“We demand freedom from social restraint and independence from any and all moral order.”

“Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness.” (Isaiah 5:20)

Today, especially in America, little is being offered which promotes the truth about homosexuality with the general public and the Church believing the many untruths and inaccuracies being offered. This did not happen by accident. This has been and continues to be a well-crafted strategic plan.

Phase One: Get society and the Church to accept the falsehood that someone can be a gay Christian (it’s ok to practice homosexuality) which will then set the stage for the transition to Phase Two.

Phase Two: Revise Scripture to endorse and validate the homosexual disposition and agenda.

Hence, pro-gay theology: the abandonment of Scriptural truth; scientific information, social changes, and personal experience becomes the cornerstone of how ‘truth’ is determined.

For homosexual practice to be seen as acceptable and created by God, historic and traditional Christian teaching had to be discredited.

Phase Three: Since it’s ok to be a gay Christian (according to pro-gay theology), then God Himself supports, approves, and validates homosexuality and same-sex marriage.

Herein lies the true problem (crisis).

Nowhere in the Bible does any Scripture, not one, approve of or support the notion or concept of gay Christian or same-sex relationships. Every time Scripture mentions homosexual practice it is always, without exception, mentioned in the context of a behavior in which no man or woman is to practice – not unlike many other behaviors.

The Church cannot ‘welcome and affirm’ what God Himself never affirms. Yes, Jesus welcomed and loved every person but He never, ever affirmed their sin – not once.

That said, permit me to take this another direction for a moment.

It is long overdue for many, including homosexual strugglers, to stop singling out homosexuality as the worst of all sins.

Today, many view the person engaged in homosexual acts to be unsaved. Why are not the same assumptions made, at least with the same rigor and emphasis, regarding other sins such as: fornication (pre-marital sex), idolatry, adultery, thievery, covetousness, alcoholism, slander, and deceit. An end must come to declaring those guilty of pre-marital sex as just, well, “disobedient Christians,” while declaring homosexuals definitely non-Christians.

As Christians, our relationship with God through Christ is the cornerstone of our identity.

Today, many are being told, “Accept yourself and follow your heart.”

However, Jesus says, “Deny yourself and follow Me.”

“By this we know that we have come to know Him, if we keep His commandments. The one who says, ‘I have come to know Him,’ and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him; but whoever keeps His word, in him the love of God has truly been perfected. By this we know that we are in Him; the one who says he abides in Him ought himself to walk in the same manner as He walked.” (1 John 2:3-6)

• 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 33 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 truth, does not change just because you did.

I find it fascinating, if not intriguing, some still marvel at my remaining in dialog with members of the gay community, including gay activists, a couple of which are members of the APA (American Psychiatric Association).

While not entirely, our conversation(s) and our exchange largely began because I became concerned and alarmed with all the media attention given to the bullying of members of the gay community, and, not much, to my knowledge, was or is being offered, mentioned, or discussed regarding the hate that is often spewed and perpetrated against men and women that have said, “No” to homosexual practice and have rejected the gay identity.

Yes, I am using the word “hate.”

I am confident many today are not aware there continues to be men and women with unwanted same-sex attraction that have and are making the personal decision to leave homosexuality. As a result, formerly gay-identified men and women are often reviled simply because they dare to exist.

Should not “diversity” and “tolerance” be a two-way street by recognizing and including the once gay-identified man or woman? We are real, and we are here. Therefore, I must express my growing concern of the often widespread “intolerance” practiced against those who decide to face and break free of the snare of same-sex attraction.

Here’s the question: Why do some gays hate ex-gays so much?

Thirty-three years ago, I said goodbye to homosexuality and the gay identity. Like all faithful followers of Christ Jesus, I had to face the decision of accepting or rejecting Christ’s Lordship. Coming out of homosexuality required deep emotional healing and a restructuring of my whole identity, as our Creator, God, is the only One who knows exactly how to restore our personality.

I remember so vividly when coming to know Christ at the age of 35, what it meant for the first time in my life to be a man. But more importantly, what it meant to be a godly man. For me to deny or not share what Christ has done in my life would be the equivalent of denying Him.

Thankfully and gratefully, I am far from the only individual that has experienced change. God has not been silent to the cries of men and women wanting freedom from homosexual feelings and behavior. Many have experienced the power of Christ to address the deep needs of both men and women trapped in same-gender struggles.

One gay activist challenged me by stating, “Phillip, while I commend you regarding your concern about ‘intolerance,’ I just can’t get my head around (ex-gay). Why don’t you just be true to yourself?”

“Be true to myself?”

“That is exactly what I am doing.”

What makes one individual happy and content may not make someone else happy, because we are all individuals. I, like any man or woman, deserve the right to self-determination and happiness. To give sexual orientation protection to one group while excluding another is outright discrimination.

Without testimony from all sectors of society, including the ex-gay community, public policy on the topic of homosexuality is seriously flawed.

Ex-gay men and women are routinely denied equal access to participate in public school events and present on diversity day.

Ex-gay conferences, workshops and seminars are frequently picketed by pro-gay protesters.

Transgendered individuals are affirmed for changing their gender, but former homosexuals are ridiculed for making the decision to address and change their sexual orientation.

Ex-gays are subject to an increasingly hostile environment where they are labeled as perpetrators of (hate) simply because they advocate for or live out a different belief and view of homosexuality.

Ex-gays are criticized and face lifelong intolerance for simply existing as living proof that homosexuality is not innate.

Frankly, the welfare of individuals, society, and the Church as a whole depends on our facing the subject of homosexuality honestly, compassionately, and courageously.

Yes, homosexuals have the right, as do others, to believe that homosexual behavior should be accepted as normal. However, they do not have the right to demand everyone else agree with them.

True love is loving in spite of our differences and treating each other with kindness and respect. This is what it means to live in a society in which freedom of speech, religion (and belief) are guaranteed.

I’m real. I’m here. I will not be silent.

Pastor Phillip Lee
Executive Director
His Way Out Ministries
www.hiswayout.com

Speaking as one once ensnared and bound by the incompleteness and derailment of homosexuality, try and try as I have to get my head, heart, and spirit fully around the above statement, I cannot.

I cannot because it does not make sense.

If, within the statement, one is saying, “I am a Christian that struggles with the temptation of same-sex attraction.” This makes sense and I understand. However, for a faithful follower of Christ Jesus to pronounce identity by first using ‘gay’ (based on one’s sexual orientation) then follow-up with ‘Christian’ – clearly, what is happening is a lack of conviction, practice, and concern of how one is being shaped and led by a wrong and deceiving spirit.

Go with me here for a moment. If I were an individual self-identifying as a ‘gay Christian,’ I would at some point in all honesty and truth need to truly face myself and ask, “Am I more gay or am I more Christian?”

One of the earmarks of liberal Christianity regarding homosexuality is the rejection of the infallibility of God’s Word and the quest, if not determination, to find Scriptural acceptance (a canon) within the canon (Scripture) to validate, accept, and endorse homosexual practice. Enter pro-gay theology.

In all fairness, my considerable concern for many men and women today struggling with combating the unwanted brokenness of same-sex attraction is how are they to follow the Holy Spirit when much of what God has to say regarding homosexual practice is being dismissed, disregarded, and withheld? How are they to hear His voice when His words are being silenced?

Is it possible that far too much of the Church is now relying on feelings which are very often completely disconnected from what the Bible says?

I have shared before it was Christians that held me to the truth and authority of Scripture throughout my discipleship. Admittedly, it was not always an easy road to travel. However, I understood they were holding me accountable because they truly had my best interest at heart. Thank God they never once lowered the bar on the truth of Scripture.

A very frightening reality hit me this morning. If God’s truth had been withheld from me, what would I have been left with?

My walk, your walk with God is not about personal sensibilities. The gay Christian identity does not exist in the Kingdom of God. There is a much, much better way.

It isn’t new. It isn’t even really profound. It is the willingness and posture to let Scripture have its unhindered way. Most assuredly, humility (how we approach and receive the truth of God’s Word), is the ingredient necessary for transformation enabling you and I to give way to God’s Word, even when it is unpopular.

“O God, make me know your ways. Teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation, and for you I wait all the day long.” (Psalm 25:4-5)

Pastor Phillip Lee
Executive Director
His Way Out Ministries
www.hiswayout.com

Tune in or click the links below!

Each Saturday morning beginning at 7:00am (PST) on KERI 1410AM, and live streamed at www.wilkinsradio.com, His Way Out Ministries offers a 30-minute broadcast dedicated to equipping, educating, and encouraging the Body of Christ to reach out and minister to individuals, families, and churches impacted by the brokenness of same-sex attraction.

Join us over the next two weeks for these encore presentations of the His Way Out Ministries Broadcast or click the links and listen now!

June 3, 2019
Freedom and Change with Stephen Black pt1, Audio Podcast S03E04
June 10, 2019
Freedom and Change with Stephen Black pt2, Audio Podcast S03E05

Phillip is joined by Stephen Black, Chairman of Restored Hope Network, Executive Director of First Stone Ministries in Oklahoma City, OK and author of his new book titled, Freedom Realized: Finding Freedom From Homosexuality and Living a Life Free From Labels.

Stephen and I discuss, Does the Bible say change is possible? Why are some still believing the “born that way” notion/theory? Is transformation instantaneous or a process? Why is it so important to have a Christian support network?

All past episodes of His Way Out Ministries Radio Broadcast are available by following THIS LINK or selecting the “Audio Podcast” category on the right.

Some time ago, I was asked, “When will my ‘past’ stop being my ‘present’?”

The question caused me to re-examine and ponder some of my own thoughts regarding the past and even how I see myself today.

To be honest, it seems that regardless of how much time has gone by, too often my past does it’s best to bring huge amounts of pain – even now, some thirty-three years down the road of being a Christian and same-gender attraction no longer being an issue.

Frankly, it does seem a bit unfair. I suppose to some degree that shouldn’t be all that surprising when you still remember clearly words being hurled at your like: fag, queer, sissy, pansy, and gay. Tragically, even today, many men and women struggling with homosexuality or lesbianism continue to be viewed and labeled as the most sinful, and the most despised. Is it any wonder the homosexual community devised a powerful and dramatic paradigm to win public approval and acceptance in doing their utmost to convince the world they were created with an unchangeable sexual orientation?

While memories can certainly be painful, they can also be strangely wonderful. Admittedly, there are times when I still find myself riding the emotional roller coaster of being HIV-positive. However, I have been challenged to really live life to its fullest, to embrace the many wonders of life and the possibilities that God has to offer. Frankly, I did not become a Christian to leave homosexuality. I became a Christian because Jesus just makes sense.

To date, I have been places, met people, and done things that most men and women will only dream of doing and experiencing. Yes, I have been up and down the sliding scale of wondering what news or disappointing test results would send me wondering, “Where do we go from here God?”

I have known and know the overwhelming love, encouragement and support of friends, family and partners in ministry; had the privilege of witnessing God’s restoration and healing power at work in many lives; shared the Gospel and love of God with hundreds and thousands of people through the power of testimony and teaching; seen the establishment of ex-gay ministry in places like Guyana, South America; and have every need in my life met. Not too bad for someone who thought his life was over many years ago when diagnosed with HIV. Yes, God has been good to me and it really has been through the tests and trials of life that God has refined and brought healing and closure to much of my past.

Would I, like so many others, like to “go back” and have a second chance at doing some things over? You bet ‘cha! While that is not possible, I have found that some memories do at least fade with time. Also, a person can hasten their demise by choosing not to dwell on them or seek avenues to reinforce them.

The lies of our past must be replaced with the truth of God’s Word. It’s not just the reading of God’s Word but the application that enables a man or women to discover the reality of God’s love for us an individuals and His desire to forgive us for all sin – including homosexual thoughts and actions. The wonderful truth’s contained in the Bible, when acted upon daily in our lives, can and will profoundly change the way we see our past and serve as a compass for our future.

Trust me, there was a time when my entire identity was wrapped up in homosexuality. However, when I became a Christian years ago, I found that my true identity would never be found by looking backward to my past or towards my sexuality. Past events, regardless of how many or to what degree, do not have to control us forever. Although the process of healing from the past may take much time and effort, it is entirely possible to find inner release and freedom.

I never thought I would be free from some of the haunting memories of my past. While I can still recall certain events, in many respects it’s as though they happened to someone else. I thank God I am free from the power of my past; my past no longer controls my life. With God’s help, that kind of freedom remains available today to any man or woman.

God desires that we all live free from the harmful effects of our past. Free to love and serve Him with purpose and full of hope, joy and expectation for the future.

“What would have become of me had I not believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living! Wait and hope for and expect the Lord; be brave and of good courage and let your heart be stout and enduring. Yes, wait for and hope for and expect the Lord” Psalm 27:13-14 (Amplified).

Memories? Yes, we all have them.

However, in choosing to view them as a steppingstone rather than a stumbling block, you just might find the view from where you sit looks pretty dog-gone good.