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March 2009 Highlights
- Sexual Sin: Grace vs. Performance
- We Need Your Help!
- Our Office and Support Groups Have Moved!
- Questions and Answers
- Pastor Phillip Lee LIVE at UBC
- Dear His Way Out Ministries...
- Coming Up In March
- Now on DVD: Homosexuality and the Reality of Change
- Recommended Reading
- IT'S ABOUT LIFE: Food Ministry to Those Impacted by AIDS
- His Way Out Ministries Services
- How You Can Help
By Pastor Phillip Lee
If you knew you only had one month to live, how would you prepare yourself to meet the Lord? Would you pray harder? Would you memorize more Scripture? Would you read your Bible more? Would you be involved in more spiritual works? There is no amount of work you can do to earn any more of God's favor. His favor has already been granted to you through His grace which is a free gift.
As Christ-followers, anytime we talk about growing beyond sin, including sexual sin, we are really talking about the biblical concept of sanctification. After being born-again, we are continually, by the Spirit of God, being transformed into more Christ-like men and women. 2 Corinthians 3:18 states - "But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord."
So, my question is, "Are you living by grace or are you living by performance?" When we came to Christ, we recognized our need for His grace and love and had no problem accepting what He had to offer because of our helpless condition. But how many of us continue to live in this helpless condition, being totally dependent upon His grace and sufficiency to cover our lives?
Indeed, spiritual warfare, dying to one's self, trials, temptations and mortification of the flesh, are all guaranteed in Scripture as part of the Christian life. Today, overcoming sin is often viewed as a negative, dreary aspect of Christian life. Nonetheless, the fact remains that overcoming sin, including sexual sin, is part of being a Christian.
For some, the question of "Why did God allow me to become exposed or get caught?" may be all too real, if not appropriate. Why, indeed? Many just may have been getting away with any number of inappropriate behaviors, fantasies, temptations, contemplations or sinful scenarios for years. So, why all of a sudden, does the wife get the urge to check the computer history? Or why were you seen entering a known 'sex establishment?' Why did the affair come to light? Why come out of the closet now?
How many have 'crossed the line?' Few individuals get caught the first time around. Usually, they repeat whatever sexual activity they're into without consequence. However, there is no such thing as getting away with sin. It hinders fellowship with God, hardens the heart, and it most definitely pollutes the mind. At some point, external consequences will surface.
We must always be checking the motivation and attitude for addressing any sin in our lives. I offer this consideration due to the reality of just how easy it is to lapse into 'performing for God.' Performance oriented people work for God's approval thinking they must constantly earn God's approval. Our acceptance by God has never been, nor it is now, nor will it ever be, based on our behavior - performing for God points to a lack of intimate relationship with Him. Proverbs 3:5 states - "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding."
If the battle truly is the Lord's, which it is, then we must stop trusting in what we feel rather than what God say's. If we are doing things out of guilt, shame, as men-pleasers or some other self-serving motive, we are performance based people who have fallen from the workings of God's grace and as a result we do not inherit the blessings that are entitled to us in the Kingdom. When we fail, we are guilt ridden and full of condemnation, thinking God hates us and is mad at us, instead of receiving the forgiveness and security that comes from abiding under His grace.
Ultimately, for each of us, becoming what we were meant to be, especially in our sexuality, is not something we can do on our own. It only happens as we live in relationship with the Father. We were brought into God's Kingdom by grace; we are sanctified by grace; we are motivated by grace; and we are glorified by grace. The entire Christian life is lived under the reign of God's grace.
Settle the matter as Romans 6:11 states - "Reckon yourself dead to sin and alive in Jesus." Our love of God must become so real, so true that we naturally want to do what it takes. Every time you become aware of or lapse into performing for God, trying to earn His favor by works, stop what you are doing and kill that manipulative religious spirit in prayer. Galatians 3:3 - "Are you so foolish? After beginning in the Spirit, are you now trying to attain your goal through human effort?"
The most important commandment that God has given to us, is to love Him with all our heart, mind and soul. Therefore, if we are doing things (including resolving of any type of sexual sin), out of a godly response to God's love and grace, we are operating under His grace. Determine to be motivated by God's grace and love, which does produce in us the godly character and good works that He is deserving in our lives.
"Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just ads we are - yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need" (Hebrews 4:14-16).
The bottom line - often, very often, that which looks like, appears to be, feels like that which is going to kill us, just may be God's tool to perfect us and designed to refine us into the men and women He intended us to be from the beginning.
Being motivated by God's grace and love produces godly character in us.
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!
Pastor Phillip Lee
Executive Director
His Way Out Ministries
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We Need Your Help!
His Way Out Ministries is one of the few places people can go for sensitive help regarding same-gender attraction and related issues. Your financial support enables us to fight the good fight. Without a doubt, we at His Way Out Ministries need to be stronger than ever, ready to face the challenge of this generation with truth and integrity. We are more committed than ever to proclaiming the Lord's transforming power through our lives, and equipping the Church to authenticate that healing. Your support helps us to make known the relevance of Jesus and His Church to broken lives. Would you please prayerfully consider sending a donation?
Send your check to:
His Way Out Ministries, 1412 17th Street, Suite 313, Bakersfield, CA 93301
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Our Office and Support Groups Have Moved!
New Office Location
We have moved! For some time, His Way Out Ministries has been in need of additional office space for the daily facilitation of our ministry and room to grow. As a result, we have relocated our office to downtown Bakersfield, the Haberfelde Building, 1412 17th Street, Suite 313, Bakersfield, CA 93301. Our new phone number is (661) 321-9551.
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All of us at His Way Out Ministries remain truly grateful to Brimhall Road Assembly of God for the many, many years of housing our ministry. The congregation's generosity and contributions have been and remain significant.
New Support Group Location
Beginning Saturday, November 1, 2008, all His Way Out Ministries support groups will meet at Chester Avenue Community Church located at 1509 South Chester Avenue (corner of Ming Avenue and South Chester Avenue). Chester Avenue Community Church has been an integral part of His Way Out Ministries from our beginning and has graciously offered their facilities for the expansion and facilitation of our support groups. We are very grateful!
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Questions and Answers
What is homosexuality? While there is significant disagreement on the precise nature of homosexuality, for practical purposes it may best be defined as the desire to have sexual relations with members of one's own sex, as well as the actual behavior itself. Many having a homosexual orientation do not consider themselves as "gay" or "lesbian," and are not comfortable with either their orientation or behavior and seek help for what they experience as a disturbing problem.
What about recent discoveries of a biological cause? None of the recently announced studies dealing with possible genetic or hormonal origins of sexual orientation have been validated. One thing is certain: current research does not in any way support a purely biological explanation of homosexuality.
How many homosexuals are there? In spite of a long-standing belief that homosexuals make up about 10% of the population, this figure has been dismissed as highly inflated. The results of the most current research indicate that the general average is about 3%. It needs to be remembered, that the prevalence of homosexuality, or any other behavior, has nothing to do with its morality.
How should society respond to homosexuality? The only morally adequate response is that which combines compassion with understanding which recognizes, on the one hand, the deeply ingrained psychological dynamics which drive homosexual desire and behavior, and, on the other hand, the great amount of suffering and the destruction of human well-being that results from embracing homosexuality. Ultimately, our society's blind, amoral pursuit of pleasure at any price, in any form, has perpetuated the psychological, relational, social and dark spiritual dynamics which inflame all forms of sexual perversion, heterosexual as well as homosexual.
Can homosexuals change? Although the 'process' can be long and difficult, the answer is clearly "yes." There is no reason to believe that acting out is somehow biologically inevitable.
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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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Dear His Way Out Ministries...
May God bless you richly "On behalf of our fellowship, I want to thank you for being with us. Your testimony and teaching provided insight and information that will be very helpful to us as we struggle with concerns about biblical morality in our denomination. - Linda
Thank you for leading the skill shops on homosexuality and transformation. I read your notes last night. It looks like you covered a lot of very important material. I trust God will continue to use your ministry to help the church to reach out to people for whom the Lord died. - Dale
I wanted to say thank you for speaking to my Jr. High group. I just want you to know that as our Father puts you in my thoughts, I will pray for you. - Carmen
Thank you for the enlightening seminar. It certainly enhanced our understanding. The seminar definitely equips people for ministry as we received valuable information and tools. - Dennis
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Coming Up In March
March 3rd - Azusa Pacific University, Azusa, CA
By invitation of Professor Steven Wentland, Associate Professor of Liberal Studies and Professor Paul Flores, Director, Liberal Studies/Undergraduate education at APU, Pastor Phillip will once again have the opportunity to share with graduate students about the complexities of same-gender attraction and how the Church should respond to those struggling with homosexuality. This is the sixth invitation and opportunity to share with students on the campus of APU. Each time, students have expressed their appreciation for equipping them with tools and a solid biblical foundation assisting them in reaching those struggling with homosexuality. This time, Pastor Phillip will be joined in ministry partnership with Carol Wagstaff, Founder and Director of Living Stones Ministries in Glendora, CA. Carol and Pastor Phillip have partnered in ministry numerous times and offer a balance of both truth and grace regarding freedom from homosexuality through teaching and personal testimony.
March 7th - "Maintaining and Restoring Sexual Purity" Discipleship Series
Our series is available to men and women that struggle with sexual and relational brokenness, wives whose marriage have been impacted by a husband's sexual brokenness, parents rebounding from the shock and dismay of a child or loved one involved in homosexuality and those desiring to learn and equip themselves to be more effective in helping those struggling with sexual brokenness issues. Our meeting is held at Chester Avenue Community Church, 1509 South Chester Ave., Bakersfield, CA beginning at 9am and concludes at 11am. On Saturday, March 7th, we will be turning our attention to "God's Plan for Human Sexuality."
March 14th - His Way Out Ministries Board of Directors Meeting
March 21st - "Maintaining and Restoring Sexual Purity" Discipleship Series
On Saturday, March 21st, we will be discussing and offering a teaching titled "How Did We Get Here?" Please see details listed for March 7th for times and meeting location.
March 25th - Christ's Church of the Valley, Bakersfield, CA
At the Wednesday evening service which begins at 6:30pm, Pastor Phillip will be sharing a message titled A Christian Response to Homosexuality. Christ's Church of the Valley is located at 13701 Stockdale Hwy., Bakersfield, CA
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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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Recommended Reading
Breaking Free: Understanding Sexual Addiction and the Healing Power of Jesus by Russell Willingham
Russell speaks from his own experience and that of the many he has counseled. His answer? "Yes! There is hope. The essentials are spelled out in practical steps that can help people break free.
God's Grace and the Homosexual Next Door by Alan Chambers
With the increasing acceptance of same-sex attraction in our culture, many Christians are caught in the crossfire of sounding too harsh or too accommodating. Alan's book offers practical and biblical insights on how both churches and individuals can become a haven for men and women seeking freedom from same-sex attraction.
Why Not Waste Time with God by Michael Evans
Mike's book focuses on moving beyond a superficial relationship with God to live in intimacy with Him. You can stop your pretense and striving for approval, and instead, sitting quietly with your Father God, you can be confident that you are significant, accepted and loved.
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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.
His Way Out Ministries Services
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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