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I'm confused! I just now googled him, also, and I came up with something called Grace Bible Church, which is supposed to be an independent non-denominational church. That was on the first two hits. I may have to take a look at any of his sermons on the site, to see if they match up with the OP. The Lutheran pastor was on my third hit.
Thread Topic: Characteristics of a Depraved Mind " Romans1:29
The first several of the characteristics and actions Paul describes here in verses 29-32 are of a general nature followed by more specific sins. It is important to note that a person does not have all of these characteristics to demonstrate they have a depraved mind. One or two is sufficient,
qeostugei'" (theostugeis)- God haters. This is a simple compound word combining "God" and "hateful." While we might want to reserve this just for the person that defiantly shakes their fist at God, the truth is that this is the general underlying characteristic of the non-Christian. They willing suppressed the truth God revealed to them because they hate Him and all that characterizes Him because it leaves them guilty. "The mind that is set on the flesh is hostile toward God" (Rom. 8:7). They hate His holiness, because it reveals their unholiness. They hate His goodness because it reveals their evil. They hate His justice because it leaves them responsible and condemned. They hate His sovereignty because it reveals their dependence. They even hate His grace & mercy because it excludes their own efforts. The proof of this hatred of God is both the false religions and cults that create gods to man's own liking, and the blood of Christian martyrs shed throughout the centuries.
31 ajsunevtou" (asunetous) - without understanding. This same word was used in verse 21 to describe what happens to the state of the heart when God is not properly honored and thanked. It becomes "darkened" or "without understanding." This is not a reflection on their intelligence itself, for they can be extremely smart people, but rather on their ability to understanding the things of God. To put it bluntly, in the area of morality they are unintelligent. That is the reason why so many people are accepting of and will even argue for what is very clearly moral evil such as abortion, euthanasia, pornography, prostitution and homosexuality. Their rejection of God and His standards results in moral stupidity. uJperhfavnou" (huperaphanous) - arrogance, proud. As already stated back in verse 22, though they suppressed the knowledge of God and became futile in their speculations and had their foolish hearts darkened, yet they professed to be wise. Such is the arrogant pride of the unsaved. Though they do not understand the things of God, they have an inflated opinion of themselves and look down on others. They are haughty. Their error is serious because God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble (1 Pet. 5:5).
The consequence of turning from God and His standards is a spiral downward into utter depravity. Yet, there is still hope for the power of sin is broken in Jesus Christ. Man can be justified through faith in Jesus Christ and change and live in godliness and righteousness. Which path are you on? The spiral up to holiness, or the spiral down into depravity?
Romans Study
Unrighteousness in Depraved Minds
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Romans Study
Pastor Scott L. Harris
Wow, that's pretty harsh. I'm an atheist, but I don't hate God. How can I hate something that doesn't exist? Believe it or not, being an atheist doesn't make me evil. I'm a good person trying to lead a good life. The dude that wrote this (and I know he quoted from the bible) sounds more hateful than I could ever be. Sad, sad.
Wow, that's pretty harsh. I'm an atheist, but I don't hate God. How can I hate something that doesn't exist? Believe it or not, being an atheist doesn't make me evil. I'm a good person trying to lead a good life. The dude that wrote this (and I know he quoted from the bible) sounds more hateful than I could ever be. Sad, sad.
The author is not speaking only of Hating God, It's not surprising that this is the part of the whole that most have chose to respond to . We can be good people and still reject God, and walk in depravity. He probably appears to come off as hateful to those who reject God and His plan for salvation .
The author is not speaking only of Hating God, It's not surprising that this is the part of the whole that most have chose to respond to . We can be good people and still reject God, and walk in depravity. He probably appears to come off as hateful to those who reject God and His plan for salvation .
I realize that the author wrote about more than hating God. I just don't have the energy to cover all the points made by the author. This is why up until now I rarely posted in the Religion forum: it's too exhausting.
I'm asking that all reader read the whole thread in the context that it is written
Depraved minds; this is what I'm posting;
You're avoiding the question, which was a very logical one based on what you quoted... context or no context, the words are pretty clear! I'm a non-Christian, as you probably know, and my religion certainly doesn't hate G-d. As for concentrating on that one sentence, there's a reason - because it stands out among the others, and is clearly inflammatory & illogical.
You're avoiding the question, which was a very logical one based on what you quoted... context or no context, the words are pretty clear! I'm a non-Christian, as you probably know, and my religion certainly doesn't hate G-d. As for concentrating on that one sentence, there's a reason - because it stands out among the others, and is clearly inflammatory & illogical.
Well said, Gizmo, well said! I did peruse the link given for this preacher, and although I didn't read a great deal, it was enough to further convince me that the man is typically fundamentalist, (as if the depraved mind article already wasn't), which I have no patience with. Fundamentalism is merely a fancy word for the attitude, that it's "my way, or the highway". Which is one, among many reasons, that I stopped attending church.
Well said, Gizmo, well said! I did peruse the link given for this preacher, and although I didn't read a great deal, it was enough to further convince me that the man is typically fundamentalist, (as if the depraved mind article already wasn't), which I have no patience with. Fundamentalism is merely a fancy word for the attitude, that it's "my way, or the highway". Which is one, among many reasons, that I stopped attending church.
Ask the minister that wrote it, I don't have the energy or time to try and convince anyone of anything.
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As for concentrating on that one sentence, there's a reason - because it stands out among the others, and is clearly inflammatory & illogical.
Question:
I guess only those with a deprived mind would seek answers?
