Christmas Into Life

After we have sung the songs and worshipped at Christmas; and after we have thought again about the true meaning of Christmas, is it possible that we can go back with indifference to our work, to life... not changed at all? Or has Christmas possibly burned a new fire and a hope into our hearts and spirits? And we know that somehow life just can't remain the same? Is there any possibility for you and me to carry Christmas into life? Or, is it true that Christmas will have just come and gone?

Mary and Joseph had to carry Christmas into life. The shepherds, the Wise Men, the angels, and the star...all was wonderful, but reality hit when all of that was gone and Mary and Joseph were left alone with their new child. They were left with a tremendous responsibility of having to take this child and help him to become what God wanted Him to be. In a way, they had the responsibility of taking what they had learned at Christmas and bringing it into life. And so do we. But how do we go about doing that? What does it mean to bring Christmas into life?

Every Friday morning, I attend a men's fellowship and prayer gathering offered by my church. It's a bit of a sacrifice in that we meet on Friday's (my day off), and we meet at 6:30am. The hour is not that demanding since I am accustomed to getting up at 5:00am seven days a week. I have always been one of those individuals that believe in...early to bed and early to rise. When I became a Christian, that saying played an even more significant role in that I had spent far too many years in darkness and now, being a child of light, I really dislike wasting daylight. It's almost as though my body anticipates that first beam of light and from somewhere within, my built in alarm goes off by sounding..."yeah, it's light...let's go!"

Our group has been reading and discussing a friend's book titled...Why Not Waste Time With God. Surprising title, huh? We recently discussed the chapter, What Are You Willing to Die For? Like most, my initial reading of the chapter was from the literal standpoint. Asking myself, "Am I really willing to lay down my life for the sake of Jesus Christ?" After completing the chapter, my mind was swimming with a multitude of thoughts.

The author, Mike Evans, notes a quotation by Francis Frangipane, in which he states, "An idol is not an occasional sin; it is something that rules us and makes us its slave. For some, fear is an idol; for others it is lust; for others it is rebellion or pride. Whatever challenges Jesus' right to our hearts becomes an enemy to Him, which He will confront." The quotation triggered a second reading of the chapter, but this time from a spiritual standpoint.

Why is it that the Church seems to be so complacent and at times, down right fearful, of ministering to those who struggle with homosexuality? Oh, it's a certainty, that we, the Church have the telling part down wonderfully. We love to "talk" and "tell" that homosexuality is a sin, but few, very, very few know the true command and calling of Jesus to "reach" to those bound by same-gender attraction. Is the Church, by in large, truly homophobic? Frankly, I have been accused of being homophobic. My response? "I'm not afraid of homosexuals, I just don't agree with the behavior."

In another section of the same chapter, the author writes...we hold tenaciously to an image of God that is in our minds but not in our hearts. If He were in our hearts we would not be in those lofty towers looking down on others. Rather, we would see ourselves as we truly are-down in the mud and muck of life in our tattered rags, looking up, grateful that God has deemed us worthy of redemption. Long ago, I learned two very important truths. One, "out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth will speak," and two, "dignity is not a fruit of the spirit." There are those times when we need to move well beyond our comfort zones and dare to take Jesus literally at His Word...go and make disciples. Have we become so convinced and satisfied with "making converts" (to our personal way of thinking), that we have dismissed the significance, command and calling of discipling?

I remember, so well, godly men taking me under their care and concern when I became a Christian. To most of these men, if not all of them, I was the very first man they had ever come in contact with that had been deeply entrenched in the so-called gay community. Had it not been for these men willing to die to self, and go the extra mile over and over again, I don't know that I would be here today. And that's a fact. These men demonstrated with their actions that they believed what they spoke with their mouths.

As I completed my second reading of the chapter, I knew that I had to ask myself some very important and serious questions. As I searched my own heart, I wondered if there were others that needed to ask some of the very same questions.

Are we, the Church, really willing to die to our personal agendas, fear, pride, and reach to those bound by homosexuality? I'm just asking. Our demand and expectation, more than not to the homosexual is...die to your sinful behavior, be like that seed that falls into the ground, germinates, and ultimately, spring forth into new life. However, are we willing to do the same for the sake of reaching men and women bound in sexual and relational brokenness? I'm just asking.

To what are you willing to die? Are you willing to die to "the lie" that homosexuals are born that way?

What are you willing to die for? Is a soul worth setting aside the complacency that seems to exist toward ex-gay ministries serving on the front lines of God's Kingdom? I'm just asking.

You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light. 1 Peter 2:9

Are we, the Church, really willing to receive the words similar to what Mother Teresa shared with Congress regarding the killing of multitudes of babies, when she said...if you don't want these little ones, give them to me. Do, we, the Church, really care about those impacted with HIV/AIDS? I'm just asking.

While the Church invokes truth in its stand against homosexuality, as it must, does it also contain enough love...in deeds, not just words? With God as our witness, can we really say we love homosexuals?

If Christmas means anything to us, our greatest desire should be that those we truly care about, those we love most would know, love and serve Jesus Christ. Or, let me say it this way. Christmas will never live in the world until it is lived out through each of us. We must carry Christmas into our faith. Mary and Joseph needed to remember Bethlehem often because there would be those moments in their lives when their faith would be greatly tested and tried.

Soon all of the decorations will be gone. But while another Christmas may have come an gone...Christmas must never end. We must always remember that there at Bethlehem God had not forgotten "anyone." I believe that includes the homosexual. What do you think?

Gratefully Redeemed,

Pastor Phillip Lee

Executive Director
His Way Out Ministries

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L.I.F.E. (Living in Fellowship...Even in Tough Times)

On Saturday, December 6th, from 9am to 11am, we will be viewing two videos. The first video, Reaching Into the Closet, assists families, pastors, friends, and lay leaders to understand and face the complexity of emotions, actions and questions that all persons have upon learning of a child's, loved one's, co-workers, church leader's, family member's or friend's homosexuality.

The second video, illustrated and dramatized by Acts of Rewewal, (as presented at an Exodus International Conference), depicts what and to whom a man or woman must come to terms with in resolving their same-gender attractions. You won't want to miss either of the video presentations. Both are a must see!

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From All of Us at His Way Out Ministries...Merry Christmas

We pray you will have a blessed Christmas Season and a wonderful year of new beginnings.

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New Video: "Homosexuality and the Reality of Change"

HWOM is pleased to announce a major advancement in their ministry to the faith community and general populace. Our new video, Homosexuality and the Reality of Change, presents a biblical perspective on the homosexual behavior with honesty and compassion. The 50 minute video contains information on: Can Homosexuals Really Change?, Will the Person Become Heterosexual?, How Long Does Change Take?, Exposing the Roots of Homosexuality, HIV and AIDS, Biblical and Scientific Evidence for Change, and much, much more.

The video is an excellent resource for teachers, churches, pastors, support group leaders, or anyone desiring a clear, comprehensive understanding of homosexuality.

The Good News of Jesus Christ and His love, acceptance, and forgiveness, His power to heal and restore has brought hope to many struggling with homosexuality. If you know someone struggling with same-gender attractions, Homosexuality and the Reality of Change can help. To order your video...give us a call today.

Preview "Homosexuality and the Reality of Change"
2min 38sec, 1.3MB, QT.mov

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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.

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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

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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.

You can donate using PayPal...

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)

Copyright � His Way Out Ministries

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Welcome to His Way Out Ministries

December 2003 Highlights