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Welcome to His Way Out Ministries
December 2002 Highlights
For many people, homosexuality is a very uncomfortable subject. Indeed, there are those that have stated...that word will never be spoken in my church. Why has the issue of homosexuality been and remains so divisive to the Church?
Many main-line denominations have had a segment of their church split off and go their own way over their "celebration" of homosexuality. The dividing line seems to be whether the Bible is "inspired" and without error in its original delivery to the prophets from God, or whether it is a collection of myths and man-made opinions. Do we follow only the "red print," or are the teachings of Paul included in the Bible's inspiration? 2 Peter 1:21 tells us "...men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit."
There are times when difficult choices must be made. Frankly, the choice to shut the door on gay theology should have been made over fifty years ago as it was emerging in the seminaries. Today, many churches and denominations are finding that their members are demanding a decision. Ignoring the issue simply doesn't work any longer. Homosexuality is in the Church and many are finding that it is in their homes as well.
The Church cannot and must not underestimate itself; it holds the only answer there is to this difficult issue. The Church must come to realize that God intended it to be the answer for all of life's problems. It was to be used for medical problems, legal problems and all relational problems. Homosexuality is a relational problem. Somewhere in early childhood, relational needs were unmet. These unmet needs created a search that took some into the gay lifestyle seeking resolution to deep issues of isolation and rejection. Initially, the gay lifestyle seems to fill those needs, but sadly, this is only a deception, which will eventually lead to despair and disillusionment. Ironically, the man or woman struggling with homosexuality often enters the gay lifestyle to find the very things the Church should have in abundance.
Honestly, I believe we, The Church owe those who struggle with same-gender attractions and those habitually practicing homosexuality, an apology. Too often, the Church has communicated to those in the gay lifestyle...Repent!!! Until we, the Church, are willing to move far beyond just "telling" a person homosexuality is a sin, and begin "reaching" to men and women struggling with their sexuality, I'm not so sure who needs to repent more. Those deeply ingrained and habitually practicing homosexuality...or we...the Church.
We (the Church) need to become "good listeners." Most people, homosexual or heterosexual, get more advice than they need. More than not, they simply need to have someone listen as they share their sadness, disappointments and failures. They need people to be available; people they can call when severely tempted. They need someone to offer hope.
We (the Church) must take note of the Lord's words found in Ezekiel, Chapter 34: "The diseased and weak you have not strengthened, the sick you have not healed, the hurt and the crippled you have not bandaged, those gone astray you have not brought back, the lost you have not sought to find, but with force and hardhearted harshness you have ruled them...Behold! Says the Lord, I Myself will search for My sheep and will seek them out. I will rescue them out of all the places they are scattered...I Myself will seek that which was lost and I will bring that which has strayed and I will bandage the hurt and the crippled and will strengthen the weak and the sick" (Ezekiel 34:4-15)
God wants "to reach" homosexual people. God has said that He Himself will seek the lost. I suppose the real question is...will we?
Gratefully Redeemed,
Pastor Phillip Lee
Executive Director
His Way Out Ministries
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Accepting God's Love is a Process
When we are feeling emotional pain or undergoing strong temptation, we may begin to wonder how we can go on for the rest of our lives without giving in to temptation. At first, we can barely open up our hearts and emotions to Him. But as we open up and receive, He enables us to open up even more. If, by God's grace we overcome our unbelief, pride and fear, then we will begin to feel His love. This is the start of transformation.
If you would like to hear more about...God's Love is the Beginning of our Healing. Plan to join us on Saturday, December 7, 2002, from 9AM to 11AM. Bring your bible...the coffee and doughnuts will be waiting.
We pray you will have a very blessed Christmas Season and a wonderful year of new beginnings.
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
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His Way Out Ministries Services
- Consultations
- Family Support Group
- Individual Prayer Ministry
- "Time Out" Discipleship Series
- Ministry Support Network
- Speakers available to address Christian groups
- "Moving On" Advanced/Closed Support Groups
- "It's About Life" Ministry to Those Impacted by AIDS
IT'S ABOUT LIFE:
Food Ministry to Those Impacted by AIDS
AIDS profoundly impacts one's life whether that person has been infected by it or they are a family member or a friend of someone who has. The social stigmas, fears and especially the "aloneness" associated with AIDS makes it oppressive to live with. "IT'S ABOUT LIFE" is a crucial part of His Way Out Ministries. Because His Way Out Ministries is committed to compassionately communicating God's heart through a caring Christian community, His Way Out Ministries will be a receiving house for non-perishable food items. This will assist those with AIDS to maintain a balanced diet and good nutrition. Two major considerations in food donations for folks with AIDS are speed and ease of preparation. An appetite sometimes doesn't last long and the item has to be readily accessible and speedily prepared for the patient to be able to enjoy it.
We invite churches, companies, ministries, corporations, individuals, and the entire City of Bakersfield to join with us in caring. Offer your support by donating the below listed items.
| Canned tuna | Canned soups |
| Canned ravioli | Canned pasta products, e.g.Spaghettio's |
| Hamburger Helper | Peanut butter |
| Hamburger Helper | Peanut butter |
| Jams and jellies | Breakfast cereals |
| Breakfast bars | Fruit cocktail |
| Canned peaches | Top Ramen |
| Cup o' Noodle soups | Canned potatoes |
| Canned corn | Macaroni and cheese mixes |
| Rice 'o Roni type mixes | Chili beans |
| Tomato paste, Tomato sauce | Spaghetti sauce |
| Potted meats | Canned stews |
| Instant potato mixes, e.g., scalloped | Instant oatmeal variety packs |
| Kleenex | Paper towels |
| Toilet paper | Popsicles (not frozen) |
| Instant breakfast drinks | Spaghetti |
His Way Out Ministries is located at Brimhall Road Assembly of God. Items will be distributed in cooperation with other outreaches in our community. This is a continuous, on-going ministry. For further information, please call 661-589-4262. God Bless You for your giving.
Send a Donation to His Way Out
In your own church, and throughout this entire world, people are in need of God's clarity about their relationships and their sexuality. Participating in the work of H.W.O.M. is one way to acknowledge Christ's healing power for the sexually broken.
Through your financial support or volunteer involvement, you can add your voice to those who are speaking the truth of God with integrity.
His Way Out Ministries is a nonprofit, tax exempt Christian ministry associated with
Exodus International.
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Or send a contribution to:
His Way Out Ministries, 10700 Brimhall Road, Bakersfield, CA 93312
(Checks should be made payable to His Way Out Ministries)
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