Why America Deserves to Fall, Part II

by Publisher | Apr 8, 2024 | Opinion, Religion, Social-Issues, The Church, US

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In a nation that once heralded the principles of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, a shadow has fallen, casting a long and dark silhouette over the moral landscape. At the heart of this darkness lies the tragedy of systematic child-murder, a scourge that has not only marred but fundamentally altered the character of America.

The blanket and collective endorsement and normalization of abortion in America are not mere policy failures—they are the stench of a rotting spiritual corpse, symptoms of a deadly spiritual poison, collectively ingested by a nation once alive with the zeal of a people who believe in God. It is a brazen affront to the Creator, an act of rebellion that screams into the heavens, demanding a response. And respond, God will—for He is just, and His justice will not sleep forever.

The Scripture is unequivocal in its affirmation of life’s sanctity, from conception to natural death. “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you,” declares the Lord in Jeremiah 1:5. Yet, this divine pronouncement has been met with disdain, as millions of lives have been extinguished in the name of convenience and autonomy.

The blood of the innocent cries out from the ground, and we, as a nation, have covered our ears to the sound.

This is not merely a failing of the left or those who openly champion abortion “rights.” Nor can the blame be laid solely at the feet of progressive politicians like Stacey Abrams or Raphael Warnock, who, while vocally supportive of abortion, are but cogs in a much larger machine of moral decay.

The culpability extends to every corner of American society, from the halls of power to the pews of our churches, where silence and inaction have become the order of the day.

God’s character—His holiness, justice, and righteousness—demands a reckoning. He is a God of love and mercy, yes, but He is also a God of wrath, poised to judge those who lift their middle fingers to Him and His laws while breathing His air and desecrating His creation. America, once the land of hope and a light to the nations, is now a sewage dump where the world flushes its moral sewage and it festers to become what we call “progress.”

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America now stands on the brink of divine judgment, having traded its heritage for a mess of pottage.

Yet, abortion isn’t the root cause of our problems as a nation—it is a symptom of a deeper, spiritual malaise. It is a heart condition, pride, that afflicts the very souls of men. It is a reflection of a society that has turned its back on God, elevating human wisdom, comfort, and desire above divine decree. And in doing so, we have incited the wrath of the God who is sovereign over us, and it would be both right and just for Him to utterly destroy us, to hand us over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that perhaps some might be saved on the day of the Lord.

Yet, even in this, God’s mercy shines forth. For His judgments are not merely punitive. They are redemptive, designed to bring us to our knees in repentance, that we might turn from our wickedness and live. The call to repentance is urgent, pressing, and it is a call to each individual and to the nation as a whole. We must forsake our sinful ways and seek the face of God, acknowledging Him as Lord and King.

This is a matter of utmost seriousness, a spiritual battle that rages around us, demanding our full attention and engagement. The goal is not the salvation of America—America is dead. The goal is the glory of God and the salvation of souls. The church must rise, casting aside complacency and lukewarmness, to proclaim the truth of the Gospel.

We are not without hope, for we serve a mighty God, sovereign over all the earth. His purposes will stand, and His kingdom will come, on earth as it is in heaven. Yet we must gird ourselves for battle, armed with the full armor of God, that we might stand firm against the schemes of the devil.

America stands at a crossroads, and the path we choose will determine our fate. Will we continue down the road of rebellion and face the righteous wrath of God, or will we repent and return to the Lord, seeking His mercy and forgiveness? The choice is ours, and the time to decide is now.

But if we continue to spurn the Lord and shed innocent blood, we may well find that the God of justice has left us to our own devices, a nation abandoned to the consequences of its sin.

Why America Deserves to Fall

I’m sure you remember a few years ago when the nation celebrated as one of the top headlines in the news the fact that Pete Buttigieg and his homosexual were granted the “right” to adopt children. The nation clapped and cheered as the two announced the news to the world.

“We’re becoming parents,” Buttigieg tweeted, with nearly a half-million hearts clicked in favor of the news.

https://substack.com/redirect/516da2ff-21fa-48a5-8260-7bcae8111ee1?j=eyJ1IjoiZjJqdzIifQ.m4gzzmpEP1aJ4y7F2deqItM-PMWVlBG1DqlIhG5ZLhw

Pete Buttigieg @PeteButtigieg

Chasten and I are beyond thankful for all the kind wishes since first sharing the news that we’re becoming parents. We are delighted to welcome Penelope Rose and Joseph August Buttigieg to our family.

2:54 PM ∙ Sep 4, 2021 410,318 Likes 22,234 Retweets

But in a rational world that acknowledges its Creator, this news was awful. These men are not parents, they are sodomites who are now abusing innocent children and dragging them into their sexually immoral lifestyle, and forcing them to accept it.

“But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea.” —Matthew 18:6

The Scriptures are clear on how God looks upon this kind of behavior. But These two men are not the problem in America—they are merely a symptom of the problem. You see, it isn’t just Pete Buttigieg and his homosexual lover who will be causing these little ones to sin, the entire nation is responsible for this. The entire nation now celebrates sexual immorality and even when there are those who claim to oppose it, their silence is deafening.

I do not deny that America was once a Christian nation; however, we must define what that means. By “Christian nation,” I do not mean in any way that America is somehow a nation chosen by God, in covenant with Him, as was the nation of Israel during Old Testament times, for the purpose of carrying out God’s plan of redemption in the world. It is not and never has been.

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America is ripe for judgment, or are we already past ripeness and rotten to the core? If the Lord tarries, next will be the full acceptance of pedophilia. Artificial Intelligence (AI) has already accepted it, and more Americans place their faith in AI and TikTok than in God Almighty. This nation, formerly built on the Judeo Christian ethic, makes me sick. “Even so, come Lord Jesus……” Maranatha, Pastor Steve <><

Outrageous: White House bans religious Easter egg designs and makes Easter Sunday “Transgender Day of Visibility”

I could not publish this blasphemous article on Easter Sunday so I waited until the celebration of the resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ was over. Our president has trampled on the holiest day of the Christian faith in favor of abominations and perversion. This man is soon to stand before the Lord in judgment. The Lord help him. Our country is obviously under judgment for such a declaration to be made on Easter by our president. There is absolutely no end to the terrible news in our nation. Most believers I speak with think we are in the midst of a paradigm shift, rapidly preparing the world for the Great Tribulation period. I cannot believe how quickly things have changed and how even mere decency, respect and civility are all but extinct. Maranatha, Pastor Steve <><

The White House has issued an official proclamation declaring March 31, 2024 — Easter Sunday — Transgender Day of Visibility— a brazen attack on truth and on the deeply held beliefs of millions of Christian Americans.

MARCH 29, 2024

The White House

A Proclamation on Transgender Day of Visibility, 2024

1. HOME
2. BRIEFING ROOM
3. PRESIDENTIAL ACTIONS

On Transgender Day of Visibility, we honor the extraordinary courage and contributions of transgender Americans and reaffirm our Nation’s commitment to forming a more perfect Union — where all people are created equal and treated equally throughout their lives.  

I am proud that my Administration has stood for justice from the start, working to ensure that the LGBTQI+ community can live openly, in safety, with dignity and respect.  I am proud to have appointed transgender leaders to my Administration and to have ended the ban on transgender Americans serving openly in our military.  I am proud to have signed historic Executive Orders that strengthen civil rights protections in housing, employment, health care, education, the justice system, and more.  I am proud to have signed the Respect for Marriage Act into law, ensuring that every American can marry the person they love. 

Transgender Americans are part of the fabric of our Nation.  Whether serving their communities or in the military, raising families or running businesses, they help America thrive.  They deserve, and are entitled to, the same rights and freedoms as every other American, including the most fundamental freedom to be their true selves.  But extremists are proposing hundreds of hateful laws that target and terrify transgender kids and their families — silencing teachers; banning books; and even threatening parents, doctors, and nurses with prison for helping parents get care for their children.  These bills attack our most basic American values:  the freedom to be yourself, the freedom to make your own health care decisions, and even the right to raise your own child.  It is no surprise that the bullying and discrimination that transgender Americans face is worsening our Nation’s mental health crisis, leading half of transgender youth to consider suicide in the past year.  At the same time, an epidemic of violence against transgender women and girls, especially women and girls of color, continues to take too many lives.  Let me be clear:  All of these attacks are un-American and must end.  No one should have to be brave just to be themselves.  

At the same time, my Administration is working to stop the bullying and harassment of transgender children and their families.  The Department of Justice has taken action to push back against extreme and un-American State laws targeting transgender youth and their families and the Department of Justice is partnering with law enforcement and community groups to combat hate and violence.  My Administration is also providing dedicated emergency mental health support through our nationwide suicide and crisis lifeline — any LGBTQI+ young person in need can call “988” and press “3” to speak with a counselor trained to support them.  We are making public services more accessible for transgender Americans, including with more inclusive passports and easier access to Social Security benefits.  There is much more to do.  I continue to call on the Congress to pass the Equality Act, to codify civil rights protections for all LGBTQI+ Americans.

Today, we send a message to all transgender Americans:  You are loved.  You are heard.  You are understood.  You belong.  You are America, and my entire Administration and I have your back.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim March 31, 2024, as Transgender Day of Visibility.  I call upon all Americans to join us in lifting up the lives and voices of transgender people throughout our Nation and to work toward eliminating violence and discrimination based on gender identity.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-ninth day of March, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-four, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-eighth.

                             JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.

Why Attending a Homosexual “Wedding” is Unbiblical, Part II: Implicit Endorsement of Sin and Compromise of Witness

In the unfolding narrative of our times, where the fabric of a biblical worldview is not just stretched but ripped to shreds, there arises a question for us as Christians hanging on to our faith by a thread: How do we navigate the complexities of our relationships while holding fast to the immutable truths of Scripture? The issue at hand is not merely one of personal conviction or social etiquette but a matter of aligning actions with divine ordinance in every aspect of our lives. This discourse, a continuation of our exploration into the reasons why attending a homosexual “wedding” is unbiblical, seeks to delve deeper into the subtleties of implicit endorsement of sin and the compromise of our witness as followers of Christ. Overlooking, or turning a blind eye to sin is a sin itself and it is as ancient as the Scriptures themselves. Yet it finds new relevance in the context of modern society. Leviticus 18:22 and Romans 1:26-27 unequivocally categorize homosexual acts as sinful, setting a clear boundary for God’s people. To cross this boundary, even in the guise of social formality or familial obligation, is to tread on dangerous ground. It’s akin to navigating a minefield with blindfolds, where the stakes are the very souls of men and women. The well-known axiom from Amos 3:3, “Can two walk together, except they be agreed?” also echoes through the ages, reminding us that even our very presence at a celebration of that which the Scriptures describe as the judgment of God on mankind sends a message louder than words—a message that, however unintended, signals agreement with sin. This is not about adopting a stance of superiority or an attitude of personal judgmentalism but about living in such a way that our lives do not contradict the Gospel we profess to believe. Ephesians 5:11 commands us to “take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.” Attendance at a ceremony celebrating a union that God hates not only muddies the waters of moral clarity but also, and more grievously, dims the light of truth we are called to bear into the world. The compromise of witness that accompanies participation in such evil is a wound to the testimony of the church. Christians are called to be witnesses to the truth of God’s Word, a beacon of hope and a repository of the wisdom that comes from God’s revelation through His word. Acts 1:8 entrusts us with the mission to be Christ’s witnesses “to the ends of the earth.” Yet, how can we fulfill this calling if our actions betray our words? To engage in celebrations that affirm what God has declared to be sin is to weave a veil of confusion over the eyes of those watching us, obscuring the truth of the gospel of grace through faith.

This compromise is not merely a matter of personal failing or misguided love—it is a corporate affliction that weakens the church’s stance and dilutes the potency of the gospel message. It sends a signal to the world that the church’s convictions are negotiable, subject to the variable terrain of social approval and appeasement rather than anchored in the foundation of the Creator’s self-revelation. The result is a dilution of the call to repentance and faith and a blurring of the lines between holiness and hedonism.

In a culture that increasingly equates love with unconditional affirmation, the Christian’s call to truth and holiness is countercultural, even revolutionary. In a world filled with people who worship themselves, humility before God is the ultimate act of rebellion—rebellion against the pressure of an anti-Christ society. Our refusal to participate in events that celebrate sin is not an act of hate but an act of fidelity to the gospel, a refusal to compromise the message of redemption for the sake of social convenience. It is a declaration that our allegiance to Christ and His kingdom supersedes our desire for the approval of men.

As we navigate these turbulent waters, be guided not by the compass of cultural relativism but by submitting yourself to the lamp unto your feet, the light of Scripture. Our love for others should be measured not by our willingness to condone sin but by our commitment to speak the truth, in love and with grace, pointing always to the hope found in Jesus Christ—and most importantly, our willingness to separate from those who persist in such sin. In doing so, we do not merely stand against the tide, we become vessels of the very grace and truth that transforms hearts and renews minds.

In the end, our highest calling is not to be popular or well-liked but to be faithful stewards of the truths entrusted to us. With courage and conviction, we must stand firm in our commitment to uphold the sanctity of marriage, and all of God’s ordinances and statutes, as defined by Scripture, and in all things, strive to honor God, knowing that in His sovereign plan, our witness to the truth is never in vain.

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A False Christ Presented In Super Bowl Advertisement

When Jesus said “many will come in my name,” he wasn’t kidding. He was referring to false prophets with convoluted theology. Jesus told people to “repent” and “go and sin no more.” A far cry from the apostasy you see below. Pastor Steve <><

Ed Stetzer’s Super Bowl He Gets Us Commercial is the Most Blasphemous One Yet, Depicts Jesus as Affirming of Homosexuality and Abortion

…such an insidious organization, to begin with? All of this was proven in their latest commercial which aired during the Super Bowl last night—the He Gets Us campaign, which Ed Stetzer is highly involved in, isn’t even hiding it anymore. The commercial depicts Jesus washing the feet of homosexuals, people at abortion clinics, and every other sin, and then ends with the caption, “Jesus Didn’t Teach Hate, He Washed Feet.”

by Publisher | Feb 12, 2024

Last year, The Dissenter reported on a proposed partnership between the Southern Baptist Convention’s North American Mission Board (NAMB) and a heretical “evangelism” ministry called He Gets Us. He Gets Us, as we demonstrated, is not only a gay-affirming ministry that will help you find a pro-LGBTQ church, but it also preaches a false gospel of inclusivism. He Gets Us is essentially a PR campaign for Jesus that attempts to make Jesus more palatable to the world.

NAMB, which is led by Kevin Ezell, has a historical pattern of partnering with organizations without doing his due diligence. For example, NAMB is still in partnership with a major megachurch in Florida that is regularly baptizing openly practicing and unrepentant homosexuals to plant churches. NAMB also regularly plants churches with women pastors in opposition to the SBC’s statement of faith.

Thankfully, after that was exposed and brought to light, Ezell decided to sever official ties with He Gets Us and move on. However, this only begs the question: what on earth would make Ezell want to partner with such an insidious organization, to begin with?

All of this was proven in their latest commercial which aired during the Super Bowl last night—the He Gets Us campaign, which Ed Stetzer is highly involved in, isn’t even hiding it anymore. The commercial depicts Jesus washing the feet of homosexuals, people at abortion clinics, and every other sin, and then ends with the caption, “Jesus Didn’t Teach Hate, He Washed Feet.” Watch:

Of course, this is completely and totally stupid and completely twists the entire meaning of Jesus washing feet. When Jesus washed feet, it was illustrative of the internal cleansing he does to people He would save on the cross. He doesn’t just wash people and allow them to continue in sin—he cleanses them from their sin and calls them to “go and sin no more.” This commercial, like every other left-wing Bible-twisting propaganda, paints Jesus as an antinomian who doesn’t care if you continue in sin. The most hateful thing you can do is lead sinners to believe that they are perfectly fine and right with God despite their continued unrepentant sin.

The Southern Baptist Convention, which is unfortunately led by hundreds of men just like Kevin Ezell—gullible to embrace secular movements while demonstrating zero discernment—has been enthralled with social justice propaganda since it was normalized in the denomination through Russell Moore’s Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission (ERLC). Through sinister players like Moore, many Southern Baptist pastors and leaders have now bought into much of the political left’s social propaganda.

And this is exactly why He Gets Us is so appealing to many mainstream Evangelicals like Kevin Ezell—He Gets Us is nothing more than a left-wing propaganda movement designed to brainwash Christians and move the church’s stance on social issues away from a biblical worldview. This ad below from He Gets Us, which is set to be played during the Superbowl this year, is a perfect illustration. By cloaking the birth of Jesus into a false narrative that “Jesus was a refugee,” He Gets Us cleverly makes an emotional appeal to Christians by comparing it to the thousands of illegal aliens flooding our borders daily.

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How Close is Doomsday? | Terry James

Homosexual Son of Former SBC President Publishes Child-Grooming Book: “My Guncle and Me”

One can now write a book on apostasy within many mainline Christian denominations. There seems to be countless well known Southern Baptist Pastors whose sons have fallen into gross sin and abominable lifestyles. In the following story, a former Southern Baptist President actually condones his sons’ heresy. You can’t make this stuff up. It is both mindboggling and surreal! Pastor Steve <><

Luke 18:8b: “However, when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?” It is as if Christ is predicting that faith in God will have waned so badly as to have departed from mankind.

Jonathan Merritt, the open and unrepentant homosexual son of former SBC president James Merritt, has announced the imminent arrival of his new children’s book, ‘My Guncle And Me’- with ‘Guncle being a contraction of ‘Gay Uncle.’

Homosexual Son of Former SBC President Publishes Pro-Homosexual Children’s Book: “My Guncle and Me”

by Publisher | Feb 8, 2024

Jonathan Merritt is the openly, practicing homosexual son of former Southern Baptist president and recently-hired Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary faculty member, James Merritt. James Merritt, who took aim at conservatives during the 2021 Southern Baptist Convention annual meeting arguing that Critical Race Theory is not a problem in the Church and that Christians shouldn’t concern themselves with fighting against it, is now openly and publicly promoting his homosexual son as “faithful to the gospel.”

In 2021, James publicly promoted his son’s preaching urging people to listen to one of his sermons that he preached calling it “brilliant” and “faithful to the gospel.”

The elder Merritt’s actions ultimately led to him stepping down from a teaching position at Southeastern Seminary. Yet, the former SBC president is allowing some pretty wild stuff to take place under his roof. This past Thanksgiving, the elder Merritt allowed his granddaughter to present his homosexual son with a bracelet with the word “GUNCLE” on it. He then published that on social media.

If the former SBC president, who, by the way, is highly involved in the day-to-day life of the Southern Baptist Convention, is allowing this to take place under his roof, should that disqualify him from the pastorate? Should it disqualify him from any leadership position in the SBC? Sane people would think so—but it doesn’t. James Merritt’s hands are still in everything SBC-related.

Fast forward to today, and Jonathan Merrit is now publishing a pro-homosexual book geared toward children.

Merritt writes in an Instagram post about this book:

On an ordinary evening a couple of years ago, I confessed to my friend @sniequist that I felt a holy nudge to write a children’s book, but I hadn’t found the perfect idea.

“Why don’t you write a book about being a Guncle?” she said—and a bomb went off in my chest. THAT was the book I was meant to write!

Over the last two years, I forged this book with intentionality, creativity and joy. And finally—FINALLY—on May 14th, I get to share it with all of you.

MY GUNCLE AND ME tells the story of Henry Higgleston, a kid who struggles with feeling like an oddball and outsider at school. But when his fabulous Guncle arrives for the weekend, the pair take an adventure that opens Henry’s eyes to the beauty of his uniqueness and the liberating power of self-acceptance.

I wrote this story for any kid, big or small, who has ever felt different. I can’t wait for you to read it, but first I need your help.

It’s not hard to believe that a homosexual would seek out children to indoctrinate with their perverted ideologies, but it is hard to believe that such a prominent Southern Baptist pastor and former SBC president who is intricately involved in the policy-making of the denomination would allow these things to happen not only under his roof, but to defile his name without any public rebuke to his son and with no rebuke from other Southern Baptist leaders to James.

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Ten Reasons Why a Christian Should Never Attend a Homosexual “Wedding”

I have spoken with professing Christians who have attended such apostate events. As for me, there is no decision to make. The Holy Spirit makes me cringe at the very thought of being there! Why would any Christian who claims to be born from above, attend such an abominable event! (Leviticus 18:22, Roman 1:26-27) The idea that this is even a topic to discuss reveals the deplorable state of Christianity in today’s world.  Pastor Steve <><

Luke 18:8b: “However, when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?”  [It is as if Christ is predicting that faith in God will have waned so badly as to have departed from mankind].

Ten Reasons Why a Christian Should Never Attend a Homosexual “Wedding”

In today’s Evangelical landscape, a seismic shift is unfolding, notably influenced by movements like Revoice and Living Out that have influenced Evangelical churches and advocate for a more inclusive approach within the church toward aberrant sexualities. Revoice, which emerged within Presbyterian (PCA) and Southern Baptist circles, promotes a perspective on “same-sex attraction” that is intertwined with contemporary pop psychology and personal experience rather than Scripture. Similarly, Living Out calls for “inclusivity” and “empathy” towards homosexuals in the church, which has resonated with compromised Evangelical institutions such as The Gospel Coalition (TGC) and the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission (ERLC) of the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC). This trend marks a drastic departure from the historic Church and traditional, orthodox biblical views on sexuality and marriage and mirrors the broader cultural movement towards inclusivity. This ideological shift poses an important challenge to the Evangelical Church—to navigate the tension between upholding biblical doctrine and conforming to societal pressures. For those of us committed to a traditional, conservative approach to Scripture, these developments are alarming and represent the broader Church’s abandonment of biblical authority, especially on human sexuality and marriage. This juncture calls for uncompromising conviction and a firm commitment to the authority of Scripture amidst a rapidly evolving cultural and theological landscape. In light of this recent trend to capitulate on homosexuality, particularly as it relates to Christians compromising by attending the “weddings” (we know they’re not real weddings), here are three reasons why Christians should never do so: 1.) Contradiction of Biblical Marriage Doctrine: This is probably the most obvious reason and goes without saying, but it’s also the most important reason. Traditional Christian doctrine teaches that marriage is a sacred institution established by God between one man and one woman (Genesis 2:24). Attending a homosexual will be seen as endorsing a view of marriage that contradicts this foundational biblical teaching, even if that isn’t the intent. Why would one attend if they didn’t agree with it? Is this what God would want? Can two walk together, except they be agreed? (Amos 3:3) 2.) Implicit Endorsement of Sin: The Bible categorizes homosexual acts as sinful (Leviticus 18:22, Romans 1:26-27). By attending such a “wedding,” it will be perceived that one is tacitly endorsing these practices, which conflicts with the call to live a life in obedience to Scripture. Similar to number 1, Can two walk together, except they be agreed? (Amos 3:3) The Bible calls us to “take no part” in sin, rather expose it (Ephesians 5:11). 3.) Compromise of Witness: Christians are called to be witnesses to the truth of God’s Word (Acts 1:8). Participating in events that celebrate practices contrary to biblical teachings clearly compromises this witness and dilutes the message of the gospel and the call to repentance and faith. 4.) Love in Truth: While Christians are called to love all people (Matthew 22:39), this love does not entail condoning actions that are contrary to God’s will. True love involves speaking the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15), which means not participating in events that celebrate what the Bible considers sin. Participating in such an event hinders our ability to speak truthfully when we should be. 5.) Respect for Authority of Scripture: By not attending, a Christian demonstrates a respect for the authority of Scripture as the final guide in matters of faith and conduct, including social issues and the definition of marriage. 6.) Guarding Personal Convictions: Attending a homosexual “wedding” should conflict with a Christian’s personal convictions, which are formed and informed by their understanding of biblical teachings. If they do not, one should examine rather they are truly in the faith. It’s important for Christians to guard these convictions to maintain a clear conscience before God (Romans 14:22-23). 7.) Avoiding Confusion in the Church: Participation in a homosexual “wedding” creates confusion and even stumbling blocks within the Christian community, especially among new believers or those struggling with understanding biblical teachings on sexuality and marriage. 8.) Prioritizing God’s Approval over Social Pressure: Choosing not to attend such an event may go against societal norms or pressures, but it prioritizes seeking God’s approval rather than conforming to the patterns of the world (Romans 12:2). The Apostle Paul tells us in Galatians 1:10 that when we begin to seek man’s approval over God’s, we cease to be His servants. 9.) Faithfulness to Christian Doctrine: This choice reflects a commitment to living out one’s faith authentically and faithfully, in accordance with the doctrines and teachings of orthodox Christianity, even when it’s countercultural. It demonstrates that we actually believe what we say we believe and preach. James 1:22 calls us to not deceive ourselves by being hypocritical hearers of the word only but to actually be doers of the word. 10.) Upholding the Sanctity of Marriage and the Gospel: Finally, and very importantly, by abstaining from attending the “wedding” of homosexuals, Christians uphold the sanctity of marriage as defined in the Bible, affirming its unique role and purpose in God’s design for humanity as well as His redemptive purposes. Ephesians 5:31, states, “For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and shall be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh…” Marriage is a picture of the gospel, and if we distort that picture, we distort the gospel. I hope this gives you food for thought. Of course, each of these topics could be expanded on, and if there is enough interest, I may do so one by one in separate articles. But this should be a good starting point for those struggling with how to answer and respond to this contentious issue. Should we approach the issue with pragmatism and what we think will work best? Or should we be obedient to God despite what we think or feel? The Dissenter is primarily supported by its readers. The best way to support us is to subscribe to our members-only site where you will receive all of our content ad-free, plus you will get member-only exclusive content.

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Below is a follow-up article to the one you just read, also written by The Dissenter by Reformation Charlotte:

In my previous exposition, Ten Reasons Why a Christian Should Never Attend a Homosexual “Wedding,” I cataloged a series of arguments, painting a picture of how such events are an abomination in the eyes of God. The list, although somewhat extensive, only skimmed the surface of this deep-seated issue, which is rooted primarily in spiritual defilement, but also in societal moral decay.

This discourse was intended as a guide for those navigating the precarious waters of familial and social pressures, offering a biblical perspective to stand against the tide. Each point, though briefly touched upon, is a doorway to a more profound truth that reveals the stark contrast between godly holiness and deviant sexual behavior. In this series, we’ll delve deeper into each reason as we aim to shed light on the God-hating nature of such ceremonies, and the imperative for those who follow Christ to unequivocally reject and stand apart from such defilement.

In this first part, we’ll talk more about such an ungodly union as a contradiction of the biblical doctrine of marriage.

In today’s social climate, the institution of marriage, as biblically ordained, faces not just a challenge, but a potential collapse under the weight of postmodern reinterpretations. As decreed in Genesis 2:24, the sacred covenant where a man leaves his father and mother to unite with his wife, forming an inseparable bond, stands supreme in the biblical hierarchy of human relationships. This divine blueprint, unambiguous in its simplicity and profound in its depth, has weathered centuries, serving as the bedrock of societal structure and spiritual symbolism.

However, the sanctity of this God-ordained institution is now being contested by waves of contemporary ideologies that promote every kind of aberrant sexual union under the sun, save a marriage between one man and one woman. Attending a homosexual wedding isn’t a mere social formality or loving gesture—it’s a profound statement, a declaration that tacitly endorses a model of union that is indecent and impure.

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The beating heart of this issue is not intolerance or lack of compassion, as many conclude. Rather, it’s about fidelity to the unaltered Word of God. Though it has been treated as such by contemporary idealogues, the biblical doctrine of marriage is not a relic of the past that is subject to revision with every wind of social change and rebellion against the Creator. It’s a timeless decree, resilient and unyielding in the face of cultural redefinitions.

To partake in celebrations that validate relationships condemned in Scripture is to pollute the pristine stream of biblical doctrine—it’s an active engagement in blurring the lines of God’s commandments. It’s a lot like how the Israelites’ worship of the golden calf in Exodus 32 was an affront to the Lord’s command to have no other gods. In doing so, we echo the errors of ancient Israel, intertwining with practices that the Bible explicitly denounces.

The Apostle Paul, in 1 Corinthians 10:21, warns believers not to partake of the table of demons after partaking of the Lord’s table, stressing the incompatibility between fellowship with Christ and fellowship with darkness. Similarly, James 4:4 declares friendship with the world as enmity with God, which tells us that one cannot be a partaker of both without deeply marring the purity of faith.

By aligning ourselves with such wickedness, we risk not just personal spiritual defilement but also contributing to a broader erosion of scriptural integrity within the body of Christ. In 2 Peter 2:1-2, the apostle speaks of false teachers who secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord—our actions and associations can either fortify the church’s doctrinal purity or, conversely, introduce elements that lead to its gradual decay.

The purity of biblical marriage doctrine is not a trivial matter, to be compromised or negotiated. It reflects Christ’s union with His church—holy, unblemished, and set apart. To stand by this truth is not an act of hatred, intolerance, or judgmentalism. Rather it’s an act of allegiance to the supremacy of Christ and authority of the scriptures, and a testament to the unchangeable nature of God’s Word amidst an ever-changing world.

As believers firmly rooted in the Scripture, the call is clear. It’s a call to uphold the sanctity of biblical marriage, to resist the tides of cultural compromise, and to stand, tireless and decisively, for the truth that has been entrusted to us—no matter how counter-cultural or unpopular it may be. In doing so, we honor not just God’s ordinance, but the Creator Himself, who designed marriage not just for temporal joy, but as a symbol of His eternal covenant with His own bride.

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The Pope Cannot Overrule God

The Pope is not and never has been God’s Vicar on earth. Nowadays, it is clear that he is nothing but a mere apostate and heretic, leading millions of his sheeple into the ditch. Perhaps Catholics will now understand the need of the Protestant Church. Pastor Steve <><

Breaking News Updates – January 16, 2024

The Pope Cannot Overrule God

BY MICHAEL BROWN/ASKDRBROWN.ORG JANUARY 16, 2024

No priest or Pope or pastor or spiritual leader can bless something that God Himself does not bless. Their words are empty and void of divine power or authority. They are human utterances and nothing more.

If you have followed my writing and speaking over the decades, you will know that Catholicism has not been a focus of my ministry, either praising it or criticizing it.

At the same time, I recognize the important role of the Catholic Church in standing for the sanctity of life and the meaning of marriage. That’s what makes the recent pronouncement of Pope Francis, allowing priests to “bless” same-sex couples, especially distressing.

What act of apostasy will be next?

My Catholic colleague John Zmirak wrote on Tuesday,

“Today I got one of those emails nobody wants to receive. You know, the ones where a journalist informs you that the leader of your church has authoritatively endorsed grave, unrepented sin; mocked not just timeless and current church teaching but the natural law itself; and opened up faithful clergy to persecution by the State. And by the way, would you like to comment?” (Later in his article, Zmirak references “Pope Francis’ poisonous reign of error.”)

Specifically, quoting from the Washington Times,

“Pope Francis on Monday approved letting priests bless same-sex couples, sparking criticism from conservative Catholics and praise from the LGBTQ community.

“Such blessings would not rise to the level of church-sanctioned same-sex marriages, the Vatican cautioned, but would offer gay Catholics the opportunity to seek God’s mercy without being subjected to ‘an exhaustive moral analysis.’

“The Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith issued the declaration, ‘Fiducia supplicans,’ with the pope’s approval but not his signature less than three months after a papal letter said such blessings were possible so long as they ‘do not transmit a wrong conception of marriage.'”

This is not just a step in the wrong direction. It is theological double-talk, spiritual drivel, and a mockery of the Word of God.

Surely, faithful Catholics around the world will reject this apostate message.

It has no support in Scripture, in divine morality, or in historic Church tradition, whether Catholic, Orthodox, or Protestant.

And so, rather than try to parse the theological nuances of the Pope’s statement, which in the end helps no one and harms many, let me be straightforward.

No priest or Pope or pastor or spiritual leader can bless something that God Himself does not bless. Their words are empty and void of divine power or authority. They are human utterances and nothing more.

As much as a gay couple may be in love, as much as they may revere the traditions of their Church (at least, some of the traditions), and as much as they may be models of kindness and loyalty, the fact is that male + male or female + female represents a fundamental violation of the meaning of marriage, not to mention a fundamental violation of the nature and purpose of humanity.

How then, can a priest bless a couple whose very relationship goes against the order and plan of God? And, speaking in particular of two gay men, how can a priest, representing the Lord, bless them when the Lord Himself deems their sexual relationship to be something detestable in His sight (Leviticus 18:22) and when Paul says that those who practice such things will be excluded from the kingdom of God (1 Corinthians 6:9-10).

You might say, “You fundamentalists are always attacking homosexuality. What about adultery? What about other kinds of sexual immorality? What about all you Bible-thumping Christians who are addicted to porn?”

But that’s the whole point.

If a Christian leader said, “We are now blessing couples living in adultery,” there would be outrage.

If that leader said, “We are now offering special blessings for all the couples living together out of wedlock,” there would be pushback.

If a church had a weekly porn night where after worship and prayer, the congregants would watch porn, it would set the internet ablaze.

But that is not happening, except perhaps in the case of divorces without biblical justification, followed by illegitimate marriages which are sometimes “blessed” by compromised clergy.

Otherwise, no major Church leaders are sanctioning adultery or fornication or pornography. But some are sanctioning same-sex unions (or, in more compromised settings, same-sex “marriages”).

That is why we respond as we do.

It’s the same thing with LGBTQ+ activism in general.

That activism is affecting children in our nursery schools and young adults on our college campuses. It is everywhere in our society, from social media to the world of sports, and from TV and Hollywood to the business world. 

We cannot avoid confronting LGBTQ+ activism and ideology wherever we turn, so we either push back with our own values or we cave in and capitulate.

It’s the same with the Pope’s ridiculous pronouncement. There must be a reply.

The fact that, “Such blessings would not rise to the level of church-sanctioned same-sex marriages” is meaningless. 

The “blessings” would sanction something God does not sanction and give false assurances to the couples involved. And is there a gay Catholic on the planet who would not see this as another step in the direction of the ultimate goal, namely, the full acceptance of gay relationships by the Catholic Church?

As for the notion that these blessings were possible as long as they “do not transmit a wrong conception of marriage,” my response is short and sweet: Are you kidding me?

Really now, is the Pope telling us a gay couple can live together, can be emotionally and physically intimate, and can commit to lifelong faithfulness without transmitting a wrong conception of marriage? What is the big difference between the two – other than the obvious fact that two men or two women cannot marry in God’s sight?

In August, I addressed the Church of England’s decision to allow Anglican clergy to “bless” same-sex couples, yet another apostate step made by this rapidly declining faith group.

What will now happen with the Catholic Church?

That is for Catholics to answer, but without question, this could lead to a major rift of sorts, as the strong, conservative elements of the Church will reject this pronouncement outright, whatever the cost. The effects could be seismic. (As I noted in that August article, it is “progressive” Christianity that is dying; the real gospel is thriving.)

As for the gay Catholic couples who see this as a beacon of hope and a sign of the humanity and compassion of the Church, I don’t pretend to see the world through their eyes, and I don’t claim to understand the pain and the struggle they have endured.

I will just say this, with brokenness, not with triumphalism: I don’t doubt your love for each other. I don’t doubt that part of you really wants to honor the Lord.

But I can only tell you the truth. God has a better way, and He never intended you to unite with someone of the same sex. 

If you will lay your life before Him, surrendering fully to Jesus as Lord, He will forgive all your sins and give you a fresh new start.

Cry out to Him today!

Originally published at AskDrBrown.org – reposted with permission.

Franklin Graham says Pope Francis doesn’t have the right to bless ‘what God calls sin’

There are so few spiritual leaders today in a large public forum who will not waffle in regards to the truth. In Christianity, Franklin Graham is a man among boys, never hesitating to present the full counsel of God. In Christ, Pastor Steve <><

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The Rev. Franklin Graham speaks at the “God Loves Your” tour event at the ExCel London convention center in London, England, on Saturday, Aug. 26, 2023. 

Franklin Graham says Pope Francis doesn’t have the right to bless ‘what God calls sin’

By Katelyn Webb, Tuesday, December 19, 2023

The Rev. Franklin Graham slammed Pope Francis for approving a measure that will allow Roman Catholic priests to offer blessings to same-sex couples, warning that such “blessings” will not “save you from the judgment of God.”

In a Facebook post on Monday, the son of legendary evangelist Billy Graham responded to news that the Vatican will allow priests to bless same-sex couples, though not in a way that endorses their unions. 

“So-called ‘blessings’ from religious leaders won’t save you from the judgment of God!” wrote Graham, the president of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and Samaritan’s Purse.

“Pope Francis has now approved Catholic priests’ blessing’ same-sex couples. But none of us, including the Pope, has the right to ‘bless’ what God calls sin. ‘Woe to those who call evil good and good evil…’ (Isaiah 5:20).”

A Message from The Christian Post Shop

“The Good News is that right now God will forgive sin, but we have to come to Him His way, on His terms — by repenting of our sins and placing our faith in His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. Otherwise, the Bible says, ‘The destruction of transgressors and of sinners shall be together, and those who forsake the LORD shall be consumed’ (Isaiah 1:28).”

Graham’s comments came hours after the Vatican’s Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith issued a declaration titled “Fiducia Supplicans,” providing “a broadening and enrichment of the classical understanding of blessings, which is closely linked to a liturgical perspective.”

“It is precisely in this context that one can understand the possibility of blessing couples in irregular situations and same-sex couples without officially validating their status or changing in any way the Church’s perennial teaching on marriage,” stated the Catholic Church leadership.

“This Declaration is also intended as a tribute to the faithful People of God, who worship the Lord with so many gestures of deep trust in his mercy and who, with this confidence, constantly come to seek a blessing from Mother Church.”

The Vatican document stated that “when people ask for a blessing, an exhaustive moral analysis should not be placed as a precondition for conferring it” and that “those seeking a blessing should not be required to have prior moral perfection.”

For same-sex couples, “a blessing may be imparted that not only has an ascending value but also involves the invocation of a blessing that descends from God upon those who — recognizing themselves to be destitute and in need of his help — do not claim a legitimation of their own status.”

The declaration warned that “one should neither provide for nor promote a ritual for the blessings of couples in an irregular situation.” 

“At the same time, one should not prevent or prohibit the Church’s closeness to people in every situation in which they might seek God’s help through a simple blessing,” the Vatican document continued.

“In a brief prayer preceding this spontaneous blessing, the ordained minister could ask that the individuals have peace, health, a spirit of patience, dialogue, and mutual assistance — but also God’s light and strength to be able to fulfill his will completely.”

A declaration issued by the same body in 2021 stated that churches have no power to bless same-sex marriage since God “cannot bless sin.”

Officially, the Catholic Church teaches that same-sex attraction is not sinful, but homosexual acts are. However, in the United States, about six in 10 Catholics (61%) said in a 2019 survey that they favor allowing gays and lesbians to marry.

Last month, the Vatican’s Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith issued a guidance stipulating that people who have undergone trans surgical procedures or taken cross-sex hormones can be baptized, provided “there are no situations in which there is a risk of generating public scandal or disorientation among the faithful.”