Our Role, Responsibility and Privilege By Pastor Phillip Lee
Jesus said to them "Take off the grave clothes and let him go." (John 11:44)
Is it possible that we, The Church, have become so complacent and apathetic with the subject of homosexuality that we have all but written off men, women and families impacted by homosexuality, resulting in a huge absence of ministry to those in crisis?
Are we, The Church (them), not called to preach the gospel to the whole world, including the homosexual? That is exactly what Paul purposed to do in the Book of Romans. Paul was commissioned to preach the gospel to both Jews and Gentiles because the gospel alone is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes (Romans 1:15-17).
Tragically, a ton of rhetoric is wasted on the inverted nature of homosexuals and of the inability to change homosexual behavior. The truth is that no sinner can change his or her life apart from the power of God offered in the gospel of Jesus Christ. We are all "dead in our trespasses and sins and by nature children of wrath," (Ephesians 2:1-6) and the only solution is to be born again by faith in the provision made at the Cross of Jesus Christ. The gospel alone has the power to transform lives and also to empower people to a life no longer surrendered to the lust of the flesh but for the glory of God.
Since when has the inability to change behavior, any behavior, been a reason to condone behavior? The Apostle Paul's reminder to the Corinthian Church who were redeemed out of the vileness of Gentile unbelief is clear when he states, "Such were some of you; but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and in the Spirit of our God" (1 Corinthians 6:11). Note, he does not say, "such are some of you," but such were some of you! Meaning, there is hope, mercy, grace, forgiveness, and a new life for any man or woman struggling with same-gender attraction. But such is found only in the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. If homosexuals wish to be forgiven, they can be. If homosexuals wish to change, they can. However, their journey must come by way of the Cross.
The Church must see in its task of reaching those bound by homosexuality as helping those who convert to become full and integral disciples of the Lord in the local church. Unfortunately, some error greatly in making homosexuality an unpardonable sin, or at least a sin forgiven but not forgotten. The Church must extend a compassionate hand to those who would be saved by the power of God, and disciple them into the fullness of Christ and in the fellowship of believers.
Christians, all Christians, need to befriend and witness to the homosexual with love, compassion, and wisdom in that those we are trying to reach will respond to the saving grace of God. However, I would be remiss if I did not offer a caution. Today, especially when it comes to homosexuality, The Church must be careful not to adopt the customs of the world. What The Church tolerates today, its children will practice tomorrow. In an age of accommodation and compromise, The Church is in extreme danger of ceasing to make holiness and truth the motivation for its existence.
Therefore, all of us at His Way Out Ministries invite you to partner with us in taking a courageous and intelligent stand against the vital and moral issue of homosexuality. At His Way Out Ministries, we are purposed to halt the erosion of morality in The Church. Below you will find information regarding our 2010 Teaching Modules designed to raise awareness, educate, and encourage the Body of Christ to minister to those who struggle with homosexuality.
We, The Church, must not behave as though we do not possess a blueprint for life. We, The Church, have a sure word of truth which is not only able to save, but also to equip for every facet of life.
From All of Us at His Way Out Ministries...
His Way Out Ministries is a world-wide interdenominational referral ministry of Exodus International, called to encourage, strengthen, unify and equip Christians to minister the transforming power of the Lord Jesus Christ to those affected by homosexuality. To each of you who continually bless us by your encouragement, ministry participation, monthly financial support, offerings and prayers...we remain truly grateful!
We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all the saints...All over the world this gospel is bearing fruit and growing, just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and understood God's grace in all its truth (Colossians 1:3-4, 6b).
On a regular basis we discuss the sexual problems of man and women in the Church. We know that many Christian men and women are fighting an intense battle with homosexuality and pornography.
The men, women, and families who come to His Way Out Ministries have to get painfully honest and truly intimate with Christ. There are no shortcuts and no quick fixes. Transformation, healing, deliverance, and restoration are not packaged in a workbook or promised in twelve short weeks.
At His Way Out Ministries we get deep into the heart of individual Christians and acess the real transformational power of the Holy Spirit. We view the current crisis in the Church as an opportunity rather than a problem. For 15 years, it has been our privilege to guide people into a deeper, more intimate relationship with Christ. That's what we do.
So, while others may be wringing their hands (or denying the problem) we are knee-deep in the process of helping broken people get well by the power of Jesus Christ!
We cannot do what we do, however, without your on-going support. Will you please give toward our work this month? Thank you for the prayerful consideration of partnering with His Way Out Ministries.
His Way Out Ministries is a nonprofit, tax exempt Christian ministry associated with Exodus International.
Send your check to:
His Way Out Ministries, 1412 17th Street, Suite 313, Bakersfield, CA 93301 (Checks should be made payable to His Way Out Ministries)
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Other ways you can help:
Add His Way Out Ministries to your prayer list.
Ask your pastor to check out our website.
Tell your friends about His Way Out Ministries and encourage them to visit this web site.
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.
Show our teaching DVD or Video: "Homosexuality and the Reality of Change" to your Sunday School class.
The program, Religious HardTalk, is a hard-hitting, controversial and thought provoking series by renowned journalist Ian Boyne. Religious HardTalk delves into matters concerning the Church and religion with diverse guests in no holds barred, incisive discussions, debates and interviews.
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.
Homosexuality and the Church - March, 6, 13, 20, 27
Why has the issue of homosexuality been so divisive to the Church?
How does God want us to see gay people?
Who should we welcome into the Church?
Where can I find the Scriptures on homosexuality?
What sends an ex-gay person back into the old lifestyle?
What do ex-gay people want to tell the Church?
Now, It's Personal! - May 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, June 5
How do I as a parent, a pastor, a friend, a Christian, respond to an individual confessing
they are gay?
What do we know about homosexuality?
Is homosexuality inborn?
Is there a difference between acceptance and approval?
As a parent, how do I go on after learning of my child's homosexuality?
My husband is gay. Do I stay in the marriage?
What are the most common pro-gay arguments?
Where do we go from here?
Reaching Gay Youth - July 10, 17, 24, 31, August 7, 14
So, what does a friendship with a "gay youth" look like?
"I can change? How long is this going to take?"
How do I begin a dialog with a gay youth?
"What if people think I'm gay?"
Want to connect with a youth? Be authentic.
Understanding Homosexuality - September 11, 18, 25, October 2, 9, 16
Can homosexuals really change?
How do I combat pro-gay arguments?
How long does change take?
Is there any scientific evidence to support the practice of homosexuality?
Will the person become heterosexual?
What are the root causes of homosexuality?
Sexual Purity? November 6, 13, 20
Why is maintaining sexual purity so vital to the life of a Christian?
What constitutes sexual immorality?
How can a Christian walk in purity when temptation seems to be around every corner?
Sexual purity? Shouldn't that be one way to recognize a Christian today?
All His Way Out Ministries "Teaching Modules" are designed and dedicated to raising awareness, educating and encouraging the Body of Christ to minister to those who struggle with homosexuality. As well, offering encouragement and support to individual strugglers, families and churches impacted by homosexuality. All Teaching Modules will be facilitated at Chester Avenue Community Church in Bakersfield, CA. As the New Year approaches, we will endeavor to keep you informed of these exciting new series by utilizing our Newsletter, posting the information to our web site, regular mail, mailings, and electronic notifications.
Phillip Lee Presents: Homosexuality and the Reality of Change on VHS & DVD
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
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 in The Haberfelde Building in downtown Bakersfield, California; 1412 17th Street, Suite 313. 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) 321-9551. God Bless You for your giving.
"It's About Life" Ministry to Those Impacted by AIDS
His Way Out Ministries is a referral ministry of Exodus International and continues to enjoy a strong ministry partnership with Exodus Global Alliance partnering with EGA in the development of ex-gay ministry in the Caribbean.