“You don’t make friends with salad”, a famous line turned jingle, from American cartoon, The Simpsons. A show where the star is an unhealthy guy who makes fun of his healthy-living Christian neighbours, amongst other things…
You don’t make friends with salad…
This means you don’t ‘make friends’ living a healthy life, and this is also exactly what the bible tells us is the reality for followers of Christ. Jesus Himself warned us of the persecution for bearing His Name, John 15:20-21. Scripture states one who loves the world is an enemy of God, 1 John 2:15, James 4:4.
You see it’s not just, “God so loved the world…”
God doesn’t love the world and its sin. He destroyed it once with the flood and saved only one family. God loves people for which He made the world for!
God loves people so much He wants to save them from their sin, to then transform them to become His children who will live with Him for eternity when He destroys sin once and for all with fire, and renews the world for their inheritance.
This is why Jesus died; to die the death our sins sentence us to, so that we would, like Him, rise to eternal life because we are forgiven and cleansed by His blood and redeemed by His love.
John 3:16-17 states:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. 17 “Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.'
The world will be made new when Jesus returns and will be gifted to His faithful brothers and sisters.
Love and fire were themes present in the recent famous sermon delivered by the American Episcopal Church, Bishop Curry, at the Royal Wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
I recently commented on social media to some friends that although the message contained a truthful premise that ‘God is love’, it was a also a message of self-salvation when the Bishop stated that love makes us children of God, without preaching the need of repentance and spiritual rebirth…the vital role Jesus alone holds to make us children of God.
The Bishop said of Jesus, “He didn’t sacrifice his life for himself, or anything he could get out of it, He did it for others, for the other, for the good and well being of others. That’s love.”
While Jesus’ sacrifice is an example for how we are to live, the Bishop left out the Gospel from this message…Jesus died for the forgiveness of our sin, so we can be called children of God. Jesus alone makes this possible and His resurrection proves this! Our response is not just one of loving good deeds, that is a works-based doctrine…good deeds come later when He comes to live in us. Our response needs to be one of humble repentance and faith in Him as our personal saviour, followed by commitment.
After hearing the message during Prince Harry and Meghan’s wedding I was left wondering why the Gospel was not proclaimed…Why wasn’t the truth proclaimed to the world that love Himself died for our sins, so we can be saved and transformed to live lives in the freedom from sin He alone offers?
A Google search showed me that love was proclaimed in this sermon rather than repentance, salvation, and transformation, as this branch of the Church of England in the USA condones homosexuality, and ordains practicing homosexuals…
It then made sense as to why a worldly, feel-good message, about love while mentioning Jesus, without delivering the full Gospel message was delivered. If the good news Gospel message of salvation and transformation was delivered they would need to say that one must change to be a child of God and they can’t say that given their stance on homosexuality. The Bishop proclaimed a theatrical, safe message, to a world that likes Jesus but loves their sin more, John 3:19, 1 John 2:15.
Now I know there are people who will accuse me of being negative and unloving of other Christians by stating this for it's true you don’t make friends with salad…even when it’s well seasoned! But my heart breaks as I see so many Christians being led astray, so I feel I must say something!
Indeed I often refrain from writing posts here that many be considered too heavy, or interpreted as negative and critical. I try to share the Gospel as faithfully as I can, yet I don’t ever want to state the opposite of what someone will find in scripture. The world will lead you astray, the Bible (as it still is) will not.
The bible is clear, still in the New Testament, that homosexuality is a depraved sin one commits against their body which is to be a temple for God, see 1 Corinthians 6:9-20, 1 Timothy 1:8-10, Romans 1:21-18.
Yes, this is along with adultery and fornication but when we read Romans it’s clear this brokenness is further down the slope. Similar to illicit drug cocktails being even more dangerous than alcohol and cigarettes…But it seems we can’t say this today in fear of offending someone and being accused of hate speech!
Yet I challenge people who would charge me with such to spend the time I have with broken young people trying to make sense of their mental unwellness due to drugs and depraved sexual activity…and with the children of parents who live in this depravity…I challenge them to actually spend time with me and talk about case, after case, after case.
In Australia recently we were warned what a pro same-sex marriage vote would bring. The masses laughed and called us names, like intolerant, ignorant, bigoted and fear-mongers.
Well here in Victoria where I’ve resigned from being a School Chaplain, we now have the depraved mandated curriculums; Respectful Relationships and Safe School, both of which are linked to pro homosexuality and advocates of paedophilia. It’s also been announced the national chaplaincy program is no longer being funded. I can’t say I’m surprised given the small minority against Christianity in schools yelling loudly to get their own way. They don’t want Jesus in schools, and the truth is as a Christian Chaplain this is what you ARE... ‘Jesus in the school’ and if you're not, then why be a chaplain which is what some providers and school principals were already trying to do by changing the title of employees to 'well being worker' and so on.
I can’t tell you the number of students I worked with who REFUSED to talk and work with anyone but me after initial chats, but the percentage was incredibly high. While colleagues were baffled and scratched their heads as to why I was so effective with youth and their families, I knew the only difference between me and the other professionals (yes I am fully accredited) in our network, such as psychologists, social workers, youth workers, counsellors and so on was I brought Jesus into the situations, and He was with us in EVERY conversation. The people were drawn to Him, not me.
But those who love sin don’t want Jesus in schools and I'm not just talking about state schools.
I knew under Australian law as a School Chaplain working in state schools I was not to proselytize and that was okay. But when mandated curriculum introducing students to sexual activity they most likely wouldn't learn elsewhere, along with gender fluid theories being taught as proven science was mandated, I knew I'd have to resign, as to be a team member one must be on-board, and silence can be interpreted as consent by many.
Furthermore when I was left with no option but to place my own children back in state schooling, I just couldn't knowing what I knew and due to the amount of bullying they'd faced every time they'd been in one previously. I chose to again home-school. Our schools really are getting worse and worse...and believe me it's not only Christians who are saying it!
My heart breaks also for American families. They're plagued like us with Christianity being banned in schools, bullying, and the sexual perversion of their children, but furthermore with the terrorism of mass shootings! There are also many, many Christians overseas who are being killed for their faith, and in the following countries home-schooling is illegal with parents facing criminal charges and incarceration; Sierra Leone, Greenland, Brazil, Costa Rica, Cuba, El Salvador, Guatemala, Trinidad, Tobago, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, North Korea, South Korea, Turkey, Albania, Andorra, Belarus, Bosnia, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cypress, Germany, Greece, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Macedonia, Malta, Moldova, Montenegro, Netherlands, San Marino, and Sweden.
I've always said my own children are my first ministry and I mean it with every ounce of my strength. When Jesus comes I want us all taken, so I will not shirk my responsibility. I can't imagine how difficult it must be for Christian families living in these countries.
But those who love sin don’t want Jesus in schools and I'm not just talking about state schools.
I knew under Australian law as a School Chaplain working in state schools I was not to proselytize and that was okay. But when mandated curriculum introducing students to sexual activity they most likely wouldn't learn elsewhere, along with gender fluid theories being taught as proven science was mandated, I knew I'd have to resign, as to be a team member one must be on-board, and silence can be interpreted as consent by many.
Furthermore when I was left with no option but to place my own children back in state schooling, I just couldn't knowing what I knew and due to the amount of bullying they'd faced every time they'd been in one previously. I chose to again home-school. Our schools really are getting worse and worse...and believe me it's not only Christians who are saying it!
My heart breaks also for American families. They're plagued like us with Christianity being banned in schools, bullying, and the sexual perversion of their children, but furthermore with the terrorism of mass shootings! There are also many, many Christians overseas who are being killed for their faith, and in the following countries home-schooling is illegal with parents facing criminal charges and incarceration; Sierra Leone, Greenland, Brazil, Costa Rica, Cuba, El Salvador, Guatemala, Trinidad, Tobago, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, North Korea, South Korea, Turkey, Albania, Andorra, Belarus, Bosnia, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cypress, Germany, Greece, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Macedonia, Malta, Moldova, Montenegro, Netherlands, San Marino, and Sweden.
I've always said my own children are my first ministry and I mean it with every ounce of my strength. When Jesus comes I want us all taken, so I will not shirk my responsibility. I can't imagine how difficult it must be for Christian families living in these countries.
This morning on Australian news we were told all public school and library books are now to undergo ‘gender testing’ and books such as Thomas the Tank Engine and Winnie the Pooh for example, are most likely no longer acceptable for our children, with their gender-based language and stereotypes.
The irony here as someone who has spent a lot of time with students in state school libraries, is I was often alarmed by the literature available containing material which worked as a contagion for student issues such as self-harm, suicidal ideation, and occult experimentation...yet they want to ban books with gender based characters! Why? To encourage gender fluidity which leads to sexual promiscuity and experimentation with those of the same gender.
Recently on the news a woman discussed a new assertion that parents should gain permission from a toddler to change their nappy/diaper. This was met with irate criticism from many Australians saying it was absurd. Now while I believe it's absolutely important for children to learn they have autonomy over their own body, and therefore the right to say no, the truth is predators trick young children into audibly giving permission when consenting to playing a 'game' or 'keeping a secret' for sexual abuse to take place. Children need to be guided by their parents to obey them, not to give consent to whomever they in their developing mind think they should give it to. Children need to learn from loving parents discernment regarding whom to trust, and the difference between changing a nappy or being instructed how to wash their genitals, compared to sexual abuse...Furthermore that as a parent (not an equal) the child can tell them anything, and they have the power as adults to do something about it and will always believe them.
The irony here as someone who has spent a lot of time with students in state school libraries, is I was often alarmed by the literature available containing material which worked as a contagion for student issues such as self-harm, suicidal ideation, and occult experimentation...yet they want to ban books with gender based characters! Why? To encourage gender fluidity which leads to sexual promiscuity and experimentation with those of the same gender.
Recently on the news a woman discussed a new assertion that parents should gain permission from a toddler to change their nappy/diaper. This was met with irate criticism from many Australians saying it was absurd. Now while I believe it's absolutely important for children to learn they have autonomy over their own body, and therefore the right to say no, the truth is predators trick young children into audibly giving permission when consenting to playing a 'game' or 'keeping a secret' for sexual abuse to take place. Children need to be guided by their parents to obey them, not to give consent to whomever they in their developing mind think they should give it to. Children need to learn from loving parents discernment regarding whom to trust, and the difference between changing a nappy or being instructed how to wash their genitals, compared to sexual abuse...Furthermore that as a parent (not an equal) the child can tell them anything, and they have the power as adults to do something about it and will always believe them.
Then off-shore today in American news, there was a woman campaigning for legislation to ban words from use. In particular the word ‘man’ as she finds it offensive and believes it’s a human right simply because language evolves. She is also positive about other people petitioning for other words to be done away with…
People who love sin hate men. Have you noticed?
They often love kids but despise people who hold traditional family values and although once they wouldn't say it to your face, only behind your back, now it's outright slander...including death threats.
Yes, people who love sin hate strong godly men with a passion...yes, they hate godly upright women too, but men have really been abused in our Western societies for years now.
They hate godly maleness that represents Jesus and The Father.
They often love kids but despise people who hold traditional family values and although once they wouldn't say it to your face, only behind your back, now it's outright slander...including death threats.
Yes, people who love sin hate strong godly men with a passion...yes, they hate godly upright women too, but men have really been abused in our Western societies for years now.
They hate godly maleness that represents Jesus and The Father.
And while homosexuals may say they ‘love’ men and maleness, we know this is untrue when we look at the Mardi Gras and Drag Queen costumes which mock maleness through queerness. The sad truth is these ‘men’ so desperately need to know the godly love of The Father, yet they look for it in other human males, dressing as harlots to attract it.
While so many preach love, respect, tolerance and world peace, they absolutely want to do away traditional Christianity and free speech. They are deceived by the enemy into thinking when they get what they want they will be happy. While the truth is they will remain unsatisfied, broken, plagued with mental instability and unsaved for when Jesus returns...and the children will suffer the most...
There is no ecumenical, one-religion, love your way to Jesus gospel message…Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6.
Yes, love makes a way for people to come to Jesus, but this is so they will repent and change, not stay broken in their sin. We are to be His hand, feet and voice, not a Band-Aid.
Love makes a way, but this is so we can be a light in this dark world, living in holiness while we await His return. ‘For it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:16.
We are forgiven but this does not mean we are to continue living in deliberate sin. Jesus said to the woman who was to be stoned for adultery she was forgiven but also to go and sin no more, John 8:1-11.
We may still sin, but we live repentant lives, making choices each day that honour Jesus and scripture, and therefore imitate His life. 1 John 2:1-2.
Loving others does not mean we don’t speak out for truth…It does not mean we don’t bring the salad when everyone else brings meat. It does mean we will be ridiculed and persecuted...slandered and attacked...and not invited to many barbecues...
But Jesus is returning and who will we be greeting Him with?
It is not loving to say to someone that their own loving actions will save them…that they don’t need transformation…
When the rapture happens there will be many who are left and claim it didn’t happen because they’re Christian. But all you need to do is look at the world news to see the signs it’s not far off.
Jesus said there will be many who call Him Lord but He will say He never knew them. Matthew 7:21-23.
Don’t be fooled. Jesus saves those who repent and belong in dedication to Him. He told us there will be a separation of ‘goat and sheep’ at final judgement, meaning those who belong to Him and those who don’t. Matthew 25:31–46.
How often are we looking into the mirror of scripture compared to the neon signs of the world?
No, you don’t make friends with salad, but as faithful followers of Jesus you will eat in the banquet hall of the King and Kings, Luke 14:15-24.
If you haven’t repented of your sin and given your life to Jesus do it today and be free. He is coming. Amen, come Lord Jesus.
2 comments:
Wonderful words, Mel! It’s a costly thing to be honest, to talk from your heart and follow our Lord Christ but it is so true and wonderful.
First, starting from the end, I think homosexuals don’t just hate men, they also hate women and they hate human beings in general. They hate the truth and the image of God they see in themselves and in others. Because they hate themselves but are blinded and can’t see that they are embracing what they hate and that what hurts them the most. So they hate the light when they fear the darkness.
We in Ecuador are still lucky. They are people and groups who want to be “more progressive” and legalize same sex marriage and change school curriculums to embrace “all the different types of sexuality” but it isn’t happening here, yet. And I sincerely hope it never will be. It really makes me sad to read the news from Finland and what the situation has become for the church and the Christians.
Now, I totally agree with you about the sermon in the royal wedding. I have been surprised to see Christian praising the sermon and saying that the gospel was preached when it simply was not. Not the gospel of Jesus, not the gospel of salvation through the cross, not the gospel of Christianity.
There was a gospel preached but it was not the Christian gospel. It was the gospel of universal love. The gospel of love as god and savior of human kind. The gospel where love is everything and everything is love and you’ll be saved because you love. Even if you love your dog or motorcycles.
God is love but love isn’t god. Love doesn’t save us. We can’t just love and bring god and paradise to the world. There can’t be love without God. There can’t be a paradise without God.
God can’t bring love, happiness, joy, peace and goodness anywhere without coming there by Himself. Those things don’t exist without God. No matter how hard we try. There will only be a false love, false happiness, false peace and a very false paradise where people are hurting themselves and others in the name of the great god Love.
Do you want to save the world? Do you want to bring love to the world? Do you want peace and happiness and joy to all of the people?
Find God!
God is love but love isn’t god. And there can’t be love without the cross. Without sacrifice. Without obedience. Without God.
Thanks Joanna, very insightful!
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