Church billboard "Good sex can save our nation"

[Misfit]

Can 'good sex' save our nation? | 9news.com

ARVADA - A billboard outside an Arvada church is turning heads, and some are asking if the message "Good sex can save our nation" belongs in front of a church.

Pastor Rick Long with Grace Church of Arvada says the message is a crucial one.

"God values sex. He created it," Long said. "I think sex needs to be talked about in church probably more so than anywhere else."

"When we take it out of the emotional, intimate connection that we designed it for, then we start playing with it like it's a toy, and people get hurt. You cannot separate the emotions from a sexual relationship," Long explained.

 

[Starman3000m]

Can 'good sex' save our nation? | 9news.com

ARVADA - A billboard outside an Arvada church is turning heads, and some are asking if the message "Good sex can save our nation" belongs in front of a church.

Pastor Rick Long with Grace Church of Arvada says the message is a crucial one.

"God values sex. He created it," Long said. "I think sex needs to be talked about in church probably more so than anywhere else."

"When we take it out of the emotional, intimate connection that we designed it for, then we start playing with it like it's a toy, and people get hurt. You cannot separate the emotions from a sexual relationship," Long explained.

Poor soul didn't read "The Memo" of what it really would take to save our nation:

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
(2 Chronicles 7:14)

 

[StoneThrower]

Poor soul didn't read "The Memo" of what it really would take to save our nation:

That was written to a certain people (the Jews) at a cetrain time, during a certain covenant, the old covenant.

I am not a Jew, my nation isnt Israel, and I am in the New Covenant.

It makes a cool Casting Crowns song, but it dosent cross the principle bridge and there is no such promise in the New Testament for the church that I am aware of. That was a quid pro quo covenant, you do this and I will do that. We dont have that covenant. For even the principle to apply it needs a New Testament counter part.

 

[ItalianScallion]

That was written to a certain people (the Jews) at a cetrain time, during a certain covenant, the old covenant.

I am not a Jew, my nation isnt Israel, and I am in the New Covenant.

It makes a cool Casting Crowns song, but it dosent cross the principle bridge and there is no such promise in the New Testament for the church that I am aware of. That was a quid pro quo covenant, you do this and I will do that. We dont have that covenant. For even the principle to apply it needs a New Testament counter part.

Your legalism is showing...AGAIN

So, if your logic is true, we're not under the New Covenant because God said He gave it to the Israelites in Jeremiah 31v33. (Which isn't true of course, I'm just following your line of thinking). And nothing in the OT is true & valid unless the NT validates it? :shrug:

And are you saying that, if God's people today, were all to humble themselves and pray and seek His face and turn from their wicked ways etc., He wouldn't "heal their land"? Are you listening to yourself?

 

[Zguy28]

That was written to a certain people (the Jews) at a cetrain time, during a certain covenant, the old covenant.

I am not a Jew, my nation isnt Israel, and I am in the New Covenant.

It makes a cool Casting Crowns song, but it dosent cross the principle bridge and there is no such promise in the New Testament for the church that I am aware of. That was a quid pro quo covenant, you do this and I will do that. We dont have that covenant. For even the principle to apply it needs a New Testament counter part.

Maybe you aren't Israel, but I certainly am grafted in to the vine of the Israel of God, despite me being a gentile by natural birth.

 

[Zguy28]

Poor soul didn't read "The Memo" of what it really would take to save our nation:

Perhaps he is preaching all of that from the pulpit and the sign is just a catchy saying that reflects the part where the verse says "and turn from their wicked ways"?

 

[StoneThrower]

Your legalism is showing...AGAIN

So, if your logic is true, we're not under the New Covenant because God said He gave it to the Israelites in Jeremiah 31v33. (Which isn't true of course, I'm just following your line of thinking). And nothing in the OT is true & valid unless the NT validates it? :shrug:

And are you saying that, if God's people today, were all to humble themselves and pray and seek His face and turn from their wicked ways etc., He wouldn't "heal their land"? Are you listening to yourself?

What?
We are most definetly under the new covenant, that was part of my point.

My line of thinking as I reread the passage in my quiet time by chance this morning, is this was in Reference to Gods House and where it resided.

14 if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land. 15 Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayer that is made in this place. 16 For now I have chosen and consecrated this house that my name may be there forever. My eyes and my heart will be there for all time. 17 And as for you, if you will walk before me as David your father walked, doing according to all that I have commanded you and keeping my statutes and my rules, 18 then I will establish your royal throne, as I covenanted with David your father, saying, ‘You shall not lack a man to rule Israel.’

Let me clarify how Hermeneutics works, in a grammatical, historical context.
We read the text in a plain understanding what it says, than we look at what was taking place historically to make sure we are understanding it in the way the Author intended.

The part you don’t seem to understand is when a principle is applicable.
When you have a text like:
Jeremiah 29:11–13
11 wFor I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare2 and not for evil, xto give you a future and a hope. 12 yThen you will call upon me and come and pray to me, yand I will hear you. 13 zYou will seek me and find me, when you seek me awith all your heart.

You can’t claim this as a life verse, people do it all the time in ignorance but again it was written to a certain people at a certain time.
In order for the principle to carry forward since you are not that people at the time. There needs to be something in the New Testament that affirms it to us. The way that you could apply in principle only is if your are being persecuted for your faith.

The only way our original verse could apply is if you distill it down to God blesses obedience, but it was being used as a recipe for getting our country right which is inappropriate use of the text.


I probably didnt explain this well enough and will follow up later, but I would recoment you read Milton Terry's Biblical Hermeneutics.

As to my leaglism, I would suggest you look further into the meaning of the word. Many christians that are disobident to Gods word use this as a defense mechanism.

Legalism
Print PDF A word often hurled at conservative Christians is “legalism.” If a believer adheres to certain standards and encourages others to do so, he is branded a “legalist.” If one opposes loose living among Christians, he is considered a “legalist.” Obedience to, and faithful applications of, the New Testament are called “legalism.” Yet none of these things is true legalism at all.

Legalism, properly understood, is a strict adherence to the Law [of Moses] as a means to be saved or keep saved. It means that by doing certain good works or being a “good person,” the individual will earn his or her way into God’s favor. This attitude is found among many so-called Christians who say God will weigh their good deeds against their bad ones and (of course) their good deeds will outnumber their evil ones and God will welcome them into Heaven.

However, the Bible nowhere teaches this way of “earning” salvation. Jesus said, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life; no one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 1 4:6/NIV). Christians recognize that no amount of good works is good enough to earn salvation. Isaiah 64:6 says, “All our righteous acts are like filthy rags.” To think that our good deeds, or avoidance of certain evils, merit us eternal life with God–is the height of folly. Salvation is God’s love gift.

Legalism has no place in the life of a Christian. It leads to pride in our own “spiritual” accomplishments and makes us judgmental of others’ actions and motives.

Yet, the New Testament is abundantly clear that God expects the loving obedience of those who voluntarily confess His name. “Make every effort…to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord” (Hebrews 12:14). This obedience-from the heart–is possible only through the power of the Holy Spirit residing within us. We obey God’s Word, not to be saved, but because He has saved us and we love Him. Jesus said, “If you love Me, you will obey what I command” (John 14:15), and “Whoever has My commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves Me” (John 14:21).

–Craig Alan Myers
November/December 1992
Legalism | Brethren Revival Fellowship

 

[StoneThrower]

Perhaps he is preaching all of that from the pulpit and the sign is just a catchy saying that reflects the part where the verse says "and turn from their wicked ways"?

Lets hope not, as that’s the wrong message to be preaching! Let’s leave that to Glenn Beck. We have a better message of more importance. Preaching moralism should be left to the Mormons and has no business in our churches.

I find it interesting these Glenn beck types keep talking about restoring our nation. But restoring it to what?

Honestly to what Mormon values, 1950 racisms, what golden time frame are we shooting for?

More importantly how will we know when we are there? Are we restored now because the rallies have stopped? What is the end state and how will we know when we get there, as none of these restore America types have yet to tell us that.

 

[Starman3000m]

That was written to a certain people (the Jews) at a cetrain time, during a certain covenant, the old covenant.

I am not a Jew, my nation isnt Israel, and I am in the New Covenant.

It makes a cool Casting Crowns song, but it dosent cross the principle bridge and there is no such promise in the New Testament for the church that I am aware of. That was a quid pro quo covenant, you do this and I will do that. We dont have that covenant. For even the principle to apply it needs a New Testament counter part.

Well, let's see here:

Just like God has had to deal with the nation of Israel for turning away from Him, it certainly appears that God will deal with any nation/people that had once trusted in Him for guidance but then turned away from Him.

There was an actual time, believe it or not, when America was considered a nation guided by Trust in the Christian God. America was once a great and prosperous nation. So what happened? In 1962, America chose (voted) to kick God out of the public educational system and the trend has carried on to the point that public prayers are frowned upon if they mention the Name of Jesus Christ as being Lord and Saviour.

Anyway, here are some New Testament references where God does in fact let His people know that He loves us but we will come under Judgment for turning away from Him. I believe that America could get back on track if we do as God suggested and as a nation turn back to the God of The Holy Bible, seek repentance and be forgiven and healed. That is God's Promise.

As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.
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.
(Revelation 3:19-20)


You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life.
(John 5:39-40)


Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
(Matthew 11:28-30)

It is unfortunate that America, as a nation, has continually voted to trust in "man" for guidance rather than the God of The Holy Bible.

 

[Zguy28]

Well, let's see here:

Just like God has had to deal with the nation of Israel for turning away from Him, it certainly appears that God will deal with any nation/people that had once trusted in Him for guidance but then turned away from Him.

There was an actual time, believe it or not, when America was considered a nation guided by Trust in the Christian God. America was once a great and prosperous nation. So what happened? In 1962, America chose (voted) to kick God out of the public educational system and the trend has carried on to the point that public prayers are frowned upon if they mention the Name of Jesus Christ as being Lord and Saviour.

Anyway, here are some New Testament references where God does in fact let His people know that He loves us but we will come under Judgment for turning away from Him. I believe that America could get back on track if we do as God suggested and as a nation turn back to the God of The Holy Bible, seek repentance and be forgiven and healed. That is God's Promise.



It is unfortunate that America, as a nation, has continually voted to trust in "man" for guidance rather than the God of The Holy Bible.

You know though, I honestly think if you look at it historically, its only been lip service from us as a nation, even before 1962. One only has to look at how we have treated others within our own nation throughout our history. Racial conflict, religious conflict, immorality (just look at the roaring 20's or the exploits of men like Ben Franklin), Godlessness (Thomas Jefferson). I mean, we are not, and never have been a nation of saints.

 

[Starman3000m]

You know though, I honestly think if you look at it historically, its only been lip service from us as a nation, even before 1962. One only has to look at how we have treated others within our own nation throughout our history. Racial conflict, religious conflict, immorality (just look at the roaring 20's or the exploits of men like Ben Franklin), Godlessness (Thomas Jefferson). I mean, we are not, and never have been a nation of saints.

True, but during those times, this nation still had no problem with public prayers mentioning the Name of Jesus and Christian values were more accepted as a way of guidance. Even though the country had the problems you mention, America still acknowledged that God was sovereign during that time. Not anymore though. We are on the track to prophetic fulfillment that will see the unfolding of a New World Order.

America, as a nation, will join forces with that system and True Christians professing faith in Christ will be scorned, mocked and kept from displaying their faith in public through threats of lawsuits etc.

Oh wait! That's beginning to happen now and it's not going to be getting any better - especially in the Next Four Years.

 

[ItalianScallion]

That was written to a certain people (the Jews) at a cetrain time, during a certain covenant, the old covenant.

It makes a cool Casting Crowns song, but it dosent cross the principle bridge and there is no such promise in the New Testament for the church that I am aware of. That was a quid pro quo covenant, you do this and I will do that. We dont have that covenant. For even the principle to apply it needs a New Testament counter part.

What?
We are most definetly under the new covenant, that was part of my point...
–Craig Alan Myers
November/December 1992
Legalism | Brethren Revival Fellowship

Hey bro; I'm retired and I don't have time to read a sermon like that. Look at the words I've bolded in your first post and see what you actually said. Ok, maybe you didn't mean to sound that way but you did so I'd be more careful with your wording.

And another country heard from (Craig Myers)? All those outside sources you use to try to clear up what is already clear, end up muddying up the waters again. You don't need to over read and listen to everyones opinion. Clearly it can only cause confusion.

 

[StoneThrower]

Your legalism is showing...AGAIN

So, if your logic is true, we're not under the New Covenant because God said He gave it to the Israelites in Jeremiah 31v33. (Which isn't true of course, I'm just following your line of thinking). And nothing in the OT is true & valid unless the NT validates it? :shrug:

And are you saying that, if God's people today, were all to humble themselves and pray and seek His face and turn from their wicked ways etc., He wouldn't "heal their land"? Are you listening to yourself?

Heres a visual to help you think it through.

 

[Starman3000m]

Heres a visual to help you think it through.

Perhaps you could be a "Stone's Throw" away from what God's Promise would be and could be for America.

If America, as a society and nation, were to collectively call upon the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, become humbled, pray, seek His Face, and turn away from the wicked politically-correct ways that have turned against Him, that He would not hear from Heaven, forgive our nation's sins and heal America?

Just as in the Old Testament Days when Israel turned against God, He would lift His protection and allow their enemies to come in and vanquish their land.

Kind of sounds like we are in the same situation.

 

[StoneThrower]

Perhaps you could be a "Stone's Throw" away from what God's Promise would be and could be for America.

If America, as a society and nation, were to collectively call upon the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, become humbled, pray, seek His Face, and turn away from the wicked politically-correct ways that have turned against Him, that He would not hear from Heaven, forgive our nation's sins and heal America?

Just as in the Old Testament Days when Israel turned against God, He would lift His protection and allow their enemies to come in and vanquish their land.

Kind of sounds like we are in the same situation.

God forgives and honors repentance we see that throughout scripture.

I take opposition to using scripture out of context. Claiming promise that don't apply to us. Thats how wonky doctrines are created. Like using Acts as prescriptive instead of descriptive.

My eschatology seems to agree with scripture, things continue to get worse not better.

Were following in the footsteps of Rome.
One could easily read America in Revelation when it talks about Babylons destruction. Although it would be incorrect to do so, but there is great similarity in the description.

Given, America has been blessed in the past, probably because of its origin and slow decline, but America is no where mention to or eluded to in scripture, we hold no significance in the grand scheme of things. If were coming to a close of history and a one world government, what, were going to delay Gods timetable?

Why not just accept reality that we are to far gone as a nation. Nationalism crept in our churches and it has no place there!

We are not the apple of Gods eye, were not the nation of Israel and the US isn't Jerusalem.

I am not saying that we shouldn't, but I think the stage is set.

 

[Starman3000m]

God forgives and honors repentance we see that throughout scripture.

I take opposition to using scripture out of context. Claiming promise that don't apply to us. Thats how wonky doctrines are created. Like using Acts as prescriptive instead of descriptive.

My eschatology seems to agree with scripture, things continue to get worse not better.

Were following in the footsteps of Rome.
One could easily read America in Revelation when it talks about Babylons destruction. Although it would be incorrect to do so, but there is great similarity in the description.

Given, America has been blessed in the past, probably because of its origin and slow decline, but America is no where mention to or eluded to in scripture, we hold no significance in the grand scheme of things. If were coming to a close of history and a one world government, what, were going to delay Gods timetable?

Why not just accept reality that we are to far gone as a nation. Nationalism crept in our churches and it has no place there!

We are not the apple of Gods eye, were not the nation of Israel and the US isn't Jerusalem.

I am not saying that we shouldn't, but I think the stage is set.

Agreed. I have previously stated that this world is headed toward the prophetic end times development of a One World Government/One World Religion that will be led by antichrist and the false prophet.

I also believe that God oftentimes held back and delayed His Judgment upon Israel when that nation repented and called upon Him for help.

I believe that America could be helped by God in this way but it is evident America does not want God's help at all and would rather place trust in a world system and ecumenism that attempts to establish its own "peace and security" without God's help. Our government has slowly turned against Israel as an ally and sought to help develop a two-state nation with Israel and the Palestinians through a proposed "peace plan" that has yet to be resolved.
This is being done, according to our politicians, to provide peace and security in the troubled Middle East and throughout the world.

Watch for the news when you hear world leaders claiming that they are working toward the plan that will establish peace and safety for our future.

For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.

For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.

But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.

(1 Thessalonians 5:2-4)

Conclusion: Yes, America is in a moral and national decline. Things will get worse, no doubt. But, Praise be to God that those who trust in The Lord have nothing to fear - no matter what happens.

This applies to us now as it did to the Israelites of the Old Testament:

He rules the world in righteousness and judges the peoples with equity.
The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.
Those who know your name trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you. (Psalm 9:8-10)

 

[Zguy28]

Perhaps you could be a "Stone's Throw" away from what God's Promise would be and could be for America.

If America, as a society and nation, were to collectively call upon the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, become humbled, pray, seek His Face, and turn away from the wicked politically-correct ways that have turned against Him, that He would not hear from Heaven, forgive our nation's sins and heal America?

Just as in the Old Testament Days when Israel turned against God, He would lift His protection and allow their enemies to come in and vanquish their land.

Kind of sounds like we are in the same situation.

i think his point is that America is not OT Israel. More like Babylon in Daniel than Israel. But I think that you are right on this, and God would honor that promise with any nation.