Welcome to His Way Out Ministries

June 2005 Highlights

"Homosexuality vs. the Authority of Scripture" Part One By Pastor Phillip Lee

We have arrived! Actually, we have been here for quite some time. The debate over homosexuality and related issues is no longer about homosexuality. The true crisis centers on the Lordship of Jesus Christ and the Authority of Scripture. As a Christian, meaning that I am a follower of Jesus Christ and all of His teachings, I must take the Bible in its entirety or not all. I am not at liberty to randomly select portions of Scripture and discard the rest.

Throughout the Bible there is a consistent unfolding of the truth that God had and has a divine intent for human sexuality. To be sure, since God has revealed Himself and His plan through the Holy Bible, Scripture provides the way to victorious living here on earth. Indeed, there is great reward in living by God's Word.

Tragically and unfortunately, for men and women that have struggled with same-gender attraction, more than not, there has been little hope offered them. But that does not minimize the truth that God is still in the business of transformation. However, in order to accomplish the work in a life that He desires, the individual must first agree fully with His Word and allow Him to do the sovereign work that He alone can do.

May we never forget that God never has, nor will He ever simply call us to just be "believers." God has called every Christian to be a "disciple." Which means and will always require that our hearts are intentionally submitted to Him for on-going renovation. Somehow, what has oozed into far too many Christians thinking is..."If I can just cram enough of God's Word into my mind, that will provide the healing, deliverance, the restoration that I am in need of." No! Indeed, each and every Christian should keep their nose buried in God's Word; however, knowledge alone will not enable the restoration to occur in our lives that we seek. While 2 Timothy 2:15 tells us "that we are to study to show ourselves approved," there must be a balance of mind and heart.

Without a doubt, Scripture provides overwhelming evidence that any man or woman that may have been practicing any number of unhealthy behaviors contrary to God's Word and His Will can find forgiveness, freedom and restoration. But, where does that man or woman in tremendous need of God's mercy and grace begin? Where does the journey to wholeness begin?

It begins with setting ourselves in agreement with God that all Scripture is for our well-being and was divinely given to the prophets of old without error in its original delivery. The Bible is not just some collection of man-made myths or opinions. Yes, we do follow both the red and black print embracing the truth that since God is all-knowing, He is trying His utmost to protect us from unseen dangers. Plainly said, "What I feel, what I think, must always take a back seat to whom God is and what He has clearly stated." Therefore, beginning with this month's newsletter, I would like to present a series dedicated to God's abundantly clear position regarding homosexuality.

Personally, I am saddened when those entering into a Scriptural debate regarding homosexuality, dismiss or overlook the book of Genesis, with specific regard to chapters 1 and 2. It is abundantly clear that God created both sexes as compliments and counterparts to each other. The man and the woman were created in such a way as to "cleave together" both spiritually and physically, and they were to live in a heterosexual, monogamous relationship. In other words, the two (a man and a woman) become one, remain faithful to one another until "death do they part" as the marriage vow states, never stepping over or beyond God's holy boundary lines. Why such emphatic lines? Why so strict? Why so black and white? Since He is God and thereby all knowing, He is trying His utmost to protect us. I find it particularly intriguing that God, while He was creating and establishing His divine intent for human sexuality, seeing that it was "not good for the man to be alone," provided a "suitable helper," a woman. He did not create a woman and another man, then bring them both before Adam and say, "Now, you choose."

Therefore, according to Genesis 1 and 2, an appropriate question to pose is, "What is normal in terms of God's plan for human sexuality?" The answer is clear. What God set forth between a man and a woman in the Garden of Eden. Any behavior beyond God's original intent is "not normal" and not acceptable to God. Clearly, while God's divine intent for human sexuality is fulfilled within a covenant of a monogamous, heterosexual union, then homosexuality must be viewed as a manifestation of fallen nature and a violation of created intent; as well as numerous other behaviors such as adultery, prostitution, incest, and being sexually promiscuous.

Indeed, there is something about sexual sin that does particular damage to us. Because God had a plan from the beginning that a man and a woman should remain a permanently bonded team with the potential for creating new life, then any activity outside of that purpose would be detrimental, not to mention being in rebellion to the One who created us.

Today, I remain convinced that God wants us to believe that He loves us and that His holy boundary lines for living are meant for our own good and ultimately to keep us from destroying His purpose for us, and to keep us from becoming eternally separated from Him. However, even when grace has been abundantly bestowed upon us, we still have a choice whether or not to stop a sinful behavior or not.

In closing, when God prescribes a course of action (Genesis 1 and 2), He also sends His Spirit to support and back up our willingness to be obedient. Every one of us needs the power of God to work in us thereby giving us the home court advantage. Having a personal relationship with Christ and embracing Scripture in its entirety, enables us to fight from a position of victory and not defeat.

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

To each of you who continually bless us by your encouragement, ministry participation, monthly financial support, offerings, and prayers...we remain truly grateful. His Way Out Ministries is proclaiming to, educating, and impacting the world with the biblical truth that freedom from homosexuality is possible when Jesus Christ is Lord of your life.

Prayerfully Yours,

Pastor Phillip Lee

Executive Director
His Way Out Ministries

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Reaching Gay Youth by Darren Thompson

Warn the idle. One of the Scriptures that has always guided me when helping others is I Thessalonians 5:14, "We urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone." Paul knew that people would fall into these categories; weak, idle and timid. He advised a different counseling approach for each hypothetical scenario. You do not warn the timid (or it may discourage them and make them even more afraid) and you do not simply coddle the idle (if they are playing with fire, tell them so). Our attitude must be to love the sinner but encourage them to lose the sin. If someone has had many sexual partners or is indifferent about their future or is involved in a manipulative, unhealthy relationship, you ought to be bold and tactful and share your observation. If your approach is humble and in love, your message will be considered, albeit later.

Encourage the timid. Most people need huge amounts of encouragement no matter how confident or influential they may appear. This is all the more true for people coming out of homosexuality, especially youth, because almost everything in the world is providing them negative reinforcement. But anyone can encourage them. Affirmation doesn't require special training, money or knowledge.

Help the weak (Matthew 23). Jesus taught people to listen to the teachers of the law and Pharisees because they sit in Moses' seat. But they do not practice what they preach. Their tassels are long, they sit at the place of honor at banquets and synagogues and they love to be called Rabbi. "They tie up heavy loads and put them on men's shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to help them." Likewise, unfortunately, discipleship has been neglected far too much. Do not limit the extent of your helping a young person by relinquishing the responsibility to others. Consider being a part of someone's spiritual growth and teaching them the full counsel of God. Also, do something tangible to help. Due to shame or embarrassment a young person may be reluctant to go to a Christian bookstore and purchase a book addressing issues of human sexuality. You could offer to buy a book like that for them. Or, if there is not an Exodus ministry nearby you could walk with them on their journey out of homosexuality utilizing curriculum intended just for that purpose. There are also many testimonies listed at websites specifically designed for youth wanting answers about their same-sex attractions. The following are some you can refer him to: BecomingReal.org; FreeToBeMe.com; MyTrueFreedom.net; and FindOut.org

Be patient and trust God. What about the person who is not committed to the Lord or to change? Each time I meet with a young person who may be dabbling in homosexuality, I try to explain to them why homosexuality will leave them disappointed. While two men or two women can share the same erotic feelings, similarly they have the same deficiencies. Therefore, they will not be able to complete one another. They both suffer from the same spiritual and relational problems that preclude them from being able to fulfill each other. Sadly, though, the more the youth gets drawn into homosexuality, the less satisfying and more troublesome it will be. Looking for contentment in homosexuality will become a chasing after the wind.

Even though the youth's anticipation of a better future relationship may persist, the realization of that hope will always remain elusive. The youth may even embrace the attitude, "I guess this is the way things will always be," but do not lose heart. Just your believing in the youth can be the anchor to reality that keeps the youth from becoming irrational. In fact, later repentance includes an awareness that homosexuality was just a fantasy and an illusion; Satan's counterfeit to repair and escape from the alienation they felt from early childhood. Remain a consistent source of support even while you see hostility manifesting, including open defiance toward God, church, society, parents, etc. This is just indicative of a stronghold. While the youth continues failing to comply with God's way and operating out of God's particular will, more frustration will result.

Often times in this area of ministry, things have to get worse before they can get better. Recognize and show approval for the steps that they do take. For example, it may be a big step for the youth to attend church even though you may be accustomed to going biweekly. Affirm and love the youth without making particular demands that he may not yet be willing to accept. For example, beware of suggesting too quickly or critically about changing their mannerisms or affectations.

Darren Thompson

Associate Director
His Way Out Ministries

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Bakersfield Christian Leadership Conference

Holiday Inn Select - Saturday, June 11, 2005 - 8am to 8pm

 Summit Bible College's theme for this year's conference is "Christ, Leadership and the Needy." Guest speakers include: Crea Copeland, Michael Belzman, Treva Free, Randy Martin, Phillip Lee, Charley Dean, and more. Tickets are $10.00 in advance or $20.00 at the door. For more information and to pre-register for the conference, please go on-line at: SummitBibleCollege.com/online/seminar.htm

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Coming Up In June!

June 4th - L.I.F.E. (Living in Fellowship...Even in Tough Times). On June 4th, we will be continuing our teaching and discussion series titled "There's Something I Need to Tell You!" (What To Say/Do When a Loved One Confesses They're Homosexual). If you have chosen to leave homosexuality, or you are a spouse, family member or friend of someone struggling with homosexuality, or you just want to learn about the complexities of homosexuality...this group is for you! L.I.F.E. meets faithfully on the first Saturday of each month from 9am to 11am. Teaching materials are provided.

June 5th - Canyon Hills Assembly of God, Bakersfield, CA - HWOM will be presenting teaching and testimony to the Youth Group (Part one of a two-part series).

June 11th - "Time Out" in Bakersfield and Lancaster - A discipleship support group which meets from 9am to 11am is available for men struggling with same-gender attraction. In Bakersfield "Time Out" meets at the HWOM Office and in Lancaster at Grace Chapel Church.

June 11th - Bakersfield Christian Leadership Conference - Holiday Inn Select (Next to Convention Center) - 8am to 8pm - For more information and to pre-register, please visit: SummitBibleCollege.com/online/seminar.htm

June 12th - Canyon Hills Assembly of God, Bakersfield, CA - HWOM will be presenting teaching and testimony to the Youth Group (Conclusion of a two-part series).

June 18th - Missions Yard Sale "Fund-Raiser" for Guyana, South America, 7am to Noon. All proceeds will enable our continued evangelism, teachings and outreach to Guyana.

June 25th - "Time Out" in Bakersfield and Lancaster - A discipleship support group which meets from 9am to 11am is available for men struggling with same-gender attraction. In Bakersfield "Time Out" meets at the HWOM Office and in Lancaster at Grace Chapel.

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How You Can Help His Way Out Ministries
  • Ask your pastor to check out this website.

  • 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 this web site.

  • 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.

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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

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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)

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