Posted on 06/30/2015 6:32:42 AM PDT by SeekAndFind
Leading Evangelist Franklin Graham is warning Christians nationwide that they should be ready to face persecution if they wish to stand by the biblical definition of marriage following last Friday's U.S. Supreme Court ruling, which legalized same-sex marriage throughout the United States.
Despite President Barack Obama claiming that the Supreme Court's ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges is a "victory for a America," Graham, the president of both the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and Samaritan's Purse, asserted in an interview with Fox News' Todd Starnes last weekend that the United States is really the true "loser" because the ruling could bring God's judgement upon the nation.
"Our nation has a spiritual problem and we need God's forgiveness and we need to repent of our sins and turn from our sins because I do believe that God's judgement will come on this nation," the 62-year-old Graham stated.
"When we read in the Scripture, we see how God judged Israel time and time again, when they would turn their back on Him and begin to worship other gods, foreign gods, and God would bring judgement on Israel. I believe God could bring judgement on America."
As it is not yet known what kind of legal protections Christian colleges will have, Graham wants those who are willing to stand for traditional marriage to be "prepared" to be persecuted.
"You better be ready and you better be prepared because it's coming. I think there will be persecution of Christians for our stand," Graham contends. "I believe the Bible. God loves us, no question about it. So when the president says that '#LoveWins,' yes, God loves us but sin is sin and God has standards. When we violate those standards, any type of sexual relationship outside of a marriage relationship between a man and a woman is a sin against God."
"I'm disappointed because our government is recognizing sin. This court is endorsing sin. That's what homosexuality is. It's a sin against God, just like any other sin. For the court to endorse sin, I am saddened for our country," Graham added. "We will have to go by what the court says but as far as for me, I will never recognize it in my heart because God gave marriage between a man and a woman. ... God gave us marriage and that's just it, period. God does not change His mind."
With the court ruling that it is a constitutional right for two individuals of the same sex to be legally married and receive the same government benefits that married hetrosexual couples do, Graham argued that the ruling could lead the nation down a slippery slope that eventually results in other kinds of sexual immorality — like polygamy or incest — being deemed constitutional.
"I think our country is the loser because marriage is an institution that God has given. And for us now to give this to same-sex couples, who is to say that in a few years from now a man cannot marry his daughter or two men can marry one woman? Where do you draw the line?" Graham asked. "This is new ground that our country is beginning to enter and I am just concerned about where we head."
When asked whether he agrees with other conservative pastors and political leaders who are calling for a "civil disobedience" over gay marriage, Graham said he would favor such an action depending on whether the court's ruling is enforced in a way that requires pastors and churches to participate in same-sex weddings.
"I think we have to wait and see what the ruling is and how it is going to be interpreted," Graham replied. "If pastors are going to be forced to provide marriage services for gay couples, I certainly am not going to do it because I would partaking in a sin against God. I just can't do that."
Although he disagrees with the homosexual lifestyle, Graham added that he loves people who struggle with same-sex attraction "enough to warn them" of God's impending judgment of their behavior.
"Do I wish ill to gay couples? No, I don't. But I want them to know the truth — that they are living a sinful life and a sinful relationship and God is going to judge sin one day and the Bible says that sinners will be separated from him in a place the Bible calls hell," Graham explained. "I love gay couples enough to warn them that God is going to judge one day and I want them to repent and believe on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ so that they will be saved."
WHY I HAVE AN ILLUMINATED CROSS AS A PROTEST
Why are those so called democrats which belong to a democrat in name only ever being called out on their core beliefs ? Nooo that wouldn’t be bi-partisan !
Ask any of those so called GOPES (Government Over the People Elite Statists) campaign advisors about depressing the “democrat” vote and you get a lecture.Democrat core beliefs showed up with booing the mention of God in 2012 which made it official.
They’ve declared a war on religion particularly Christianity.Which I for one now have an illumiuated crucifix at night in my front yard facing the street (Highway) as a statement. And encourage others do as well
A DEMOCRAT apparently doesn’t believe there’s such a thing as the Ten Commandments or sin because everything that leaves their mouths is a lie. But I have yet to hear a Republican candidate even suggest even in jest mention why “democrat” lying is part of their core belief ?
Never mind the use of their positions promoting clony capitalism campaign contributers financing alternate energy plans spending billions which went belly up at our expense while leaving our infastructure was falling apart......
Why ? Because it isn’t being bi-partisan or lets not forget the other trap first being politically correct. Then using that to remove tax exempt status from non profit and religious organizations and illegal to express a religious view on marriage or sodomy.
The persecution wasn’t an afterthought, it was the goal.
Basically, they’re enjoying their time here on earth, a vapor in eternity, which is nothing compared to what the righteous will enjoy forever.
One of the first casualties of the SCOTUS decision is going to be the Hobby Lobby victory. It will now be illegal to not provide healthcare (and other) benefits to “married” same-sex couples if spouses are covered by the plan. Consequently, any Christian business, large or small, that is unwilling to do so will have to either go out of business, drop spousal coverage, or eliminate such benefits to their employees altogether. That will force them onto Obamacare, making last week’s decisions a double win for Obamacare.
After the 1000-year reign of Christ, the earth and heavens will be destroyed. But during the Tribulation, He will certainly decimate it to the point to where barely any living thing will be left alive.
True. Next time, by fire.
Some good advice for all pastors.....preach it.
Go to the Bible!
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/3306092/posts
I had an extended email debate with a liberal over this yesterday. He thinks persecution is the last thing that will happen. He didn’t have much to say when I presented him with several stories about how it has ALREADY happened across the country.
“I believe God could bring judgement on America.”
I wish he would stop this. He needs to Roman 1.
Homosexuality IS a judgement. We are being judged. Now.
Bring it on.
They’re only heaping judgment on themselves.
Look for those of Christian faith to “lock and load.”
This week I heard the worst sermon of my life, and the best sermon of my life. (I’m a P.K. and attended seminary, so I’ve heard a lot of sermons!)
Details of the worst sermon aren’t important. However, below is a link to a wonderful sermon given by my niece’s pastor on Sunday. It’s long, but you can’t stop listening. (Hope the link works as I’ve never posted one before.)
http://www.calvarybaptist.org/uploads/Audio_Message_062815.mp3
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