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Welcome to His Way Out MinistriesApril 2008 Highlights
The Church and Homosexuality By Pastor Phillip LeeWhy has the issue of homosexuality been and remains so divisive to the Church and how is the Church meeting the challenge of homosexuality? Today, the Church remains the true lighthouse to the world. While history has shown us that the Church's flame may have flickered from time to time, other times seemingly barely visible, it remains. Tragically, the Church seems to be increasingly passive in setting societal standards and appears to be becoming more and more conformed to the standards of popular culture; especially, when it comes to the subject matter of homosexuality.Today, many churches are struggling with if not completely avoiding the subject matter and issue of homosexuality. We, the Church, must not underestimate ourselves. We, the Church, hold the only answer there is to this very difficult issue. Do we, the Church, still believe in the power of God to change lives? God can do what the world considers impossible. Unfortunately, many men and women struggling with homosexuality are often completely confused about the Church's (Christian) viewpoint regarding homosexuality. Often, when a man or woman tries and is purposed to be obedient to the teachings of Christ regarding the practice of homosexuality, a particular Christian influence is there to tell him he doesn't need to change his life, just change churches. Heaven knows, it is far easier to change churches than it is to address the many attitudes, false beliefs and actions connected to an issue of same-gender attraction. We, the Church, have an obligation and responsibility to those traveling a path of homosexuality to speak to them when they are missing the mark (sinning). Contrary to what some believe, doing so is not "judging." A misguided desire and posture to extend mercy can often blur a right to judge right from wrong. Ignoring a person's problem or acceptance of any sin is not helpful and will ultimately be destructive to their lives. To be sure, divide and conquer is an effective tactic of the enemy of our souls. Far too many are unaware of the powerful forces at work to divide the Church through the issue of homosexuality. The enemy has accomplished too much with his divide and conquer tactic, with many men and women going to the "gay church," and subsequently worshipping "another Jesus." A man-created Jesus that requires no obedience, no sacrifice, completely silent on sexual sin, and defines no holy boundaries of any type. Many churches and denominations have thankfully repented of their harsh treatment of homosexuals but have also allowed the pendulum to swing to the opposite extreme, which results in an acceptance of both sin and sinner. Today, if you are not condemning then you are often placed in the liberal camp. Therefore, how should the Church respond to homosexuality? For some churches, the homophobic attitudes of the past have led many congregations to directly or indirectly reject the homosexual for the sake of maintaining God's righteous stand. However, some churches claim an enlightened understanding of homosexuality and, discarding traditional teaching, have opened the Church to unrepentant homosexuals. Seeing them a born gay, they reach out with compassion but sacrifice righteousness in the process. There is a third response. Through the atonement of Jesus Christ and the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit, God has, is, and will be delivering people from the snare of homosexuality. Why? Because Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever! (Hebrews 13:8). Neither a message of acceptance or condemnation is helpful to the person caught in the gay dilemma. While the way out of homosexuality can be a long process, the process requiring love, understanding, and discipline from the Church is well worth the effort. Where does it say - "Christianity means constant, continual happiness and joy"? Christians are not exempt from the difficulties of life, but we have been promised just the opposite: "In this world you will have trouble, but take heart! I have overcome the world." - Jesus, (John 16:33) We must not misrepresent the Christian life to any man or woman struggling with same-gender attraction. While the journey out of homosexuality may be long, demanding and difficult, the peace that comes from the assurance that "God is in the process" points to the end result of a much better life - one in right relationship with God. Indeed, the process will be one that the world cannot even begin to understand, especially when it comes to the numerous personal sacrifices required on the individuals part. Which offers yet another wonderful opportunity for the Church to be the Church, providing a safe haven for those courageous enough to say goodbye to homosexuality. May we never forget that it is the Church that still presents and offers the message of redemption, healing and restoration that can come from no where else. 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 Return To Highlights We Need Your Support!Through your donations, God enables us to minister Christ's healing to the sexually broken around the world. All of us at His Way Out Ministries remember that God has provided financially for the needs of this ministry and a growing staff for more than thirteen years, and we thank Him for it. We rely on your help, and pray God will keep His Way Out Ministries on your heart. Thank you for your faithfulness, especially during the lean summer months.You can send a offering to: His Way Out Ministries, 10700 Brimhall Road, Bakersfield, CA 93312 (Checks should be made payable to His Way Out Ministries) You can also send a secure offering using your VISA, MasterCard, American Express or Discover Card by using PayPal: Why use PayPal? It's free to send money and shop online. You can shop without sharing your financial information with merchants. Over 50,000 online merchants accept PayPal. Return To Highlights Upcoming Conferences2008 Exodus West Coast Freedom Conference - Fresno, CA - April 3 - 5This three day event is a life-changing experience of learning and healing for those struggling with or impacted by homosexuality. Each day of the conference includes talks given by the world's leading experts on homosexuality and real life testimonies of freedom. This event also offers training to Pastors and Ministry Leaders who desire to be more effective in ministry and pastoral care. For more information on the conference go to Exodus West Coast Regional Freedom Conference. My Redemptive Vision Annual Spring Retreat - Colorado Springs, CO - May 2 -4 Enjoy interactive worship, relationship workshops, professionally facilitated breakout groups, cozy accommodations and much more! My Redemptive Vision is a gathering of pilgrims on the healing journey to reunite with each other and reconnect with God, yourself, your spouse, and answering the question, "What am I recovering to?" For more information, please visit Healing for the Soul or call (760) 590-7685. Exodus Conference: Sexuality, Truth and Grace - Toronto, Canada - May 8 - 10 The impact sexuality has on personal, family and social levels make it the crucial issue of our time. Exodus Global Alliance has and continues to boldly proclaim that change is possible! Make plans to attend the 5th international conference, one of the most widely respected information and training events on issues surrounding homosexuality. The Saturday Youth Conference will offer a variety of workshops, testimonies and presentations to inspire and help youth make healthy and Godly choices. For more information about the conference, please visit Exodus Conference. Called to be Free: Compassion and Redemption for the Sexually Broken - June 14 A one-day conference on Saturday, June 14, 2008 in Yorba Linda, CA. For more information about the conference, please visit Living Stones Ministries or call (626) 968-6683. Return To Highlights Question and AnswerQuestion: Is it possible that homosexuality is inborn?Weekly, we here from parents: "When we try to talk to our son about homosexuality, he always insists that he was born that way because he has felt that way most of his life." Answer: At this point in time, there is no conclusive evidence that homosexuality is inborn. Many individuals come to believe they are born gay because they have had an attraction for the same gender as long as they can remember. In fairness to them, the feelings often start early in life and are deeply ingrained. Many professionals such as doctors, psychiatrists, psychologists and other specialists do not believe homosexuality is genetic. (See www.NARTH.com) Most would say homosexuality is created by a variety of influences, both genetic and environmental. Over the years, studies have been done in an attempt to prove that homosexuality is genetic. None of the studies supposedly proving homosexuality is inborn have been repeated with the same results. Some of these scientists have since said homosexuality is not an inborn trait. "The evidence of a genetic pattern among homosexuals doesn't mean people are born gay, any more than genes of height, presumably common in NBA players, indicate an inborn ability to play basketball." (Newsweek, August 1998) Any number of behaviors could be traced to genetic roots. However, behaviors such as alcoholism, depression, drug addiction or violent behaviors are never defined as "normal" or "healthy." Nor do we encourage people who suffer with these conditions to "be who they are" to legitimize their struggle. Studies have shown that sexual orientation is not necessarily fixed and can change over time. In testimonies of those who have overcome homosexual behavior, it is definitely a process. You don't have to do what your genes might predispose you to do, or what your training in addictive behaviors begs you to do. You can re-train. Return To Highlights ONLINE SPECIAL: Phillip Lee LIVE at UBCOn Sunday, October 10, 2007, Pastor Phillip Lee spoke to the congregation of University Baptist Church on the subject What Does the Bible Say About Homosexuality?You can Listen LIVE to the 6.2 MB, 36min, MP3 at this link. Give it a few moments to begin downloading and it will play. Windows 95/98 users make sure your Windows Media Player (or other MP3 software) is up to date. Right-click and choose "Save Target As..." to save it on your computer. (If Internet Explorer attempts to save as .mpga you can change it to an .mp3 file type.) You can then play it later or copy it to any MP3 portable player. Return To Highlights Coming Up This Month!April 3-5 Exodus West Coast Freedom Conference - Fresno, CAFor more information on the conference go to Exodus West Coast Regional Freedom Conference. His Way Out Ministries will be teaching and sharing testimony. April 5 - L.I.F.E. (Living in Fellowship...Even in Tough Times) If you have chosen to leave homosexuality, or you are a spouse, family member or friend of someone struggling with homosexuality...this meeting is for you! L.I.F.E. meets faithfully on the first Saturday of each month from 9am to 11am. April 12 - "Time Out" A discipleship support group for men struggling with same-gender attraction meets from 9am to 11am. Our teaching and topic for discussion will be The Dynamics of Change: What does the Lordship of Christ mean to you?, Have you been able to share with others about your homosexual struggles?, What are some of the practical steps for change?, and more. April 16 - Azusa Pacific University His Way Out Ministries is honored and privileged to share teaching and testimony on freedom from homosexuality to graduate students at APU. April 20 - University Baptist Church, Bakersfield, CA "Mission Fair" His Way Out Ministries will be exhibiting, sharing testimony and offering a DVD presentation of our ministry outreach in Guyana, South America. April 22 - His Way Out Ministries "Board of Directors Meeting" April 26 - "Time Out" Men's discipleship series continues with our teaching and sharing focus on Exposing the Roots: When did you first begin to question your sexual identity?, Homosexuality is acquired?, How have you been affected by family dynamics, peer pressure, or sexual abuse?, and more. Time Out meets from 9am to 11am. 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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| 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 |
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His Way Out Ministries is a nonprofit, tax exempt Christian ministry associated with Exodus International.
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