Would God Consider Me a Believer? by Teresa Ortiz In Season Ministries

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	Would God Consider Me a Believer?
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	Submitted Tuesday, June 24, 2008
	Submitted by: Teresa Ortiz ^(5,740) Teresa Ortiz In Season Ministries Log in to become a member of Teresa Ortiz's Fan Club!

For the past week, I have been especially sensitive to what some Christians have been professing to believe. I have been shocked at what they have spoken and written. If you must know, I am referring to the push of homosexual ministers, the approval and practice of witchcraft, use of psychics and mediums, and living together before marriage. (There are many more, but these are the fastest growing in the church today.) I will admit, I was angry at first and then God spoke to my heart and I began to weep.

What has become of Christianity? Are there as many Christians in the eyes of God as there are professing Christians?

Jesus makes a bold statement regarding this very issue:

"Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord', shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven, many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?' And I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!'" Matthew 7:21-23.

Jesus says that only those who do the will of His Father will enter into heaven. What is the will of His Father?

Consider the following:

Then Jesus said to them, "And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up at the last day." John 6:40.

Believing in Jesus goes far beyond acknowledging his existence; it is believing everything about Him-from who He claimed to be to what He taught. Most people have no problem with the lighter and more acceptable things like, love your neighbor as yourself, God is love, God is a forgiving God and the like. The problem arises when faced with the justice and holiness of God and the lifestyle He requires…this is where the true test of Christianity comes in.

Then Jesus said to them, "Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel's will save it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him the Son of Man also will be ashamed when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels." Mark 8:34b-38.

This doesn't sound as fluffy and sweet does it? However, as we understand the character of God, it makes perfect sense. God is holy and pure and nothing unholy and impure can stand before Him. Yet in His great love for us, He provided one who can make us holy--His Son, Jesus Christ.

So what does it mean to deny our self, take up our cross and follow Him? It means setting aside our own thoughts and beliefs and replacing them with Godly thoughts and His will for living and in return, we have the privileges of God's kingdom. Sound conditional and narrow minded? That's because it is. Jesus said the road that leads to life is narrow and there are few who go by it. (Matt 7:13-14.)

Being a Christian isn't a religion, it isn't man trying to satisfy the deepest needs of his heart or trying to look good in front of others by following rules and regulations. It is a way of life; it is who we become. As the Bible says, the one who professes faith in Christ has their life hidden in Him and because of this, our desires change to match His desires. As a result, our desire to sin and our approval of the sinful behavior of others will cease. If not, we need to examine ourselves to see if we are truly in the faith.

This brings me to the heart of this message and the questions that came to mind for every one of us who claim to believe in Jesus and call ourselves Christians (Including all Christian denominations). Please do not confuse disapproval with condemnation. These are two different issues.

1) Do you practice or approve of sex outside of marriage?

2) Do you believe abortion is okay with God?

3) Do you believe that everyone will go to heaven as long as they are a good person?

4) Do you practice or approve of homosexual behavior?

6) Do you believe it is okay to get drunk all the time?

7) Do you believe that it is okay to follow astrology or utilize a Medium?

8) Do you pride yourself in being open-minded at the expense of the word of God?

9) Do you believe that people are basically good?

These are just a few to get us started. There are many more, but this should suffice.

If the answer is yes to anyone of these, we must reconsider our claims. To be fair, new believers or those who do not read the Bible, may not be aware that these things mentioned are in direct violation of God's holiness and His word.

I am not saying everyone has to believe this, but for those who profess Christianity, Jesus requires much from us; remember His words: "It is better to tie a rock around your neck and sink, than to lead those who want to know Me astray. His message is clear; we are either for him or against him. There is no in between. Which side will we chose? (Matt.12:30.)

This may sound like a harsh message and in a sense it is; it is a call to Christians to repent and turn away from the teaching of the world system. Jesus said; to love the world is to be an enemy of God. If there is any question as to what sin might be, here is an example of the many we find in Scripture:

"Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, licentiousness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, heresies, envy, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God" Galatians 5:19-21

The key word here is practice. It denotes a lifestyle, not the occasional slip that leads to repentance, but it is an outright rebellion to this truth with no remorse and a lot of justification.

This in no way implies that Christians should shun non-Christians and it does not mean look down on them. God's standard for living is based on His love and desire to protect us from the consequences of sin (Many of which I have experienced in time past). The good news is, there is total forgiveness for the one who repents from the heart.

We must ask ourselves two remaining questions:

1) Would God consider me a Believer, or will He say, depart from me, I never knew you?

2) If necessary, are we willing to make a change?

Jesus said go and sin no more. Period.

The time is now; take a moment. Share your sorrow with God for living with one foot in Christ and one in the world. He is waiting with open arms. It is God's grace that saves us as we put our trust in Jesus and our good deeds are evidence of that trust. (Ephesians 2:8-10.)

Father,

Forgive me for the times I compromise--I want to be safe in your arms and be a good example to those who are watching my life. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.


	Teresa grew up in a single-parent home in the rough parts of Los Angeles. She learned early on how to take care of herself...or so she thought. She had "street smarts", but was on a self-destructive path. Even though God knocked on her heart's door at 16, it took years for her to surrender to Him. Since then, her life has never been the same. She is an encourager, a wife, a mother, and a daughter of the Most High God. She is an author, speaker and teacher. Her greatest joy is leading others closer to Christ by using a practical approach to the study of the Scriptures. For more information, visit www.inseason2tim.com

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» left by Susan Thom ^(8,103)
Susan Thom (71 days 20 hours ago.)

hi t,
this was a well written article.
however, i might be going to Hell straight from death, as i donot believe in man's word, but in God's love, and as far as homosexuals, how could God have created a type of people who are shunned for being who they were created to be?
it would almost appear that they are the chosen ones, since they have to live with this difference. maybe they are the ones who are meant to teach acceptance? i'll never believe that God cares one way or the other about sex, no matter what man wrote about it. why would He? i rather think He wants His children to love one another, and try to do get along, no matter what they do in their bedroom. that's why i don't read the BOOK. someone could follow all the "rules" and be the meanest person on the earth, and someone who was born differently, could be the best friend one might have. i don't know the truth, because i haven't left this world as of yet, but i know God looks down on me and helps me, and sometimes, that is to help others who are homosexual or outcasts from pages in a book, interpreted by men. i'll yell down to you when i reach the gates, and let you know if i was on the right track, or way off:)
my best to you,
sue
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» left by Teresa Ortiz ^(5,740)
Teresa Ortiz (71 days 18 hours ago.)
Hi Sue,

Thanks so much for reading and commenting. You know how much I appreciate it.

We most definetly differ on quite a few things. One is that I believe that the Bible is the word of God, there is so much evidence to support it. History supports the people and places, the prophecies written 100's of years before things happened is evidence,and there is personal experience as well. I never said God didn't love homosexuals, But His word is clear. God did not create homosexuals or any other form of sin for that matter. He created people after his own image and man chose the way of sin.

It is true we all have the right to believe what we want. With much love and respect I say this: you say you don't believe man's word, but you do. Just not the word of the bible. You have chosen to believe in Near death experiences, these are the words of men, are they not? I'll admit, they sound pretty good, but they go against the Bible. There is only one truth and each of us accept what we consider to be the truth and will suffer the consequences or rewards accordingly. My point here, is that we cannot mix beliefs when they contradict one another, I believe you can accept this, as you write to it as well. The difference is I choose to believe what has been proven and verified and eyewitnessed over the years regarding God and creation and you choose to believe man's writings and experiences outside of the Bible, and I respect you and honor your for that because you stand firm to that no matter what the cost. And I do the same. But it doesn't mean I am judgemental and condemning in the sense that I am better than another, but rather, I use the Bible as my plumb line. For me, it is the most secure and direct teaching. There is no mystery, you know up front what you are dealing with and that to me is security. I personnally have a hard time with the idea that my soul will just be floating around in nowhere land for who knows how long. I do happen to believe in near death experiences, I just believe what the bible says about who initiates them. I do hope you understand where I am coming from even though you may not agree. Thanks again, I have faith in our friendship and I always appreciate your honest comment and or questions. Enjoy the rest of your day. Love, T

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» left by sue thom (71 days 18 hours ago.)
hi t,
your response was eloquently put. (you've become such a good writer)
there are a lot of people who don't agree with the way i think, but that doesn't mean i am not their friend.
the near death experiencers i listened to, by reading their books, are in the here and now, and come back to tell us what they have experienced. there are over 8 million documented cases, and not one says anything like what the Bible says. there is one book i have all on kids near death experiences, from all over the world, and they all describe similar things. innocent children, who were never told of the tunnel going towards the warm, loving light, or seeing their spirits who had passed, or hearing God tell them they had to go back, it wasn't their time. but they all experienced it.
i need a loving, caring, peaceful God. so, that's the one i believe in. i know i've made mistakes that i have either paid for, are paying for, or will pay for, but i believe that is because i have made the choices i have, not that God is mad at me, i believe he feels bad that i am learning in a harder way than may have been necessary.
our differences on religion don't have to cause differences between us:)
my best to you,
sue

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» left by Teresa Ortiz ^(5,740)
Teresa Ortiz (71 days 17 hours ago.)
Thanks so much, I knew we would be always be united as friends :-)

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» left by Maggie from Oregon (35 days 21 hours ago.)

Jesus said I am the Truth and the Way. Jesus is also The Word, In the beginning was God and the Word was with God and the Word was God. Yes Jesus Loves His creation, He desires to have a relationship with us. But God is perfect and Holy, and Just, and our sins separate us from Him. This Is why Jesus came and lived a perfect life. Because He loved us so much but knew that with out the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sin. So only through beliveing and accepting the gift that Jesus gave as He took our sins on the cross and died. He took our punishment for the sins that we have done. Jesus didn't stay dead but rose again to show us that there is a new life ahead for those who believe. He concored death!!! and we too are more than concorors if we take Him as our own. No christians are not perfect, we fail at times but we strive to live for Him not for ourselves. We are not to be of the world, this world and its ways are so against God ways. He desires to reward us for what we have done here, but that too is up to us. He has given us free will so we will desire Him and His ways and choose Him over our own.

Sadly many who claim to be Christians are not following Christ. We must Grow in Jesus and the only way to do that is to be in His Word. God absolutely cares about everysingle thing that we do. He knows every thought, every action and every word. He wants us to love eachother and to love the lost. If we are His we should act like His and not act like the lost do. It is about having His Spirit and letting His Spirit lead us in a greater relationship with Him. When we sin we put a wall between us and God, that is why God wants us to let go of things that hinder our walk with Him.

Sin is sin, Lying, stealing, desiring something that isn't ours, Lusting, Greed, taking the Lords name in vain ( not only cussing but calling Him your Lord when He is not is taking His name in vain), sexual imorrality, the list goes on. We all have sinned and we all fall short of His glory. that is why the only way to those gates are through a relationship with Jesus Christ!!

Seek Him and His ways and see that He is Good!!!

Maggie

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» left by Teresa Ortiz ^(5,740)
Teresa Ortiz (35 days 19 hours ago.)

Hi Maggie,

Thank you for sharing your passion and love for Jesus and others. Your input is valuable. God bless you as you serve our Lord Jesus.

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» left by Cathy from Clearwater, Fl (71 days 18 hours ago.)

Great message, Teresa. Yes, everything you said is true and it took a great deal of courage to write it. Homosexuals have been around since time began. I have two cousins that are homosexuals, who were raised in a Christian home, and I love them very much (one of them died of AIDS in 1991 and the other one has given up that life style). They both knew what they were doing was wrong. The Bible (Basic Instruction Before Leaving Earth) as I like to call it, is very clear on this subject. If you are a Christian, you believe the Bible as truth. If you jumble God's Word around to fit your own agenda or feelings, you are not pleasing God or believing the Bible to be true. Where does that leave you? John 8:32 says, "And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." There are a lot of "good" people in Hell because they thought being the "best they can be" would get them there, but that's not what Jesus says. Yes, we've all fallen short of the glory of God and need forgiveness, but we need to be strong in what the Bible tells us on EVERY subject, or we're lost for eternity and that is a really long time. God Bless.
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» left by Teresa Ortiz ^(5,740)
Teresa Ortiz (71 days 17 hours ago.)
Hi Cathy, thank you for the support and adding your words and sharing the experience with your coursins. I have a cousin who is a Lesbian and she gets so angry and defensive. Most of us get defensive because we are trying to defend our position. If we truly didn't believe what the Bible said, we wouldn't try to force a Christian to accept our view. We just wouldn't care, how could we care about something we don't believe in?

Thanks again. It was hard to write because the audience is much wider than the ladies that come to my bible study who want to hear what the bible says :-)

Blessings to you!

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» left by Jean Horst ^(1,036)
Jean Horst (71 days 17 hours ago.)

Hi Teresa, This is a well-written and thought-out article. You do have one sentence in here that I have to disagree with...
"Now most people have no problem with the lighter and more acceptable things like, love your neighbor as yourself, God is love, God is a forgiving God and the like."

I have to say that for me, that's not the easy part - that's the HARD part. It's the easy part for me to point out the sins and mistakes of others. I've got no trouble seeing where others are failing - the most difficult of all for me is to truly love others as myself and truly live my life in the manner showing that God is love. I've been thinking a lot about I Corinthians 13...

"If I speak in the tongues of men and angels but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and If I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing. Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth..." and on it goes.

If that's the easy part - I'm in big trouble!!

Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

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» left by Teresa Ortiz ^(5,740)
Teresa Ortiz (71 days 17 hours ago.)
Hi Jean, thanks so much for your kind words and sharing your thoughts. I appreciate it a whole big bunch!

Very good point! I do have to agree with you, I wasn't thinking about it in those terms, but thanks for raising the point.

We had a lesson once in Bible study years ago, it went as follows: Insert your name in everyplace the word "love" appears. Each of us had to read it out loud.

Teresa is patient, Teresa is not self-seeking, etc.. Ouch, most of us could not finish and we teared up. That is the hard part in terms of practicing our faith. Let's pray for one another! Have a blessed day! Teresa

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» left by Anonymous (70 days 19 hours ago.)

Hello, I agree 100%. I think sometimes this world tries to mix their beliefs and religions when soemthing doesn't quite make sense to them. I know that there are so many things in the bible that I don't fully understand but that is where faith and a true relationship with the Lord comes in and I talk to him and pray about things I don't understand and he always shows me. I agree with the first commentor when she said she believes in a God of love. I agree to an extent. I too believe the Lord is a loving and caring God. However he clearly says that Homosexuality is a sin. Not that is is a bigger or smaller sin that any other but still a sin. That does not mean for a second that God hates them. Which is why time and time again he takes me back when I ask for forgiveness and repent froma sin. I wish pastors around the world would talk more about these issues in the church. Even though sometimes they cut right to the heart , because we know we are guilty, At least I know I am. I think God wants his children to be more aware of these issues and how firm he stand when it comes to them. Thank you Teresa for this article.

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» left by Teresa Ortiz ^(5,740)
Teresa Ortiz (70 days 19 hours ago.)
Hi Anon,

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your thoughts. I like how you explained why people might mix faiths, what great insight. I also think that it feels good to do that because then you can just stick to what makes you feel better.

I too wish these issues were spoken in church. It's a sad thing that it is not, but unfortunately many Pastors have fallen into the trap of the enemy sets and they want to be popular and get that money coming in. If we look around to the Bible believing and preaching churches we see that they are usually smaller, struggling churches that are not as pretty because people are going were the message is not as convicting.

You are right in saying that the reason the truth cuts to the heart is because we are guilty. You have great insight to what it means to follow Christ. Keep growing. And thanks again for sharing your thoughts. may they be a blessing to many others who may read this article.

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» left by Laura (70 days 13 hours ago.)
Teresa, I am very wary when someone says they are a Christian. I guess I wait and see how it pans out...by their actions mostly, but also by their words. I actually sat in a Bible Study with a man who is a pillar of my church, hearing him say, in effect, that God is not omnipitent or omniscious (forgive me if I have spelled either incorrectly). I was taken aback! Now, I understand we can't be quick to judge...he can still be born again and not have all of his doctrine correct! The type of outrageous examples you gave, are really unbelievable. To completely contradict the Bible....it's like calling good, evil, and vice versa! Some things are left to the individual to decide (between you and the Lord...such as being a vegetarian, or which church denomination to attend). Some things are not! When the Bible speaks directly to an issue, you better listen. When it says homosexuality is an abomination...well, it is! No excuse. I don't think the Bible said they were an abomination, but practicing this lifestyle is. So, if you want to obey the Lord, don't practice homosexuality. You may have been born one, but don't engage in the act of homosexuality! Be celibate. Anyhow, just wanted to let you know how I enjoyed reading your thoughts..and how much in agreement with you I am. Because you are speaking the truth!!

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» left by Teresa Ortiz ^(5,740)
Teresa Ortiz (70 days 9 hours ago.)
Hi Laura, thank you for sharing. It is very sad that a leader in the church you attend would believe such a thing, but it is true,we are all growing and learning and it just might mean that someone very lovingly needs to approach him on that issue, perhaps you? We need to examine the Scriptures and study for ourselves to see if what we are being taught lines up and if not, we can't assume anything, we need to ask the teacher to clarify themselves because it just might be that we misunderstood and we want to give them the benefit of the doubt. The examples are extreme, but that sad part is, they are true, many who claim to be believers except them as truth despite the Bible. Before I was a Christian I believed all of the above, live and let live I use to say. Well, I still say live and let live, but I no longer agree with any of them and I cannot approve of them either. But I would never judge a non-believer for such things. Remember jesus was much harder on the religious people. And so we need to hold ourselves and other believers to Biblical standards.

I am so glad you enjoyed reading and I do appreciate your comments. And I agree with you, watching a person to see if his/her walk matches the talk and more importantly, agrees with the word of God.

Keep growing and never be afraid to stand up and ask questions if it doesn't ring true or make sense, I do it all the time and I am asked all the time. It keeps us accountable and in the word of God. When someone asks me a question and I don't have the answer of the top of my head, I am honest and I tell them I will get back to them and I do. Many blessings to you.

We are all born sinners, so we all weaknesses, whether it be homosexuality, addictive behaviors, anger problems, insecurities etc... When we come to Christ we gain victory over sin and have the power to reject temptation. I know of many homosexuals -gay and lesbian that are in healthy strong and passionate marriages and they no longer have the desire for the same sex. God heals them exactly the same way he heals an alcholic. Anyway, now I am rambling again. Sleep well.

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» left by Michelle Mackin from Lodi, CA (69 days 14 hours ago.)

Thank you Teresa. I agree with you and am a firm believer in God, His son Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit (the trinity). I felt as though the Holy Spirit was moving on you as you wrote this article. I know it wasn't easy, but I have the same theological view when it comes to homosexuality. We love the sinner and not the sin. My husband has often gave sermons on issues such as this and other hard areas. I am sometimes still surprised to see how many fail to use His Word to verify anything taught. For the most part, I always want to know if what is being taught is truly from God's Word. When I turn to God's Word I often feel His spirit leading. This tells me that not only is He love, but His Word is true and not to be taken lightly. Okay, so I am not a very good writer and I am just going on. May the Lord bless and keep you.

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» left by Teresa Ortiz ^(5,740)
Teresa Ortiz (69 days 14 hours ago.)
Hi Michelle, thanks so much for taking the time to read and share your thoughts. I do believe that God spoke very clearly to my heart regarding these issues. I have discussed it individually with many others and so many young Christians never hear these kinds of messages from the pulpit. It is so sad. It was a hard message to write because it forces us to examine ourselves. Sometimes, (many times) I don't like what I see and I realize that compromise seeps its way in and I need to continually die to the selfish desires. Jesus told us to count the cost of following him. He told us it wouldn't be easy but the reward far outweigh's the struggles. I write as one who has come from a rebelious background and I have experienced the pain of sinful behavior and I have experienced God's grace and mercy over and over again. I no longer have to be ashamed of my past, but rather I can allow God to use it to encourage others to turn from their sin. Sometimes the enemy comes to call me a hypocrite because I used to practice some of the very things I encourage others not to do. But the key word is USED TO. It's not who I am, I no longer desire it and I have long since seen it for the sin that it is. But it takes the Holy Spirit to open our eyes so that we will see for ourselves. And then its our choice if we want to surrender or continue in our sinful state. It is not my job to change anyone, but only to share the word of God with all the grace that I can express and leave the rest up to God.

Thank you again for your support--Lord bless and strengthen you and your husband as you serve him in all faithfulness! And yes, always, always go back to the word to see if what is being taught is true. The ironic thing is that all that I listed in this article was forwarned in Scripture and we were told to beware of it when it came. We were warned so that we would see it as error and yet so many receive it as "enlightenment". God warned us that devil disguises himself as an angel of light... There is a connection. Anyway, I will close for now. It's obvious this is weighing heavy on my heart. All my responses back to others are long. Forgive me.

Blessings to you! Teresa

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» left by Mark Parsec ^(23,731)
Mark Parsec (68 days 7 hours ago.)

Well done, Teresa! If you are not in seminary you should be. This is book quality material. Keep up the good writing and continue to give all of the glory to God.
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» left by Teresa Ortiz ^(5,740)
Teresa Ortiz (67 days 22 hours ago.)
HI Mark, thank you for the kind word! I have never been to seminary, but I have studied the word indepthly for the past 20 years and I do believe I was blessed to have sat under Pastors who teach straight from the word and I considered the church I went to for 10 years seminary because we went book by book, verse by verse. And I did follow one official seminary class from Calvery Chapel Bible College with Steve Matheson. (One of my favorite Bible teachers.) I do love teaching and speaking and welcome every opportunity God gives me. Writing is a fairly new thing for me, Since last November it has been consistant. Four years ago, I wrote my first indepth bible study through the book of Ephesians and since then, through the book of 1 John and a new believers series on grace. Isn't it funny how God takes you out of your comfort zone? Just another example of why we need to continually rely of the Holy Spirit and the word of God.

Thanks for the encouragement regarding seminary, it has come up here and there, who knows what God has planned?

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» left by Laura Trahan ^(30,533)
Laura Trahan (67 days 15 hours ago.)

Great Points Teresa! I can't tell you how many times I find myself in the same emotional state. i think there is nothing more frustrating than a person who claims to be a Christian, but refuses to follow the guidelines set forth in the Bible. It gives Jesus a bad name. Thanks for the well-written article!
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» left by Teresa Ortiz ^(5,740)
Teresa Ortiz (67 days 14 hours ago.)
Hi Laura, thanks for much for the support and for having a heart for the things of God. It's getting more and more unpopular to follow Christ, I guess this is the time when the "sheep will be separated from the goats". We sheep need to stand strong and support one another. Thanks for everything :-)

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» left by Robert Melaccio, Sr. ^(4,558)
Robert Melaccio, Sr. (65 days 15 hours ago.)

Wow, wow, wow, what can one say, bold and to the point. Excellent article and one that mnay will want to ignore because as God said, he came to separate. best wishes and prayers, Robert
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» left by Teresa Ortiz ^(5,740)
Teresa Ortiz (65 days 15 hours ago.)
Hi Robert, thank you for the support. Would you believe this article started out to be part 4? But the moment my fingers hit the keys, this came out instead. The Lord has been pulling me in this direction for quite sometime and I guess now was the time he wanted the words written. Perhaps his love is pursuing those who sincerely love him but are just mislead? Yes, he came to separate the sheep from the goats. I for one want to be a sheep. Thanks for the prayers--you are in mine as well. God Bless! Teresa

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» left by Jay Hopson ^(1,435)
Jay Hopson (48 days 19 hours ago.)

Teresa,

May I second (or is it 4th) the WOW! You beautifully articulated words on a delicate subject are even more impressive when one reads your well thought out and loving responses to the comments. You handled all of these in a very gentle and balanced manner.

My own brother is a practicing homosexual and a Presbyterian minister. I well know the heart ache involved in such a situation. He is older than I am and I was saved rather late in life so I am unable to really communicate with him on the subject. He does know how I feel though, as I am a much more conservative Christian. Even now, though, I cannot fathom how one can preach from the same bible I study and practice that life style. But, I have come to the conclusion through hard learned lessons that all I can do is pray for him. Thank you for handling that article with such Spirit led passion!

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» left by Teresa Ortiz ^(5,740)
Teresa Ortiz (48 days 18 hours ago.)

Hi Jay, thank you for the warm words. I do appreciate them. I do believe balance is the key in approaching any situation. It is the foundation of the ministry God gave me and it has been the prayer of my heart since I first got saved 22 years ago.

I don't always come off balanced, but I try to follow through and correct myself once God opens my eyes :-)

I will be praying for your brother. You are right, there is no way a Christian, following the Bible could do what he is doing, but he is blinded and is justifying his behavior. He probably just "skips" over those parts.

There are many stories and examples out there, I know of several personally, that are Christians, and they had those desires and when they took them to the Lord in earnest prayer with and understanding that they are sinful desires--God restored them and they now having loving, passionate, heterosexual marriages and are genuinely happy. The problem is, and I blame the church, we have made homosexuality "different" from other sin. And it is not. It's no different than the woman who seeks sexual comfort to ease the pain in her heart by going from man to man to man. It's not different than the man who carries so much pride that they have no room for love..etc...

If we would get back to the root of sin in general, maybe there wouldn't be such a struggle within the church on this particular biblical truth. But the devil has taken it and used it for his benefit. the sad part is sin is sin whether we believe it or not and there will be a price to pay.

Maybe God will speak to you when the time is right to simply ask your brother who he biblically justifies his postition and you guys can have a heart to heart discussion on it. I'll be praying.

God bless and thanks again for the comments.

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