HATE MAIL

ouch....I'll be praying for this dude.

I was just logging on to download your software on to my desktop. Got it on my laptop earlier this week and knew I needed it here too. You've already helped me and have my thanks, which I know you don't need b/c I know you have the thanks and war stories of thousands of other men. Don't let one misgudied Bob Jones student that knows 2% of the Bible but forgot the other 98% give you any second thoughts.
Jesus loves the little children, all the children of the world. Porn star, alcoholic, gossip and hate mongerer. Jesus loves the little children of the world.
Thanks.

Wow, is Our God only a God full of Wrath and Indignation, Doom and Gloom? Wow, I guess Jesus was wrong for hanging out with Tax collectors, fisherman and the like there of. Anyways if most people would get their heads out of books authored by Calvin and Edwards and study harder in a book authored by the Creator of the Universe maybe you'd see the love that God has for all people. Calvinism, like Buddhism is nothing more than religion... a bunch of rules with no relationship, no intimate contact. As Christ followers we are called in to an intimate relationship with Jesus not J.Calvin. Pornstars, Buddhists, Muslims, Hindus, and even Christians need a relationship with the Living Savior.

It is praise worthy to note that God is not a bitter person suffering from neurosis and living on the edge of a nervous breakdown as some may inaccurately represent him to be. When all is said and done, He is as Jn 3:16 describes Him, THE GOD WHO LOVES the entire created order (Kosmos) and all the people in it. Our zealous but uniformed friend cites Romans 1:8 as a proof text and reads it incorrectly. Well it's so simple, biblical or theological expertise is not required, JUST KNOWLEDGE OF BASIC ENGLISH GRAMMER.

A CLOSER LOOK: (Romans 1:8 "... ungodliness and righteousness OF men."). The clause "OF MEN" is in the possessive case. In particular, the word "OF" points out who possess the ungodlines and unrighteousnes - men. The word "OF" also clarifies what is not the object of God's wrath. Further, both the sentence's subject and object is obvious. The sentence states clearly that God's wrath is directed at man's behavior and its product which is ungodliness and unrighteousness.

In other words, God's wrath is directed at ungodliniess and unrighteousness and NOT at MAN. However, His GREAT LOVE toward ALL mankind is expressed in JESUS CHRIST'S earthly LIFE, His DEATH and POWERFUL RESURRECTION.

In addition, Johnathan Edwards, Whitfield, Calvin and Luther, all pillars of the faith, who in finishing the race left higher benchmarks in understanding God's love than our friend has achieved. So drafting their great names and awesome reputations in any attempt to validate his attirude and lack of scholarship do those saints and scholars a great dis-service.

Is'nt a real blessing that His loving us does not depend on how much bible we know?
If not who can stand when we too often "we strain at a nat." GOD BLESS YOU.

PRAISE GOD!

slt à tous

Wow this dude is sooo WRONG! "Jesus didn't die for everyone" That's not blasphomey?!?! Try reading 1 John 4:7-8 "Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God and everyone who loves knows God, BUT IF HE LOVES NOT, HE DOESN'T KNOW GOD, FOR GOD IS LOVE!!!! If God is love how can He hate? Remember Christ came NOT TO JUDGE, but to save. I don't remember him telling us to go and judge the nations in the name of what we consider right. I thought it was to baptise in the name of the Holy Trinity. So mister wanna be Bible Scholar, get some education before you speak because you sound like a total ass and I'm pretty sure God and Christ don't want you speaking for him!!! Peace and LOVE TO ALL

Eric

Whats the point of having this up as a piece of news??? Do you take great pride in people hateing you?
Do you take it as extra brownie points for pissing some one off? Is like a trophie to you that your so proud of your gonna frame it and stick it on your living room wall? I just dont really see the point in having this as news.

Are you sure Westboro Baptist didn't write this? Whoever wrote this might want to check them out... they seem to have similar points of interest.

-Josh

Hey Tjay - just curious... what did you mean by "Bob Jones" student? Are you refering to the old guy Bob Jones who some consider to be a modern day prophet, or was that a remark to something else. I am just curious

and about the article

Ezekial 33:11 (I think) God doesn't wish that ANY should perish

God so loves sinners - He doesn't like their sin but He is crazy about sinners - He loves weak and broken people who realize their need for him. A great counter to this condemnation theology is what they teach over at the International House of Prayer in Kansas City, MO about God being a lovesick God who woos us with His passion for us and betroths us to himself...

That is the kind of God I know

www.ihop.org

bless you guys

Wow, you my dear friend need a Damascus Road experience.

haha...the guy who said all this was quite hypocritical. he mentioned that Jesus died for a certain elect or whatever. and yet he says you guys still have a chance to go to heaven by repenting...interesting...

i love Rod Bell; who mentions God is a lover, someone who risks His own feelings to love us with His entire heart. something like that.
(reference to "Sex God") read the book. its amazing

sean

It sounds to me like this was written by a really angry hypocrite who was searching for porn and instead found xxxchurch.

Only Jesus Christ has the authority to call me a FOOL on judgment day if my theology is incorrect. This person is trying to separate the sheep from the goats but only the Shepard has the authority to do that. If this person truly cares about standing for “the truth” (what he believes to be the truth) then he should deliver his case without taking pride in his “deep biblical understanding.” This person sounds like a first year seminary student, absorbing so much truth he doesn’t know what to do with it, so he exerts it childishly without prayer and careful thought. Lets leave discernment of scripture to those Jesus has entrusted. If xxxchurch has done something blasphemous then the Holy Spirit will reveal it to the saints in charge of the ministry. Pray for the xxxchurch and for this Hyper-Calvinist.

I love how people seem to forget that no matter what else, Jesus' ministry - the FOUNDATION of this faith we base our lives upon - was utterly and completely about love.

-M

when Jesus was asked why he hung out with tax collectors and basically scum, he responded with "who needs a doctor, the healthy or the sick? I'm here inviting the sin-sick, not the spiritually fit" (reference Mark chapter 2). This person should think about that. Their on my prayers.

Sounds like one of the phelps from Westborro Baptist. It is obvious there are the ones that don't read the bible, you know the part where Jesus hangs out with prostitutes, women, Samaritans, ceremonially unclean etc. etc. And it seems they also forget the part where Jesus sums up the ENTIRE Law and prophets by telling us to Love God and Love People. I believe it is Luke that records Jesus telling a religious expert that this is the way to salvation. Jesus says love is the way, not hate. And even though this guy hates us, we must love him. I pray for you guys and i pray for what you are doing, and I will pray for this guys. Thank you, keep your chins up and keep fighting.

Your brother in Christ,

Justin

holy cow. those are some loaded words! First, I just have to say how much of a blessing this ministry is, and how many people it has helped, including some people very close to me in my life! I pray for you all at x3 a lot, and I LOVE your ministry! I get excited when I think of where God is going to take you, even from where you are now! Jesus loved everyone, no matter who or what they were, whether a porn star, or an angry person sending hate mail to other brothers and sisters in Christ. I am so thankful Jesus loved us that much to go deep into our muck and sin, and pull us out, clean as a whistle. so take heart guys! you must be doing something right, because you are (and I'm sure have been this whole way, and will continue) encountering resistance. I will be praying for you and the ministry, that God just keep growing you and protecting you. :) I LOVE YOU GUYS! and I'll of course be praying for the sender of this letter, that God just show him who he really is..

i don't really have a second point. so...yeah..go team.

Directed at the writer of the hate mail:

Your my friend are no better a person than anyone else in the world. HOW do you have the authority to tell us what God hates? You claim you will rejoice when "calamity" befalls on XXXChurch. You claim you will rejoice when they go to hell. What kind of Godly person are you. Jesus Christ came to Earth not to condemn but to forgive! Jesus Christ gave you life so you could rejoice in the Lord and have your sins washed away and you could SAVE and FORGIVE other people. Not condemn them to hell. Show me in the bible where God gave you and I the right to condemn others and rejoice when they go to hell. You have no right to claim who and who will not go to hell. That is Gods decision alone. Above all things God hates pride, which seems you have plenty of.

"GOD IS GOD HE IS THE AUTHOR OF SALVATION NOT YOU"

"There is no hope for you..."

That he is, which gives you no right to claim anyone cannot be saved. There is hope for everyone and you have no authority to claim these things.

DO you even know what proverbs says about calling someone a fool? It is you who are unwise and un-knowledgeable in your teaching if you can really call that. I could write a sermon on how wrong you are. What bible are you reading? It is you who needs to snap out of it.

Want to see Calvinism, Arminianism & free will explained clearly by 136 verses?

"Calvinism, Arminianism & Creditism?"
Who Gets the Credit for
Your Decision for Christ:
The Evangelist, You or God?
How to Evangelize with Confidence
In God's Power to Change Sinners
• Which came first, your decision or regeneration by God?
• Where did you get the desire and ability to come to Christ?
• Where did your repentance and faith come from, you or God?
By Greg Gibson
JesusSaidFollowMe.org
Two identical twins visit the same church service. They hear the same gospel message. One twin believes on Christ, is baptized, and follows Him. The other twin scoffs at the gospel, and continues in unbelief and sin.
Why did one twin receive Christ, but the other reject Him? (cf. Jacob & Esau, Rom. 9:11-13.) Who gets the credit for the one twin's decision: The evangelist, the hearer, or God? Or, to ask the question another way, who made the difference in conversion: The evangelist, the hearer, or God? (And, how can Calvinism and Arminianism help you understand the answer?)
How Does Your View of Who Makes the
Difference in Conversion Affect Your Life?
If you're a beloved child of God, have you ever thought about who made the difference in your conversion: The evangelist, you, or God? Where did your repentance and faith come from, you or God?
What you believe about who makes the difference in conversion affects how you'll witness Christ to the lost. And, it will also affect your...
• Humility?
Do you ever struggle with the temptation of pride, looking down on sinners, lacking compassion for them? Do you ever feel like you're better than them, because you were more moral or smarter than them to choose Christ?
• Thanksgiving?
Have you lost that fresh sense of thanksgiving to God for His miracle of saving you?
• Worship?
How long has it been since your heart was filled with reverence, wonder, and love to God for including you in "so great a salvation?"
1. If the evangelist makes the difference in conversion:
Then, if you're an imperfect evangelist, there's little hope God can use you. For, if sinners' response depends on the evangelist's clarity and persuasiveness, then we should despair of their conversion. Even the most persuasive, logical, clear gospel presentations are often rejected. It can be very frustrating to faithfully give out the gospel only to see it rejected time after time.
2. If the hearer makes the difference in conversion:
Then, if you're witnessing to an extremely hard-hearted sinner, there's little hope God can save them. For, if unbelievers' response depends on their interest, intelligence, morality, desire or ability, then we should despair of their conversion.
Sinners' hearts are so hardened by sin that most show no interest in the true Christ. Often, their hearts are hardened by false religion, pride, greed, sexual immorality, or some other secret sin. Some even go so far as to publicly criticize the gospel and resist Him.
Unbelievers reject Christ not just because they're not persuaded the gospel is true. If they do try to claim skepticism, it's often only an excuse to justify their sin. They reject Christ because they love sin and hate Him. (Plus, if unbelievers make the difference in their own conversion, then what if their faith is imperfect?)
3. If God makes the difference in conversion:
Then yes, there's hope He can use even imperfect evangelists, like you. And yes, there's hope for even the worst of sinners. God by His power can change even hardened occultists like King Manasseh. He can change even persecutors like Saul. If God makes the difference, then we can evangelize with confidence in His power to change sinners.
There are 2 popular views of how God saves sinners:
1. Some believe all sinners are born with the desire and ability to cooperate with the Holy Spirit, and exercise their own "free will" to choose Christ. (Arminianism)
2. Some believe that in the Fall, all sinners lost the desire and ability to come to Christ. So, God graciously gives to some both the desire and ability to freely will to choose Christ. (Calvinism)
So, before we examine what God has said in the Bible about who gets the credit for salvation, let's consider a few introductory thoughts...
Beware of Doctrinal Slander!
Some Christians slanderously misrepresent others by accusing them of believing humans don't make choices. No major, Bible teacher has ever taught that humans don't make choices. If anyone tries to claim otherwise, then ask them to document their charges with a quote, naming the teacher. Watch them dodge. Anyone who tries to claim this is guilty of slander or lying.
Our Finite, Human Brains Can't Fully Understand the
Supernatural, Divine, Infinite, Omniscient Mind of God
If we could fully understand God with our finite, human brains, then He would have to be like us, and therefore not worthy of human worship. When trying to contemplate the One Who existed eternally, and Who made the universe, we shouldn't be surprised if He tells us that His thoughts are bigger than ours...
"Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth?... therefore I have uttered what I did not understand, things too wonderful for me, which I did not know" (Job 38:1-42:6)
"Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain it." (Ps. 145:6)
"His understanding is unsearchable." (Is. 40:28)
"My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,...says the Lord. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, & My thoughts than your thoughts." (Is. 55:9)
"Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out! For who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has become His counselor?" (Rom. 11:33-34)
"I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the disputer of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?" (1 Cor. 1:19-20)
Divine Revelation Overrules Human Reason
Do you understand:
• Creation: How God spoke, making the earth out of nothing?
• Miracles: How Christ changed the water into wine?
• The nature of Christ, how He was fully man and fully God?
• The Trinity, how 1 God = 3 persons?
Of course we can't understand them! Yet, we believe them, because God said it. (I speak here to Christians, not non-Christians, who have already considered the evidence for the Bible's reliability.) Then, do you have to understand who makes the difference in conversion? Of course not. So, if God says it, then you're ready to believe it, right?
Anyone who says, "But, that doesn't make sense, denies what God has clearly said, exalts reason over revelation, and has fallen into humanism-rationalism. So, if God Himself says sinners can or can't come to Christ, then may we revere Him enough to submit and follow Him.
"Anyone who says, 'But, that doesn't make sense,' denies what God has clearly said, exalts reason over revelation, and has fallen into humanism-rationalism."
When we received the Lord Jesus Christ, we acknowledged His Lordship over both our mind and our body. He is Lord not only of our practice, but also our doctrine (teaching.)
When Christians learn to exalt revelation above reason, then they're maturing doctrinally. Mature Christians don't care what human reason says. Mature Christians only want to know, "What has God said in the Bible?" Their attitude is, "Speak Lord, your servant is listening."
What is your reference starting point in life, yourself or God? Is your view of the universe man-centered or God-centered? And, is your view of evangelism and salvation man-centered or God-centered? Learning to submit your reason to God's revelation is a sign of growth in the knowledge of Christ, Christian maturity. Truth sanctifies.
If these deep thoughts cause fear in your heart, fear not if you know the Lord, for He is with you. Is not fear His built-in warning alarm to pray and commit the matter to Him?
So, before going any further, why not stop right now and pray, asking the Lord to give you wisdom to understand what He's said in His Word about how sinners come to Christ? The Lord Jesus calls to you, "Follow Me."
So, how do sinners come to Christ - by using their own desire and ability to cooperate with the Holy Spirit, or by the Holy Spirit giving them new desire and ability?
The question is settled if we can find only one verse clearly stating:
Sinners can come to Christ.
or
Sinners are able to come to Christ.
or
It's possible for sinners to come to Christ.
Human logic or reason could never ever explain away such a clear statement of sinners' ability to come to Christ.
Or, the question is settled if we can find only one verse clearly stating:
Sinners can't come to Christ.
or
Sinners are not able to come to Christ.
or
It's impossible for sinners to come to Christ.
Again, human logic or reason could never explain away such a clear statement of sinners inability to come to Christ.
Many Doctrinal Errors Interpret One Set of Verses
At the Expense of Another Set of Verses
This common interpretive error is made by both cultists and Christians. The Jehovah's Witnesses are a good example. You quote a verse about Christ's deity. Then, they reply by saying, "But, what about this other verse?" (It's as if their verse makes your verse false.) When you hear the reply, "But, what about this verse," it may be a sign of interpreting Scripture against itself.
Instead of harmonizing both verses as true, the JW's interpret one verse at the expense of another verse. In effect, one verse is true, while the other verse is false, or has no interpretation. They interpret Scripture as "either/or," when they should interpret it as "both/and."
If you have no interpretation for a verse or set of verses, that's always the wrong interpretation. It's a sign that something is wrong with your system. When a verse won't fit into your system, it's time to reconsider your system.
"If you have no interpretation for a verse or set of verses, that's always the wrong interpretation."
In each of the 2 columns below, there are several verses. Which verses are true, the ones on the left, or the ones on the right? Since the Bible is true ("inerrant,") we must interpret both sets of "seemingly contradictory" verses. How can we harmonize both sets of verses so they're both true at the same time?
Look for any verses that clearly state sinners can/can't or are able/unable to come to Christ...
Are Sinners Able, or Unable to Come to Christ?
Human Responsibility to Come to Christ
1. "choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve" (Josh. 24:15)
2. "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." (Mt. 11:28)
3. "If anyone wills to do His will, he shall know concerning the doctrine, whether it is from God." (Jn. 7:17)
4. "If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink." (Jn. 7:37)
5. "Repent, and let everyone of you be baptized" (Acts 2:38)
6. "Repent therefore and be converted" (Acts 3:19)
7. "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved" (Acts 16:31)
8. "but now commands all men everywhere to repent" (Acts 17:30)
9. "Whoever wills, let him take the water of life freely." (Rev. 22:17) Human Inability to Come to Christ
1. "Can the Ethiopian change his skin or the leopard its spots? (No!) Then may you also do good who are accustomed to do evil. (Jer. 13:23)
2. "How can you, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks." (Mt. 12:34)
3. "A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor a bad tree bear good fruit." (Mt. 7:18)
4. "'Who then can be saved?' But Jesus looked at them and said to them, 'With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.'" (Mt. 19:25-26)
5. "unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." (Jn. 3:3)
6. "No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him" (Jn. 6:44)
7. "no one can come to Me unless it has been granted to him by My Father." (Jn. 6:65)
8. "Why do you not understand My speech? Because you are not able to listen to My word." (Jn. 8:43)
9. "They could not believe, because Isaiah said again: "He has blinded their eyes and hardened their hearts, lest they should see with their eyes, lest they should understand with their hearts and turn, so that I should heal them." (Jn. 12:39-40)
10. "For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly." (Rom. 5:6)
11. "the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be." (Rom. 8:7)
12. "So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God." (Rom. 8:8)
13. "the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned." (1 Cor. 2:14)

On the left, are 9 verses inviting or commanding sinners to repent, believe, and come to Christ. These verses make sinners responsible to come to Christ. Notice, the number of verses that clearly state sinners can or are able to come to Christ: 0
On the right, are 13 verses clearly stating sinners can't come to Christ. (In addition, the Bible contains 3 verses clearly showing Christians inability to do anything for Christ, without His power: Jn. 15:5; 1 Cor. 12:3; Heb. 11:6. If Christians are unable to do anything without God's ability, then how much more impotent are unregenerate sinners?)
Which verses are true? The verses on the left stating sinners must come to Christ, or the verses on the right stating sinners can't come to Christ? Since God's Word is inerrant, they're both true. Then, how can we harmonize both sets of "seemingly contradictory" verses so they're both true at the same time?
3 Different Views of Our Responsibility vs. Inability to Believe
There are 3 popular views attempting to interpret the above verses: Arminianism, Hyper-Calvinism, and Calvinism. Of the 3, Arminianism and Hyper-Calvinism are the 2 extremes. Calvinism is the middle view.
1. Human Ability vs. No Interpretation (Some Arminians)
Many Arminians interpret the verses on the left labeled "Human Responsibility" at the expense of the verses on the right labeled "Human Inability." Most have no interpretation for the 13 verses on the right explicitly stating sinners can't, or aren't able to come to Christ. They interpret the verses on the left commanding responsibility as though they implied ability. Here's their logical fallacy:
The Logical Fallacy of Some Arminians
First Premise: God commands sinners to repent, believe & come to Christ.
Assumed Premise: (God would not command what we're unable to do.)
Conclusion: Therefore, sinners are able to repent, believe & come to Christ.
There is no proof for the 2nd premise. It's assuming what you're trying to prove. Plus, if we could find only one example in Scripture where God commands more than we are able, it would also refute the assumption.
6 Examples Where God Commanded the Impossible
Below, are 6 examples where God commands humans to do something which they do not have the ability to do. In the first 4 verses, God commanded physically dead corpses to live. But, they had no desire or ability to respond, until God first gave them new life, with new desire and ability. (Likewise, we'll see later that He commands spiritually dead men to live, then gives them new life-regeneration, desire, and ability.)
1. "Prophecy to these (dead) bones, and say to them, 'O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord!'" (Ezek. 37:4 Notice, those dead bones had no ability to hear the word of the Lord. God had to give those skeletons life first, before they had the ability to hear the word of the Lord.)
2. "a dead man was being carried out...Then He came and touched the open coffin...and He said, 'Young man, I say to you, arise.'" (Lk. 7:14 The dead man couldn't hear, until Christ first gave His miraculous power to him.)
3. "Your daughter is dead...He...took her by the hand and called saying, 'Little girl, arise.' Then her spirit returned, and she arose immediately." (Lk. 8:49-55 The dead girl had no power to arise until Christ gave it to her.)
4. "Lazarus, come forth!" (Jn. 11:43, Lazarus was dead! He had no ability to come forth. First, God had to make him alive before He had the ability to come forth.)
5. "Therefore you shall be perfect (complete), just as your father in heaven is perfect." (Mt. 5:48)
6. "you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength." (Mark 12:30)
Just as it took a supernatural miracle to raise the physically dead before they could respond, so it takes a supernatural miracle to raise (regenerate) the spiritually dead before they can respond.
"Just as it took a supernatural miracle to raise the physically dead before they could respond, so it takes a supernatural miracle to raise (regenerate) the spiritually dead before they can respond."
2. No Interpretation vs. Human Inability (Some Hyper-Calvinists)
Many Hyper-Calvinists interpret the verses on the right labeled "Human Inability" at the expense of the verses on the left labeled "Human Responsibility." They don't command or invite all men to repent, believe, & come to Christ. They don't proclaim the gospel to all sinners. They preach the gospel selectively only to those they think are elect.
The Logical Fallacy of Some Hyper-Calvinists
First Premise: Sinners are unable to repent, believe & come to Christ.
Assumed Premise: (God would not command what we're unable to do.)
Conclusion: Therefore, don't ask sinners to repent, believe & come to Christ.
Notice, Hyper-Calvinism and Arminianism share the exact same assumed premise: "God would not command what is unable." Both Arminianism and Hyper-Calvinism exalt human reason above Divine revelation. They resort to humanism-rationalism.
3. Human Responsibility vs. Human Inability (Calvinism)
Sinners are responsible to repent, believe, and come to Christ. Yet, at the same time, they're unable to repent, believe, and come to Christ. This is the only solution that can harmonize both sets of "seemingly contradictory" verses as simultaneously true.
(If it seems unfair to you that God holds rebels responsible for what they're unable to do, then please remember no one deserves salvation. True justice would be hell for the whole human race, wouldn't it? So, if God decides to give to some the desire and ability to come to Christ, then that's undeserved grace!)
But, why then does God command and invite sinners to believe, if they're unable? Perhaps, He uses the commands/invitations to come to Christ, as the "means to the end."
In other words, perhaps He uses the command to repent, as the means to granting repentance. And, He uses the command to believe, as the means to giving the gift of faith. And, He uses the invitation to come to Christ, as the means to give the desire and ability to come.
The idea that God uses commands as a means to an end is also demonstrated in how He preserves us in salvation. For, He actually warns true Christians of eternal damnation in Jn. 15:2, 6; Rom. 11:20-22; 1 Cor. 9:25, 27; Rev. 22:19, etc. And at the same time, He promises us eternal security. How then can we reconcile these 2 "seemingly contradictory" truths? It's simple...
He uses the warnings of losing our salvation as the means to preserve us in His promised eternal salvation. His warnings of losing salvation are the means He uses to keep us persevering to the end
Here's a clear example where God used warning as the means to the end of fulfilling His promise.
Promises of Divine Security:
"there will be no loss of life among you..." (Acts 27:22)
"God has granted you all those...with you." (Acts 27:24)
"not a hair will fall from the head of any..." (Acts 27:34)

Warning of Human Responsibility:
"Unless these men stay in the ship, you cannot be saved." (Acts 27:31)
Now, how in the world could God possibly warn of those sailors losing their lives, since He just promised that they wouldn't lose their lives? It's simple...God used the warning of death to keep them in the ship, to preserve them from death.
Likewise, He uses the command to repent, as the means to grant repentance. And, He uses the command to believe, as a means to give the gift of faith. And, He uses the invitations to come to Christ, as the means to draw sinners to Christ. To understand how God gave you salvation, keep reading below...
But, What About Free Will?
The phrase "free will" is found in the Bible 16 times. All 16 times it means "voluntary." Fifteen of those times it's used of a freewill (voluntary) offering. Not one of those 16 times does "free will" refer to salvation. Also, the idea that man has a "free will" independent from God's rule, probably had its origin in heathen, Greek philosophy.
"...the idea that man has a 'free will' independent from God's rule, probably had its origin in heathen, Greek philosophy."
Those Who Use the Phrase "Free Will" Rarely Define it
"Free will" is the topic everyone assumes, but few define. If "free will" is defined as the "ability and desire to will to receive Christ", then that contradicts the 13 verses in the right column above. But, if "free will" is defined as "voluntary will to make choices," then humans have "free will."
We have free will in the sense we freely (voluntarily) will whatever we have both the desire and ability to do. God influences us by circumstances, thoughts, and power so we become voluntarily willing to fulfill His will. Perhaps a better phrase than "free will" is "voluntary will."
You may be surprised to discover that many Protestants share the Jesuit-Romanist view of free will. They think sinners have some inner desire and ability to "prepare and cooperate" with the Holy Spirit for salvation. They don't understand that since the Fall, humans are spiritually dead, blind, and deaf, with no desire or ability to choose Christ. They don't see the need for God to first give new birth, faith, and repentance, before sinners can "freely will" to choose Christ.
Many Protestants Believe the Jesuit- Roman Catholic View of Free Will
(The Roman Catholic Council of Trent, The Sixth Session: Justification)
Canon IV. If any one saith, that man's free will moved and excited by God, by assenting to God exciting and calling, no-wise co-operates towards disposing and preparing itself for obtaining the grace of Justification; that it cannot refuse its consent, if it would, but that, as something inanimate, it does nothing whatever and is merely passive; let him be anathema.
Canon V. If any one saith, that, since Adam's sin, the free will of man is lost and extinguished; or, that it is a thing with only a name, yea a name without a reality, a figment, in fine, introduced into the Church by Satan; let him be anathema.
Actually, you probably already believe that God's will rules man's will, but you just didn't know it...
4 Examples How God's Will Rules Man's Will
1. Inspiration of Scripture
2. Infallibility of Bible prophecy
3. Eternal security
4. Heaven/new earth
1. Inspiration of Scripture: Do you believe in the inspiration and inerrancy of Scripture? If so, then you believe God ruled the wills of the Bible authors. They did not have "free will" to write errors in Scripture. Thankfully, the Lord kept their wills from error.
"All Scripture is God-breathed" (2 Tim. 3:16)
2. Infallibility of Bible Prophecy: Do you believe the Bible prophecies are infallible? If so, then you believe God ruled the wills of the prophets. They did not have "free will" to prophesy errors. God inspired the Old Testament prophets to prophesy accurately about the coming Messiah. During the inspiration process, He influenced and ruled their wills to keep them from error:
"no prophecy of the Scripture came into being of its own private interpretation. For prophecy was not borne at any time by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke being borne along by the Holy Spirit." (2 Pet. 1:2-21)
That's why the test of a true prophet vs. a false prophet is the infallibility of their predictions (Deut. 18:21-22.) If the prophets could have exercised their own wills, free from God's control, then they never could have infallibly predicted Christ's virgin birth, city of birth, suffering death, resurrection, second coming, etc.
3. Eternal Security: Do you believe in "eternal security?" If so, then you believe God rules believers' wills. Most Christians agree they can't fall away finally from Christ. Christians don't have "free will" to become atheists or Satan worshippers. Thankfully, the Lord influences our wills to keep us believing and persevering in Him until the end.
"I will give you a new heart (will) and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart (will) of flesh. I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them." (Ezek. 36:26-27)
"for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure." (Phil. 2:13)
4. Heaven/New Earth: Finally, even if you don't believe in eternal security in this life, still you probably believe Christians can never leave heaven or the new earth. If so, then you believe God rules His peoples' wills. No one in heaven is free to leave and choose Hell. God will keep them willingly in heaven forever.
So, if you believe in biblical inerrancy, prophetic infallibility, or eternal security, then you already believe man doesn't have a 100% "free will." God's will sovereignly rules our wills. And, I'm glad He does, aren't you?
"So, if you believe in biblical inerrancy, prophetic infallibility, or eternal security, then you already believe man doesn't have a 100% 'free will.' God's will sovereignly rules our wills."
Following, are a series of simple questions designed to help you decide what God has said in the Bible about how we come to Christ. Some of the verses answer the questions explicitly, while others offer implicit principles for your consideration.
Granted, some of the either/or answers may not necessarily be mutually exclusive. (You can make them mutually exclusive by adding before each question the phrase, "In this/these verse[s]...) Yet, taken as a whole, these verses are a powerful witness to God's sovereign rule over our salvation.
All Christians believe humans make choices. The issue is how do we choose Christ - by internal, self ability and desire, or external, God-given ability and desire? And, if God gives His ability and desire to us, can we resist, or does He prevail?
Was your will free from Satan's control, yes or no?
"So ought not this woman...whom Satan has bound...for 18 years, be loosed from this bond on the Sabbath?" (Lk. 13:16)
"the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will." (2 Tim. 2:26)
Was your will free from sin's control, yes or no?
"His own iniquities entrap the wicked man, & he is caught in the cords of his sin." (Pr. 5:22)
"whoever commits sin is a slave of sin" (Jn. 8:34)
"For I see that you are poisoned by bitterness and bound by iniquity." (Acts 8:23)
"you were slaves of sin" (Rom. 6:17)
"For we ourselves were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, slaving various lusts and pleasures" (Tit. 3:3)
"they themselves are slaves of corruption; for by whom a person is overcome, by him also he is brought into bondage." (2 Pet. 2:19)
Is God sovereign & in control over humans' wills including yours, no or yes?
"you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive." (Gen. 50:20)
"But I will harden his (Pharaoh's) heart, so that he will not let the people go." (Ex. 4:21)
"And the Lord had given the people favor in the sight of the Egyptians, so that they granted them what they requested. Thus they plundered the Egyptians." (Ex. 12:36)
"And I indeed will harden the hearts of the Egyptians, and they shall follow them. So I will gain honor over Pharaoh and over all his army, his chariots, and his horsemen." (Ex. 14:17)
"But Sihon king of Heshbon would not let us pass through, for the Lord your God hardened his spirit and made his heart obstinate, that He might deliver him into your hand" (Deut. 2:30)
"For it was of the Lord to harden their hearts, that they should come against Israel in battle, that He might utterly destroy them" (Josh. 11:20)
"God sent a spirit of ill will between Abimelech and the men of Shechem; and the men of Shechem dealt treacherously with Abimelech" (Jud. 9:23)
"the anger of the Lord was aroused against Israel, and He moved David against them to say, 'Go, number Israel and Judah.'" (2 Sam. 24:1)
"The Lord has put a lying spirit in the mouth of all these prophets" (1 Kings 22:23)
"that the word of the Lord by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the Lord stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, so that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom" (Ezra 1:1-3)
"the Lord made them joyful, and turned the heart of the king of Assyria toward them, to strengthen their hands in the work of the house of God" (Ezra 6:22)
"He turned their heart to hate His people, to deal craftily with His servants." (Ps. 105:25)
"A man's heart (will) plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps." (Pr. 16:9)
"The king's heart (will) is in the hand of the LORD...He turns it wherever He wishes. (Pr. 21:1)
"Woe to Assyria, the rod of My anger...I will send him against an ungodly nation, and against the people of My wrath I will give him charge...Yet he does not mean so, nor does his heart think so" (Is. 10:5-7)
"For the Lord of hosts has purposed, and who will annul it? His hand is stretched out, and who will turn it back?" (Is. 14:27)
"Who says of Cyrus, 'He is My shepherd, and he shall perform all My pleasure'" (Is. 44:28)
"I will give them one heart and one way, that they may fear Me forever" (Jer. 32:39)
"I will put My fear in their hearts so that they will not depart from Me." (Jer. 32:40)
"I will give you a new heart (will) and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart (will) of flesh. I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them." (Ezek. 36:26-27)
"For His dominion is and everlasting dominion, and His kingdom is from generation to generation. All the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing; He does according to His will in the army of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth. No one can restrain His hand or say to Him, "What have you done?" (Dan. 4:34-35)
"For truly against Your holy Servant Jesus, whom You anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, were gathered together to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose determined before to be done." (Acts 4:27-28)
"And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." (Rom. 8:28)
"Why does He still find fault? For who has resisted His will?" (Rom. 9:19)
"But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills." (1 Cor. 12:11)
"for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure." (Phil. 2:13)
"Instead you ought to say, 'If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that.'" (Jas. 4:15)
"For God has put it into their hearts to fulfill His purpose, to be of one mind, and to give their kingdom to the beast, until the words of God are fulfilled." (Rev. 17:17)
God Is in Control of ALL Things,
and Sovereign Over ALL Things
Wow! Could God possibly make it any clearer that He controls our wills? What we're saying is: God is in control (of ALL things, even salvation.) He is sovereign (over ALL things, even salvation.) Most Christians acknowledge He's in control only in a general, vague sense. But, He tells us He's in control of every minute detail of His universe, even your decisions, and the number of hairs on your head.
In the Fall, Did Adam & His Offspring Lose
Their Desire and Ability to Come to Christ?
After Adam and Eve sinned, did they move toward God, or hide from Him?
"Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God" (Gen. 3:8)
Did Adam initiate contact with God, or did God initiate contact with Adam?
"Then the Lord God called to Adam and said to him, 'Where are you?'" (Gen. 3:9)
As a fallen sinner, were you just spiritually sick, or spiritually dead?
"for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die." (Gen. 2:17)
"you...who were dead in trespasses and sins...even when you were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ" (Eph. 2:1, 5)
"And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive" (Col. 2:13)
The spiritually dead can't raise themselves. They must be raised by God.
Could you spiritually see the gospel, or were you spiritually blind?
"yet the Lord has not given you a heart to perceive & eyes to see & ears to hear" (Deut. 29:4)
"I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand...For the hearts of this people have grown dull. Their ears are hard of hearing, and their eyes they have closed, lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, lest they should understand with their hearts and turn, so that I should heal them." (Mt. 13:13-15)
"Therefore they could not believe, because Isaiah said again: 'He has blinded their eyes and hardened their hearts, lest they should see with their eyes, lest they should understand with their hearts and turn, so that I should heal them.'" (Jn. 12:38-40)
"to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins" (Acts 26:18)
"there is none who understands" (Rom. 3:11)
"But their minds were blinded." (2 Cor. 3:14)
"But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them." (2 Cor. 4:3-4)
The blind can't see, until God first gives them sight.
Could you spiritually hear the gospel, or were you spiritually deaf?
"yet the Lord has not given you a heart to perceive & eyes to see & ears to hear" (Deut. 29:4)
"I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand...For the hearts of this people have grown dull. Their ears are hard of hearing, and their eyes they have closed, lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, lest they should understand with their hearts and turn, so that I should heal them." (Mt. 13:13-15)
When you were spiritually dead, blind, & deaf, did you desire & seek God, yes or no?
"Then the Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually." (Gen. 6:5)
"men loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil." (Jn. 3:19)
"For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light" (Jn. 3:20)
"haters of God" (Rom. 1:30)
"There is none who seeks after God." (Rom. 3:11)
"I was found by those who did not seek Me; I was made manifest to those who did not ask for Me." (Rom. 10:20)
Are unbelievers not sheep because they don't believe, or do they not believe because they're not sheep?
"But you do not believe, because you are not of My sheep." (Jn. 10:26)
When you were spiritually dead, deaf & blind, were you born again by your will, or God's will?
"who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God." (Jn. 1:13)
"it is not of him who wills, nor of him who runs, but of God who shows mercy." (Rom. 9:16)
"of His own will He brought us forth (birthed us) by the word of truth" (Jas. 1:18)
How much of a part did you have in willing your own physical conception? None! Your parents conceived you by their own wills. As it is with physical birth, so it is with spiritual birth. You didn't ask to be birthed. The Father birthed you.
Then, the question arises, "If fallen, dead, deaf, blind sinners can't come to Christ, then how do they come to Christ?" Does God give the new birth because they believed, or so that they can believe? In other words, is faith the cause of the new birth, or is the new birth the cause of faith?
To believe that fallen, dead, deaf, blind sinners repented and believed to be born again is like getting the cart before the horse. Logically, they must have first been spiritually born again, before they could repent and believe in Christ.
Well, whether faith or the new birth comes first is irrelevant - because God gives not only the new birth, but also faith and repentance, so He gets all the credit, as you'll see below...
Did God predestine your adoption & inheritance according to your will, or His will?
"He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world...having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will" (Eph. 1:4-5)
"In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will" (Eph. 1:11)
Did God choose you because you would believe, or so that you would believe?
"God from the beginning chose you for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth" (2 Thes. 2:13)
Whose choice made the ultimate difference, the apostles' choice, or God's choice?
"You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit" (Jn. 15:16)
Whose will made Paul an apostle, his own will, or God's will?
"Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God" (1 Cor. 1:1)
Did God call you according to your purpose (will,) or His purpose?
"And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. For whom (not "what") He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son" (Rom. 8:28-29)
"who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began" (2 Tim. 1:9)
Who opened your heart, you or God?
"He opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the Scriptures." (Lk. 24:45)
"The Lord opened her heart to heed the things spoken by Paul" (Acts 16:14)
How many of the lost does God call/draw, all or only some?
"Nor does anyone know the Father except the Son, and the one to whom the Son wills to reveal Him." (Mt. 11:27)
"No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him" (Jn. 6:44)
"Moreover whom He predestined, these he also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified."(Rom. 8:30)
How many of those whom God calls/draws respond, some or all?
"And as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed." (Acts 13:48)
"whom He called, these He also justified" (Rom. 8:30)
"concerning the election they are beloved for the sake of the fathers. For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable." (Rom. 11:28-29)
Who did your repentance come from, you or God?
"Him God has exalted to His right hand to be Prince and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins." (Acts 5: 31)
"God has also granted to the Gentiles repentance to life." (Acts 11:18)
"those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance so that they may know the truth" (2 Tim. 2:25-26)
Who did your faith come from, you or God?
"...those who had believed through grace" (Acts 18:27)
"For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast" (Eph. 2:8)
"For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer..." (Phil. 1:29)
"God from the beginning chose you for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth" (2 Thes. 2:13)
"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights" (Jas. 1:17)
"looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith..." (Heb. 12:2)
"to those who have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God" (2 Pet. 1:1)
Who made the difference in your decision for Christ, the evangelist or God?
"I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase." (1 Cor. 3:6-7)
Who made the difference in your decision for Christ, you or God?
"that no flesh should glory in his presence. But of Him you are in Christ Jesus...that as is written, 'He who glories, let him glory in the Lord.'" (1 Cor. 1:29-31)
"For who makes you differ? And what do you have that you did not receive? Now if you did indeed receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it? (1 Cor. 4:7)
"But by the grace of God I am what I am" (1 Cor. 15:10)
"For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast." (Eph. 2:8-9)
If you made the difference in your decision for Christ, then you'd have reason to boast, wouldn't you? Many credit God for 99% of salvation, and themselves for the other 1% (their decision.) Will you give Him ALL the glory?
Man Gets the Credit for Sin,
But God Gets the Credit for Salvation
Ever since Adam and Eve's Fall, their offspring are spiritually dead, deaf, and blind. And, they freely, willingly, voluntarily choose sin instead of God. So, the Bible always makes man responsible for his sin. God is never responsible for man's sin.
But, ever since Adam and Eve's Fall, God (by His undeserved grace) initiates contact with some sinners. He gives them new birth, new desire and ability to freely, willingly, and voluntarily choose Him. So, the Bible always gives God the credit for salvation. Humans are never credited with having achieved salvation.
Undeserved Grace
Praise Him that He's chosen to save some because of His undeserved grace. He could have justly chosen to save none. That's what He did for the fallen angels. They have no plan of salvation, no opportunity to hear the gospel and be saved. They don't deserve it, and neither do we!
He could have justly left Adam and Eve and all the rest of us to perish in hell. He didn't have to design a plan of salvation. He doesn't owe salvation to anyone. He freely chose to redeem a people for Himself, to the praise of His glorious grace.
So, who made the difference in your conversion: The evangelist, you, or God? Who gets the credit and glory for your decision for Christ: The evangelist, you, or God? God made the difference, didn't He. Yes, God gets all the credit and all the glory for saving us, doesn't He?
Dear saint, if He has given you the gifts of new life, repentance, and faith, then won't you humbly bow down low right now, to thank Him, and worship Him!
Witness with Confidence in God's Power to Save Sinners!
So, we can witness with confidence in God's power to change sinners, because He makes the difference - no matter how hard-hearted the hearers are, and no matter how skilled an evangelist you are.
Now, go and take the good news of Christ crucified and raised, to all nations. Make disciples, baptize them, and teach them. Surely He will be with you always, to the end of the age...

Another related study from JesusSaidFollowMe.org:
To balance the above study on God's sovereignty, with our responsibility, read: "Half-Truth Hyper-Calvinism"

I am assuming that what has this writer so upset is the fact that X3Church goes into the world and spreads the good news. I am assuming that because we speak with sinners (whose sins are just different than perhaps our own) we are being labeled as "hard-hearted" and blind. Okay; so because we don't look the way you think we should look or behave the way you think we should behave, we are cursed...whatever. The last time I checked, my life was blessed as was the lives of those who minister around me to a very broken and hurting world. This ministry is bearing fruit. You see a cover on a bible that gets your undies all raveled in the squeeze when you grimace, but what you don't see are the lives that are being touched by the love of God and transformed by His hand as a result of those who were willing to get out of the church pew or off of the couch to just meet someone(s) where they were.

None of the gospel was altered in the JLPS Bibles. It's okay with you that there are hundreds of bibles on shelves across the world with titles like: The duck tape Bible, The Trucker's Bible, The Firefighter's Bible, The Police officer's bible, The Recovery Bible, The Feminine Soul Bible, The Bride's Bible and many many more... Would you own a Bride's Bible? Probably not. Would you own a Fire fighter's Bible if you were not a fire fighter? Probably not, but a firefighter would. You may not own a JLPS Bible, and you might not ever desire to read one, but to a porn star who at the end of the day is dissatisfied with his/her life and lonely and tired of the lifestyle they are caught up in, it is our hope that they will remember something that we said to them...that Jesus has a better way, that he desires to give them life abundantly and that he LOVES them...(YES HE LOVES THEM!) and oh yeah "where is that Bible that I got from those guys who said Jesus loves me"?
That is our hope... It is not up to X3Church to play the Holy Spirit. We can love people where they are, tell them they don't have to live in a way that brings so much dissatisfaction, that there is so much more that God has for them... let God do the work of the heart. Your approach of screaming "SINNER, YOU WILL BURN IN HELL" is the very thing that Jesus despised! He didn't speak to non believer's in that manner, he spoke harshly in my opinion (respectfully) to those like you; those who claimed to know God, but didn't know Him at all. Jesus says in Matthew 7:21 "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord, will enter the kingdom of heaven; but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven." The key word in that verse: "does".

Furthermore, you are all over the place pulling scriptures out of context to apply it to whatever argument you were trying to bring to the table in sending this mail.

Since you opened with the book of Romans, I really desire to also share some Scriptures from Romans... quite a few, not just one.

Paul, a believer and follower of Christ says this in Romans 1:14: "I am under obligation both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to the wise and to the foolish."

vs 16: "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to EVERYONE who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek."

Romans 5:6: "...Jesus died for the ungodly."

Romans 10:12: "For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek for the same Lord is Lord of all, abounding in riches for ALL who call upon Him."

vs 13: "For WHOEVER will call upon the name of Jesus will be saved."

And as far as judging us for going into the places of the world (that you would not go or that you claim we should not go) to share the good news which is the LOVE of Jesus, I think you really ought to spend some time meditating on this one and repent to God yourself for accusing the brethren.

Romans 10:14-15: "How then shall they call upon Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent? Just as it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring glad tidings of good things!"

Romans 15:20 "And thus I aspired to preach the gospel, not where Christ was already named, that I might not build upon another man's foundation; but as it is written, "They who had no news of Him shall see, And they who have not heard shall understand."

Reaching out to the lost, hurting and broken outside of the church is not the only place that X3Church has/is effective in ministry.
Churches throughout this country and abroad are partnering with X3Church because X3Church speaks life and truth according to the gospel about confessing sin, repentance which is a turning from the sin in which one has entangled themselves. There are churches prevalent in our society that see the need to bring forth the message that pornography, lust and sexual bondage is an epidemic in the church and it must be addressed as sin but the truth also reiterated that there is hope in Jesus Christ and a way out of bondage to sin that leads to life! So as far as your statements about X3C preaching a false gospel as if X3C condones sin, or the lifestyle of a porn industry worker or a believer who is living a lifestyle opposite of what a believer is called to live is just ludicrous and again another unfounded accusation towards the brethren.

Furthermore, this kind of mail is just an absolute joke to read for those who are laying down their lives everyday for others in hopes that they will come to know the freedom that comes from the One and only True God, Jesus Christ our Lord who is able to love anyone where they are because He desires that NO MAN (or woman) should perish.

I find it strange that the second we read this article; we automatically find it necessary to correct the writer in his theology. I my self am guilty, it makes me mad to see him poke fun at my pain and the place where I sometimes come to salve it.

"A new command I give to you, love one another, as I have loved you, so love each other"

Incredible, isn't it? This concept of love. I could try all night to put into words, a grand theological statement about this scripture, but without love I would only be a "noisy gong". This letter is directed to whom ever is reading it. It says little about the above "Hate Mail", but what it does say comes from my spirit driven finger tips sporadically pounding the cool plastic keys slightly beneath my fingers. I may come to you in grandly lavished sentences, but this is my heart, this is how Jesus uses me...in words. But first, test your hearts brothers; know fully your cause of the conflict in which you're engaged. What is your motive? Truth? Revenge? Love? What is my motive? Glory? Spiritual pride?...Or love? What am I after? G-d's heart? Freedom? Maybe a quick iron pumping, muscle tearing, limit pushing workout for my soul? Or a chance to refresh my mind by the thought numbing goodness of G-d's grace? I don't know, my heart is not pure, but maybe the worst. Porn has torn HUGE holes in my life. I lost many years with my Dad because of it. I have been run by lust since I was a young a seven. It's spiraled...Full blown, five star, stinky poop rapidly making revolutions around a porcelain bowl, spiraled out of control. Or maybe that is just how it feels...to all of us. LIke all my efforts anre in vain. L:ike their is no hope. Even for my brother, proclaiming "truth" in his mail to xxxchurch.com, feels this way. (Brothers, sisters, do not miss read me. I am neither agreeing nor disagreeing with anything said. I am simply allowing you a glimpse inside my heart, as everyone who responded has.)

"Let your truth be seasoned with grace"

In my life, and in the reflections of some "Christians" I know, I see very little Grace...Pardon...Love. But maybe it’s like we have eaten too many "Judging G-d" carrots, and our skin is turning orange! (Laughs to himself) The thought snidely makes me laugh at myself. I call myself a "Christian", and still, I have yet to be very "Christ" like. I forget, a lot, about how Jesus acted. How other people focused he was. Even now, as I write this to you, my mind strays, to thoughts of how I have let people down. Made friends mad, hurt my family’s feelings. In spite of my faults, in spite of my sins and shortcomings, that crystal clear grace comes surging into every dark crevasse of my dry, longing, dusty heart. How sweet the sound...of grace, like rain, filling...healing...forgiving...breaking and building. How unstable I have been, how untrusting. Its simple, but it ain't easy. "LET GO!" Jesus is screaming. "NO!!!" I bellow back. The meditation on my response to grace might be compared to choosing a Geo Metro over Nightrider! Who would!?! Honestly! I know I am not the only one who feels this way; I know that we all do...

"..For brothers all over the world are enduring the same trials."

So whatever this has brought, to you, Sir (or madam) Message Approval Guy (or gal), or to anyone who has been reading the responses to the hate mail, I want to bless you with the Peace of The Holy Spirit in these dark times, and the grace of our G-d, so that you may do well, and serve people, as well as Jesus.

Respectfully and prehaps, blindly submitted,
D-Rock


P.S. I put comander in my name because I could, lol, and it sounds cool....comander...

Same God who chases us... chases him...

J.R.

Well, the bible also says to "Let your speech be always seasoned with grace", and your hate mail was not graceful at all! All sin is the same in the eyes of God(different consiquences, of course) so if left unrepentant, you to will face the same judgement as you beleive xxxchurch will face. Might I add, that Jesus Himself is the ONLY one who can Judge correctly, it is dangerous to be so sure of yourself. And with the measure you judge, it WILL be measured back to you. Man, I feel bad for you. To see God as such a tyrant. His love and passion for us compelled Him to die, for us, sinners! And yes, He is a Holy, Righteous God, who cannot be in the presence of sinners, but He loves everyone, the WORLD- notice it does not say, His elect, or the Jewish race, it says, the World. If you study that word in the greek, you will find that it carries much more of a meaning than our weak American language hands it. It actually encompesses things past, present, and furture. I agree, unrepentant sinners will go to hell, but it wasn't because God did not love them, and burn for them, it was because they would not respond.

"For God so loved the WHOLE WORLD, that He gave His only begotten Son, that WHOSOEVER beleives in Him, SHALL NOT PERISH, but have EVERLASTING LIFE."

Thank you Jesus, for loving me, a sinner, and calling me to Yourself. May I always live in repentance, and spend eternity with You.

I agree with Donny. :-) This poor guy needs a Saviour like the rest of us.

My Grandfather always said,
"You can't argue with drunks or idiots, and I just assume you haven't been drinking"

Holy cow... I didn't read more than 2 lines of his post before deciding the rest wasn't worth my time. I'll bet you all got a good chuckle out of it.

This bro needs to get off his high horse and try walking for a little bit, maybe if he happens to trip and fall in some muck then he'll see how things really are.

PS. I think Donny is dead-on. ;-)

Not only is this guy a theological idiot, he spells so badly it's hard to understand what he's actually typing. I agree with Josh and think this sounds like something straight out of Westboro Baptist.

farout... this dude has balls. Unfortunately... thats about all he has

Dear Mr. Hateful,

You have absolutely no clue of what you speak of. XXXChurch is a ministry that has helped so many of us to overcome the pain, the suffering, the sin that had overtaken us and allow God to come into our hearts, our lives, and lead us in a life of righteousness. God does love pornstars, and porn addicts, and sex addicts, and alcoholics, and the lepers, and the weak of spirit, and all the other sinners of this world that He Created for His Glory. If not, then how did he come to love me? We all sin, don't try to pick on pornstars because it makes you feel better about whatever sin is in your life. God died on the cross for our salvation and granted us grace so that we shall be forgiven for our sin, which is atrocious to Him.

You wish to come and blaspheme about my God of Love and of kindness, and of patience, who keeps no record of worng in His perfection. May the Lord be with you, and guide you in his ways, in His love, and I pray you will come to know Him, and see how much of Him you're missing. It is not my place to judge you, for my own sin and blaphemy have been forgiven, but I do pray that the Holy Spirit will show you the way. God bless.

Love,
Sergio

I think the whole argumnent impinges on what we mean by the "Sovreignty of God" which every Bible-based evangelical denomination believes. If the living God is sovereign, if He is King of Kings and Lord of Lords over all of His creation, can anything happen withoutit being His will - can anything happen that He does not cause to happen?

Yes, God is a God of love and mercy and kindness and faithfulness BUT He is also a God perfect in Justice. His love is rooted in His character, which is primarily unsullied Perfect Holy!! If God is Not Holy and Just them His love cannot be beautiful. But then, what does Holiness and Justice mean when it is attributed to God? I feel, these dear persons who have vented so strongly and so painfully nbeed to stop venting, and start seeking to Understand the God we worship through consistent and constant study of the WHOLE counsel of God.

I am not trying to step on any toes;hurt anyone. But I feel it is ONLY when we know the Truth, the truth of GOD as He has revealed it in His Holy Word, that we will be free in truth. Love you guys in Christ.

"Yes, God is a God of love and mercy and kindness and faithfulness BUT He is also a God perfect in Justice."

*points to the lakes of sulphur and damned souls writheing in eternal agony*

Wow. I don't know what to say that hasn't already been said. This really just kind of makes me sad.

I hate to say it, but some of what they say is true...although misunderstood. The fact is that G-d has control over everything. He does love us all and his desire is that all would come to know Him as savior, but the sad truth is that while Christ love extends to all, G-d does choose who he will and will not save. To take this choice away freom G-d and place it on ourselves (as to say that we choose to be saved) would discount G-d's amazing omnipotence, his power over all that exists.

Now, all this was not to say that this person was right. Far be it from that...what I want to say is that while G-d does choose his disciples (just like he chose the Israelites), it is not our place to decide who he chose.

When I read things like this my first thought is to rip apart any faulty argument presented. If I were face to face with the author of this letter I would most likely do so, but since I don't have the opportunity I agree with Jake there, it really just makes me feel sad.

On a lighter note, I'd love to hear from him how he thinks XXXChurch has been "He has cursed you." Do Craig(et all) do you feel cursed by God? I don't think it's something you would overlook... So then, if you're not cursed by God but rather blessed by Him(as it appears to many) how can any man condemn you?

Just my $0.02...

Live by God's grace, be blessed!

Wow... I wonder how many people who are seeking truth and healing were just saved by reading Mr. Ph.D's philosophical ( and highly unbiblical ) death chant to the world? Let's all love him and pray for him. He needs grace just as badly as I need grace!

Thanks Josh. Yes, it is not a really easy truth to accept, eh? But is that not what we see through the History of Adam,Noah,Abraham, Jacob, Israel, The Disciples (even Judas Iscariot!!), The Apostles, the church? The love of God is superabounding. But what does GOD's Word say about HIS grace? How does HE pour it out upon sinnersl like Me and You? If tyhe dispensation of His grace, depends on whether I choose or not, can we then say that He is the Sovereign King of all? Are we not tying God's Kingly rule, with our wills?

Does He desire that any will go to hell? NO,HE DOES NOT. But will some sinners end up in Hell? Yes, the Lord Himself says so in Mathhew 25: 31-46 (directly) and in the first half of the chapter by way of a parable. HELL is real, it was not created for man, but those who are not saved, and will continue in sin will end up with the author of sin.

Let me take your time with a true story about one of the evangelical giants from my country: The story is about a beloved Pastor called D.T. Niles (deceased and of the Methodist church). Once he was in a discussion with another evangelical leader. The topic was the reality of hell. Dr. Niles has been arguing with this man against his belief in hell, and insisting that there was no hell. The other brother had brought in all the scripture and all the scripture based arguments to support his belief in hell, but Niles kept on refuting him. Finally, when Dr. Niles recognized that this dear brother was getting all red and furious he stopped the debate and he told this brother something that we all should always remember. These were his words: "Never, Never, speak about hell, unless there are tears in your eyes".

Hell and damnation, for anyone, are not topics that we must broach with gladness and a smile, for God does not do that!! We can see the horrendousness of Hell/separation from God eternally in eternal torment, when we look at the cross of our beloved Lord and hear His heart wrenching cry of pain and terror "My God, My God Why have you FORSAKEN me?". Yes, I do hold to all the Doctrines of Grace (Reformed Theology), but they are the doctrines of GRACE, not of raw HATE and DESTRUCTION.

Like many have said, it is true that the authors/producers of this website are trying to do good. But, we must be careful that we keep to the parameters of scriptutre - we must be careful that we do not stumble any brother or sister, by what we do - Is that not the cardinal principle of scripture - even in the command to love? Love you blogging brethren, and may the peace and assurance of our Lord's presence be a tangible reality to each one. BYE

Thanks quasar 111480 (wow, that is a long tag). That's a really great explanation of what God's Word says. Thanks for not ranting and raving and frothing at the mouth.

We must all learn to "SPEAK THE TRUTH IN LOVE". Like one of my prof's told us : The war between God and Satan, good and evil, right and wrong is a war between Truth and untruth. You do not have to scream adn stomp. Just declare the truth (contextually) taught in the Bible and the error will be destroyed, shine the light and the darkness will retreat - it has to. Thanks Quasar 111480.

The Bible clearly says that "the fool says in his heart there is no god". I do not know who this Angry-Hateful person is. A couple of names (possibilities) come to mind: 1. Roger Martinez (former Vengeance Rising lead vocalist & guitar player) who used to be an ordained pastor himself, who fell (not fell, threw himself) to the world by keeping his eyes on mankind and not the Lord. We humans are so weak, but it is GOD who gives us strength to carry on in this life. 2. Gary Laniere (former guitar player for yet another rocking Christian band, Tourniquet -and later on Echo Hollow). I do not know why Gary has chosen to walk away from all he's always known to be true. Maybe I'm wrong about mentioning those names, I sure do not want to give the devil any more credit than he deserves (in blaming him for all the evil that's in the world, and how people fall or choose to walk away from God's love), but my advise to ALL of us, is keep your (our) eyes fixed on JESUS, the author, the finisher, the perfecter of our faith... To all of you reading Mr Angry Man's comments...examine all things, retain cling to what is good, do away with all other garbage. Keep on rocking for the ROCK that does not roll away! And pray for this Angry person. And may God bless each and every one of us and all @ XXX Church.

romans13:for whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.*whoever*
John 3:God so loved the world, that that he gave His only begotten son that whosoever believes in him shall not perish but have everlasting life.*world* *whosoever*
2 Peter 3:9:

The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
pretty mush speaks for it's self.^^^^

How great is our God, who is so patient that he can wait out all of our misconceptions about who he is. Seriously, this is a stone-throwing situation. How many of us can say that we've never had a wrong perception of who God is?
My first notion, after reading what dude said, was to either go off or to get defensive. Either is a knee-jerk revenge reaction. But revenge is the Lord's if there is any to have. It's also the Holy Spirit who convicts a person, not me or my arguments.
I'm rambling. Bottom line, we all need prayer to make sure we follow who God is.

Hey, not to threadjack, but whatever happened to the Starving Jesus documentary that was to be shipped in like January. Just curious.

actually they just were finished and should ship within the next couple weeks...

It seems like this guys totally misses the point of the ministry...isn't there something in the same Bible he's quoting about "Be holy, because I am holy" (God speaking). I am truly saddened by the fact that someone who calls themselves a Christian lashed out like that at a ministry that is truly helping people become more Christlike. Props to xxxchurch for talking about what most churches do not, and will not talk about. Unity!

This is my first time to the site and XXXChurch must be doing something right to cause the religious people to get so angry.
This person sounds like the Pharisees and the Sadduces of Jesus' day.

"Dear friends, don't be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, AS IF SOMETHING STRANGE WERE HAPPENING TO YOU. Instead, be very glad - for these trial make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to tall the world. So be happy when you are insulted for being a Christian for then the glorious Spirit of God rests upon you. If you suffer, it must not be for murder, stealing, making trouble, or prying into other people's affairs. But it is no shame to suffer for being a Christian. Praise God for the privilege of being called by His name! For the time has come for judgment, and it must begin with God's household. And if judgment begins with us, what terrible fate awaits those who have never obeyed God's Good News? And also, 'If the righteous are barely saved, what will happen to Godless sinners?' So if you are suffering in a manner that pleases God, keep on doing what is right, and trust your lives to the God who created you, for He will never fail you." 1 Peter 4:12-19

what this dude is saying is exactly word for word what the people from the westboro baptist church are saying (remember, they're the people from Godhatesfags.com and picket dead soldiers funerals and say crazy things like, "your pastor is a whore"). Too bad they're all lawyers so all that they do is legal.... bummer. I'll pray for this.

This is my first time at this site i ordered some books,i hope they help me. Im in deep and need to get out. About that guy, WOW i KNOW that GOD LOVES EVERYONE!!! INCLUDING HIM! I mean especially him!

I don't see the point of this ministry. I'm all for passing out Bibles at the AV shows and the witnessing that takes place, but much of what I see on the website doesn't help or heal the addiction, but actually - in my opinion - feeds it. I've been addicted to the power of porn most of my adult life and struggle against it constantly. I come to xxxchurch.com and find many of the videos, etc actually take mind mind to porn - not away from it. The visual images of some of the media that I have seen are capable of starting the thought patterns that pornaholics are so familiar with. And I really don't understand the point of holding lectures with Ron Jeremy at all. It takes me back 20 years plus to when Bob Harrington (aka the "Preacher of Bourbon Street") was on tour with Madelyn Murray O'Hair arguing over atheism and the existence of God. What was Harrington's and O'Hair's point? Income! Turned out they were both fleecing the flock of believers and unbelievers, in the name of entertainment. Harrington grew both wealthy and arrogant from the experience. Could you at least tell me why your debating with Jeremy? And I must say it is a shame that you guys call any form of critisism "hate mail." It tells me that you may believe that you are above accountability.

Jit perera:
thanks for ur time reading,,God bless....

i'm embarrssed to be a "calvinist"...don't really like them term "calvinist"...however you get what i mean....

don't really understand the big God stuff..i've been a follower fo Jesus for 25 years ....whatever God does and how He does it is right, just, fair, best, loving, all the greatness words...

thank you ,Jesus, that You came to the sick, broken, rejected, evildoers, thank you, that You are the redeemer of me....I'm really glad that I didn't know that Jesus " hated " the vile sinners...wow...

xxx--keep telling those " worthless ones " that they too are redeemable; that they can glorify God with their redeemed lives....

Dear, 3X. I wrote an email to you on the same subject that Jaycee has written and I am sad that I havent got a reply from you yet!! This is NOT a hatemail. But I think Jaycee has got a point. I too flt quite pained when I saw all those shot of girls wioth theior undies down, in your comments section.

I believe it is good that you are trying to help people get out of this mess of porn addiction. BUT, those pictures can fire the imagination of such a person a little more. It is like keeping a bottle of booze in front of a recovering Alcoholic. Could you NOT take those pictures off the site please. Beacause we must be very careful that we NOT stumble those who are weaker. Is that not the essence of Christian Love? to vuild up and not break down?

As Jaycee says, all criticism is NOT hate mail. There are people who would write to you out of a genuine concern and then I believe you should be mature enough to consider the advise given, instead of just reacting, and junking those comments because your point of view has been challenged.

Sorry people for the typos in my last submit!! Bear with me!!

the rant is ridiculous and a complete turn off but the issue of porn affects all honest thiking males. What can we do to combine and present an alternative view, ie that long term marriage is good and sex within that relationship can be good too? And all of this does not need prurient comments like the ones expressed in the initial website

Never have I heard either a more vile work satan in disguise or a desperate poor soul in need of true salvation. All I can say is, "so God makes all decistions eh? well you just passed judgement and declared your own salvation and by your own rules should burn in hell. reeeeeeaaaaaal clever." Turn or Burn that simple. Our duty to help others turn. Only one we should hate: Satan. And hate with a fierce hatred. there is no sin in wishing harm befall him. Revelations 20:10 gareentes it.

Is this a christian site? Is God going to love those that go to hell?

very interesting, but I don't agree with you
Idetrorce

wow...this is quite the blast.
he says that you are going to hell but the bible cleary states he is going to: matt 5:22 - "and whoever says, 'You fool,' shall be guilty enough to go into the fiery hell." Where does it say love is judgmental?
the prostitutes and porn addicts will enter heaven before him because they realize their atrocity and sin before a holy God. This is why people aren't getting saved, because the condemnation. If I wasn't already saved, I don't know that I would want to be.
He is so blinded. I believe this is a reflection of the church at large and it's so saddening.
Your ministry is amazing!! I wish there more ministries like this.

makes Christianity seem more like fatalistic dogma than hope of the world

haha. first this person really needs to hear about SPELL CHECK.

Secondly, I believe he is the very naive to what Jesus' purpose really was. Has he ever read John 3:17? "For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved."

Jesus came to love the world and the sinners in it. Doesn't he know that Jesus hung out with all the sinners?

Haha! I just feel for him. He should read this verse... Matthew 5:22 "But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, 'Raca,' is answerable to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, 'You fool!' will be in danger of the fire of hell."

Being that he called you all "fools" he should really look into who is the one in danger of the fire of hell. My heart goes out to him.

Wow I think it is not us who needs to understand what we read but it is actually him oo ya has he heard of spell check.
He has such a terrible understanding of scripture and needs to find out who is Yeshua (savior) or Palet (Redeemer) is because he clearly does not know who he is. I pray that he Lord will give him to understand of who is he and what his mission was to do on earth and that is to die for the sins of all man and woman yes I said it all men and woman. So have a couple of questions about this article one
“Jesus died only for His elect who He predestined form before the dawn of creation to believe and ONLY for them. He does not love everybody in fact He hates most....” who are those people that are predestined and if you know who they are tell all of us so that we can preach the gospel to them and we would not have to wonder who will be saved and who will not be saved, also if that is the fact then why where the last words of Christ before he went back into heaven if you believe that where “Matthew 28:19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit” also if god hates most people why is it that his closest friends and disciples where none other than the out casts of the synagogue tax collectors, prostitutes, fisher men, and so on what I mean is why where none of them the pharoses or high priests who know the bible because they where whack .
I think you need to understand what Grace really means let me give you the Webster dictionary version “1 a: unmerited divine assistance given humans for their regeneration or sanctification b: a virtue coming from God c: a state of sanctification enjoyed through divine grace2 a: APPROVAL, FAVOR barchaic : MERCY, PARDON c: a special favor : PRIVILEGE d: disposition to or an act or instance of kindness, courtesy, or clemency e: a temporary exemption : REPRIEVE3 a: a charming or attractive trait or characteristic b: a pleasing appearance or effect : CHARM c: ease and suppleness of movement or bearing4—used as a title of address or reference for a duke, a duchess, or an archbishop5: a short prayer at a meal asking a blessing or giving thanks6plural capitalized : three sister goddesses in Greek mythology who are the givers of charm and beauty7: a musical trill, turn, or appoggiatura8 a: sense of propriety or right b: the quality or state of being considerate or thoughtful” just so you don’t think that I was trying to correct it into my own words. Grace is what saved all of us from a live without Christ and are you not happy someone shared the Love of Christ with you if no one did that then how the heck would you have become a Christian in the first place, I also think you need to see the fruit of the labor that XXXchurch has provided, the bible even says that you will know them by their fruits and the fruit of this ministry. There fruit is simple it is the changed lives of the people that they come across like people that you hear stories of in dirty little secret and also the porn mobile confessions. I think you need to know who you attack and how much love they have for the lost to do things like the that ¾ of the Christian world would never even look twice at. God is the author of salvation, and I do not discredit that at all but how will people come to know the Lord if there are not people out there that will take the time to do the works that are set before us and that is not just to wake up praise the lord that we are a live and we get to live another day yes that is a part of it but we also have to share the GOOD NEWS that Christ saves.