Tag: homosexuality

Gonna Keep on Preaching

On By Dr. William James Carter, IIn Christendom, Preaching4 Comments

The fact is that some things going on in this country are rather disheartening. Right has become wrong and wrong has become right. Those of us who stand for righteousness are called everything except the children of God. The ungodly are getting louder and louder as institutions such as the Supreme Court provide license to ventures that God has called an abomination. With the lawlessness of the Supreme Court and the will of some to tear at the fabric of this nation it seems to me that those choosing righteousness and holiness need not kowtow to the moral decadents of the day. It is my hope that many will stand with me because I am gonna keep on preaching the Word of the Most High God.

A couple years ago I was told that I rail too much against homosexuality. I was preaching against the abomination in writing and behind the pulpit. I could see the agenda manifesting itself to what is now an acceptance of this act by many. The problem is that this acceptance of wrong is nothing new. For instance, lies have been accepted by many because to some lies can be protective. Well, the protective nature of lies has yet to be determined. The fact is that God is not One who takes well to lies and has declared that all liars shall have their place in the lake that burns with fire (Revelation 21:8). The interesting thing is the text states that “all” liars will have their part in lake of fire. Hence, I am compelled to and I am gonna keep preaching on the danger of lying.

The matter of lies does not hold a lot of steam insofar as political correctness goes. It seems that all know it is wrong and many choose to live a life of lies. Consider, for instance, Bruce Jenner (I’m about to get in trouble now). Here is a man of renown deciding that he is no longer a male rather he is a female. There is little doubt by those with just a little discernment that this man has been troubled for a number of years. There is hurt and pain hidden well below the cloak of his transgender disguise. God made him a wonderful man yet he decided that he would be bold and come out of the “closet” as a woman. He has been hailed as brave and heroic for such revelation. Unfortunately his hurt and pain are still there. This is not to mention the fact that his gender “change” smacks God in the face. This, at the very root, is uncleanness to which God is not pleased.

Now, the Supreme Court must be highlighted again. This time a look at the Affordable Care Act (what a misnomer) was placed before the Court. The questions surrounding subsidies was at hand. The plain language of the law was apparent yet the members of the Court decided the law did not mean what was plainly written. As such, the Court essentially rewrote the law. Dare I say, and I am no lawyer, it is not the job of the Court to rewrite law rather it is purposed to interpret law in light of the Constitution. This did not happen in the opinion of the majority.  Instead the Court decided what the intent was ignoring what was written. This is lawlessness at its core.

Now we have a country torn. There are some that have taken up arms against those with whom they disagree. Consider the murders most recently in South Carolina. There was no reason for this young man to kill except that his unfounded hatred began to control his actions. The problem is that he is not alone. Christians are targeted on many fronts and this seems ok in the eyes of some. However, if there is one word said against Islam all of a sudden the world is in turmoil. Well, I have not time to worry about the social nuances of the day. I have to uphold the Gospel no matter who is offended. While it is not my intention to offend anyone the Gospel is an offense to those who choose to live contrary to its standard. Yes, I’m gonna keep on preaching not just behind the pulpit but also in the life I live.

The word of God clearly says that homosexuality is wrong in both the Old and New Testaments. This does not matter to some though. After the Supreme Court’s opinion was made public there was some that took to dancing in the streets in celebration of this ungodly declaration. Well, another problem has arisen that many will not even touch. Well, I have no choice and I’m gonna keep on preaching. You see, Galatians 5:21 warns against revellings and things like unto it. Revelling is the drunken public celebrations of immorality. How many times have we seen homosexuals celebrate with little to no clothes on which would otherwise be counted as indecent? Well, enough is enough. I have had my fill of social issues of the day seeking to tell me what to preach and what not to preach.

I am gonna keep on preaching the Gospel no matter what is said. I have already had horrendous things said about me and all I have done is repeat the Scripture. Galatians goes on to show that those that celebrate a number of offenses will not inherit the Kingdom of God. Those are not my words rather the Word of the Holy Writ. I will not attempt to pacify nor will I seek to appease. I have been called to preach the Gospel without compromise and as such I’m gonna keep on preaching. Is there anybody preaching with me?

Relenting is Not an Option

On By Dr. William James Carter, IIn Perserverance2 Comments

I have to say that it is really getting personal now. The attacks on Christians and Christianity are an unbearable truth. Christians in countries highly influenced by Islamic terrorists are being killed as though they are bugs on the floor. They are being beheaded merely because they are Christians. College students are also being attacked by those seeking to please Allah. They are shown no mercy only because they have chosen to worship and serve the One and only God. All this is going on while other Christians are forced to denounce the Holy One or suffer dire consequences.

As if this were not sad enough activities in the United States are not much better. Consider the Indiana and Arkansas laws which are but a mirror of Federal law instituted about twenty years ago. The laws have nothing to do with discrimination and all to do with the enforcement of the 1st Amendment. Yet many were riled by the gross misconception (or ignoring of the facts) that the laws were the target of homosexuals. Out of this the attacks on Christians were such that at least on pizza establishment was forced to close its doors at least temporarily.[1] And there are other attacks on Christians. These attacks are legal and political and serve only to shame Christians.[2]

Well, I have had more than I am willing to take. I am weary of the President bemoaning Christians while extolling Muslims.[3] If Mr. Obama is the Christian he purports to be why does he not defend Christianity? Why is the Muslim prayer at sunset the most beautiful thing that falls on his ears?  Why, does the good President, not extol the virtues of Christianity above all? Perhaps, and only perhaps, he enjoys Islam above the teachings of Christ. Well, I have had enough and I will not relent on the virtuosity of the Gospel. Relenting is not an option!

Scriptural texts clearly show that Christians will suffer persecution. Even more, Christians are not promised an easy time. The God-head new in advance these things would be which is, in part, why the Holy Spirit was sent. Nonetheless, Christians are encouraged to stand in the face of adversity. Ephesians 6:13, “Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” This text clearly shows that there will be opposition to Christians. The Christian is not to be unprepared rather; he is to be ready in the face of opposition.

Consider two significant words in this text, “evil day.” There is no doubt that these are evil days. Right is wrong and wrong has become right. The less than two percent of homosexuals in this nation are all but discriminated against yet they hold themselves as being beaten and downtrodden. Frankly, I am vehemently opposed to homosexuality even while I embrace those that are entangled by this unseemly (Romans 1:27) behavior. As Christians we are called to love and love has much to do with doing what is right even in the face of apparent wrongs.

Just as it is wrong to steal, cheat, lie and commit adultery it is also wrong to commit homosexuality. Furthermore the Constitution clearly provides Christians the right to celebrate Jesus without retribution.  However this has not stopped special interest and political detractors from doing all to silence Christians. Well, I will not be silent. I will not give in to the pressures of political correctness. I refuse to lay down the standard of holiness because some choose to live contrary to God’s Word. I will not give up and I will certainly not give in. Relenting is not an option!

[1] http://insider.foxnews.com/2015/04/01/indiana-pizza-restaurant-forced-close-after-backlash-refusing-cater-gay-wedding

[2] http://www.theconservative.info/html/war_against_christianity.html

[3] http://www.frontpagemag.com/2015/dgreenfield/obama-defends-islam-attacks-christianity-at-prayer-breakfast/

Again I Voted for Freedom

On By Dr. William James Carter, IIn Freedom3 Comments

Yes, I did it again. I found my way to the early voting polling place recently. You have heard the story of how I did this very same thing in Baltimore a couple years ago. Yes, I voted early because I bemoan those long lines and loud people. What I bemoan even more is the lack of freedom that some seek to impose on this wonderful nation. With that I had no choice but to return to the polls as had been in the past in order to cast my mark for freedom. Yet before my vote was cast I paid attention to what was going on. I listened to the arguments of the contestants and knew that again I had to vote for freedom.

This is another matter that had to be taken personally. This is because there remain some in these United States of America that choose not freedom. Consider the many fights over individuals flying the United States flag on their property. This is a flag that resembles a free land. The red stands for the shed blood of those before us while the white stands for the purity of a free people and the blue for the loyalty of same. Well, I have had my fill of those who attack those choosing to express patriotism by flying the flag of the United States of America. That is a flag that I joined the Marine Corps to fight for. It is that flag that I learned to respect as a boy scout. It is because of the flag that I again voted for freedom.

As important as that flag is there is one thing more important than the flag that some want to trample upon. You see not only I am a natural born citizen of the United States I am also a staunch Christian to which I make no apologies. The Bible is in fact the Word of God and it is upon that Word that I stand. And when some tell me that I have to keep my Christian worldview to myself my freedom is greatly infringed upon. Even more Romans 6:7 declared that “He who the Son has set free is free indeed.” Well, I choose to walk in that freedom. I choose to wear that freedom on my sleeve and I will not hold back the truths of the word of God simply because some choose not freedom. While I love my country I love my God even more so once again I voted for freedom.

There is another document that affords me freedom. In fact much of the freedom by this document comes from the freedom of the Word of God. The Constitution of the United States of America specifically affords the citizens (not illegal immigrants) specific freedoms and specifically limits the government. A big government is not the mark of a free people rather a small government that allows freedom to live and breathe without the hand of a tyrannical government making and forcing decisions that have nothing to do with freedom. My vote went toward a small manageable government not one seeking to dictate my every move. Yes, I enjoy the freedom to worship and all other freedoms afforded by the Constitution so that again I voted for freedom.

In order to have freedom one must first have life. If life is prematurely snuffed out then there is no freedom. This is why I stand for those who would be killed before they are born. These people are not choices rather that are human beings that have been formed in the wombs of their mothers. How dare we decide who should live and who should die? How dare we abort simply because that new life would be an imposition? That unborn person deserves to be free and for that unborn person I voted. Life and freedom most definitely go hand in hand so again my vote was cast for freedom.

Economic freedom is another that only builds a strong people. The idea of raising the minimal wage (for which no such idea can be found in the Constitution) serves only to push some out of employment while raising the costs of goods and services. That is not freedom. That will only pull freedom from some and redistribute wealth to those who were pushed out of the work force. Instead I voted for the freedom of the free market wherein businesses are not over taxed. I voted for the freedom of hardworking people setting the course for their only lives. I voted for the freedom of energy independence. I voted for a nation to be prosperous and competitive in every possible way. I will not give in to the idea that economic freedom is tantamount to the love of money. So because I want economic freedom for me and mine again I voted for freedom.

The list of freedoms I voted for are nearly endless. I love the Lord Jesus Christ and the entire Godhead and I will fight for the freedom to worship until I can fight no more. I love my country and vowed to defend it against all enemies foreign and domestic. I voted to secure the freedom of a free loving people so I encourage one and all to join me in not just a right but also a responsibility as again I voted for freedom!

With Them I Stand

On By Dr. William James Carter, IIn Holiness3 Comments

It is true that I have been told that I rail too much against homosexuality. And I do rail against the immorality and godless practice of not homosexuality alone but also against all things that are an offense to the Word of God. My cries will not soften as I see this nation emboldening a group of people that are less than two percent of the population and are setting the course to change the culture of morality in this nation. Consider, for instance, a fairly new law in Houston, Texas wherein the lesbian mayor seeks to employ tactics of “fairness” in discriminatory practices in favour of the local LGBT community. Among the fair things required are that those that feel they are a certain gender at any given time are allowed to use the bathroom of choice depending on feeling rather than actual gender (http://www.thenewamerican.com/culture/faith-and-morals/item/18398-houston-city-council-passes-pro-homosexual-law-opponents-vow-to-fight).

This resulted in the people of Houston putting forth a petition in order to overturn the law. And of course the fair authorities declared that there were not enough names on the petition even though the numbers far exceeded the required amount of signatures. This did not sit well with the citizenry of Houston so that there was another legal uprising which included at least five pastours in Houston. Needless to say the lesbian mayor (whom I choose not to mention) decided that she wanted no dissenting voices from the clergy. With that decision it was further decided that the people of God had to turn over their speeches to congregants particularly in respect to discussions on homosexuality (http://www.thepoliticalinsider.com/frighten-every-american-believes-freedom/). The clergy members continue to stand against the tyranny of a few that seek only to push an agenda that is largely unwanted.

I stand with these men of God. I, too, stand against the immorality of homosexuality. The law in place in Houston is an unjust law on many fronts. Among the ideas presented is the fallacious idea of illegal discrimination against homosexuals. Perhaps the, ah, good mayor of Houston should be reminded of the idiom coined by Augustine, “An unjust law is no law at all.” Wait a minute! This mayor is certainly not familiar with the teachings of Church fathers so perhaps she should be reminded of the constitutional amendments. Never mind, she apparently is not familiar with those either. Nonetheless the fact of the matter is that the few homosexuals not only in this country but also in Houston suffer no discrimination. They have jobs and are not denied housing. The Supreme Court, and other lower courts, have even chimed in and declared that States banning same sex marriages are acting anti-constitutionally. This seems strange to me as I have found no place in the Constitution that supports heterosexual marriage. How then can there be clauses for same sex marriages?

The fact of the matter is that this mayor does not care about anything except her own agenda. Her agenda has nothing to do with what she was elected mayor to do. Now, I really don’t care how homosexuals choose to live. Yes, it is an offense to God and directly opposed to His Word. Still God has provided choices if we will walk in a holy manner or live according to the rudiments of the flesh. Well, I choose holiness and so do those faithful ones in Houston. I stand with them and will not bend to the winds of perversion which seek only to destroy a nation whose founding is predicated on the freedom Scripture provides. I will not give in to the feel good legislation that causes only a few to feel good for but a moment of time. I will not give in and I will not give up!

If it sounds like I am taking this matter personally you can bet that I am. I am more than weary of political hacks telling me what I can and cannot preach over the pulpit. I am sick and tired of my fellow clergy members being threatened because they stand on the Word of God. I have had more than I am willing to take and I am fully in support of the First Amendment which affords me not only the right to worship God but also the absolute write to say what I will in respect to same. Yes, dang blast it, I have had enough and will not sit idly by while my country is being run over not only by illegal immigrants but also my rights are being stripped away piece by piece. Well, enough already! It is time for Christians to stand and to stand uncompromisingly.

You men of God down in Houston, I stand with you. No, I do not hate homosexuals I just love the Word of God more. And, it may as well be stated that I won’t marry some heterosexual couples never mind homosexuals. I simply will not go against the teachings of the Word of God because I fear God way more than I will ever fear man. No, I will not succumb to the threats of imprisonment or to ruthless tactics of the IRS. Yes, there are some that stand on the principles of God and it is with them I stand!

The Secularization of the Church

On By Dr. William James Carter, IIn Uncategorized2 Comments

     It seems unreasonable that anyone would argue against the idea that the Church is to be separate and distinct from the rest of the world. Yet so many see no reason for the church to remain an entity within itself rather there has been an effort on the part of many to move the church more from God and closer to the world. It is not certain that this is the thing that God had in mind when he gave rise to the idea that the Church should be separate and apart from the world in every aspect.

     Moreover God has always required that His people be distinct from all others. One clear evidence of this can be found in Leviticus chapter eleven. While much of the discussion in Leviticus has to do with priestly ceremonial law it is certain that God wanted His people to be different from others even in what they ate. Now, there no suggestion as to what should be eaten by the Christian noted here as that is not the point of this missive. Rather it is important that the people of God not give in to secular ideologies which seek only to distance the people of God from a most holy God.

     But like Israel Christians have pulled away from the truth of God’s Word. Instead of being separated from that which displeased God there is a welcoming of secularism in Houses of Worship. Take for instance the idea of shacking up. It is certain that God does not condone fornication even while He honours marriage. Some in the church have decided that it is acceptable for a man a woman to live together without being married so long as the couple is committed one to another. This very notion flies against the standards of God while welcoming the secular idea that a mere piece of paper does not determine love.

     Marriage is not the only issue at hand even while some “church” members purport the honour of same-sex marriages. The idea that there are acceptable alternatives to what the world does further erodes the standards of the Church. One such idea is that the young people of the church are taught that it is wrong to go to clubs and like venues. And while there is considerable truth to this pulling away from ungodliness the same people teaching the fallacy of clubbing have introduced club-like atmospheres in local bodies. This dichotomy is not only unacceptable but has created a double standard and hypocrisy in the lives of those involved. Further, it has become increasingly difficult, in some cases, to tell the difference between the Church and secular venues.

     Romans chapter one provides clear insight into some to the issues taking place during the time Paul addressed problems that were going on not just in the secular world but also in the Church. Versus twenty-four through thirty two show some of the issues at hand:

Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.  For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:  And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.  And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;  Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,  Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:  Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.

     These very things are taking place in the Church today and God is not pleased. The people of God were called out to be separate and apart from the world. After all that is what “church” really means taken from the Greek “ekklasia” which means the called out ones. And while there is a bit more to the definition it is certain that Christians are called out from the world to please God. As such matters such as whispering, backbiting and disobedience must be removed from the church even as homosexuality, adultery and other sex sin should not be named even once among the people of God.

     Yes, there has been a secularization of the Church yet it is high time the people of God referred back to the standards of God in order to be that shining light in and for this untoward generation.

 

Peering into Holiness

On By Dr. William James Carter, IIn Uncategorized3 Comments

     It cannot be said enough that holiness is a way of life required by God of His people. Holiness is not a mere suggestion of upright living rather it is a mandate to live outside the dictates of worldviews which are contrary to God’s Word. Even with this simplicity in explanation many seem utterly confused as to what holiness consists of and leave the matter to those clergy members who have no choice but to be holy. Yet scriptural text is not specific to clergy members alone rather the standards are required of all who name the Name of Christ.

     The matter of holiness was addressed in considerable detail by Paul to the church at Galatia. He pointed out some very specific hedonistic practices that not only pull from holiness but also lend to the probability of eternal damnation if the practices continued. Galatians 5:19-21 points out “the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.”

     Many Christians are very familiar with some of the issues raised in this text yet many choose to overlook many of them for reason of convenience or even more sinister reasons. Most understand that the cry against adultery is a call for monogamous sexual relations in marriage yet the idea of fornication is often limited to heterosexual sex outside of marriage. This is a fallacy that needs to be debunked on every level. While fornication does include the noted definition the idea goes well beyond this over simplicity. Fornication includes all sexual sin including pedophilia, homosexuality, lesbianism and bestiality. As such the call to return to sex in marriage between one man and one woman only is a return to holiness.

     However, Paul did not only address matters of sexual impurity. Matters of the heart also prove to be prominent in his admonishment to turn a people to holiness. The fact is that the hearts of some people are contentious and seek to fight no matter the situation. They choose not to live in peace and are continually seeking ways to create strife on one end or the other. Paul calls this condition “variance.” Scripture advises us to live in peace (II Corinthians 13:11) yet variance is the antithesis of peace. Sowing seeds of discord and backbiting brings about matters that pull away from the idea of holiness through peace.

     And there are other acts that are not conducive to Christendom. Drunkenness and dancing in the streets also pull form holiness. Paul calls the idea of dancing in the street with drunkenness “reveling” yet so many see no harm in this practice. It is true that this type of partying has moved from the streets, in most cases,  into clubs and other venues. Yet the idea remains the same while the party goers honor false deities or other “icons” under the guises of having a good time. Further complicating the matter of reveling many have pulled this unholy practice into the House of God. Yes, the Christian can enjoy life but reveling and partying is an unholy alliance with the standard of godliness.

      This brief overview of holiness points out the fact that God is holy. Those that worship Him must do so with not only the actions of holiness but also a life exemplifying the life of Jesus as well as an attitude that seeks only to please God. If the attitude to please God is pure in nature then the idea of holiness is not a matter for the clergy alone but is a matter for those that enjoy being an heir with Christ and being part of a holy nation.

There is Hope

On By Dr. William James Carter, IIn Uncategorized3 Comments

 

     When looking around the country today there is no wonder that many Christians seem to be in despair. Last year in Chicago at least five hundred people were murdered. Every day in this nation untold numbers of people are aborted before they even have a chance at life. Wrong has become right and right has become wrong. The sacred institution of marriage has now been stigmatized by reason of same-sex unions. Worshippers of God are told that they are not allowed to speak in certain public areas while Muslims are given an open mike in any desired venue. Yes, things seem bleak for the Christian but there is hope.

     The prophet Jeremiah also lived in times that seemed hopeless. He preached and people did not heed his warnings. Still he would not relent on being God’s mouthpiece. Even when Jeremiah became discouraged and decided that he would no longer preach God’s Word he found that being still and being quiet was not an option. The Word of God was so embedded in him that it was impossible for Jeremiah to hold his peace. The Word of God was like fire shut up in Jeremiah’s bones (Jeremiah 20:9). He could not ignore that which was in him and so Jeremiah continued in preaching despite the negative reaction or inaction of his audience.

     Like Jeremiah we live in an evil day. Politicians pretend to care for the disadvantaged while they continue to raise taxes on the nation. In less than four years this country has seen the loss of about five million jobs even while some politicians tout the success of economic policies that have increased welfare rolls, food stamp recipients, the loss of the country’s triple “A” rating and a national deficit quickly closing in on seventeen trillion dollars – seven trillion of which are a result of the financial policies of the past few years. Yet the concern is over whether or not females should receive free contraception when all they need to do is go to the local drug store to buy whatever they desire. Even more perhaps the best contraception is abstinence for those who are not married. But that is a side note. Our country is in a state of spiritual decadents much like in the time of Jeremiah but realize that all hope is not lost.

     As Jeremiah lamented the trouble of the day in which he lived he was able find hope with these words in Jeremiah 17:17: “Be not a terror unto me: thou art my hope in the day of evil.” Now, this word “hope” falls from normal thinking as to what hope normally is. This word is like unto shelter or refuge. It suggests protection from those things that would seek to harm were it not for the Protector. Jeremiah looked to God as his Hope in that God protected him and gave him shelter in the face of spiritual and perhaps physical opposition. The people would neither hear his warnings nor heed the utterances of the man of God. Yet Jeremiah rested in the hope presented by the only One that could protect him from the oppressiveness of a godless people.

     The fact of the matter is that the Christian is not promised an easy life but that he is guaranteed protection in the face of those that seek to harm him. This idea is validated in Isaiah 59:19 where God promises “When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him.” The hope is in the standard because the standard is protection directly from God. More specifically this “standard” is indicative of a wind that will cause the enemy to flee. And while there is more to this term, for instance God standing between the enemy and the godly, the very fact that God works on behalf of the faithful indicates that there is hope for the Christian.

     Be not dismayed. Be not afraid. There is hope. The winds of immorality and disarray serve only to strengthen the resolve of God’s people. Don’t worry about the name calling and teasing. The lies and misrepresentations are part of the flood. But consider the flood that Moses passed through when leaving Egypt. The flood seemed insurmountable yet with hope in the Omnipotent One all Israel safely crossed the sea. Moreover God stepped between the Israelites and the Egyptians giving God’s people hope.

 

     Not all is lost. If we simply stand fast on the Word of God and trust that His Word is true then we have hope. Our hope is that God will provide us refuge in the presence of our enemies. Not only that God will vindicate us by reason of the truth. Now, all does seem dismal but remember that “We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed”. Yes, there is hope.

  

 

    

Diametrically Opposed

On By Dr. William James Carter, IIn Uncategorized9 Comments

There are just some things that have to be taken personally. For instance, when one goes on to marry another it is not for the benefit of the population at large rather marriage is a matter that is personally relative to those involved. Marriage is a matter of personal relationship and dedication between one man and one woman. It is a matter of personal choice to which both parties should be diametrically opposed to interference from any and all other forces. This is much like the relationship between Christ and the Church.

The relationship between Christ and the Church becomes even more personal considering the relationship between Christ and the individuals that make up the Church. It is a choice made by the individuals and Christ. It is a matter of personal choice. Yet there seem to be many that would like to intrude on the relational aspects enjoyed by Christians with Christ. With this, I must make it personal because I am diametrically opposed to those that choose to tell me how I should celebrate my Saviour and those that think it OK that I should condone things that are clearly challenges to my relationship with Christ.

One such matter is that of abortion. The Word of God clearly states that there should be no taking of innocent life (Proverbs 6:16-17; Deuteronomy 5:17). How much more innocent can anyone be than the unborn? I am diametrically opposed to the murder of those that never had the opportunity to defend themselves yet they are continually being snuffed out. Yes, I have heard all the arguments even while Planned Parenthood and like agencies really should be renamed Murder on Demand.

I know that my opposition to abortion may get some feathers ruffled so I might as well continue to ruffle feathers. My stance against sexual immorality is just as strong. I could outline a number of sex sins such as premarital sex, extra-marital sex, gender reassignment, and pedophilia but I will limit this discussion to the hot button issue of the day which is same-sex marriage. While I have absolutely no agreement with homosexual interactions I am diametrically opposed to the very notion of same-sex marriage. The very term is a paradox but that is an issue for another essay.

Yes, I have heard the bleeding hearts say things along the lines of a person’s inability to choose who they love. While I could easily take issue with that very statement I will further this discussion by saying that just because you love a person does not mean that you have to have sex with them. Nor does it mean that you have to marry them. The fact of the matter is that the Word of God clearly provides instructions stating, “Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh” (Genesis 2:24). It is interesting that at no point is there a suggestion that people of the same gender should marry. Further, I Corinthians 7:2 further advises “to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband.” I am diametrically opposed to same-sex marriage because it tears at the very heart of Christianity. It tears at the very relational aspect of marriage between Christ and the Church.

But these are not the only contemporary matters to which I am diametrically opposed. There are some, even some so-called “Christians,” that think it OK to lie as long as it is for a good reason. Yet the Word clearly shows that “But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death” (Revelation 21:8). And the list of things to which I am diametrically opposed goes on right to the idea that all “religions” are basically the same as long as you believe in some abstract “god.” Well, once again there must be a simple reading of the Word of God which shows that there is “One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all” (Ephesians 4:5-6). Additionally, Jesus stated, “Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God” (John 3:3).

The thing is that I am growing weary of what some would like to see as an “anything goes” Christianity. There are some remarking that they have evolved into believing that wrong is right while right has become wrong. Others declare that the Christian, standing on the Word of God, has no compassion even though compassion is rooted in the truths of the Word of God. It is these truths to which I lay my allegiance and causes me to be diametrically opposed to anything that positions itself against the Word.

Get Right With God

On By Dr. William James Carter, IIn Uncategorized1 Comment

The past couple days of been somewhat somber for me. A family that I mentor and advise spiritually lost the lady of the house. The most immediate impact of her untimely demise is to her husband of thirteen years and four young children from the ages of seven to eleven. While I can delve into the hurt and pain associated with losing a loved one the thing that came immediately to my mind was the old song “Get Right With God.”

Yes, there is mourning taking place. Even I expect to see her sitting in her favourite spot when I enter the family home. It simply does not seem real because she was taken out by a sudden massive heart attack. But I am reminded of the fact that when Christ returns to collect His Church He will come quickly and without warning. He has provided us with warning after warning of His soon and sudden return. Preachers having been warning for years that the return of Christ will be as a thief in the night as the Church is suddenly taken from the present world. Just look at the present situation in the United States alone.

It is accepted by many to tell lies of the lie is harmless. Yet Scripture teaches that all liars will have their place in the lake that burns with fire. Yet even those holding positions in church choose to lie. But lying is part of the problem. Many continually entertain unclean thoughts. The vast array of unclean thoughts will not be addressed here but one can easily surmise that when thoughts are not taken captive according to the Word of God any number of things can happen.  Unclean thoughts are part of the reason that many are living with the idea that altering their minds with marijuana, alcohol and other illicit drugs are OK so long as no one else is being harmed.

And the evil thoughts continue in so many ways such as the increase of immorality on every front. Said differently, this nation has succumbed to the disease of sin. Sin is what pulls away from God and sin will be the cause of eternal damnation. You see in the Book of Numbers God provided His people specific instructions. If they adhered to God’s Word they would find themselves walking in God’s blessings. Yet if they disobeyed Numbers 32:23 clearly indicates that “But if ye will not do so, behold, ye have sinned against the LORD: and be sure your sin will find you out.”

I certainly mourn the untimely death of this forty-six year old lady even while I wonder how many people die without making things right with God. How many die knowing that God is there for them yet they figure that they have the rest of their lives while the numbering of their days is at hand? And then what about those on the fringes of the church walking around with a form of godliness but denying the very power thereof? And then you have those that work as though their very services are the means to get into the Kingdom.

It is high time that this nation return to its roots of trusting in God. We have left our first love and need to fall on our faces in repentance. No, just a verbal acknowledgement of shortcomings but rather actions turning away from those things that turn from the holiness of God. It means that those on the fringes will submit to the Cloud that covers and protects while allowing the Holy Spirit to not only indwell but also to guide and comfort. It is time that we, collectively and individually, get right with God and do it now!

The Insanity of Christianity

On By Dr. William James Carter, IIn Uncategorized8 Comments

Those of us that practice Christianity the way God intended have been called many names. Among those names are “Holy Rollers” and Bible Thumpers.” No wonder Christians are called names! We choose to be holy because the Word of God instructs us to be holy and we choose to thump through the Bible so that we can understand what holiness is all about. And when the principles of the Word of God are applied we are called many other names; many of which I cannot bring myself to repeat.

Despite the many names Christians have been called Christianity still thrives and drives others over the brink of name calling. With this it must be true that whoever practices Christianity must be insane. The fact is Christians celebrate a God that has never been seen. We worship and adore One who cannot be seen. I Timothy 1:17 confirms that we celebrate an invisible God with the Words, “Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.” Yes, we must be insane to worship the invisible God that created all rather than worshiping images created by own hands.

Our insanity deepens when we begin to obey the Word of the invisible God. You see we are called homophobic simply because God has ordained marriage to be between one man and one woman. Without parsing the term “homophobic” I think it somewhat reasonable to say that the term makes no sense linguistically.  Still it is no wonder that there is much insanity in Christianity. We choose to honor an invisible God that teaches that homosexuality is an abomination. Leviticus 18:22 is the very standard the invisible God has set and by that standard insane Christians live. “ Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination.” Yes, there is much insanity in Christianity.

But not all Christian phobias are so blatant. We are told throughout scriptural text teaches that Christians are not to be conformed to the world rather we are to be transformed by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:1-2). No wonder there is insanity in Christianity; we are being brainwashed. We live according to the mandate of God and don’t give in to the rudiments of the world. We stand separate and apart from everything that pulls away from God.  We are counted as boring and sticks-in-the-mud all because we have renewed minds. Yes, one would have to be insane to trust and rely in an invisible God that teaches marriage as being a union between one man and one woman who have transformed their minds from the things of the world into the mind of Christ.

I have to say with all boldness that I am one of those insane people trusting in the invisible God Who sent His only Son to be born of a virgin (man that’s insane) Who lived a sinless life pointing men to His Father. This same sinless Man was killed because He was insane enough to do the will of His Father. Yes, there is much insanity in Christianity but I would rather be with insane Christians than with sane infidels.