Gay Marriage Rights in America!?!

OK... so I am a little slow.  I kept seeing all of these signs on Facebook and had no clue of what they all meant.  So I made a post and asked, "What does the red block with the two pink rectangles in the center mean? I've seen it twice today." 

The first reply said, "It's an equal sign meaning equality rights."  So again in my naivety I asked, "What kind of equal rights?"  The next response was, "Gay Marriage."  Then, I noticed all types of comments ranging from those trying to help me understand the sign, to those offering the alternative sign of the cross and of the anti-gay marriage symbol.

Then, I flipped to a friend's page where there was a heavy (really nasty) debate about what the Bible says about the gay lifestyle.  Some were claiming to be graduates of seminary who didn't see anything wrong with gay marriage; others were pastors using force and unpleasant wording claiming that God hates this lifestyle and that America better look out!

Sadly, both "ministers of the gospel" were missing the message of Christ altogether.  The word of God has been, and always will be, the standard for every civilization on earth.  Since there is only one true God who created heaven and earth, He is the author and judge of what is right and wrong among His creation.

So, as I am reading through this Facebook thread on my friends page, I notice a post made to my page from a childhood friend that includes an article based on "Judge not that ye be not judged." - Matthew 7:1.  So I read it! 

Having said this, I did agree with the writings of that author to a certain extent.  He makes a very good point about how Christians so often miss the mark in balancing their proclamation of faith. His article was long and detailed with scripture to prove his point about how we are to love all people.  On this point, I fully agree.  The problem with his article is that it pointed to loving the gay lifestyle. 

The truth is that God does love everyone!  He loves them so much that He wants them to repent of their sin, humble themselves and be born-again!  His grace covers us as we bow down and accept His righteousness in "exchange" for our sin.  Jesus died on the cross so that all could be saved.  This doesn't mean that all will believe, nor does it mean that all will repent of their sin(s). Surely, the gospel "is" good news! The Lord loves humanity so much that He doesn't want anyone to suffer the consequences nor the destruction of sin.  Sin leaves a guilty stain in the soul of mankind that can only by erased by the blood of Jesus.  This blood can only be applied through repentance.
   
There are so many Christians who are afraid to speak the truth on this issue... in love! Hebrews 4:12 says, "For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." While many may try to twist the word of God to make it fit into their belief system, God knows their motive. He knows their deepest, hidden sin. His word is either a cornerstone or a stumbling block. My prayer is that "I" will grow to accept more and more of His word, His ways, His absolutes, His righteousness, His peace, and His grace each day that I live. What a waste for anyone to argue that God's word doesn't mean what it says. He wants all saved! He wants all to come to repentance! He wants all set free from the bondage of sin! Anyone who tries to hang onto their sin, while claiming the love of God, has missed the mark. It's not about rules. It's about a life that is FREE INDEED. If we say we love God, we should also love what He loves... and hate what He hates. God hates sin because sin hurts people!

So often, Christians either avoid controversial topics altogether, or they blurt out the facts without filtering them through the heart of God.  So getting back to the favorite verse that is used by those who want to keep their sin and claim God too... "Judge not lest you be judged" from Matthew 7.  Verse 5 tells us that we should first get the beam (or sin) out of our own eye before we attempt to cast the mote (or splinter - lesser sin) out of someone else's eye.  So Jesus wasn't telling Christians not to judge right from wrong, He was simply saying we should clean our own act up before we try to help someone else get cleaned up.

1 Corinthians 6:2

²Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters?

 

1 Corinthians 11:31-32

³¹For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.

³²But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.

 

 

You see my friend, everything in the Lord's Kingdom needs to be handled with compassion, balance, love, power, authority, and yet with humility - all at the same time.  As Christians, we are simply saying... "I once was lost (like you), but now I am found!"  We are crying out to those living in darkness that the Lord has a peaceful, promised land of milk and honey (in this life - and in the life to come) for all of those who will lay down their pride, lay down their troubles, lay down their lusts, lay down their excuses... and run to Jesus. 

 

So, yes, Jesus died for all... the homosexual, the heterosexual, the Jew, the gentile, the Muslim, the Hindu, the black, the white, the Asian, the alcoholic, the drug addict, the murderer, the lazy, the workaholic, the poor, the rich...  And yes, His grace is sufficient to cover all sin.  His grace makes the vilest sinner white as snow.  He died for ALL.  But, my friend, His grace covers us when we humble ourselves and seek to know the truth, instead of seeking to make God's word fit into our truth.  That is when the miracle of salvation is obtainable!

 

As far as God's judgment is concerned, Jesus came to make a way for us to escape God's righteous judgment.  He did not come to do away with God's righteous judgment.  There will come a day in which every knee shall bow, and every tongue will confess that Jesus is not just Savior - but Lord!  Unfortunately, many who will be confessing His Lordship on that day will be doing so with great regret, because they held their own truth higher than God's righteous truth - while on earth.

 

As far as Christians not wanting to grant gay marriage as part of our constitutional rights, this is not because Christians are being narrow minded and unloving.  No, true Christians have a holy fear of God.  They understand that He is in control of nations.  They understand that God will judge a nation who turns their back on Him.  So, if you are gay and you are reading this, please know that the conflict is not with you as a person; it is with the standard that God has set for all people.  The United States of America is the most blessed nation on the earth because our country was built on Christian values.  When we, as a society, take God out of our government, out of our schools and out of our lives, His hand is lifted and we are left to defend ourselves against the devil, his horde of demons and the enemies of our nation- alone! 

 

So, my friend, please know that the over-all Christian concern (allthough not always voiced with humility) is not about your rights, the Christian concern is about your future; and in fact, the future of all American citizens... whether guilty or innocent.  When His judgment falls, the just and the unjust are caught in the storm.

 

My final word is this, Go loves you!  He wants you saved!  He wants you free from the bondage of sin!  He wants you to live a long, healthy life on this earth!  He wants you to live in eternity with Him forever and forever!

-Deborah Ross
www.DeborahRossMinistries.org

 

 

If you are gay and you are reading this article, please consider researching the following website for more on how to find this perfect peace and freedom in Christ Jesus.

http://www.sbministries.org/members/sbm 

Whether you are gay or straight... If you are not 100% sure that you are a born-again child of God, please click the link below to learn more about how YOU can know this God I speak about.

http://www.deborahrossministries.com/pages.asp?pageid=109507 

 



Overflowing With Blessings!!!

The following letter came to me from someone whom I have had aquaintance with since middle school (I am older than she).  Throughout the years, our paths have crossed here and there although we've never really spent time together in the same friendship circle of everyday life.  Beth still calls me Debbie (my childhood nick-name). 

This letter is especially touching as Beth unfolds her journey to the Lord in relation to how my book, this ministry and the weaving our lives together by the masterful work of God has touched her life in a powerful way.  Be blessed as you read!

PS - I love hearing from each of you!  Please let me know if/how this ministry has blessed your life.  Email me through my official website at www.DeborahRossMinistries.org

Love ,
Deborah Ross

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Dear Debbie,


I finished your book (Healing a Broken Marriage) on June26th, Caroline’s 20th birthday.  It has taken me until today to try and find the right words to say to you and still I’m not sure how to express all the things I’ve been feeling.  I have thought about it everyday, meditated on it and prayed constantly.  Although there are many improvements that could be made to our marriage, I feel those things falling into place.  It is all the other blessings I have received from your words that I am most thankful for. I completely trust you and that God has brought me to this point in my life to hear you, hear Him and really BELIEVE.  It’s as if the clouds have opened up and there is a beautiful beam of light and I’m walking it in.  Never alone again!


I have grown up in theMethodist church and alternate Sundays in a Baptist church with my Grandparents.  I always believed in Jesus, I thought I knew Him—I saw so many miracles in my life and have been moved many times by things that happened I knew could only come from God.  I was baptised, went through confirmation as a youth, helped in many ways give back to the church.  We joined the Methodist church here in Marshville before we were married and attended there.  We then moved to Monroe where we were active members, I taught “Godly Play” Sunday school, was on the Children and Youth Councils and was a youth leader.  Many times I have chaperoned and attempted to teach on retreats for our youth.  I have done Clown ministry and some 20 + years in all aspects of vacation Bible School.  I have even portrayed Mary, the Mother of Jesus.  I have never, ever felt worthy of any of this.  I thought someone else would be so much better for the job than me!! What a sinner I am, I have so many faults and I don’t deserve this!  

Since at least the fifth grade I have known of you.  I was honestly curious and truly fascinated by the way you handled and presented yourself.  I couldn’t wait to see what you did next-you have always been strong, beautiful and smart.  I know I have told you this, but Louise Matthews (5th grade teacher) once told my father I reminded her of you and I was astounded.  How could it be? I could only hope to grow as a person  with poise and grace and better myself.  I know God was in the details.  Our lives seem to have been interwoven delicately, here and there throughout the years and I remember pivital times that were revealed to me as your book (Healing a Broken Marriage) unfolded.  I remember glimpses of you as a dancer, as a young mother, business owner, wife, teacher and friend.  There were times I thought back to when Iwanted to ask you questions, but now I know that you were growing and learning in God’s Word and I wasn’t ready to listen or hear-yet. At this point I also have to say in my young life how much I enjoyed having your sister, Crystal, around.  Even then you could see her light, pure and true and all her goodness.  I am so thankful of the days she was around and we just kind of ‘hung out’together.  She has grown into such a kind, beautiful woman full of love and grace. She has such a beautiful family-you both do!


Back to my point-I know I tend to ramble.  I feel like I had done all these things because it was the ‘right thing to do’.  I would get lost in studies and preparation for my task and learn and then repeat the story.  I would pray mechanically, be where I was supposed to be when I was supposed to be there and have the kids front and center.  Not until lately have I felt a true euphoric joy and the Spirit upon me and working through me.  I told my sister on Caroline’s birthday that I was afraid it was going to go away, what if I can’t do the things I have been called for? How will I know the right thing to do? What if? What if? When I finished the end of your book, I was so excited.  I said to Mandy, “What do I do now??”  I wanted to do everything! To be better and working to please God ALL the time, not just when I felt like it or when I needed to get something done.  I feel better, I feel new and I want to feel this way all the time!


For years I have been less than well, having several surgeries and consequently relied on prescriptive painkillers as a crutch for pretty much everything. I didn’t want to face things in my life, I was from a broken home, I was so bad-such a sinner.  I feel like I have prayed and prayed my whole life, asked for forgiveness, waited for something to happen.  I have put so many people I love the most through hell. A year ago in June I stopped taking all that I was dependent on.  I had been hospitalized for pneumonia and was sick of being SICK.  When I finished your book, I prayed the marriage prayer.  I continued reading and thought to myself oh, ok-  I’ve done this before.  Ok, I’ll read it again, it can’t hurt. So I read the sinner’s prayer and I prayed.  Guess what? Something happened Debbie, somethingWONDERFUL!  I am new, I see things with new eyes and an open heart, I can hear Jesus speak to me ALL the time! I am so grateful for my life, for my children, for my family.  I want this ALL the time, forever!


It’s hard sometimes not to be skeptical.  The enemy has kept me down and in the dark (sometimes literally) for so very long.  I can feel the things I used to think I loved,things not good for me, things that kept God from flowing freely though me just falling away.  It reminds me so much of that little precious moments child saying “Please be patient, God isn’t finished with me yet”. I know people have seen a change.  I want to be a good example like you are! I still have so much to learn, so much to do. Presently I am directing vacation Bible school at our church here in Marshville.  It is an especially daunting task as our church is a little down and broken, we seem scattered in the wake of receiving a new pastor and there is much unrest. I know I’m supposed to be here and work as hard as I can.  Even though I have worked a lot with vbs, I’ve never had to direct it and it has been particularly challenging having to get materials together and find resources. You know what though? I have prayed and prayed on it every day and it is coming together!! I know it's going to be amazing and that God won’t let me, US fail at this and teaching His precious Word!!


I love you Debbie, I always have.  You have never been anything but wonderful to me.  I thank God for making you who you are today and speaking to me through you.  You know, this is kind of scary.  It’s just more amazing than anything else. Sometimes I still just can’t believe it’s true.  I am coming to your retreat (Freedom Today Beach Conference) in August.  I can’t wait!! I hope my sisters can come as well.  Oh, and now I have a prayer list.  A REAL one!! Ha! I always said that-“I’llpray for you”-but now I have it on my phone and pray at regular intervals everyday and night.  WOW! It’s just….well you know!!! Bless you and all you are doing. I’ll be in touch!

Your sister in Christ,
Beth Traywick 

Body, Soul and Spirit

Romans 8:1     There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.   

Have you ever thought about who you are... what makes you tick... or, the core of your existence?  Have you sat and pondered the idea of life after death?  Maybe you've heard people speak of body, soul and spirit, but to you, this is merely a phrase that describes some type of spa experience alluding to total relaxation through meditation or pampering.

Actually, human beings are made up of a SPIRIT who has a SOUL who lives in a BODY.  Initially, this may be too deep of a concept to grasp, but once we fully understand these three aspects of our being, we can obtain a clearer understanding of how God's Word brings life to the total person.

When God said, "Let us make man in our image," He was referring to the fact that man is a triune being in much the same way that God is a trinity. While God is only ONE, the scriptures teach us that He is made up of three parts: Father; Son; and Holy Spirit. In the same way, while each person is only one, each human being is made up of three distinct parts: Body; Soul; and Spirit.

Think of an egg. One egg has three parts. The shell houses the egg white and in the center of it all is the yoke. The same concept is true of the trinity of God (Father, Son, Holy Spirit) and the tripartite makeup of man (Body, Soul, Spirit); all are one, and yet, they are three.

When God created Adam, He molded him out of the dust of the ground.  Paying careful attention to every cell, blood vessel, nerve, organ, and body part, God created the human body to work in synchronized harmony so that His prized creation could live in a perfectly designed house of flesh and blood.  Every body part was carefully constructed so that this new being would be able to take dominion over the earth with physical excellence.  This earthly vessel had to be designed so that it could house something God decided to create in His image - something very precious to Him. 

Unfortunately, the body seeks to rule for the sake of pleasure. The body is always screaming, "FEED ME, FEED ME!" Left to itself, the human body tends to become gluttonous when it comes to the things that God has allowed with moderation such as: food; drink; touch; adornment; sex; approval; and accolades.  In addition, oftentimes Satan will bring drugs and alcohol into someone's life because he knows that the human body can begin to crave these "false highs" and the devil's chief desire is to kill, steal and destroy God's creation.  If the body is allowed to rule the being, there will be no thought for long term health and welfare.  This does not please God. 

So the human BODY is really intended to be nothing more than a shell.  It is our God-made "human suit" that clothes our spirit and soul.  Because of sin, our bodies will eventually wear out and die, but our real person - our soul and spirit - will escape death to live on, either in the presence of God or apart from Him for ever and ever.  In addition, the Bible teaches us that one day, those who have died to be with the Lord, will be reunited with their glorified body on the day of resurrection.  The newly created and completely perfected three-in-one, born-again Christian will continue to live throughout all of eternity as God originally intended: never dying; never breaking down; and never in need.  Our bodies will function at optimal (supernatural) level; free from the effects of sin.

At first glance, our soul and spirit may seem to be so closely related that it is hard for us to comprehend the distinct significance of the two.  Let's break down the function of each, so that we can gain a better understanding of the spiritual growth of a christian according to the scriptures.  When it comes to understanding human behavior and how to live the life of an over comer - as God commands - it is very important that we study the deep truths of God's Word and how to apply His Word to our total human being.

So let's look first at our SOUL.  Our soul is described as our MIND, our WILL and our EMOTIONS.  It is the part of us that thinks, makes decisions and has a personality.  We may assume that our soul is the "real us" - the one in control - and often it is.  The soul is strong, determined, opinionated, self -centered and selfish when left to itself.  The desire of the soul is to give the body comfort.  The seat of the soul wants to rule over the total man for the sake of self preservation - whether by means of good or bad.  The soul is the part of mankind that chooses to obey or disobey God on a day to day basis.  Man's soul was originally created to give God pleasure through fellowship.  God allowed each living soul the ability to choose whether it would obey or disobey His voice; but, He yearns for mankind to love Him freely and not out of mechanics or because of tyranny.

For the final touches on Adam's new life, God breathed life into him and man received God's Spirit.  The human SPIRIT is the supernatural part of man that is like God.  Even so, the human spirit is either that of God - as from the born-again experience - or, it is that of man.  Because of Adam's sin, the Spirit of mankind was separated from God.  The only way to reunite a holy intimacy between the creator of the universe and His prized creation is by the shed blood of a living sacrifice.  In the Old Testament, that shed blood was from bulls and goats and had to be repeated each year.  The blood of bulls and goats never seemed to fully purge man's conscious from the guilt of sin and so God knew that man needed a long term, once-and-for-all, sacrifice in order to be fully reconciled to a right fellowship with the Father.  So, He sent His Son, Jesus, to be that perfect blood sacrifice for all of our sins.  It is through the shed blood of Jesus - God's own Son - that mankind receives the Holy Spirit and is once again reunited with his creator, to commune with Him and live forever.  This was God's plan from the beginning.

Originally, by the Spirit, Adam was able to talk with God and understand His ways.  As Adam's Spirit received instruction from God, his soul and body would then come into agreement with God's plan through obedience; that is, until Adam and Eve decided to break covenant with God through disobedience in the garden.  It was then that God's Spirit was separated from mankind, leaving him to function as a body and soul who longed for the living Holy Spirit of God to fill the void in the center of his being.  All humans long to be complete. 

Left to ourselves, our soul will inevitably lead our bodies down the wrong path as every decision is based off of a self-centered motive of physical comfort.  Our soul only aims to protect the body, but has no basis for differentiating between good protection and bad protection.  Our bodies only aim to be fed.  Our bodies seek comfort - whether good or bad.  In conclusion, a human that is led by body or soul is destined for a life of brokenness and heartache.

God never intended for us to be a ship without a compass.  We were originally created to hear His voice and to seek His will daily.  This, however, can only be a reality through the power of the Holy Spirit; and even then, we have been given a free-will choice of whether we will obey God's commands or not.  Our body and soul must be trained to submit to the Holy Spirit as we grow in the knowledge and understanding of His Word.  That is why we are commanded to be transformed by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:2).

So as we wash our minds with God's Word (Ephesians 5:26), our soul is strengthened for making right choices that will ultimately preserve the body according to God's wisdom, and not out of fleshly desperation.  Although the soul is the strong-willed seat who desires to control the total man, the born-again Christian who determines to be guided by the Holy Spirit (a much softer and more gentle voice) will enjoy more health and greater rewards in both body and soul.  This promise is for this life and for the life to come (1 Timothy 4:8).

When Jesus said the Spirit is willing but the flesh is weak (Matthew 26:41), he was explaining how the body and soul are constsantly vying for the leadership position of the human being.  Our spirit, whether the Holy Spirit of God or the unholy spirit of darkness, guides our soul through all eternity.  Therefore, we should always watch and pray that we might be able to hear the voice of the Lord, and then, that we would be determined to obey the voice of the Lord.

In the end, our soul and spirit will escape this earthly vessel of clay to either stand in the presence of God or to stand in utter darkness - forever.

We are a SPIRIT, who has a SOUL, who lives in a BODY.  We are three - yet, we are one.  And, on THAT DAY, all of our parts will be judged according to our salvation (marked by our acceptance of the blood of the Lamb) and rewarded for our good works, or the lack thereof.

The Lord wants everyone to be whole in BODY, SOUL, and SPIRIT.  He wants everyone to be restored to His original plan.  So let's seek to wash our minds with His Word, daily, as He transforms us into the perfect human that He originally intended for us to be... for all eternity! 

Galatians 5:16     This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.   

Deborah Ross
Speaker / Bible Teacher / Author / Singer
President / Executive Director of Operations
Deborah Ross Ministries, Inc.
www.DeborahRossMinistries.org

Presumption Leads to Death

RIGHTEOUS OR RELIGIOUS...

Psalm 19:13 KJV

"Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression."

FOR BETTER UNDERSTANDING, READ THE ENTIRE EZEKIEL 33 BEFORE READING THIS POST

Do you go to church because you like to see who will be there?  Or, maybe you go because it makes you "feel good" to hear a sermon.  Perhaps, you are one of those that really enjoys the music.  You could even be going just because it is "the thing to do" on Sunday mornings.

I sure hope the above suggestions don't, in any way, describe your attitude about church.  Going to the house of the Lord should be much more than a casual past time.  Why?  Because God is Holy and we should worship Him in Spirit and in Truth.  If we call ourselves Christian, we should have a deep longing to know more about the Word of God.  We should love the Lord our God with all of our heart, soul, and strength.  Born-again believers should want to "do" the will of God.  They should desire to be Holy, because He is Holy (1 Peter 1:16).

Take a look at Ezekiel 33:30-33...

Ezekiel 33:31 KJV

"And they come unto thee as the people cometh, and they sit before thee as my people, and they hear thy words, but they will not do them: for with their mouth they shew much love, but their heart goeth after their covetousness."

God says that there are MANY who will sit and listen to His Word with glad hearts.  They will even go back and talk about the message with favor saying, "That sure was a good message we heard this morning."  To many, sermons are simply music to the ears, giving lovely sounds and uplifting notes - but not causing CHANGE in the heart of the hearer.  Unfortunately, many people hear the Word of God, but then they have no idea of how to "apply" the Word of God.  Still again, many would not even consider "doing" what they heard...it just seems too hard.

The Word of God is sure.  Whatever is declared by the apostle, the prophet, the evangelist, the preacher, or the teacher is sure to be the judgement of God if the people of God fail to adhere to the sound doctrine of TRUTH that is sent forth.  God's Word is not preached to put people in bondage (as the devil tries to make them think), but rather, to give them LIFE and to give them LIFE MORE ABUNDANTLY! 

Even so, the Lord has STANDARDS...but, His standards are not to make us feel inadequate.  Oh no!  His standards are for us to live up to, so that we can receive the full blessing that He has for us, as Children of the King. 

Now go back and read Ezekiel 33:11. 

Ezekiel 33:11 KJV

"Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel?"

God says that He has no pleasure in the death of the wicked.  He just wants the wicked to TURN FROM HIS WICKEDNESS and LIVE IN THE ABUNDANCE OF HIS GRACE.  The Lord does not want anyone to die.  That means both physical death and spiritual death.  So why do people die?  Dying is the result of sin - not the result of God's will.  The good news is that, even in death, the Lord makes a way of escape as He offers ETERNAL LIFE to those who are sealed unto salvation by the blood of Jesus.  So you see, God wants us to LIVE... now and forever!

As we read on in Ezekiel 33:12-20, we learn that God tells Ezekiel to warn the people that their righteousness will not be remembered in their day of iniquity... they will surely die!  In other words, those that profess Christianity, go to church regularly, sing in the choir, and even tithe, who turn their back on God to live a lifestyle of sin - they shall surely die. 

I know this is not a popular message, but I think it is one that the church needs to hear.  Not only is our Lord the God of Grace, but He is also the God of Righteousness and Judgment.  God hates sin.  On the flip side of this passage, God tells Ezekiel to announce that when the wicked turn from their wickedness - they shall live!

Ezekiel 33:13 KJV

"When I shall say to the righteous, that he shall surely live; if he trust to his own righteousness, and commit iniquity, all his righteousnesses shall not be remembered; but for his iniquity that he hath committed, he shall die for it."

You might be saying, "That's not God's way.  That's not even fair."  That's exactly what the children of Israel said!  They didn't like the strong Word of the Lord that Ezekiel spoke.  In verse 24, they "presumed" that since they were Abraham's seed, they should inherit the blessing... just because.  Isn't that just like the church today?  Being presumptuous about the GRACE of God.

You see, GRACE is not a license to sin.  Rather, GRACE is the POWER TO STOP SINNING!  The Strong's concordance says that GRACE is God exerting his holy influence upon souls, turning them to Christ, keeping them, strengthening them, and increasing them in their Christian faith.  Contrary to the church doctrine of many today, Grace is not a "GET OUT OF JAIL FREE" pass.  We must meet the conditions of Grace through repentance, or we will live a lie and continue to be lost... even though we might "think" we are saved.  The devil loves to play with God's Word in such a way that he twists and manipulates the minds of humanity so that they fall prey to cliche's that Jesus called "doctrines of devils".  If Satan is successful in causing someone to live a lie, believing that they are right with God - when, in fact, they are simply RELIGIOUS - he will succeed in luring yet another beguiled soul into an eternal hell.

Then again, if Satan can't claim a soul for eternal separation from God (hell), he will go for the next best thing and that is shutting them up so that they will be ineffective in the Kingdom of God.  You see, Satan knows that sin causes death - all death.  So, he is forever placing stumbling blocks of temptation before the believer, hoping they will fall into his trap of a lifestyle of iniquity.  If he can just get them to FALL INTO SIN he can have access to a host of curses (even death) in their life and thwart their destiny as a Child of God.

I know this message is not popular and I know that many will say, "No, God is full of Mercy and Grace."  And He is!!!  He is full of mercy and grace, but He is still a Holy God.  New Testament teachings don't take away from the Old Testament character of God.  Christ came to "fulfill the law", not do away with it.  The character of God has not changed. 

Being presumptuous concerning the Grace of God is, in my opinion, like spitting in the face of Jesus (see Hebrews 6:6).  Christ died so that we might live!  The scriptures say that he was bruised for our iniquity (Isaiah 53:5).  He took upon Himself the power of sin and the guilt that sin brings over us so that we can be more than conquerors.  He made a way for His Children to live above the curse of sin.  For us to preach a weak gospel or to offer a sympathetic stronghold to the sinner is a slap in the face to the POWER OF THE GOSPEL. 

Ephesians 2:8 says, "For by grace are ye saved through faith" (KJV). 

We cannot have pure faith unless we are freed from the guilt of sin.  So as long as we have a sin problem... we are going to have a faith problem. 

This is why repentance is so important.  Repentance is a true remorse over sin and a sincere humility toward Holy God.  Repentance is not being sorry that sin has been exposed.  Instead, rrepentance means that we turn from that sin and turn to Christ.  When a sinner comes to Christ, he or she is saying, "Lord, I have sinned against You!  I am wrong.  Please forgive me, cleanse me, and make me righteous in your sight.  I never want to return to that sin (or way of life) again." 

I like to look at it like this:

REPENTANCE ignites FAITH
FAITH ignites GRACE
GRACE ignites HOLINESS
HOLINESS ignites LIFE MORE ABUNDANTLY

Even in Titus 2:11, the Word of God says, "For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, TEACHING us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world" (KJV). 

So here we see that GRACE...

BRINGS SALVATION
TEACHES US
HELPS US TO DENY UNGODLINESS AND WORLDLY LUSTS
HELPS US TO LIVE SOBERLY, RIGHTEOUSLY, AND GODLY

So when someone who claims to be a Christian says, "I CAN'T LIVE GODLY.  SIN HAS POWER OVER ME"  They are rehearsing a lie sent straight from hell.  If they are truly a Child of God, they have been empowered - by grace - to be righteous.  And living righteous - glory to God - means that we LIVE ABUNDANTLY!  That's where the blessings are!

So my friend, let's don't be presumptuous about the things of God any longer and let's don't teach others to be that way, either.  God is Holy!  He has commanded us to be Holy!  The Lord has no pleasure in the death of the wicked!  He has made a way for us to LIVE life ABUNDANTLY... in this life and in the life to come! 

But... we must live by His STANDARDS.  His standards are just.  They are fair.  They are true.

So REPENT!  Come out from among them!  Be Holy!  Turn from idolatry!  Turn from lusts!. Turn from worldly ideologies!  Turn from spiritual apathy! 

Turn to God.  Read His Word.  Obey His Word.  ...AND LIVE!

1 Peter 1:16 KJV 

"Because it is written , Be ye holy; for I am holy."

Deborah Ross

Deborah Ross Ministries, Inc.

www.DeborahRossMinistries.org

JESUS DIED FOR MUSLIMS, TOO!

Is the Injeel Corrupt?

I have a deep love for people... people from all cultures... people all around the world...

I am especially fascinated with Middle Eastern women. These women have a strong demeanor that emanates their passion for truth. They are very direct in their conversation and show a sincerity that is unmatched. Their piercing dark eyes make them stunningly beautiful and their accent is intriguing.

God has turned my heart toward these women in leading me to support a ministry called The Crescent Project. The Crescent Project reaches out to those of the Muslim faith with booklets, DVD's, street evangelism, conferences, and more. Their booklets: "Adha in the Injeel" and "Is the Injeel Corrupt?" are great resources for those of the Muslim faith to get solid answers - in their own language - about Jesus and how His life and ministry applies to the Muslim faith. The Crescent Project also provides the Jesus Film - to millions in 16 different languages - so that the life and love of Jesus can be seen in a powerful way. Yes, Jesus died so that everyone could be set free from the bondage of sin. That includes those of the Muslim faith, too!

Well, last spring I received some very pointed emails from a man claiming to be a Muslim. He emailed me numerous copies of pages from the Qur'an to argue his point. In his arguments he compared the teachings of the Qur'an to his misinformed information about the teachings of the Old and New Testaments of the Bible. Sensing that his arguments were as much of a question as they were a statement, I responded to one of his emails. Below, I will share with you what I said to him, and point out some of his arguments (which seem to be standard beliefs by most Muslims).

My Letter...

"I read your article because I wanted to have a better understanding of your belief(s).

The obvious differences that I noticed in your Qur'an and the Taurat (Torah or Old Testament) seem to be the flow of the message. Both books contain many similar accounts of the lives of those who trusted God such as Moses, Abraham, Joseph, and so on. It even appears that both books point to Jesus (Isa) as being someone that we should seek to understand. The name Allah and the name Yahweh (One True God) seem to be synonymous in many ways, with language being the argumentative factor that makes them different, at first glance.

On the other hand, those who have read the New Testament (The Injeel), have been able to tie up the loose ends of their faith by seeing for themselves just who Jesus really is; and, by seeking to understand what significance He has in the world today. It is interesting to me how all three Holy Books (Qur'an, Old Testament, Taurat/Torah) prophetically point to the Injeel (The New Testament), but for whatever reasons (reasons that man has conjured up over the course of generations) many Muslim's and Jew's are reluctant to see for themselves just what this extension of the scriptures has to say.

Jesus came to this earth to "reveal the love" that God has for all mankind. Jesus gives "life" to those who believe that He was, indeed, sent from God to redeem humanity from the curse of sin and death.

"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life." - John 3:16.

Jesus is God... wrapped up in flesh. He walked on the earth for a short amount of time so that mankind could see, feel, and experience the Kingdom of Heaven in a tangible way. God loves His creation and He knew that humanity needed to be awakened into understanding the depth of His love. Jesus is the sacrificial lamb (Adha) who paid the price for sin - once and for all. It is through His shed blood that mankind can be restored into a right relationship with God.

HIS ARGUMENT - CHRISTIANS CLAIM GRACE OVER THEIR SIN... YET, KEEP RIGHT ON SINNING...

I had a discussion with a beautiful Muslim woman a few weeks ago about forgiveness of sin and I think I understand your argument about Christians using their salvation as a license to sin. Unfortunately, there are some people who claim to be true Christians - but they are not. I challenge you to read the entire book of 1 John (not from the four Gospels but further into the New Testament). Here you will see that Christians are taught that true repentance means remorse and turning from that behavior.

Christians, like Muslims, come in many forms. No, it's not what God desires, but it is the truth about humanity. People of all faiths tend to conveniently omit anything about repentance from sin, in order to live a lie under the banner of their religion.

It saddens me how "people" have come up with their own version of Christianity through the years; and thus, made it hard for unbelievers to understand the truth of God's love. The root of this confusion is the devil. John 10:10 says, "The thief (the devil) cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I (Jesus - Isa) am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly."

Does your Holy Book offer "life"... and "life more abundantly?" As Christians, we are taught that we can have life more abundantly NOW, and in the life to come (Mark 10:30 and Luke 18:30).

HE ALSO COMMENTED ON THE IDOLATRY OF CHRISTIANS, USING CHRISTMAS AND STATUES OF JESUS AS AN EXAMPLE...

You also mentioned the idolatry of Christmas and the statues of Jesus. I can see your point and , again, I am grieved that "worldly" Christians get so caught up in "things" and "events" that take away from the pure worship of God. I think most western Christians are born into certain traditions that they never question. This, to me, can be compared to someone being raised Muslim and never questioning their Muslim traditions.

I think God is pleased when we talk to Him like a friend (since He knows what we are thinking anyway). He is pleased when we "question" our childhood teachings and come to our own conclusion about who He is and how much He loves us. After all, He created us with a mind and he even said we were made in His image (Genesis 1:26). He wants us to love Him because we have "fallen in love with Him", not because we are made to love Him through traditions.

HE POINTED OUT SIMILARITIES IN THE QUR'AN AND WHAT HE KNEW OF THE BIBLE , CLAIMING THAT SOMEONE IS OBVIOUSLY WRONG...

It seems there are many similarities in our scriptures, and I believe there is a reason for this. Truly, one is right and the other is wrong. Still, the wrong one contains an element of truth so that those who follow it will be blinded to the "real truth". This, we both agree on.

The only difference between me and you is that... once I was lost, but now I am found! I have known the emptiness of living a religious life apart from becoming a born-again believer of Jesus Christ. If being born-again (a supernatural experience in which the Holy Spirit comes to live inside of a person) is wrong... it's the most liberating, powerful, loving, peaceful, joyful, life-giving wrong I've ever experienced. That is why, "I know" that Jesus is the Son of God. He has given me joy, peace, hope, and life.

Have you had this experience?

HE ARGUED THAT THERE IS ONLY ONE GOD AND THAT CHRISTIANS ARE WORSHIPPING THREE GODS (Father, Son, Holy Spirit)...

I used to question the trinity, just as you are taught to question the falsely assumed three God's of the Christian faith. It was really hard for me to understand how God (who is one) can be made manifest in three. Consider this: Your spirit (1) lives inside of your body(2) and your soul (3) - which is your mind, your will, and your emotions - rules and reigns over them all. You are still "one person", but you are made up of three parts. Really, this is something you will need to accept by faith after reading the entire New Testament (Injeel) and coming to the conclusion that Jesus loves you!

Jesus was sent from God, not as a prophet, but as a Savior. He came to "show" us the love of the Father (God). Jesus is God, coming to earth in the flesh, revealing to mankind how much He loves them. That is why He healed the sick, gave sight to the blind, and made the lame to walk. All of these malady's are a curse from the wages of sin (Satan - or the devil's hellish schemes). Still, even many Christians find it hard to believe that God loves them enough to heal them and so they continue in this life with disease and sickness, or even worse, die prematurely because of their unbelief.

I know this is probably a lot of information for you, but I challenge you to read the entire New Testament just to see if you notice anything different (love, peace, joy, forgiveness, hope) that it offers. I think that Allah is a big enough God to hold his own. Put the words of Muhammad up against the words of Jesus and "test" them. Don't go by what others have told you, but rather read it for yourself. I read your message today because I wanted to know what you believe. Now, would you read for yourself and study what I believe?

HE, AND MOST MUSLIMS, ARE SKEPTICAL ABOUT READING THE INJEEL (New Testament) BECAUSE THEY HAVE BEEN TAUGHT THAT IT IS CORRUPT...

It does not seem logical to think that the Injeel has been tampered with, but the Qur'an has not? I did see from your text that Isa (Jesus) is taught in the Qur'an. If the Injeel was truly sent from God, then it would be impossible for mankind to corrupt God's Word. God does not need man; man needs God. If the devil can keep someone believing that any part of God's Word is corrupt, then he can keep them from the truth.

HE ALSO QUESTIONED SO MANY VERSIONS OF THE BIBLE AND OF THE CHRISTIAN FAITH (DENOMINATIONS)...

I know, there are so many Bible's out there, you're probably wondering which version to get. I don't know where you are from, but I pray that you are able to get your hands on a pure copy of the Holy Bible. "My" favorite is the King James version, but again, depending on where you live, there may be another one that speaks in your language more clearly.

May God (I say Jehovah; you say Allah) richly bless you and may He reveal His love to you in a new and powerful way."

______________________________

Those of you reading this blog who are Muslim, please know that this entry is written with a sincere desire to help us come together to worship the one true God with unity and an appreciation for each others culture. If you are reading this blog and you are a Christian, I pray that the comments here will help you to better understand your Muslim friends so that you can share the truth about Isa (Jesus) with them.

"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life." - John 3:16 ... this message is for everyone... Muslims, too!

In Christ,

Deborah Ross

Strengthening Families and Encouraging Women

www.DeborahRossMinistries.org

To order your Outreach Pack containing the two booklets ('Adha in the Injeel' and 'Is the Injeel Corrupt?') along with a DVD of the Jesus Film in 16 languages, contact The Crescent Project Bookstore or DRM.

What does it mean to be born-again?

How to be Forgiven & Born Again

JOHN 3:3

"Jesus answered and said unto him, 'Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.'"

The Word of God teaches that unless we are "born-again" we cannot see the Kingdom of God.
This means:

· We cannot "live" in the Kingdom of God;
· We cannot "receive the benefits" of the Kingdom of God;
· We cannot "understand" the Kingdom of God;
· And, we cannot have "eternal life" in God's Kingdom;

... Until we become a born-again Child of God.

Being born-again is a supernatural experience that is - in some ways - much like that of being born from our mother's womb. The difference, of course, is that we are not physically born-again, but rather, spiritually transformed in our spirit man. When we were born from our mother's womb, we did not need to understand the process before we could enter this world. Yet, since the day of our natural birth, we have been continually growing in our understanding so that as adults we can begin to comprehend the miraculous wonder of conception, pregnancy and the childbirth existence.

Being born-again is no different. We don't need to fully understand the concept in order to become a Child of God. We simply believe in faith on the price that Jesus paid for our sins; and then, supernaturally, God plants His seed of righteousness inside of our hearts. That seed will grow throughout our lifetime as we gain a greater understanding of our born-again transformation. From that day forward we will be ever-maturing from that of a new born babe in Christ into a sanctified Child of God.

JOHN 3:16

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."

God's Word promises eternal life to everyone who confesses with their mouth and believes in their heart that Jesus is Lord (Romans 10:10). Being a born-again Child of God is really simple, and yet, many will fail to understand how to become a Christian because of their unwillingness to turn from a life of sin. Sin separates mankind from God. God is holy and He cannot co-exist with sin. As hard as we may try, we can never completely rid ourselves of sin in order to walk in the favor of God. In fact, everything about our human nature pulls away from God. Romans 8:7 says that we are incapable of following God's laws because our human nature is hostile toward the truth of God's Word.

JOHN 3:21

"But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God."

It is only when we allow the light of God to shine down on our hearts that we can see the truth about our sinful condition. Stepping into the light of God requires that we humbly come to the throne of grace with a true heart of repentance from all known sin. Repentance is not just saying "I'm sorry", neither does it try to justify thoughts and deeds with rational explanations of "why". Rather, repentance is a change of our heart and mind. When we repent, we admit our wrong doing or wrong thoughts while standing spiritually naked before God.

In order to be supernaturally transformed (born-again) we must first recognize that we are a sinner who needs a Savior. As God shines His light of truth (His Word) upon our hearts, our response should be a sincere cry of relinquishing our will to His. At that same moment, as we put all of our trust in the belief that Jesus is, indeed, the Son of God, and that He died for our sins; the breath of God blows the wind of the Holy Spirit into our innermost being as we are gloriously changed from a sinner to a saint. We don't have to fully understand it all. We just need to accept, by faith, that God loves us so much that He sent His Son, Jesus, into the world to make a way for us to live in His Kingdom... now and for all eternity.

MARK 11:26

"But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses."

Realize that repentance and being forgiven by God are synonymous with forgiving others. After all, how can we expect God to forgive our sins, if we are not also willing to forgive those who have sinned against us? 1 John 3:15 tells us that if we hate someone, we are a murderer and we should know that murderers do not have eternal life abiding within their hearts.

1 JOHN 4:7-8

"Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love."

In order to truly know God, we must be willing to lay down all grudges, bitterness, wrath, jealousy, malice, envy, strife, and revenge. God is love. If we are to be a born-again Child of God, we too, must agree to love the way Christ loves us. God loves us so much that He sent Jesus to die for our sins even when we didn't deserve salvation. Is there someone who doesn't deserve your forgiveness? Yet, in order to be more like Christ, you will purpose in your heart to forgive them.

JOHN 3:18-19

"He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil."

I think John 3:19 explains the reason that Jesus is such a stumbling block for those who don't want to believe He is the Son of God. So many religions accept that Jesus was a prophet or that He was a good man and they may even go as far as to say that He was born of a virgin and that He even died on a cross; however, in an effort to hide from the truth of one's sinful heart, many choose to follow a lie - a false religion - in an effort to make themselves feel as though they will have eternal life... IN SPITE OF THEIR LOVE FOR SIN.

God is love. God loves people. God is Holy. God hates sin. He has made a way for us to be reconciled to Himself. He sent His love, in the form of a man named Jesus, into the world to touch, heal, and save those who will sincerely believe that He is the Christ.

GALATIANS 2:20

"I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me."

Jesus gave His life for you and I. Will you give your life back to Him and accept His outstretched hand of mercy, grace, and love? God does not want anyone to spend an eternity in hell (separated from His love). He wants everyone to live with Him forever!

If you want to accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior... If you want to be born-again... If you want to be forgiven... Pray this simple prayer with all of your heart:

"Father God, I confess that I am a sinner in need of a Savior. I believe, in faith, that Jesus is truly the Son of God, and while I may not understand everything right now, I do believe that Jesus was born of a virgin, He walked the earth as God in the flesh, He died on a cross, and He was raised from the dead by the power of God. I believe that you, Lord, love me so much that you made a way for me to have eternal life. I confess _____________ (fill in the blank for all known sin). Lord, help me to turn from sin. Change my heart and mind so that I will become more like you. Wash me clean and make me a brand new creature. God, please cause me to understand the Bible. I pray that your Word will come alive in my spirit as I seek to know you more. I give you my life. I worship you. I praise you. In Jesus Name, Amen!"

Now, tell someone that you have made Jesus your Lord and Savior. I would love to be the first person to know that my gift of love (this article) has brought you to eternal life. Comment to me about your born-again experience on this blog... or, click onto my web-site and write to me personally. Now, go and sin no more (John 8:11) for your sins are forgiven and you are truly born-again! Hallelujah!

Yours in Christ,
Deborah

Deborah Ross Ministries
Strengthening Families & Encouraging Women
http://www.deborahrossministries.org/