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HATE THE SIN, LOVE THE SINNER; HATE THE SIN, HATE THE SINNER; LOVE THE SINNER, LOVE THE SIN?

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ByKenBlue

Recently I receive the following email from a young man, who is a friend of mine, and he wanted to know my thoughts on the question, does God hate the sin and love the sinner, or hate both. Here are his questions and some comments.

“So what is your take on god loving a sinner but hating their sin. These sinners, are they lost sinners or saved sinners. Or are they both. I could never find in the bible where god loves everybody in the present tense. So according to the scriptures that would not even be bible because i tis no where in there. (To quote those who espouse this doctrine, let me say, there may not be a verse, but it isn’t anti-Scriptural. So, the whole Bible teaches God’s love for the lost. Note byKenBlue.)  In the bible , ist the love of god manifested to unsaved world at calvary and only there(rom. 5:6-10; 2 cor. 5:19-21; col. 2:12-15; 1 pet.1:19-21, 2:24 3:18; 1 jon. 3:5,16 4:9-11). In john 3:36 doesnt the wrath of god abide on everychrist rejecting sinner on the face of this earth who don’t fall under the conditions of romans 4:15, 5:13. I wouldnt say i hate (lost)sinners but, i am not god and i believe i am at liberty to say that the things that god would certainly love are things that are holy and pure because he is holy. I have come to learn that god is not in love or head over heals for an unsaved man. So saying all that to say this, would you say that many many pr eachers today across ths great nation mistake god’s mercy for his love?”

RESPONSE:  Perhaps the best place to start would be with the question, do you hate your father, mother, brothers, sisters and wife? “If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.” Luke 14:26. To be honest and consistent, we must hate them. Do you?

Secondly, if one is going to use the “past tense” to establish this doctrine, shouldn’t he be consistent and follow that rule throughout Scripture?  I gave several examples in the blog you were asking about. I suggest you read it again and answer the questions. Did Jacobstop loving Rachel? “And Jacob loved Rachel; (past tense) (and said, I will serve thee seven years for Rachel thy younger daughter.” Genesis 29:18. Notice also that Jacob hated Leah. “And when the LORD saw that Leah was hated, he opened her womb: but Rachel was barren.” Genesis 29:31.

Also, If you think God loves only those who are holy and pure, you are mistaken. The Bible from Genesis to Revelation demonstrates that. I am aware that we are not God. But that excuse could be an alibi. If I am to be God like, shouldn’t I be praying that I will have more hatred for sinners?

To say that the only place God manifested His love for the world was at the cross is not consistent with Scripture. I don’t know about other preachers, but I am not confused on this subject. God’s compassion and grace are manifestations of His love. So, the answer to your question, “isn’t the love of god manifested to unsaved world at Calvary and only…?” Is, no.

God’s love is manifested when he covered Adam and Eve, walked with Enoch, saved Noah and his family, called Abraham, saved Lot out of Sodom, created the Jewish nation as a missionary nation, gave them the Scriptures, wept over Jerusalem, died on the cross, hears our prayers, allowed us to have His Word, and is coming again! Once again, grace and compassion are only extensions of God’s love.

I believe the following describe loud and clear what this novel issue is creating. “Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers. 15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 16 But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.”

God Bless

NEXT EMAIL: “Now of corse I don’t hate my father, mother, brothers, sisters and wife but what if that word is being used as a comparative thing like in Judges 14:16 where a fella doesn’t follow someone’s desires. ho about in that sense There are words that have multiple meanings right? Matt.10:37, Gen.29:31.

A. I am not sure how you can take the liberty to say Judges 14 is comparative. The word there in the KJV is “hate.” If we can take that liberty, why not in other uses? Who is the final authority, the English, the Hebrew, you or me?

“There is no establishing any doctrine here. Now to say that Jacob did love Rachel(past tense) would be true because he did but now they have been dead for many years so how can they still be loving each other?”

A. If you follow that logic, you must say it of those for whom Christ died, for they were dead when the Gospels were written.????

“Sorry I didn’t mean to say where did God manifest his love. I meant to ask where did God present;show his love to lost mankind? Does He have love for a world that is “evil”(Gal.1:4;Psa.7:11) Is God’s love for a sinner ever seperated from His Son’s Sacrifice? Yes Or No.”

A. Of course. The Lord loved the rich young ruler. This was prior to His sacrifice. He loved the disciples whom He had chosen, prior to His sacrifice. He has always loved His creation.

“Didn’t David say in Ps.5:5 that God “hates” all workers of iniquity.”

A. The Lord corrected David and all who held to this doctrine. “Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; 45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. 46 For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? 47 And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so? 48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.”

“I thouhgt I said THE THINGS THAT GOD WOULD CERTAINLY LOVE: ARE  THEY THINGS THAT ARE HOLY AND PURE? Just things not people. Now dealing with people, God does love the new man because you have his love according to 1 Jn. 1:7-21. How can God say to an unsaved man whom He supposadly loves , “depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:? Where is the love in that? For an eternity.”

A. I answered this on the phone. How can a Judge send his son to the electric chair, if he loves him? I think you know the answer.

“I do understand that we are to love because God first loved us. Does God love Israel today? Not according to )Hosea 9:15,17) God said that he hated his own chosen people. Isn’t Jer.31:3 dealing with the restoration of Israel at the second advent? Does God love his Enemies?(James 4:4) I am aware that King David hated his enmies with a perfect hatred(Psa. 138:22)”

A. Do you think it is possible to hate someone you love, say, like a brother, sister, father or mother? God will restore Israel again. Also, the word could be used as a “comparative” you suggested in the beginning of the email.

“ Now just because of God’s very nature is love; can’t he have compassion and mercy on a lost man or a sinner for that matter without loving him? Yes or No.”

A. The answer is yes. But that is not the case. His compassion and mercy is from His love.

“I don’t want to strive about word. The Bible ceartinly is right about that topic. No profit indeed!!”   Thanks, dear brother
NEXT EMAIL: “ It’s just that in Judges 14:16Samson’s wife felt that he hated her because he wouldnt tell her the riddle. “But he didnt hate her”. Could it be that he just didnt have the desire to tell her? Could that be the way this word “hate” is being used in this verse of scripture? never said or asked if the entire chapter was comparative.”

A. Could be she didn’t feel that way at all, but was playing him like a fish?

“I can’t find where the Lord loved the rich young ruler”

A. “Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.” Mark 10:21.

“Now before the feast of the passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end.” John 13:1

“I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.” John 17:23.

Jesushad not died for any of these sinners, but He and the Father loved them before He died for them. Well, well, well, what have we here?  Some one is going to have to do some Scripture twisting!

“How can a Judge send his son to the electric chair. can you please explain that to me one more time, thanks.”

A. I explained that a judge may be required to give his son the death sentence to uphold the law and justice. That would not change his love for him. Parents were required to stone and kill their own children or family in the Old Testament. Did they love them? Yes!

“I dont want to be messed up. So its good to ask questions?”

Right! I know you don’t, that’s why I am taking the time to try to help you through this unscriptural teaching.

God bless

 

 

IS THERE A SOCIAL GOSPEL?

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What is the Social Gospel?

Social Gospel

 

By KenBlue

Definition: “Social gospel. 1 : the application of Christian principles to social problems.  2  a movement in American Protestant Christianity especially in the first part of the 20th century to bring the social order into conformity with Christian principles.” Merriam-Webster’s 11th. Collegiate Dictionary.

The first thing I noticed in the above definition is, that the gospel is nowhere mentioned. In fact, I do not believe there is any such thing as a “social” gospel. If there is, I don’t know what it is. As far as I am concerned, there is only one gospel. It is clearly defined in I Cor. 15 and defended in the book of Galatians. The gospel is the good news that Jesus Christ died, was buried and rose again the third day for sinners. This salvation is for anyone who will accept it by faith. This is the only true gospel, and all other gospels are not the gospel at all.

Now, what of the definition given for the social gospel? It appears that some churches are working to get society to accept Christian principles. I noticed that on the Courthouse lawns there are monuments with the Ten Commandments on them. Should these commandments be allowed or removed? Do we want unsaved people to learn Bible principles about life before they are saved? Many would say “no.”

Should a church get involved when a national disaster strikes? Should they feed and clothe the naked and the hungry? Should we withhold the soup until they profess Christ as Savior, or are we allowed to give a bowl of soup in hopes that we can get the gospel to them? What about skid row mission work, orphanages, and helping the sick? Do we have a responsibility to help these, even if they aren’t saved?

[pullquote align=”right” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]The gospel is the good news that Jesus Christ died, was buried and rose again the third day for sinners.[/pullquote]

What about your neighbor, would you help him repair his fence in hope you could witness to him? Would you get his car or animal out of the ditch if he was not saved?

I am fully aware that the number one goal is to get people saved. Is it unscriptural and anti-scriptural to use these avenues to get the gospel to the lost? I don’t think so.

There is no social gospel. There are social programs that any church could get involved in, in order to better their community and get the gospel to a lost world. For example, Open Door Baptist Church used the public school system to get thousands of invitations to the community. Who would fault them for doing that?

Don’t be afraid to get involved in community activities if it will better your community, help people, and open doors for witnessing. Remember, there is no social gospel.

If you can give a clear Scriptural definition of a social gospel, please do so.

 

IT CAN BE DONE, EVEN IN THE SUMMER SLUMP!

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COMMUNITY OUTREACH OR SUMMER SLUMP

Summer SlumpOnce again Pastor Jason Murphy and church members have demonstrated that you can reach your community for Christ, even in the summer slump, if you are determined to do so. Below are some pictures and comments by Pastor Murphy.

“Praise God for a great day at Open Door. Last Sunday we had our annual “Freedom Celebration.” It was such a blessing to see our church work together to reach the community. These are some of the benefits I see by having community outreaches in a local church.

[pullquote align=”right” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]You can reach your community for Christ.[/pullquote]

1. It involves our members in inviting their lost friends, relatives, coworkers and neighbors.

2. It gives them a chance to serve in multiple capacities: Set up, clean up, manning a booth, cooking food or simply running the visitor booth.

3.  They get involved in praying for the lostSummer Slump

4. It helps the church to not grow inward and become complacent

5. It helps develop a spirit of unity for the body as they serve together with one goal in mind. To bring honor and Glory to Jesus Christ and to fulfill our Biblical command of reaching the lost.

Summer SlumpBy God’s grace last Sunday we had just over 700 in attendance 240 first time visitors 7 professions of faith. Now, we as a church have the opportunity to follow up and these souls God has brought us into contact with.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

THE CHURCHES SECOND GREATEST NEED

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The Greatest Need is not Always Preaching

By Ken Blue

Recently I wrote an article about a pastor who responded to a question about the church’s greatest need, other than prayer and the Word of God. He informed me that the need of his church was more finances. We dealt with that need and suggested some things that might ease that burden. That blog is on this website.

The second greatest need, in most churches, is people to do the work of the ministry. After 40 years of preaching and pastoring, I am convinced that we have been misinformed that preaching is the most important part of the ministry. I am sure, if you love preaching, you will disagree with me and insist that preaching is the most important. I too, believed that for many years. But, as I step back and observe churches, I have changed my mind.

Preaching is a vital part of the ministry, but by itself, it will not produce or develop workers. The right kind of preaching will create a conviction to work in a ministry, but someone must recruit, train, inspire, and assist men and women in their task.

[perfectpullquote align=”right” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]People want to be an important part of an important organization.[/perfectpullquote]

Before you start preaching about service, decide on as many areas as possible to serve in the church. Have a job description for each ministry so people will know what is expected of them. Two things I learned years ago. People want to be an important part of an important organization. Secondly, “use me or loose me.” Provide training for workers. Make much of how important it is to serve the Lord and others in the church.

Yes, you must have money, but if you aren’t training and using your people, you are failing them. Stop being a one man show and let people serve where they are most fitted and comfortable. Don’t ever citizen them to anyone, rather, help them do a better job. Remember, Jesus preached to the multitudes, but He trained the Twelve.

THE WOMAN AND HER SEED

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“And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.” Genesis 3:15.

This is the earliest prophecy in Scripture, and it concerns Israel’s future defeat of Satan and evil. There can be no doubt that the battle of the ages has been between Satan and his seed, and the nation of Israel, (the woman and her seed). If Satan can destroy the nation, the kingdom will remain his and “Paradise Regained” will never happen.

We must jump forward between six and seven thousand years for the fulfillment of this prophecy. We discover in Revelation chapter 12 that the woman is the nation of Israel and the man-child is the 144,000. “And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars: And she being with child cried, travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered. And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads. And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born.  And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: (See Rev. 2:26-27) and her child was caught up unto God, and to his throne.  And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days.” Revelation 12:1-6.

It doesn’t take much insight to see that the battle in the Tribulation is the battle between the serpent and the woman that has been going on for centuries. The 144,000 come forth from the nation of Israel. As soon as it comes to birth, the Devil seeks to destroy it. God seals it for protection. Later the 144,000 are caught up to heaven to the throne of God, Satan’s wrath then turns on the nation of Israel, the woman. It is then; the woman flees into the wilderness where she is protected of God for 3 1/2 years.

The man child was sealed in Revelation chapter 7 and raptured to heaven sometime before chapter 14. “And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father’s name written in their foreheads. And I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder: and I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps: And they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth. These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb. And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God.” Revelation 14:1-5.

The Word of God is sure. What He promised in the first book of the Bible, He completes in the last book. Satan will be conquered by Christ and the man child. “And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron:” “ And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:
 And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father.” Revelation 2:26-27. Psalm 2.