The Will of the People Prevail
Why did God give His people a King when it was against His Own Will in 1 Samuel 8?
After hearing the President’s decision to publically announce his personal position on gay couples it called into question his reasoning which only the Lord knows. So rather than wasting time listening to his critics and political analyzers and clergymen we thought we would ask the Lord for His thoughts on the matter. The following information is birthed from that conversation with God’s Word (the Holy Scripture), the mind of Eric and Angela and the witness of love in our hearts. The answer of peace in our hearts gave us the confidence to share our private information with the world at large via the internet. We hope and pray that you will be able to glean the overall truth of this article because it is the message of love directly from the Lord Jesus Christ and Our Heavenly Father God.
Now let us begin with a paraphrase of the Presidents words as heard by myself during an interview on TV dated May 9th, 2012. The President stated that he spoke with many couples and used his children as an example of not being comfortable with explaining why people would be treated differently if they were homosexuals. Any person who is the President of the United States of America is considered an honored person of God. The Lord does not allow every want-to-be candidate for presidency to be the Leader of that nation just because it is their desire to do so, hence a formal rigorous process is followed in democracy to ensure the people have a say-so in their leader. This begs the question, “Lord what is your position on this popular subject of homosexuality today?” As always when seeking the Lord for wisdom and guidance we must start with His Word. The reason we start with His Word is because we never need to ask God for His thoughts on any subject He has previously covered in His Holy Written Word. We (ihlcc) firmly believe that God’s Word is the truth that settles all controversies and His truth should be the established right thing to do in our life. However, it is not fair to hold everyone to the standards of God’s truth because the scripture clearly states to those who know the truth of God’s Word and refuse to do it, to them it is sin but if you don’t know God’s truth on a subject within God’s Word and you still violate His Word it is not sin to you.
James 4:17 KJV
Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.
To establish this truth in the mouth of at least two witnesses we also see the Great Lord Jesus Himself speaking of this truth in John 15:22-25 NKJV.
22If I had not come and spoken to them, they would have no sin, but now they have no excuse for their sin.
23He who hates Me hates My Father also.
24If I had not done among them the works which no one else did, they would have no sin; but now they have seen and also hated both Me and My Father.
25But this happened that the word might be fulfilled which is written in their law, 'THEY HATED ME WITHOUT A CAUSE.'
We notice in verse 22 Jesus said, if He personally had not spoken to them (the unbelieving Jews) they would have no sin. Also in verse 24 the Good Lord repeats this statement of them (the unbelieving Jews) having no sin if He had not done the good works of the Father God before their eyes. In general what we learn from this teaching is that only the unbelieving Jews that heard the Words of Jesus or saw the acts (power) of Jesus were considered sinners before God because if they never heard the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ or saw His demonstrations of power (the glory of God) they were still considered Jews of the Law practicing the commandments of God. One of the hardest things for any religious person to do is change their position on a godly belief that is deeply planted within their heart. The Lord Jesus said it this way in Luke 5:39 NKJV.
And no one, having drunk old wine, immediately desires new; for he says, 'The old is better.
If you are a believing Christian you have a certain mindset that should be bent towards the Word of God, thus the Holy Bible should be our guide for life. However, since the Holy Bible is so chalk full of wonderful (awesome) information we can pull certain verses (or concepts) out of the Holy Word of God for emphasis and at the same time ignore (or minimize) other verses (or concepts) also taught in the Holy Bible. This is the reason we have a slight dilemma with the President’s response to favor homosexual marital unions through the avenue of love because both subjects are taught in the Holy Word of God, one as an ungodly action and the other as a holy commandment from God. As a Christian we are told that homosexuality is abomination to God, let the church say Amen, based upon verses in both the Old and New Testaments.
Leviticus 18:20-30 KJV (Old Testament)
20 Moreover thou shalt not lie carnally with thy neighbour's wife, to defile thyself with her.
21 And thou shalt not let any of thy seed pass through the fire to Molech, neither shalt thou profane the name of thy God: I am the LORD.
22 Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination.
23 Neither shalt thou lie with any beast to defile thyself therewith: neither shall any woman stand before a beast to lie down thereto: it is confusion.
24 Defile not ye yourselves in any of these things: for in all these the nations are defiled which I cast out before you:
25 And the land is defiled: therefore I do visit the iniquity thereof upon it, and the land itself vomiteth out her inhabitants.
26 Ye shall therefore keep my statutes and my judgments, and shall not commit any of these abominations; neither any of your own nation, nor any stranger that sojourneth among you:
27 (For all these abominations have the men of the land done, which were before you, and the land is defiled;)
28 That the land spue not you out also, when ye defile it, as it spued out the nations that were before you.
29 For whosoever shall commit any of these abominations, even the souls that commit them shall be cut off from among their people.
30 Therefore shall ye keep mine ordinance, that ye commit not any one of these abominable customs, which were committed before you, and that ye defile not yourselves therein: I am the LORD your God.
Romans 1:24-28 KJV (New Testament)
24 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:
25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.
26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:
27 And 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.
28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;
2 Peter 2:4-6 KJV (New Testament)
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;
5 And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly;
6 And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly;
It is very obvious that the Judge of all mankind does not approve of the act of homosexuality but nor does God approve of adultery and fornication. However, because the Lord God doesn’t approve of certain behaviors does not mean that God doesn’t love that individual who practices such behavior. We seem to have a great divide in this country (America) because many believe that all homosexuals are ungodly and doomed to hell by the will of God but that is not the complete truth. Yes, acts of homosexuality are ungodly simply because God created men and women to procreate to populate the earth with children as His original will for men and women upon the earth in Genesis 1:27-28 GNB.
27 So God created human beings, making them to be like himself. He created them male and female,
28 blessed them, and said, "Have many children, so that your descendants will live all over the earth and bring it under their control. I am putting you in charge of the fish, the birds, and all the wild animals.
The Lord God Almighty always has a bigger picture than one person so it is not His Will that any one person should push to do their own will over the will of the Creator because He has the whole world in His Hands. Some people who are homosexuals have chosen that lifestyle as an alternative but according to God’s Word there is no alternative for homosexuality because that lifestyle is self-serving instead of God centered (people population centered). The alternative God does give is being celibate because whether you desire to marry someone or purpose not to marry someone it is still your decision. Just like it is completely your decision whether or not you will be involved in sexual relationships either in the context of marriage or outside the boundaries of marriage. Let the record stand clear on God’s Will concerning sexual relationships according to His Holy Word it is only in the context of marriage between a man and a woman void of fornication, adultery and/or homosexuality.
Hebrews 13:4 KJV
Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.
Notice first that God states that “marriage” is honorable and that is the specific reason the unity of marriage between a man and a woman qualifies for certain benefits. If you reward people for being godly that is a good thing. It is not the same argument for every person upon the earth because this verse qualifies specifically those that this honor is bestowed upon. The intention of the current Federal and State tax system here in America was to show some favor toward the marriage of a man and woman becoming one couple with the purpose of having children as opposed to being two singles living separate lives. This was publically accepted because the Word of God endorses such unions. Now I hope we are mature enough to understand that we do not get married for the tax breaks alone but because the couple loves each other, they have a heart to do God’s Will and hopefully they have a godly desire to have children. The laws of the land are never the foundation for marriage but rather for the Christian it should be according to the Laws of God’s Word. The Holy Bible even forbids the woman to get marriage to an unbeliever outside the Lord in 1 Corinthians 7:39 KJV
The wife is bound by the law as long as her husband liveth; but if her husband be dead, she is at liberty to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord.
The Lord knows it is very difficult to submit to an ungodly man who does not practice the Word of God in his lifestyle because he will be harder to deal with. The saved men who are children of God don’t always listen to the Lord but at least God knows them personally so He can deal with (speak to) them directly. If the leader of the house has decided that he doesn’t really need God’s input he is already influenced by the evil one and will always have a bent to follow evil advice as opposed to godly ideals, for that reason the Lord warned the female woman not to bind herself to that type of arrangement through marriage. This is the exact reason the Lord cannot favor homosexual relationships practiced as a lifestyle in marriage. Although we would like to think of this action as only affecting two people that is not true. The reality we see before us is that it affects many people, even whole nations. Here in America the nation seems divided on the subject of homosexuality. It is amazing how so many people can take a stand for or against homosexuality when they themselves are not homosexual. One reason the Lord has been strict against the practice of homosexuality is because if everyone in the earth decided to be a homosexual the Will of God concerning procreation would be eradicated. Yes, we know some could argue, “Oh no, God forbid, we think having children is wonderful we would never want to stop having babies.” but that would be the end result if you took this action to the far reaching conclusion of operating outside of God’s previously given parameters. Although others would imply they could have planned children on their own terms. Man producing children from artificial insemination (alias test tube babies) is not God’s perfect (intended) will. Yes, the Lord can work around man’s inventions but please understand that He doesn’t have to endorse them. I think we have established the fact that God does not condone the act of homosexuality in any way shape or form but He does love the homosexual immensely. Now we will focus our attention to His Love for all people because we here at ihlcc do firmly believe this to be a key principle (truth, reality, doctrine) to live by for all Christians - that God Loves all people equally and individually.
John 3:16 KJV
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.
The love of God to the best of our knowledge is not based upon our own actions nor our own understanding (interpretation) of His truth it is solely apart of who God is.
1 John 4:14-16 KJV
14 And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.
15 Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.
16 And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.
God is Love and it is the very nature of God that compels Him to love us so much. Yes, since our Heavenly Father is Love we, His Beloved Children, must love others also.
John 13:34-35 KJV
34A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.
35By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.
So I do believe that it is imperative that we love those individuals who are homosexuals because if you alienate yourself from others, “How can you help them?” The New Testament Christian message of love is very different from the Old Testament teachings of the Jews which basically taught destroy those in your land and swiftly kill all those who oppose the Name of the Lord (Jehovah) in your tribes. Today under the guideline of the New Testament we are commissioned to tell the whole world that Jesus loves them openly and He will save them if they will only look to Him for their redemption. We preach to all people and the receivers of God’s Word repent with the acknowledgement that they are a sinner who needs the specific help of the shed Blood of Jesus Christ for their salvation. This salvation will keep them from spiritual alienation from God’s fellowship and ultimately keep them from reaching the spiritual and physical designation of hell. This foundation for Christianity let’s everyone know right up front you are coming to God on His terms because you are the one in need of His gracious help. It is unfathomable that man could be so arrogant to think that he can approach God on his terms of righteousness.
Romans 3:9-12 KJV
9 What then? are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin;
10 As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:
11 There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God.
12 They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.
Since it was and is God’s Love that motivates Him to help us we must receive that love by being a doer of His Word. The mature in Christ (those with deeper understanding of God’s Love) will practice God’s Word as a lifestyle according to John 14:21-24 KJV.
21He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.
22 Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world?
23 Jesus answered and said unto him,If a man love me, he will keep my words:and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.
24He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me.
However, one major problem we face in the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ is that not everyone is mature so many Believers don’t keep all of God’s commandments as a whole. As a matter of fact many Christians perform sinful acts every day. Some are known sins and others are unknown sins. Since we, as spiritually young (needing more instruction) Children of God don’t clearly understand or know the exact intentions of every man’s heart it is better to leave their judgment in the hands of God. The saving grace for all mankind is that God is merciful to all people all over the earth both saint and sinner. Remember we stated earlier that if you don’t know if it is a sin you will not be held to the same standards as those who truly understand (know) it is a sin in their conscience. Hence, to the Christian family that has the revelation that the act (action) of homosexuality is repulsive (sinful) they must also guard their own heart to not judge the homosexual themselves as an unworthy sinner. Just to clarify that statement we (ihlcc) will say that again with some extra explanation, the same Christian who believes the act of homosexuality is deplorable according to God’s Word can stand firm on their viewpoint solely because they have God’s Word on the subject. Moreover, if the person did not have the Word of God (the Holy Bible) clearly stating God’s position on that topic they would have nothing but their opinion which would basically favor their preference. So the Believer is only building upon the foundation previously laid by God’s Word, with that being the case that same believer must realize that God’s Word also states to love one another as Christ Loved the church which screams to all Christians to be merciful as our Father in Heaven is merciful. Therefore, to condemn all people who sin would be akin to condemning everyone in the world according to your new position of righteousness in Christ which you totally received by the goodness and mercy of God.
Romans 2:1-4 KJV
1 Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things.
2 But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against them which commit such things.
3 And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God?
4 Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?
So we as Christians are commanded to be merciful as our Father in Heaven is merciful so that we can keep our influence open to help those that are in need which may include homosexuals and our fellow brethren who sometimes commit sins also. We (ihlcc) are openly and publically stating that we need to be merciful to all people unlike ourselves to keep the communication line open between us and them. Many religious people think to only be kind and merciful to those who have like faith but that in itself is unscriptural for the New Testament disciple of Jesus.
Luke 6:31-37 KJV
31And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.
32For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for sinners also love those that love them.
33And if ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have ye? for sinners also do even the same.
34And if ye lend to them of whom ye hope to receive, what thank have ye? for sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again.
35But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.
36Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.
37Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:
Clearly the golden rule is “do unto others as you would have them do unto you” which is another way of saying “we should love one another”. This explains the great divide in this country because a large percentage of America’s believe the gay people of this nation should be ouster sized and just as large a percentage feel that even though they do not live a lifestyle of homosexuality that the gay people themselves should not be treated any differently from a fellow American. Remember civil rights are based on our legal citizenship, whereas Christian rights are based one-hundred percent upon our spiritual relationship with Jesus Christ. We all can agree that distancing some Americans from other Americans would divide the nation and cause bitterness and anger to rise. Although we (ihlcc) believe this to be wrong some Christians believe this to be acceptable so let us examine that thought. Hmmm, if God thought of us as wretched sinners who needed salvation He is right, but now did God distance Himself from us by isolating His Son and His Presence (the Holy Spirit) from us? No quite the contrary He freely gave us His Son to open our eyes to a new way of life. Our Gracious Heavenly Father also freely gave us His Holy Spirit as a seal of our eternal life with Him. This new way of life inspired us to choose an alternative lifestyle that favors righteousness as opposed to unrighteousness. His mercy and compassion prompted Him to reach out with His Holy Clean Hands to a dirty sinful disgusting humanity to give us a chance to be holy and clean like Him. Was this the right decision I thank God through Jesus Christ it was and we (Christians) owe our eternal life to Him. Therefore we, as Children of God, must extend our hands of love toward all homosexuals simply for no other reason than we love them with the love of God. Just because we (ihlcc) love the homosexual does that mean that we support the act of homosexuality? By all means no. God forbid that we (ihlcc) would ever stand against the Holy Word of God but in the same love of God that inspired the Holy Bible we boldly proclaim our love and compassion for all homosexuals. We don’t have to approve (endorse) their lifestyle to love them as people individually. This unconditional love of God known as “AGAPE” is the sole reason we love all people both saint and sinner equally. Will the saint be more blessed by God for practicing (being a doer of) God’s Word yes without question, but does God love His obedient children more than any other person in the world, definitely not. This concept of unconditional love sounds incredible to the human mind (reasoning) because it is hard for us to relate to someone loving us independently of our actions but so it is with Christ. The Lord loves you because He created you for His Love. God has so much faith in you that He will do everything in His Power to aid your success whether you reciprocate that love or not. So, yes it is very possible to operate in the pure love of God which loves people unconditionally and desires to help all people. The spiritually mature saint will even love those individuals who do not think or act like they do. I guess this divide comes down to understanding if we are called to judge lifestyles or help people. As a ministry (servant) of love we choose to love people first and then leave the judgment of those same people in the hands of the Lord. It is comforting to relish the fact that if anyone judges their own actions and thoughts as ungodly with the effort to align their actions and words and thoughts with God’s Word they will never be judged by God. The Great God in Heaven gave us the keys (His Word and His Heart) to His Salvation through Jesus Christ all we need to do is open the door of our prison of selfishness and call upon the Name of the Lord Jesus so that we might be able to walk right out of our life of darkness and into His marvelous Light (Life). We would not go so far as to say that all sinners are doom to hell because I was a sinner heading toward hell and the open attitude Angela displayed toward me showed me her genuine (pure) love. Eventually, through her example of open love I was able to understand the Love of God unto repentance. Thus, becoming saved and born-again after several years of unconditional love being poured into me eventually yielded the godly result (fruit) of becoming a Child of God. Therefore it is not possible for me to turn my back on others in a similar position because if it were not for God’s love shown through my fellow man (my personal friend) I would have never seen the goodness of God in the land of living. Amen! Therefore it is our decision to support the decision to treat people the same no matter what their sexual preference but truthfully realize that all people are different in personality, revelation and religion so they may look at some things differently, no matter what we still choose to love them unconditionally in Jesus Name.
Now we will address the position of supporting gay marriages which is a threefold issue:
Federal laws that support gay marriages or civil union as they are commonly called today.
We (ihlcc) believe this should not be done as a law because the Word of God doesn’t favor this union of same sex. As a side note if the federal government did decide to add civil unions of same sex into the same tax (financial) benefits of heterosexual couples we would not protest against the government because the scripture states to submit unto the governing law as long as they do not cause you to sin against your God. The law changes that are more inclusive toward homosexuals will not stop you from worshipping your God from your heart so it is not worth (worthy of) your concentrated energy to fight the leaders of the land because it would propagate strife. Remember the Apostle Paul did not preach against the Goddess Diana he simply preached passionately for Christ Jesus and the city was moved in the right direction.Acts 19:34-37 KJVNo, our faith friends, it is far better to support (or submit to) the laws of land with prayer for the governing leaders because all those who choose to oppose them may find themselves in trouble with God and men. No governing leader appreciates ridicule and criticism but many civil leaders appreciate prayers for their welfare (wisdom and protection) and praise for the good things they do right while standing in that lofty (elevated) office.
34 But when they knew that he was a Jew, all with one voice about the space of two hours cried out, Great is Diana of the Ephesians.
35 And when the townclerk had appeased the people, he said, Ye men of Ephesus, what man is there that knoweth not how that the city of the Ephesians is a worshipper of the great goddess Diana, and of the image which fell down from Jupiter?
36 Seeing then that these things cannot be spoken against, ye ought to be quiet, and to do nothing rashly.
37 For ye have brought hither these men, which are neither robbers of churches, nor yet blasphemers of your goddess.Romans 13:1-5 ERV
1 All of you must obey the government rulers. Everyone who rules was given the power to rule by God. And all those who rule now were given that power by God.
2 So anyone who is against the government is really against something God has commanded. Those who are against the government bring punishment on themselves.
3 People who do right don't have to fear the rulers. But those who do wrong must fear them. Do you want to be free from fearing them? Then do only what is right, and they will praise you.
4 Rulers are God's servants to help you. But if you do wrong, you have reason to be afraid. They have the power to punish, and they will use it. They are God's servants to punish those who do wrong.
5 So you must obey the government, not just because you might be punished, but because you know it is the right thing to do.
State laws that support gay marriages or civil union as they are commonly called today.
Our answer is the same as it was before when speaking of the Federal Laws we do not endorse such laws even at the state level. We do however believe it to be foolish to protest against them publically because we believe in fighting for the salvation of souls not arguing about the fruits of unrighteousness. Remember if the person doesn’t think of it as sin unto God in their own mind (not yours) your argument is futile.2 Timothy 2:21-25 ESV
21 Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work.
22 So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.
23 Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels.
24 And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil,
25 correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth,
Personal opinions that support gay marriages or civil union as they are commonly called today.
Our personal opinion of this union remains the same. We (ihlcc) would not encourage anyone to join themselves in this type of relationship primarily for the Lord sakes which would include the children.
This brings us to exact words of the President of the United States of America because he said, “His personal opinion is that he does not have a problem with gay marriages”. As a loving Christian we (ihlcc) would never judge another man’s personal convictions, lest Christ Jesus judge us. Since we pray for the President to have wisdom we would still continue to lift him up before the Lord Jesus and Heavenly Father fully expecting God to order his steps and guide his decision making. If we disagree with the President or don’t clearly understand his thought process on this decision it by no means would quench our unfailing love for him and his family.
The President also stated that, “He knew gay couples that were hard workers and good people who he would never think of discriminating against in the work he has done in his career” We also agree with that statement and his decision to love all people the same.
Finally, the President said that he would leave the decision to change the marital union laws at the state level to let the states govern as they see fit. This is a good move on the President’s part because the governors are closer to the heart of their people in the state as opposed to the federal government forcing one size to fit all. In today’s society we see each state declaring its own theme so leaving that decision to them is somewhat prudent in our (ihlcc) opinion. The less the Federal Government would get involved in this issue the better so let the states who favor marriage between a man and woman as we do be free to keep the laws the same and at the same time those who are set on changing the state laws to favor civil unions between same sex marriages are also free to do such. The key here is not what each state should choose but rather having the freedom (liberty) to choose. Knowing that where the Lord is reigning freely freedom prevails. Yes, dear saint, know that God is so liberating that he will give people the complete freedom to go to hell, even against His strong recommendation not to. Yes, God has suffered loss to allow people the freedom to choose their own fate and that is always the right position to be in as a Child of God.2 Corinthians 3:17 KJV
Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.
Now to answer the first question, “Why did the Lord give the children of Israel a king when it was against His Own Will?”
Answer: The Lord loves his people (and all people) so much that He will give them the desires of their heart.
That is it plain and simple; if people want to practice His Word the Lord will do everything within His power to help those people accomplish His will upon the earth. If certain people only want to follow God’s Word some of time God will help those same people some of the time. If a person wants to renew their fellowship with God after a long time of abstinence the Lord will renew their fellowship the very second (moment) that person is ready to come home to their loving Heavenly Father and Lord Jesus Christ. This principle even holds true for those things that God disagrees with such as, if some people want the devil to be their ruler in hell the Lord loves them enough to grant them an entrance to that very place in hell they so desire. It has nothing to do with right or wrong it is solely based upon His unconditional love for people that compels (motivates) Him to give them what they want over His Own Personal Will for them.
Therefore, we (ihlcc) must leave you with this thought which only certain people in the Body of Christ can understand because all have not this revelation of love.
As a man over my own household I would not financially support a wedding of two gay people of the same sex. However, if even one of my children were gay (for reasons unknown to me) I would still support them spiritually and emotionally and go to their marriage solely because I love them aside from their actions. Angela and I could not afford to ever let our children think that we don’t love them because that would misrepresent Christ Jesus and our Loving Heavenly Father.Matthew 11:15 KJVIf I were a Christian Governor of a state of citizens that supported gay rights by an overwhelming majority (like 75%) I would need to decide if my will should prevail over the people I represent. Yes, a public servant represents the public while he/she is in a public office whereas a servant of God represents God while he/she is in the pulpit of the church. If I truly represented the will of the people I would support a bill to support gay marriages even though in my personal spiritual life I stand against it before God. This is because the greater good of the whole is better than the will and intentions of the few in public office for unities sake. Some would argue that when it comes to God that is not true but we (ihlcc) would answer, “Why did God give the Children of Israel a king against His better judgment?” The Lord said to Samuel they have rejected Me not you (representing man) so don’t take it personally in 1 Samuel 8:6-7 KJV.
He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.6 But the thing displeased Samuel, when they said, Give us a king to judge us. And Samuel prayed unto the LORD.If you feel that is it better to force your own personal will over people with different convictions in the Name of Jesus you are only causing more strife than you can handle and limiting your influence upon those people and as soon as possible they will dismiss you from your public duties for a failure to recognize your position as their leader. If you want to do your own thing go into business for yourself but if you desire to lead people you would be wise to listen to the people you represent. The young mind will say, “I would rather be a bad leader than do the will of the people under me if I disagree with it” than that is exactly what you will be remembered as “a bad leader” who stood his own ground but accomplished nothing for the people. Since we believe God puts people into elevated positions of authority please understand that you are there for the people and God, as opposed to against the people in the Name of God. The Lord always chooses peace over strife, love over hate so we should live our life according to those higher standards of love by choosing unity over division.
7 And the LORD said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them.Matthew 11:15 KJVFinally, if I were the President of the United States of America, even though we are not united at all. I would check the pulse of the people I represent and approve laws that favored their cause solely because I love them more than myself. If this issue of having to approve laws that violate my own conscience happened on a more regular basis I would strongly consider another line of work, but if I only had to approve disheartening laws few and far between I would concentrate on the good things I am doing in office and not the issues I strongly disagree with. We (ihlcc) think this to be God’s Wisdom on the subject but we prefer to let God speak for Himself since He is within each and every one of us who call upon the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ. We always encourage each and every Christian to go to the Lord in humbleness of heart to let Him show you His Wisdom, Knowledge and Understanding on the topic under discussion, because His Way is the Truth that stands alone. So while we (ihlcc) may not understand the President’s position on a personal level I completely understand his position as the President of the Divided States of America (Ops, I mean United States of America) because trying to unite all people with a common theme of equality and love is a Godly ideal and worthy of endorsement. Amen.
He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.
Now we know that only certain people can receive these teachings because all people don’t have a clear revelation of loving someone so much that you are willing to forgo (ignore) your own will even when it aligns with God’s Word. Yes, it sounds simple in conversation when talking to someone else but until you can relate to helping someone (outside our own family) in the midst of their defiance against you and God’s Word it will be hard to understand the unconditional love of God. Many in the Body of Christ don’t even pray for the President when the President states something they disagree with because they would rather protest against him publically in their conversations with others. Yes, we know many a Pastor of God who uses the pupil to publically condemn and criticize the President but this is not right because we are not to speak evil of our leader.Acts 23:4-5 KJVSo where some ministers think that God is their only ruler they don’t realize when they speak evil of the leader of the nation they dishonor the same person God has chosen to honor by putting them into that position. It is a fine line between offering your opinion and publically judging someone else, so stay away from that fine line by choosing to love all people all the time unconditionally, both saint and sinner to keep your testimony the same which keeps your witness for God intact in Christ Jesus. Amen!
4 And they that stood by said, Revilest thou God's high priest?
5 Then said Paul, I wist not, brethren, that he was the high priest: for it is written, Thou shalt not speak evil of the ruler of thy people.
In His Love, Eric & Angela Foster