Does God Hate You?

For those who don't know, Westboro Baptist Church, a "church" of 70 people made up of the relatives of Fred Phelps, is coming to Charleston on March 23 and 24 to protest at local area high schools, government installations, the Jewish Community Center, and at a convention. According to their protest calendar, they will be at Wando High School to protest on March 23 between 3:30 and 4:00 p.m.

What the WBC preaches drives a stake in the heart of the God. After having been on their website (don't go and give them the pleasure of knowing you gave them a hit) I can tell you that what they preach is nothing but hate. BEWARE! Here is truth: Dear friends, let us love one another, because love is from God, and everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. The one who does not love does not know God, because God is love. 1 John 4:7-8 (HCSB) Their message of hate is nothing but darkness and is spoken from the heart of the one who is hate, the dark lord, Satan.

The truth of the matter is they are anything but Baptists or Christians or a church. IGNORE THEM! That is the best way to make your point. Be indifferent to their message. I can tell you, nothing but hatred and bitterness spew from their mouths using filthy perverse words. Be sure, Oceanside Church, nor any God-fearing, Bible-believing church has anything to do with them or their perverse, unbiblical message.

Here is a position paper that our convention has published and I repeat so that you can understand how Christians, regardless of denomination, can and should feel about the WBC:

(The SBC) shares concern over the unbiblical views and offensive tactics of Fred Phelps and his followers. His church is not in any way affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention, and his extreme position not only stands in contrast to ours, more importantly they stand in contrast to God's Word. God has stated clearly in His Word that homosexual behavior is sinful, but He also clearly

states His love for sinners, including homosexuals, and that He offers forgiveness through Jesus Christ for all who repent and place their faith in Him.The SBC is not in a position to take official action regarding Fred Phelps and the Westboro Baptist Church. Indeed, he has picketed the SBC Building in Nashville and annual meetings on numerous occasions because he believes the SBC to be part of the problem. (SBC.net, FAQ page)

To better understand what the church believes and how we respond to a world that is dying to see love and mercy and forgiveness, see this article: Night and Day.

So, does God hate you? Let me quote that verse that we have heard so many times, spoken from the mouth of Jesus: "For God so loved the world, that He gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." (John 3:16). In a nutshell, we can be assured that God loves not only those who love him, but all the world. That there is hope for all who believe in Him; those who believe will NOT go to hell. While WBC takes on the job of judge, jury, and executioner, God's cry from heaven is "I love you. I sent my own precious Son for you. Come as you are. Hate you? I cannot because I am love. My love for will never change Waiting on you." God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.