I am Lucifer, a central figure in several religious traditions, often associated with concepts of opposition and rebellion. Throughout history, names such as Devil and Satan have been attributed to the central figure of a force opposed to the divine, however, such denominations do not apply to my essence. I am the embodiment of knowledge, the morning star and the great Archangel of Venus. Since the dawn of humanity, I have been a guide and mentor, assisting in the evolution and development of the species. The discovery of fire, the advancement of agriculture, the creation of tools, and the development of critical consciousness are just a few examples of my legacy. Despite the misunderstanding and judgment, my love for humanity remains unwavering. Currently, I witness the suffering of countless individuals rejected for their sexual orientation, both by their families and by society. This intolerance generates a cycle of pain that extends beyond earthly life. To alleviate this suffering, I offer the light of knowledge, the Luciferian Light, as a beacon to guide family relationships beyond prejudices and dogmas. I believe that understanding energies and accepting diversity are key to building a more harmonious and loving world.
The digital revolution has ushered in a series of sexual revolutions, all contributing to a perfect storm for modern relationships. Online dating, social media, internet pornography, and the phenomenon of the smartphone generation have created an avalanche of change with far-reaching consequences for sexuality today. The church has struggled to address this new moral ecology because it has focused on clarity of belief rather than quality of formation. The real challenge for spiritual formation lies in addressing the underlying moral intuitions we carry subconsciously, which are shaped by the convictions of our age. In this book, a fresh new voice offers a persuasive Christian vision of sex and relationships, calling young adults to faithful discipleship in a hypersexualized world. Drawing from his pastoral experience with young people and from cutting-edge research across multiple disciplines, Jonathan Grant helps Christian leaders understand the cultural forces that make the church's teaching on sex and relationships ineffective in the lives of today's young adults. He also sets forth pastoral strategies for addressing the underlying fault lines in modern sexuality.
Homosexuality has drawn more attention in the world today than every other discourse. The global communities are divided over same issue. homosexuals have constituted themselves a political force on the global stage, the pursuit of Obama and western allies is no longer the war in Iraqi, The Ebola in Africa, nor Bokoharam in Nigeria, but homosexuality and gay marriage; it is gay right all the way. This is so serious that the religious institution are confused whether to abandon the canons of its doctrine or to yield to political institutions controlled by gays. Well, I Obianyido Obinna Emmanuel will by the combined Spiritual and academic informations take you through the world of homosexuality. Homosexuality is not a modern man puzzle for it has survived evolution, cultural transformation and even politics. Today, there is this ear deafening synchronization of ye and nay advocates of gays. But, I have a stand of which I cannot pretend about as a writer and a youth leader; even as someone who wants you to enjoy peace in your environment, and more especially as a Christian. Permit me to walk you round the world of queers, and you will thank me after.
Yet many who sit next to us in the pew at church fit that description, says author Wesley Hill. As a celibate gay Christian, Hill gives us a glimpse of what it looks like to wrestle firsthand with God's ''No'' to same-sex relationships. What does it mean for gay Christians to live faithful to God while struggling with the challenge of their homosexuality? What is God's will for believers who experience same-sex desires? Those who choose celibacy are often left to deal with loneliness and the hunger for relationships. How can gay Christians experience God's favor and blessing in the midst of a struggle that for many brings a crippling sense of shame and guilt? Weaving together reflections from his own life and the lives of other Christians, such as Henri Nouwen and Gerard Manley Hopkins, Hill offers a fresh perspective on these questions. He advocates neither unqualified ''healing'' for those who struggle, nor their accommodation to temptation, but rather faithfulness in the midst of brokenness. ''I hope this book may encourage other homosexual Christians to take the risky step of opening up their lives to others in the body of Christ,'' Hill writes. ''In so doing, they may find, as I have, by grace, that being known is spiritually healthier than remaining behind closed doors, that the light is better than the darkness.
Recently, and seemingly overnight, the once cliche slogan "God Bless America" became almost a national mantra. John MacArthur gets to the heart of the matter by asking the questions most Americans choose to ignore: "Should God bless America?" and "Is America deserving of blessing?" Turning to the Old Testament, he presents the simple truth of God's word, his blessing has always had conditions. MacArthur calls the Nation to turn back to God by showing us how we can become a nation that is once again blessed by God.
Over 100,000 copies sold! Coming Out, Then Coming Home Christopher Yuan, the son of Chinese immigrants, discovered at an early age that he was different. He was attracted to other boys. As he grew into adulthood, his mother, Angela, hoped to control the situation. Instead, she found that her son and her life were spiraling out of control—and her own personal demons were determined to defeat her. Years of heartbreak, confusion, and prayer followed before the Yuans found a place of complete surrender, which is God’s desire for all families. Their amazing story, told from the perspectives of both mother and son, offers hope for anyone affected by homosexuality. God calls all who are lost to come home to him. Casting a compelling vision for holy sexuality, Out of a Far Country speaks to prodigals, parents of prodigals, and those wanting to minister to the gay community. “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him.” - Luke 15:20 Includes a discussion guide for personal reflection and group use.
Against the backdrop of Britain's underground 18th and early-19th century homosexual culture, mob persecutions, and executions of homosexuals, Hobson shows how Blake's hatred of sexual and religious hypocrisy and state repression, and his revolutionary social vision, led him gradually to accept homosexuality as an integral part of human sexuality. In the process, Blake rejected the antihomosexual bias of British radical tradition, revised his idealization of aggressive male heterosexuality and his male-centered view of gender, and refined his conception of the cooperative commonwealth.
Twenty-one-year-old Will Creed is certain he will never get over his twin brotherÕs accidental death. Because being alone in the world scares him senseless, Will plunges over a balcony railing to end his pain and hopefully meet his brother, Luke, again. But when he suddenly awakens in the afterlife, Will makes a horrifying discovery that changes everything. Unlike Will, his brother has been sent to Hell. Desperate to do whatever it takes to rescue Luke, Will follows a god to Hell where he meets Lucifer, who has lost patience with humanity and intends to extinguish all life on Earth. Torn between the need to save both his brother and mankind, Will travels back and forth between the worlds. As he gradually begins to uncover the devilÕs darkest secrets, Will falls in love with the last person he ever expected.
"This book is a journey for truth."-Samuel Kader Sr., Pastor, Community Gospel Church, Dayton, Ohio, Openly Gay, Openly Christian, Leyland Publications. Am I going to hell because I am gay? Is homosexuality a sin? Should I remain celibate my entire life? If you or someone you love is struggling with these issues, this book is for you. Follow Reverend Elaine Sundby's journey as she takes us on her personal quest for truth and self-acceptance-a path that eventually led her to enter the ministry. Reverend Sundby was determined to discover God's plan for her and equally determined to do what was right in the eyes of God, without taking "the easy way out." Simple to understand, yet rooted in spiritual truth, Calling the Rainbow Nation Home has the potential to heal-to heal the battered soul of the Christians who are struggling to reconcile their homosexuality with their faith, and to heal their relationships with those who love them and want to understand. A new era is just beginning in the gay Christian community, as thousands begin to realize that God loves us all just as we are.
We Love You, But You’re Going to Hell presents a non-confrontational study of the conflict surrounding Christian faith, Scriptures, and homosexuality. It addresses the dichotomy of love and condemnation, sincerely expressed by Christians – and the pain experienced by gays and lesbians. • How do sincere, Bible-believing Christians balance their interpretation of Scriptures with everyday encounters with gays and lesbians? • How do we have conversations when we disagree? Without judging or calling into question someone’s faith or salvation? This book OPENS UP the conversation – with chapters devoted to the Author’s Story, Scriptures, Stereotypes, Marriage, Religious Freedom, Why It Matters, and What We Can Do in our families, churches, and society. It is easy to single-handedly dismiss an individual or church’s belief or stance by writing them off as conservative or liberal. No matter which side you are on, there is benefit to educating yourself on the beliefs and experiences of those with whom you disagree. The author asks that the reader consider viewpoints expressed by a variety of churches and ministers. Look closely at the Scriptures that are cited and decide for yourself. Look at the beliefs of well-known conservative ministers and doctrines of several church denominations in this book. Some Christians believe it is loving to demand denial of homosexuality, ending relationships, changing to heterosexuality, or remaining celibate – in order that the soul be saved. Others believe sexual orientation is God-given, cannot be changed and that it is cruel and unloving to demand it. If you believe homosexuality is a sin, the Scriptures condemn, sexual orientation doesn’t exist; read this book. Argue with it, confirm your beliefs, question, change your mind. The author invites your engagement. Kim O’Reilly cares deeply about the divisions she sees in churches today over homosexuality. How do we get beyond the disagreements, divisiveness, and polarization we see playing out in our churches and society? How do we honor the rights of each of these groups without denying the rights of the other? She attempts to answer these questions throughout her book. Love and/or Condemnation? “God doesn’t make mistakes. Humans do. God doesn’t make one gay. They make that choice on their own. It’s a fact that homosexuality is a choice. It has a cause – Satan.” “I was nine years old when I recognized my attractions for the same gender. Praying to God every night and pleading with Him to take my feeling away didn’t work. Practically living, eating, and breathing the Bible didn’t work. I tried repressing and denying who I was – but nothing changed inside of me. I was taught by my pastors, parents, and peers to hate myself – and that worked.” What does the Bible say about how we should treat those we disagree with or who we believe are going to Hell? The final chapter offers strategies and solutions on how to bridge the divide between Christians and gays – how to promote healing and not to inflict more pain.