JHM Where We Stand

JOHN HAMEL MINISTRIES SERVES THE GOD OF LOVE

We embrace, love and encourage all people. God is a God of love, not condemnation (1John 4:8). Doctrine is important, yet God prefers love over preciseness of Doctrine (John 13:34,35). As you read where JHM stands morally, politically and socially on the issues listed, please keep one thing in mind. Nobody is perfect. Everyone makes mistakes. This is why we need Jesus. With God there is abundance of forgiveness (Psalm 130:7).

AMERICA, CHRISTIANITY & ISRAEL

JHM believes it is time to get some things straight concerning America, Christians & Israel,

Because Father Abraham allowed the Savior of the world to come into the Earth through his genealogy, God has entered into Covenant with Abraham's offspring, Israel and will defend them in preference to anyone. He will eventually force all enemies off the land He promised to Abraham (Isaiah 49:17-18). Almighty God is in the process of gathering the Jewish people back to the land of Palestine from all over the world as promised (Isaiah 11:10-13; Jeremiah 30:1-31:40; Matthew 24:31). Anyone who attempts to hinder this will drink from a bitter cup.

Every world power or civilization that has ceased to be a world power or civilization did so by tampering with Israel directly or indirectly. Almighty God promises to severely judge every foe of Israel (Psalm 89:23). It simply does not pay to interfere with Israel's security. God has promised to bless those who bless Israel and to curse those who curse Israel (Genesis 12:1-3).

Without the nation of Israel we would have no America, no Bible, no salvation, no Covenant, no Father Abraham, no Savior and no power with God (Joel 2:28; Acts 2:16-17; Romans 1:3; 8:15; 15:8; Ephesians 2:12; Galatians 3:13-14, 29). Israel does not need America or Christianity to define her heritage. America and Christianity need Israel to define theirs.

Israel became in independent sovereign nation on May 15, 1948. All other occupants of her land are either guests or trespassers (Leviticus 25:23). Israel is not an aggressive nation or a terrorist state. Israel has the right to defend herself against all terrorists even as America does.

American Christians must stop referring to Israel's self-defense against terrorist organizations as "aggression" and "terrorism." That is anti-Semitic. True Christians and true Americans will not tolerate anyone attempting to hinder Israel's self-defense.

ABORTION

JHM expresses our commitment to support the God-given right of each child to live out his or her full life from conception to natural death. We believe that abortion on demand is a moral and spiritual evil which tears at the fabric of family, society, decency, human responsibility and Godliness. However, if the mother’s life is truly at stake, we believe it now becomes a matter for the parent's conscience (Romans 14:23b; 1Corinthians 10:29; 2Corinthians 1:2; 1Timothy 1:19, 3:9).

We express strong conviction against so-called "partial birth abortion" which is a brutal, horrendous crime against the child and its family.

We are committed to ministering hope to all who have been impacted by the events surrounding an abortion and who have found themselves damaged by such destructive circumstances.

We encourage adoption and making crisis pregnancy intervention available to those seeking God’s help.

We also believe it is our constitutional right to peacefully protest the immorality of abortion according to our Biblical convictions. As with all things, we trust our Creator, committing ourselves to reverence, responsible living and to faithful participation in the process of government.

JHM believes the United States government, or any government, does not have the authority to prohibit the free exercise of religion, forcing Christians to directly violate their religious beliefs on a matter that involves the life and death of innocent human beings.

"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof, or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble and to petition the government for a redress of grievances." First Amendment to the United States Constitution

EMBRYONIC STEM CELL RESEARCH

Stem cell research should be called by its truthful name – Embryonic Stem Cell Research. Embryonic stem cells are cells derived from the inner cell mass of an early stage living human embryo when they are approximately four to five days old in the human womb or in a laboratory Petri dish.

Embryonic stem cells can grow and reproduce themselves into any of the more than 200 cell types of the adult human body when properly encouraged to do so. Because of this amazingly unique and unlimited ability embryonic stem cells are viewed as a “potential” source for regenerative medicine and tissue replacement after injury or disease. However, to date no approved medical treatments have been derived from embryonic stem cell research. Scientists simply “think” these embryonic stem cells “might” produce cures for even the most severe human illnesses. Unfortunately, harvesting embryonic stem cells from a human womb or from a laboratory Petri dish kills the living human embryo.

JHM believes that all human life is sacred and begins in the mind of God, even before human conception (Psalm 139). Therefore, JHM believes that human embryos must not be killed as a means to even the most humanitarian end.

BIRTH CONTROL (CONCEPTION PREVENTION) OR STERILIZATION

This decision is left to the married individuals concerned. Again, because there is no Scripture for or against birth control, this becomes a matter of conscience (Romans 14:23b; 1Corinthians 10:29; 2Corinthians 1:2; 1Timothy 1:19, 3:9). However, following conception, unintentional or otherwise, JHM is opposed to the use of abortifacients.

WOMEN IN CHURCH LEADERSHIP

JHM believes God calls both men and women into the Gospel ministry (Galatians 3:28). There are multiple examples of women Prophets, Teachers and Evangelists in Scripture. Some of the greatest, confirmed Ministers in the history of Christianity were and are women. Women, as well as men, should be recognized according to their God given Gifts, not according to gender.

HEALING THE SICK, MEDICATION, VACCINES, BLOOD TRANSFUSIONS, ETC.

JHM believes in Divine Healing through the providence of God in response to prayer and encourages all people to believe the Lord for their healing. However, many individuals are not firmly established in the Doctrine of Divine Healing and do not have sufficient faith to receive proficiently (Romans 10:17). Therefore, we also recognize the medical profession as an instrument in God's hands. Because all good comes from God, medicine, medical technology and medical wisdom come from God in His great mercy (John 10:10; James 1:17).

Therefore, JHM encourages the use of doctors and medicine by those who are not yet able to believe for their healing. However, the availability of doctors, nurses and medicine are no excuse for Believers to not bother developing their faith for Divine Healing (Hebrews 11:6). JHM believes that the natural and the supernatural combined often make an explosive force for the Most High God. JHM opposes the use of narcotics unless it is done under strict medical supervision.

OPERATIONS, ORGAN TRANSPLANTS, DISSECTION,
AUTOPSIES & ORGAN DONATIONS

JHM believes these issues are also matters of conscience. These are considered to be a personal choice for the individuals concerned (Romans 14:23b; 1Corinthians 10:29; 2Corinthians 1:2; 1Timothy 1:19, 3:9).

PROLONGATION OF LIFE & "RIGHT TO DIE" (REMOVAL OF LIFE SUPPORT)

Although JHM believes that death is the last enemy to be put under foot and never to be embraced, these are matters of conscience as well (Romans 14:23b; 1Corinthians 10:29; 2Corinthians 1:2; 1Timothy 1:19, 3:9). It is not a difficult thing for the Believer to seek the will of God in these matters and to receive His "Yes" or "No" through the Inner Witness of the Holy Spirit. (See Colossians 3:15 in the Amplified Bible.)

CREMATION OF FETUS OR ANY HUMAN BODY

Here again we have another situation where there is no chapter and verse that specifically states what is right and what is wrong. However, throughout Scripture when a Believer in the Most High God “gave up the ghost,” their bodies were always buried in the earth. From Able to Jesus, when a Believer in the Most High God died they were placed back into the earth for safekeeping until the Return of the Promised Messiah. (John 5:28,29) There are close to 100 references to this in the Bible. The only time bodies were burned in the Bible is when someone was under a curse or involved in occult practices. A thorough reading of the Old and New Testaments, looking for examples, makes this exceptionally clear.

JHM personally opposes cremation of the Temple of the Holy Spirit (1Corinthians 6:19,20). However, we encourage each individual to follow their own conscience and the leading of the Holy Spirit (1Corinthians 10:29; 2Corinthians 1:2; 1Timothy 1:19, 3:9). Many have cooperated with the cremation of loved ones only to realize that it would have been best not to have done so.

Keep in mind, cremation is not the unforgivable sin. Ask Him to forgive you if you believe you have gone against Scriptural precedent and all good conscience. He’ll do exactly that (1John 1:9). He knows where your loved one’s ashes are and He’s promised to raise them up on the Last Day (John 5:28,29). Nothing is impossible with Him (Matthew 19:26).

EVOLUTION

JHM opposes the deceptive theory of Evolution. Evolution denies Creation for the following reasons. If there was no Creation, there was no Adam and Eve. If there was no Adam and Eve, there was no original sin. If there was no original sin, there is no need for humanity to repent. If there is no need for humanity to repent, then there never was and never will be the need for a Redeemer in Christ.

Evolution was conceived in the mind of Satan for the purpose of plundering Heaven to populate Hell for one simple reason. Misery loves company!

HYPNOSIS

JHM is opposed to all occult practices, including hypnosis. It is shocking how hypnosis has found its way from dingy back alleys and carnival sideshows into the offices of “professional” people worldwide. It is wrong for anyone to stop exercising mastery over their free will, giving themselves over to hypnotists who are clearly involved with demon powers. JHM is opposed to all occult practices, including altered states of consciousness and communication with spirits. To seek after supernatural help from anyone but Holy God is to incur a curse (Leviticus 20:6). Jesus Christ is mankind’s only God-appointed Deliverer from habits, compulsive human behavior, etc.

HOMOSEXUALITY

JHM is opposed to homosexuality. Based on the teaching of the Holy Scripture, it is declared to be sin (Romans 1:18-32). Because the Bible has eliminated the non-heterosexual, homosexual / lesbian lifestyle as an alternative lifestyle, we, too, eliminate it as an alternate lifestyle. We encourage those engaged in homosexual activity to cease such acts, and to seek forgiveness and deliverance through Jesus Christ.

The Scripture declares that God created mankind male and female. The partner for man is woman, and the partner for woman is man. Together they are to be one flesh (Genesis 2:24). Furthermore, the Biblical record shows that sexual union was established exclusively within the context of a male-female relationship and formalized in the ordinance of marriage (Hebrews 13:4). In the New Testament, the oneness of male and female in marriage pictures the relationship between Christ and His Church (Ephesians 5:21-33).

Everywhere in Scripture the sexual relationship between man and woman within the bonds of marriage is viewed as something natural and beautiful, from which children are born. However, homosexual and lesbian activity, like bestiality, fornication, adulterous relationships, etc., is clearly condemned in the Scriptures. God declares the practice of homosexuality an abomination in His sight (Leviticus 18:22; 20:13).

The practice of homosexuality involves a personal choice. No one is born that way; otherwise, it would be unfair of Creator God to describe it as a degrading and unnatural passion. The Scriptures identify the practice of homosexuality as sin that if persisted in, brings grave consequences in this life, even premature death, and excludes one from the Kingdom of God (1Corinthians 6:9,10).

JHM believes, as Christ's Church, ministers and congregations should compassionately proclaim the Good News of Christ's forgiveness and encourage those involved in this sin to accept His forgiveness, receive His supernatural deliverance and to cease those practices. With God nothing is impossible (Luke 1:37).

Further, upon confession of faith in Jesus Christ and demonstration of a true and lasting repentance, as with any other forgiven sinner, the hand of fellowship should be extended, encouraging former homosexuals and lesbians in spiritual growth and discipleship.

PREMARITAL & EXTRA-MARITAL SEXUAL ACTIVITY

As previously stated, the Holy Bible declares such activities to be sin. We are opposed to all sex outside of marriage. We encourage those engaged in these relationships to cease such acts, and to seek forgiveness and deliverance through Jesus Christ (1Corinthians 6:9,10; Hebrews 13:4)/ We believe it is wrong for unmarried couples to abide together, particularly Believers. The Scripture emphatically states that Christians are to avoid even situations that only appear to be evil (1Thessalonians 5:22).

SEX EDUCATION IN SCHOOLS

JHM believes sex education should be the primary responsibility of the parents with schools being secondary (Proverbs 22:6; Deuteronomy 30:19-20; Ephesians 6:4b). JHM objects to the liberalities used in sex education in both public and private schools. We believe it is the responsibility of the government to see only that a good general education is provided for all, not sexual education.

PRAYER IN PUBLIC PLACES & SCHOOLS

JHM not only favors prayer in public places and public schools but the open use of the Holy Bible as well (Luke 18:1). We also believe the Ten Commandments have a special place in public places even as our Founding Fathers believed.

DIVORCE

JHM encourages strong marital relationships and discourages divorce, except in extreme cases and then only as a last resort (Proverbs 27:12). We believe in healing for broken marriages. However, divorce is not the unforgivable sin. Divorced and remarried Believers are accepted in love and grace as brethren, provided they have received Christ as their Savior and demonstrate the Christian life. Although every case must be judged on its own merits, JHM does not believe that all divorced or remarried individuals should be excluded from Ministry, particularly once they have demonstrated their faithfulness (Romans 11:29).

DRESS & CONDUCT

JHM encourages modesty and moderation in all things although we have no published regulations as such (1Corinthians 14:26, 40). Our position is that one should offer their best to the Lord, whether it be your best dress clothes or your best t-shirt and jeans if you have no dress clothes. Clean and neat is always a good policy (Colossians 3:17,23).

Women in particular, young and old alike, must exercise care to not wrongly communicate their intentions through improper, immodest dressing habits (1Peter 3:1-4). Men, as well, must demonstrate modesty in dressing. No need for a lecture here. Every adult knows what they shouldn’t be showing or allowing their children to show (1Thessalonians 5:22).

Someone once appropriately said, "If you're not selling it or giving it away, you shouldn't be advertising it." We are in the world but we are not of the world (John 17:16).

CAPITAL PUNISHMENT

The Bible authorizes capital punishment in certain extreme cases, but also permits mercy in certain cases. No one is beyond the redemptive grace of our Lord (Genesis 9:6). However, no one is above the Written Word of our Lord either.

AGGRESSIVE & DEFENSIVE WARFARE

Almighty God knows how to subdue crime and prevent violent, aggressive nations from controlling the world. He gives us government officials to execute judgment upon both aggressive individuals and nations for protection. Aggressive warfare is crime on a national level. Bringing aggressive nations to justice is no more wrong or cruel than bringing aggressive murderous individuals to justice.

When Jesus said to "turn the other cheek" He was talking about personal offense, not national defense (Matthew 5:39).

The Bible clearly differentiates between aggressive and defensive warfare. God forbids aggressive warfare but He honors defensive warfare. Almighty God promises to help us to defend ourselves against all aggressive individuals and nations. JHM believes, that when every attempt to negotiate with aggressors has failed, it is time to resort to defensive warfare (Deuteronomy 20:12).

Those who say "all warfare is uncompassionate" are mistaken. It is God's compassion for law-abiding citizens that will not allow aggressive nations or individuals to run rampant in defiance of His moral laws (Numbers 10:9; Romans 13:1-8).

CIVIL DISOBEDIENCE

JHM believes the Scripture teaches we are to be good citizens of our nation, living in obedience to all of its laws (Romans 13:1-8). The only exception being in the laws opposed to the Written Will of our Lord Jesus Christ. The Law of God supersedes the law of man.

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