Thom Collins

JUNE UPDATES 99

This is a letter and a letter of response I received from two gentleman whom I have no complaints with and neither should you. I have been accused many times for being a false prophet leading people away from CHRIST.

It has always been my intention to lead people first to GOD then to the love of JESUS. Everyone has there opinion on gays and GOD. I do not want to offend any beleif system around the world. I have been very blessed to meet all kinds of faiths. From Islamic,Jewish, and even Hindu.

For the record I do beleive that JESUS is the way to salvation and he is my Lord and saviour. This is my FAITH IN JESUS CHRIST. I am not preaching, nor am I misleading anyone. Faith in GOD has to come from within. If my site and my life stirs you up to pick up a bible, question your faith, or start over with GOD FIRST IN YOUR LIFE. Then the glory is ALL OF GOD'S, I AM JUST ONE OF HIS MANY MESSENGERS.

It really hurts when someone judges me, I don't expect any of you reading this to judge someone else's feelings or faith either. I just thought it necessary for both sides to be expressed and I chose to share some letters dealing with the issue's of GOD and GAYS.

My GOD is a loving GOD. I am doing the best I can to teach about his son's love anyway I can. I am a christian first then a gay man. I refuse to debate the word of the bible to the religious right. I know I was born gay and I am loving GOD with all my heart, soul, and mind. Plus I love my neighbor as yourself.

Two great books to get are called HOLY HOMOSEXUALS by Michael Piazza, or STRANGER AT THE GATE by Rev. Mel White. However, the best book of all is THE BIBLE. Do not be afraid of it, embrace it and search your heart to find your faith and the true meaning of GOD'S LOVE. If you are confused by the whole homosexual issue in the bible, remember that the term homosexual was just founded 100 years ago.

I am no scholar nor have I gone to seminary. What I can say is that Jesus does not speak of, in my interpretation of HIS WORD about Homosexuals. The two books I spoke of above will help you understand where your attitude is either gay or straight.

I strongly urge you to seek the bible first and the other books and research your SPIRITUAL TRUTHS. Praise GOD for giving me an oppurtunity to share his love with you through my trials and tribulations.

So here it goes, search your hearts as you read some of these letters on this issue. Let the record stand that as GOD as my witness I am not a "False Prophet", for if I was I would not take the time to put up other interpretations about the bible that do not agree with mine.

I really feel in my heart to tell you that FAITH HAS TO COME FROM WITHIN. I can witness to you all day about my love of GOD and for JESUS. However, you have to find it in your hearts as well when it concerns your spirituality or religion.

Remember, this is a letter written "TO ME" that I thought I would share with you.

Dear Thom,

I hope this letter finds you well, I have just discovered your site and I think its great what you're doing. Although I'm not gay, I do share the same faith in Jesus, and I thank Him daily for loving us. Your writings have reminded me to be remember what is pleasing in the eyes of our savior, and to encourage me to love all people regardless of our personal differences.

In part II you had mentioned the importance of spirituality in ones life, and I could not agree with you more, but I must add what Jesus said, " I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me."(John 14:6 ) I don't want to offend you, but there is no true peace for the spirit unless ones faith is in the savior Christ Jesus. Please remember, Buddha didn't die for the sin of anyone. You had also given a link to a site www.jesusmessiah.com that is right on.

It spoke the absolute truth when it referenced John 1:1 which clearly proclaims Jesus in His divine nature is indeed God.The word of God is clearly attested to in Scripture." All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness" (2 Timothy 3:16 ).

If it is stated in Scripture, than it is intended to be taken as if from God Himself, correct?

If homosexuality is condoned by God, than what was the apostle Paul's intent when he wrote to the Corinthians saying," Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor catamites, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God." (1 Corinthians 6: 9,10 ).

Again it is not my desire to insult you or the homosexual lifestyle, but when you suggest it is "ok" to be Christian and gay in an ongoing sexual relationship it is in direct opposition to Scripture. You and I can be Christians, gay or straight, we just can't live in willful disobedience to God's word and expect to be in His grace. Jesus said " you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and with all your mind.' This is the first and great commandment.And the second is like it: ' You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets." ( Matthew 22: 37-39) I believe you're sincere in your love of God, but It is my opinion that you are being misled. Your web site has great potential to reach out to people who don't know the Lord, to share His love, but to suggest its God's will for anyone to accept there sin nature as His design, is not based in Scripture,and is detri- mental to their eternal salvation. Jesus also gave us this warning " Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves." ( Matthew 7:15 ) You have assumed a great responsibility by starting this web site, and my simple advice, (albeit unsolicited), is base your love for your neighbor in Script-ure.

Jesus defied Satan by quoting Gods word ( Matthew 4: 4,7,10 ) It is written, For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of the soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart."(Hebrews 4:12 ) I want you to know that I, in noway am saying these things in hate.Jesus was bruised for all mans iniquities, there is no sin that His blood did not atone for. Yet if we are to identify ourselves as Christians,we have the responsibility to live Holy lives, and make every effort to live by his word.

We all will fall short, but we cannot condone sin in the name of tolerance. If we are to model Christ to the world we must sp-eak the truth of His word. My sincerest desire is to share His love, not to tear you down. Your web site can be an awesome vehicle to spread the Gospel. I would really like to hear from you, if possible would you please e-mail me a response and indicate how you felt about receiving my unsolicited advice.

Thank you for your time, and may God bless you and keep you. Your brother in Christ, Eric

Here is a response in reference to the letter above from another friend of mine named Father Ken. I always ask for assistance when it comes to scripture and he helped me handle this letter.

Hi Thom!

I am surprised you haven't received mail like this before. People like this man have their own way of interpreting the scriptures and never go to the commentaries to see what the message is or its true meaning. They read and interpret what makes them comfortable. No Buddha did not die for mans' sins but Buddha is not a Christian religion.

My advice would be to simply respond to this gentleman by thanking him for his encouragement and ideas, and try not to send a rebuttal. It then becomes a war, his thoughts versus yours. There is no winner.I've heard some people quote the bible as saying " there is no god", what the bible says is " The fool says in his heart, there is no god".

We have to remember that when Christianity was just beginning it had to encounter both the Jewish and pagan world, that is wht Paul wrote many of the things he did. People and religions wil argue their own points for ages to come. Thom I hope this helps, if it is not what you were looking for, get back to me and we can look at some other options ok? Hugs and blessings, Fr. Ken

A DAILY DEVOTIONAL WEBSITE: Our Daily Bread
NOTE: Use your BACK button to return to Thom's website.

Our daily bread is part of what I read daily. It helps with stories and scriputre to where you can get a better understanding of the bible. You can buy this at any christian bookstore or their website.