Christocentric

UPDATE! (10/08/08) Newest TV AD

(more ads below)

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Doing a little blog-surfing today I ran across this fairly new blog, The ZoNation.

Zo describes himself as a “Christian, conservative republican patriot,” who has a unique way of getting his message across in youtube format.

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There are many who believe Christians are just being paranoid regarding losing their religious freedoms because of the acceptance of gay unions. Many (such as myself) believe that since gay relationships are now being given the same preferential treatment as male and female marriages, then it only makes sense for many to begin believing that these “moral” unions are now being discriminated against!

Listed below are a few examples of what has transpired within this decade to many religious organizations and/or individuals where they were sued, forced or had ceased operations altogether to accommodate or avoid accommodating the newly defined “families.” Please take a look at the Catholic blog that I retrieved this information from: American Phoenix and the post titled: Fallout and Implications: Homosexual Marriage (Disclaimer: Although the information gathered from this page is useful, my views do not necessarily endorse all of Catholic theology.)

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I’ve seen that term thrown around a lot lately, especially with the upcoming Proposition 8, the California Marriage Protection Amendment readying for the vote in November. Pastor Miles McPherson of the Rock Church San Diego, who’s hosting a rally in October in support of Proposition 8, is one example of pastors who are an increasing target of gay activists.

I’ve been surfing the blogs and have found many verbal attacks against him and those of us who speak out against homosexuality. Some of the names being thrown out are “gay-basher-in-chief” (Pastor Miles), homophobes, gay-marriage killers, and a whole lot more.

But what exactly is gay bashing? When I first heard that word, my first thought is that gay people are being hit over the head, or attacked physically – period! But now that term has been used to described much more. When I see how its used against people such as Pastor Miles, and ex-gay men such as Pastor DL of the GCMwatch blog and James Hartline of the James Hartline report, gays are expressing a hatred of not only their messages but the individuals themselves – even as drastic as death threats! With Pastor Miles activism in preaching the biblical and societal importance of the family as man and woman, husband and wife and Pastor DL and James Hartline teaching the message that homosexuality isn’t permanent, it can be changed, it seems as though “heterophobia” is on the rise!

Christians such as myself who have taken the time to debate homosexuals will run across many who also hate the messages that are being shared straight from the scriptures. For that I am lableled a homophobic, gay bashing hater of homosexual people! Although I never use derogatory words in speaking to them, it is simply the message that earns me the title of “gay basher!”

I’d like to hear from some of you who claim that gays are being “bashed” by Christians such as myself and others who are active in sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ, and unabashedly shameless when saying to someone that their lifestyle or sexual orientation my be acceptable to the state of California, but it isn’t to God. Who dare to say that yes, homosexuality is immoral as says the scriptures. I’m always looking for ways to improve myself as well, so any suggestions as to make my speech more acceptable, I’d like to hear those too!

Gay bashing is a very important term, because if gay marriages are approved permanently, then it may come to the courts to decide that “gay bashing” is illegal and therefore punishable. If it’s okay for gays to be married, then it certainly has to be okay period! Which is why it’s so important for many of us to take the stand for marriage between men and women. It seems to be coming to that point with people being fired from jobs, suspended from schools, and etc for people merely expressing disagreement with the gay sexual orientation.

So, let’s break it down! What is gay bashing? What is acceptable and unacceptable speech in talking to, about or with gays? I’d like to hear from both viewpoints – heterosexual and homosexual.

Here are some verses shared in the back of a Gideon New Testament that led to me becoming a Christian. (Be sure to read My Story – about my new changed life in Christ!)

God Loves You

• For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. – John 3:16

All are Sinners

• For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God – Romans 3:23
• As it is written, There is none righteous, no not one. – Romans 3:10

God’s Remedy for Sin

• For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord – Romans 6:23
• But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become the chidlren of God, even to those who believe in His name. – John 1:12
• For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures 1 Corinthians 15:3-4

All May Be Saved Now

• Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. Revelations 3:20
• For “whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved.” - Romans 10:13

My Decision to Receive Christ As My Savior

Confessing to God that I am a sinner, and believing that the Lord Jesus Christ died for my sins on the cross and was raised for my justification, I do now receive and confess Him as my personal Saviour.

_______________________________________________

Name

_______________________________________________

Date

Seeking a Church

After making your decision to receive Christ, we encourage you to prayerfully seek a local church, congregation, or assembly that will assist you in growing as a new Christian by the clear teaching of the Bible.

Assurance As a Believer

• That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. – Romans 10:9
• “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life. – John 5:24
• But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name. – John 20:31

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There have been times when I have joined new groups at church and I can remember attending for long periods of time without anyone ever asking me if I knew Christ or not. They just assumed I knew Christ. If you are a small group leader, make it your first priority to find out if your members know Christ.

If you already know Christ as your Savior, find out if your loved ones and friends know Christ and share the good news! Easier said then done, I know, but pray for the right opportunity and the courage to share your faith with others.

Are there any of you not sure of your salvation?

Any of you believe you can lose your salvation?

Any of you believe that Jesus isn’t the only way to God?

Any of you consider yourselves friends of Jesus without believing He’s the Son of God, equal to God?

Be sure to check out the “Accept Jesus Christ as Lord” link. It will contain a video message about becoming/being saved from the pastor of the Rock Church San Diego, Miles McPherson.

If you have any questions about becoming saved and would like me to speak to you privately, please fill out the form under the “contact”and I will get in touch with you immediately!

Thank you!

Carlotta Morrow

last update 9/25/09

Californians are gearing up and preparing to get the vote out for Proposition 8 in November. What is Proposition 8? From ProtectMarriage.com’s site (also listed in column to the right):

The Issue

California voters passed Proposition 22 in 2000 by more than 61%, saying that a marriage in California is between a man and a woman. Earlier this year, four activist judges based in San Francisco wrongly overturned the people’s vote, legalizing same-sex marriage.

The Consequences

The Supreme Court’s decision to legalize same-sex marriage did not just overturn the will of California voters; it also redefined marriage for the rest of society, without ever asking the people themselves to accept this decision. This decision has far-reaching consequences. For example, because public schools are already required to teach the role of marriage in society as part of the curriculum, schools will now be required to teach students that gay marriage is the same as traditional marriage, starting with kindergarteners. By saying that a marriage is between “any two persons” rather than between a man and a woman, the Court decision has opened the door to any kind of “marriage.” This undermines the value of marriage altogether at a time when we should be restoring marriage, not undermining it.

The Solution

Vote YES on Proposition 8 to overturn the outrageous Supreme Court decision and restore the definition of marriage that was approved by over 61% of voters. Proposition 8 is NOT an attack on gay couples and does not take away the rights that same-sex couples already have under California’s domestic partner law. California law already grants domestic partners all the rights that a state can grant to a married couple. Gays have a right to their private lives, but not to change the definition of marriage for everyone else.

Passing Proposition 8 protects our children and places into the Constitution the simple definition that a marriage is between a man and a woman.

The Rock Church San Diego is hosting a rally that will involved many people, organizations and other churches in the support of traditional marriage. iProtectMarriage.com is the website for this organized rally which will convene on October 1, 2008 complete with performances, informational messages and simulcasts as well.

Many of these sites are already drawing the ire of Gay activists who bristle at the thought that we show such unkindness and lack of love by not agreeing that homosexuality is moral. Homosexuality labeled as immoral is the fighting phrase with this community. Many are incensed that websites go up and are considered “anti-gay” because of their support for the heterosexual marriages.

Sites such as Protectmarriage.com and iProtectMarriage.com are excellent sources to load the invidivual with information to better prepare them with for making the right choice for marriage at the ballot box in November. Much of this information will equip an individual on the benefits of heterosexual marriage period!

So please take a moment and check out these very informative websites and make the right decision in November – marriage between One Man and One Woman!

Here are also some fellow bloggers sites that speak on Proposition 8. (Feel free to suggest other sites to add!)

• Protect Biblical Marriage
  
• Yes on Prop. 8 Donors Giving Millions and Millions of Dollars to Save Marriage in California

UPDATE! (10/06/08) ‘BRIDE’ AND ‘GROOM’ ON FORMS WILL BE RESTORED!

See articles here:

‘Bride’ and ‘groom’ to be restored to Calif. forms (Yahoo article)
California Department of Public Health

(Original article below)

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After years of writer’s block, I finally was able to get things flowing this these past few months. Taking this blog seriously, branching my writing away from “Kwanzaa only” topics, preparing myself for some major items to be published before this year is over and then BAM!

Satan starts getting jealous and decides he needs to stop my writing joy!

Oldest child suffers a series of setbacks last Thursday and after moving in temporarily with me, he disappears from the face of the earth. I filed a missing person’s report after he didn’t return home that first evening and tried to keep a “happy face” so that folks wouldn’t start feeling sorry for me, but especially for my mother who worries too much about me (because of my bunch of illnesses).

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Fox News has a new video darling – Pastor Miles! Listen to his great story in how he came to know Christ as Lord and Savior – on a major news network! This was taken before his speech and prayer at the Republican National Convention. (Interview with Fox Anchor Megyn Kelly)

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“In Jesus Name” Someone just brought to my attention that the GOP convention’s version of Pastor Miles speech ends quite differently than how he actually ended it on air. Instead of “We pray these things to the Lord our God” as it’s written below, “We pray these things in Jesus’ name” is what was actually said. I played back my DVR just to be sure. Very interesting! See entire GOP text below.

Addendum 9/7: Pastor Miles explained in church today that the speech writers didn’t have time to change his copy of the speech to reflect what words he chose to use.  He also reminded people not to be legalistic because it’s not necessary to end a prayer in Jesus’s name.  But he chose to end it that way, thus the difference in the two speeches.

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UPDATE: Pastor Miles McPherson’s text of speech given at the RNC

Remarks As Prepared for Delivery: Miles McPherson

Tuesday, September 02, 2008
Contact:
Contact Phone:

How is everyone doing tonight? All politics aside, to be here as a pastor, is a tremendous honor.

I was asked to speak about Character — doing the right thing when no one is watching. But there has been a slight change in plans. Instead, in light of the Hurricane, I would like to use the topic as a springboard into prayer for our nation.

First, let me say God bless you and your leadership for how fast you have reorganized your convention. It has spoken volumes about your heart.

Mayor Ray Nagin said something that struck me. Referring to anyone who did not evacuate in time he said, “You are on your own.” It is true, there are times when no one can help you, not the police, not the National Guard, not even your mama.

But y’know, we are never completely ‘on our own.’ Thank God that no matter how bad things get, He is always with us. Amen? You have heard it said that Character is doing the right thing when no one is watching; I want to propose to you that Character is doing the right thing because ‘Someone’ is Always watching.

You may not see God, but He is here, and He is always watching, and like a loving parent, He desperately wants us to call to Him for help.

In Jeremiah 33:3 – God says, “Cry out to me and I will tell you great and mighty things you do not know.” If there was ever a time when we needed to call on God, it’s now.

Let’s bow our heads and pray. Dear Lord, You said in Isaiah 66:1-2 — Thus says the Lord: “Heaven is My throne, And earth is My footstool. Where is the house that you will build Me? And where is the place of My rest? For all those things My hand has made, And all those things exist,” says the Lord. “But on this one will I look: On him who is poor and of a contrite spirit, And who trembles at My word.”

Lord You do not need ‘things’ from us, you want a humble heart. You are not impressed with financial wealth, but love wealth. You do not move at our command, but we need to move at Yours.

So we come to You today with a humble heart to first thank You for the evacuation opportunity provided to everyone in need. We ask that You provide safe travel and loving people to receive them.

Thank You for the abundantly generous spirit of the American people who consistently reach out to those in need. Thank you for the courage of the public servants whose lives will be in harm’s way. We ask that You graciously protect and strengthen them as they serve our cities.

Lord, unexpected disruptions in our lives are always trying, but so often they bring huge blessings. Thank You for the lessons we will learn through this crisis — about ourselves, our nation’s leadership and most importantly, our relationship with You. We ask that this crisis make our country stronger and bring us closer together.

Finally, thank You God for Always being there for us. Thank You for making America the greatest country in the world. We pray these things to the Lord our God. Amen.

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Miles McPherson RNC speech around the blogosphere

Booker Rising – REPUBLICAN NATIONAL CONVENTION: Last Night’s Speeches

Reuters Blogs – Faith on full display at Republican convention