Two questions

[derpytia]

The first question is simple and I've been wondering about it for a few days now. If God does not answer your prayer with a yes or no or maybe at the present time, is it righteous, Godly, and proper to continue to pray about the same thing every day for even up to a year or more?

Second question is, even though I am Christian I have 2 male friends who are not Christian and are practicing homosexuals. They know I'm Christian and respect that about me and they are some of the kindest people I've met and have been there for me when I've been sick or down and have been extremely loyal. But the problem is, lately I've been wondering if it is good to be close friends with them even though I follow Christ. (I have few friends who live near me now and there are no Christian people near my age (23) in the area I live in.

 

[Solomons Porch]

1st question - yes always press in and never give up, ask, seek knock, He pays attention to how fervently you pray.
2nd question - if the Holy Spirit is causing you to be concerned in the relationship, follow the leading of the Spirit.

 

[GeorgeJ]

The first question is simple and I've been wondering about it for a few days now. If God does not answer your prayer with a yes or no or maybe at the present time, is it righteous, Godly, and proper to continue to pray about the same thing every day for even up to a year or more?

Second question is, even though I am Christian I have 2 male friends who are not Christian and are practicing homosexuals. They know I'm Christian and respect that about me and they are some of the kindest people I've met and have been there for me when I've been sick or down and have been extremely loyal. But the problem is, lately I've been wondering if it is good to be close friends with them even though I follow Christ. (I have few friends who live near me now and there are no Christian people near my age (23) in the area I live in.

1. Yes....continue praying.

2. Sounds like they're good friends. You'd do well to keep them as close friends, especially since they accept you as a Christian even though they are not. You can respect them and be friends with them without agreeing with their lifestyle choice. True friends are hard to come by.

 

[lben]

Not sure what you're waiting for as far as an answer is concerned, but if after a year you're still waiting, chances are the answer is NO you just don't want to accept it.

And Christians are supposed to avoid even the appearance of sin, so stop hanging out with homosexuals because people not in your group will assume you are one, too.

 

[loNe]

The first question is simple and I've been wondering about it for a few days now. If God does not answer your prayer with a yes or no or maybe at the present time, is it righteous, Godly, and proper to continue to pray about the same thing every day for even up to a year or more?

Second question is, even though I am Christian I have 2 male friends who are not Christian and are practicing homosexuals. They know I'm Christian and respect that about me and they are some of the kindest people I've met and have been there for me when I've been sick or down and have been extremely loyal. But the problem is, lately I've been wondering if it is good to be close friends with them even though I follow Christ. (I have few friends who live near me now and there are no Christian people near my age (23) in the area I live in.

..you are very sweet...it's in all your words..

YES do continue with the question... but also be attent if perhaps something changes in [that perticular situation] which you dídnt expect...that's an answer too, see...and perhaps you discover, that your question wasnt covering the real problem - cause you understand more bout it - but keep on asking !

[i do the same...and neither get any answer - yet : (..]

yes be friends but remain distant, inside
..it isnt that 'you need to judge'... see; God knows very well that His original [eden] creation was "the woman being her man's inside"... meaning, who are gay, can be sweet etc - but ignore His desire how to get back to eden... and therefore, He will not be 'in' any relationship like that... [cause He dont go against his own rules- no ?]...

so yóu need to learn, that people can be 'sweet' - and that is all good [who knows they áre good souls?], but their present way closes Him out, automaticly.. and they will not find Him nor His type gorgious love as He wants it for yóu..

so please learn the difference between 'sweetness' [which people think they feel] and 'His tenderness'

all the best love

 

[GeorgeJ]

derpytia, as you look through the answers that folks give you here, you need to remember one thing:

Jesus himself had fellowship with those who were considered to be the sinners of that time, and was shunned and chastised by the "religious" and "holy" people because of that. Yet, he continued to do so....

Matthew 9
10Later, as Jesus was dining at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with Him and His disciples. 11When the Pharisees saw this, they asked His disciples, “Why does your Teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” 12On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. 13But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’a For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”

Luke 15
1Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear Jesus. 2But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.”

 

[archer75]

The first question is simple and I've been wondering about it for a few days now. If God does not answer your prayer with a yes or no or maybe at the present time, is it righteous, Godly, and proper to continue to pray about the same thing every day for even up to a year or more?

Second question is, even though I am Christian I have 2 male friends who are not Christian and are practicing homosexuals. They know I'm Christian and respect that about me and they are some of the kindest people I've met and have been there for me when I've been sick or down and have been extremely loyal. But the problem is, lately I've been wondering if it is good to be close friends with them even though I follow Christ. (I have few friends who live near me now and there are no Christian people near my age (23) in the area I live in.

If they're good folks, why not be friends with them?

 

[Albion]

Second question is, even though I am Christian I have 2 male friends who are not Christian and are practicing homosexuals. They know I'm Christian and respect that about me and they are some of the kindest people I've met and have been there for me when I've been sick or down and have been extremely loyal. But the problem is, lately I've been wondering if it is good to be close friends with them even though I follow Christ. (I have few friends who live near me now and there are no Christian people near my age (23) in the area I live in.

Homosexuals come in all temperaments, just like Heterosexuals. If these two don't parade their sexual preferences in your presence, or something else that would put up a red flag, I'd say to remain friends. You already pointed out that they respect your religious beliefs which, I am sure, they know to include the belief that homosexual relations are immoral, and they've been there for you when you've been sick. That's friendship not to be easily discarded. However, it might be that if you are seen with them a lot, other people may begin to think you're all gay. That would worry some people but not everyone.

 

[Odetta]

1) Keep praying until you have a definitive answer, whatever it may be whenever it comes.
2) Unless they are tempting you to indulge in homosexual sin yourself and you begin to feel the pull, there is no reason to kill off this friendship. None of us are perfect. Cutting off what sounds like a healthy friendship is an act of judgement, and judgement is the Lord's.

 

[archer75]

If I cut off everyone I knew who regularly did and defended something I believed to be deeply wrong, I'd have no one left - including myself.

 

[Kenny'sID]

I knew there was scripture indicating we should by all means "pester"
God until he relents. And I suppose that would be assuming it's within
what God says it OK, and I wouldn't be quick to say something is not, but no, you can't have the $80,000 Mercedes, but we may get a decent car...for instance. But I'm doubting your quest is wrong.

Anyway if it hasn't been posted already, in looking for the verse, I found this so, I'll just paste it here because I'm too lazy to do otherwise.

"Answer: In Luke 18:1-7, Jesus uses a parable to illustrate the importance of persevering in prayer. He tells the story of a widow who came to an unjust judge seeking justice against her adversary. Because of her persistence in prayer, the judge relented. Jesus’ point is that if an unjust judge will grant the petition of someone who perseveres in a request for justice, how much more will the God who loves us—“his chosen ones”"

And now that I think of it, thanks so much for bringing it up, that verse is probably the single most significant out of the whole Bible that relates to a problem I'm having now, and something that very much needed to be brought to my attention. Or, it helps me a whole lot.

 

[geiroffenberg]

The first question is simple and I've been wondering about it for a few days now. If God does not answer your prayer with a yes or no or maybe at the present time, is it righteous, Godly, and proper to continue to pray about the same thing every day for even up to a year or more?

What youre talking about here is human prayer. IT is how they pray in every religion. When jesus taught his disciples to pray - remember they were good jewish boys and HAD been praying since they were kids!! Probably they had experienced most of their prayers not being answered. Jesus taught them a whole new way of prayer, which is "believe you have received and it shall be given". In other words, there is a prayer where we know the will and udnerstands the finished works of God before we pray. Our prayer then is about receiving! We already know what he has for us, and he already wants to give it, because it HAS been given in christ. So there is no room for a yes or no, because ll his promises is given a yes in christ. SO the art of receiving by faith is the new way of prayer, and in taht context your question doesnt show up.

Second question is, even though I am Christian I have 2 male friends who are not Christian and are practicing homosexuals. They know I'm Christian and respect that about me and they are some of the kindest people I've met and have been there for me when I've been sick or down and have been extremely loyal. But the problem is, lately I've been wondering if it is good to be close friends with them even though I follow Christ. (I have few friends who live near me now and there are no Christian people near my age (23) in the area I live in.

[/quote]

The only reason you shouldnt be close to them is if they are pulling you away from christ and you are too weak to withstand it. If not there is NO reason why you should stay away from them. In fact that would be a judgement agasint them and a condemnation, and that is not good for them or for you. There could be other reasons that have nothing to do with homosexuality, but as i understood your question, it is about if it is good FOR YOU to stay away from them - a few gays - and for any other reason than religious judgemen ala the pharasees, i dont see any general reason. Remember also, anyone who truly walks in god can have nothing but good impact on others spirituality speaking, so why remove yourself from two ppl that christ can impact for the better for them and all.

 

[GandalfTheWise]

Some things on God's timetable can seem quite long to us. For example, Moses ended up waiting decades before he got to go free his people. It's reasonable to be bringing our concerns and desires in prayer on a regular basis. It takes wisdom to discern if the real answer is to wait awhile more or if we need to change our attitude and ask for something else.

With regard to close friends, I think the biggest issue is whether someone is a believer or not and what effect they have on our spiritual life. I see no need to curtail friendships unless it is having a bad effect. However, I think we all need a support group of believers who are friends. In the long run, our spiritual growth is aided by this. Also, don't be limited by age groups. There are some people with gray hair who aren't that bad to hang out with on a regular basis.

 

[All4Christ]

And Christians are supposed to avoid even the appearance of sin, so stop hanging out with homosexuals because people not in your group will assume you are one, too.

First - I'll reiterate GeorgeJ's response on this part of your response.

Jesus himself had fellowship with those who were considered to be the sinners of that time, and was shunned and chastised by the "religious" and "holy" people because of that. Yet, he continued to do so....

Matthew 9
10Later, as Jesus was dining at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with Him and His disciples. 11When the Pharisees saw this, they asked His disciples, “Why does your Teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” 12On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. 13But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’a For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”

Luke 15
1Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear Jesus. 2But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.”

Second, why would people assume you are homosexual just because you are friends with people who are homosexual??

We do need to form our closest relationships with others who have the same core beliefs (hence the do not be unequally yoked Scripture with marriage), but we certainly can be friends with those who are not following our beliefs, so long as they don't have a bad effect on us.

 

[Kenny'sID]

Second, why would people assume you are homosexual just because you are friends with people who are homosexual??

Not only that but who cares what "assumers" think.

I didn't answer the Homosexual question in my last post because I wasn't sure, but FWIW, I tend towards go for it. And as another poster said, as long as you aren't tempted to fall into doing what they do, but if you're like me, that is SO *not* a problem lol.

 

[Goodbook]

First question, what is it you are seeking Gods word on? Sometimes the answers are right in the bible if you go have a look. It could already be there and you missed it.
Sometimes if we are praying for other people and situations we cant do anything about, yes it does take a while because the other people have to come round to God as well. However dont think God doesnt hear your prayer. Daniel prayed and it took 21 days for the message to get through to be answered. God has a huge team of angels and think how busy they are helping answering billions of prayers right and left.

Keep perservering in prayer the bible says to pray unceasingly! So everyday. It doesnt take long to pray but the most important thing about prayer is not asking God all the time about stuff but thanking God for what Hes already given.

 

[Goodbook]

Second question, generally, and I had to learn this as well, it is not a good idea to be close friends with unbelievers. Now they may appear to be kind or loyal or whatever but that kindness i have learned turns out to be false, and with homosexuals or even heterosexuals for that matter, that often turns seductive. And that is the real danger zone. Once you are joined with them its hard to shake loose.

Friendship with the world is enmity with God. Just be careful and choose to hang out with christian brothers (and sisters) that way iron can sharpen iron. I mean you may need sharpening in your christian walk its no good having a sword of the spirit that is blunt and useless. When you hang round with unbelievers all the time this can happen.

 

[Sketcher]

We are ambassadors for Christ (2 Corinthians 5:11-21). Therefore, when the Gospel separates people, and it will, I'm not going to be the bad guy that starts the rift. I'm am not to excuse sin, but rather I am to demonstrate love so if they hate my values, it won't be because I mistreated them or said I was too good for them.

 

[FutureAndAHope]

The first question is simple and I've been wondering about it for a few days now. If God does not answer your prayer with a yes or no or maybe at the present time, is it righteous, Godly, and proper to continue to pray about the same thing every day for even up to a year or more?

Second question is, even though I am Christian I have 2 male friends who are not Christian and are practicing homosexuals. They know I'm Christian and respect that about me and they are some of the kindest people I've met and have been there for me when I've been sick or down and have been extremely loyal. But the problem is, lately I've been wondering if it is good to be close friends with them even though I follow Christ. (I have few friends who live near me now and there are no Christian people near my age (23) in the area I live in.

As for prayer keep on praying the same prayer. For me if I don't get the answer straight away I keep on pressing in, Elijah was an example of persistent prayer, when he prayed for rain he went away and kept on praying until it rained. He checked half way through, and although he did not see rain only a small cloud he kept praying until he got what he was asking for.

As for your friends you will need to make up your own mind, it is too hard to know.

 

[NothingIsImpossible]

The first question is simple and I've been wondering about it for a few days now. If God does not answer your prayer with a yes or no or maybe at the present time, is it righteous, Godly, and proper to continue to pray about the same thing every day for even up to a year or more?

Nothing wrong with praying that long. I can't recall the name since I am tired but one of the women in the bible wanted a baby but didn't have one until she was like 70. I'm sure she prayed that whole time. So never give up.

Second question is, even though I am Christian I have 2 male friends who are not Christian and are practicing homosexuals. They know I'm Christian and respect that about me and they are some of the kindest people I've met and have been there for me when I've been sick or down and have been extremely loyal. But the problem is, lately I've been wondering if it is good to be close friends with them even though I follow Christ. (I have few friends who live near me now and there are no Christian people near my age (23) in the area I live in.

This is something that you really have to decide for yourself. What does the Holy Spirit tell you? If they seem friendly who knows, maybe God will use you to bring them to salvation! After all if we turn away such people then how will anyone be saved? Even Jesus sat with the sinners. He didn't love their sin, but He still loved them.