity and the unfathomable kindness of God, we cannot grow into true Christian maturity, nor will we realize the depths of freedom available to us in His presence. Coram Deo living is wrapped-up in the fear of God, and the fear of God is not mere reverential trust. One merely need ask those who have truly received a glimpse of God or peer into the Holy Scriptures and read about those who have encountered God in His glory (Rev. 1:12-17). They fall in awe, in terrible fear—trembling before the Almighty! God has transformed my life through Coram Deo. I pray that you will embrace Coram Deo yourself to experience that great freedom He has for those who love Him! Living in the full awareness and knowledge of Coram Deo ensures a victorious life that is free from sin’s bondage. You can see this in a study of the promises found in Scriptures in endnote (4) of this article. Holy prophets are rarely embraced or accepted during their office in this life. Real prophets live in Coram Deo. It is why they communicate very stark, specific, and distinctly bold pronouncements against sin as they warn of the soul’s destruction. Today, most of the church would not welcome such holy prophets of old, believing themselves smarter, more sophisticated, and more refined in the modern messages of civility and so-called kindness. Indeed, they are more refined—so refined most of the time as to passively empower sin to remain in the hearts of people through poor theological offerings and passionless preaching.

Living in the Light – A.B.S. in Community
Living in the light, in sincere Christianity, is living out this easy-to-remember acronym of A.B.S. A is for accountability; B is for boundaries; and S is for a spiritually devoted life, practicing spiritual warfare!

A—Accountability.
Accountability is a core strength, essential to lasting, and consistent freedom. Accountability is found as we live in community with other believers and enjoy life together. This provides the natural process to confess our sins to each other and receive healing prayer. If we confess and forsake our sin, we find great mercy. Godly accountability is more than a dreaded confession session; it is life in a community where accountability becomes natural in a safe environment of holy, healthy relating. Coram Deo actually provides a means of grace to be accountable. Healthy accountability becomes a haven of comfort and safety and not of condemnation. (Please refer to James 5:16 and Prov. 28:13). This is true accountability, and it must be demonstrated by leaders before their disciples.

B—Boundaries.
We all need boundaries set in place to separate us from temptation. We must appropriately distance ourselves from people, places, things, and activities that draw us into sin. Anything that draws our hearts away into temptation must have boundaries. If we view boundaries as restrictions rather than protections, we already enter a state of defeat. When a boundary is considered a restriction, we enter into immature and unwise thinking. A wise person, who has embraced Coram Deo, understands one’s own areas of weakness. Weakness does not reflect a defect of character. Weakness merely reveals a place of vulnerability. If we truly want freedom, we must view boundaries as protection, as safety, and embrace them as comforting. We all need boundaries in the “nouns” of our lives. We must have boundaries in all persons, places, and things. We certainly need accountability on our computers and from all bad influences in order to walk in integrity. No one is immune in this day. We must protect our own souls and those of our loved ones. Truly, as a foundation for freedom, a person must establish boundaries in every area of life that is a place of potential temptation.

S—Spiritually-Devoted Life, Practicing Spiritual Warfare.
We must practice spiritual warfare as a core principle of freedom, in the beginning of wisdom, in the fear of God. We wrestle not against flesh and blood, but we are in a spiritual battle. God is in control. He will allow these demonic entities to bring chastisement. God is holy and wholly in control. We truly wrestle against Satan and his hordes of demonic hosts. Sometimes we are in the wrestle because of our own unconfessed sin or pride. Ephesians chapter 6, verse 12, is a passage that must be believed. One should review this verse in several translations. However, here is a look at it in The Living Bible, which is a paraphrased version:

“For we are not fighting against people made of flesh and blood, but against persons without bodies—the evil rulers of the unseen world, those mighty satanic beings and great evil princes of darkness who rule this world; and against huge numbers of wicked spirits in the spirit world.” Eph. 6:12 LB

The Preaching of the Cross and Confession to pave the road to a life of freedom realized – a life of sincere repentance.

“The Cross of Jesus Christ destroys all pride. We cannot find the Cross of Jesus if we shrink from going to the place where it is to be found, namely, the public death of the sinner. And we refuse to bear the cross when we are ashamed to take upon ourselves the shameful death of the sinner in confession.” – Dietrich Bonhoeffer

I have never known anyone to find lasting freedom—a true “freedom realized”—without a pure and holy devotion to Jesus and embracing in great delight His sacrifice on the cross. Those who find lasting freedom always have a devoted love and respect for Jesus Christ as Lord and worship Him because of the meditation of the passion of his suffering. The preaching of the cross seems foolish as it is a symbol of death and of nothingness to the world; however, to those who are living in freedom and have experienced His presence for a “freedom realized,” it is the power of God for salvation, a true deliverance.

“For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written: ‘I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.’” 1 Cor. 1:18-19 [emphasis mine]

Confession Humility Article 5

I use Craig Lockwood’s book, Falling Forward: The Pursuit of Sexual Purity, (5) in our New Man Support Group each year. There are several points Lockwood makes in chapter 7, “Confession Discovering the Cross in Community. I have adapted these points from his book below.

Confession:

• heals our isolation and loneliness.
• of sin crucifies the old man and the flesh.
• dismantles false images and fig leaves.
• makes us die to the “social saint” mentality.
• acknowledges God’s power over our sin.
• makes the truth of the Gospel concrete in our souls.
• gives us the pathway to live in peace, serenity, and humility.
• purifies our inner lives—our thoughts.
• brings about a healing in the body of Christ and true unity in the church.
• clears impaired thinking and restores clarity in the brain.(5)

“In confession, a man breaks through to certainty. Why is it that it is often easier for us to confess our sins to God than to a brother? God is holy and sinless; He is a just judge of evil and the enemy of all disobedience.  But a brother is sinful as we are.  He knows from his own experience the dark night of secret sin.  Why should we not find it easier to go to a brother than to the holy God?  …We must ask ourselves whether we have not often been deceiving ourselves with our confession to God, whether we have not rather been confessing our sins to ourselves and also granting ourselves absolution. Who can give us the certainty that, in the confession and forgiveness of our sins, we are not dealing with ourselves, but with the living God? God gives us this certainty through our brother.  Our brother breaks the circle of self-deception. A man who confesses his sin in the presence of a brother knows that he is no longer alone with himself; he experiences the presence of God in the reality of the other person.” – Dietrich Bonhoeffer (5)

The need to have lasting freedom, “freedom realized,” is to confess every slip-up and fall, especially when it comes to sexual lust or fantasy. But, is also true for all sins that easily beset us. Until the Cross of Christ causes you to be utterly humbled in the fascination of the extreme love of God to the point of taking your breath away, you have not yet experienced all HE has for you. There is only one way to enter into Heaven before Almighty God. There are no other ways, no other coverings, no other fig leaves of our works. It is wholly through the holy blood of Jesus Christ as a complete covering, the propitiation of God through faith in Christ’s sacrifice. Jesus’ love and sacrifice is the only adequate substitution; the complete covering for our sins. This new life of “freedom realized” can only come through a new lifestyle of confession, of humility that produces turning from sin, and of turning to Him in a wholly devoted relationship that continues to the day you die.

“Your mercy, O  Lord,  is in the heavens; Your faithfulness reaches to the clouds. Your righteousness  is  like the great mountains; Your judgments are a great deep; O Lord, You preserve man and beast. How precious is Your lovingkindness, O God! Therefore, the children of men put their trust under the shadow of Your wings. They are abundantly satisfied with the fullness of Your house, and You give them drink from the river of Your pleasures. For with You is the fountain of life; in Your light we see light." (Psalm 36:5)

I close with a few thoughts from Andrew Murray on Humility:

• “Humility is the beauty of holiness.”
• “Humility, the place of entire dependence on God, is, from the very nature of things, the first duty and the highest virtue of the creature, and the root of every virtue.”
• “…it is not sin that humbles us most, but grace.”
• “It is the sinner dwelling in the full light of God’s holy, redeeming love, in the experience of that full indwelling of divine love, which comes through Christ and the Holy Spirit, who cannot but be humble. Not to be occupied with your sin, but to be occupied with God, brings deliverance from self.”
• “Our measure of humility is not how humble we are before God, but is actually measured by our humility before man…” (2)

Will you embrace humility and confession today, tomorrow, next week and the rest of your days? Freedom realized is for every soul who embraces humility and consistent confession as a new lifestyle. May God grace your life with humility, confession for freedom realized.

 Confession Humility Article 6

 

 

End Notes:
(1)
 Freedom Realized – Finding Freedom from Homosexuality & Living A Life Free from Labels ISBN 13: 9781683144939 (www.freedomrealized. org)
(2) Andrew Murray’s book on Humility ISBN13: 978-1514695418 and Laura Leigh Stanlake’s compilation on humility, “Meditations on Humility” see the First Stone website: https://www.firststone.org/articles/post/meditations-on-humility:-humility-and-confession
(3) C.S. Lewis answers this in The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe when Mr. Beaver tells Susan that Aslan (the ruler of Narnia) is a great lion. Susan is surprised since she assumed Aslan was a man. She then tells Mr. Beaver, “I shall feel rather nervous about meeting a lion.” She asks Mr. Beaver if Aslan is safe, to which Mr. Beaver replies, “Safe? Who said anything about safe? ‘Course he isn’t safe. But he’s good. He’s the King.”
(4) Read the “Terrors of Hell” by William C. Nichols (https://www.firststone.org/ articles/post/the-terrors-of-hell)
(5) Craig Lockwood book: Falling Forward: The Pursuit of Sexual Purity. ISBN 1-930159-05-6

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FR Book for Confession ArticleConfession Humility Article 2Freedom realized is not merely the title of my book;(1) freedom realized is a concept of sincere Christianity found in realizing God’s grace to walk in lasting freedom from all forms of sexual sin and relational idolatry. Humility and confession are two of several characteristics necessary in knowing consistent freedom and growth in Christ as His disciple – a sincere believer, which is a real Christian.

A Required Prerequisite to Knowing and Experiencing God – Humility
There is a prerequisite to experiencing the power of God in our lives. The power of God is made manifest by the Holy Spirit of Grace Who comes to enthrone Himself in the heart of a sincere, surrendered believer. The scripture is very clear; one receives this Holy Spirit power by humbling oneself. God gives His grace, which is His power in the Holy Spirit, to the humble. (James 4:6-10 & 1 Peter 5:5- 6) Cultivating humility is an absolute necessity in growing in the grace/power of God and in knowing and experiencing the Holy Spirit. I want everyone I know to read Andrew Murray’s book, “Humility,” and for a wonderful free introduction, I want to encourage everyone to read Laura Leigh Stanlake’s compilation of thoughts about humility.(2)

Confession Humility Article 2Contrition / Brokenness / A Sorrow that Leads to Repentance
We are living in a ‘post-Christian’ culture in the United States, where we find many who have little understanding of the beauty of contrition and brokenness over sin. There are many false converts abiding in the evangelical church today. How do I know that they are false converts? They have not embraced repentance and a sorrow over sin that causes souls to draw closer to Jesus as Lord and to community producing a confessing life. Confession is the beginning, but it is also the continuation of the life of the humble, surrendered, sincere Christian believer.

The Benefits of Confession Are Eternal
The devoted follower of Jesus keeps an eternal perspective by having a watchful eye and a soul waiting for the return of Jesus Christ—the longing for intimate connection finally realized in the coming of our Savior. First-century Christians lived with an eternal perspective and were ready to die at any moment and to face the judgment seat of Jesus Christ. We should be ready as well. Keeping ourselves in a humble attitude of confession, living the confessing life, and walking out genuine repentance are the marks of a true believer. We must have community to walk out a sincere lifestyle of Christianity.

“He who covers his transgressions will not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes his sins will obtain mercy. Blessed (happy, fortunate, and to be envied) is the man who reverently  and  worshipfully fears [the Lord] at all times [regardless of circumstances], but he who hardens his heart will fall into calamity.” Proverbs 28:13-14 AMPC [emphasis mine]

“Confess to one another therefore your faults (your slips, your false steps, your offenses, your sins) and pray for one another, that you may be healed and restored [to a spiritual tone of mind and heart]. The earnest (heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available [dynamic in its working].” James 5:16 AMPC

Confession Humility Article 3Confessing Jesus as Lord
The Bible is clear on experiencing real deliverance. Freedom or deliverance comes with the confession of Jesus as Lord. The promise is that you will be saved, you will be delivered, and ultimately, it does mean that you will receive eternal life. This promise is for those who believe until the end. What does it really mean to have a “confession” or a “confessing life,” leading to saving faith? A Christian that is sincere and real is a human being surrendered to the will of God with a consistency of devotion. This sincere devotion is having a heart that is motivated to find what is pleasing to God, to the Holy Spirit of God, in putting self-will under the Lordship of Jesus Christ—that is, under the authority and mastering of Jesus over the soul of man. A human soul that has saving faith, secure for an abundant entrance into the Kingdom of Heaven, is a soul that is living a life of confessing Jesus Christ as Lord without shame. This confessing life is a manifestation of the character of freedom realized, confessing Jesus Christ as Lord in word, thought and deed each day.

“… If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the Scripture says,  “Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.” Romans 10:9-11 [emphasis mine]

Believing in Jesus or believing on Him is not merely a mental assent to the historical facts of Jesus’ existence and His amazing sacrifice for the sins of the world. A saving faith with a confessing life is one that brings about a changed, “repentant” life. Those who live this life of humility, in confession and repentance, are conforming into the image of Jesus Christ.

“For whom  He foreknew,  He also predestined  to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.” Romans 8:29 [emphasis mine]

 

And in 2 Peter 1:2-11 he makes the confessing of Jesus Christ as Lord very clear:

“Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, (knowing Jesus as Lord) as His  divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him  who called us by glory and virtue,  by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge selfcontrol, to self-control  perseverance, to perseverance godliness,  to godliness brotherly kindness, and  to brotherly kindness love. For IF these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For he who lacks these things is  shortsighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins. Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent  to make your call and election sure, for IF you do these things you will never stumble; for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” 2 Peter 1:2-11 [emphasis mine]

Sincere Commitment to Community is necessary for the growth of humility in keeping confession consistent, so the soul has a clear conscience to find freedom realized. When a true believer is in subjection to others on a weekly basis, freedom iscultivated by living in the light of transparency and in Biblical authenticity. A Biblical authenticity can only be achieved by living honestly in community!

Authenticity is not a call to be true to the sinful nature.
Confession with other believers dispells sinful lust. Biblical authenticity calls for a life lived in the light. True authenticity in God’s economy produces humility, which in turn produces transformation. Authenticity does not leave a soul in bondage to a same-sex attraction as an identity or to same-sex lust, or any lust. True authenticity, born of faith in God, produces a new lifestyle of repentance and love.

There must be weekly, if not daily, confession of sin. This includes confession of vulnerabilities to sin so as to keep the devil and his temptations eradicated from further attack in the mind as we realize our great need to take every thought captive in obedience to Christ. This is true authenticity.

“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. (We are not warring according to our own strength). For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.” 2 Cor. 10:3-5.

The only way we can truly be free is to expose the unfruitful deeds of darkness in our own souls.

“For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light  (for  the fruit of the  Spirit  is  in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), finding out what is acceptable to the Lord.  And have  no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them.” Eph. 5:8- 11 [emphasis mine]

We can only accomplish living this passage out while living in community with other believers. The author of Hebrews makes this very clear:

“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for  He who promised  is  faithful.  And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another,  and  so much the more as you see  the Day approaching.” Hebrews 10:23-25. [emphasis mine]

This is the promise we have in living in the light, in confession, in community, and in confession of our sins to Christ; He will forgive us and cleanse us of ALL sin.

“But if we walk in the light as He is in the light [true authenticity in community], we have fellowship with one another, and  the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. IF we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:7-9 [emphasis mine]

Coram Deo Allows for the Experience of Freedom Realized
I have found that the only way we can live the confessing life as a truly devoted follower of Jesus Christ as Lord is by living in Coram Deo. What is Coram Deo? Coram Deo is a Latin phrase translated as “in the presence of God.” In historic church theology, Coram Deo communicates the truth of Christians living in the presence of, under the authority of, and to the honor and glory of God at all times. Coram Deo is living in a cognizant state of being before the face of God. To live in the presence of God is to understand that whatever we do and wherever we do it, we are before the gaze of Almighty God. God is omnipresent; therefore, there is no place that we can escape His penetrating gaze. HE sees! Coram Deo is to live with a conscious state of awareness of His sovereignty. We enjoy His terrible awesomeness and fear God when we encounter this relationship as a fountain of life to us as we read in Proverbs 14:27:

Confession Humility Article 4

“The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, to turn one away from the snares of death.”

Coram Deo also means to be overwhelmed by God’s love, to be in awe of Him because He is so forgiving and merciful. Only those who are truly born of the Holy Spirit can understand this dual awesomeness! God is terrible, fearful, and full of awe! As C.S. Lewis revealed in his writing, God is NOT tame, and He is certainly NOT safe, but He is oh so very good!(3) Oh, so holy, oh, so merciful, and oh, so very loving. Without understanding the duality of holy severity and the unfathomable kindness of God, we cannot grow into true Christian maturity, nor will we realize the depths of freedom available to us in His presence. Coram Deo living is wrapped-up in the fear of God, and the fear of God is not mere reverential trust. One merely need ask those who have truly received a glimpse of God or peer into the Holy Scriptures and read about those who have encountered God in His glory (Rev. 1:12-17). They fall in awe, in terrible fear—trembling before the Almighty! God has transformed my life through Coram Deo. I pray that you will embrace Coram Deo yourself to experience that great freedom He has for those who love Him! Living in the full awareness and knowledge of Coram Deo ensures a victorious life that is free from sin’s bondage. You can see this in a study of the promises found in Scriptures in endnote (4) of this article. Holy prophets are rarely embraced or accepted during their office in this life. Real prophets live in Coram Deo. It is why they communicate very stark, specific, and distinctly bold pronouncements against sin as they warn of the soul’s destruction. Today, most of the church would not welcome such holy prophets of old, believing themselves smarter, more sophisticated, and more refined in the modern messages of civility and so-called kindness. Indeed, they are more refined—so refined most of the time as to passively empower sin to remain in the hearts of people through poor theological offerings and passionless preaching.

Living in the Light – A.B.S. in Community
Living in the light, in sincere Christianity, is living out this easy-to-remember acronym of A.B.S. A is for accountability; B is for boundaries; and S is for a spiritually devoted life, practicing spiritual warfare!

A—Accountability.
Accountability is a core strength, essential to lasting, and consistent freedom. Accountability is found as we live in community with other believers and enjoy life together. This provides the natural process to confess our sins to each other and receive healing prayer. If we confess and forsake our sin, we find great mercy. Godly accountability is more than a dreaded confession session; it is life in a community where accountability becomes natural in a safe environment of holy, healthy relating. Coram Deo actually provides a means of grace to be accountable. Healthy accountability becomes a haven of comfort and safety and not of condemnation. (Please refer to James 5:16 and Prov. 28:13). This is true accountability, and it must be demonstrated by leaders before their disciples.

B—Boundaries.
We all need boundaries set in place to separate us from temptation. We must appropriately distance ourselves from people, places, things, and activities that draw us into sin. Anything that draws our hearts away into temptation must have boundaries. If we view boundaries as restrictions rather than protections, we already enter a state of defeat. When a boundary is considered a restriction, we enter into immature and unwise thinking. A wise person, who has embraced Coram Deo, understands one’s own areas of weakness. Weakness does not reflect a defect of character. Weakness merely reveals a place of vulnerability. If we truly want freedom, we must view boundaries as protection, as safety, and embrace them as comforting. We all need boundaries in the “nouns” of our lives. We must have boundaries in all persons, places, and things. We certainly need accountability on our computers and from all bad influences in order to walk in integrity. No one is immune in this day. We must protect our own souls and those of our loved ones. Truly, as a foundation for freedom, a person must establish boundaries in every area of life that is a place of potential temptation.

S—Spiritually-Devoted Life, Practicing Spiritual Warfare.
We must practice spiritual warfare as a core principle of freedom, in the beginning of wisdom, in the fear of God. We wrestle not against flesh and blood, but we are in a spiritual battle. God is in control. He will allow these demonic entities to bring chastisement. God is holy and wholly in control. We truly wrestle against Satan and his hordes of demonic hosts. Sometimes we are in the wrestle because of our own unconfessed sin or pride. Ephesians chapter 6, verse 12, is a passage that must be believed. One should review this verse in several translations. However, here is a look at it in The Living Bible, which is a paraphrased version:

“For we are not fighting against people made of flesh and blood, but against persons without bodies—the evil rulers of the unseen world, those mighty satanic beings and great evil princes of darkness who rule this world; and against huge numbers of wicked spirits in the spirit world.” Eph. 6:12 LB

The Preaching of the Cross and Confession to pave the road to a life of freedom realized – a life of sincere repentance.

“The Cross of Jesus Christ destroys all pride. We cannot find the Cross of Jesus if we shrink from going to the place where it is to be found, namely, the public death of the sinner. And we refuse to bear the cross when we are ashamed to take upon ourselves the shameful death of the sinner in confession.” – Dietrich Bonhoeffer

I have never known anyone to find lasting freedom—a true “freedom realized”—without a pure and holy devotion to Jesus and embracing in great delight His sacrifice on the cross. Those who find lasting freedom always have a devoted love and respect for Jesus Christ as Lord and worship Him because of the meditation of the passion of his suffering. The preaching of the cross seems foolish as it is a symbol of death and of nothingness to the world; however, to those who are living in freedom and have experienced His presence for a “freedom realized,” it is the power of God for salvation, a true deliverance.

“For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written: ‘I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.’” 1 Cor. 1:18-19 [emphasis mine]

Confession Humility Article 5

I use Craig Lockwood’s book, Falling Forward: The Pursuit of Sexual Purity, (5) in our New Man Support Group each year. There are several points Lockwood makes in chapter 7, “Confession Discovering the Cross in Community. I have adapted these points from his book below.

Confession:

• heals our isolation and loneliness.
• of sin crucifies the old man and the flesh.
• dismantles false images and fig leaves.
• makes us die to the “social saint” mentality.
• acknowledges God’s power over our sin.
• makes the truth of the Gospel concrete in our souls.
• gives us the pathway to live in peace, serenity, and humility.
• purifies our inner lives—our thoughts.
• brings about a healing in the body of Christ and true unity in the church.
• clears impaired thinking and restores clarity in the brain.(5)

“In confession, a man breaks through to certainty. Why is it that it is often easier for us to confess our sins to God than to a brother? God is holy and sinless; He is a just judge of evil and the enemy of all disobedience.  But a brother is sinful as we are.  He knows from his own experience the dark night of secret sin.  Why should we not find it easier to go to a brother than to the holy God?  …We must ask ourselves whether we have not often been deceiving ourselves with our confession to God, whether we have not rather been confessing our sins to ourselves and also granting ourselves absolution. Who can give us the certainty that, in the confession and forgiveness of our sins, we are not dealing with ourselves, but with the living God? God gives us this certainty through our brother.  Our brother breaks the circle of self-deception. A man who confesses his sin in the presence of a brother knows that he is no longer alone with himself; he experiences the presence of God in the reality of the other person.” – Dietrich Bonhoeffer (5)

The need to have lasting freedom, “freedom realized,” is to confess every slip-up and fall, especially when it comes to sexual lust or fantasy. But, is also true for all sins that easily beset us. Until the Cross of Christ causes you to be utterly humbled in the fascination of the extreme love of God to the point of taking your breath away, you have not yet experienced all HE has for you. There is only one way to enter into Heaven before Almighty God. There are no other ways, no other coverings, no other fig leaves of our works. It is wholly through the holy blood of Jesus Christ as a complete covering, the propitiation of God through faith in Christ’s sacrifice. Jesus’ love and sacrifice is the only adequate substitution; the complete covering for our sins. This new life of “freedom realized” can only come through a new lifestyle of confession, of humility that produces turning from sin, and of turning to Him in a wholly devoted relationship that continues to the day you die.

“Your mercy, O  Lord,  is in the heavens; Your faithfulness reaches to the clouds. Your righteousness  is  like the great mountains; Your judgments are a great deep; O Lord, You preserve man and beast. How precious is Your lovingkindness, O God! Therefore, the children of men put their trust under the shadow of Your wings. They are abundantly satisfied with the fullness of Your house, and You give them drink from the river of Your pleasures. For with You is the fountain of life; in Your light we see light." (Psalm 36:5)

I close with a few thoughts from Andrew Murray on Humility:

• “Humility is the beauty of holiness.”
• “Humility, the place of entire dependence on God, is, from the very nature of things, the first duty and the highest virtue of the creature, and the root of every virtue.”
• “…it is not sin that humbles us most, but grace.”
• “It is the sinner dwelling in the full light of God’s holy, redeeming love, in the experience of that full indwelling of divine love, which comes through Christ and the Holy Spirit, who cannot but be humble. Not to be occupied with your sin, but to be occupied with God, brings deliverance from self.”
• “Our measure of humility is not how humble we are before God, but is actually measured by our humility before man…” (2)

Will you embrace humility and confession today, tomorrow, next week and the rest of your days? Freedom realized is for every soul who embraces humility and consistent confession as a new lifestyle. May God grace your life with humility, confession for freedom realized.

 Confession Humility Article 6

 

 

End Notes:
(1)
 Freedom Realized – Finding Freedom from Homosexuality & Living A Life Free from Labels ISBN 13: 9781683144939 (www.freedomrealized. org)
(2) Andrew Murray’s book on Humility ISBN13: 978-1514695418 and Laura Leigh Stanlake’s compilation on humility, “Meditations on Humility” see the First Stone website: https://www.firststone.org/articles/post/meditations-on-humility:-humility-and-confession
(3) C.S. Lewis answers this in The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe when Mr. Beaver tells Susan that Aslan (the ruler of Narnia) is a great lion. Susan is surprised since she assumed Aslan was a man. She then tells Mr. Beaver, “I shall feel rather nervous about meeting a lion.” She asks Mr. Beaver if Aslan is safe, to which Mr. Beaver replies, “Safe? Who said anything about safe? ‘Course he isn’t safe. But he’s good. He’s the King.”
(4) Read the “Terrors of Hell” by William C. Nichols (https://www.firststone.org/ articles/post/the-terrors-of-hell)
(5) Craig Lockwood book: Falling Forward: The Pursuit of Sexual Purity. ISBN 1-930159-05-6

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Prophecy of Pride https://www.stephenblack.org/blog/post/prophecy-of-pride https://www.stephenblack.org/blog/post/prophecy-of-pride#comments Thu, 01 Jun 2023 11:00:00 -0500 https://www.stephenblack.org/blog/post/prophecy-of-pride PP- 1st Opening Pic --Pride Banner - Judgment

by Stephen Black, Executive Director First Stone Ministries
  (Originally posted on September 8, 2019)

“It was pride that changed angels into devils; it is humility that makes men as angels.”   – St. Augustine

June 2019 was the worst “Pride Month” in recorded history in the United States and in westernized cultures. I know, as I left homosexuality and all the chaos surrounding it in 1983.  I have observed closely the LGBTQ+ pride movement from the ’70s through our current realities of pride worship in our day.  Beloveds of God, historically there has never been a more decadent display of pride, perversion, pedophilia, transgenderism, sadomasochism and now, even the pride of bestiality is marching down our streets in major cities in the United States.  There is a banner that is waved over this culture of flamboyant and blatant worship of Baal, Jezebel, and pride. It is called the “Rainbow Flag” by some; however, it is rightfully being called by a new and increasingly popular name – “Pride Flag” or “Pride Banner.”  I want to share with you what I believe the Lord has shown me in the last several years concerning the “Prophecy of Pride” from Scripture and an understanding of the meaning behind this “Pride Banner.”

Vexillology
Before getting into the prophecy of pride, I want to give some background to writing this article. I started my journey of the study of flags several years ago. Most people that I have approached with the subject of Vexillology,(1) have not heard of it, or smirk or laugh at the sound of the word. Have you ever heard of the study of flags or banners? Vexillology is the interesting study of flags, banners, the history behind the flag, the symbolism of a nation, state, people or political group. There is symbolism in the colors and designs placed on a flag. In the study of flags, one will find that the flag represents a people group, a country, a subset group or a cause in many different ways. It is relevant to this article, “Prophecy of Pride,” to know that a flag has meaning. However, because of space and because of what needs to be addressed concerning this article, I will not go into any more detail about Vexillology.

PP - 2nd PIC - Vexillology -- Flags in Stephen's office

Nineteen years ago, after my father passed away on Christmas Day, I started to pursue an interest in Vexillology. Not long after, I visited the International Flag Store in Norman, OK where another Mr. Black promoted this interest.  He reminded me of my father and gave me a gift set of flags as a memorial to my father. I was there to purchase new flags to fill up the stand I purchased from him. We were visiting about flags as I was filling the stand with the flags of the states I had visited as a new hobby.  We discussed how others collected flags. I told him I was hoping one day to have all 50 states of the United States collected. We talked about visiting some of the 16 amazing territories of the United States as well, and to collect a flag from those visits. He loved the idea. 

PP - 3rd Pic - FLAGS BOOK

Mr. Black was very knowledgeable and encouraged me to get a textbook, one he described as the very best book written on this subject.  He had been a student of Vexillology his entire life, so he knew a lot. He provoked me to also look into the history and study flags. I have thoroughly enjoyed the textbook he suggested, FLAGS – Through The Ages and Across the World.(2) There is much to learn about the history of and understanding of the symbolism of flags and banners from this book. It is important to understand that flags have meaning as we study to understand this ironic “Prophecy of Pride.”

 

 Banners in The Bible
PP - 4th Pic Banners - in the Bible --Jehovah_Nissi_The_Lord_our_Victory_Banner

Banners and flags in the Bible is also a subject to consider in this “Prophecy of Pride.” There is powerful meaning behind a banner from scripture as revealed in one of God’s covenantal names. He is called “Jehovah Nissi” which means: “God Our Banner,” “The God of Our Victory” or “God Who gives His people the Victory Banner” and the final meaning, “God Our Freedom.”(3)  God gives a victory banner over sin and death for those who love Him.  There are other banners in scripture of love, of salvation and of victory described in the Bible(3), and God desires His name to also be recognized as “The Lord is My Banner” – “Jehovah Nissi” in Exodus 17:15. The Bible reiterates that flags and banners have meaning and represent something significant, mainly, the people groups they represent. This is important to know that the Bible refers to flags with prophetic meaning.

Introduction to the “Prophecy of Pride”
Now to the subject at hand—the “Prophecy of Pride” as revealed in our day.  This prophecy parallels with end-time prophecies as is revealed throughout the Bible. My writing today will focus primarily on New Testament passages found in the words of Jesus and in Peter’s epistles and from Genesis.

I have been cringing for years at the sight of any pride banner and at what some naively call a “rainbow banner”.  Ever since knowing Christ and leaving homosexual sin, I’ve had disdain when I see pride flags flying. It is a recoiling idea to me that this pride banner supposedly communicates ideas of diversity, love and God’s rainbow. This so-called “Rainbow Flag” or “Rainbow Banner” or “Pride Flag” or “Pride Banner” is the symbol of the sin of pride. The Creator of the Universe sees it as a symbol of sinful pride and rebellion.

It’s important to know some history about this “Pride Banner.” It is said to be created by the ‘Gay Betsy Ross’(4) – Gilbert Baker, a known drag queen and flamboyant homosexual from Chanute, Kansas. Gilbert Baker was inspired by the known pedophile, Harvey Milk. Milk encouraged Baker in 1978 to create the flag for a symbol of “gay rights” and as a prideful display of homosexuality for the San Francisco “Gay Freedom Day Parade.” Both Harvey Milk and Gilbert Baker are known in the gay community for their outrageous promiscuity and for their prideful display of their homosexual activity.

Baker loved his “Pride Banner” while alive. He made much noise about being full of pride as an author, and was a very visible spokesperson for his banner saying that it was rightfully renamed as the “Pride Banner.”(4)  Knowing some of this history helps us to understand what is behind this banner and why I believe it is an ironic display of coming judgment to a people group and to their advocates who love pride, sexual promiscuity of every kind, and who promote the demand that the entire world accept everything masquerading as LGBTQ+.  The political arm of the LGBTQ+ agenda demands that their LGBTQ+ behaviors be normalized. There is a decadent demand for gay couples to have prideful recognition of their marriages and unions, their surrogate birthing processes, and that cemeteries must display pride banners along with military flags. Today, the LGBTQ+ narrative is that you must accept LGBTQ+ as good and normal, and take pride in it, love their banner, or you will suffer greatly for any form of opposition or disagreement.

Pride Banner / Pride Flag
PP - 5th Pic - Pride Banner - Pride Flag Paragraph - gay_flag_on-fire-w_symbols.JPGThe six-colored banner of pride is NOT God’s rainbow. The natural rainbow in creation on planet Earth has seven (7) to twelve (12) colors visible to the natural eye, yet the rainbow around God’s throne is believed to have millions of colors. Very important to note that the “Pride Banner” has six (6) veins of striped color.  This banner is not an accurate display of the colors of the natural rainbow, never mind the awesomeness of what will be seen at the Throne of God.  The six veins of color represent the number of man. The number six (6) concerning man is a revelation that man does his own will when left to himself, and not the will of God. This has always been true historically when mankind is not submitted to God.

In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes.” Judge 21:25.

This prophetic picture of six (6) reveals the pride of man – the boastful pride of life (1 John 2:15-17) (5). This flag of pride is the symbol of revelry and self-indulgence. It has nothing to do with God. This so-called “Rainbow Flag” comes from people consumed with sexual immorality and is a symbol of their absolute rebellion to God as they use it in parading through the streets and in displaying some of the grossest forms of sexual perversion known. Beloved Christian, stop calling this pride banner of sexual perversion, a “Rainbow Flag.”  It is neither God’s rainbow nor is this flag from God in any form. This flag was birthed in the practice of homosexuality. This flag represents the great need of the very broken and sinful. Those who currently fly this flag are in great need of Jesus Christ as Lord, and so were the creators of this flag. Unfortunately, neither Harvey Milk nor Gilbert Baker surrendered to Jesus Christ as Lord.  They have both entered their eternal fate. (6)

Do Not Be Deceived – God is Not Mocked

There are so-called “gay Christian” advocates who desire to add another colored stripe to make it a seven (7) colored flag and thus deceiving themselves to believe it will somehow be blessed or approved of God under a false lie of compassion or kindness.  There are those who believe they are claiming the rainbow back to help minister to gays, yet this comes from a false, human compassion and not from God’s real mercy.(8)  There are well-meaning, yet deceived, Christians calling for the gay community to embrace a false-grace message. This hyper-grace message teaches that so-called “LGBTQ+ Christians” or “gay Christians” are securely in God’s loving embrace. Their messages come without any need of consistent repentance of thought, orientation, desires, lust and/or immoral sexual behavior. This is heresy, and yet they also wave the pride banner. (7)  God will not be mocked.  There is a coming judgment and, ironically, it can be found in the revelation of God’s rainbow of justice, which also surrounds the throne of God. God’s throne is encircled with a rainbow sphere. (Rev. 4:3).  There is also the magnificent symbol of deity in the “Mighty Angel” that is coming robed in clouds with a rainbow over his head, with a face shining like the Sun, and His feet are like columns of fire described in Revelation 10:1. This Angel is a symbol of Christ in God coming in the authority of God Almighty to bring judgment.  He wears a halo-rainbow crown!  God does come in covenant love and mercy—His rainbow—but He also comes in judgment for those who love their pride and sin.

PP - 6th Pic - Mighty Angel - rev 10 - God is not mocked

“Do not be deceived and deluded and misled; God will not allow Himself to be mocked or sneered at (scorned or disdained by mere pretensions or professions, or by His precepts being set aside.) [God will not be mocked by those who inevitably deludes themselves who attempts to delude God.] For whatever a man sows, that and that only is what he will reap. For the man who sows to his own flesh (lower nature, sensuality, the lust of the eyes, lust of the flesh or pride) will from the flesh reap decay and ruin and destruction (death), but he who sows to the Spirit, lives in the Holy Spirit will from the Holy Spirit reap eternal life.”  Gal. 6:7-8 [AMPC]

God’s Rainbow of Covenant Love and The Judgment to Come
PP - 7th Pic God's RainbowThe first time the rainbow is seen or mentioned in history is after the flood recorded in Genesis 9.  God spoke to Noah and his sons and told them that He set a rainbow in the clouds as a sign of His covenant love and that they would not need to fear anymore being judged by flooding. He would not be judging the Earth again with water. He also said this would be a sign for generations to come that God is a loving, covenant-keeping God.(8)  However, God has clearly warned that a coming judgment of the entire Earth is coming again, not by water, but by fire.

 

Beloveds of God – Sincere Christians, Please Have Compassion in The Coming Judgment – “Prophecy of Pride”
PP - 8th Pic - CompassionAs I mentioned, I cringe when I see the “Pride Banner.” I now understand what the symbol of pride is and what is to come after embracing pride.  I hope you will also understand this “Prophecy of Pride” and have great pity on all who march under it.  As Christians who have been saved from the wrath of God to come, we need to have pity on those who are under a demonic delusion and on the many who are turned over to such deception which will bring eternal destruction to the souls of many who will not turn to the Lordship of Jesus Christ.(9)

Unfortunately, many do not recognize that the “Pride Banner/Pride Flag” is actually a prophetic banner of what is to come for those who revel in sexual sin, sexual perversion, idolatry and live in its chaos. The Bible is clear concerning sexual sin and idolatry. What some call the “Rainbow Banner” will find that this banner is a direct parallel to a coming judgment of fire!  This is not merely my understanding of the “Prophecy of Pride.” This is found in the study of the scripture.

“For this, you know, (you can know this with certainty) that no fornicator, sexually unclean person, nor impure person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, (just pray a prayer, or merely believe in that historical facts of Jesus as Messiah and you’ll be saved, – once saved always saved) for because of these things (those who practice sin) the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not be partakers with them – (flee, run away from these people!).” Eph, 5:5-7 (parentheticals are mine)

When I see a “Pride Banner” waving over a group of people or on display, I am reminded of the warning concerning pride.  It is very clear in the Scripture. There is the Petros Prophecy (10) and the Proverbs Prophecy (Proverbs 16:18, Proverbs 18:12) that must be heeded by those who are ardent followers of Jesus Christ as Lord.  There is a fire coming!

Pride comes before destruction!

“Pride goes before destruction and a haughty (arrogant) spirit before a fall.” Proverbs 16:18

“Before destruction (before a disaster) the heart of a man is haughty, (full of pride and arrogance), however, before honor is humility (demonstrated in the life of the godly).” Proverbs 18:12 (parentheticals are mine)

If we are going to reveal Christ-like love to LGBTQ+ persons, we cannot compromise on speaking the truth in love concerning warning of things to come.  There has never been a time displaying such cowardly silence in the Church regarding this “Prophecy of Pride” and of the coming judgment.  Jude’s epistle and 2 Peter have made this very evident.  We must contend for the faith and proclaim the sincere, transformational Gospel of Jesus Christ to win souls. Jude 1:3-19.(11)  We see clearly in this passage in Jude that there is an end-time, last-days message warning that scoffers, living after the flesh, sexual impurity and indulging in all forms of unnatural immorality, will pay eternal destruction just as Sodom and Gomorrah did. These cities were destroyed by fire. There is a judgment of fire coming again.

The Petros Prophecy(10) from 2 Peter 2:6 and 2 Peter 3:10 is a very clear promise that God is going to judge the Earth again and that it will be by fire!

And He condemned to ruin and extinction the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, reducing them to ashes [and thus] set them forth as an example to those who would be ungodly…” 2 Peter 2:6

“But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.

(Verse 10) But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up by fire!

PP - 9th Pic - 2Pet3-10-Earth on Fire-Judgment to come - Coming Judgment
Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God,
because of which the heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat? Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.” 2 Peter 3:8-13 (Emphasis mine)

PP - 10th Pic - Sin of the church decision - warning.JPGThe Sin of Pride in The Church
When I see the “Pride Banner,” I have a sick, sinking feeling of the coming judgment knowing these truths from scripture and knowing about the holiness of God, the fear of God and of His love. Because of these eternal attributes of God, I continue to persuade men—speaking the bold truth, which is love. If you are not speaking the truth boldly about this warning, then you should ask yourself, “Am I really loving people as God has commanded?” You may find yourself operating in false compassion where repentance isn’t really required. This is a subtle deception in our day. St. Paul was completely convinced of the shortness of time two-thousand years ago, “Knowing, therefore, the terror of the Lord, we persuade men…” 2 Cor. 5:11

The level of deception in this day does not embrace the true “relevancy” of the urgency of the times. Many like to talk about what is relevant yet miss the deception that is sweeping in and deceiving the Church today. There is a real need here; We must preach the entire Gospel and rebuke the passivity toward representing the “Pride Banner” as a mere symbol of fun, tolerance, and joy.  There is real evil coming into the Church—it is passivity concerning the embrace of so-called, “LGBTQ+ Christianity.” This evil is also embraced by very educated evangelical popes who embrace an “orientation message” which allows for so-called celibate gays to parade their pride as well.  The judgment begins in the house of God.

For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God (and allowing for the flaunting of pride)?” 1 Peter 4:17 (Emphasis mine)

Church leaders, many parents of gays, and all of us as believers need to humble ourselves and repent of the spirit of pride and the demonic presence of Jezebel for tolerating sexual uncleanness. The modern-day evangelical American churches, like the Presbyterian Church of America, many Southern Baptist churches and several in The Gospel Coalition leadership have a very passive approach when it comes to tolerating acceptance of “gay Christianity” which is like tolerating the unclean spirit of Jezebel.  They are not listening to Jesus’ warning to the church in Thyatira, which is for today:

“And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write,

These things says the Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and His feet like fine brass: “I know your works, love, service, faith, and your patience; and as for your works, the last are more than the first. Nevertheless, I have a few things against you, because you allow (tolerate) that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, to teach and seduce My servants to commit sexual immorality (or embrace a demonic spirit of unnatural sexual perversion as an identity, “LGBTQ+ Christian”) and eat things (offerings) sacrificed to idols.  And I gave her time to repent of her sexual immorality, and she did not repent. Indeed I will cast her into a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation, unless they repent of their deeds. I will kill her children with death, and all the churches shall know that I am He who searches the minds and hearts. And I will give to each one of you according to your works.” Rev. 2:18-23. (Emphasis & parentheticals mine)

Surely leaders can read clearly these “red letters” – Jesus’ words.  Judgment is coming, and it happens in every church generation. Jesus warned in verse 23 that our children IN THE CHURCH are at risk.  One major problem today in church leadership, among these very educated leaders, is that they have no fear of God. They believe they have their eternal securities all wrapped up, all the while dancing with the unclean demonic spirit of Jezebel under a false banner of kindness and compassion (hypergrace).

praying_man_in_dirt“If My people (MY LEADERS) who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”  2 Chron. 7:14 (Emphasis and parenthetical are mine)

If we really desire to have compassion towards all sexual sinners, including those in the bondage of LGBTQ+ chaos in a stronghold of unnatural orientations, we must present the full Gospel of Grace that brings about transformation. (Titus 2:11-14)—a real grace that instructs the soul (the mind, the will and emotions), and certainly, a person’s desires and “orientation” to deny all ungodliness.  God’s grace certainly includes the theology that the internal world of thinking (desires, orientations, and temptations) are able to be put underfoot, and that a true believer can experience change.  We must stop listening to the Christians in the American Association of Psychologists who promote unnatural affections under a false banner of compassion legitimizing “orientation” as viable for a Christian identity.  This is evil in the sight of God and is full of the sin of pride.

“Original sin – The Pride of Life – believing to be equal to God in calling our own destiny and enjoying our own desires which give way to the lust of the flesh and lust of the eyes.” – St. Augustine

“There never can have been, and never can be, and there never shall be any sin without pride.”  St. Augustine

praying - hands up in surrender
May we all embrace the Holy Spirit of Grace (Heb. 10:29), never grieve Him who gives change, and promote real repentance in our thinking and our desires.  As true believers, we must not embrace the demonic spirit of pride under a homosexual-made banner of pride by giving our simple approval of a so-called, “Rainbow Flag.”  It is not God’s rainbow of covenant love and warning. If we really love God and love people, we must reject this deception of a “Pride Banner” and the spirit of pride. Remember well this “Prophecy of Pride” and let the fear of God keep you in holy love.  Their banner of pride is a curse that they are flying over themselves. We must love well by warning that pride comes before destruction. If the house is on fire, you don’t speak in breathy tones and whisper, “fire.” No! No! Real love screams, “FIRE!” as loudly as possible when the house is burning. The house is burning folks! We must tell them this pride and fire are coming to destroy them! How much more should a loving Christian be warning others about the eternal fire? Eternal souls are at stake! This is about heaven and hell!  I hope you never see the “Pride Banner” again in the same way!  Let it cause you to be moved by Jesus’ real compassion and to proclaim His truth!


NEW - June 2021 - PRIDE MONTH -- Stephen Black Interviewed by Kendra White, In His Image Movie Producer and Director with American Family Studios



 

Article Endnotes

(1) Read More on Vexillology - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vexillology

(2) “FLAGS – Through The Ages and Across the World” written in 1975 at $40. (ISBN-13: 978-0070590939)

(3) Scriptures on Banners/Flags: Exo. 17:15, Num. 1:52, Num. 2:2, Num. 2:17-18, Num. 2:25, Num. 2:31, Num. 2:34,  Num. 10:14, Num. 10:18, Num. 10:22, Psa. 20:5, Psa. 60:4, Song 2:4, Song 6:4, vs 10, Isa. 5:26, Isa. 11:12, Isa. 13:2, Isa. 18:3, Isa. 26:4, Isa. 30:17, Isa. 49:22, Isa. 62:10, Jer. 4:6, Jer. 4:21, Jer. 50:2, Jer. 51:12, Jer. 51:27, Eze. 27:7)

(4) “Gay Besty Ross” – Gilbert Baker – source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rainbow_flag (LGBT_movement) and
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gilbert_Baker_(artist)

(5) 1 John 2:15-17 Do Not Love the World
“Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.”

(6) Harvey Milk, gay politician from San Francisco, (Milk was a Pedophile) 5-22-1930–11-27-1978; Gilbert Baker, gay activist, designer of the LGBTQ+ pride banner in 1978, 6-2-1951—3-32-2017.  (Additional reading: Milo, CPAC, Homosexuality and Pedophilia)

(7) Gatherings of so-called “gay Christians” and their advocates, like those in: Revoicewww.Revoice.us, Queer Christian Fellowship – www.qchristian.org,  Matthew Vines – www.reformationproject.org,  Justin Lee – http://geekyjustin.com/, and Alan Chambers, former failed-President of Exodus International, etc., and many other pro-gay, so-called “gay Christian” individuals and groups. (See “The Gospel According To Jesus Christ and The Gay Christian” article on First Stone Ministries’ website, www.firststone.org footnote #40.

(8) Please read Genesis 9:1-17.

(9) 2 Thess. 1:3-10 and 2 Thess. 2:5-12, note verses 1-12 – “and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this reason, God will send them strong delusion, (demonic influence) that they should believe the lie, that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.”  See Romans 9:1-3, and have this kind of love and pity as Paul wept, prayed and even would have been accursed from Christ if others might be saved. (parentheticals are mine)

(10) Get the free book download in PDF, “The Petros Prophecy” by Dr. Scott Lively at www.firststone.org.

(11) To have a full understanding, read Jude 1:3-19 noting that this passage is revealing those who turn the grace of God into a license to continue in sin, they are denying Jesus as Lord and Master, (verse 4).  We are reminded in verse 5 that after the Lord had ‘saved people out of Egypt’ they were destroyed because they continued in unbelief and refused to obey Him. We are also reminded that in verse 7 that the passage is warning of the destruction that is coming just like the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, and the surrounding cities that gave themselves over to the PRIDE of sexual impurity and indulging in unnatural perversions were destroyed. Verse 18 tells us that this passage is about the last days, at the end of time that there would be scoffers seeking to proudly gratify their own unholy desires, orientations of sexual perversion.

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PP- 1st Opening Pic --Pride Banner - Judgment

by Stephen Black, Executive Director First Stone Ministries
  (Originally posted on September 8, 2019)

“It was pride that changed angels into devils; it is humility that makes men as angels.”   – St. Augustine

June 2019 was the worst “Pride Month” in recorded history in the United States and in westernized cultures. I know, as I left homosexuality and all the chaos surrounding it in 1983.  I have observed closely the LGBTQ+ pride movement from the ’70s through our current realities of pride worship in our day.  Beloveds of God, historically there has never been a more decadent display of pride, perversion, pedophilia, transgenderism, sadomasochism and now, even the pride of bestiality is marching down our streets in major cities in the United States.  There is a banner that is waved over this culture of flamboyant and blatant worship of Baal, Jezebel, and pride. It is called the “Rainbow Flag” by some; however, it is rightfully being called by a new and increasingly popular name – “Pride Flag” or “Pride Banner.”  I want to share with you what I believe the Lord has shown me in the last several years concerning the “Prophecy of Pride” from Scripture and an understanding of the meaning behind this “Pride Banner.”

Vexillology
Before getting into the prophecy of pride, I want to give some background to writing this article. I started my journey of the study of flags several years ago. Most people that I have approached with the subject of Vexillology,(1) have not heard of it, or smirk or laugh at the sound of the word. Have you ever heard of the study of flags or banners? Vexillology is the interesting study of flags, banners, the history behind the flag, the symbolism of a nation, state, people or political group. There is symbolism in the colors and designs placed on a flag. In the study of flags, one will find that the flag represents a people group, a country, a subset group or a cause in many different ways. It is relevant to this article, “Prophecy of Pride,” to know that a flag has meaning. However, because of space and because of what needs to be addressed concerning this article, I will not go into any more detail about Vexillology.

PP - 2nd PIC - Vexillology -- Flags in Stephen's office

Nineteen years ago, after my father passed away on Christmas Day, I started to pursue an interest in Vexillology. Not long after, I visited the International Flag Store in Norman, OK where another Mr. Black promoted this interest.  He reminded me of my father and gave me a gift set of flags as a memorial to my father. I was there to purchase new flags to fill up the stand I purchased from him. We were visiting about flags as I was filling the stand with the flags of the states I had visited as a new hobby.  We discussed how others collected flags. I told him I was hoping one day to have all 50 states of the United States collected. We talked about visiting some of the 16 amazing territories of the United States as well, and to collect a flag from those visits. He loved the idea. 

PP - 3rd Pic - FLAGS BOOK

Mr. Black was very knowledgeable and encouraged me to get a textbook, one he described as the very best book written on this subject.  He had been a student of Vexillology his entire life, so he knew a lot. He provoked me to also look into the history and study flags. I have thoroughly enjoyed the textbook he suggested, FLAGS – Through The Ages and Across the World.(2) There is much to learn about the history of and understanding of the symbolism of flags and banners from this book. It is important to understand that flags have meaning as we study to understand this ironic “Prophecy of Pride.”

 

 Banners in The Bible
PP - 4th Pic Banners - in the Bible --Jehovah_Nissi_The_Lord_our_Victory_Banner

Banners and flags in the Bible is also a subject to consider in this “Prophecy of Pride.” There is powerful meaning behind a banner from scripture as revealed in one of God’s covenantal names. He is called “Jehovah Nissi” which means: “God Our Banner,” “The God of Our Victory” or “God Who gives His people the Victory Banner” and the final meaning, “God Our Freedom.”(3)  God gives a victory banner over sin and death for those who love Him.  There are other banners in scripture of love, of salvation and of victory described in the Bible(3), and God desires His name to also be recognized as “The Lord is My Banner” – “Jehovah Nissi” in Exodus 17:15. The Bible reiterates that flags and banners have meaning and represent something significant, mainly, the people groups they represent. This is important to know that the Bible refers to flags with prophetic meaning.

Introduction to the “Prophecy of Pride”
Now to the subject at hand—the “Prophecy of Pride” as revealed in our day.  This prophecy parallels with end-time prophecies as is revealed throughout the Bible. My writing today will focus primarily on New Testament passages found in the words of Jesus and in Peter’s epistles and from Genesis.

I have been cringing for years at the sight of any pride banner and at what some naively call a “rainbow banner”.  Ever since knowing Christ and leaving homosexual sin, I’ve had disdain when I see pride flags flying. It is a recoiling idea to me that this pride banner supposedly communicates ideas of diversity, love and God’s rainbow. This so-called “Rainbow Flag” or “Rainbow Banner” or “Pride Flag” or “Pride Banner” is the symbol of the sin of pride. The Creator of the Universe sees it as a symbol of sinful pride and rebellion.

It’s important to know some history about this “Pride Banner.” It is said to be created by the ‘Gay Betsy Ross’(4) – Gilbert Baker, a known drag queen and flamboyant homosexual from Chanute, Kansas. Gilbert Baker was inspired by the known pedophile, Harvey Milk. Milk encouraged Baker in 1978 to create the flag for a symbol of “gay rights” and as a prideful display of homosexuality for the San Francisco “Gay Freedom Day Parade.” Both Harvey Milk and Gilbert Baker are known in the gay community for their outrageous promiscuity and for their prideful display of their homosexual activity.

Baker loved his “Pride Banner” while alive. He made much noise about being full of pride as an author, and was a very visible spokesperson for his banner saying that it was rightfully renamed as the “Pride Banner.”(4)  Knowing some of this history helps us to understand what is behind this banner and why I believe it is an ironic display of coming judgment to a people group and to their advocates who love pride, sexual promiscuity of every kind, and who promote the demand that the entire world accept everything masquerading as LGBTQ+.  The political arm of the LGBTQ+ agenda demands that their LGBTQ+ behaviors be normalized. There is a decadent demand for gay couples to have prideful recognition of their marriages and unions, their surrogate birthing processes, and that cemeteries must display pride banners along with military flags. Today, the LGBTQ+ narrative is that you must accept LGBTQ+ as good and normal, and take pride in it, love their banner, or you will suffer greatly for any form of opposition or disagreement.

Pride Banner / Pride Flag
PP - 5th Pic - Pride Banner - Pride Flag Paragraph - gay_flag_on-fire-w_symbols.JPGThe six-colored banner of pride is NOT God’s rainbow. The natural rainbow in creation on planet Earth has seven (7) to twelve (12) colors visible to the natural eye, yet the rainbow around God’s throne is believed to have millions of colors. Very important to note that the “Pride Banner” has six (6) veins of striped color.  This banner is not an accurate display of the colors of the natural rainbow, never mind the awesomeness of what will be seen at the Throne of God.  The six veins of color represent the number of man. The number six (6) concerning man is a revelation that man does his own will when left to himself, and not the will of God. This has always been true historically when mankind is not submitted to God.

In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes.” Judge 21:25.

This prophetic picture of six (6) reveals the pride of man – the boastful pride of life (1 John 2:15-17) (5). This flag of pride is the symbol of revelry and self-indulgence. It has nothing to do with God. This so-called “Rainbow Flag” comes from people consumed with sexual immorality and is a symbol of their absolute rebellion to God as they use it in parading through the streets and in displaying some of the grossest forms of sexual perversion known. Beloved Christian, stop calling this pride banner of sexual perversion, a “Rainbow Flag.”  It is neither God’s rainbow nor is this flag from God in any form. This flag was birthed in the practice of homosexuality. This flag represents the great need of the very broken and sinful. Those who currently fly this flag are in great need of Jesus Christ as Lord, and so were the creators of this flag. Unfortunately, neither Harvey Milk nor Gilbert Baker surrendered to Jesus Christ as Lord.  They have both entered their eternal fate. (6)

Do Not Be Deceived – God is Not Mocked

There are so-called “gay Christian” advocates who desire to add another colored stripe to make it a seven (7) colored flag and thus deceiving themselves to believe it will somehow be blessed or approved of God under a false lie of compassion or kindness.  There are those who believe they are claiming the rainbow back to help minister to gays, yet this comes from a false, human compassion and not from God’s real mercy.(8)  There are well-meaning, yet deceived, Christians calling for the gay community to embrace a false-grace message. This hyper-grace message teaches that so-called “LGBTQ+ Christians” or “gay Christians” are securely in God’s loving embrace. Their messages come without any need of consistent repentance of thought, orientation, desires, lust and/or immoral sexual behavior. This is heresy, and yet they also wave the pride banner. (7)  God will not be mocked.  There is a coming judgment and, ironically, it can be found in the revelation of God’s rainbow of justice, which also surrounds the throne of God. God’s throne is encircled with a rainbow sphere. (Rev. 4:3).  There is also the magnificent symbol of deity in the “Mighty Angel” that is coming robed in clouds with a rainbow over his head, with a face shining like the Sun, and His feet are like columns of fire described in Revelation 10:1. This Angel is a symbol of Christ in God coming in the authority of God Almighty to bring judgment.  He wears a halo-rainbow crown!  God does come in covenant love and mercy—His rainbow—but He also comes in judgment for those who love their pride and sin.

PP - 6th Pic - Mighty Angel - rev 10 - God is not mocked

“Do not be deceived and deluded and misled; God will not allow Himself to be mocked or sneered at (scorned or disdained by mere pretensions or professions, or by His precepts being set aside.) [God will not be mocked by those who inevitably deludes themselves who attempts to delude God.] For whatever a man sows, that and that only is what he will reap. For the man who sows to his own flesh (lower nature, sensuality, the lust of the eyes, lust of the flesh or pride) will from the flesh reap decay and ruin and destruction (death), but he who sows to the Spirit, lives in the Holy Spirit will from the Holy Spirit reap eternal life.”  Gal. 6:7-8 [AMPC]

God’s Rainbow of Covenant Love and The Judgment to Come
PP - 7th Pic God's RainbowThe first time the rainbow is seen or mentioned in history is after the flood recorded in Genesis 9.  God spoke to Noah and his sons and told them that He set a rainbow in the clouds as a sign of His covenant love and that they would not need to fear anymore being judged by flooding. He would not be judging the Earth again with water. He also said this would be a sign for generations to come that God is a loving, covenant-keeping God.(8)  However, God has clearly warned that a coming judgment of the entire Earth is coming again, not by water, but by fire.

 

Beloveds of God – Sincere Christians, Please Have Compassion in The Coming Judgment – “Prophecy of Pride”
PP - 8th Pic - CompassionAs I mentioned, I cringe when I see the “Pride Banner.” I now understand what the symbol of pride is and what is to come after embracing pride.  I hope you will also understand this “Prophecy of Pride” and have great pity on all who march under it.  As Christians who have been saved from the wrath of God to come, we need to have pity on those who are under a demonic delusion and on the many who are turned over to such deception which will bring eternal destruction to the souls of many who will not turn to the Lordship of Jesus Christ.(9)

Unfortunately, many do not recognize that the “Pride Banner/Pride Flag” is actually a prophetic banner of what is to come for those who revel in sexual sin, sexual perversion, idolatry and live in its chaos. The Bible is clear concerning sexual sin and idolatry. What some call the “Rainbow Banner” will find that this banner is a direct parallel to a coming judgment of fire!  This is not merely my understanding of the “Prophecy of Pride.” This is found in the study of the scripture.

“For this, you know, (you can know this with certainty) that no fornicator, sexually unclean person, nor impure person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, (just pray a prayer, or merely believe in that historical facts of Jesus as Messiah and you’ll be saved, – once saved always saved) for because of these things (those who practice sin) the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not be partakers with them – (flee, run away from these people!).” Eph, 5:5-7 (parentheticals are mine)

When I see a “Pride Banner” waving over a group of people or on display, I am reminded of the warning concerning pride.  It is very clear in the Scripture. There is the Petros Prophecy (10) and the Proverbs Prophecy (Proverbs 16:18, Proverbs 18:12) that must be heeded by those who are ardent followers of Jesus Christ as Lord.  There is a fire coming!

Pride comes before destruction!

“Pride goes before destruction and a haughty (arrogant) spirit before a fall.” Proverbs 16:18

“Before destruction (before a disaster) the heart of a man is haughty, (full of pride and arrogance), however, before honor is humility (demonstrated in the life of the godly).” Proverbs 18:12 (parentheticals are mine)

If we are going to reveal Christ-like love to LGBTQ+ persons, we cannot compromise on speaking the truth in love concerning warning of things to come.  There has never been a time displaying such cowardly silence in the Church regarding this “Prophecy of Pride” and of the coming judgment.  Jude’s epistle and 2 Peter have made this very evident.  We must contend for the faith and proclaim the sincere, transformational Gospel of Jesus Christ to win souls. Jude 1:3-19.(11)  We see clearly in this passage in Jude that there is an end-time, last-days message warning that scoffers, living after the flesh, sexual impurity and indulging in all forms of unnatural immorality, will pay eternal destruction just as Sodom and Gomorrah did. These cities were destroyed by fire. There is a judgment of fire coming again.

The Petros Prophecy(10) from 2 Peter 2:6 and 2 Peter 3:10 is a very clear promise that God is going to judge the Earth again and that it will be by fire!

And He condemned to ruin and extinction the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, reducing them to ashes [and thus] set them forth as an example to those who would be ungodly…” 2 Peter 2:6

“But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.

(Verse 10) But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up by fire!

PP - 9th Pic - 2Pet3-10-Earth on Fire-Judgment to come - Coming Judgment
Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God,
because of which the heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat? Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.” 2 Peter 3:8-13 (Emphasis mine)

PP - 10th Pic - Sin of the church decision - warning.JPGThe Sin of Pride in The Church
When I see the “Pride Banner,” I have a sick, sinking feeling of the coming judgment knowing these truths from scripture and knowing about the holiness of God, the fear of God and of His love. Because of these eternal attributes of God, I continue to persuade men—speaking the bold truth, which is love. If you are not speaking the truth boldly about this warning, then you should ask yourself, “Am I really loving people as God has commanded?” You may find yourself operating in false compassion where repentance isn’t really required. This is a subtle deception in our day. St. Paul was completely convinced of the shortness of time two-thousand years ago, “Knowing, therefore, the terror of the Lord, we persuade men…” 2 Cor. 5:11

The level of deception in this day does not embrace the true “relevancy” of the urgency of the times. Many like to talk about what is relevant yet miss the deception that is sweeping in and deceiving the Church today. There is a real need here; We must preach the entire Gospel and rebuke the passivity toward representing the “Pride Banner” as a mere symbol of fun, tolerance, and joy.  There is real evil coming into the Church—it is passivity concerning the embrace of so-called, “LGBTQ+ Christianity.” This evil is also embraced by very educated evangelical popes who embrace an “orientation message” which allows for so-called celibate gays to parade their pride as well.  The judgment begins in the house of God.

For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God (and allowing for the flaunting of pride)?” 1 Peter 4:17 (Emphasis mine)

Church leaders, many parents of gays, and all of us as believers need to humble ourselves and repent of the spirit of pride and the demonic presence of Jezebel for tolerating sexual uncleanness. The modern-day evangelical American churches, like the Presbyterian Church of America, many Southern Baptist churches and several in The Gospel Coalition leadership have a very passive approach when it comes to tolerating acceptance of “gay Christianity” which is like tolerating the unclean spirit of Jezebel.  They are not listening to Jesus’ warning to the church in Thyatira, which is for today:

“And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write,

These things says the Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and His feet like fine brass: “I know your works, love, service, faith, and your patience; and as for your works, the last are more than the first. Nevertheless, I have a few things against you, because you allow (tolerate) that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, to teach and seduce My servants to commit sexual immorality (or embrace a demonic spirit of unnatural sexual perversion as an identity, “LGBTQ+ Christian”) and eat things (offerings) sacrificed to idols.  And I gave her time to repent of her sexual immorality, and she did not repent. Indeed I will cast her into a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation, unless they repent of their deeds. I will kill her children with death, and all the churches shall know that I am He who searches the minds and hearts. And I will give to each one of you according to your works.” Rev. 2:18-23. (Emphasis & parentheticals mine)

Surely leaders can read clearly these “red letters” – Jesus’ words.  Judgment is coming, and it happens in every church generation. Jesus warned in verse 23 that our children IN THE CHURCH are at risk.  One major problem today in church leadership, among these very educated leaders, is that they have no fear of God. They believe they have their eternal securities all wrapped up, all the while dancing with the unclean demonic spirit of Jezebel under a false banner of kindness and compassion (hypergrace).

praying_man_in_dirt“If My people (MY LEADERS) who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”  2 Chron. 7:14 (Emphasis and parenthetical are mine)

If we really desire to have compassion towards all sexual sinners, including those in the bondage of LGBTQ+ chaos in a stronghold of unnatural orientations, we must present the full Gospel of Grace that brings about transformation. (Titus 2:11-14)—a real grace that instructs the soul (the mind, the will and emotions), and certainly, a person’s desires and “orientation” to deny all ungodliness.  God’s grace certainly includes the theology that the internal world of thinking (desires, orientations, and temptations) are able to be put underfoot, and that a true believer can experience change.  We must stop listening to the Christians in the American Association of Psychologists who promote unnatural affections under a false banner of compassion legitimizing “orientation” as viable for a Christian identity.  This is evil in the sight of God and is full of the sin of pride.

“Original sin – The Pride of Life – believing to be equal to God in calling our own destiny and enjoying our own desires which give way to the lust of the flesh and lust of the eyes.” – St. Augustine

“There never can have been, and never can be, and there never shall be any sin without pride.”  St. Augustine

praying - hands up in surrender
May we all embrace the Holy Spirit of Grace (Heb. 10:29), never grieve Him who gives change, and promote real repentance in our thinking and our desires.  As true believers, we must not embrace the demonic spirit of pride under a homosexual-made banner of pride by giving our simple approval of a so-called, “Rainbow Flag.”  It is not God’s rainbow of covenant love and warning. If we really love God and love people, we must reject this deception of a “Pride Banner” and the spirit of pride. Remember well this “Prophecy of Pride” and let the fear of God keep you in holy love.  Their banner of pride is a curse that they are flying over themselves. We must love well by warning that pride comes before destruction. If the house is on fire, you don’t speak in breathy tones and whisper, “fire.” No! No! Real love screams, “FIRE!” as loudly as possible when the house is burning. The house is burning folks! We must tell them this pride and fire are coming to destroy them! How much more should a loving Christian be warning others about the eternal fire? Eternal souls are at stake! This is about heaven and hell!  I hope you never see the “Pride Banner” again in the same way!  Let it cause you to be moved by Jesus’ real compassion and to proclaim His truth!


NEW - June 2021 - PRIDE MONTH -- Stephen Black Interviewed by Kendra White, In His Image Movie Producer and Director with American Family Studios



 

Article Endnotes

(1) Read More on Vexillology - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vexillology

(2) “FLAGS – Through The Ages and Across the World” written in 1975 at $40. (ISBN-13: 978-0070590939)

(3) Scriptures on Banners/Flags: Exo. 17:15, Num. 1:52, Num. 2:2, Num. 2:17-18, Num. 2:25, Num. 2:31, Num. 2:34,  Num. 10:14, Num. 10:18, Num. 10:22, Psa. 20:5, Psa. 60:4, Song 2:4, Song 6:4, vs 10, Isa. 5:26, Isa. 11:12, Isa. 13:2, Isa. 18:3, Isa. 26:4, Isa. 30:17, Isa. 49:22, Isa. 62:10, Jer. 4:6, Jer. 4:21, Jer. 50:2, Jer. 51:12, Jer. 51:27, Eze. 27:7)

(4) “Gay Besty Ross” – Gilbert Baker – source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rainbow_flag (LGBT_movement) and
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gilbert_Baker_(artist)

(5) 1 John 2:15-17 Do Not Love the World
“Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.”

(6) Harvey Milk, gay politician from San Francisco, (Milk was a Pedophile) 5-22-1930–11-27-1978; Gilbert Baker, gay activist, designer of the LGBTQ+ pride banner in 1978, 6-2-1951—3-32-2017.  (Additional reading: Milo, CPAC, Homosexuality and Pedophilia)

(7) Gatherings of so-called “gay Christians” and their advocates, like those in: Revoicewww.Revoice.us, Queer Christian Fellowship – www.qchristian.org,  Matthew Vines – www.reformationproject.org,  Justin Lee – http://geekyjustin.com/, and Alan Chambers, former failed-President of Exodus International, etc., and many other pro-gay, so-called “gay Christian” individuals and groups. (See “The Gospel According To Jesus Christ and The Gay Christian” article on First Stone Ministries’ website, www.firststone.org footnote #40.

(8) Please read Genesis 9:1-17.

(9) 2 Thess. 1:3-10 and 2 Thess. 2:5-12, note verses 1-12 – “and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this reason, God will send them strong delusion, (demonic influence) that they should believe the lie, that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.”  See Romans 9:1-3, and have this kind of love and pity as Paul wept, prayed and even would have been accursed from Christ if others might be saved. (parentheticals are mine)

(10) Get the free book download in PDF, “The Petros Prophecy” by Dr. Scott Lively at www.firststone.org.

(11) To have a full understanding, read Jude 1:3-19 noting that this passage is revealing those who turn the grace of God into a license to continue in sin, they are denying Jesus as Lord and Master, (verse 4).  We are reminded in verse 5 that after the Lord had ‘saved people out of Egypt’ they were destroyed because they continued in unbelief and refused to obey Him. We are also reminded that in verse 7 that the passage is warning of the destruction that is coming just like the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, and the surrounding cities that gave themselves over to the PRIDE of sexual impurity and indulging in unnatural perversions were destroyed. Verse 18 tells us that this passage is about the last days, at the end of time that there would be scoffers seeking to proudly gratify their own unholy desires, orientations of sexual perversion.

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Differing Views on Christianity, Identity and Homosexuality https://www.stephenblack.org/blog/post/differing-views-on-christianity-identity-and-homosexuality https://www.stephenblack.org/blog/post/differing-views-on-christianity-identity-and-homosexuality#comments Wed, 01 Feb 2023 14:00:00 -0600 https://www.stephenblack.org/blog/post/differing-views-on-christianity-identity-and-homosexuality THERE IS AN ONSLAUGHT OF “GAY CHRISTIANITY” IN THE CHURCH TODAY

by Jason Thompson, Executive Director, Portland Fellowship, Portland, OR

 

jason_thompson-tWhen I first began serving at Portland Fellowship, for a believer, the message regarding homosexuality and identity seemed a bit simpler. For the most part, the Christian message was that we were created male and female, that our identity is found in Christ alone, and that sexual expression outside of marriage (between a man and his wife) is a sin because it violates God’s perfect plan and ultimately leads to pain and destruction. As the years passed by, and culture, unsurprisingly, continued down a path of confusion and distortion, I have watched many in the church also fall into that confusion. Last month, to bring clarity to this confusing issue, we here at Portland Fellowship created a one-page handout, which we summarize below.

differing-views-graphic-only-600

(Click the Graphic to ZOOM IN)

On one side of this handout is the ideology we’ve categorized as “Gay Partnership”. These professing Christians are gay-affirming and support and bless homosexual unions. Their general belief is that one is born gay/ lesbian/bisexual/transgendered or one of the other fifty-four gender options available through Facebook. Their biblical view has been developed by a revision of Scripture in order to support a pro-gay theological understanding. To the right of this extreme is another camp which we’ve labeled “Gay Identity”. These are professing Christians who primarily believe that a person is born gay, yet believe that same-sex partnerships are prohibited in the eyes of God. Their identity is found in what they feel and desire, and since their desire is for the same gender, they choose to identify as LGBTQ+. In contrast to these two categories, there are two other groups that embrace traditional biblical truth regarding sexual expression and identity. Yet, in these last two categories, there are some subtle differences in how each group proposes responding to the same-sex attracted person. We’ve labeled the first group of proponents for biblical truth and sexuality as simply “Conversion”. This group does a great job at communicating that our identity is not found in our sexuality or desires, but in Jesus Christ our Lord. This group highlights our sin nature as the primary issue of sexual struggles, and calls everyone to walk in confession, repentance and trusting God as they seek to die to their fleshly desires. They primarily emphasize the importance of Christ’s Body (the Church), while they don’t necessarily emphasize additional support structures or healing resources (such as counseling or recovery programs). The final category agrees with most of what the “Conversion” position communicates. This final “Transformation” category also believes that our identity is found in Christ, and that we must repent of our sinful sexual behavior. However, the subtle difference between “Conversion” and “Transformation” is that proponents of “Transformation” recognize the need for an intentional discipleship process that leads us to deeper healing, relational wholeness and even newfound desires that are being restored to what God intended. This process includes support from others in the body of Christ, which can involve counseling, recovery groups, discipleship programs and personal mentoring. It includes a deeper awareness that in addition to being a spiritual and sexual issue, homosexuality is also a relational issue, and therefore has both past relational wounds, and, more importantly, future relational healing. As I mentioned, homosexual identity and homosexual expression have become confused through various teachings and different opinions. I believe it is wise to follow what is written in 1 Thessalonians 5:21: “But test everything; hold fast what is good.” Let us not settle for anything less than the redeeming work of Jesus Christ and the transforming work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. My hope is that each of us will be able to surrender our sexuality, our identity and our behavior before the Lord, and find our hope in Christ as He continues His transforming work in us!

To view and print our one-page handout, please go to: here for the latest update.

]]>
THERE IS AN ONSLAUGHT OF “GAY CHRISTIANITY” IN THE CHURCH TODAY

by Jason Thompson, Executive Director, Portland Fellowship, Portland, OR

 

jason_thompson-tWhen I first began serving at Portland Fellowship, for a believer, the message regarding homosexuality and identity seemed a bit simpler. For the most part, the Christian message was that we were created male and female, that our identity is found in Christ alone, and that sexual expression outside of marriage (between a man and his wife) is a sin because it violates God’s perfect plan and ultimately leads to pain and destruction. As the years passed by, and culture, unsurprisingly, continued down a path of confusion and distortion, I have watched many in the church also fall into that confusion. Last month, to bring clarity to this confusing issue, we here at Portland Fellowship created a one-page handout, which we summarize below.

differing-views-graphic-only-600

(Click the Graphic to ZOOM IN)

On one side of this handout is the ideology we’ve categorized as “Gay Partnership”. These professing Christians are gay-affirming and support and bless homosexual unions. Their general belief is that one is born gay/ lesbian/bisexual/transgendered or one of the other fifty-four gender options available through Facebook. Their biblical view has been developed by a revision of Scripture in order to support a pro-gay theological understanding. To the right of this extreme is another camp which we’ve labeled “Gay Identity”. These are professing Christians who primarily believe that a person is born gay, yet believe that same-sex partnerships are prohibited in the eyes of God. Their identity is found in what they feel and desire, and since their desire is for the same gender, they choose to identify as LGBTQ+. In contrast to these two categories, there are two other groups that embrace traditional biblical truth regarding sexual expression and identity. Yet, in these last two categories, there are some subtle differences in how each group proposes responding to the same-sex attracted person. We’ve labeled the first group of proponents for biblical truth and sexuality as simply “Conversion”. This group does a great job at communicating that our identity is not found in our sexuality or desires, but in Jesus Christ our Lord. This group highlights our sin nature as the primary issue of sexual struggles, and calls everyone to walk in confession, repentance and trusting God as they seek to die to their fleshly desires. They primarily emphasize the importance of Christ’s Body (the Church), while they don’t necessarily emphasize additional support structures or healing resources (such as counseling or recovery programs). The final category agrees with most of what the “Conversion” position communicates. This final “Transformation” category also believes that our identity is found in Christ, and that we must repent of our sinful sexual behavior. However, the subtle difference between “Conversion” and “Transformation” is that proponents of “Transformation” recognize the need for an intentional discipleship process that leads us to deeper healing, relational wholeness and even newfound desires that are being restored to what God intended. This process includes support from others in the body of Christ, which can involve counseling, recovery groups, discipleship programs and personal mentoring. It includes a deeper awareness that in addition to being a spiritual and sexual issue, homosexuality is also a relational issue, and therefore has both past relational wounds, and, more importantly, future relational healing. As I mentioned, homosexual identity and homosexual expression have become confused through various teachings and different opinions. I believe it is wise to follow what is written in 1 Thessalonians 5:21: “But test everything; hold fast what is good.” Let us not settle for anything less than the redeeming work of Jesus Christ and the transforming work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. My hope is that each of us will be able to surrender our sexuality, our identity and our behavior before the Lord, and find our hope in Christ as He continues His transforming work in us!

To view and print our one-page handout, please go to: here for the latest update.

]]>
"Only One Life" by C.T. Studd https://www.stephenblack.org/blog/post/only-one-life-by-ct-studd https://www.stephenblack.org/blog/post/only-one-life-by-ct-studd#comments Tue, 11 Jan 2022 14:00:00 -0600 https://www.stephenblack.org/blog/post/only-one-life-by-ct-studd king_jesus_on_the_throne

 

 

 

 



Two little lines I heard one day, Traveling along life’s busy way;
Bringing conviction to my heart, And from my mind would not depart;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.


Only one life, yes only one, Soon will its fleeting hours be done;
Then, in ‘that day’ my Lord to meet, And stand before His Judgment seat;
Only one life,’ twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Only one life, the still small voice, Gently pleads for a better choice
Bidding me selfish aims to leave, And to God’s holy will to cleave;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Only one life, a few brief years, Each with its burdens, hopes, and fears;
Each with its days I must fulfill, living for self or in His will;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.

When this bright world would tempt me sore, When Satan would a victory score;
When self would seek to have its way, Then help me Lord with joy to say;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Give me Father, a purpose deep, In joy or sorrow Thy word to keep;
Faithful and true what e’er the strife, Pleasing Thee in my daily life;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Oh let my love with fervor burn, And from the world now let me turn;
Living for Thee, and Thee alone, Bringing Thee pleasure on Thy throne;
Only one life, “twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Only one life, yes only one, Now let me say, “Thy will be done”;
And when at last I’ll hear the call, I know I’ll say ’twas worth it all”;
Only one life,’ twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.

 

judgment_seat_of_christ-why do you call me lord-JCF-PC

]]>
king_jesus_on_the_throne

 

 

 

 



Two little lines I heard one day, Traveling along life’s busy way;
Bringing conviction to my heart, And from my mind would not depart;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.


Only one life, yes only one, Soon will its fleeting hours be done;
Then, in ‘that day’ my Lord to meet, And stand before His Judgment seat;
Only one life,’ twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Only one life, the still small voice, Gently pleads for a better choice
Bidding me selfish aims to leave, And to God’s holy will to cleave;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Only one life, a few brief years, Each with its burdens, hopes, and fears;
Each with its days I must fulfill, living for self or in His will;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.

When this bright world would tempt me sore, When Satan would a victory score;
When self would seek to have its way, Then help me Lord with joy to say;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Give me Father, a purpose deep, In joy or sorrow Thy word to keep;
Faithful and true what e’er the strife, Pleasing Thee in my daily life;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Oh let my love with fervor burn, And from the world now let me turn;
Living for Thee, and Thee alone, Bringing Thee pleasure on Thy throne;
Only one life, “twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Only one life, yes only one, Now let me say, “Thy will be done”;
And when at last I’ll hear the call, I know I’ll say ’twas worth it all”;
Only one life,’ twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.

 

judgment_seat_of_christ-why do you call me lord-JCF-PC

]]>
"The Falling Away" in Our Day https://www.stephenblack.org/blog/post/falling-away https://www.stephenblack.org/blog/post/falling-away#comments Sat, 01 Aug 2020 21:00:00 -0500 https://www.stephenblack.org/blog/post/falling-away Falling Away - August 2020

I am grieving over the tragic consistent falling away of many in this day.  Please pray with me that we could enjoy a national revival once again, and a real revival of love and sincere repentance and a manifested joy of Christian salvation in our families, in our churches, and in our workplaces! The following is a list to consider of obvious signs of backsliding and perhaps people on their way to hell. 

Are you deeply concerned at the lack of personal love and devotion towards Jesus Christ, and the lack of desire for the Word of God and devotion towards The Church of Jesus Christ today? Prayer and witnessing because of the Joy of Salvation is missing with many. Fear and immorality are made normal in our day, and we are experiencing a great falling away of the once believers.

Please take personal inventory and prayerfully consider your own relationship with Jesus Christ as Lord.


Obvious Signs People Are Either Lost or Backslidden – An Indication of a Trajectory with an Eternity Away from God

  • The First Love and excitement about knowing Jesus Christ intimately and deeply have waned.

  • The delight in being close in talking with Jesus Christ as the Creator is not known.

  • Reading and studying the Word of God is not a joyful priority in their life.

  • Prayer is foreign and looked at as a duty rather than a wonderful experience to connect with God.

  • Inventories of the closest friends are not those who are in love with Jesus Christ and His perfect ways. Your friends have also stopped seeking God as the first priority.

  • Telling others of your faith and desire for others to know Jesus Christ as their Lord is rarely a goal in weekly activities.

  • You lack a sincere desire to honor your parents and authority figures in your life.

  • Earthly interests, occupations, and making money are more important than eternal interest ones.

  • When your turn to entertainment, sports, mobile devices, watch TV and read secular books and magazines than read the Bible and pray.

  • When you do not have any interest in being around others in the Body of Christ that causes you to be more like Jesus Christ.

  • When you will not love others, and forgive but hold on to judgments.

  • When you are more critical than encouraging of others who need help.

  • There is no joy in helping the weak, poor, needy or sinner.

  • Differing forms of desires for other things, (idols) are excused, especially excusing the lowered cultural standards of morality, life, love, and care for the divine intention of the family unit are dismissed.

  • When you make excuses for not following through with all the above because Christians are hypocrites, you have just made yourself a backslidden hypocrite.

If you need Jesus as Savior and Lord, please talk with someone. God gives His grace, power, love, and forgiveness to those who seek His ways in contrition.  He longs to be gracious and pour out His love on those who will truly seek Him with all their hearts.

]]>
Falling Away - August 2020

I am grieving over the tragic consistent falling away of many in this day.  Please pray with me that we could enjoy a national revival once again, and a real revival of love and sincere repentance and a manifested joy of Christian salvation in our families, in our churches, and in our workplaces! The following is a list to consider of obvious signs of backsliding and perhaps people on their way to hell. 

Are you deeply concerned at the lack of personal love and devotion towards Jesus Christ, and the lack of desire for the Word of God and devotion towards The Church of Jesus Christ today? Prayer and witnessing because of the Joy of Salvation is missing with many. Fear and immorality are made normal in our day, and we are experiencing a great falling away of the once believers.

Please take personal inventory and prayerfully consider your own relationship with Jesus Christ as Lord.


Obvious Signs People Are Either Lost or Backslidden – An Indication of a Trajectory with an Eternity Away from God

  • The First Love and excitement about knowing Jesus Christ intimately and deeply have waned.

  • The delight in being close in talking with Jesus Christ as the Creator is not known.

  • Reading and studying the Word of God is not a joyful priority in their life.

  • Prayer is foreign and looked at as a duty rather than a wonderful experience to connect with God.

  • Inventories of the closest friends are not those who are in love with Jesus Christ and His perfect ways. Your friends have also stopped seeking God as the first priority.

  • Telling others of your faith and desire for others to know Jesus Christ as their Lord is rarely a goal in weekly activities.

  • You lack a sincere desire to honor your parents and authority figures in your life.

  • Earthly interests, occupations, and making money are more important than eternal interest ones.

  • When your turn to entertainment, sports, mobile devices, watch TV and read secular books and magazines than read the Bible and pray.

  • When you do not have any interest in being around others in the Body of Christ that causes you to be more like Jesus Christ.

  • When you will not love others, and forgive but hold on to judgments.

  • When you are more critical than encouraging of others who need help.

  • There is no joy in helping the weak, poor, needy or sinner.

  • Differing forms of desires for other things, (idols) are excused, especially excusing the lowered cultural standards of morality, life, love, and care for the divine intention of the family unit are dismissed.

  • When you make excuses for not following through with all the above because Christians are hypocrites, you have just made yourself a backslidden hypocrite.

If you need Jesus as Savior and Lord, please talk with someone. God gives His grace, power, love, and forgiveness to those who seek His ways in contrition.  He longs to be gracious and pour out His love on those who will truly seek Him with all their hearts.

]]>