I’m going to say something that will anger some, and hurt others. But what I say comes from a source of God’s love and His Word. Those who feel angry, will feel angry because they aren’t ready to receive God’s truth yet. But those who feel hurt, will feel hurt because they know that what I’m saying is God’s truth. So, here it goes…sometimes, some of us, (including me), have unknowingly been doing the work of the deceiver. Yes, I was also deceived, so I can speak from experience. Read 2 Corinthians 11:14 (KJV) with me. It reads, “for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.” Read it over a couple of times, because this is another important truth from God, that God shares with Paul, then Paul shares it with us. Let me expose satan’s character to you, right now! Satan loves to imitate God. He also loves to separate us from the God who created us. He loves when we rebel against God, and he will go through extraordinary, backbreaking lengths, just to get us to doubt and rebel against God. Satan enjoys deceiving us. He loves to manipulate our emotions, simply so that he can introduce false teachings into our hearts. He loves when we question God’s authority and God’s sincerity in our lives. He loves to impersonate God’s love, then teach us false concepts about his version of love. Satan provokes us into viewing God’s character in a negative light, while beautifying his own. I’ve seen him deceive individuals, families, communities, and even entire churches.
Now, let me tell you about the character of God. God actually loves us. That’s basically it! Simple and straight to the point! God loves the apostle Paul. So, He couldn’t leave Paul to die in spiritual ignorance. But instead, God revealed Himself to Paul; firstly through our Lord Jesus Christ, then through the Holy Spirit. When Paul became filled with the Holy Spirit, the Holy Spirit influenced Paul in a deep, intrinsic way. Has this ever happened to anyone here? If it hasn’t happened to you yet, and you want to experience the presence of the Holy Spirit in your life, then pray, fast and read your bible. Ask God to minister unto you. Ask Him to reveal Himself unto you, through His Holy Spirit. Ask Him to help you to discern Him from other spirits.
Some persons will tell me that their loved ones; who are LGBTQ+ persons, aren’t living in sin, and their loved ones aren’t separated from God. In fact, some persons will tell me, “Kay, I’m a devoted Christian, and I’m an LGBTQ+ person. Some of my best friends and family members are LGBTQ+ persons too, and we’re all very spiritual. We’re spiritual to the point where we can even walk on water. You’re just talking a bunch of nonsense when you’re saying that my loved one’s actions are sinful, and that they are separated from God! Kay, I don’t know what kind of snake oil you’re selling these people, but I’m not buying it!”. Then, I’ll patiently reply, “Thanks for your contribution to our discussion. Can I get my mic back, please, so that I can reply? Thanks. Okay, so I’m also friends with LGBTQ+ persons. One of my best friends is gay. I’m also friends with a mature gay man who lives a permanently, celibate life because his spiritual journey has brought him to that point. I understand that everybody’s circumstances are different, and I certainly don’t have the authority to play judge, jury and executioner. I believe that the term, ‘sin separates us from God’ also speaks about an event which will take place on judgment day. So, yes, we may think that we’re living our best spiritual life now, but if we’re engaging in habitual sin (whatever they may be), and we haven’t repented, and we don’t live by faith, and we don’t allow God’s Holy Spirit to renew us spiritually, then on judgment day, we all run the risk of being permanently separated from God. We run the risk of being cast out from His presence, yet again. Unfortunately, someone is already selling us snake oil, but it’s not God, and it’s not me.” That’s exactly what I would tell them, word-for-word.
I’m certain that the Holy Spirit has reveal Himself to some of us, and He has transformed our lives in the most prolific ways. The transformative power of the Holy Spirit happened to me only after I developed a personal, intimate relationship with God. The Holy Spirit told me that the enemy is attacking my faith daily, and that’s why I need to seek out a personal relationship with Him. God told me that I needed to refresh my mind and spirit by reading the bible regularly. God also encouraged me to fast. The Holy Spirit actually wants to guide us to understand many things in life. God reminded me of a sad reality. He told me that some unbelievers know more about the bible than some members of the church. Even satan himself knows the bible cover to cover, and he tried to use his biblical knowledge to tempt Jesus in the wilderness. Some unbelievers (who know biblical knowledge), don’t believe God’s words, yet they will use that knowledge to argue facts with us. But guess what? At least they know it (or some version of it). So, we need to know it too, cover to cover. Over a period of time, the Holy Spirit has helped me to reshape my spiritual identity. It’s an ongoing process. In the context of 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, God can also do the same for people engaging in fornication, adultery, idolatry, homosexuality, and alcoholism etc. He did it then, so He is more than capable of doing it now.
So, how would I minister unto persons engaging in fornication, adultery, idolatry, homosexuality, alcoholism etc? I’d simply share God’s truth with them, and I’d share it with love. I’d tell them exactly this, “I care about you, and my love for you prevents me from lying to you. God loves us all, and He showed us His love by sending His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, to die for us. Jesus died so that we wouldn’t feel the sting of eternal damnation and separation from Him. He died to reconnect us with the Father. Jesus loves you so much. He hurts whenever He sees us hurting ourselves and others. He doesn’t want to leave us in our sins. Because of what Jesus did for us, we are offered the gift of redemption and salvation. I want to encourage you to develop a personal relationship with God. Read your bible regularly. If you don’t have one, I’ll give you one. Pray, fast and seek God’s guidance, through the Holy Spirit. The road will be filled with challenges, but God will always be with you to help you overcome them.”
Aside from addressing their spiritual needs, I would address their practical needs, as well. For example, if the person is a habitual fornicator, I would put them on to a support group for persons with sexual addictions. If the person isn’t a habitual fornicator, but is known to fornicate, I would still put them on to a supportive church environment, which would nurture healthy spiritual developments in that person. If the person is an adulterer, then I would connect them to an experienced marriage counselor. If the person is an idolater, then I would connect them to a good church. If the person is an LGBTQ+ person, then I would put them on to an LGBTQ+ person who overcame the lifestyle and who is actively reaching out to others who want to overcome it as well. If the person is an alcoholic, then I would put them on to a good Alcoholics Anonymous support group. You won’t reach everyone, but please, reach out in love. Don’t let fear of rejection prevent you from reaching out. Also, under no circumstance do I stop praying for the people in my life, because I would want them to pray for me too. In all things, seek God’s guidance before ministering to others, regarding God’s Words.
Some people have told me that they aren’t sure if God can help them to overcome their sinful habits. I tell them, I serve a very powerful God, and He is more than able to help them! God started that process in Paul, the apostles, and the early churches, so He is able to do it in this present time, as well. My God created the heavens and the earth, and everything therein, in 6 days. He promised a very old man (Abraham) that his barren wife would bring forth a son, and that through this son, his descendants would become as numerous as the stars in the sky. God fulfilled His promise. He never lies! My God brought the Israelites out of Egypt and parted the Red Sea for them. He led the Israelites through the wilderness. He delivered Daniel from the lion’s den. My God is able to cure any illness and disease. He has the power to subdue demons. He has full authority over life and death. He created life and He can raise the dead. Yes people, we serve a very powerful God who can actually raise the dead, back onto life again! My God is omnipotent (all-powerful); omniscient (all-knowing); and omnipresent (everywhere). So, of course He is more than able to help us to overcome our sinful habits. Don’t forget the God you serve, or His power and authority. Set Him as the authority figure over your life. Remember your spiritual history.
Don’t give up! Be ye Spirit filled. God wants you to fall in love with Him all over again, just like when you fell in love with Him for the very first time. Seek a personal relationship with Him. Read your bible. Pray. Fast. Encounter Him. Let Him teach and lead you. He wants to. Then share Him with others. Read this entire message again, but this time, listen to the song below on repeat, while you read it. May God guide and keep you on your spiritual journey. God bless!
(Kari Jobe - First Love)
Now, let me tell you about the character of God. God actually loves us. That’s basically it! Simple and straight to the point! God loves the apostle Paul. So, He couldn’t leave Paul to die in spiritual ignorance. But instead, God revealed Himself to Paul; firstly through our Lord Jesus Christ, then through the Holy Spirit. When Paul became filled with the Holy Spirit, the Holy Spirit influenced Paul in a deep, intrinsic way. Has this ever happened to anyone here? If it hasn’t happened to you yet, and you want to experience the presence of the Holy Spirit in your life, then pray, fast and read your bible. Ask God to minister unto you. Ask Him to reveal Himself unto you, through His Holy Spirit. Ask Him to help you to discern Him from other spirits.
Some persons will tell me that their loved ones; who are LGBTQ+ persons, aren’t living in sin, and their loved ones aren’t separated from God. In fact, some persons will tell me, “Kay, I’m a devoted Christian, and I’m an LGBTQ+ person. Some of my best friends and family members are LGBTQ+ persons too, and we’re all very spiritual. We’re spiritual to the point where we can even walk on water. You’re just talking a bunch of nonsense when you’re saying that my loved one’s actions are sinful, and that they are separated from God! Kay, I don’t know what kind of snake oil you’re selling these people, but I’m not buying it!”. Then, I’ll patiently reply, “Thanks for your contribution to our discussion. Can I get my mic back, please, so that I can reply? Thanks. Okay, so I’m also friends with LGBTQ+ persons. One of my best friends is gay. I’m also friends with a mature gay man who lives a permanently, celibate life because his spiritual journey has brought him to that point. I understand that everybody’s circumstances are different, and I certainly don’t have the authority to play judge, jury and executioner. I believe that the term, ‘sin separates us from God’ also speaks about an event which will take place on judgment day. So, yes, we may think that we’re living our best spiritual life now, but if we’re engaging in habitual sin (whatever they may be), and we haven’t repented, and we don’t live by faith, and we don’t allow God’s Holy Spirit to renew us spiritually, then on judgment day, we all run the risk of being permanently separated from God. We run the risk of being cast out from His presence, yet again. Unfortunately, someone is already selling us snake oil, but it’s not God, and it’s not me.” That’s exactly what I would tell them, word-for-word.
I’m certain that the Holy Spirit has reveal Himself to some of us, and He has transformed our lives in the most prolific ways. The transformative power of the Holy Spirit happened to me only after I developed a personal, intimate relationship with God. The Holy Spirit told me that the enemy is attacking my faith daily, and that’s why I need to seek out a personal relationship with Him. God told me that I needed to refresh my mind and spirit by reading the bible regularly. God also encouraged me to fast. The Holy Spirit actually wants to guide us to understand many things in life. God reminded me of a sad reality. He told me that some unbelievers know more about the bible than some members of the church. Even satan himself knows the bible cover to cover, and he tried to use his biblical knowledge to tempt Jesus in the wilderness. Some unbelievers (who know biblical knowledge), don’t believe God’s words, yet they will use that knowledge to argue facts with us. But guess what? At least they know it (or some version of it). So, we need to know it too, cover to cover. Over a period of time, the Holy Spirit has helped me to reshape my spiritual identity. It’s an ongoing process. In the context of 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, God can also do the same for people engaging in fornication, adultery, idolatry, homosexuality, and alcoholism etc. He did it then, so He is more than capable of doing it now.
So, how would I minister unto persons engaging in fornication, adultery, idolatry, homosexuality, alcoholism etc? I’d simply share God’s truth with them, and I’d share it with love. I’d tell them exactly this, “I care about you, and my love for you prevents me from lying to you. God loves us all, and He showed us His love by sending His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, to die for us. Jesus died so that we wouldn’t feel the sting of eternal damnation and separation from Him. He died to reconnect us with the Father. Jesus loves you so much. He hurts whenever He sees us hurting ourselves and others. He doesn’t want to leave us in our sins. Because of what Jesus did for us, we are offered the gift of redemption and salvation. I want to encourage you to develop a personal relationship with God. Read your bible regularly. If you don’t have one, I’ll give you one. Pray, fast and seek God’s guidance, through the Holy Spirit. The road will be filled with challenges, but God will always be with you to help you overcome them.”
Aside from addressing their spiritual needs, I would address their practical needs, as well. For example, if the person is a habitual fornicator, I would put them on to a support group for persons with sexual addictions. If the person isn’t a habitual fornicator, but is known to fornicate, I would still put them on to a supportive church environment, which would nurture healthy spiritual developments in that person. If the person is an adulterer, then I would connect them to an experienced marriage counselor. If the person is an idolater, then I would connect them to a good church. If the person is an LGBTQ+ person, then I would put them on to an LGBTQ+ person who overcame the lifestyle and who is actively reaching out to others who want to overcome it as well. If the person is an alcoholic, then I would put them on to a good Alcoholics Anonymous support group. You won’t reach everyone, but please, reach out in love. Don’t let fear of rejection prevent you from reaching out. Also, under no circumstance do I stop praying for the people in my life, because I would want them to pray for me too. In all things, seek God’s guidance before ministering to others, regarding God’s Words.
Some people have told me that they aren’t sure if God can help them to overcome their sinful habits. I tell them, I serve a very powerful God, and He is more than able to help them! God started that process in Paul, the apostles, and the early churches, so He is able to do it in this present time, as well. My God created the heavens and the earth, and everything therein, in 6 days. He promised a very old man (Abraham) that his barren wife would bring forth a son, and that through this son, his descendants would become as numerous as the stars in the sky. God fulfilled His promise. He never lies! My God brought the Israelites out of Egypt and parted the Red Sea for them. He led the Israelites through the wilderness. He delivered Daniel from the lion’s den. My God is able to cure any illness and disease. He has the power to subdue demons. He has full authority over life and death. He created life and He can raise the dead. Yes people, we serve a very powerful God who can actually raise the dead, back onto life again! My God is omnipotent (all-powerful); omniscient (all-knowing); and omnipresent (everywhere). So, of course He is more than able to help us to overcome our sinful habits. Don’t forget the God you serve, or His power and authority. Set Him as the authority figure over your life. Remember your spiritual history.
Don’t give up! Be ye Spirit filled. God wants you to fall in love with Him all over again, just like when you fell in love with Him for the very first time. Seek a personal relationship with Him. Read your bible. Pray. Fast. Encounter Him. Let Him teach and lead you. He wants to. Then share Him with others. Read this entire message again, but this time, listen to the song below on repeat, while you read it. May God guide and keep you on your spiritual journey. God bless!
