Free Republic
Browse · Search
Bloggers & Personal
Topics · Post Article

Skip to comments.

“GayPal” Prefers Pink Purses to Christian Wallets?
Last Days Watchman ^ | Julio Severo

Posted on 09/23/2011 9:57:38 AM PDT by juliosevero

PayPal blacklists Christian writer

Online activist told friends must find another way to support his ministry

By Bob Unruh © 2011 WND

“Relax,” says a PayPal website. “Pay friends & family in seconds with PayPal.” After all, it’s the “easy way to send money in seconds.” No checks, no ATMs, no envelopes and stamps, just click the button on your computer.

That is, of course, unless you and your friends teach the biblical perspective that homosexuality is not acceptable for Christians and is a sin.

Then you get a note from the money-transfer giant that you are being investigated. Another note follows shortly later that your account is being closed and PayPal will hold the money for 180 days, and then return it to you. But you don’t have any access to it any longer.

Those are the circumstances that have developed with Christian activist Julio Severo, who posts writings online on his international Last Days Watchman blog, teaching Christian values and alerting readers to anti-Christian influences worldwide.

In his case, PayPal, on the heels of an online campaign by homosexuals demanding that Christians such as Severo be denied the use of the PayPal system, sent an email announcing an “investigation.”

Then PayPal executives dispatched an email explaining that because of “legal and regulatory constraints,” the company is “unable to process donation payments for non-registered charities and non-profit organizations; political party/organizations; religious institutions; personal/organizational fundraisers, etc. …”

“This is not a decision we make lightly, and we deeply regret any inconvenience or frustration this matter may cause you,” wrote “Sugar” from the PayPal Compliance Department.

“Your remaining account balance will be held in your PayPal account for 180 days from the date your account was limited. After 180 days, you will be notified via e-mail with information on how to receive your remaining funds.”

The message included a link to the company’s user agreement that explained transactions couldn’t involve any violation of the law, sales of narcotics or “items that promote hate, violence, racial intolerance,” obscenity, ponzi schemes, fraud, illegal tobacco or gambling.

It said charity donations need “pre-approval.”

But it said nothing, however, about stopping friends from sending money to friends.

“PayPal says that it does not allow the use of its service for activities that promote hatred, violence or racial intolerance, but its action against my account was spurred by a hate campaign by gay activists wanting to shut down my account,” Severo told WND. “I am very worried, because PayPal caved in to gay militants and their hate campaign to have me excluded from PayPal.”

He explained, “I use PayPal to pay essential services to me and my family. And we are in a very limited situation, because we are away from Brazil because of gay and government persecution. Our resources are limited. And now under pressure of my persecutors, PayPal is making sure that my ways to receive donations may be even more limited and hard.
“Millions of individuals use PayPal to receive money. Why cannot I receive too?”

He said he is a pro-family leader who is a Christian.

“I am not a charity. I am only a Christian individual with a wife and four little children,” he said. “I wonder if PayPal will shut down the accounts of the homosexual militants who launched the hate campaign.”

PayPal refused to respond to email and telephone message requests from WND for comment on the closure of Severo’s account. A PayPal employee who instructed WND that he be identified only as “spokesman” told WND earlier that the company will crack down on anyone it decides has “incited hatred, violence or intolerance because of a person's sexual orientation.”

The spokesman, who insisted the company recognizes free-speech rights the rights of free speech, said he wouldn’t comment on “any specific accounts.”

But others weren't hesitant to express their opinion. Don Hank, who runs the Laigle's Forum website, said, “This is war. … PayPal is now official the enemy of traditional Christianity.”

“Look folks,” he continued, “this business of being registered … is bogus. Registered? With whom? Julio is not in the U.S. and may not need to register in the country in which he is located.”

“Julio really needs your help now. If you want to donate, let me know and I can work out details of how to send him donations. (Moneygram and Western Union are probably good options, until they decide to join the Anti-Christ too!”

He said there are Christians to say, “Pray but do nothing to help.”

“That’s not me. Can’t do it. Won't do it. Believe it is contrary to the Word of God. It's like that parable: if a son asks his father to give him a fish, will he give him a stone? … My method is: Pray as hard as you can, fight as hard as you can, give as much as you can,” he said.

It took only minutes after Severo’s confirmation of the PayPal action that his supporters were circulating one of many discussions on alternative payment processes to PayPal.

And an attorney from Europe said it was an outrageous display of discrimination based on beliefs.

In a terse memo to PayPal, Austrian lawyer Inge Boening told the company, “I am deeply shocked by the thoughtless and over-hasty decision to bow to heterophobic hate groups, which is utterly insensitive to, and therefore has to be considered a continuation of, the history of persecution of religious people in general and, together with Jews, Christians in particular.

“In such a situation of vicious mobbing conducted by hate groups against religious people your guiding light should have been a clear and unmistakable stance against persecution,” Boening wrote.

“This could have been PayPal’s great chance to show the world that, as a global provider of payments in a diverse world, you maintain neutrality as regards content of the expressions of free speech exercised by whoever be your customers, setting a precedent that political action should focus on fact-based debate rather than bullying and attempts to destroy one's political opponent economically.

“However, by kow-towing before the lobby against free speech, you have missed this opportunity to emphasize neutrality. From now on you must be considered primarily an instrument of suppression of freedom rather than merely a payment services provider.”

Boening wrote that his course is clear; if he does not get confirmation that PayPal has reversed itself, he will cancel his account “and will encourage others to do the same.”

When WND reported just days ago on the “investigation” that resulted from an online campaign of “hate” against a list of Christian organizations, it was noted that Peter LaBarbera’s “Americans for Truth” also got a notice of investigation from PayPal. His ministry, like Severo’s, is unabashedly Christian, and both deal directly with the biblical perspective of homosexuality.

At the time, a campaign by the AllOut.org website was actively stirring up intolerance toward the Christians and was demanding that PayPal stop allowing them access to its services.

The online campaign criticized “anti-LGBT extremists” who are using PayPal to raise money for “their dangerous cause.”

It put bull’s-eyes on Severo and LaBarbera as well as Abiding Truth Ministries, New Generation Ministries, Noua Dreapta of Romania, Truth in Action Ministries, Dove World Outreach, Faith Word Baptist Church, Family Research Institute and American Society for the Defense of Tradition[al Family.

At least one of those organizations, Truth in Action, said the AllOut campaign was seriously flawed from the beginning, because it never has had any business relationship with PayPal.

AllOut alleges those groups promote “hate.”

But Severo contended at the time that the opposite is true.

“I want you to know that we Christians love homosexuals, but we disagree with their immoral lifestyles,” he told PayPal.

Severo said AllOut also is working on Facebook, Twitter and through emails to pressure PayPal to censor his religious beliefs.

LaBarbera told WND his organization has not received subsequent notifications from PayPal yet. But he said he was well aware of the “hate-Christians” campaign that was being assembled online to apply pressure to PayPal.

The issue seems to contradict some of PayPal's own policy statements, which encourage people to offer donations for benevolent ventures:

“Use PayPal on microplace to empower people to start a business and work their way out of poverty. Your investment will make a difference in the lives of the world's working poor. It’s the smart way to do good in the world. And with PayPal, you can also make a gift to your favorite non-profit organization by donating money using your PayPal account.”

The company also says PayPal “is the faster way to send money to friends and family. And if you use just your bank or PayPal balance, it's free.”

Further, PayPal claims it “isn’t just for shopping.”

“Use PayPal to send money via e-mail (or even cell phone) to almost anyone in 190 markets and 24 currencies — all you need is their email address. It's perfect for splitting the check, paying the babysitter, or sending money as a gift.”

The company even offers various tools to “readily create fundraising marketplaces that tap into the wisdom of the crowd to identify worthy projects. … PayPal handles the money flow behind the scenes.”

A PayPal user who contacted the company about its denial of service to Severo was rebuffed.

“Niamh” at PayPal wrote, “Thank you for contacting PayPal regarding PayPal preventing a customer for (sic) using our service. I have reviewed your account and email and can confirm that due to Data Protection I am unable to comment on a third party account.”

LifeSiteNews.com already has created an online petition in support of the Christian websites and ministries that says, “I protest the attack by homosexual organizations on Christian activists Julio Severo, Americans for Truth About Homosexualty (AFTAH), and Tradition, Family, and Property (TFP). I encourage PayPal to affirm the right of pro-family organizations to use its service and to reject attacks on the Christian faith and other religions that uphold sexual morality and defend family values.”

According to LaBarbera, the issue is that homosexual activists no longer are content to merely live their lifestyle; they now are demanding that people with biblical perspectives with which they disagree be shut down.

“They want dominance even if it means smearing pro-family people as ‘haters’ and destroying our cherished religious freedoms,” he said.

WND reported earlier when Severo confirmed his website had been under surveillance by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, even though the government declined to respond to questions about the situation.

WND also reported when a similar series of attacks were generated against online ministries and groups that discuss the danger of Islam.

PayPal reportedly cut off several accounts because of concerns about their message of truth about Islam, then restored them a short time later.

Popular activist, author and blogger Pamela Geller of Atlas Shrugs, who has also been involved in founding the Freedom Defense Initiative and Stop Islamization of America, reported getting intimidating letters from PayPal that claimed the websites “promote hate” and “racial intolerance.”

According to Geller, PayPal sent her letters explaining the websites had violated the company’s policy, which bans use of PayPal for items that “promote hate, violence, racial intolerance or the financial exploitation of a crime.”

To comply, Geller reports, she was required to remove PayPal as a payment option from her websites, as well as all references to the company, its logo and shopping-cart features.

She later reported an executive with the company called and explained the decision was in error and that financial services to the websites could resume.

WND also reported when the Charitable Give Back Group, formerly known as the Christian Values Network, reported activists were working online to gather signatures and scare customers away because of the Christian message.

Portuguese version of this article: PayPal coloca escritor cristão na lista negra

Spanish version of this article: PayPal coloca escritor cristiano en lista negra

German version of this article: PayPal setzt christlichen Schriftsteller auf schwarze Liste

Source: WND, through Last Days Watchman, the English blog of Julio Severo

Related articles:

Gay activists get LifeSiteNews translator and pro-family activist Julio Severo cut off by PayPal

Online ‘hate’ campaign targets Christian sites

PayPal launches investigation of pro-family groups following homosexual complaints

Homosexual activists seek to cut off PayPal accounts of pro-family organizations

Homeland Security surveillance detected on Christian website

The power of a single blogger and his faith: the story of Julio Severo and his fight against anti-“homophobia” bills

Media terrorism

Would you believe genocide against homosexuals?

Prominent Pro-Family Activist Julio Severo Flees Brazil to Escape Charges of “Homophobia”

Where All This Persecution is Heading

GCM Watch interviews Julio Severo

WorldNetDaily publishes interview with Julio Severo

Julio Severo says in WND: ‘How hate crimes laws forced me into exile’

Luiz Mott, the Top Homosexual Leader in Brazil and One of the Founders of ABGLT, Posts Home Addresses of Julio Severo and Other Pro-Family Activists

Luiz Mott Under Investigation for Pedophilia

ABGLT Files “Hate” Charges Against Julio Severo and Other Brazilian Christians

UN Approves ABGLT, a Brazilian Homosexualist Group, Yet Drops Christian Charity

In Defense of Marriage: When Rights Trump Freedom


TOPICS: Miscellaneous; Religion; Society; Weird Stuff
KEYWORDS: allout; juliosevero; paypal

1 posted on 09/23/2011 9:57:45 AM PDT by juliosevero
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | View Replies]

To: juliosevero

The writing is on the wall. The Citizens of the World, know real Christians are not going to be cooperating in their human enslvement schemes.

Christians need to realize this and start organizing what they need for themselves as a community. Hire each other. Prefer each other. Promote each other. Befriend each other. Fund each other. It is only going to get worse. But if Christians start forming a community and loyality to one another, we will take over this country and the citizens of the world will be out in the cold.


2 posted on 09/23/2011 1:12:12 PM PDT by SaraJohnson
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: SaraJohnson

I couldn’t agree more.

Very well said.


3 posted on 09/23/2011 8:39:47 PM PDT by Shadowstrike (Be polite, Be professional, but have a plan to kill everyone you meet.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 2 | View Replies]

To: Quix; ClearBlueSky

PING.

You might want to take a look at this.


4 posted on 09/23/2011 8:41:03 PM PDT by Shadowstrike (Be polite, Be professional, but have a plan to kill everyone you meet.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: SaraJohnson; Shadowstrike; Alamo-Girl; Amityschild; AngieGal; AnimalLover; Ann de IL; ...

ABSOLUTELY INDEED, SARA,

Supporting those of like precious faith who Love God and each other will become a life and death type of issue.

Those who won’t support this or that Christian for prissy reasons may well find themselves outside The Camp.

May the 91st Psalm be abundantly real for all who truly SEEK GOD’S FACE, HEART, WAYS AND WILL in their lives and in the earth.

In some respects, the following is too true in terms of the skillful strategizing for their agenda.

Luke 16:8

New International Version (©1984)
“The master commended the dishonest manager because he had acted shrewdly. For the people of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own kind than are the people of the light.

New Living Translation (©2007)
“The rich man had to admire the dishonest rascal for being so shrewd. And it is true that the children of this world are more shrewd in dealing with the world around them than are the children of the light.


Nevertheless, the Wisdom and knowledge of THE LORD are supreme. And The AWE FILLED FEAR OF THE LORD IS THE BEGINNING OF WISDOM.

Psalm 111:10

New International Version (©1984)
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise.
.

New Living Translation (©2007)
Fear of the LORD is the foundation of true wisdom. All who obey his commandments will grow in wisdom. Praise him forever!


Psalm 91:1

New International Version (©1984)
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

New Living Translation (©2007)
Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

. . .


5 posted on 09/23/2011 11:14:17 PM PDT by Quix (Times are a changin' INSURE you have believed in your heart & confessed Jesus as Lord Come NtheFlesh)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 2 | View Replies]

To: Quix; SaraJohnson
The very things I have read and have been taught about Bible prophecy, since I was in Jr High, are happening before my eyes.

Almost daily another piece clicks into place.

The speed at which things are developing is becoming staggering. 3 years ago I noticed that things seemed to be escalating, but today so much more.

Watch intently the Mid East, especially things concerning Israel. A massive war is brewing. Turkey, a once friendly muslim country towards Israel, 3 years ago, is now solidly against her. Surrounding nations, that as little as a year ago, had "moderate" governments, and tolerant or restrained hostility towards Israel, are now falling into the hands of the jihadis.

Anti semitism around the globe is rising and Israel is almost alone.

I can't believe I am actually watching and anticipating world events. I feel we are within 2 years of Ezekiel 38-39. Honestly though, 2 years seems far off the way world events are developing. I'm thinking as little as 3-6 months...but its all Gods timing.

The deciever is in the wings and waiting. He's waiting for his cue. The economies of the world are nearing collapse, and a great war is on the horizon. The people of the world breathlessly await THEIR "savior", THEIR "messiah", THEIR "chosen one". Little do they truely know what they are asking for and what they are going to get.

Friends pray. Pray for family, pray for friends. Pray for strength and wisdom and courage for the days to come. Do you have a burden for someones soul? Witness NOW!!! The time is running out.

6 posted on 09/24/2011 2:21:27 AM PDT by mountn man (Happiness is not a destination, its a way of life.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 5 | View Replies]

To: Quix

Thank you, Quix.


7 posted on 09/24/2011 3:29:47 AM PDT by .30Carbine (His face I at last shall see,)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 5 | View Replies]

To: Quix

I stopped using PayPal years ago, and will never use them again.


8 posted on 09/24/2011 6:33:12 AM PDT by TheOldLady (FReepmail me to get ON or OFF the ZOT LIGHTNING ping list)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 5 | View Replies]

To: Quix; SaraJohnson; Shadowstrike; Alamo-Girl; Amityschild; AngieGal; AnimalLover; Ann de IL
>>But if Christians start forming a community and loyality to one another, we will take over this country and the citizens of the world will be out in the cold.<<

We will not “take over this country” nor are we to make that as our goal. Indeed we must elect leaders who uphold Godly principles and put Him first in their lives but “taking over the country” is not in God’s directives for us. Yes, we need to do a much better job of supporting each other but we will increasingly become the outsiders. We are to be a light unto the world but dominionism is “of this world”.

Electing and promoting Godly people who exhibit Godly principles would give encouragement and hope to those weakest among us but who God has called to be His. Electing Godly leaders and organizing as Christians would certainly increase our ability to be a “light unto the world”.

9 posted on 09/24/2011 7:04:13 AM PDT by CynicalBear
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 5 | View Replies]

To: mountn man; Alamo-Girl; Amityschild; AngieGal; AnimalLover; Ann de IL; aposiopetic; aragorn; ...
ABSOLUTELY INDEED:

The very things I have read and have been taught about Bible prophecy, since I was in Jr High, are happening before my eyes.

Almost daily another piece clicks into place.

The speed at which things are developing is becoming staggering. 3 years ago I noticed that things seemed to be escalating, but today so much more.

Watch intently the Mid East, especially things concerning Israel. A massive war is brewing. Turkey, a once friendly muslim country towards Israel, 3 years ago, is now solidly against her. Surrounding nations, that as little as a year ago, had "moderate" governments, and tolerant or restrained hostility towards Israel, are now falling into the hands of the jihadis.

Anti semitism around the globe is rising and Israel is almost alone.

I can't believe I am actually watching and anticipating world events. I feel we are within 2 years of Ezekiel 38-39. Honestly though, 2 years seems far off the way world events are developing. I'm thinking as little as 3-6 months...but its all Gods timing.

The deciever is in the wings and waiting. He's waiting for his cue. The economies of the world are nearing collapse, and a great war is on the horizon. The people of the world breathlessly await THEIR "savior", THEIR "messiah", THEIR "chosen one". Little do they truely know what they are asking for and what they are going to get.

Friends pray. Pray for family, pray for friends. Pray for strength and wisdom and courage for the days to come. Do you have a burden for someones soul? Witness NOW!!! The time is running out.

==================================================

THANKS .30Carbine, TheOldLady, CynicalBear.

.30Carbine--TheOldLady--You are persistent Biblical encouragements to me. PRAISE GOD for your faithfulness to God and His values in these exciting, darkening times.

Never have used PayPal much at all . . . except occasionally as required by others. They have become absurdly hideous and deserve the be trashed.

CynicalBear--Yes, quite so. Redemption of the planet will be effected by Christ after Armageddon.

Christ will have a powerful Church doing great exploits for Him and without spot or wrinkle . . . ALL EFFECTED BY HIM. He graces us to allow us to cooperate--He in us and us in Him, led of His Spirit, supported by His Angelic Hosts. He IS, as Peterson puts it--GOD OF THE ANGEL ARMIES. And we shall have, by His design, incredible impact in these END TIMES.

Nevertheless, I agree, we shall not, of our efforts, whether voting or otherwise, bring Heaven down nor turn earth into Heaven. Things WILL get unbelievably worse for the earth until Christ returns to effect total victory and total claim to the title Deed of the planet and all Creation at Armageddon.

Folks blithely trundling on with historic but wholesale wrong assumptions and teachings & doctrines of demons whether from their family of origin or their RELIGIOUS INSTITUTIONS FULL OF DAMNING CHURCHIANITY; folks addicted to Ashteroth-Mary-goddess worship are in for some shockingly devastating wake-up calls. I pray they finally listen and get it Biblically right--hopefully before it's too late.

As Calvin put it in his "Sermons on Ephesians":

We must endure patiently, because God will not have us come to His kingdom with so to speak, one leap, but will have us negotiate this world through thorns and briars, so that we shall have much trouble in getting through and we shall be in great distress. Seeing that He will have us led by such a way, and yet nevertheless gives us so good a remedy as ought to be sufficient for us--which is that He strengthens us with invincible constancy by His Holy Spirit--let us stand ready to fight till the time of victory is fully come.

Eph 1:18-21

New International Version (©1984)
I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.

And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.

New Living Translation
(©2007)

I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called--his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance. I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God's power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God's right hand in the heavenly realms.

Now he is far above any ruler or authority or power or leader or anything else--not only in this world but also in the world to come. God has put all things under the authority of Christ and has made him head over all things for the benefit of the church.

And the church is his body; it is made full and complete by Christ, who fills all things everywhere with himself.

Even so, come quickly, Lord, Jesus. !MARANATHA!

Photobucket

10 posted on 09/24/2011 9:52:08 AM PDT by Quix (Times are a changin' INSURE you have believed in your heart & confessed Jesus as Lord Come NtheFlesh)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 6 | View Replies]

To: mountn man; Alamo-Girl; Amityschild; AngieGal; AnimalLover; Ann de IL; aposiopetic; aragorn; ...
ABSOLUTELY INDEED:

From THE WAY IN IS THE WAY ON by Christy Wimber

[John Wimber speaking]"

In the nearly 2,000 years since Jesus Christ commissioned HIs disciples to go into all the world and make disciples, the church has made its mark on civilization . . . Lands have been conquered. Great works of art have been created. Libraries full of theological and philosophical arguments have been erected, all in the name of Christ. . . .

But it's not war, and the Christian life is warfare. The church is called to be a family, a hospital, a school and an army. The church had better be an army because, whether we realize it or not, we're in the middle of a war. A war between the Kingdom of God and the kingdom of satan.

Matthew 28:18-20 gives us the big picture. Jesus Christ, resurrected, gives His marching orders to His disciples:

<< Matthew 28 >>
New Living Translation
 

18Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. 19Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations,b baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

We see the commanding officer--Jesus the Christ--with all authority in heaven and earth. We have the army--Jesus' disciples. We have the mission--go and make disciples of all nations. And we see the nucleus of conflict--teaching men and women to obey the commandments of Jesus.

When the church carries out these specific orders, the result is warfare. Neglecting this duty may be worthwhile in a temporal sense, but it's not the war. And war is our destiny as a church.

[BTW Christy Wimber's book is a WONDERFUL book.]

In his book The Christian Warfare, Martin Lloyd-Jones reminds us that we can only understand the contemporary world in terms of the unusual activity of the devil and the "principalities and powers' of darkness:

Indeed, I suggest that belief in a personal devil and demon activities is the touchstone by which one can most easily test any profession of Christian faith today. In a world of collapsing institutions, moral chaos, and increasing violence, never was it more important to trace the hand of "the prince of the power of the air." If we cannot discern the chief cause of our ills, how can we hope to cure them?

It's hard enough resisting the real enemy. That's a full-time job. If we start fighting other Christians, we're fighting two wars, and one of them is suicidal. Someone once said that "the Christian church is the only army that shoots its wounded." Not only do we shoot our wounded but much of the time the generals are taking target practice at each other.

<< Ephesians 3 >>
New Living Translation
 

God’s Mysterious Plan Revealed

1When I think of all this, I, Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus for the benefit of you Gentilesa . . . 2assuming, by the way, that you know God gave me the special responsibility of extending his grace to you Gentiles. 3As I briefly wrote earlier, God himself revealed his mysterious plan to me. 4As you read what I have written, you will understand my insight into this plan regarding Christ. 5God did not reveal it to previous generations, but now by his Spirit he has revealed it to his holy apostles and prophets.

6And this is God’s plan: Both Gentiles and Jews who believe the Good News share equally in the riches inherited by God’s children. Both are part of the same body, and both enjoy the promise of blessings because they belong to Christ Jesus.b 7By God’s grace and mighty power, I have been given the privilege of serving him by spreading this Good News.

8Though I am the least deserving of all God’s people, he graciously gave me the privilege of telling the Gentiles about the endless treasures available to them in Christ. 9I was chosen to explain to everyonec this mysterious plan that God, the Creator of all things, had kept secret from the beginning.

10God’s purpose in all this was to use the church to display his wisdom in its rich variety to all the unseen rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. 11This was his eternal plan, which he carried out through Christ Jesus our Lord.

12Because of Christ and our faith in him,d we can now come boldly and confidently into God’s presence. 13So please don’t lose heart because of my trials here. I am suffering for you, so you should feel honored.

Paul’s Prayer for Spiritual Growth

14When I think of all this, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father,e 15the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth.f 16I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. 17Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. 18And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. 19May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.

20Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. 21Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen.


Footnotes:
a 3:1 Paul resumes this thought in verse 14: “When I think of all this, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father.”
b 3:6 Or because they are united with Christ Jesus.
c 3:9 Some manuscripts do not include to everyone.
d 3:12 Or Because of Christ’s faithfulness.
e 3:14 Some manuscripts read the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
f 3:15 Or from whom every family in heaven and on earth takes its name.

.

John 16:33

New International Version (©1984)
"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."

New Living Translation (©2007)
I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world."

English Standard Version (©2001)
I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

New American Standard Bible (©1995)
"These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world."

International Standard Version (©2008)
I have told you this so that through me you may have peace. In the world you will have trouble, but be courageous-I have overcome the world!"

GOD'S WORD® Translation (©1995)
I've told you this so that my peace will be with you. In the world you'll have trouble. But cheer up! I have overcome the world."

King James Bible
These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.



.

NEVERTHELESS:

.


11 posted on 09/24/2011 9:54:33 AM PDT by Quix (Times are a changin' INSURE you have believed in your heart & confessed Jesus as Lord Come NtheFlesh)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 6 | View Replies]

To: Quix

Thank you for those beautiful Scriptures, dear brother in Christ, and for sharing your insights!


12 posted on 09/24/2011 8:58:29 PM PDT by Alamo-Girl
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 5 | View Replies]

To: CynicalBear

Thank you so much for sharing your insights, dear brother in Christ!


13 posted on 09/24/2011 9:01:19 PM PDT by Alamo-Girl
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 9 | View Replies]

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.

Free Republic
Browse · Search
Bloggers & Personal
Topics · Post Article

FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson