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In attempting to right some of the wrongs of the past, have we gone much too far the other way? Have we forgotten that in failing to offer God’s standards clearly and unashamedly, God loves us as we are, but He loves us much too much to leave us as we are?

Is it possible fear and intimidation are now being allowed to guide our lives, ministries, and churches?

Jesus continually reminded His disciples not to fear. (Matthew 10:26-31)

An unhealthy fear of others reveals a lack of trust in God. (Luke 12:4-7)

When we allow our fear to prevent us from doing what is right, we sin against God. (James 4:7)

I love the words of Corrie ten Boom, “Lord, Jesus, I offer myself for this time. Use me in any way necessary to respond to what is happening to what is around me.”

Clearly, if you and I are going to be effective by going into our present culture and addressing sin, first and foremost, God is calling us to look at our own sins, repent of the immorality that exists within our own ranks and…recommit to the biblical standards of holiness.

Today, at least in some circles, one might think the ultimate priority is to politically defeat homosexuals rather than to see them won into the Kingdom of God. That said, with Jesus as our Perfect Role Model, never once did He ever compromise the truth, and never once did He legitimize sin. And yet, He was able to serve people and also relate to them.

Should we not be following His example?

As His Church, we must call fear what it is – a barrier to accomplishing God’s will for our lives and for our churches. Paul reminded Timothy that he was not given a spirit of fear and neither are we. (2 Timothy 1:7)

I would submit that extreme caution must be exercised when endeavoring not to be anti-gay nor being a gay rights promoter and succumbing to just traveling the middle-of-the-road.

Personally, I support basic civil rights for all people. That said, I know all too well the pain of homosexuality. It is completely and totally irresponsible for counselors, teachers, or pastors to tell men and women that homosexuality is an option with no consequences. Therefore, please do not stay out of the river because of the political climate regarding homosexual practice and related issues.

Admittedly, there are deep, critical, and vital issues before us today with raging political theological currents doing their utmost to submerge the Church. Clearly, real and vital issues about the healing and transformation of sexual brokenness have and continue to sharply divide with many lives hanging in the balance.

We, the Church, will not serve humanity, unity nor the cause of Christ Jesus by ignoring the differences that exist or by sticking our heads in the sand. We must not allow emotion or the present political climate to dictate to the Church what we believe nor what we do to further God’s Kingdom.

It is an undeniable fact this issue has wounded many people. Everyone, no exception, that has been or is currently caught up in the cultural chaos over homosexuality needs the understanding and compassion of the Church.

This can be done and it must be done with the Church committed to God’s unyielding truth, expressed in God’s unconditional love.

Pastor Phillip Lee
Executive Director
His Way Out Ministries

His Way Out has been faithfully ministering to men and women seeking a way out of sexually broken lifestyles since 1994. We could not do it without the support of Christians like you. Every dollar that you give to His Way Out Ministries helps to further this vital ministry. Won’t you take a minute to prayerfully consider a monthly donation to His Way Out? Please consider making a one-time donation or set up a secure monthly PayPal contribution on our donation page at https://www.hiswayout.com/donate/. Thank you, Pastor Phillip Lee

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