Malificent--God's people are termed His "ambassador's." An ambassador, if faithful, does not declare his own message to the host country, but the message of his native country.
Similarly, Christians are to deliver to others not their own "opinions" (judgments) but the record of the written revelation in Scripture. Therefore, when someone declares that "unless you repent you will surely perish," a truth which applies equally to every creature, they are not speaking as a judge, but as a messenger of Him who is the judge. Likewise,
when the Scripture admonishes God's people to rebuke evil,
they are not to do so on the basis of THEIR judgment, but upon the basis of God's own judgment.
  The exhortation "judge not lest you be judged" therefore does not apply to those who are declaring judgments which God has already made, but to those who would have a censorious spirit toward others, think critically of others without basis, or make personal demands upon the conduct of others for which the Scripture gives no support.
  However, even though simply declaring God's judgment to others is not judging them, We need to be careful in how we speak to those who are not believers. The gospel message is not to unbelievers about moral issues. The message is about Christ. We are not the ones who convict of sin. That is the work of the Holy Spirit. If we attempt to do His work, we will offend listeners. Our job is not to confront people about sin, but to present Christ. Those obsessed with the sins of others don't understand that we are all guilty and all need Christ who alone has the remedy to our problems with sin.
  But if the issue of a certain evil arises in the normal course of a witness for Christ, it is not sitting in judgment to simply declare God's judgment on the matter; but it should be done by one who realizes that he himself is also far short of what he is supposed to be.

  This is a very good topic, and you, justjonny, have done much good by presenting it. I agree with what you have said and we all need to be alert to the dangers into which the secularists diligently strive to drag society.

  I believe the student should have been expelled in the following manner: 1st, private conference with the student's parents in their home. Explain to them what the student said. 2nd, explain to the parents the teaching of Scripture concerning homosexuality. 3rd, explain to them that on the basis of God's teachings the school forbids such conduct and
it disqualifies from attendance because other students should be protected from that influence. 4th, explain that if the parents were interested  in coming to know the Lord and thereby understanding His precepts, the school would minister the gospel to the family in their home for as long as they were
welcome to do so. 5th, If the gospel ministry issued in conversion, welcome all converts into frellowship.

  Many things which are said to be Calvinistic are actually
the teachings of Scripture. Not only so, but there are teachings of Scripture which were systematized by theologians
before Calvin, such as Augustine and Luther. Even earlier, the Lord Jesus and the Apostle Paul taught things which were later systematized and are now called by some "Calvinism." Even before then, however, the law and the prophets clearly showed forth the glory of God in His sovereignty.
  Arminianism is a late comer to the theological debate yet
those who follow Arminius believe apriori that Arminiunism is right and that they are therefore justified in just following the Arminian doctrines without making a sincere investigation of their own. Again, if men would just realize the meaning of Christ being termed "the everlasting Father," they would be instantly freed from the God-dishonoring heresies of Arminianism. Even if they understood the meaning of God
passing between the pieces of the covenant offering alone while Abraham slept (Gen. 15), they would be ready to glory
in God alone.

  Asaph--A good response! Now go to Psalm 65:4--"Blessed is the man whom you choose and CAUSE (caps mine) to approach unto thee that he may dwell in thy courts." In both verses, we see God working effectually prior to any move by man. In Ps 65:4 we see election, which was "before the foundation of the world," Eph. 1:4 and then we see the effectual call wherein He CAUSES His chosen to approach unto Him.
  Again, anyone who truly understands the full meaning of Christ being "the everlasting Father, the Prince of peace" will never again have to be in doubt about the truth of this matter.              

  Jabez--Read 1 kings 19:9-13. Although the word of God
given as a revelation to the earth is complete and only false prophets now say to men, "hear now this new word from God,"
yet the Holy Spirit is still with us, manifests Himself to us, as Jesus said He would, and guides us. We must learn to be as Samuel--"Speak, Lord, for your servant heareth," being careful all the while that the impression we have received is
in accordance with the way we have been taught to serve Him, lest human imaginations lead us astray. The impulse you received certainly seems to have been from Him. Don't be discouraged that you failed to follow through. There will be other opportunities. It is wonderful to realize that the "still small voice" is His.
  As a truck driver, He would awaken me if I had miscalculated
my travel times to the dock and awaken me earlier than I had set my alarm clock for. A strange awakening--like: BANG! all of a sudden WIDE awake without any sleepyheadiness at all. Even if I had been short on sleep before, I would suddenly be awake and FULLY rested, wanting to roll. It took me awhile to learn what was happening. What made me realize that He was
helping me was the time I got that sudden awakening and thought, "I have time to sleep another 15 minutes." Well, guess how late I was when I got to the dock? From then on I knew that when He awoke me, I must move or be late.
C.H. Spurgeon said of the Lord that nothing is so great as to be beyond His control or so small as to be beneath His notice.
and the SCRIPTURE says, "The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord"

  Petro--notice your reply #7. Stephen said they were uncircumcised in "heart" and "ears"

  I have read some responses which seem to be very diligent,
but let us remember that Scripture, in its perfection, is without contradiction. Therefore, to those who say that faith preceeds grace, I must ask your explanation for--

  Acts 13:48 "As many as were ordained to eternal life believed."
  What sequence do you see here? Which is first--being ordained to eternal life, or believing? What does "ordained"
mean? Can we understand Scripture if we don't understand the Bible's use of and the meanings of its words?
  When did this ordination take place?
  In what ways does the New Testament use the word "saved?" Do you believe that being saved applies only to the "moment of salvation,?" or does "shall be saved" applies to
the entire work of God on behalf of those who love Him?
  Very important question: why does the Bible refer to Jesus as the "everlasting Father?" Come to understand that fully and it will lay many false doctrines to rest.

  J. Brown--you framed a very good question in an honest manner. Thanks.
  The best resource for the issue between God and man from the Bible's perspective is the letter which the Apostle Paul wrote to believers in Rome. "Romans" is very fittingly placed in the New Testament as the first book (letter, really) after Acts.
  Acts is the history of spread of the gospel after Jesus was
resurrected and ascended to the Father. In Acts you can read
some of the gospel messages preached by the disciples and apostles of Jesus and follow their work (their Acts) in the establishing of the church.
  After Acts, you find the letter which Paul wrote to the believers in Rome. It is very fittingly next to "Acts" because it very systematically and concisely explains the doctrinal issues which we most need to understand. After greeting and speaking to the people in Rome about preliminary matters, Paul
begins speaking to them about the reason we all need the gospel of which he was not ashamed. Rome was the educational and cultural center of the world, but as Paul contemplated bringing the gospel to that proudest of civilized centers, he says in verse 16 of the first chapter that he was "not ashamed of the gospel of Christ."
  For all its excellence, Rome was short of what the Roman people most needed and Paul was ready to stand before them in the midst of their riches, art, science, and culture and preach the gospel without any shame. No matter what the accomplishments of a nation may be, its people cannot be truly complete without being properly related to the God who establishes all nations.
  From 1:16 to 3:20, Paul shows the dreadful state that we ALL (I say again, ALL) are in as a consequence of Adam's fall.
Then, beginning in 3:21, he begins to show-and explain-the remedy which God made for mankind through Christ.
  Once a person has understood the doctrines which Paul taught in Romans, he can safely navigate through all other Scripture without getting lost because all Bible doctrine is in accord with the doctrines carefully laid out there.
  Of all things, the key thing to watch for in Scripture is its teaching concerning Christ. The doctrines in Romans focus upon Him and the redemption which He has worked out. If
the message of the Bible were to be condensed into one word, that word must be "Christ." The Old Testament prophesied of and looked forward to Him. The New Testament
looks back at His coming and looks forward to His return.
  As you read the gospels, constantly be aware that what
you see in Jesus you also see in God because He is exactly as God the Father is. As Jesus said, "He that has seen me has seen the Father." and the writer of Hebrews says that Christ is the "erxpress image" of the Father. Want to know what the only true God is like? Look at Jesus!

  And never forget that the Lord Jesus has given us the right to come before the Father not in our own name, on the basis of who WE are and what WE have done, but we come before Him in the matchless name of Jesus, on the basis of who HE is, on the basis of what HE has done. By the blood, the righteousness, and the mediatorial office of our Lord Jesus, the Father bids us welcome. Therefore, the apostle says, "Let us come boldly unto the throne of grace." robed
before our Father in that perfection of righteousness which the Lord Jesus worked out for us. Having such wondrous grace
given to us, what thankfulness, what humility, and adoration should stir our hearts! What a firm foundation for the hope of  little children to be heard by Him who Himself purposed this means for our acceptance before Him before the foundation of the world. And what reverence!! Remembering that the Lord Jesus Himself is pleased to grant us access to the Father through Himself, what reverence should fill our hearts
as we strive within to honor and glorify Him by all our time in prayer before the Father, following the example He set for us;
ALWAYS praying "Nevertheless, not my will, but thine be done, Oh Lord!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! GREAT IS THE LORD AND GREATLY TO BE PRAISED!!!!!!!!!!!

  Eyeball--In reference to your reply #48. No,friend, you CAN'T stop all three in their tracks. He DOES have mercy on whom He will have mercy. Men cannot reject effectual grace. They cannot refuse wisdom or regeneration when He is purposed to bestow it. What He purposed in eternity He executes in time: "Whatsoever the LORD pleased that did He in heaven and in earth; in the seas and all deep places." By His grace He makes those upon whom He purposes to show mercy willing. "There are many devices [or plans] in a man's heart. Nevertheless, the purpose of the Lord - that shall stand." Since there is infinite perfection in all His purposes, it would be an imperfection in Him (since He has the power to perform them) if He did not "do according to His will in the army of heaven and amoung the inhabitants of the earth. None can stay His hand or say unto Him, what are you doing?"
  Eyeball, I think your real problem is that some sugar-tongued
preacher filled your mind with the idea of a God who could be walked on by everybody. The true God is infinitely perfect in all His ways. Think about that for awhile, and then start over from scratch. What we say here can be found in Scripture and the God of Scripture is wondrously more than what many say about Him. Come along with us. Think about the God that
Job knew. Job said of Him, "I know that you can do all things and that no thought of yours can be withheld from you."
EXCITING, huh?

Eyeball--concerning your reply #48: The "swine" comment was not mine. The Lord Himself called those who attack the truth "Swine." Don't try to lessen the force of His use of the word by trying to say I used it. Deal with it. The ear tickling
preaching you heard did not portray Christ as He is. Christ said "SWINE." In other places God refers to men as "beasts" and it is a very proper reference BECAUSE they are just like beasts, or swine--they only care for their gut. The only interest they have concerns their fleshly lusts. You have spent much time on this forum demonstrating that YOU fit that mold.
 CONCERNING YOUR MISCHARACTERIZATION OF WHAT I SAID: that is just one of the reasons there is no profit in scattering pearls before the likes of you. What I said about the three persons of the Godhead performing certain functions in accord with their covenant to redeem certain ones from Adam's fall IN NO WAY MEANT THERE WAS A HIERARCHY. But no one should expect you to regret bearing false witness against me by trying to put those words in my mouth. All your posts show that you are under the law rather than under grace. The love of God comes only through Christ.
Under the law, there is only unrelenting wrath. So don't flatter youself by thinking God is unprincipled sticky sweet
love toward everyone as your Sunday Dandie Arminian
milquetoast preachers would have you believe.

 Eyeball (reply 44)--I wasn't addressing you nor trying to convince you of anything. If God chooses to be merciful to you, He will. Until then, you are under the law--under God's curse Galatians 3:10.23. You can't understand now, because wisdom is not available until God is pleased to show mercy through Christ (1Cor Chapt. 1). That requires a work of regeneration by the Holy Spirit who does the will of Jesus Whom you don't seem interested in. Therefore I won't cast pearls before you.

  From everlasting, the Triune Godhead purposed to recover certain ones from the judgment they were under as a consequence of Adam's fall; God's purpose in it being the manifestation of His attributes of mercy and grace; the outcome of that being the redemption of His chosen ones through Christ to the praise of the glory of His grace. All that transpired-including the death of Jesus of Nazareth-was agreed upon by the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit from everlasting. Their determination to be gracious and merciful to those chosen was so great that before the foundation of the world, they solemnly covenanted together concerning every detail involved. Each agreed to the role that each would play in that recovery. The Word of God was to descend from heaven and take upon Himself the form of a servant. His name was called Jesus. In His humanity, He was fully human. In Him dwelt all the fullness of the Godhead bodily, Yet the two natures in Christ were never confused. His Divine nature never was less than fully God and His human nature never more nor less than fully human. In His human nature, Jesus grew in wisdom; always in His humanity being fully obedient to the Father; always advancing in knowledge and wisdom at the pace which pleased the Father--never slack in any duty which belonged to Him before God. In the garden of Gethsemane, we see Jesus in His humanity still advancing in wisdom and knowledge-sweating great drops of blood, the man Jesus agonized over what He was coming to realize the Father was requiring of Him. In His garden prayer--notice the way He alters the wording of His prayer each time as His understanding grows, being all the time submissive to the Father as He agonizes. Then, on the cross, "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" Take plenty of time to realize that Jesus, even in His humanity, that humanity in which He was tempted in all points like we are, yet without sin, the son of man, even throughout those dark hours never raised his voice in complaint over the desertion He was experiencing. It was AFTER, only AFTER He had passed through that dark valley alone that He cried out to be informed about "WHY?". That, dear friends, is a look at how wonderfully complete the obedience of the Man Jesus to the Father was. THINK OF THAT. And because of that obedience, His offering of Himself as an atonement for sin was fully acceptable to the Father. Because of that obedience, He was raised from the death. Because of His own obedience, death could not hold Him. There we see perfect righteousness-testified to by the Father's raising Him up. NOW THINK OF THIS. That SAME righteousness, that righteousness which brought the man Jesus through death even up to the right hand of the Father is GIVEN-GIVEN-GIVEN to all who by God's grace are willing to cast away all hope in themselves to depend instead on Christ and His righteousness. Will that righteousness be sufficient for you also? Just as it brought Him through the valley of the shadow of death to resurrection, so will it also for we who fully cast ourselves upon Him. "Praise to the Lord the Almighty, the King of creation. Oh, my soul praise Him for he is thy health and SALVATION. All ye who hear, now to His temple draw near, Join me in glad adoration!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
"For He has made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us that we might be made the RIGHTEOUSNESS of God in Him."

  AW--concerning your reply #25 about The Lord being longsuffering, not willing that any should perish--the apostle has been talking about the destruction of the earth by fire and says that God is not slack concerning that promise "but is longsuffering to usward [note that "usward"] not willing that any (of the usward) should perish, but that all should come to repentance" Then, later on, he says "wherefore, count that the longsuffering of the Lord IS SALVATION (Caps mine) Notice that Peter just said that the result of His longsuffering was the accomplishing of His goal that none should perish. Notice the "usward." That usward spoken of applies to all those chosen in Christ before the foundation of the world. If it applied to each and every individual of mankind like the Arminians want it to mean, then God's longsuffering would not at all issue in the salvation Peter spoke of, for the longer this world rocks on, the greater is the mass of those who descend into an eternity without Christ. The only way God could accomplish His goal that none should perish by witholding that judgement is if (as is the case) those spoken of that He was not willing any of them should perish referred to His ELECT.