CHRISTIANS URGED TO LIE OR KEEP VIEWS ABOUT THE WORLD TO THEMSELVES!

Carrie Prejean, first runner-up at the 2009 Miss. USA pageant is one of my new heroes. Carrie was recently asked by Perez Hilton, a judge for the pageant and a homosexual, what her position was on gay marriage. She answered that she believed marriage should be, limited to one man and one woman. Sadly, her answer cost her the crown of Miss USA, and made her the target of everyone who opposes the traditional view of marriage. Her answer was honest and from the heart, however, Perez Hilton responded to her answer by calling her a stupid b****. He scolded her for not sharing a more neutral stance on her views about marriage, and then said she offended, Jewish Americans, Muslim, Americans, Atheist Americans, and Gay and Lesbian Americans. When did it become intolerant to answer a question with honesty and integrity? I agree with Miss Prejean's view of marriage between one man and one woman, however, stating that opinion does not make me insensitive to group or subculture. I am sick and tired of the world treating Christians like ignorant, hillbilly's (I am sure that I have now offended all ignorant hillbilly's. Christians didn't just wake up one day and decide to deny marriage to homosexuals. We believe it is a biblical position. God's Word is our authority, and we believe it is reliable and infallible. Carrie Prejean is being criticized for answer a question honestly. If Christians are not allowed to have their view shared in the market place like everyone else, then this is just the beginning of the persecution that will get much worse. I hope all who read this, whether you agree with my and Miss Prejean's position on marriage, will defend her right and privilege, granted by the United States Constitution, to Free Speech. Maybe the United States of America would be a different place if more Christians would be like Miss Prejean and not be afraid to stand up for what they believe in. The goal of the Politically Correct movement is to make everything and behavior acceptable and tolerated. The Bible tells us that we must take a stand for what we believe or someday God will spit us out of His mouth (Revelation 3:16) I hope you will join me in applauding and supporting Miss Carrie Prejean, a courageous follower of Christ!

Will You People Stop Saying This Phrase !!!

Whenever something happens in our world, whether it is viewed as good or bad, I usually expect to hear this response uttered from some well meaning person: "I am one of those people who believe everything happens for a reason." I cringe every time I hear someone use this phrase. Why? Because, people use this phrase as an explanation for everything that happens in the world. However, when you use this phrase, you are simply stating the obvious. Of course, everything happens for a reason. Whether you understand the reason something happened or not, there is always a reason. I think many people use this phrase hoping that it will make those who hear it feel better about whatever has just happened for a reason. My hope is that people will stop saying this phrase every time something happens. What is my reason behind this? I believe that those who follow Christ have a better phrase given to us by Paul, in his letter to the Church at Rome that we can use when things happen in our lives. The phase in found in Romans 8:28 (NASB):

And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.

Though some believe that this phrase is the same as saying, “Everything happens for a reason,” it is simply not the same. This phrase clearly tells us that God is causing all things to work together for good, for a specific group of people. They are the people who love and follow God and there is always a purpose behind what God is doing for those who love and follow Him. God is causing all of these things to work together; not random chance or fate. Nothing has or ever will happen in you life that God doesn’t already know about and have a purpose for. What a great promise of God.

The difference in these two phrases is huge. The first phrase tells us nothing about the reason or the purpose behind the reason. The second phrase assures us that God is the cause of all things and that he has a purpose behind why He is doing something or allowing something to happen in the life of someone who loves and follows Him.

Some might think I am splitting hairs, but this difference is not hair splitting; I believe it is life changing.

So, the next time you hear someone say, “I believe everything happens for a reason,” you simply say, “I believe that God causes all things to work together for good for people like me who love God and are called according to His purpose.” They might call you a “Bible Thumper” but I am sure you have been called worse over the years. Have a Great Weekend living life to the full !!!