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“Demystifying Homosexuality, Defending Biblical Sexual Morality”

At the next “Straight Talk” on Sunday, January 4, 2026 beginning at 8:00am…

And then comes the day when you discover that a long-time friend or a close relative is homosexual. After your initial shock, you wonder how this could have happened. Did he wake up one morning and discover he was gay? Was he born that way? Can he change?

You want to reach out in some way…but how? The very first step is to become knowledgeable. The sins of a gay man and woman are no worse in God’s eyes than your own sin. For some, that’s hard to imagine. But when we understand that any sin is loathsome to God, then we see that he (or she) who has broken even the least of God’s commandments is guilty of breaking all of them (James 2:10).

Demystifying Homosexuality Workshop: Understanding Homosexuality, The Myths of Homosexuality, Reaching Gay Youth, Counterfeit Sexuality, Homosexuality and the Church

“Straight Talk” sessions are age appropriate and open to Junior High and High School age young men and women.

All Straight Talk Class/Care Group meetings are held at Rock Harbor Church: 10904 Snow Rd, Bakersfield, CA 93314
https://rockharborchurch.net/

Today, in America and around the world, in the name of tolerance, diversity, and equality, often the truth has been and is being suppressed regarding homosexual practice.

As a Christian, I believe in the sanctity of life. All life is sacred and deserves to be celebrated. As a result, I remain both alarmed and grieved over the many discrepancies and illusions that continue to be offered and promoted regarding “gay.” As a Pastor, and more importantly, as a Christian, I am willing to set aside the Bible for just a moment and consider homosexual practice from a very real and practical standpoint.

“For Many Gay Men, We Must Come Out Twice,” an article offered in the October 11, 2012 issue of The Advocate, which proclaims to be “the world’s leading gay news source,” a chilling realization and depiction of homosexual practice is offered in detail. Since 2012, I have from time-to-time revisited the content of the article largely due to the undeniable facts and truth that little to nothing has changed in the gay community based upon my personal conversations with many.

Op-ed: For Many Gay Men, We Must Come Out Twice
https://www.hivplusmag.com/opinion/guest-voices/2012/10/11/op-ed-many-gay-men-we-must-come-out-twice

During my 17 years yeas as ‘gay,’ I personally witnessed far too many lives devastated and some taking their own lives over the celebration of ‘gay.’ In each and every case the ruin and carnage were not brought about by the individual trying to resolve their same-gender attraction.

There is no question that a goal of the gay liberation movement is to achieve a nationwide ban on counseling for individuals with same-sex attraction claiming “change is not possible” and to say that it is “too harmful.”

In my view, there continues to be relentless social pressure to protect “gays” from discrimination, but also from any form of disagreement, which from personal experience, is tragically promoting a dangerous philosophy.

I find this cause to be even more than intriguing since there is great diversity and disagreement in the gay community over fundamental basics such as “what it means to be gay or lesbian.” The gay community is hardly a unified front as many would have us believe.

While I personally deplore any and all forms of “gay-bashing” and other hate crimes against homosexuals, the extreme medical risks and the fundamental psychological problems often associated with homosexual practice cannot be undermined or dismissed.

That said, today, whether homosexual or heterosexual, the relationship between sexual promiscuity and high-risk sexual behavior are joined at the hip. This is not judgment but rather a fact of life.

In America, very little is being offered which promotes the truth about homosexuality and the general public has slowly but certainly bought into the many untruths with regard to the topic of homosexuality. This did not happen by accident.

In December 1973, by a narrow vote, homosexuality was removed from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder (DSM) by the American Psychiatric Association. The vote was not based upon scientific research but on political pressure from homosexual activists.

So much for an individual’s right of self-determination to address their unwanted homosexual feelings and behavior.

In a nutshell, the problem is the politicization of psychiatry, psychology, and most definitely, the Bible, to the extent that the freedom to investigate and address homosexuality has been and continues to be under serious and relentless attack.

Today, in America and around the world, in the name of tolerance, diversity, and equality, often the truth has been suppressed regarding homosexuality. We can and we must reverse the current trend through education, awareness, and understanding.

Yes, because of very real discrimination, homosexual activists created a brilliant strategic plan to gain across-the-board acceptance. Yet their plan was based on a flawed paradigm to persuade people they were born with same-gender attraction and that change is not possible.

It is an undeniable fact this strategy has worked, in spite of no scientific or Bible evidence to support the opinion, notion, or theory.

Ironically, the biggest losers just may be same-sex attracted men and women who may get everything they think they want, but will they be denied what they truly need?

Pastor Phillip Lee
Executive Director
His Way Out Ministries

Please consider making a donation at www.hiswayout.com/donate. Thank you, Pastor Phillip Lee

The only sin Scripture says will not be forgiven is the blasphemy of the Holy Spirit. That does not mean homosexuality is not a serious sin, but like all sins apart from blaspheming the Holy Spirit, it can be confessed, turned from, and forgiven. (See I Corinthians 6:9-11)

When the culture of LGBTQ crashes into Christian families, they look to the Church for answers, comfort, truth and support. We should be the first place they to go.

Therefore, please, stop using the word “abomination” to completely write off gay-identified men and women.

I have always been and remain intrigued by those that jump at the opportunity to use the word “abomination” when discussing or referencing homosexuality.

Yes, it is Scripturally true and accurate that in Leviticus 18:22 and 20:13, God calls homosexuality an abomination.

What is an abomination?

An abomination is an outrage, a disgrace, something detestable to God – and, yes, this is exactly what God says the practice of homosexuality is.

In Romans 1:26-28, the Bible twice says of practicing same-sex scenarios that God “gave them over” to their sin, meaning, God let their sin run its destructive course in their lives.

Any decision to reject God’s truth results in our becoming enslaved to ungodly passions.

Scripturally-speaking, the bottom line is this:

The Bible nowhere affirms, sanctions, endorses or approves the practice of homosexuality. Any man, any woman practicing homosexuality does not have Scripture on their side.

That said, abomination does not signify “case closed, 10-4, over-and-out, done, finality!”

1 Corinthians 6:9-11 tells us clearly, “Some of you once practiced a behavior, a lifestyle that even progressed to the point that it is how you thought of and defined yourself.”

However, 1 Corinthians 6:11 says, “Now you are washed by the blood of Jesus. Now you have a new life. You are sanctified by the Holy Spirit, and you are being transformed into new individuals. You are justified – set free from your sin and now wear the robes of Jesus’ righteousness. The Holy Spirit ‘has done’ and is ‘continuing’ to do a great work of transformation in your life.”

No longer viewed by God as an abomination. Here’s the twist.

You and I must (embrace and allow) God’s Word to accomplish the purpose for which He sends it:

“As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the Sower and bread for the eater, so is My Word that goes out from My mouth: It will not return to Me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” Isaiah 55:10-11

See yourself as God sees you and not as you once were.

Fact: Gay will never, ever win biblically or theologically.

Finally, I offer a word of caution.

If all you have done or are doing is accusing, condemning, judging or writing gay-identified men and women off, without doing or offering anything constructive to see things improve, you are standing in a very, very dangerous place.

By doing nothing except voicing your contempt and not offering or extending ministry (discipleship) is religious, arrogant and legalistic.

Jesus Himself offers a very specific warning.

“For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the Kingdom of Heaven” (Matthew 5:20).

The door of high-powered perception swings both ways on both communities: LGBT and Christian.

Pastor Phillip Lee
Executive Director
His Way Out Ministries

Please consider making a donation at www.hiswayout.com/donate. Thank you, Pastor Phillip Lee

“They were eating, drinking, marrying and being given in marriage…but then it started to rain.” (Luke 17:27)

While homosexuality has become perhaps the most controversial social issue of our time, often resulting in a host of challenging, if not divisive questions, it is also an undeniable fact the homosexual community, through a masterful plan, has achieved monumental results in a very, very short period of time. There is no doubt that homosexuality (an identity based on sexual preference) is a multi-dimensional phenomenon.

Today, the homosexual agenda continues its march from state to state and nation to nation. Education systems have become much more tolerant and sensitive to LGBT students with false pro-homosexual lessons being taught through health education curriculum. Religious institutions have and continue to revise the historic teachings on homosexual practice by caving to social trends in order to accommodate active homosexuals.

There is no question as to the media and movies having become pulpits relentlessly promoting homosexual practice often without question, challenge or debate. Compounding the crisis and continuing to fuel the phenomenon is the reluctance, if not total disregard by scientific organizations and churches, to allow any discussion about the causes and the resolving of unwanted same-sex attraction.

No doubt, the pinnacle of success for the homosexual community has been the legalization of same-sex marriage. The homosexual community successfully and dramatically blurred the lines enough making “love” the ingredient, the quality which has the power to validate anything that is done in its name.

The homosexual community, though a relatively small segment of society, has nevertheless become extremely significant and influential. And, so it seems, the achievements and the power of the politically organized and active homosexual community has it all.

But is this really the case?

“…sin is fun for a season.” (Hebrews 11:25)

Beginning to surface more and more by both men and women practicing homosexuality, largely influenced and generated by the accomplishments of the homosexual community, is a sense and questioning of true personal value, a true sense of being loved and accepted, and a sense (question) of living a meaningful life. In other words…

“Those of us that proudly proclaim to be gay-identified and now have the legal right to pursue what we deem ‘natural,’ free from any and all forms of discrimination based on orientation and/or behavior, free to be, free to do, free to go, socially accepted, and free to practice a sexual preference in a social environment free from prejudicial treatment even by those who find such behavior completely unacceptable, even free from religious establishments…”

“Why aren’t all these freedoms freeing?”
“Why am I still so empty?”
“Why isn’t this working for me?”

“…He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9)

Homosexuality, rather than being a divine gift that needs to be celebrated, is now being seen as anything but ‘gay’ by many.

And they will be turning to the Church in greater numbers.

Those making the decision to leave homosexual practice and the gay community will not just be abstaining from or abandoning sexual sin, they will be disconnecting from a whole network of support and an identity. Having made the right choice to say “No!” to homosexual practice, they will be arriving on our church doorsteps with absolutely nothing.

Will we, God’s people, celebrate the decision of the homosexual who has said “Yes” to God and “No” to homosexuality?

Will we, God’s people, be abundantly clear in affirming the Biblical position that God loves all people, that homosexual practice is but one sin among many and that the Holy Spirit is available to transform all persons – including homosexual persons?

Will we, God’s people, minister to persons struggling with homosexuality, their families, and all others affected by homosexuality as partners in Christ’s work of healing?

Will we, God’s people, integrate all persons striving to live as faithful disciples of Jesus Christ into full membership in the local church?

“Indeed, it is raining but not just on the homosexual.”

“In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people.” (Acts 2:17)

All Christians are part of God’s overall plan for the redemption of the world. To say, “The Church is of God,” means that we are not part of some optional and respectable social club.

The Church is called by God “out of the world” in order to transform the world.

Each of us, then, is part of God’s plan.

“A much needed and later rain has begun.”

“Pastor, the homosexuals are coming, the homosexuals are coming!”

“Wonderful! They can have a seat next to the gossips, those having sex before marriage, the adulterers, the liars, those that drink excessively, the greedy…”

We, His Church, must stand for Jesus Christ and witness to His grace and power – to and for all people.

Pastor Phillip Lee
Executive Director
His Way Out Ministries

Please consider making a donation at www.hiswayout.com/donate. Thank you, Pastor Phillip Lee

The silence of many has enabled and continues to fuel (1) the denigration of Biblical authority (2) the loss of a coherent definition of family and (3) the exploitation of children.

Silence has and continues to fuel many now worshipping another Jesus. A Jesus which has been created by man that requires absolutely no sacrifice, makes no demands of obedience, and is completely and totally silent when it comes to sexual sin.

The Oxford American Dictionary defines “silence” as, “absence of sound; avoidance or absence of speaking or of making a sound; the fact of not mentioning something.”

I freely admit that I remain perplexed and deeply troubled by those in the Church that are terrified, if not paralyzed by the gay rights movement, and want to see any further legitimization of homosexuality stopped dead in its tracks but remain hesitant and unwilling to offer ministry to those who desire to come out of the behavior.

This makes absolutely no sense.

Today, while a segment of the Church continues to consciously and deliberately avoid the subject of homosexuality, God, however, is not silent and has never been silent. As true faithful followers of Christ Jesus, we take the Bible in its entirety or not at all. We do not have the luxury of randomly selecting portions of Scripture and discarding the rest. God’s Word is not a thing that a person can push around at their convenience. The Bible is a Voice, a Word, the very Word of the living God.

The Church must call homosexual practice sin, and that will remain offensive to many. We cannot water down God’s Word. There is no doubt our courage will be tested, there will even be times when some must stand alone and defend what is right. As Paul said to Timothy: “At my first defense, no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me.” (2 Timothy 4:16)

Today, maybe more than ever, a true faithful follower of Christ Jesus has crucified his rights and is willing to be completely and fully led by God’s Spirit. He fears God, that is, he has a healthy awe and respect for God and does not take God lightly. We, as God’s people, should not be out to advance the claims of a church, of a nation, of an ideology, but of Jesus Himself. There can be no true compassion, integrity, and outreach if the Name, the teachings, the promises, the life, the death, the resurrection, and the transformative power of the Holy Spirit are not proclaimed – and, proclaimed to the virtually untouched mission field around the world called ‘the gay community.’

What is stopping so many today in defending the Authority of Scripture with regard to homosexual practice? Is it fear of being beaten in an argument? Fear of not knowing what to say? Fear of messing it all up? Such fears are groundless. Christians are not in the business of “winning the argument.” People are not argued into the Kingdom of God. What is eloquent and pierces a heart and soul is the personal testimony of someone whose life has been transformed by Christ. This is exactly what excites and captivates the imagination and interest. Not being well versed or educated on the subject of homosexuality is no excuse for remaining silent. We each have our own story to tell.

Few things are more effective than people who learn how to be “a friend (who) loves at all times” (Proverbs 17:17) while not being afraid to uphold God’s truth that “better is open rebuke than hidden love.” (Proverbs 27:5)

I would submit that the calamity and dilemma many professing Christians face today with regard to homosexuality is not unlike a time when Elijah spoke and said: “How long will you waver between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow Him; but if Baal is God, follow him.” But the people said nothing. (1 Kings 18:21)

Today, more than ever, we are in need of Christians that will not sidestep truth or grace but offer crystal clear truth on a host of issues, including homosexuality, toward every person. Frankly, this is exactly what the Church was called to be from the beginning, and it is exactly what people are looking for today. It is a Church just like this that saved my life.

Many know and understand the importance and significance of reaching the unreached peoples of the world for Christ Jesus. What about the unreached homosexual population? We, the Christian community, have a lot to learn about bringing Jesus to the gays and lesbians who hopefully will one day knock at the doors of our churches. How about, “If you struggle with homosexuality and feel trapped – there is hope! Come on into Church and investigate the roots and causes of your struggle with homosexuality. We will walk with you as you look past the surface, deep into your heart, and consider God’s will for your life.”

It is the clarity of the Holy Scriptures that should compel each and every faithful follower of Christ Jesus to be a light where there is darkness, rather than hiding our witness from those who need it.

Luke 6:45 tells us, “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.” If we truly care about the eternal destination of a multitude of men and women, snared and deceived by the brokenness of same-sex attraction, we will not be silent.

Silence cannot and must not be an option.

Consider: Did God keep Himself in icy isolation from your predicament? Did He say, “They are probably all right as they are”?

The ultimate issue for the homosexual is the same as it is for every individual. “Where do they stand? Are they dead in sin or alive in Christ?”

Therefore, we must not withdraw, we must not be silent.

Pastor Phillip Lee
Executive Director
His Way Out Ministries

Please consider making a donation at www.hiswayout.com/donate. Thank you, Pastor Phillip Lee

When the Bible is not the authority, what is?

Far too many have allowed, and are allowing, their personal opinions and feelings trump Scripture.

In Matthew 4:4, Jesus tells us, “It is written: Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.”

A church is a family, with all of its diversity, and no two churches in the world are exactly the same. What is the culture and the climate at your church?

Is your congregation especially welcoming, fearful, gay affirming, apathetic, sold out to Christ’s way by following in the steps of Christ bringing grace and truth together without compromise?

At the next “Straight Talk” on Sunday, December 7th beginning at 8:00am, we will turn our teaching and discussion to “Homosexuality and the Church.”

It is imperative we know and embrace the fact that God’s Word does not adapt to culture, it transcends it.

It is only when the Church holds to the truth and authority of Scripture, we have any hope of influencing and impacting culture.

Straight Talk, Sunday, December 7th beginning at 8:00am. Teaching material provided.

All Straight Talk Class/Care Group meetings are held at Rock Harbor Church: 10904 Snow Rd, Bakersfield, CA 93314

Link: https://rockharborchurch.net/

Whether you know it or not, in the mind of your gay identified loved one you become on trial at that traumatic moment of the announcement, “I’m gay.”

His or her obsession to be loved makes the unreasoning demand, “If you really love me, you will love me anyway.”

And to a point, I agree.

Please prayerfully consider, your constant prayer for his/her deliverance is far more likely to be answered in your home rather than in a gay affirming environment.

The Holidays: When Families Face Homosexuality

If you’re a believer who’s been touched by this issue – and these days, who isn’t? I hope you find the content of this article(s) helpful to understand the heart of God to the same-sex attracted and how to share that love.

First and foremost, let’s put even this crisis in its proper context. Embrace the promise of Romans 8:28 that God makes everything – even calamities – work for our good. Admittedly, it is often very excruciating to wait for the ‘good’ to work. I mean, when it seems that everything is literally coming apart at the seams, it’s hard to consider if anything good will really come out of misery.

• My first encouragement is to learn as much as you can about the causes of homosexuality. Simply knowing it is wrong is not even close to being enough.

• Don’t run the matter into the ground every time you see your son or daughter. Often, there can be a good reason(s) for not dealing with a problem right now.

• Do everything you can to keep the lines of communication open and maintain your relationship. If you feel you have been batting your head against the wall seeking resolution of ‘the problem,’ take a rest. It may not be God’s time to deal with the issue.

• Make sure your son or daughter is aware of your belief and position regarding homosexual practice. Heaven knows, God can deal with and use our mistakes but He cannot deal with our inaction. Be clear and precise.

• Do not argue about homosexuality. The very moment the conversation erupts into anger – drop it! Badgering will only produce pushing the individual in the wrong direction. Many problems and issues in life are often solved very indirectly; not when we are consciously dealing with them, but when we are going about our normal lives.

• It is imperative to distinguish between “acceptance and approval.” It is important to separate, both in our own minds and to our loved ones, their individual worth from the acts of homosexuality they may be committing.

• Stay completely away from Christian cliches such as: “God created Adam and Eve, not Adam and Steve,” and “Love the sinner but hate the sin.” Christian cliches only reinforce the belief of many with same-sex attraction that the Christian community is unwilling to truly educate themselves on the complexities of same-sex attraction.

• Do not hesitate to admit when and where the Church has been wrong with regard to men and women with same-sex attraction. We, the Church, have made mistakes and in some cases owe the gay community an apology.

• Refrain from attacking the character of homosexuals when discussing homosexuality. Keep to the real issue: “The real issue is whether or not homosexual practice is, in and of itself, moral.”

• Do not be discouraged if your conversations do not produce instant fruit. What we will answer to God for is speaking truth lovingly and plainly – not for how our loved one responds.

• Be relentless in looking for every opportunity to share it is a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and the indwelling presence of His Spirit which is the foundation needed to overcome same-sex attraction.

• Release control. Let God decide how to bring freedom. God is the only One who can bring about change in the homosexual.

• Let the son, daughter, and everyone know that God has a reputation for transforming trapped people with damaged sexualities. “And such were some of you” applies to all Christians who had formerly participated in homosexuality. (1 Corinthians 6:9-11)

• And, remember, those entangled in sin, of course, will have weak faith, so be merciful to those who doubt. (Jude 22)

Somewhere I read, “Hope is not the conviction that something will turn out well, but the certainty that something makes sense, regardless of how it turns out.” When Jesus Christ is “there,” life has infinite possibilities.

Check out “Home For The Holidays” for a few Do’s and Don’ts.

Pastor Phillip Lee
Executive Director
His Way Out Ministries

Please consider making a donation at www.hiswayout.com/donate. Thank you, Pastor Phillip Lee

It is time, actually long overdue, for Christians to lead the majority of pro-moral Americans in reestablishing the values that earned for us the blessings of God on our country.

Respectfully, truth, God’s absolute truth has not changed and will never change just because you did due to a so-called “evolved and enlightened understanding” of homosexuality.

40 years ago…

• You told me I needed to surrender my life to Christ Jesus and be born-again. I surrendered.
• You told me I needed to forsake and repent of homosexual practice. I repented. I turned away.
• You told me my mind needed renewing, and I needed a life transformation. I willing died to self.
• You told me I needed to forsake the gay community and embrace the Church as my new family. I did so by faith.
• You regularly encouraged me to share my testimony. I gladly did so to honor Christ Jesus.
• You continue to remind me the Church is God’s vehicle to reach the wounded, broken and hurting. I agree.
• You told me the Bible is the textbook for life in all matters of faith and practice. I embraced this truth.
• You reminded me over and over again “Jesus remains the same yesterday, today and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8) Indeed and Amen.

But now, some of you are saying, per your new stance that your understanding of homosexuality is “evolving” – “Well, maybe homosexuality isn’t so bad after all.”

Many Sunday morning church pulpits have lapsed fully into the silent mode with regard to homosexuality which has and is perpetuating a tsunami of immorality.

The gay community is extremely vocal and highly visible demanding their right to be who they want to be, but I am now being told daily I cannot have, and I must now have the same right.

I am trying very, very hard to understand. Would you help me, please?

Much too often, I turn around wondering, “Where did everybody go?”

Having once faced and addressed the impact of rejection and abandonment in my life, must I face it again?

Should we compare where we stand now regarding homosexuality and related issues to the time when things got very, very tough and Jesus said to His disciples, “Will you also turn away?” (John 6:67)

You told me and reminded me frequently…

“The Church must call homosexual practice sin and while that will be offensive too many, the Word of God must not and cannot be watered down.”

In many respects, I attribute my new life in Christ Jesus of 40 years to Christians sharing and holding me to The Truth.

• You told me I was not born gay. I embraced this truth.
• You told me change is possible. I changed.
• You told me our true identity is in Christ Jesus – not our sexuality. True.
• You told me not to allow my past to dictate who I am in Christ today. Agreed.
• You told me homosexuals are redeemable with God’s grace and power more than sufficient to transform a life. Amen.
• You told me sharing the Gospel is not an option for a Christian but rather obedience to a command. Absolutely.
• You told me the only way out of homosexuality was through a deep, personal, intimate relationship with Christ Jesus.

Has any of the above mentioned changed?

If, yes, to any of the above mentioned, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know, but who are you?” (Acts 19:15)

Truth lived out Christ’s way, does not have any gray edges. It is abundantly clear and straight forward.

In Christ,

Phillip, just one of the many prodigals.

“And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into His likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” (2 Corinthians 3:18)

Respectfully, truth, God’s absolute truth has not changed and will never change just because you did due to a so-called “evolved and enlightened understanding” of homosexuality.

Today, standing on the side of our present culture can place you on the wrong side of eternity.

When the Bible is not the authority, what is?

Far too many have allowed, and are allowing, their personal opinions and feelings trump Scripture.

In Matthew 4:4, Jesus tells us, “It is written: Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.”

At the next “Straight Talk” on Sunday, December 7th beginning at 8:00am, we will turn our teaching and discussion to “Homosexuality and the Church.”

It is imperative we know and embrace the fact that God’s Word does not adapt to culture, it transcends it.

It is only when the Church holds to the truth and authority of Scripture, we have any hope of influencing and impacting culture.

Straight Talk, Sunday, December 7th beginning at 8:00am. Teaching material provided.

All Straight Talk Class/Care Group meetings are held at Rock Harbor Church: 10904 Snow Rd, Bakersfield, CA 93314
https://rockharborchurch.net/

Having/holding the right positions is good.

Living them is better.

It helps every so often to review the way we’re handling the gifts, responsibilities and abilities God’s given us. They’ll be tried by fire someday soon, and that’s a test we individually and collectively want to pass.

“Each one’s work will become evident; for the day will show it because it is to be revealed with fire, and the fire itself will test the quality of each one’s work” (1 Corinthians 3:13).

I have met and continue to meet Christian leadership who actually are afraid to tell the same-sex attracted that same-sex practice is a sin, fearing they will somehow damage them by telling them the truth.

Indeed, our speech should be grace-filled, but that is no reason to shy away from an honest assessment of a behavior, any behavior, God has defined as sin.

It is imperative we be honest when discussing what’s right or wrong, and we must be sure that whoever hears us, whether they are agree with us or not, will at least walk away knowing where we stand.

To date, many have based their understanding of today’s social issues on the Bible’s truth. However, mainstream culture not only sees these issues differently but calls you bigoted for rejecting views they have deemed self-evident.

So where do you “go from here and how do you remain a witness of Christ’s love to those ready to label and right you off as hateful?”

Having/holding the right positions is good.

Living them is better.

Today, anyone who believes in upholding and protecting the Lordship of Christ and the Authority of Scripture, especially its relevance to social issues, as well as offering a defense for sound doctrine will most assuredly find himself in an intense battle.

Articulating Biblical precepts can get you fired, canceled, censored, and possibly even jailed. The demand for dedicated faithful followers of Christ Jesus to be silent is growing.

However, we must never be ashamed of the gospel – and we are told to proclaim its precepts.

If the Christian community is ever to meet the challenge of the relentless pro-gay assault upon the Church and God’s Word, it is essential and imperative the Church recover its purpose and proper place by preaching and teaching the entirety of Scripture as it applies to all of life – which includes the realm of sexual ethics and morals.

For faithful followers of Christ Jesus, following the teachings of Christ and being purposed to reach men and women struggling with same-gender attraction may inflict a tremendous personal challenge, if not a very high price.

However, if we are truly in love with Jesus, our willingness and obedience to go in His Name does not really cost us anything, it is a joy. But it just might cost those who do not know Him or refuse to follow Him a great deal.

Over and over again, I have found that teaching and testifying about a God that saves and delivers from the snare of homosexuality causes many people to have their plans for life upset. The world and its effects have worn away the faith of many. While it is continued to be taught and preached that God can do the impossible, do we still believe that?

When it comes to the issue of homosexuality, the Church has become fractured and viewpoints can differ from church to church, denomination to denomination, and believer to believer.

While some say, “God created some men and women homosexual; acting out sexually doesn’t matter, you are saved by faith and not works; homosexuals were created to be lost; God accepts you where you are and no change is necessary,” each and every one of these misguided false statements flies in the face of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

I have even tragically heard it said, “the very best a homosexual can hope for is celibacy,” when it comes to change. Is it any wonder the man or woman struggling with homosexuality is often completely confused about the Christian viewpoint? Too often, the individual trying to follow and be obedient to the full Gospel of Christ encounters someone who is there to tell him he doesn’t have to change his life, just change churches. It is far easier to change churches than it is to be obedient and change your attitude and behavior.

As a Christian, I must be obedient and involved in the full purposes of God which will often cause many to be offended. However, being obedient to Jesus never brings dishonor to Him. The only thing that dishonors Him is not obeying Him.

I believe an appropriate question for the Church today regarding homosexuality and related issues is, “Am I being loyal to the notions of Jesus, or loyal to Him?”

Are we, His Church, remaining loyal to what He has clearly stated in His Word regarding homosexuality, or are we trying to find compromises with conceptions that never came from Him?

Helping a man or woman to come out of homosexuality takes a tremendous amount of effort. Frankly, it is much, much easier to say that it simply can’t be done than to embark on a journey that may last for a very long time. Tragically, many have counted the cost and ultimately made the decision that it simply wasn’t worth the effort. However, that never has, nor will it ever minimize God’s power or His sovereignty.

Yes, God is more than able to change our life, but He requires our obedience and participation. Unfortunately, we live in a world today that seeks, if not demands, a simple and natural explanation for just about everything. Anytime we look to the world for definitive answers, we place ourselves on shifting sand.

When a person who was once controlled by his sin is now free from that sin and engaged in a new kind of life pattern, hasn’t change occurred?

Oswald Chambers states in My Utmost for His Highest, “A man is a slave for obeying unless behind his obedience there is recognition of a holy God.” I find it remarkable that God never insists on our obedience, but when we truly know Him, we want to instantly obey Him and live according to His perfect will from sunup to sundown.

Indeed, obedience is much better than sacrifice. However, the wonderful hymn, “I Surrender All,” does not seem to be at the top of the charts today. Today, like never before, God desires that all men and women surrender their sexuality to Him. When anyone is obedient and fully surrenders their life to Him, which includes their sexuality, life will take on new meaning, purpose and a relationship with God, that many never thought possible, will become a reality.

Why? Because God always blesses obedience.

“I tell you the truth unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. The man who loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.” (John 12:24-25 NIV)

Today, there remains a remnant being used of God to bring repentance and restoration to men and women with unwanted same-sex attraction. Personally, I continue to hope and pray their example will bring repentance and restoration to the Church of Jesus Christ.

Holiness, godliness, and spiritual discipline should be, must be the distinctive marks of the true Church. Jesus prayed that His people be kept in truth: “Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.” (John 17:17)

Compromising God’s Word, His Truth, or withholding His Truth only leads to greater unity with the world and not His Church.

As Christians, may we never forget that while our obedience to the Great Commission may cost us personally, the good news of spiritual deliverance through Jesus Christ remains an important and vital resource that Christians must share.

On God’s truth is where a Christian, the Church must stand.

Having/holding the right positions is good.

Living them is better.

Pastor Phillip Lee
Executive Director
His Way Out Ministries

Please consider making a donation at www.hiswayout.com/donate. Thank you, Pastor Phillip Lee

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