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September 2008 Highlights
- Embracing the Process
- Growing Pains!
- Educational Workshops and Seminars
- At His Way Out Ministries - "It's About People!"
- Pastor Phillip Lee LIVE at UBC
- Coming Up This Month!
- How You Can Help
- Now on DVD: Homosexuality and the Reality of Change
- Ministry Update - Ricky's Retreat
- IT'S ABOUT LIFE: Food Ministry to Those Impacted by AIDS
- His Way Out Ministries Services
By Pastor Phillip Lee
It is important and helpful to remember that our sexual drive is good, not evil. However, many could provide testimony of just how easy it is to fall into the error of seeing our sexual feelings as "the enemy." For far too many, sexual feelings and desires have been viewed as an unfortunate part of their being that keeps them defeated in their Christian walk. Given we are all born into a fallen world and we all struggle with a sinful nature, our sexual longings and desires have become distorted. However, they remain a wonderful part of who we are as human beings.
So, how do we as men and women control our sexual behavior? Especially, since we all bare the marks of the fallen age in which we live to some degree or another. Is it really possible to bring every thought captive (2 Corinthians 10:5)? Is it really possible to stop impure thoughts? How do we find purity in our sexual desires when we have indulged in pornography, sex before marriage, homosexuality, or adultery?
All Christians have to deal with inappropriate sexual feelings and attractions. Those combating same-gender attraction (homosexuality) are not unique and as a result do not belong in a different subclass than the rest of Christians struggling with the long list of heterosexual sexual addictions. Sexual struggles are a very real part of being human! Thankfully, "We do not have a high priest (Jesus) who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have One who has been tempted in every way just as we are - yet without sin" (Hebrews 4:15).
Each and every time we are tempted, the process always begins with some type of outside stimulation, which we ultimately choose to embrace or reject. If we embrace "the thought," and begin to build upon it, to fantasize, the end result is indulgence. While I am convinced that none of us will ever be able to completely avoid being stimulated, we need not progress to the point of practice. Maybe, just maybe, if we all would embrace the truth that being stimulated is completely and totally unavoidable, our lives would not remain in a constant state of frustration and the huge amounts of condemnation and disgust that we place upon ourselves would be extremely minimized or even possibly eradicated enabling each of us to climb out from underneath the "shame factor."
James 1:14-15 tells us - "But each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin." Clearly, a homosexual thought (desire) or an inappropriate heterosexual, lustful contemplation that occurs in our mind can either be embraced or killed. We choose whether or not any inappropriate thought regarding sexual lust or temptation will be allowed to progress passed lust to sin.
I remain convinced that being successful in overcoming homosexuality or any heterosexual sexual addiction, largely depends on what happens in our mind. Our thought life is the battlefield where victory is either won or lost. Clearly, to break with any mindset or actions of inappropriate sexual expression, requires changing our thinking. Unless our thought patterns change, we will be continually defeated and discouraged in the process of recovery or becoming whole in our sexuality.
A huge component in dealing with sexual brokenness, homosexual and heterosexual, is coming to terms with our past. Philippians 3:13-14 tells us - "Forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." The lies of our past must be replaced with the truth of God's Word. It is through God's Word we discover the reality of God's love for us as individuals and His desire to forgive us for all sin - including all forms of sexual and relational brokenness. When acted upon, the Bible's perspective on human sexuality will profoundly change the way we see our past and certainly help us navigate the future.
Ultimately, we must embrace that it is God's Word and not our feelings that determines truth. Yes, God loves each and every one of us that struggles with aspects of human sexuality. "But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we still were sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8). When we repent - meaning we have rejected the behavior - Jesus cleanses us from all homosexual sin, lustful heterosexual thoughts and sexual encounters.
Zig Ziglar once said - "We are where we are and what we are because of what has gone into our minds. We change where we are and what we are by changing what goes into our minds." Unfortunately, one of the chief obstacles to healing, wholeness and restoration from sexual sin is the obsession with the immediate. The "itch" for the instantaneous pervades much of Christian thinking. Many tend to think that unless a restoration or deliverance is immediate, it is not of God. Most definitely, we have become impatient and frustrated with things that take time. Isn't it amazing how people will go to huge amounts of trouble to learn French, or physics or scuba diving? They have the patience to learn how to operate a car but they won't be bothered learning how to operate themselves. It has been said - "He that would get weeds destroyed must plan the ground with contrary seeds." Indeed, we cannot walk in God's ways unless He teaches us, but it is deception to ask Him to teach us unless we resolve to obey Him as He instructs us.
Many, many times I have communicated that every follower of Christ Jesus is in process of becoming more like our Redeemer. Recently, it occurred to me that maybe, just maybe God is more interested in the process than the end result. If I can remain determined, calm, and trusting God the Father in the very midst of so many questions and unresolved matters, couldn't the process be just as honoring and glorifying to God as the end result?
"This is the will of God, even our sanctification" (1 Thessalonians 4:3).
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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Growing Pains!
His Way Out Ministries is blessed to be a part of God's answer for adult men and women and teenagers struggling with same-gender attraction, and to families looking for hope and encouragement as they walk an emotional path of healing and understanding. Your trust in our counsel and care means a great deal to all of us.
May we ask for your kind consideration of a need? As HWOM continues to expand its ministry offerings to meet the needs of a growing list of people seeking counsel and hope, the administrative needs of HWOM continue to grow with ever-increasing requests for ministry. HWOM is underwritten by the gifts of love and monthly support of individuals and partner churches. If HWOM is not written into your personal or church missionary budget - would you kindly consider doing so from this point forward? Only eternity will show the effect of such commitment on all our parts.
Thank you for your time in reading this and may the Lord continue to richly bless you in your efforts to advance the Kingdom of God in this generation.
You can send a offering 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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Educational Workshops and Seminars
A Christian Response to Homosexuality
This workshop is for any Christian concerned about the issue of homosexuality and how the Church can more effectively respond to it. An overview of the Church's response to homosexuality and the areas in which we can improve our capacity to speak the truth in love are offered in the teaching and DVD presentation.
Homosexuality and the Reality of Change
Pastor Phillip Lee, Executive Director of His Way Out Ministries, brings a wealth of personal, as well as pastoral experience to this workshop. Pastor Lee will share his testimony, as well as discuss the questions: Can homosexuals really change?, How long does change take?, Will the person become heterosexual?, and much more.
There's Something I Need to Tell You!
(When a Loved One Confesses They're Homosexual)
What do you say and do when a loved one confesses they are homosexual? This workshop offers practical steps and information to help you understand your loved one, guidance to keep the lines of communication open without compromising your beliefs, and present the biblical position on homosexuality.
In your own church, and throughout the entire world, people are in need of God's clarity about their relationships and their sexuality. At His Way Out Ministries, we are committed to effectively and compassionately communicating God's heart concerning sexual brokenness and wholeness, while disputing the unchangeable nature of sexual orientation. For further information about the workshops listed above or to schedule an Educational Workshop in your church, please call (661) 589-4262.
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At His Way Out Ministries - "It's About People!"
By Pastor Phillip Lee
Did anyone really think it would come to this? I certainly didn't. I have been asked numerous times what I think about the California Supreme Court decision to legalize same-gender marriage. I do have some things to say, but I will probably say much less than expected. Why? Because His Way Out Ministries calling is not necessarily to the political arena.
It is my opinion that hurting, wounded people are the main issue. There are many men and women who call themselves gay, lesbian, bi-sexual, etc., who don't know that God loves them and has made provision for them. As Joel tells us, there are "multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision."
As long as we pour resources into political battles alone and ignore ministry to the lonely ones, we contradict the heart of the gospel of Jesus Christ. What if people were to hear, instead of labels, an invitation to relationship? What if they were to hear, "We know you are a person. Come talk with us, let us know you, and we will let you know us. Let us grow in our understanding of one another and see how the Lord might use us in one another's lives."
My personal hope and prayer is that people who have been just fighting over the political issues of homosexuality would be willing to expand their awareness to the human need embedded in the behavior, which is a fueling agent of homosexuality. My desire is that the people who are called by God's name will humble themselves and pray, then open their hearts to men and women who need to know Jesus cares about them and their needs. I pray that God's people will look for ways to minister in truth and love and reach into the vast, enormous and virtually untouched mission field of those struggling with homosexuality.
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Pastor Phillip Lee LIVE at UBC
On 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.
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Coming Up This Month!
September 6th - L.I.F.E. Group
If you have chosen to leave homosexuality, or you are a spouse, family member or friend of someone struggling with homosexuality or you desire to learn about the complexities of homosexuality, this gathering is for you! L.I.F.E. meets faithfully on the first Saturday of each month from 9:00am to 11:00am.
L.I.F.E. Group Objectives:
September 12th - Ricky's Retreat (HIV/AIDS Home)
Friday, Afternoon Drop-In Lunch and Bible Study.
September 13th - His Way Out Ministries
Board of Directors Meeting
September 26th - Ricky's Retreat (HIV/AIDS Home)
Friday, Afternoon Drop-In Lunch and Bible Study.
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How You Can Help His Way Out Ministries
- Ask your pastor to check out our 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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Ministry Update - Ricky's Retreat
Just a couple of month's ago, HWOM was invited by the Bakersfield AIDS Project to facilitate a bible study at Ricky's Retreat, a home in Bakersfield for men and women impacted by HIV/AIDS. Thrilled by the invitation, we gladly accepted. As a result, HWOM now conducts a bible study at Ricky's Retreat on the 2nd and 4th Friday of each month. Presently, we are journeying through the Book of Matthew with several individuals in faithful attendance. Wonderfully, so far, one lady rededicated her life to Christ and one man became born-again. Glory to God! All of us at HWOM want you to know that it is through your prayers and support that we have been able to come along side of Ricky's Retreat in tangible ways by supplying nonperishable food items, clothing, bedding, furniture and financial support for many years now. However, it just doesn't get any better than an individual surrendering their life to Christ.
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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 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.
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