This portion of The Bed Keeper is now available as an audio presentation on Blog Talk Radio:
GAZA: Holy Land for Gays
As we learned from the baptism of the Ethiopian Eunuch from Chapter 3 of The Bed Keeper, we'll recall that he was baptized in one of the most volatile geographic locations in the world today: GAZA!
26 But an angel of the Lord said to Philip, Rise and
proceed southward or at midday on the road that runs from Jerusalem down to
Gaza. This is the desert [route].
27 So he got up and went. And behold, an Ethiopian, a eunuch of great
authority under Candace the queen of the Ethiopians, who was in charge
of all her treasure, had come to Jerusalem to worship.
28 And he was [now] returning, and sitting in his chariot
he was reading the book of the prophet Isaiah.
29 Then the [Holy] Spirit said to Philip, Go
forward and join yourself to this chariot.
30 Accordingly Philip, running up to him, heard
[the man] reading the prophet Isaiah and asked, Do you really
understand what you are reading?
31 And he said, How is
it possible for me to do so unless someone explains it to me and guides me [in
the right way]? And he earnestly
requested Philip to come up and sit beside him.
Acts
8:26-30
Gaza
is located about 50 miles southwest of Jerusalem. But what's interesting is the eunuch is from
Ethiopia. Since he was the Treasury
Secretary to Queen Candace, (in charge of all her treasure), it is most likely
the eunuch lived in the capital of Ethiopia (modern day Addis Ababa), which is
nearly 1600 miles south of Jerusalem! Scriptures
tell us the eunuch was in Gaza and he was headed south back to Ethiopia from Jerusalem. For Philip to leave Jerusalem and go south when the Holy
Spirit told him to, the eunuch would have already been about 50 miles ahead of
Philip! How did Philip catch up to him
when he already had such a great head start?
Also, how did Philip do it on foot, even as the Ethiopian eunuch was
travelling by chariot (at a top speed of about 30 miles per hour, if drawn by
horses)?
A
couple of things to note is the Eunuch was "sitting in his
chariot" reading the book of Isaiah.
As the Treasury Secretary of a major country, it is most likely the
Eunuch had foot soldiers with him who could have been driving the chariot, as
well as provide him bodily protection from looters along the way to Jerusalem. (A Treasury Secretary would most likely have
been thought to carry plenty of valuables on him, including his tithe offering
since he had gone to Jerusalem to worship).
A trip of 1600 miles would have required several days to take by chariot
(about 58 hours if travelling non-stop at a rate of 30 miles an hour). They're travelling through desert, so basic
needs are going to be in short supply. It's
also quite possible other chariots had been brought along to carry supplies,
such as changes of clothing, food, and water, not only for the people in the
caravan, but also for the horses. This
means the Ethiopian eunuch was likely (but not necessarily) travelling in a
rather large caravan. For him to be
sitting in the chariot doesn't necessarily mean the chariot ever stopped
moving, especially if he had a driver.
On
the other hand, since Scripture doesn't mention any other people, it's also
very possible the eunuch was indeed travelling alone, and since he was going to
Jerusalem to worship had quite possibly decided to fast food and water (as
Jesus did when He was tempted in the wilderness). If so, it's also then quite possible that the
eunuch had stopped his chariot at some water for his horse to drink and rest,
and was actually not moving at the time Philip was travelling from Jerusalem to
meet up with him. This would be one
logical explanation for how Philip would be able to catch up to him when the
eunuch already had such a head start out of Jerusalem, but in my view, not very
likely. The eunuch would have been only
50 miles into a 1600 mile journey back and it seems unlikely for him to have
taken a break so soon into his trip...but maybe.
Even
so, Philip is not
in a chariot....he's on
foot! See again: Then
the [Holy] Spirit said to Philip, Go forward and join yourself to this chariot.
Accordingly Philip, running up to him....
So
how did Philip catch up to the eunuch? I
believe the answer is provided from Scripture after Philip baptized the eunuch:
39 And when they came up out of the water, the Spirit
of the Lord [suddenly] caught away Philip; and the eunuch saw him no more,
and he went on his way rejoicing.
40 But Philip was found at Azotus, and passing on
he preached the good news (Gospel) to all the towns until he reached Caesarea. Acts 8:39-40
Azotus
(also known as Ashdod) is about 23 miles from Gaza. For the eunuch to not even see Philip anymore
(in the middle of a desert where there is nothing to block one's view of
another person for miles around), I believe it's clear to everyone that the
only Scripturally logical explanation for how Philip was able to catch up to
the eunuch who already had such a great head start (besides him sitting and
waiting for Philip to catch up), is that the Holy Spirit didn't just catch
Philip up and transport him AFTER the eunuch had been baptized, but was indeed
also caught up by the Spirit of the Lord as soon as the Holy Spirit said,
"rise and proceed southward." In
other words, my friends, I believe Scripture attests to TWO translations of a
human being within the account of the Ethiopian eunuch, not just one. One occurred prior to Philip's encounter with the
eunuch, and one occurred again afterward.
...actually,
make that THREE translations, because after his baptism, the Ethiopian eunuch
himself was indeed "translated
into the kingdom of His dear Son." 1
Colossians 1:13
Why
does that even matter? Well, a couple of
things. One thing is that Ashdod
(Azotus) is also where the Philistines took the Ark of the Covenant of God and
set it up in the temple of Dagon, which was represented by a statue that kept
falling down and breaking into pieces once the Ark was located in the idol
temple:
1 The Philistines brought the ark of God from Ebenezer to
Ashdod.
2 They took the ark of God into the house of Dagon and
set it beside Dagon [their idol].
3 When they of Ashdod arose early on the morrow, behold,
Dagon had fallen upon his face on the ground before the ark of the Lord. So they took Dagon and set him in his place
again.
4 But when they arose early the next morning, behold,
Dagon had again fallen on his face on the ground before the ark of the Lord,
and [his] head and both the palms of his hands were lying cut off on the
threshold; only the trunk of Dagon was left him.
5 This is the reason neither the priests of Dagon nor any
who come into Dagon's house tread on the threshold of Dagon in Ashdod to this
day.
6 But the hand of the Lord was heavy upon the people of
Ashdod, and He caused [mice to spring up and there was] very deadly destruction
and He smote the people with [very painful] tumors or boils, both Ashdod and
its territory.
7 When the men of Ashdod saw that it was so, they said,
The ark of the God of Israel must not remain with us, for His hand is heavy on
us and on Dagon our god.
8 So they sent and gathered all the lords of the
Philistines to them and said, What shall we do with the ark of the God of
Israel? They answered, Let [it] be
carried around to Gath. So they carried
the ark of the God of Israel there.
9 But after they had carried it to Gath, the hand of the
Lord was against the city, causing an exceedingly great panic [at the deaths
from the plague], for He afflicted the people of the city, both small and
great, and tumors or boils broke out on them.
10 So they sent the ark of God to Ekron. And as [it] came, the people of Ekron cried
out, They have brought the ark of the God of Israel to us to slay us and our
people!
11 So they sent and assembled all the lords of the
Philistines and said, Send away the ark of the God of Israel; let it return to
its own place, that it may not slay us and our people. For there was a deadly panic throughout all
the city; the hand of God was very heavy there.
12 The men who had not died were stricken with very
painful tumors or boils, and the cry of the city went up to heaven. 1 Samuel 5:1-12
It
would seem God finally answered their cries by miraculously translating Philip
from Gaza to Ashdod (Azotus), where he preached the good news of the Gospel (not
only in Azotus) but to ALL the surrounding towns:
40 But Philip was found at Azotus, and passing on
he preached the good news (Gospel) to all the towns until he reached
Caesarea. Acts 8:40
It
would seem God's presence (formerly represented to man only in the Ark of the
Covenant) was now available through human beings preaching the Gospel--even to
those whom had formerly wanted nothing to do with God.
The
second point of significance is that (especially in relation to gay, lesbian,
bisexual and transgender people) Scripture portrays Gaza as a land of MIRACLES!
Not only do we see two translations of a
human being, but also the baptism of the Ethiopian eunuch in the only account
of evangelism in the whole of Scripture, and in the only time Gaza is ever
mentioned in the New Testament. We see
that event representative of not only the beginning fulfillment of Isaiah
55:11-56:12 where God promises we would be included in His House of Prayer and
accept our offerings and sacrifices on His altar, but also the new awakening of
mainstream Christianity to the prophetic importance and mandate of inclusion
and affirmation of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people in God's House
of Prayer for all people! In short, I
believe every Christian could rightfully consider the area of land from
Jerusalem to Gaza (and on to Ashdod and Caesarea) as HOLY LAND for GAYS! (No wonder it happened at GAZA)!
Now,
I don't want to start a new religious war over who gets what land. What I am hoping to do is to encourage gay,
lesbian, bisexual and transgender people, as well as the Church, and the
governments of America, Israel, and Palestine to begin to consider that instead
of a two state solution to the stand-off in the Middle East, perhaps a three state solution may be just what
brings about a permanent peace solution to the region, and not just because God
said so, but because it may actually make a lot of common sense!
Not
only would it reinforce Christian support of Israel and the Jews as a matter of
course with an added 700,000,000 LGBT people now also lending their support,
but because of the economic security of ALL the people in the region, and the
security of an area of land in the eastern hemisphere that could become a
peaceful, free, democratic refuge for LGBT people persecuted in their own
countries by their own governments. It's
interesting that Ethiopia is located very near Uganda, Sudan and other nations
wherein LGBT people are under constant threat of execution, just for being born
eunuchs....or as I like to say, "BORN
UNIQUE!"
I
believe that as this message becomes more widely received by mainstream
Christianity, it will open the door for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender
people to begin bringing LGBT people of every religion into the Christian fold,
as we begin to share the MIRACULOUS news that (although it took 2,000 years to
see it) indeed Christianity is the only
religion in the world that does not
bar us from the promises of God! While I
believe most Jews are not required to convert to Christianity to be considered
God's people if they faithfully follow the Law of Moses, I also believe a
fuller understanding of the benefits of living by faith instead of by
the Law
will encourage them to reconsider Christianity!
Having
LGBT people stationed in Gaza preaching the good news of Jesus Christ—(and His
inclusion of LGBT people in His House of Prayer for ALL People)--would provide
Christianity with a unique opportunity to reach into the whole world,
because gay people are in every nation, every city, every family, and every RELIGION! Being already present in a
free, peaceful and secure Gaza (where all religions are welcome to practice
their religion) would not only draw LGBT people of all faiths and nations
to Gaza, but would also expose them to the Good News of the Gospel in a way
that simply isn't available in the world today, just as Philip did. He simply made himself available to the Jewish
Ethiopian Eunuch, and after reading him a few short chapters from the Book of
Isaiah (chapters 53-56), left a newborn Christian child of God!
While
many Muslims (and countries that are largely governed by Muslims) continue to
execute gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people as a matter of course,
based on a cryptic and abbreviated account of Sodom in the Qur’an, I believe a
fuller understanding of the account of Lut (Lot) and Sodom will help LGBT
Muslims see that Sodom wasn't even destroyed for homosexuality, but for
heterosexual fallen angels (sons of God) sexually mixing with human women, as
we learned in Genesis 6, Jude, and 2 Peter 2. (See Chapter 14 and Chapter 15 of The Bed Keeper for a detailed examination
of those accounts).
Coupled
with the fact that Christianity (much to everyone's surprise) welcomes LGBT people
with open arms, and provides a path to not only immortality after death, but a
rich, peaceful, and joyful life in the here and now--especially when they see
that Abraham is our father too--these new LGBT Muslim converts can easily win
over their parents, friends and families to the truth Christ provides in a much
richer fullness than found conveyed in the Qur’an, especially as regards LGBT
people.
While
I believe this process will continue throughout the world and will touch every
LGBT person regardless of their faith, more and more will also convert to
Christianity. When they do, I also recognize
many will find themselves in need of a safe
place to worship God as not only LGBT people, but as Christians. Even before they convert to Christianity (if
that's what they ultimately decide to do), many LGBT people find themselves so
persecuted by their own governments' sanctioned executions of gay people, that
they need countries that can provide them asylum (and even travel assistance)
from persecution. Establishing a
Christian-friendly, gay-friendly, safe space (in the same geographic location
as the baptism of the Ethiopian eunuch) may be the path to peace both Israel
and the Palestinian people are searching for, (as well as an asylum from evil
many LGBT people need in that part of the world).
If
so, this would explain another piece of the prophecy God gives to eunuchs:
4 For thus says the
Lord: To the eunuchs
who keep My Sabbaths and choose the things which please Me and hold firmly My
covenant--
5 To them I will give
in My house and within My walls a memorial and a name better [and more
enduring] than sons and daughters; I will give them an everlasting name that
will not be cut off.
6 Also the foreigners who join themselves to the Lord to minister to Him and to love the name of the
Lord and to be His servants,
everyone who keeps the Sabbath so as not to profane it and
who holds fast My covenant [by conscientious obedience]--
7 All these I will bring to My holy mountain and make them joyful in My house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and their sacrifices will be accepted on My altar; for My house will be called a house of prayer for all peoples.
8 Thus says the
Lord God, Who gathers the outcasts of Israel: I will gather yet others to Him besides those already gathered.
Isaiah 56:4-8
It's
hard to ignore that God's prophecy is not ONLY to eunuchs (gay, lesbian,
bisexual and transgender people), but also to the foreigners. Who are they, if not LGBT folks from other
religions and nations? We see the eunuch
baptized in Acts 8 was from Ethiopia, and was Jewish. Who's to say God isn't telling us that He will
gather LGBT people into Christianity to use us to evangelize LGBT people from
other nations and religions? Who's to
say God isn't telling us to do so in Gaza just like Philip did? Who's to say that isn't what God means by
saying in verse 3 from this same prophecy to:
Let
not the foreigner
who has joined himself to the Lord say, The Lord will surely separate me from
His people. And let not the eunuch say, Behold, I am a dry tree.
Isaiah 56:3
Could
it be God is saying that the eunuchs should not complain we are dry trees
because He will use us to bring many "foreigners" into the Kingdom
through LGBT people sharing His Word with other LGBT people of
"foreign" nations and religions? Could it be God is saying that the
"foreigners" should not worry about being "separated from their
people" because Gaza will become a country for ALL people, just as His
House of Prayer is on its way to becoming? I admit I don't know with certainty that He
is, but God did preface this prophecy in Isaiah 55:11-13 saying,
11 So shall My word be that goes forth out of My mouth: it
shall not return to Me void [without producing any effect, useless], but it
shall accomplish that which I please and purpose, and it shall prosper in the
thing for which I sent it.
12 For
you shall go out [from the spiritual exile caused by sin and evil into the
homeland] with joy and be led forth [by your Leader, the Lord Himself, and
His word] with peace; the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you
into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.
What
spiritual exile? What sin and evil? What homeland? Is it possible God is saying that LGBT people
are being persecuted in their own countries because the enemy wishes to destroy
each of us just as Herod did when trying to kill Jesus, simply because Satan
doesn't know which of us he has to kill in order to prevent Isaiah 55:11-56:12
from being revealed to the Church, and thereby expose from Scripture that which
he has tried so hard for so long to keep secret so Jesus couldn't return? Is this the sin and evil being spoken of by
God, especially considering LGBT people are gay long before we even have a
chance to commit any sin or evil? Is it
possible God is saying the Homeland is not yet established, but will be?
13 Instead of the thorn shall come up the cypress tree,
and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree; and it shall be to the
Lord for a name of renown, for an everlasting sign [of jubilant
exaltation] and memorial [to His praise], which shall not be cut off. Isaiah 55:11-13
Clearly
verse 12 reflects a plethora of encouraging Scriptures located throughout the
Bible about the joy that comes from believing that Jesus is the Son of God. The beginning of verse 13 sounds like a
"shaking" and a "changing" of the status quo. But notice the words I underlined above: All
this would be an everlasting
SIGN that shall not be cut off! A sign
of what, though? Friends, I believe it's
a sign to us at this point in human and Church history that indeed Jesus IS
returning, as we see the very next verse of the prophecy reads:
Thus says the Lord:
Keep justice, do and use righteousness (conformity to the will of God which
brings salvation), for My salvation is soon to come and My
righteousness (My rightness and justice) to be revealed. Isaiah 56:1
And
I believe He adds the words it would be a “sign
of [jubilant
exaltation] and memorial [to His praise], which shall not be cut off”
because whatever God is speaking of here, He intends it to be PERMANENT! Only governments can ensure
the security, peace and autonomy that would indeed keep such an idea as a New
Gaza a permanent idea.
So
suppose that IS what God is telling us about Gaza. What would this mean in natural terms to the
economy, peace, security, and prosperity of the people in that region of the
world? Well, it would certainly not come
without great economic, political and social benefits!! Imagine the race between Israel and Palestine
to SUDDENLY shift as they begin to woo LGBT people to the region for the travel
and tourism dollars 700,000,000 LGBT people worldwide would SUDDENLY bring, as
they come to understand Gaza as a land of MIRACLES that God seems to have
carved out just for us!
Imagine
the great building projects that would spring up as all manner of
infrastructure from power plants, to water supply and treatment systems, to
great houses of worship from EVERY religion in the world began being built and
established so that all LGBT people of EVERY faith can have the benefit of
coming to worship in their customary manner, while also having access to
the principles and concepts and texts of every other religion in the world at
the same time! Imagine the great
theological debates that will emerge as each religion is compared and studied
and examined against the others by each LGBT person. And imagine how many will be drawn to conclude
Christianity is the only religion wherein God has a special place, purpose and
destiny especially for us, even if the Church itself isn't yet fully aware of
it!
Imagine
all the economic growth and employment opportunities for the people of
Palestine and Israel (and every other nation on earth)! THAT would provide some clear incentives for
resuming the peace talks, wouldn't it? No
wonder God said,
Blessed, happy, and fortunate is the man who does
this, and the son of man who lays hold of it and binds himself fast to
it, who keeps sacred the Sabbath so as not to profane it, and keeps his hand
from doing any evil. Isaiah 56:2
I've
always understood the phrase "Blessed,
happy, and fortunate is "the
man who does this" as LGBT people, and the phrase "and the son of man who
lays hold of it" to be preachers, priests, and other
people in the Household of Faith that would ensure the Church takes her
blinders off and at last makes God's House a house of prayer for all people. But perhaps God is also speaking to the
"son of man" as government leaders who would help bring about peace
in the Holy Lands--ALL the Holy Lands--regardless if was traditionally identified
as Jewish, Muslim, or Christian. Perhaps
the solution then isn't a 3 state solution, but perhaps a new single state, with
Jerusalem as the capital, and encompassing all Israel AND all lands the
Palestinians currently lay claim to, as well as Gaza. Perhaps instead of dividing the area among 2
countries, and dividing the capital city of Jerusalem, we should instead
"undivide" the borders between Israel and Palestine and Gaza and make
the entire region one all-encompassing state: New Gaza (for example).
Perhaps
we should govern it not as a state, but more like international waters, perhaps
under direct control of the United Nations, while continuing to maintain the
identity of Israel as Israel, Gaza as Gaza, and Palestine as Palestine. What we're currently doing--indeed what we
have been doing for the past 60 years is not working! It's simply causing the divisions to grow wider,
and the dispute is giving impetus to terror organizations to infiltrate
governments with promises of independence (in an attempt to secure power for
themselves personally), all the while using (and resenting) the people involved
as pawns in a power struggle between a handful of men, that will only worsen if
it remains on its current course. I believe
it's time to consider a fresh approach, not only in the Church, but in the
Nations, and in Israel as well! (and Gaza, of course!)
Blessed, happy, and fortunate is the man who does this,
and the son of man who lays hold of it and binds himself fast to it, who
keeps sacred the Sabbath so as not to profane it, and keeps his hand from
doing any evil. Isaiah 56:2
How
would we "keep the Sabbath sacred" in an hypothetical New Gaza? Again, with houses of worship of every
religion who cares to build one in the region! Each person, regardless of religion would be
free to worship in their own style, in their own house of prayer, in their own
language, in their own customs--and even to their own God--each keeping the
Sabbath sacred, as they would do so in accordance with their religious observations,
festivals, Holy Holidays, and practices. One thing unique about the LGBT community is
that we have never been divided by religion in and of ourselves, because no
religion (as far as we knew) has ever existed that embraced us. We've all been in the same boat in that
regard. Another thing about the LGBT
community is we are naturally responsive to art, literature, culture, fashion,
architecture, beauty, and philosophy. Many
of us already serve in religious positions, and many of us are already people of
faith, regardless of which religion we adhere to.
The
success of simultaneous interfaith worship would bring a mosaic of ideas,
concepts, and insights into other religions, customs and practices that would
most likely be observed by all of us on each Sabbath (just out of respect for
each other as LGBT people), with great discussions about why each custom or
practice was adopted, what it represents, different types of prayer, etc. In such an environment, it would open the door
to Christian LGBT people to offer our insights into Christianity as well. Another unique hallmark of the LGBT community is
we don't simply embrace diversity--we embody it!
Some
may balk at the idea because it could lead to Christians falling away from the
faith and embracing elements of other religions' worship practices. I would remind any such folk of the Day of
Pentecost, and how the Holy Spirit chose a time to enter the world in which
"they were assembled in one accord," and to recall that people were
present from countries and cities all around the region. Who knows--maybe the Latter Rain has yet to
fully fall on the Church in these last days! Maybe another Pentecost-type event is right
around the corner in the Christian Church! As we learned in Chapter 20 of The Bed Keeper, it's quite possible we
will begin to see the fire of heaven falling to consume offerings and
sacrifices in churches all over the world once LGBT people are affirmed in Church!
One
thing is for certain: unless LGBT Christians provide the same access to other
religions as they do to ours, it certainly won't provide an opportunity for "every tongue to confess that Jesus is Lord!" And let us also be reminded that all the 3,000 people
converted to Christianity on the Day of Pentecost were of the Jewish faith, not
Christians! Christians can't evangelize
non-Christians without providing access to them, and without us making ourselves
available to them. If nothing else, the
(Jewish) Ethiopian eunuch's conversion and subsequent baptism in Acts 8 should
verify that!
Blessed, happy, and fortunate is the man who does this,
and the son of man who lays hold of it and binds himself fast to it, who keeps
sacred the Sabbath so as not to profane it, and keeps his hand from doing
any evil. Isaiah 56:2
Let's
take a moment to focus on the last part of that sentence: and keeps his hand from doing any evil.
During the past 7 years of assembling these revelations
from God's Word, I have always limited my understanding of this portion of
Scripture to say "keeps his hand from doing any sin." But that
isn't the word God chose. EVIL was the word.
For
far too long, the only American companies that seem to thrive in that region of
the world are the arms manufacturers, led by a handful of people who greatly
influence far too many politicians, who then keep the pot stirred among many Middle
East nations. They seem to be just
chomping at the bit for war to break out so they have someone who'll start
buying more of their wares again. Friends,
we've seen the results not only in terms of sagging economies around the world
who depend on war for finances, but even the dissolution of the former U.S.S.R.
who went bankrupt trying to keep up with the arms race against the United States.
Most importantly, we've seen the
suffering of the everyday people caught up in these battles that profit nobody
except the arms manufacturers themselves, and a handful of ruthless leaders
who's reigns of terror are drawing to a close, as we see uprisings throughout
the Middle East as people are taking a stand and saying, "ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!" And what they are saying "ENOUGH" to
is EVIL (war, tyranny, famine,
destruction, fear, terror, and bloodshed) itself!
Every
parent of every child in the world hopes for a better future for their child
than what they had. No parent of a gay,
lesbian, bisexual or transgender child hopes for any less, but society often
denies them the opportunity on the basis of religion, where the Church has more
power in governing the definition, development and growth of families than the
parents themselves. Religion has for too
long prevented parents from raising their children in the most conducive
environment for their particular child's needs, protections, well-being, and
growth. Far too long, religion has
exerted its influence beyond the congregation and into the public square for
the benefit of a mere handful of pastors, or preachers, or priests who gain
personal satisfaction from the deceitfulness of riches, and the facade of power
that comes with their evil deeds and their meddling in the affairs of whom God
desires to be FREE people.
Whether
Christian vs. Jew, or Jew vs. Muslim, or Muslim vs. Christian, the world has
grown too populace to continue to divide our common humanity on the basis of a
supernatural authority created on the whims of man and selective (mis)understandings
and gross misapplications of religious texts. God provided His Word for each man's freedom, not his enslavement. God gave man dominion over the earth, not other people. God has affirmed, blessed and designated each
of His Own children with certain inalienable rights that no government, and no
religion, and no devil in hell can steal from us; try as they all might,
(sometimes in united conspiracy).
There
is a new day in the Christian Church! There
could also be a new day in Gaza, and indeed the entire Middle East! There could be a new day of the peace and
prosperity of billions of people who have never tasted freedom from their
government, nor their religion. No place
on earth has ever made it a foundational policy to include all people, no
matter what race, creed, ethnicity or religious affiliation, except for
America. A New Gaza can replicate that
American ideal and emerge as a unique gift in all human history, as a nation
that provides respite from the cruel government and religious malcontents of
history, even as the government and religions themselves remain innocent tools
of the very evil fanaticism and extremism that has always resulted in the destruction of
humanity, not it's preservation.
As
we start anew in the Christian Church, I believe it is time we start thinking
anew as regards the Middle East as well. Yes, all nations will be judged on whether or
not they bless Israel. But blessing Israel does not mean always
having to agree
with her. Israel may balk at this idea
as well, but so far as I can tell, for the first time in human history since
the Mormons moved to Utah, the whole world has a unique opportunity to once
again make a dessert bloom under the mighty hand of God...and how would that
"NOT" be a blessing to Israel, and every other nation on the planet?
Some
may wonder how we would protect such a New Gaza. My answer would be that perhaps the reason
God's people have begun to include LGBT people in the world's militaries, is
because somewhere in their spirit they sense the need arising for us to be
there, and that we will be there to protect peaceful people from those who hate
peace, and do so with the greatest cause for peace and religious freedom of all
people--in all nations--that the world has ever known. Give a man a gun, and you make him a soldier. Give a man a cause, and you make him a
warrior.
While
I do not support the hostile takeover of any land from anyone under any
circumstances, should the people of the Middle East themselves be so persuaded
to embark on the journey to a New Gaza as alluded to herein, I can assure you
there are 700,000,000 LGBT people around the world who would fight to preserve
it. Many Christians have been
prophesying that "God is raising up an army!" I'd say a world-wide force that is 700,000,000
strong is indeed quite an army! But who
of us could have predicted His was the First Military to include gay folks?
Friends,
we can do these things if we set our minds and hearts to do them, and if God is
with us. As evidenced by the new
awareness of the importance of inclusion, freedom, equality, marriage and
spiritual growth of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people, there can
now be no doubt that indeed God is with us, even if the odds were against us!! While the hypothetical concept of a New Gaza
as a Holy Land for all peoples, all nations, and all religions seems but a
dream at this point, all that is left to decide is whether indeed our hearts
and minds can be set to do this new thing--and yes, even greater things than
this--just as Jesus promised we would.
After
all, folks, it's not like I'm suggesting we put a man on the moon or anything!
I'm
just an American...and a Christian...and a eunuch BORN SO from my mother's
womb....
....and
I too have a dream!
In
closing, let us reflect on this portion of God's prophecy to eunuchs and
foreigners once again:
Let not the foreigner who has joined himself to the
Lord say, The Lord will surely separate me from His people. And let not
the eunuch say, Behold, I am a dry tree.
And
then let's reflect on the vision God seems to be casting for the Church, the
Nations and Israel at this point in human history, as we now also shine a new
light on another portion of God's Word from Colossians 13:9-29 and Colossians
13:4-6 (King James Version):
9 For this cause we also, since the day we heard it,
do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the
knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;
10 That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all
pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the
knowledge of God;
11 Strengthened with all might, according to his
glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;
12 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us
meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in
light:
13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness,
and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:
14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even
the forgiveness of sins:
15 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn
of every creature:
16 For by him were all things created, that are in
heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones,
or dominions, or principalities, or powers:
all things were created by him, and for him:
17 And he is before all things, and by him all things
consist.
18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who
is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might
have the preeminence.
19 For it pleased the Father that in him should
all fulness dwell;
20 And, having made peace through the blood of his
cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say,
whether they be things in earth, or things in
heaven.
21 And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies
in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled
22 In the body of his flesh through death, to present
you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:
23 If ye continue in the faith grounded and
settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye
have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven;
whereof I Paul am made a minister;
24 Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill
up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his
body's sake, which is the church:
25 Whereof I am made a minister, according to the
dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfill the
word of God;
26 Even the mystery which hath been
hid from ages and from
generations,
but now is made manifest to his saints:
27 To whom God would make known what is the
riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is
Christ in you, the hope of glory:
28 Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching
every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ
Jesus:
29 Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his
working, which worketh in me mightily.
4 Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of
the love which ye have to all the saints,
5 For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven,
whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel;
6 Which is come unto you, as it is in all the world;
...and bringeth forth FRUIT!
"Let
not the eunuch complain, behold I am a dry tree."
Part One:
UPDATE 10.27.12:
UPDATE 04.29.12:
***************************************************************
Dear Valued Readers,
This blog is a work in progress. As events in the Church impact previously published posts, updates will be published at the end of each post in order to provide the utmost transparency and clarity to all concerned parties as this new move of God progresses. Readers may email thebedkeeper@gmail.com to discuss or comment on any posting. Please note that while all feedback is highly valued and appreciated, it may not be possible to reply to each email.
UPDATE 05.19.13: GREAT NEWS! Regarding the 04.29.12 UPDATE: After new considerations have come to light, I confidently continue my full personal endorsement of Lakewood Church as a SAFE SPACE for LGBT people to worship, and am pleased to encourage you to resume supporting this vibrant ministry financially. Details here.
UPDATE 03.05.13: GREAT NEWS! Regarding the 10.27.12 UPDATE: After new considerations have come to light, I confidently continue my full personal endorsement of Eagle Mountain International Church as a SAFE SPACE for LGBT people to worship, and am pleased to encourage you to resume supporting this vibrant ministry financially. Details here.
UPDATE 02.09.13: Listen in as Brian Anthony Bowen provides the NCK and Friends radio audience with valuable insights into Biblical support of Same Sex Marriage that the Church doesn't seem to want us to know!
UPDATE 05.19.13: GREAT NEWS! Regarding the 04.29.12 UPDATE: After new considerations have come to light, I confidently continue my full personal endorsement of Lakewood Church as a SAFE SPACE for LGBT people to worship, and am pleased to encourage you to resume supporting this vibrant ministry financially. Details here.
UPDATE 03.05.13: GREAT NEWS! Regarding the 10.27.12 UPDATE: After new considerations have come to light, I confidently continue my full personal endorsement of Eagle Mountain International Church as a SAFE SPACE for LGBT people to worship, and am pleased to encourage you to resume supporting this vibrant ministry financially. Details here.
UPDATE 02.09.13: Listen in as Brian Anthony Bowen provides the NCK and Friends radio audience with valuable insights into Biblical support of Same Sex Marriage that the Church doesn't seem to want us to know!
Part One:
Part Two:
UPDATE 10.27.12:
Eagle Mountain International Church took an official position on gay marriage in a sermon on 10.14.12. While not in support of gay marriage, Pastor George reminds his congregation that "those considered to be gay" are equally worthy of love and compassion. Pastor Terri continues to consider being gay as "being caught up in bondage." Several passages of Scripture were quoted to support their views, but no mention was made of any Scriptures that disprove their view, such as discussed in Chapter One: Born This Way and Chapter Two: God Sanctioned Gay Marriage. While I am not rescinding my endorsement of Eagle Mountain International Church as a safe space for LGBT people to worship, I am officially recommending we no longer support them financially. It is clear we have a long way to go in educating the Church, and I remain hopefully confident that after the 2012 elections are over, we will have more opportunities to walk further into the new revelations from God's Word shared throughout this blog. I encourage all LGBT people and our families to continue to hold Pastor George and Terri up in prayer, so that the eyes of their understanding may be flooded with light, and they come to more fully understand the prophetic role that LGBT people play in the spiritual life of the Christian Church, and the return of Jesus Christ.
UPDATE 04.29.12:
My previous endorsement of Lakewood Church is hereby retracted due to this interview: http://thinkprogress.org/lgbt/2012/04/29/473250/joel-osteen-gay-sin/?mobile=ncwherein Pastor Joel Osteen declares that "being gay" itself is a sin. That is NOT what the Bible says, and I cannot support it, nor ask anyone else to. I explained this in a previous letter to Pastor Joel in response to his interview with Piers Morgan, which can be reviewed here. I apologize for the mixed messages my own comments may tend to manifest themselves as in this case, but it is an unfortunate result of Pastor Joel's own mixed messages, and his decision to tailor his messages to the audience to whom he is speaking at the time. Should he publicly apologize for his unScriptural comments, and declare he has come to understand the difference between saying "being gay is a sin" and "homosexuality is a sin" (to reflect Scripture's own narrowly defined context of married men who engaged in adultery on their wives to be with men...which has nothing to do with LGBT people), I hope to renew my endorsement of Lakewood Church at some point in the future....but not until then.
UPDATE 01.15.12:
Lakewood Church officially endorsed as a SAFE SPACE for LGBT people to worship! Details here.
UPDATE 11.22.11:
Eagle Mountain International Church officially endorsed as a SAFE SPACE for LGBT people to worship! Details here.
UPDATE 12.16.11:
Please also review the response shared with a debate panel regarding the Bible's position on homosexuality, that reveals the unScriptural stance "ex-gay" theology manifests itself as here.
Lakewood Church officially endorsed as a SAFE SPACE for LGBT people to worship! Details here.
UPDATE 11.22.11:
Eagle Mountain International Church officially endorsed as a SAFE SPACE for LGBT people to worship! Details here.
UPDATE 12.16.11:
Please also review the response shared with a debate panel regarding the Bible's position on homosexuality, that reveals the unScriptural stance "ex-gay" theology manifests itself as here.
