First off, because of these people, right or wrong, people are TALKING about Jesus, they are discussing the Bible, they are finding scripture to come against what these men are holding in the picture. They are looking up passages, they are fuming because of what the signs say and they are SEARCHING FOR TRUTH. They want to know, Did God really say that, and am I going to accept that as truth? Would God really say that marrying a divorced woman is adultery and that Christians should not bear arms? (My husband glanced at the picture and he said no way immediately) :)
Next, let's take a look at all the "judgmental" comments that are being thrown out about these people. "These men aren't true Christians". "These men are taking that out of context". "What religion are they?" "Christians are judgmental!" As I said before, no one wants to be judged until someone does something they don't like, then judge away. :) Actually, does the Bible say we shouldn't judge, or does it say that we should? Who should be judged, and by whom? Let's talk a little about that too.
So here we go, this is how you discern the truth from the lies. This is why I wrote my first book and this is why I will continue to write books. To help YOU decide what is truth and what is lies, by asking GOD. Your opinions don't matter, nor count, and if you decide that the world rises and falls on your word, you better rethink your heart. I have a lot of things that I throw out there that are my thoughts and you better know how to discern them from God's truth. You better know how to reject lies and believe in the truth. You have to, or you will fall for anything.
Open your Bible up to the passages noted here. See what God really says about these things. Some of the things will make you upset because many of the things we do and say go against what God says we should do and say. But that's ok. We can change with God's help. Those that don't want to change will say the Bible is no good, those that do realize the need for change will accept God's word and work on changing. Change doesn't ALWAYS happen overnight, many times it happens over a period of many trials and many tests, and by the way, just because you don't pass the test the first time around, doesn't mean you are not a TRUE Christian. I've never seen a PERFECT TRUE CHRISTIAN yet. Otherwise, they would be called Christ and not Christ FOLLOWERS.
Take a look at John the Baptist in Matthew 3:7. Let's see if he didn't stand on a piece of land and scream "repent for the kingdom of God is at hand" or "You brood of snakes! Who warned you to flee from God's wrath?" I bet that ticked a few people off too. He wore weird clothes, and ate locusts and wild honey. He took several baths a day, however, with people that realized that they were far off the path and needed to be saved.
Have you asked Jesus in your heart? Have you asked to be saved? Have you confirmed that Jesus is your Savior by what he did for you at the cross. Do you get that? Because you accept Christ into your heart, God sees Jesus in you and not your sins? Do you get what Christ did for you? If not, maybe today is the time.
As for these men and their signs, I can see the men, I can see their signs, but I can't see their hearts. God can. My job is to determine truth from lies. The only way to do that is to get out the word of God and see what God says. Don't google someone's opinion, or use your own knowledge, ask GOD. Don't ask a Pastor, don't seek out your favorite "close to perfect Christian friend" ;) and ask them for their opinion, ask them to go through God's word with you. And don't say it will take too long, you have plenty of time for TV later.
Listen, I'm going to be sharing this lesson at Christian Outreach Center tonight in the same town that these men have caused so much commotion. It starts at 7 and I hope you'll join us in discussion and study. Growing and learning is good. Here's the website for directions and phone numbers. http://www.cocfamily.com/
See ya there!
~Ang