he question posed by Emerson is one that is being asked on a wide scale by society and the church of today. There are a number of people who describe themselves as "Christian" with little knowledge of what the word means. According to the World Book

Encyclopedia the word Christian means "a believer in Jesus Christ; one that follows His example and teachings." The key in this definition is not just believing but also adhering to what Jesus did, as well as, what He instructed his followers to do. The question then becomes can an individual be a Christian who refuses to abide in the teachings which Christ set forth.

 

Recently, President Barack Obama declared that he was a "Christian" and at the same time he stated "that for me personally I feel that it is time for me to affirm that I believe that it is perfectly fine for same-sex couples to be allowed the right to get married" making him the first President in United States history to endorse homosexuality. Either his declaration of being a Christian-by definition or his support for same-sex marriage must be incorrect especially since the scriptures so clearly condemn homosexual behavior (cp.Gen. 19, Lev 18:20f, Jdg. 19:15f, Ro 1:26f)

 

It is clear that the President and those of his persuasion are looking to have the best of both worlds. They forget that the world is an enemy of God and that God is against what the world has to offer. Christianity would do well to heed the warning of Elijah when he asked, "How long halt ye between two opinions? if the LORD be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. ." 1Ki 18:21

 

Time’s up.

Hey0006

 

All right’s Reserved GMAM, Ministries.

ost people understand that there is strength in numbers that it is easier to get a job done when there are more individuals sharing the responsibility for completing the task at hand. This attitude can be clearly seen on the issue of support for the "Marriage Protection Amendment" to the North Carolina State Constitution as local churches of the Lumber River Conference of the Holiness Methodist Church utilized their signage to encourage church members and the public to exercise their right to go out and vote. At the same time church leaders were also busy educating their members on the ballot language and reaffirmed the biblical stance of "Marriage" as being between one man and one woman.

While it is clear that many leaders in the Democratic party oppose the measure President Barak Obama, Governor Beverly Purdue and Attorney General Roy Cooper being just a few who have come out publicly calling for the amendment to be defeated. Also, State and National groups like the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and others have weighed in on the issue. The biggest concern for born-again believers are the numbers of "churches" who oppose the passing of the measure and believe that it is a matter of fairness to gay and lesbian couples. The true CHURCH must stand to remind humanity that although we may choose to disobey Biblical Law we never possess the "right" to commit "sin" yet God has retained the right throughout the scriptures to condemn it.

 

airmont- For every Christian there are some events that should hold great prominence in their walk with the Lord. After Salvation the opportunity to partake in the Lord's Supper (Holy Communion) ranks at top of the list, followed by Baptism both of which are specifically spoken of in the scriptures. The third and one which is often contentious is that of becoming a member of a local church. This is a special occasion in the life of any Church and a every born-again believer should find a local bible believing, preaching and teaching congregation to be a part of so that they may grow and become a true disciple of Jesus Christ. The bible is clear in that the purpose of the church is to lead individuals into perfection for work in the ministry of the Lord.

 

On Sunday April 15, 2012, New Bethel Holiness Methodist Church once again accepted that command by accepting seven new members into its' care. Those pictured from left to right are Kylie Locklear, Sara Hunt, Roman Lowry, Amy Hunt-Freeman and Alisa Freeman.