Transgender Priest Makes History

Added by Tyler Cole on June 21, 2014.
Saved under Religion, Tyler Cole, U.S.
Tags: Transgender

 

This is an article from MSN 

 

Matthew 10:15 Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city.

Romans 1:18-27 18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; 19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. 20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: 21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. 22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, 23 And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.

24Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: 25Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.

26For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: 27And 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.

When it comes to the word of God, everyone wants to spread the good news-even a transgender priest. As long as the message is the same and uplifting, anyone should be able to deliver the word. Boston University’s Episcopal Chaplain already made history by being one of the first openly gay bishops to wear the cloth, but Reverend Dr. Cameron Partridge will continue to make a name for himself by preaching at Washington National Cathedral in Washington, DC.

Being the first to take the podium at the historical church, Dr. Partridge is the first member of the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) community to preside. Partridge will step in as a guest preacher at the Canterbury pulpit on Sunday, June 22. According to Time, Partridge will be accompanied by other members of LGBT community and read excerpts from the Bible.

Reverend Partridge comprises one of seven history making openly transgender preachers in the Episcopal Church. He gained notoriety when he was the first trans to become a chaplain at Boston University in 2011. Being the first state to make same-sex marriage legal, it is no surprise that Massachusetts does not turn away members of the LGBT from breaking past taboos. His transition to chaplain helped pave the way for a sign on change within the Episcopal Church and resulted in the addition of non-discrimination for gender identity and expression to the canons within the church.

Although Partridge has become a revolutionary, in his own way, he did not find the “coming-out” process as easy. The reverend did not admit to his bishop that he was in the process of transitioning from a female to a male until being ordained as a priest. His admittance to his bishop Reverend M. Thomas Shaw was only met with support. To this day, Boston’s Cathedral Church of St. Paul still holds a memorial service for transgendered youth and adolescences on the International Transgender Day of Remembrance.

Since the passing of the same-sex marriage laws in Washington, DC, times have changed to become a more gay-friendly area. This change in service is well welcomed by the dean of the cathedral, Gary Hall and is a positive example of future changes that may take place in the future at the church. Hall has always been an advocate for the gay community in the church. Following the Supreme Court’s historical decision to reject the Defense of Marriage Act in 2013, Hall has been started a policy of blessing same-sex marriages.

With so many changes taking place, there is still opposition from those in the Christian community. Transgender members are reported to still meet some hostility when entering the church or seeking membership. According to Chris Paige of Transfaith, a nonprofit organization focusing on the issues of faith and religion in the trans community, many transgendered members feel segregated or alone when walking into a church that still claims to be accepting of all walks of life. Paige is enthusiastic about the transgendered priest’s history making decision to provide a sermon and hopes that this will help bring light to the cause.

By Tyler Cole

Sources:
WJLA
Huffington Post
TIME

As the Lord has spoken it. The last days are worst then the days of Sodom and Gomorrha. In those days they were doing the same acts of sin, and God destroyed Sodom.  What you Are seeing today are the last days. The world are excepting the sins, and ignoring God's word.

   

Isaiah 5:20 Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!

 

Pastor Rolando Ramos

www.fghconline.com

 

 

First, we must know that we are all sinners

                                    

We must first admit that we are wrong as sinner. In order for you to be forgiven for something you may think is ok, in you mind, or in your heart ask Jesus Christ. Was Jesus wrong for dying on the cross? He died on the cross because we were wrong, and he step up to plate to make things right, and all we have to do is ask him in prayer what must I do to receive forgiveness of my sins. Here are some bible verses that will guide you in the right direction.   

Romans 3:23

For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; 24Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:

                                Secondly, that the penalty for sin is death in hell

Romans 6:23

For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

                    Thirdly, that the Lord Jesus Christ paid the penalty for our sins.

Romans 5:8

But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

                    Fourthly, that we must need to accept His payment for our sins.

John 3:3

Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

John 3:16

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

I John 1:9

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Romans 10:13

For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

Romans 10:9

That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

Matthew 11:28-30

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

 

Revelation 3:20

Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

Matthew 6:24

No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

Matthew 16:26

For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?

Philippians 4:13

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

Philippians 4:19

But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

 

                                                       “My Challenge to you”

If you are not a Christian, I invite you to receive the hope and peace in your heart that only Jesus gives.

  To become a Christian, you must deal with Christ Jesus directly. In A quiet moment, bow your head and talk to him. In your own words say something like this:

 “Dear Lord Jesus, I am a sinner. I believe that you died and rose from the dead to save me from my sins. I want to be with you in heaven forever. God, forgive me of all my sins that I have committed against you. I here and now open my heart to you and ask you to come into my heart and life and be my personnel Savior. Amen.”

 If you say that to Christ and mean it, He will come in instantly. At once you will sense you have been transferred from the devil’s dominion to the kingdom of God. Read Romans 10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.        

 

 

Pastor Rolando Ramos 

www.fghconline.com                            

False Preachers in the last days

 

Mark 13:22 For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall shew signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect.

The Bible also warns that many people will be seduced by false teachers who will lead them astray with doctrines of devils and demons. It is amazing but a recent survey found that 57% of Christians believe that there is more than one way to Heaven. The truth is that this is complete blasphemy. The Bible is crystal clear that there is only one way to Heaven and that is through Jesus Christ. The following scriptures attest to this fact:

Jhn 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

1Ti 2:5 For [there is] one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;

Surely we are living in the last days when even Christians would deny many of the cardinal doctrines of the faith, especially ones having to do with the essentials of salvation. The truth is that many people are living in the world and the world doesn't like the truth. The world is becoming consumed with the liberal leftist and socialist thought process that believe that everything is OK if it feels OK. This is paving the way for the legalization of gay marriages, adoption of children by gay couples, increased sexual immorality, etc. While none of us is perfect and we all have fallen short of being sinless, the truth is the problem lies in the fact that sinning has become OK as more and more people abandon the Christian faith. As they abandon the Christian faith they discard Christian values and morals.

Jesus gave us these signs so that we would know to remain faithful despite the changing atmosphere and environment around us. wickedness and lawlessness is gaining ground in the world, and soon the "man of sin" will emerge and carryout his dark deeds according to the Word of God. The rampant rise of evil in our society will help pave the way for the moral and civil decline in society. We are already seeing increases in crime, suicide, homicide, and crowded jails. We are truly reaping what we have sown. God will not be mocked and no nation is safe from the judgment of God if they purposefully rebel against Him.

In my humble opinion, the first step in recovering from the rise of wickedness and evil in our society is to pray. We must pray without ceasing and pray that God helps deliver us from our own self inflicted immorality. The Bible says that the last days will be like as it was during the times of Noah, when wickedness and evil were so rampant that God flooded the Earth to cleanse it from such evil. Yet the lesson to learn is that even though God flooded the world and destroyed everything that lived except that which Noah took on the ark, it gives us a reason to long for the blessed hope of the rapture of the church that will remove us from the time and place of God's wrath that will fall on unrepentant sinners. Despite the darkness that is slowly but surely enveloping the world, we should seek the spirit of God and all the things that are of Him including love, joy, peace, goodness, etc.

God bless.

Pastor Rolando Ramos

www.fghconline.com

 

JESUS: THE GREAT ENCOURAGER

John 14:1-31
Intro: Notice the first phrase found in verse 1. Jesus says to His Disciples, "Let not your heart be troubled..." On the surface, that may not appear to be such a great blessing, but when you consider that at this moment, Jesus is on the eve of His death and is standing in the very shadow of Calvary, yet He takes the time to encourage His Disciples. Were their hearts troubled? Certainly! Jesus has just told them of His impending death, 13:31-33; they had just learned that one of their number is going to betray Jesus into the hands of the enemy, 13:21; even Simon Peter has just been notified that he will deny Jesus three times before the morning comes. Yes, their hearts are heavy with sorrow and burdened with grief and questions. But, even in the hour of His greatest trial, Jesus still loved His own, 13:2, and reached out to them to comfort them and encourage them.

Now, it would be impossible to adequately cover every detail of the glorious chapter in one message. However, I would like to dive right into these verses this morning and lift out a portrait of Jesus: The Great Encourager. In this great chapter, Jesus addresses some very important areas of life and offers us hope in each of them today. In the hour of His greatest need, He takes the time to encourage the hearts of His Disciples, and of every person who takes the time to read and heed these words from the mouth of the Lord Jesus Christ. Join me this morning as we encounter Jesus: The Great Encourager.

I. V. 2-3 THERE IS HOPE FOR TOMORROW

He Speaks Of:

A. v. 2 A Heavenly Home - Jesus tells us about a prepared place for a prepared people! While we cannot go into great detail about the wonders of that Heavenly City this morning, I can tell you that when we arrive there, we will be home! We will dwell in the Father's House, in the Father's presence free from sin, sorrow, suffering, separation or any other thing that would hinder the glory of Heaven, Rev. 21:4; 27. Try as I might, I could never adequately describe the glories of that place. I think Paul summed up the concept pretty well in 1 Cor. 2:9. I look forward to entering that city some day!

(Ill. Barring the return of Jesus in the Rapture, the only way to get to Heaven is through the avenue of death. Isn't it interesting that Jesus would speak of Heaven as "Home"? Often people are frightened by the prospect of dying. Yet, for the child of God, death is not the end, it is simply a time to go home! This was the attitude of Paul - 2 Cor. 12:2-4. Paul had seen it, couldn't find the vocabulary to describe what he had seen, therefore he was reduced to telling us that whatever was over there was "far better" than what we have down here, Phil. 1:23.)

B. V. 3 A Heavenly Hope - In this verse, Jesus reminds us that there will come a day when He will return for His people. There are some who do not believe in the Rapture of the church, however the Lord does and I'll just stick with Him! Paul sheds a little more light on this monumental event in 1 Cor. 15:51-52; 1 Thes. 4:16-17. Men may doubt it, and men may mock it, but Jesus is going to come again and the best advise I have for you is for you to be ready, Matt. 24:44!

(Ill. The story is told of British House Of Commons member Benjamin Disraeli. It is said that when Disraeli was elected to Parliament, he was considered somewhat of an odd fellow. In his mannerisms and in his attire, he stood out from the rest of the members. Added to this was the fact that he was a Jew. When he arose to make his first speech before Parliament, he was mocked so loudly and so uproariously by the others Members of Parliament that he was forced to sit down. Before he sat down, however, he said this, "I will sit down now, but you will hear from me again."

In a very real sense, this is what Jesus is saying. He is telling these men, "I am going away, but you will hear from me again." In fact, the last recorded words of our Lord were given to John on the Isle of Patmos. In that statement, Jesus said this, "Surely, I come quickly.", Rev. 22:20.)

C. V. 3 A Heavenly Homecoming - Now, the Disciples are upset with the notion that Jesus is going away. Therefore, He tells them that where He is going, they can come also. Thank God this morning, the greatest glory of Heaven will not be golden streets, jasper walls, angelic hosts, crystal rivers, an endless day, or even seeing those who have gone on before. Even the thought of all these wonders pales when placed alongside that which will thrill our hearts more than anything else. That thing that excites me more than anything else. That one wonder that I most anticipate is the day when I shall at last look upon the face of the One who dies for my sins on Calvary, when I shall at last have the opportunity to bow at His nail riven feet and shout His praises in that Heavenly City on High.

What a day that will be,

when my Jesus I shall see.

When I look upon His face,

the One who saved me by His grace.

When He takes me by the hand,

and leads me through that promised land,

What a day, glorious day, that will be!

John saw Him and described Him this way, Rev. 1:13-19. However, the greatest description ever penned about our risen Lord is found in Rev. 5:6. That is the Jesus we will behold in glory!

I. There Is Hope For Tomorrow

II. V. 4-31 THERE IS HELP FOR TODAY

There is a help from Jesus in the matter of:

A. V. 4-11 Salvation - In these verses, Jesus tells the Disciples that there is only one plan of salvation for all men. He tells Thomas that He is the Way, the Truth and the Life. He declares Himself to be the only access to God for any man! He goes beyond that revelation and says that He is in fact the very physical representation of Almighty God, v. 9. Boiled down to its very simplest terms, Jesus is the only means of salvation for all humanity! Acts 4:12 Acts 16:31; John 3:16, all bear testimony to the truth that salvation is found in Jesus Christ and in Him alone.

(Ill. I realize that this is a pretty narrow view for our day and time, but it is a view that is taught by the Bible. Many feel that there are various routes one can take to reach God. Yet the Bible makes it clear that there is but one way for all men and that way is through faith in finished work of Jesus Christ at Calvary! Jesus blazed the trail from earth to Heaven so that sinners might come to him by faith ane be saved.)

(Ill. A pioneer missionary in Africa tells how he was taking the gospel to a new tribe, far to the north. With his bearers, he arrived at a village, a point beyond which his porters refused to go. The missionary appealed to the local chief . Was there someone in his village who could act as his guide to the distant northern tribe? The chief summoned a man, tall, battle scarred, carrying a large axe. A bargain was made and the next morning the missionary set off through the bush, following his new guide. The way became increasingly rough and the path had all,? but disappeared. There was an occasional mark blazed on a tree, occasionally a narrow path. Finally the missionary called a halt. He asked the guide if he was sure he knew the way. The man pulled himself up to his full height. "White man," he said, "you see this axe in my hand? You see these scars on my body? With this axe I blazed the trail to the tribal village to which we go. I came from there. These scars I received when I made the way You ask me if I know the way? Before I came, there was no way. I am the way!"⁽¹⁾)

In this passage, Jesus gives us a threefold assurance:

1. How can I be saved? He is the Way!

2. How can I be sure? He is the Truth!

3. How can I be satisfied? He is the Life!

Thank God, Jesus is all you will ever need in the matter of your soul's salvation!

B. V. 12-14 Service - As we live in the here and now, we can rest assured that Jesus will aid us in His work. He gives us a threefold promise related to the matter of our service.

1. V. 12 He will Honor Us - Jesus declares that we will be able to do greater works than those which He did. What He means is that they will be greater in quantity, but not in quality! When Jesus was here, He was limited to one geographical locality. However, when He ascended back to Heaven and sent the Holy Spirit to indwell His people, He has the ability to be in many places working at the same time. While Jesus was on the earth, many of His miracles were physical in nature. Now, He uses His children to bring the Word of salvation to lost men. That is a tremendous miracle! For that which is spiritual is always greater than that which is physical!

2. V. 13-14 He Will Hear Us - Here we are given the blessed assurance that when we call upon the name of the Lord, He will hear us and will move in the time of our need. It makes serving Jesus much easier to know that we do not serve alone, but that we have His presence and His attention to our prayers. We serve a prayer hearing and prayer answering God, Jer. 33:3.

3. V. 13-14 He Will Help Us - Not only does Jesus promise to hear our prayers, but He also promises to move in such a way as to bring about and answer. He listens than He goes to work on our behalf! I am glad that we do not serve a God who has left us to make it the best way we can. No! We serve a Lord who is able to help us by giving us that which we need day by day! (Ill. Matt. 7:7-8)

C. V. 15, 19-24 Surrender - In these verses, Jesus speaks of about the area of our surrender to His authority. He declares that our surrender to Him should be based in love! He tells us that 2 great truths that must not go unnoticed.

1. V. 15, 21, 24 The Proof Of Love - Jesus makes it crystal clear that our obedience to Him and His word is the absolute proof of our love to Him. Our lips can say what they please, but until our lives match our lips, we are only deceiving ourselves!

2. V. 21, 23 The Promise Of Love - The promise to those who are obedient to the Lord Jesus and His will for their lives is that He and the Father will manifest themselves to them. That is, the believer who walks in obedient, surrendered love will experience and influx of power from on high. The promise of love is that surrender bring with it great authority in the work of Christ. Matt. 25:21.

D. V. 16-18, 26 The Spirit - These verses tell of the coming of the Holy Spirit. We are given several truths about Him and His ministry to believers that need to be looked into today.

1. V. 16a, 18 His Person - Jesus promised the Disciples that when He went to the Father, He would ask the Father to send the "Comforter." This Comforter is none other than the Holy Spirit. There are some facts about this divine Person that we need to acknowledge.

A. His Title - Comforter - "paraklete" - One who comes alongside another to offer protection and counsel. It carries the idea of and advocate, or a lawyer. The Holy Spirit is our divine "paraklete."

B. His Personality - Another - "allos" - Literally another of the same kind or quality. Jesus was a Comforter Himself, but the Spirit of God is Another Comforter. One just like Jesus.

C. His Ability - v. 17 - Jesus was able to abide with the Disciples and had been for 3 years. Now, through the coming of the Holy Spirit, He will not abide with them, but He shall abide in them. Hence, Jesus has the ability to promise every child of God that He will never leave them nor forsake them, but that He will be with always, Heb. 13:5; Matt. 28:20.

2. V. 16b His Permanence - When the Spirit of God takes up residence in the heart of the believer, He comes in to stay forever! As long as this life lasts here on earth, the Spirit of God will never desert the child of God. He will ever be present and ever be guiding us as we walk through this wicked, sin cursed world!

3. V. 17, 21, 26 His Purpose - The purpose of the Spirit in the believer's life is manifold. These verses tell us all about His plans for us and His purpose in coming into us at conversion.

A. To Indwell - v. 17 - At the moment of salvation, the believer literally becomes the Temple of God. God, in the form of His Spirit, comes in and takes up permanent residence. He dwells in the life of the believer! Just take a minute and let that truth sink in! Our problem is that we have become so familiar with the deep truths of the Bible that they no long hold much luster for us. We fail to see the glory in the thought that God lives in our hearts!

B. To Invest - v. 21 - That is, He fills us with the power to live and to labor for the Lord. Without Him, we would be able to accomplish nothing of glory for Jesus sake. However, with Him filling us and leading us we have the ability to accomplish things that would otherwise be impossible - Phil. 4:13.

C. To Instruct - v. 26 - One purpose of the Holy Spirit in our lives is to instruct us in the things of God. It is the Holy Spirit who teaches about the Bible. It is the Holy Spirit who reveals the deep things of God unto us. It is He the Holy Spirit who teaches us how to reach our fullest potential for the glory of God. He is a divine Instructor!

D. To Inspire - v. 26 - Again, we are reminded that He is an encourager. When we become discouraged, the Holy Spirit in our soul rises up and wraps the comforting arms of Heavenly love and protection around us and reminds that we belong to Him. He encourages us to keep on running, to keep on going, to keep on living for Jesus. He inspires us to press forward for the glory of the Lord.

E. V. 27-31 Stillness - As Jesus brings the thoughts of chapter 14 to a close, He speaks to the Disciples troubled hearts once again. He reminds them that He is still the Prince of Peace and that just because He is leaving, that doesn't mean that He will remove His peace. Here, Jesus tells the Disciples that even though their world is about to be shattered, they can face it with the assurance that they have His peace to keep them during the difficult hours ahead.

(Ill. May I remind you that we have the same assurance today? Our world is in turmoil, there is uncertainty all around. Yet, through it all, the saints of God are possessed of a peace that defies all description. According to Jesus this peace is Heavenly in origin, therefore it cannot be affected by the events of earth. Our response in times of trouble is to lean on the peace of Jesus and trust Him to take care of His own - Phil. 4:6-7; Isa. 26:3)

Conc: I thank the Lord today for Jesus: The Great Encourager! I am glad that when I do not understand what is going to happen, when it seems that everything is falling apart, when I don't know which way to turn, I can count on Jesus! He has given us all we need today. Whether the need is for salvation of for peace of heart, the remedy will be found in Him. I invite you to come to Jesus today and cast your cares upon Him. Whatever you face today, you do not have to face it alone. Will you come to Jesus: The Great Encourager right now and find the help you need?



Pastor Rolando Ramos
www.fghconline.com

 

Do you Love Jesus?

One of my favorite gospel passages is the post-resurrection encounter between Jesus and Peter when Jesus asks Peter three times, “Do you love me?” I love this passage because there have been many times in my life when I know Jesus has asked me the same question and it has forced me to enter deeply into my heart to find the answer.
Some days I’ve been able to answer with a resounding “Yes!” Other days, my answer has been more lukewarm: “Lord, I do love You…but not enough.”
Jesus asked Peter this question three times so that Peter would be given the chance to reverse his triple denial of Jesus. Just as Peter denied Jesus three times so now he would three times express his love for the Lord. Jesus takes the initiative to bring Peter to repentance for his sins. How beautiful! Even when we offend Jesus He draws near to us; He takes the initiative in leading us back to Him through repentance.
“Do you love me?” It’s a question that any serious follower of Jesus Christ must reflect upon because love for Jesus is at the heart of our spiritual lives. So today I invite you to look into your heart and respond to Him. Do you love Him?
None of us loves Jesus perfectly; but if we try to love Him then it will necessarily play out in our daily lives. So, how do we love Jesus—practically? How does it translate into our daily living?
• We love Him with our hearts. This means that He is our first love. He comes before everything and everyone. Our hearts belong completely to Him. Spouses, fear not! For the more we love Jesus, the more we are able to love others. He is the source of love and the more we go to the source, the more we are filled. Loving Jesus with our hearts means that we let nothing else occupy the central place in our hearts; that place is for Him alone. Loving Jesus with our hearts means that we are willing to do whatever He asks of us, no matter what the cost, no matter what our own desire is. Loving Jesus means being committed to daily, heart-to-heart prayer with Him.
• We love Him with our minds. This means that Jesus occupies our thoughts. He influences everything we do in our lives. It means we think of Him frequently throughout the day; we speak to Him throughout the day; we know that He is with us at every moment. It means we do our best, with God’s grace, to banish thoughts that go against the love of Jesus. We dismiss angry thoughts, impure thoughts, jealous thoughts, judgmental thoughts, any thoughts that come against our love for God and neighbor. Loving Jesus with our minds means that we allow our minds to be shaped by the truths that are taught to us through the Church, truths that lead us to live the Christian life more fully.
• We love Him with our bodies. This means that whatever our vocation we keep our bodies pure. We live chastely. Married couples stay faithful to one another and allow their love to deepen so that they can enter more deeply into the great mystery of the sacrament of marriage. Those who are not married live chastely. This enables them to be selfless in serving God, their family, the Church, and society. Loving Jesus with our bodies means that we allow the Holy Spirit to shape our passions. We cooperate with God’s grace to overcome bad habits: impatience, anger, unforgiveness, whatever struggles we may have.
“Do you love me?” It’s a deep question. It’s a demanding question. It’s a question addressed to each of us. Are we ready to respond like Peter? “Lord, you know everything, you know that I love you.”


Pastor Rolando Ramos
www.fghconline.com

Jonah’s Desperate Prayer from the Whale’s Belly

Here is what Jonah prayed to God from the inside of the whale’s belly…

“Then Jonah prayed unto the LORD his God out of the fish's belly, And said, I cried by reason of mine affliction unto the LORD, and he heard me; out of the belly of hell cried I, and thou heardest my voice. For thou hadst cast me into the deep, in the midst of the seas; and the floods compassed me about: all thy billows and thy waves passed over me. Then I said, I am cast out of thy sight; yet I will look again toward thy holy temple. The waters compassed me about, even to the soul: the depth closed me round about, the weeds were wrapped about my head. I went down to the bottoms of the mountains; the earth with her bars was about me for ever: yet hast thou brought up my life from corruption, O LORD my God. When my soul fainted within me I remembered the LORD: and my prayer came in unto thee, into thine holy temple. They that observe lying vanities forsake their own mercy. But I will sacrifice unto thee with the voice of thanksgiving; I will pay that that I have vowed. Salvation is of the LORD. And the LORD spake unto the fish, and it vomited out Jonah upon the dry land.” —Jonah 2:1-10

Jonah said something remarkable in his prayer to God. Jonah stated that people who trust in “lying vanities” for their salvation literally “forsake their own mercy.” That is to say, they forfeit the free gift of eternal life which God in His loving mercy has made available to all mankind through the sacrifice of His only begotten Son. This would be equivalent to the Apostle Paul’s statement in Galatians 5:4 … “Ye are fallen from grace.” There is ONLY one way to Heaven and that is through the precious redeeming blood of the Lord Jesus Christ (1st Peter 1:18,19). Anyone who tries to merit Heaven some “other way” has fallen from the saving grace of God, and has forsaken the mercy which God has bestowed upon them through the gift of eternal life found only in Christ Jesus  Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised

(Acts 4:10-12; from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. 11 This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. 12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

John 10:1,9). Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. 9 I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.el

As I read Jonah’s plea to God, I couldn’t help but immediately think of all the religious people in the world today who trust in “lying vanities” to get them to
God’s Merciful Gift of Eternal Life Versus the Lying Vanities of a False Gospel

As I read Jonah’s plea to God, I couldn’t help but immediately think of all the religious people in the world today who trust in “lying vanities” to get them to Heaven. They have forsaken the very mercy that God has bestowed upon them through His precious Son, Jesus Christ. Therefore, the wrath of God abideth upon them (John 3:36).
Jonah knew that “SALVATION IS OF THE LORD” and pondered over it in the whale’s belly. I find it very interesting that Jonah was thinking about the merciful gift of God, and of those who trust in “lying vanities” which lead to Hellfire. You see, when Jonah was fleeing from God he was only thinking about himself; but now that Jonah is in woe and desperation, he is thinking about what is important to God—SOULWINNING!!! I believe Jonah was thinking about the unsaved inhabitants of Nineveh (where God had told him to go preach the Gospel). Jonah promised God to obey His will if his life was spared. God caused the whale to spew Jonah forth on dry ground. Interestingly, Jonah made a 3-day journey in just ONE DAY. Jonah ran all the way to Nineveh after God delivered him from being entangled in weeds in the whale’s belly in the depths of the sea. That’s quite a testimony.

Many religious people today have a false sense of peace, like the calm in the eye of a hurricane, because they’ve been lied to by some unholy priest or arrogant minister. Death and destruction await them after the calm is gone, i.e., when they enter into eternity in their sins without the Lord. The most dangerous thing you’ll ever do is trust what men say. You’d better do what Jesus commanded in John 5:39… SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES!!! You’ll never go wrong listening to the Word of God.

The Bible is filled with warnings about listening to people…

“It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man.” —Psalm 118:8

“There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” —Proverb 16:25

“Behold, ye trust in lying words, that cannot profit.” —Jeremiah 7:8

“Thus saith the LORD; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD.” —Jeremiah 17:5

“God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged.” —Romans 3:4

“This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.” —Matthew 15:8,9

Jonah knew that SALVATION IS OF THE LORD, and that those who trust in “lying vanities” are traveling on a highway to Hell. Phooey on what El Papa over in Rome says. Phooey on what your priest says (who's saturated with sins himself). Phooey on that Lutheran minister who arrogantly and falsely claims to have power to forgive your sins—NO HE DOESN’T. The only One Who can forgive anyone's sins has nail-scared hands and feet—Jesus Christ. Believe on Him!!!
 

What Will It Take?

Jonah was your typical person who forgets about God until tragedy strikes. It's sad, but true, that most of us don't think about what pleases God until we're in the back of an ambulance or in a dangerous situation. Whereas Jonah was stubbornly fleeing from the will of God before; now he is in the morbid belly of a whale facing imminent death, crying out in repentance for God to deliver him. Whereas Jonah wasn't concerned about fulfilling the will of God just days earlier; now he is desperately desiring to do God's will and preach the Gospel to lost sinners who trust in "lying vanities."

What will it take for us to surrender our lives to do God's will? Why does God always have to send a whale to devour us, fiery serpents to bite us (Numbers 21:6), an evil spirit to afflict us (1st Samuel 16:14) or a thorn in the flesh to humble us (2nd Corinthians 12:7). Mankind is sinfully proud and stubborn. Deuteronomy 6:12 warns, "Then beware lest thou forget the LORD, which brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage." It is so easy to become ungrateful for all the wonderful things that God has done for us. So often as believers we forget about the very God Who brought us forth out of darkness (bondage to sin) and gave to us new life in Jesus Christ.


Trust Upon the Lord Jesus Christ and Simply Say, “Thank You.”

Jonah said that he would sacrifice unto the Lord with “a voice of thanksgiving.” Mankind has no part in salvation other than to receive it through faith in Christ Jesus and say, “Thank you.” Salvation is receiving; not giving. We have zero righteousness of our own. Even our own self-perceived goodness is “filthy rags” in the sight of Almighty God (Isaiah 64:6). The very reason why God sent His Son to die and shed His blood at Calvary for our sins is because we cannot save ourselves. If there are any sins at all on our eternal record, no amount of good can expunge them. Only the blood of Jesus can cleanse our sins away forever (1st John 1:7; Revelation 1:5; 7:14).

Jonah had a spirit of thanksgiving because he knew that salvation is based upon GOD’S MERCY and not upon man’s own self-righteousness or any other “lying vanities.” Salvation is of the Lord Jesus Christ. We just take it and say, “Thank you.”

 

Pastor Rolando Ramos

www.fghconline.com

 

 

Don’t give the devil his glory

 

The devil has been doing his evil deceiving work since the beginning, so there is no new evil under the sun. The Lord has always been there to warn us from the heat of the Satan evil. We must Guard ourselves from the lime lights of the devil. The devil is the back seat driver that seem to have the answers to the best direction to where you need to be. The devil is the hitch hiker you wish you never picked up, thinking that you were doing a good service. The devil is the one with the goody bag that finds a way to accommodate your wishful needs, but not without you paying the devil his dues. The devil is the one that tells you it's ok lie, and tells you don't worry about it, no one will ever know. Remember what is written, the devil is the father of lies, surely we should know that it couldn't of been God that told you to lie.          

The Devil has pull many into his class rooms to teach them to love the world, and never worry about the consequences.

James 1:13-14 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: 14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.

Ephesians 4:27

Neither give place to the devil.
Ephesians 6:11
Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
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.
1 Peter 5:6
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.

1 Peter 5:8
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

1 Peter 5:9
Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.

James 1:1
James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations: Greetings.

Pastor Rolando Ramos

www.fghconline.com

 

We MUST Tell People to REPENT!

 

And they went out, and preached that men should repent. Mark 6:12

A gentle reader recently asked about the people who say they believe in Jesus and still live like Satan's world. I've encountered MANY, MANY, individuals who claim they've been Christians for years--but they can't stand to hear about the things of God. Many go to church and think that it is a social club never preaching the gospel to a single soul. They are concerned with soup kitchens and hospitals and special music and newsletters which is would be okay if it were based on truth--but these people do not share the gospel with the lost! A man can go to hell on a full stomach. Then you've got the ones that go to church once a week and as soon as they leave out of the doors they get to cursing and doing whatever they please. All of these categories have something in common--NO REPENTANCE. THIS is an issue I've been wanting to address--badly.

We Bible believers have our little formulas for leading people to Jesus, but we are leaving out a most necessary part of sharing the gospel--the preaching of REPENTANCE. As a result, there are a lot of heathens walking around thinking that they are saved. We spend almost no time on this vital aspect of the gospel and then we spend a good deal of time on assurance verses when the person has not even repented! REPENTANCE is foundational--

Hebrews 6:1 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the FOUNDATION OF REPENTANCE FROM DEAD WORKS, and of faith toward God,

The Lord Jesus had plenty to say about REPENTANCE--

Luke 5:32 "I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to REPENTANCE."

Luke 24:47 ...[Jesus said to them] that REPENTANCE and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.

Mark 1:15 ..."The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: REPENT ye, AND BELIEVE the gospel."

"[W]e Bible-believers have been doing the unsaved a disservice as we share the gospel with them. We say, 'just believe'. But does not James say that even 'the devils believe and tremble'? When soul winning, we often tell people to just admit that they are a sinner and believe in Jesus. Then we go on to stress MANY assurance verses. This is terribly wrong. What we need to be stressing is REPENTANCE from dead works.

"We don't need to spend half of our time on assurance. It's okay for somebody to be scared when they are doing wrong. That's called the fear of the Lord. That's called working out your salvation with fear and trembling! They need to stop doing evil and be holy like the Lord. Yet we say, 'Don't worry, you can do any old thing and still get in. You can sin as much as you want to, don't worry about God's commandments.' This flies in the face of many scriptures like--

1 Corinthians 6:9-10 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.

Romans 11:22 Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.

2 Peter 1:10-11 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

If you want Jesus, you must repent.

Acts 26:20 ...they should repent and TURN TO GOD, AND DO WORKS MEET FOR REPENTANCE.

Acts 2:39, 3:19 REPENT YE therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out...

Acts 17:30 And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to REPENT:

Acts 20:21 Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.

It's okay to fear the Lord! It is the unbeliever that has no fear of God!

Romans 3:18 There is NO FEAR of God before their eyes.

THE LORD TAKETH PLEASURE IN THEM THAT FEAR HIM, in those that hope in his mercy. Ps 147:10-11

2 Corinthians 7:1 Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, PERFECTING HOLINESS IN THE FEAR OF GOD.

Hebrews 12:28 Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may SERVE GOD ACCEPTABLY WITH REVERENCE AND GODLY FEAR:

 Except the Lord in your heart day, you are not promised tomorrow

Pastor Rolando Ramos

www.fghconline.com

A friend of a falling angel

 

This is what happened with the angels that had it made in heaven. Before Lucifer lead the good angels to the dark side the angels had it made doing the things that they had responsibility for and, being happy in there paradise with God but; Lucifer painted a different picture for them that fooled them into believing that they would be happier with Lucifer becoming God. 

Lucifer was made the most beautiful Angel in heaven.

Ezekiel 28: 12-17 12Son of man, take up a lamentation upon the king of Tyrus, and say unto him, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Thou sealest up the sum, full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty.

13 Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God; every precious stone was thy covering, the sardius, topaz, and the diamond, the beryl, the onyx, and the jasper, the sapphire, the emerald, and the carbuncle, and gold: the workmanship of thy tabrets and of thy pipes was prepared in thee in the day that thou wast created.

14 Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth; and I have set thee so: thou wast upon the holy mountain of God; thou hast walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire.

15 Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee.

16 By the multitude of thy merchandise they have filled the midst of thee with violence, and thou hast sinned: therefore I will cast thee as profane out of the mountain of God: and I will destroy thee, O covering cherub, from the midst of the stones of fire.

17 Thine heart was lifted up because of thy beauty, thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness: I will cast thee to the ground, I will lay thee before kings, that they may behold thee.

The great war in heaven and Lucifer was cast out of Heaven.

Revelation 12: 7 And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, 8 And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. 9 And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.

The angel that followed Lucifer thought that they would win against God and his righteous angles, they were wrong.

II Peter 2:4 For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment;

Jude 1:6 And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day.  

Don't think they your sins will be covered by camouflage your sins will destroy your life.   

What you do in this world sets examples for others

James 3:8-12 But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. 9 Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. 10 Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be. 11Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter? 12 Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh.

 We can only serve one God. The god of this world is Satan

Luke 4:6  And the devil said unto him, All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it.

Matthew 6:24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

I Timothy 6:10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

Don't let evil of sin over take you like it took the angels that followed Lucifer, flight evil with the righteous of God.

Isaiah 54:17  No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD.

Remember this, If you live in sin which god will help you?

 

Pastor Rolando Ramos

www.fghconline.com