Without faith it is impossible to [walk with God and] please Him, for whoever comes [near] to God must believe that God exists and that He rewards those who [earnestly and diligently] seek Him.   Hebrews 11:3 & 6

The holy work of the Lord Jesus Christ in me and you is infinitely stronger than any work we could ever produce. Our own works are as nothing before His great grace and steadfast love. The righteousness He imputes by faith in His finished work is mighty to produce holiness in souls of humans, and His work is greater than all our sins.¹ This amazing holy work is not merely about me, it is about all those who truly surrender to Jesus Christ as Lord, and thus He is the Savior to those who believe with a saving faith.

The purposes of the Holy One, Yeshua HaMashiach, Jesus the Christ, King of the Universe, God-man-Creator, have already been declared and prophesied in His Word; He desires us. In the last days, a mighty angel of God stands as a giant figure with one foot upon the sea and one foot upon the land, his face burning like the Sun. He lifts his hand to Heaven and swears by Him, the Creator who lives forever and ever, that there shall be no more delay, and that the mystery of God will be finished as He declared to His servants the prophets.² I believe that mystery is now revealed in His holy prophetic Word in these last days. This is the covenant of love God has for all of His people who truly believe, resulting in righteousness, a repentant life with those who have a saving faith. This faith in God is not a demon-type faith, merely believing from the mind with a mental assent without holy works of righteousness.³

Adonai Elohim, Yahovah, YHWH, Almighty God, Our Father in Heaven, is sovereign. Holy God has ordained that every life should touch other lives in His love, advancing His righteousness. Truly righteous souls are submitted to Yeshua, King of the Universe, demonstrating good fruit in holiness, used by Him to touch others. He has promised a good plan for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose; therefore, what He has purposed will be accomplished for His glory and our good IF we believe.⁴ As the called and elected of God, we do not live merely to finish a race. We live in the power of the Holy Spirit, The Ruach HaKadosh to live-out from the finished works of Jesus demonstrated in the power of His crucifixion to run a victorious race, disciplined and purposeful, so that we may obtain the prize.⁵ The Holy One sees the beginning and the end of each of our lives. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; therefore, we ask Him to teach us to number our days that we may gain a heart of wisdom, and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.⁶ “For without the very beginning of wisdom in fearing God, we have no wisdom at all.” ⁷

Though we have great difficulty, pain, sorrows, traumas, and betrayal on the earth, we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against huge numbers of spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. This is a spiritual war against our souls. Often we will also wrestle with demonic powers with so-called Christians. This journey can be very painful. However, we have an overcoming grace through Jesus Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit to rise into the heavenlies in His power of forgiveness every day, and even pity those in deception who persecute us, as many are headed towards eternal death. Yet every purpose of God—even those worked out through our great pain, grief and losses—will manifest goodness in time and space in HIS holy economy, IF we will trust Him to the end. The true life-giving horizon is a reality in eternity and in an unseen spiritual realm which is glorious. Jesus Christ will accomplish everything He has spoken, especially concerning the last days and in the true Israel of God. He is not finished redeeming souls, and He has not forgotten you nor the Jewish people.⁸ There is going to be an outpouring of the Holy Spirit, The Ruach HaKadosh is coming in power to fulfill His foretold prophecies in these last days.  “And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out My Spirit in those days (the last days). I will show wonders in the heavens and on the earth, blood and fire and billows of smoke. The Sun will be turned to darkness and the Moon to blood before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord. And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved; for on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there will be deliverance, as the Lord has said, even among the survivors whom the Lord calls.” Joel 2:28-32.

We do not live for OSAS “once saved, always saved” of false security, living as we please, living according to the flesh. We are to live from the victory already won in Yeshua HaMashiach as sincere followers remain steadfast and submitted to Ruach HaKadosh in holy repentance; this is the true and sincere saving faith. He lives through me and you as we are grafted into The Vine.  Yeshua is The Vine; we are the branches. Apart from Him, we can do nothing.⁹ God has spoken; therefore, we do not fear the future, but believe, walking out salvation in His graciousness. “Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.” Philippians 2:12-13.

Living victoriously in Yeshua now, we keep growing as overcomers. We do not live to fulfill His will through our own strength; we live from the fulfillment already accomplished by the powerful holy grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, who both gives the desire and the power to do His good pleasure.¹⁰ This journey is a life of devoted faith. We must keep His commandments from loving Him, not out of duty, lest we be the least in the kingdom of heaven.¹¹

I am not merely going to the Father. I live from the Father who dwells in me. He is the Perfect One. God Himself is my future, and that future is more certain than my past—especially my dark, sin-filled past. He is my sanctity and my hope. The calling of God upon my life and every promise He has spoken toward me flow from His mercy and goodness. The blessing of Almighty God is already pronounced over those who belong to Him.¹² These things are settled in eternity. Therefore, we can rest and trust in His unfailing love. In returning to Him, truly repentant and in His rest, we are saved; in quietness and confidence He is our strength.¹³ 

Therefore, “It is finished.” Jesus Christ’s finished work is our sure foundation; we may come to Him today with holy fear, sincere reverence, diligent repentance, and great confidence in His mercy. Are you receiving His salvation, abiding in first-love devotion, and seeking Him diligently in these last days? Let us keep our lamps trimmed and filled with the oil of God, ready to enter His rest and rejoice at the coming wedding feast of the Lord. “Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, Lord, open to us!’ But he answered and said, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you.’ Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming.” ¹⁴ Finish the race well and remain ready. If your heart has wandered, return to Jesus Christ today and each day, trusting His grace to restore and sustain you, and let Jesus say over you, “It is finished!”

(Special recognition of gratitude to Rabbi Jonathan Cahn https://www.hopeoftheworld.org/ for his encouragement to me, which caused me to write this article).

Footnotes & References – Bible Study

1. 2 Corinthians 5:21; Romans chapters 4 and 5; Isaiah 64:6; Ephesians 2:8–9. 
   
   
2. Revelation 10:1–7: “I saw still another mighty angel coming down from heaven, clothed with a cloud. And a rainbow was on his head, his face was like the Sun, and his feet like pillars of fire. He had a little book open in his hand. And he set his right foot on the sea and his left foot on the land… The angel whom I saw standing on the sea and on the land raised up his hand to heaven and swore by Him (Adonai) who lives forever and ever… that there should be delay no longer, but in the days of the sounding of the seventh angel, when he is about to sound, the mystery of God would be finished, as He declared to His servants the prophets.” LSB / CJB likewise describe his face like the Sun, one foot on the sea and one on the land, and the mystery of God brought to completion. Revelation 16 records the bowl judgments, yet not this angel. This angel is declaring the mysterious work of God brings everything to a finish.
   
   
3. Romans 10:8-13. James 2:18-24. “Therefore, believers, be all the more diligent to make certain about His calling and election, choosing you [be sure that your behavior reflects and confirms your relationship with God]; for by doing these things [actively developing these virtues of holiness], you will never stumble [in your spiritual growth and will live a life that leads others away from sin]; for in this way entry into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be abundantly provided to you.” 2 Peter 1:10-11.
   
   
4. Romans 8:28 (NKJV); Jeremiah 29:11; Galatians 5:22-24; Ephesians 1:11-12. Colossians 1:23
   
   
5. 1 Corinthians 9:24–27 “Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. Therefore, I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus, I fight: not as one who beats the air. But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.” LSB: “Run in such a way that you may win… they do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.” CJB: “Don’t you know that in a race all the runners compete, but only one wins the prize? So then, run to win!”
AMPC: “Do you not know that in a race all the runners compete, but [only] one receives the prize? So run [your race] that you may lay hold [of the prize] and make it yours… I do not box as one beating the air… But [like a boxer] I buffet my body [handle it roughly, discipline it by hardships] and subdue it.” See also Hebrews 12:1–2; 2 Timothy 4:7–8; Philippians 3:13–14.
6. “The Fear of the Lord”  is mentioned over 50 times in Scripture, here are just a few important verses: Job 28:28, Psalm 19:9, Psalm 34:11, Psalm 66:16, Proverbs 1:7, Proverbs 1:29, Proverbs 8:13, Proverbs 10:27, Proverbs 14:26-27, Proverbs 15:16, Proverbs 15:33, Proverbs 16:6, Proverbs 19:1, Proverbs 19:23, Proverbs 22:4, Proverbs 23:17, Ecclesiastes 8:12, Isaiah 33:6, Acts 9:31, Revelation 14:6-7

7. Noted quote by Stephen Black, 1999: Proverbs 9:10; Psalm 90:12; Ecclesiastes 12:13–14; Psalm 111:10; Isaiah 6:3; Revelation 4:8.
   
   
8. Ephesians 6:12; 2 Corinthians 10:3–5; Romans 11:1–2, 25–36. 
9. John 15:5; John 19:30. 
   
   
10. Titus 2:11-14, Philippians 2:12–13; Hebrews 13:20–21; 2 Corinthians 9:8; Lamentations 3:22–23. 
    
    
11. Matthew 5:17–19.
    
    
12. Numbers 6:24–26; Ephesians 2:4–5.
    
    
13. Isaiah 30:15; Psalm 33:18; Psalm 130:7; 1 Peter 1:3.
    
    
14. Matthew 25:1-13

by Stephen Black, Founder and Director of Coram Deo 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.

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. 

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

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
The 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.

“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
The 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”
As 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!

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)

The 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).

“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

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

NEW ARTICLE COMING SOON

 THIS IS ALSO A PAGE BUILDING FOR A RESOURCE on FORGIVENESS & OVERCOMING BETRAYAL!

(This page is to be a resource of healing for betrayed leadership.)

The devastation caused by trampling underfoot the sacred process of biblical restoration has left many pastors and leaders wounded by betrayal. It is traumatizing for many. Yet in this valley of trauma, there arises a holy invitation—to walk out forgiveness as Jesus taught. “For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses” (Matthew 6:14–15). This is not optional—it is the heartbeat of the kingdom.

 When Peter asked, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him?” Jesus replied, “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times” (Matthew 18:21–22). Forgiveness is not a transaction—it is a continual posture of mercy. And in the parable that follows, Jesus warns that those who receive mercy must also extend it: “Should not you have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?” (Matthew 18:33).

This journey of forgiveness may well become a small book of healing—a testimony to the grace that restores, the mercy that mends, and the Spirit who walks with the broken toward wholeness.

December 25, 2025 (Empowering Update -two videos below)
This little 'short' video was helpful in understanding betrayers, in a snapshot.  The larger video below gives the fuller teaching and equipping.  I always remind myself, and others, that every teaching should cause us to examine our own hearts.  It is an ugly trap to only see others as the "narcissist" or user.  It is important to deal with our own pride, self-centeredness, or narcissism, and of course, our own poor relating in co-dependent behavior in feeding a narcissist. Emotional dependency is relational idolatry and will only serve to wound you and cause you a distorted and restless life.  Draw near to God with all of your wounds, receive prayer and Holy Spirit guidance in godly counsel. 





EXTENDED TEACHING




-----------

Recent ministry update - sharing about navigating this topic and finding freedom in giving resources here for leadership.

Forgiveness Handout (click here for PDF) by Stephen Black, which is typically taught and given during a 90-minute or two one-hour sessions teaching on FORGIVENESS as a secret for real success in life.

How will the unbeliever know us as genuine followers of Jesus Christ?  BY LOVE!

"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:34-35

What kind of deep love should believers have for one another?  Covenant Love? Yet most in the post-modern "church" fail miserably on the real love test.

• "CHRIST'S CRY, 'COVENANT LOVE!'"
  
  

• COVENANT FRIENDSHIP - Holy Relating

Betrayal Videos that Help Bring Understanding and Healing and a Biblical Resolution About Revenge

 
1) Excellent Teachings by David Servant -- On Overcoming Betrayal and Revenge

2) Excellent Interview with Dr. Justin Peters

Feminism is an assault on the Imago Dei and His Holy Word!

The demonic influence over leaders who promote feminism is rampant in the church in America.

PRAY FOR REVIVAL &

FOR THE IMAGO DEI OF GOD AND

OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST BE RESTORED
IN THE CHURCH WORLD-WIDE

One of the very best offerings of truth on this subject matter.

MUST WATCH

  ____________________________________________________________________

(This graphic above was posted as like a "Babylon Bee" type satire 3 years ago on my Facebook page by an incredibly talented graphic artist. 

The Babylon Bee type humor and satire was much needed after asinine legislation passed in Canada, France, and other countries making what I do in pastoral care ministry a criminal felony… yet this is precisely what the Democrats, with their "Equality Act" and RINOs also purpose in so-called “Conversion Therapy” bans! Enjoy this meme revealing the stupidity of our day and laugh!)

_____________________________________________________________________

This satire is more real in the minds of brainwashed LGBTQ+ Cult Chaos people today and their supporters as the LGBTQ+ community continues their propaganda against so-called "Conversion Therapy and Conversion Therapy Ministries."

This week, North Dakota is battling this issue - HCR 3013- and the Supreme Court is reviewing the constitutional crisis of freedom of speech in banning therapists from offering hope in this so-called "Conversion Therapy." (By the way folks, no one practices a therapy called, "Conversion Therapy" this is made up by LGBTQ+ activists.)

This is more serious than people realize, and that this drama continues with people who are outraged at President Trump’s blasting DEI across our nation. The actions of removing DEI and banning men from women’s sports was like poking a hornet’s nest. The temper tantrums are only beginning to manifest.

Guns are being pulled out by a transgendered (male to female) at a street minister this week.

DRAMA FROM DOWN UNDER
This last week I was featured in a story from Australia, “First Stone Ministries: Undergoing Conversion Therapy in Oklahoma.” A story dating back to 2014. I was the executive director with First Stone (FSM) for the last 23 years of my full-time staff tenure from 1992 through 2023, until I resigned and was forced out in July 2023. A pro-LGBTQ+ outlet called “abbi” – “Ambassadors and Bridge Builders International” interviewed a person I met with only a couple of times. He had a meltdown, threw a temper tantrum, screaming in my office at his mother, and ran out of the office building in typical drama queen fashion. His mother was torn, grieving, and only trying to help him as a woman who believed the Bible. I have always been willing to try and give hope if possible. I have a very sensitive heart for parents of prodigals as I’ve had my own painful experiences. As I told the mother, as I would any parent in this situation, it is impossible to help her son who refuses to be normally civil. ANYONE must want help for me to really make a difference with the Gospel of Jesus Christ and bring about true healing of his soul. He was in utter rebellion, and his mother left depressed. Oh yes, I remember this incident well. Yet, I never heard from them again until this article post appeared in Google Alerts. This unnamed young man tells a very different story, told by a gay activist in this article, as is true with many of these former “clients” and those who fall away in their idolatry and totally apostatize. They become enemies of the cross of Christ as they love their sin. This very broken community of LGBTQ+ people believes stories like this young man’s distortions and lies. These people become fueled with hatred and violence, and their supporters justify the hatred, and even violence. Tolerance is no more! This article can be seen: (https://www.abbi.org.au/2025/02/first-stone-ministries/). Only read the article knowing it is filled with half-truths and blatant lies. I tried to confront all the lies in detail, but unfortunately, they erased my post.

 MORE DRAMA THIS IS ME!

This is also true of Paul Sanchez's new documentary, “THIS IS ME,” which was released a few months ago on Amazon Prime, YouTube, and other video streaming platforms. Some of you may remember that Jim Farrington, on the staff of FSM, was deceived by this Hollywood actor, Paul Sanchez. This story was shared in the FSM newsletter. You can read here: (https://www.csmedia1.com/stephenblack.org/jim-farringtons-account-of-the-deciever-paul-sanchez-gaining-entry-into-first-stone-ministres.pdf). Paul Sanchez tells of his own bizarre, twisted tale of having a surrogate step daughter who transitions into a transman. This is the featured story in the documentary. They name Oklahoma City and the Oklahoma City Police Department as the most hateful city and police department in the nation. The documentary goes further as it defames me personally in a much greater measure than we ever thought possible at the time of Sanchez’s infiltration. They found a former client, Neill Spurgin, who was a former vice president with Hobby Lobby (Neill exposes his name and position, himself in the documentary). He entered into a "marriage" relationship with a man and calls himself Neill Spurgin-Coffman, Pastor of The Abbey in Norman, OK. The interview was for Neill to share about the “damage” I did to him under this pursuit of “conversion therapy ministry.” I repeatedly warned Jim Farrington at the time, before Christmas, that this situation with Sanchez was most likely not genuine. Yet, when Jim received Paul Sanchez’s phone calls, he was convinced Sanchez was an authentic voice who was crying out for help.

Unfortunately, the warning was not heeded, Sanchez infiltrated the ministry, and now another level of unnecessary hateful scrutiny abounds in this documentary towards me personally.

The disturbing part of this documentary are the lies from Neill Spurgin about his relationship with me. Neill is one of the most perverted sexually addicted men I've ever known and as he revealed boasting in this documentary. (Picture of him making his boast). This documentary also revealed the nesting of male to female transgenders that have taking root in Oklahoma City as their national meeting area from local states. They are meeting in “THE DISTRICT.” We can thank Mayor Holt for cutting the LGBTQ+ ribbon and christening the LGBTQ+ bar and hotel area of Oklahoma City as, “THE DISTRICT.” Please understand that the last four of the five mass shootings that took place in the USA were carried out by very unstable, volatile, mentally ill, hormonally-ramped-up transgender individuals. The border agent killed during the Presidential Inauguration, on January 20, 2025 was carried out by two transgendered individuals associated with the Zizians Trans Cult at the Vermont Canadian Border. This cult has been exposed numerous times by the reporter: Andy Ngo, READ HERE.

There is genuine concern as we see a transgendered cult killing people across the country, like the border agent, and pulling out guns this week on street preachers!

This satire from a few years ago was funny. It's not so funny today because of the growing outrage. Today, even with all that is called common sense being restored, there is an ever-increasing hateful anger in the LGBTQ+ community ready to explode, and few are paying attention.

However, in the last month, I have talked with several pastors and leaders who have been betrayed. In parallel to these world events, we see the prophesied words of Jesus, “the love of many growing cold in the last days.” Many wolves in sheep’s clothing are attacking righteous leaders, and these people are filled with false accusations, bitterness, and name-calling. It is tragic when you see the love of those close to you grow cold. Division and discord are being sown, even under a banner of so-called "Christian love." This is prophetic of the behavior of the last days we are seeing now more than ever before. Perilous times are here, and deception is rampant as we see this amplified version of 2 Timothy 3:1-7 manifest right before us:

“But know this, that in the last days, perilous times will come, challenging days of heartbreak: For men will be lovers of themselves, consumed with self-centeredness, selfish ambition, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, disrespectful to authority, rebellious, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, sowers of false accusations, liars, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, betrayers, headstrong, insubordinate, full of pride, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, consumed with the love of money, greedy, and with jealousies abounding having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away! For of this sort are those who deceptively creep into households and make captives of gullible women loaded down with sins of rebellion and feminism in our day, led away by various lusts, always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.”

As we witness these troubling days, we all need assurance in God’s word to navigate our path. (Psalm 119:105) We need called godly men who are bold and truth-telling as Jesus’ elders, protecting the church from those creeping in and deceiving many, especially protecting unsuspecting sheep from those who want to feminize and control men. Understand, beloved of God, that these demonic spirits are masterful in manifesting in men and women; it is not just women being deceived by Jezebel. These LGBTQ+ demonic Jezebelian brow-beating spirits manifest in men just as much as it does in women who desire to push God’s called elders out and install controlling Jezebel spirits, manipulating men and women to be soft, quiet, and effeminate. Cross-dressing and other perverted fetish behaviors are also rampant in the church. This is now the state of many evangelical churches today, coalitions, and networks of ministries, especially in “ex-gay” type ministries and LGBTQ+ affirming churches. We all need an assurance of Jesus' love and comfort to be able to move forward in godliness. Living actively in Coram Deo brings peace. The peace of God will guard your hearts and minds as many rise-up against one another. Jesus said that even members of our households would betray us. Brothers against one another and children betraying their parents even unto to death. (Matt. 10:21) Oh, dear friends, I know about great grief with nine immediate family members who have died. I know about great betrayal in two churches and three different ministry settings in my forty-plus years in Christ. Betrayal is the worst because it comes from people we love, and being traumatized and blindsided by these people can be a soul's undoing. Betrayal is truly ordered up from hell, just like Jezebel in 1^st and 2^nd Kings reveals a hateful demonic oppression against God’s men in the last days. This demonic spiritual oppression comes full-force into the church, as we see Revelation 2:20 with sexual uncleanness and compromise with Jezebel’s presence. The red letters of Jesus’ prophetic warning is truly upon us:

“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 that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, to teach and seduce My servants to commit sexual immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols (bowing to idols). And I gave her time to repent of her sexual immorality, and she did not repent. (The Lord is giving many time to repent, but many turn way with cold hearts). 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, (death and destruction comes into families) 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.” (A Coram Deo moment of meditation - Shelah). The need for a real God-breathed revival and repentance is greatly needed in the church to confront the religious spirits in America.  I am amazed that people will read what I have written here in this Biblical warning, the very red-letter words of Jesus, and continue to ignore or justify Jezebel’s operation in their lives with cold hearts of lovelessness.

I am currently ministering to several families dealing with the betrayal of children, demanding that their parents accept their demonic activity and sin. I have also dealt personally with false accusations, manipulation, distortions, and lies. It is truly a troubling and perilous time. Many Christian parents and extended families are suffering. The depression from such events is so destructive. It can take years to recover from such traumatic wounding, mainly from adult children’s woundings. It is imperative to receive good pastoral care and counseling.  We all need safe people to process and talk out our sorrow, acknowledge our grief, and mourn our loss well. ^[1]  Jesus told us that we are blessed if we do something with our state of grief, which is being blessed in the act of mourning. (Matt. 5:3-5). We can find liberty in the Holy Spirit and Jesus’ assurance in moving forward in HIS Truth. (Rom. 8:18-39) So wonderous is the grace of God and the power of HIS might, because all things are possible in overcoming through knowing His divine love and mercy.  (Rom. 8:28-29). I have spent many hours studying the life of Joesph concerning his brother’s betrayal (Gen. 37-50) and the life of Job in dealing with such sad “friends”. (Job 42:7-8) the last few years of my life. It is truly amazing how the flow of God’s grace and power comes in, giving hope in difficulties and studying these truths in the pain as we humble ourselves, as the passage of James 4:4-10 gives us the walk of repentance.  I have been reminded of a few of AW Tozer’s quotes in God’s process of sanctification and maturity since my daughter’s death, now over ten years of processing these truths which I find myself tested-in over and over:

“If God has singled you out to be a special object of HIS GRACE, you may expect HIM to honor you with stricter discipline and greater suffering than less favored ones are called upon to endure.” – A.W. Tozer

 “It is doubtful whether God can bless a man greatly until he has hurt him deeply." "God actually rises up storms of conflict in relationships at times in order to accomplish that deeper work in our character. We cannot love our enemies in our own strength. This is graduate-level grace. Are you willing to enter this school? Are you willing to take the test? If you pass, you can expect to be elevated to a new level in the Kingdom. For He brings us through these tests as preparation for greater use in the Kingdom. You must pass the test first.” – A.W. Tozer

It is why I also meditate on Psalms 34:15-19 which brings such comfort in the testing as I really want to pass the tests.

“The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their cry. Yet, the face of the Lord is against those who do evil, (especially doing evil to those who are working out righteousness)… the Lord will cut off the remembrance of them from the earth. The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as who have a contrite spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.”

There is an assurance for all of us to move forward in the truth, as Jesus Christ is the way, the truth, and the life. (John 14:6). The battle is in the mind! It is imperative that we take every bitter-wounding thought captive. (2 Cor. 10:3-5).  I have found that Philippians chapter four, verses 4-9, has what I call the passage of success and victory over depression in the betrayals and bitter-wounds.  It begins with our need to worship, “rejoice in the Lord!” remembering Jesus is coming in verse five, “the Lord is at hand” and then the intensity of prayer and fasting in verses 6 and 7, with really taking every thought captive with replacement thoughts of righteousness in verses 8 and 9.

^4 “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!

⁵ Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.

⁶ Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; ⁷ and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

⁸ Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.

 ⁹ The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.”

There are the requirements of walking out repentance in true love as I shared above in James 4.  But imagine a love that changes everything about your internal view of thinking. The power of God’s love.  Not frail human love, but a truly powerful heaven-breathed love. Where you put to practice and start loving others in the same power of Jesus’ heartfelt passion as we see repeated in His words in the Gospel of John chapters 13 through 17, when Jesus said, LOVE “THE WAY in which I have LOVED YOU.”  These words have empowered grace in my soul to forgive my betrayers, pity their deception, and commit those who will continue to persecute all of us with false accusations to the Lord for vindication.  Jesus will give us great assurance of His love in the meditation of His passion.  Oh the amazing sacrifice of God crucified! Calvary’s cross takes my breath away! This past passion week in April of 2023, when I was blindsided and experienced horrible betrayal, Jesus began changing my life again. Jesus was repeating another layer of grace in the A.W Tozer quotes above. I am in amazement at the ways of God. He gives us His perfect ways and truth in allowing us to move forward in His sanctification and assurance. Isaiah 26:3, tells us that Jesus will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on HIM because he trusts in God.

This is the assurance of real peace in moving forward in the way, the truth, the life, and the extreme LOVE of God. I love the Creator of the Universe and why Coram Deo is the DNA of my spiritual life! May the Lord Jesus Christ bless you in an assurance of his peace in moving forward in truth.

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. 8:2, 1 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 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).

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.

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

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/

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See other links on "Born Gay" ?

• New Study Reveals - AGAIN - No One Is Born Gay!

• "This is the Way God Made Me" A Scientific Examination of Homosexuality and the "Gay

• Is There a "Gay Gene"?