LGBTQ – PaulThompsonBlog

When Sin Is Promoted All Citizens Are At Risk

Posted on June 4, 2019Leave a comment

Following is my response to a proclamation read by the mayor of Twin Falls on June 3, 2019 at the weekly city council meeting. It is nothing new for any mayor to make non binding proclamations. It’s normal and even sought out by individuals and organizations who are looking for grant money, public recognition of achievements, or a call to action from the mayor to the citizens.

Usually a proclamation is made that the community at large will have little disagreement over. Somewhat of a politically safe statement. However, sometimes a proclamation is a misleading statement by a politician to use smoke and mirrors to distract a people from the eternal risk of their actions.

Yesterday, in the city of Twin Falls, like many other cities across the nation, our mayor made a proclamation declaring the month of June as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer Pride month.

There are a few things worth taking note of…

most want to simplify the list of titles with the acronym LGBTQ. I think this is intentional; not to simplify and save time, but rather to not hear those titles spoken every time because the actual titles are perversions of all things natural and righteous. One can hear the term “LGBT” all day long and not have to really think about what it represents, abominations before God.
The lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer pride month is nothing new to Twin Falls.
Our neighbors requesting the proclamation should be treated with humanitarian dignity. It would be unthinkable to walk by a burning building and think those living there are not worth rescuing. Our response should be one of compassion and honesty.

Following is my letter to the mayor. I disclosed to him that I would be posting this as a public response to his public proclamation. It is my intent to always speak forthright while attempting to be respectful and kind. Not always easy to accomplish. It wouldn’t hurt for you to draft a letter to him expressing your opinion on this matter too.

____________________

Dear Mr. Mayor,

I just want to follow up with you in regard to your Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer Proclamation yesterday. I want you to know I pray for you every week and I think you fairly govern the council meetings. I have witnessed your fairness and kindness to all who stand before the council, even when there is clear disagreement. For this I’m thankful.

I wish to communicate with you that I take issue with the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer Proclamation signed on May 20, 2019 and read in public on June 3, 2019. Within the proclamation, I notice some inconsistencies and likely unintentional discrimination against others in our community.

I understand the nature of a proclamation and that it is more ceremonial and not binding law. With this understanding I wish to communicate my disagreement concerning the need for such a proclamation. I also want you to be sure you are aware that I will be publicly responding to the proclamation in my personal blog page where I communicate on a broad array of topics.

This public proclamation requires a public response. My intent is not to be disrespectful, only to point out how many times in an effort to show fairness; unfairness is exposed.

The first two-thirds of the proclamation was a fair attempt to acknowledge the diversity in our community. I take issue with three parts of the proclamation.

First: I don’t think this kind of proclamation is needed in a community like ours. The citizens are generally fair to their neighbors and where there are shortcomings in this we already have laws that govern how we are to treat each other.

Second: The proclamation was about the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer pride month, not about all the other classifications mentioned. Why bring age into the proclamation if you are not going to defend my neighbor in the womb of a pregnant woman who will seek to murder that human in an abortion clinic? And you make no mention of the natural birth sex, only “gender identity” and “sexual orientation” no mention of “male” or “female”. This was either intentional or a mistake, in either case both are noticeably missing.

Finally: As the proclamation gets clearer and to the point, it does two things. 1) It misrepresents the population base in the city. To claim that the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer community are a “vital part of all fields and professions and contribute to a stronger community” is misleading. Are they valued because of their humanity and their skill or because of their sexual activity? I do not think it can be a supported truth that every field and every profession in our city has lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer workers in it, and it implies that every field or profession is not contributing to a stronger community unless there are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer workers in that field. Do you mean to communicate that an employer would be better to have a lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer employee than an honest, hard working, loyal workforce regardless of their sexual status? This is actually a discriminating point against those who contribute to our community who are not lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer. I don’t think that’s what the intent is, but it is unclear by the use of the words. And words are so important. 2) The best thing we can give our youth is truth. To live out a lifestyle that is a perversion of everything natural and righteous is not loving. It helps no one in the community to promote this kind of perversion. The community is not better, the community is at risk. We are not a stronger community when we promote that which is opposed to truth.

I will communicate my disagreement publicly but I want you to know I mean no disrespect to you. I do strongly disagree with this proclamation. Where I disagree with this proclamation I will continue to be kind to all of my neighbors.

The intent of my writing was to communicate my disagreement with the need for such a proclamation and to communicate with clarity that the promotion and approval of sinful activity puts all citizens in danger.

Thank you for reading this with understanding of my intent.

Paul Thompson

Theologian Gaga

Posted on January 23, 2019Leave a comment

What happens when a generation’s leading “theologian” is named Lady Gaga?

Unless this current generation’s view of God is revived with a hunger and thirst for righteousness, the impact on this generation and those to come will be under the bondage of non-theologians like Lady Gaga, and most of the entertainment world, preaching to the world of a false god who has to be carted around in a wagon. (ref. Isaiah 46)

I have no interest in any of Lady Gaga’s music or views, but when she wants to be known as a go to theologian, a representation of Biblical Christianity, or a global ambassador of a good example of what a “true” Christian looks like, then I at least need to post a general warning to not consider her as an honest representation of one seeking God.

Recently lady Gaga reminded the world that she should not and cannot be trusted with temporal or eternal truths. At a recent concert here in America, packed with thousands of influential listeners cheering on her attack on Karen Pence who recently returned to teaching at a private Christian school that does not admit LGBTQ students or allow faculty to practice any sexual immorality, Gaga told the audience that Pence is the worst example of a Christian…

Obviously Gaga does not know biblical theology.

This belief is growing in popularity. Theology has never been about popularity, it is only about truth.

When a Conscience is in Conflict with Law

Posted on October 10, 2017Leave a comment

God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female…” (Gen. 1:27)

(Don’t dismiss laws being introduced in California. Don’t count them as something to not be informed about.)

Christian, are you ready for when a government threatens jail time to force us to use words?

The state of California has been pushing legislation for some time now to force citizens to use words. Can a government force its citizens to use words against their conscience? What should you be prepared for? This, like many other bills like it in the past begin in segments of the population and then eventually makes way to the full population. This time it is SB-179 Gender Identity.

If you want someone else to tell you what this bill is about then read this report (http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/10/09/new-california-law-allows-jail-time-for-using-wrong-gender-pronoun-sponsor-denies-that-would-happen.html) if you want to read it for yourself here is the actual legislation recently signed by the California Governor (https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=201720180SB179)

Next, it is no far stretched reality to begin thinking about how you answer this, especially if you are in the medical profession.

It is better suited for the follower of Christ to be prepared for the consequences of obeying your conscience.

New York vs. North Carolina

Posted on April 1, 2016Leave a comment

If you haven’t read the Governor’s Executive Order from the State of New York regarding the prohibition of state funded or state sponsored travel to North Carolina yet, you should do yourself a favor and read it. You might even gather the family together to read it as an exercise in careful judgment on the importance of words and looking for the agenda pushing this.

This is about a lot of things; but one thing is sure, it is not a civil rights issue.

Just this week the governor of Georgia caved to the financial pressure and vetoed a similar law that North Carolina has. Corporate America put the financial threat of pulling out if Georgia passed a law to protect pastors from being forced to do the will of the growing opinion of the nation.

HERE is the entire executive order Governor Cuomo of New York issued March 28th, 2016.

Preface: I’m in favor of protecting the civil rights and liberties of all citizens of the land, all of us. The state of New York, the city of New York City specifically, has been influencing the nation (and the world for that matter) for a long time. This executive order was not a statement protecting the civil rights of anyone. It was a statement from one governor to all governors to not do what North Carolina is doing.

What has been happening slowly and methodically around the nation has suddenly shifted, abruptly.

The use of public bathrooms will cost private citizens millions (it be more like billions in bathroom renovations and legal cost) of dollars in the coming years. I get that people want to be viewed as normal, but that desire to be viewed as normal is a perversion of the natural order of God’s creation.

This executive order is not the voice of reason. It is more the voice of hate than the tone of North Carolina’s law to give protection of religious freedom. It positions itself as “the voice of reason” for the world to follow suit.

This is not a civil rights issue.

This executive order is a ban on publicly funded travel to North Carolina is in effect immediately and will continue until North Carolina changes or repeals it’s current law. It’s the kind of behavior that forced the hand of Georgia’s governor to veto their law to give clergy a way to not violate their conscience.

Idaho, watch this closely. Bills are introduced every year to change our laws to look more like New York’s and less like ours. Keep your eye on this and begin formulating your words to compassionately respond while you stand your ground.

Church, your duty is to be a pillar and buttress of truth. That doesn’t give us permission to be ugly and foolish in our defense. Our way, our path, our duty is to God. It’s not about forbidding someone from sinning, it’s about obeying God.

I don’t know of anyone who wants to keep other people from using the bathroom while they are away from the privacy of their own home. There is a fair and just concern about who’s using that public bathroom.

Public safety is the duty of the civil government. It is not the duty of civil government to validate your feelings. Governor Cuomo, your executive order was a breach of duty.

As a pastor, I’m bound to Scripture, period. I can’t and won’t stand in the way of anyone who wants to sin; I’ll warn them along the way to not do what they so desperately want to do that is in violation of and against the law of God, but at the end of the discussion I’m bound by duty to perform religious services that are defined by the Holy Bible.

The bible is clear on these matters. This church and this pastor will carefully navigate through the shifting. It will require a firm foundation to survive all before us. Does the bible address gender issues? Yes. Does the bible address marriage issues? Yes.

When the Bible speaks as clearly as it does, we obey regardless of public opinion.

Halftime Shows and Commercial Controversy

Posted on February 9, 2016Leave a comment

The Super Bowl… how does a football championship game play “second fiddle” to the halftime show and the commercial craze?

Disclaimer – the following thoughts are from a non Super Bowl watcher, Half-Time show boycotting, grammar challenged blogger.

The last time I watched a Super Bowl football game was about five years ago (and that doesn’t make me better than anyone who has). I am arguably the least likely guy to weigh in on what I think about the politicization of a sporting event even though the Denver Broncos are a lifelong favorite team of mine (I’ll turn 50 later this year). I have grown less and less interested in how things are working out. (I’ve been a Bronco fan from before Craig Morton first took the Broncos to their first Super Bowl loss). Don’t get me wrong, I am happy for another Super Bowl victory. I’ve stayed faithful to my favorite team through all 8 Super Bowl appearances (only 3 victories). But now I’ve lost track of my post.

Back to the thought on my mind…

I’ve lost all interest in the hype of the “big game”. While driving home Sunday night from a Magic Valley Baptist Association meeting I turned the radio on to hear if the game was over and who won. I tuned in just as Payton Manning was talking about how he was looking forward to hugging and kissing his family “talking to the man upstairs” and “drinking a lot of beer, Budweiser”.

Oh.

Okay.

He can do that if he wants. No skin off my nose. Lots of sports guys drink beer. But really? That’s your victory speech? I’m sure the beer industry likes an endorsement from a guy that is considered by many a wholesome guy. The beer drinking evangelical community likes to hear this kind of talk too, I suppose.

That’s not even the main issue I’m writing about though.

I’ve learned over the past several years that the social media world will prolong the commercial discussion over the best, worst, most offensive, most wholesome, funniest commercials. Then I brace myself for some kind of rank behavior and opinions to flow about the half-time show.

Let me quickly say this about the half-time show. I’m writing about a show I have not seen and quite frankly don’t care about – at all. I’m not interested, and I’m prepared for Christians to express their normal shock (while watching anyway) of the bold politicizing artist, vulgar dancing, and godless lyrics. That’s just the way it is. I’m not surprised by what I’ve read about it.

…the commercials.

I’m sure the funny ones were funny. The shocking ones were shocking. The vulgar – unsuitable topics for children – unfit for mixed company – and the ever popular politically incorrect were the most popular.

The one that seemed to get a lot of discussion was the Doritos commercial that pro-choice advocates are up in arms about. It seems to be making many of the pro-life community want to go out and buy more Doritos.

At the end of the day; this shows that marketing schemes are successful. Is it possible, Christian, that you’re being made fun of and you don’t even know it? I have seen the Doritos commercial, it has a likable touch. How quickly we forget… Remember Doritos endorsement of the LGBT movement this past year and their “It Gets Better” project?

Has Doritos found a way to make massive amounts of money by offending as many people as possible? They seem to have mastered the medium of the 30 second attention span of the typical American Christian.

This is a reminder to me that in this world I’m called upon by God to live a life unstained by the world and to live a set-a-part life as an ambassador of Christ’s reconciliation. I’ll have to do this with grace too; I come pre-stained and a former enemy of God. Grace will have to arrest my mind, my tongue, actions, and my attitude as I engage in this world.

Christian, stop being played the fool by thinking anything godly will come from the ungodly. Turn the lamp of Scripture on and go forth into the dark with the Gospel.

A Clear Conscience Before God

Posted on September 3, 2015Leave a comment

With eyes wide open to the mercies of God, I beg you, my brothers, as an act of intelligent worship, to give him your bodies, as a living sacrifice, consecrated to him and acceptable by him. Don’t let the world around you squeeze you into its own mold, but let God re-mold your minds from within, so that you may prove in practice that the plan of God for you is good, meets all his demands and moves towards the goal of true maturity. (Romans 12:1-2 JB Phillips)

Where I don’t know Kim Davis, the county clerk in Rowan County, Kentucky, I do know this… it is clear we live in a land that is increasingly behaving arrogantly toward God. I get that the court had a duty to uphold a law of the high court, I don’t find fault in this decision… but as a man of faith and a follower of the Lord Jesus Christ, as defined by the Holy Bible, I rejoice in the Lord for the boldness of that county clerk from Rowan County, Kentucky.

If I still had children in my home under my authority,

I would gather them around me tonight and explain to them that today in our country an imperfect woman, who made a lot of mistakes before she was rescued from the wrath of God, had other options, but chose to obey her God as she understood His word rather than men.
I would explain to them that we do live in a land with laws and this family obeys those laws.
I would explain to them that there may be some laws that would cause us to disobey God’s character, nature or laws. I would explain that this is no small thing to consider and that in reality there will not be many times we will have to make that kind of decision.
I would explain as much as possible about how the national media is using her stand for God to ridicule her and us. We can use the media to train our hearts to not grow weary and even to keep us humble before God.
I would explain to them, even if you disagreed with her choice to go this route, that we will pray for her. Today, in our land, a professing believer was arrested because she chose not to be squeezed into a mold and to comply with the demands of offenders of God.
I would explain to them that we must learn to become bold proclaimers of the grace of God while we stand our ground.
I would retell them the story of Daniel.
I would retell them the story of the three Hebrew young men.
I would retell them the story of Peter, James, John, Paul, John Bunyan, Corrie ten Boom, Steve McMullin, Silas Thompson, Drew Culberth, Jim Allen, and Saeed Abedini.
I would tell them, “I want you to believe as bravely as they and take every opportunity you can to speak of the certain wrath of God to come, and then get straight way to the gospel as clearly and quickly as possible.”
I would explain to them that this will likely not be the last time we hear of this happening in our land.
I would assure them that we are not of those who shrink back from our faith (Hebrews 10:39).
I would then ask them if they have any questions.
I would then pray.

There is enough to read about this story that my little musing is nearly unnecessary. I expected the court to arrest her and I expect the LGBTQ… community and supporters to live in a season of frenzied glee. This will increase their pride.

“Behold, this was the guilt of your sister Sodom: she and her daughters had arrogance, abundant food and careless ease, but she did not help the poor and needy. “Thus they were haughty and committed abominations before Me. Therefore I removed them when I saw it. “Furthermore, Samaria did not commit half of your sins, for you have multiplied your abominations more than they. Thus you have made your sisters appear righteous by all your abominations which you have committed. “Also bear your disgrace in that you have made judgment favorable for your sisters. Because of your sins in which you acted more abominably than they, they are more in the right than you. Yes, be also ashamed and bear your disgrace, in that you made your sisters appear righteous. (Ezekiel 16:49-52 NASB)

Church, humble yourself before the Lord this day. Don’t allow yourself to be molded by the squeezing pressure of those who hate God.

The best places to get information on this matter are primary sources. Kim Davis’ legal counsel Liberty Counsel has been the place where I’ve learned the most. If left to the media, you will only get what the media wants to tell you, and their agenda is to move your thinking away from truth so it can transform your thinking. We live in a day where primary sources are available within moments. Become a better informed follower of Christ. Don’t assume that a media source that is considered “Christian” or conservative is necessarily informing you from a primary source intent.

It is, as I argue always, a good day to be the church!

From Liberty Counsel
—

Today, Federal Judge Bunning ordered Rowan County, Kentucky, Clerk Kim Davis to be taken into custody by federal marshals and to remain in jail until she agrees to issue licenses for same-sex marriage bearing her name.

The plaintiffs did not even request incarceration, but Judge Bunning said that financial fines were not enough and ordered her to jail.

Kim Davis is being treated as a criminal because she cannot violate her conscience. While she may be behind bars for now, Kim Davis is a free woman. Her conscience remains unshackled.

Comply or Get Out of the Way

Posted on September 2, 2015Leave a comment

Judge Williams from Alabama, County Clerk Kim Davis from Kentucky, County Clerk Criner from Texas have not bowed, along with legal counsel from liberty Counsel; all convinced the Supreme Court was wrong in the June ruling in favor of redefining marriage to include same-sex couples.

Judge Williams; “when you’re elected, you don’t check your beliefs at the door. If you’re a true believer, you can’t seperate that from who you are.” (1)

Where the dirt dug up to discredit Rowan County Clerk, Kim Davis, on her fourth marriage, would appear to be enough to silence her plight, she has only been a christian for less than four years. Yes, she has a history.

Now, with a duty to appear in federal court on Thursday morning (Sept. 3, 2015) to face a judge on charges of being in contempt, Davis will soon know the boldness of those three Hebrew young men facing the fury of a raging Babylonian king.

Everything seems stacked against her. The modern day “king” (LGBTQ) is a raging fury bent on demanding all bow as the music plays.

“Keep you personal beliefs checked at the door, that’s what everybody else does.” Jonathan Lovitz – vice president of external affairs at the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce.

But not this county clerk from Rowan County, Kentucky with a messy history, redeemed by a sufficient Savior, Jesus the Christ.

In an attemt to force all in the land to do as they (LGBTQ) demand, the anger and angst against true Christians increases.

“Is it true that you do not serve my gods or worship the golden image that I have set up?” (Daniel 3:14)

Thursday morning, Kim Davis will be called into federal court to be told to comply.

“…what god is there who can deliver you out of my hands?” (Daniel 3:15)

May the favor of God rest upon this redeemed saint with the boldness Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego found in the peace of God.

“If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver… But even if He does not, let it be known… that we are not going to serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.” (Daniel 3:16-17)

edited at 7:56 a.m. Sept. 3, 2015

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