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Welcome to His Way Out MinistriesJuly 2005 Highlights
"Homosexuality vs. the Authority of Scripture" Part Two By Pastor Phillip LeeYes, God speaks to man through the Holy Scriptures. Man not only has but continues to learn about and know God by reading and studying its pages. The entire Word of God was written by men as they were each moved and guided by the Holy Spirit. Many men were used by God to write the Bible, not just one man, and yet each and every part agrees and complements the other.By accepting Christ Jesus' sacrifice of dying in our place, and letting His Spirit rule in our lives, we are accepting God's plan of redemption. Jesus said while He was here on earth, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" (John 14:6). Indeed, God has revealed Himself and His plan through the Holy Bible. The Holy Spirit is the author of the entire Bible presenting the way to eternal life with God, and the true answer to victorious living here on earth. What is truly alarming to me as I travel not only throughout the United States but abroad is the dividing line that there seems to be in whether or not 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." In other words, God breathed it and man wrote it down. God's Word is our textbook for life and within His Word all kinds of "holy boundary lines" are placed there for our ultimate well-being and protection. Tragically, there are those that have taken Scripture regarding homosexuality and rewritten (if not twisted beyond belief) to say something entirely different than God's position and His divine intent for human sexuality. Indeed, we have ultimately arrived at homosexuality not being about homosexuality any longer. The critical issue of our time is the Lordship of Jesus Christ and the Authority of Scripture. If I define myself as a true Christian, meaning that I am a follower of Jesus Christ and all of His teachings, then whatever I personally feel or think must always take a back seat to whom God is and what He has clearly said. Therefore, I want to briefly offer a few responses to some of the most common biblical and theological arguments heard today in pro-gay religious groups regarding homosexuality. There are those that argue that the Scriptures which clearly define homosexuality as a sin have been taken entirely out of context and been mistranslated. Are you and I really to believe that the Bible translators we rely upon got it wrong each and every time (five different times), and in two different Testaments, and only on the Scriptures regarding homosexuality? Those that promote homosexuality as an ok, alternate lifestyle with God don't seem to have any problem with other Scriptures that condemn such sins as adultery or child abuse. The fact remains and the truth will continue to prevail that the Scriptures in Leviticus 18:22; 20:13, Romans 1:24-27 and 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 (to mention just a few) are each mentioned in the context of sexual and immoral behavior. The context is abundantly clear...a variety of behaviors are prohibited; homosexuality, along with adultery, fornication, and idolatry, is one of them. Within the entire Word of God there is not a single positive statement offered that homosexuality is acceptable to God. Each and every time it is mentioned it is always presented as a behavior (and certainly there are others) in which a person is to refrain from practicing. In terms of Scripture and the Church, the authority of Scripture and the Church's integrity is compromised when those professing to be Christians misrepresent Christianity. When people claiming to follow Christ misrepresent Him through immorality, Christians need to speak up and present the truth. If homosexuals are comfortable with their behavior, that is one matter. However, when they say it is done with the blessings of Christianity, the Church should insist as the Apostle Paul did in 2 Timothy 2:19, "The Lord knows them that are His. And, let everyone that names the name of Christ depart from iniquity." Scripture says that what a man sows he will also reap. After surrendering to Christ and entering God's Kingdom, every person must diligently seek to learn about the things of God. Undeniably, the Bible gives us clear instruction on how to live productive, meaningful lives. Ignorance of God's laws do not excuse us, when we encounter these laws, we pay a price. No one escapes the principles of cause and effect. All can gain, Christian and non-Christian alike, from the wisdom found in the Bible. For the many men and women that have made the journey out of homosexuality, each one did so by embracing Christ's Lordship over their lives (which included their sexuality) and the authority of Scripture. First and foremost, they each wanted Christ and all He offers. Change in their lives occurred as a by-product of their relationship with Him. Ultimately, the many sacrifices they each made brought them into a win-win situation, a better life here on earth and a perfect life in the hereafter. Not so surprising since God has promised when His Word goes forth it never returns void. From All of Us at His Way Out Ministries.... To those of you who do support us financially, we continue to thank you. Your giving not only enables this ministry to reach out to the thousands of people it does, but it also blesses and encourages us deeply. We rely on your help, and pray God will keep this ministry on your heart. Thank you for your faithfulness, especially during the lean summer months. Prayerfully Yours, Pastor Phillip Lee Executive Director His Way Out Ministries Return To Highlights
"I read your newsletter this morning. May God continue to meet your needs and bring healing to the broken." Theron Guyana, South America Bound! August 7-17, 2005Once again, HWOM has the privilege of partnering with World Harvest Missions in Guyana, South America. Departing on August 7th, Jim McArthur (HWOM Advisory Board Member) and Pastor Phillip will spend ten days in Guyana ministering in communities such as Mahaica, New Amsterdam, Linden, Canjie, and Georgetown, teaching God's Word and sharing personal testimony regarding freedom from homosexuality. Two days will be spent in New Amsterdam visiting the Alpha Children's Home, a home for approximately 25 children that have been abandoned by their families. It Was An Awesome Time At...Grace Chapel (Lancaster), New Life Center, Canyon Hills Assembly of God, Bakersfield Christian Leadership Conference, Olive Knolls Nazarene Church, Foothill High School Youth Alive Club, Olive Branch Community Church, Rosedale Bible Church, Valley Bible Fellowship and the American Baptist Holy Spirit Renewal Conference (Green Lake, WI).Return To Highlights
How You Can Help His Way Out Ministries
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:
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