|
|
Welcome to His Way Out Ministries
August 2004 Highlights
God never has, nor is He now, nor will He ever, create a homosexual.
No doubt, the continuing acceptance of homosexuality as an acceptable, alternate lifestyle seems to be growing. However, in the midst of this trend, there still seems to be no greater question needing to be addressed than the question of whether or not a person is created homosexual. Frankly, if God does create people with same-gender attraction and intends for them to live out those desires, then homosexual marriage, spousal benefits, and acceptance of homosexuality as an alternate lifestyle would be right and good. But if homosexuality is not a part of God's divine intent for human sexuality, and is not a sexual identity at all but rather a dysfunction of God's original intent for sexuality, then no rights are justified.
With regard to numerous and very serious consequences, it is very important for every Christian to know the truth about God's created design for sexuality and be able to articulate it when faced with untruths regarding homosexuality.
The Word of God is always our foundational source for truth. Therefore, we must turn to the Bible to see what God has plainly said about homosexuality. In the Bible there is no approval of any sexual union except that of heterosexual marriage joining one man with one woman (Genesis 2:24, Matthew 19:4-6). Every scripture passage dealing with homosexuality in the Bible clearly and plainly characterizes it as a serious sin. "Do not lie with a man as one lies with a woman; that is detestable" (Leviticus 18:22). "If a man lies with a man as one lies with a woman, both of them have done what is detestable. They must be put to death; their blood will be on their own heads" (Leviticus 20:13). Thank God for the redeeming blood of Jesus Christ that cleanses us so those of us who have committed these sins can turn from them, be forgiven and delivered and live with Him forever!
Romans 1:18-32 states very clearly that sexual union between two men or two women is serious sin. "Therefore, God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies together. They exchanged the truth of God for a lie and worshipped and served created things rather than the Creator who is forever praised. Amen. Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural relations for unnatural ones. In the same way, men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed indecent acts with other men and received in themselves the due penalty for their perversion. Although they knew God's righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these things, but also approve of those who practice them."
At His Way Out Ministries, we never want to discourage any man or woman who is working towards freedom from homosexuality. Homosexuality is completely changeable and anyone who turns from practicing homosexuality will be forgiven, cleansed and restored. This is clearly stated in 1 Corinthians 6:9-11.
In 2 Peter 2:6-10 we see another example of the seriousness of this sin: " if He condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah by burning them to ashes, and made them an example of what is going to happen to the ungodly; and if he rescued Lot, a righteous man, who was distressed by the filthy lives of lawless men (for that righteous man, living among them day after day, was tormented in his righteous soul by the lawless deeds he saw and heard) if this is so, then the Lord knows how to rescue godly men from trials and to hold the unrighteous for the day of judgment, while continuing their punishment. This is especially true of those who follow corrupt desire of the sinful nature and despise authority."
Once again, it is abundantly clear in every passage dealing directly with homosexuality that this is a very serious sin, bringing earthly and eternal consequences. In the Old Testament it was punishable by death and in the New Testament it will keep you out of the Kingdom of God. In fact, there is not one positive word about homosexuality in the entire Word of God. There is nothing in the Word of God that indicates anything but great disapproval of homosexuality.
Why would God create something contrary to Himself? God would never go against His own nature and create someone homosexual and then condemn them to eternal separation from Him because of how He created them. This makes absolutely no sense and it is not true. God desires that all come to Him, acknowledge their sin and be cleansed and restored. Then we will live with Him in glory no matter what sin we have committed. However, we must agree with the Word of God that homosexuality is a sin and turn from it.
In Closing
His Way Out Ministries is proclaiming to, educating and impacting the world with the biblical truth that freedom from homosexuality is possible when Jesus is Lord of your life. To each of you who continually bless us by your encouragement, ministry participation, monthly financial support, offerings, and prayers we remain truly grateful. Bless you for enabling us to speak His truth with love and integrity.
Gratefully Redeemed,
Pastor Phillip Lee
Executive Director
His Way Out Ministries
Return To Highlights
How Can You Help His Way Out Ministries?
- Share this newsletter with your pastor.
- Encourage your pastor to consider hosting a seminar or inviting His Way Out Ministries to
speak at your church.
- Ask your church to consider adding His Way Out Ministries to its missions budget.
- Add His Way Out Ministries to your prayer list.
- Tell your friends about His Way Out Ministries and encourage them to visit our web site at: www.hiswayout.com
- Give to His Way Out Ministries, either a special one-time gift or on a monthly basis.
- Show our teaching DVD or Video: "Homosexuality and the Reality of Change" to your Sunday School class.
Return To Highlights
Coming Up In August!
August 7th - L.I.F.E. (Living in Fellowship Even in Tough Times).
On Saturday, August 7th, we will turn our attention to: Improving Communication, Part Two. Often it is easier to speak than to listen. However, to accomplish the goal of communication, we also must learn how to listen. We will explore tools to use in listening, ways to get others to listen to us, and methods for handling criticism. The L.I.F.E. Support Group offers education and sharing for those choosing to leave the homosexual lifestyle, spouses, family members and friends of those struggling with homosexuality, and those desiring to understand the complexities of homosexuality. L.I.F.E. meets faithfully on the first Saturday of each month from 9am to 11am.
August 9th - Pastor Phillip Lee departs for Guyana, South America.
Pastor Lee will be in Guyana until August 24th, conducting training for those desiring to minister to men and women struggling with same-gender attraction and cementing numerous details for a His Way Out Ministries branch office in Guyana. Your prayers would be greatly appreciated.
August 14th - "Time Out" a discipleship support group series for men and women struggling with same-gender attraction.
On August 14th our discussion will include: Part of our distrust with God is evident when we cannot be totally honest with Him. Many when they have committed some sexual sin, cannot bring themselves to name that sin before God. The tendency is to generalize "God, forgive me for my sins (left unsaid)". Until we become real with God, we will never come to grips with our problems. "Time Out" meets from 9am to 11am.
August 21st - "Missions Yard Sale" to further our work in Guyana, South America.
You can help us raise needed finances by dropping by our sale and purchasing some of the awesome donated items or contributing items for our fund-raiser. Any and all donations are needed and will enable God's work to continue in Guyana! The Missions Yard Sale will be held from 7am to Noon. See you there!
August 28th - "Time Out" a discipleship support group series for men and women struggling with same-gender attraction.
On August 28th we turn our attention to: Correcting Our Image of Others. Until we have corrected our image of God, seeing Him as He truly is, a loving Father, pouring out Agape love upon us, we will have no basis for loving others. The homosexual person does not stand alone in holding views that distort his relationships with others. We must see others through God's eyes. "Time Out" meets from 9am to 11am.
Return To Highlights
Video: "Homosexuality and the Reality of Change"
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.
This 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.
Videos are available on VHS or DVD at a cost of $20.00. To order your video...give us a call today.
We recently received, and watched, the video you sent us. It was excellent. We will be sharing it with other people at our church. One part that especially ministered to us was when Pastor Lee said from Philippians 1:6 that God is never going to give up His job of working in our life to conform us to the image of Christ. It helps makes sense of life's trials. Thank you for your ministry...Tom & Catherine
Preview "Homosexuality and the Reality of Change"
2min 38sec, 1.3MB, QT.mov
Return To Highlights
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.
Return To Highlights
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
Return To Highlights
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
Return To Highlights
His Way Out Home | Our Mission, Our Position... | I'm Coming Out | Understanding Homosexuality | AIDS Education Guide | Support Groups | Workshops | Recommended Reading | Guyanese Ministry | Testimonies | Newsletter Archive
Web Site Administration
|