I really hope that this isn't considered debating, but does't The Bible say not to support Homosexuality as it is a sin, and Christians are told to do all they can to stop the sin? Also doesn't The Bible say to cherish all life (abortion)?
This is why I ask about my political views.
The bible says homosexuality is a sin. All sexual immorality is sin.
Here's one verse that speaks about life:
Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations."
You've no need to worry about these topics, because when you believe in Christ, you are changed in an instant. The Holy Spirit indwells you, and the angels in heaven rejoice. God gives you a new heart, and you are a new creation in Christ. I don't know many Christians who have read the bible prior to coming to Christ, and it's a book that is a lifetime of learning, even though we've read things again and again.
There are many things that are sin. And there are some that say sin isn't sin.
But none of this matters as God doesn't fail. He will guide you into truth. He will show and reveal to you truths and as your heart recieves and hears change occurs on thinking on lots of things, many things.
As Christians we are commanded not to sin. We do though. We do so all the time.
Upon belief in Christ, our sins are forgiven, past, present and future.
And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, 14who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption (salvation) of those who are God's possession—to the praise of his glory.
Though we struggle with sin, God helps free us. Some things we let go easy, some not so easy, some may hang on a long time if always.
No - Christians are not told in the bible to stop others from sinning. We're not called to stop the world from sinning. This is not heaven on earth.
In the bible Christians teach Christians and encourage and teach each other not to sin. The thing we are told is to preach the gospel, which is that belief in Christ brings salvation.
Once someone comes to Christ, their walk with God starts that instant. They may feel immeditely moved as I was to turn away from what I had been doing, even though no one said a word to me about sin, nor had I read the bible.
It was how my walk was, it was God and me. It's how it should be. God does the work. And we go to others we trust as friends to help us in our walk. Others encourage us and answer questions.
So, no, you won't have to preach against homosexuality or against abortion. You don't have to preach or teach anything, God will help you every step of the way.
As many do, you spend time growing in God, by reading his word, going to a small bible study, or church. You need good boundaries and I believe you have them already and you don't let people cross your boundaries though they will try.
I have very strong boundaries. I only trust few, as in life, we generally have a few people we can trust with whatever is on our heart. Even then, sometimes we might tell a stranger on the phone rather than a friend. Though, since Christ, I've had 3 I can trust. That's plenty for me. There'd be more if I got out. hehe.
So, please don't worry about topics you feel strongly on.
I didn't know this till last year that some Christians don't believe Genesis is literal. I didn't know that. I take the bible literal, where I believe it's meant to be literal. So, you see, we are all different and it's okay.
One just comes to Christ and God does the work, and remember I said my first year it felt like I was in a washer. I think what was happening is that all I had learned was of the world, and when I came to Christ, I had to relearn much of what I knew. It came by reading the word and I went to church and listened to sermons.
The world says, watch out for number one (ourselves). Christ says, be a servant to all. We are still the most important person to take care of first as if we're not okay, we can't help another, but that number one mentality I had was so ingrained that I had little care for others. That was me, not all struggle that way. It's just an example, we're all different.
Sorry I went on so long here.
I wasn't going to say this but guess I will. When I first came to Christ abortion was a big issue. I was a Christian 3 years and never felt one way or the other about it. It didn't trouble me at all either.
So 3 years after coming to Christ, I went to a rally with a church for some reason, a rally about abortion, and for some reason, I don't know why, it was then I realized for me, abortion was wrong and I can not support it.
That doesn't mean it's wrong how you believe, as only you can make that decision.
I just want to show you that even tho was a very hot item and still is, no one in the church bugged me or harangued me; it was just something I pondered here and there, and had never been a worry to me, tho I'd even seen pro life movies; I had no need to make a decision in my mind; there was no need to, but whatever happened at that rally changed my heart, I don't recall what.
To this day, it remains my belief, and I don't believe another has asked me if I think it's wrong, and I've never gone to any rally's since that one; it's just a truth in my mind that I hold. If someone asks I will tell them what I believe.
So, it could've been 20 years before that realization hit is my point, if ever, so not
to worry.
ETA: the bible teaches us not to teach another to sin or encourage another in sin.. just noticed your question which means I would not encourage someone to do wrong.
take care,
tapero
