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“If you would be My disciple, give up your right to yourself to Me.” (Matthew 16:24)

Today, it seems that some believe we in ex-gay ministry (for lack of better expression) are out-and-about trying to catch people to de-program them from homosexual behavior.

We need to be very clear when people are asking for help. It is imperative we all remember homosexuals are people like you and me – people God loves. How will they come to know God’s love if we, as His family, do not reach out to them? How can we, the Church, truly say we are fulfilling The Great Commission If are not offering and providing ministry to those with unwanted same-sex attraction?

If we truly believe God has the power to change anything, we cannot withhold offering truth, hope, and healing through Christ Jesus. Personally, I believe the extension of His love comes about by and through discipleship.

Christian discipleship is exactly the same for the homosexual struggler as it is for any man or woman combating the very long list of habits, addictions, or various behaviors that impact lives. Christian discipleship is the process by which men and women (disciples) grow in the Lord Jesus Christ and are equipped by the Holy Spirit (who resides in our hearts), to overcome the pressures, trials, and temptations that manifest in our lives and become more and more Christ-like.

But how does that play out in the practical sense?

1. Jesus must be put first in all matters of life. (Mark 8:34-38) The homosexual struggler must take a purposed and deliberate step to be set apart from the world. The individual’s focus must be on the Lord Jesus and pleasing Him in every area of life. In other words, put off self-centeredness and put on Christ-centeredness.

2. Follow all the teachings of Jesus. (John 8:31-32) Our obedience to the Father must be like that of a child which enables our being doers of the Word. Obedience is the supreme test of faith in God. (1 Samuel 28:18)

3. Expect change. (John 15:5-8) As a disciple (even those that combat same-gender attraction), our job is to abide in Christ, and “if” we do, the Holy Spirit will produce change, with change being the result of our obedience. As we become more obedient to the Lord and purposed to walk in all of His ways, our lives change. The biggest change will take place in our hearts resulting in new conduct (thoughts, words, and actions), all being representative of “change.” Ultimately, the change we all seek in our lives occurs from the inside out, through the power of the Holy Spirit.

4. In love with other believers (disciples). (John 13:34-35) Clearly, from 1 John 3:10 and 1 Corinthians 13:1-13, we see that love is not just an emotion; it is an action. We must be doing something and involved in the process of discipleship. The attitude for the homosexual struggler as well as those desiring to help or minister to those combating same-gender attraction must be fueled by the motivation of ‘love.’ When it comes to the complexities of life (including homosexuality and related issues), our ‘attitude’ should be the same as that of Christ Jesus.

5. Making disciples of others. (Matthew 28:18-20) Too often, the homosexual struggler and those that have left homosexuality are reluctant to share their faith and tell nonbelievers about the wonderful changes Jesus has made in their lives. No matter what our maturity level in Christian life, we have something to offer. Frankly, some of the most enthusiastic representatives of the Christian life are new believers who have just discovered the awesome love of God. While they may not know what they’re saying goodbye to “gay” fully means, they have experienced the love of God and want to share their new found lives and identify in Christ with others.

Admittedly, deliverance from homosexuality or any habit, addiction or compulsive behavior, for that matter, comes from a Person and not a method. That said, I am concerned we have gotten far away from the command and calling of our Lord to “disciple” – especially, to the homosexual struggler. Heaven knows Christians throughout the ages have had sinful habits to overcome and misbeliefs to replace with truth.

I submit that the same Christian ‘disciplines’ that have helped a multitude will also help those struggling with same-gender attraction.

The greatest crisis in our lives just may be the surrendering of our will.

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

“Culture told me I was born with same-sex attraction and that I couldn’t change. But I’m now approaching 33 years of a very changed and more fulfilling life.” Phillip Lee

On the mission field in Mahaica Village, Guyana, South America.

As a former homosexual, I know this topic from the inside out. For years I struggled with unwanted same-sex attraction and eventually gave in to the notion that “once gay, always gay.” Culture told me I was born with same-sex attraction and that I couldn’t change.

Like many others, I had a sense from a young age that something wasn’t quite right. As childhood rolled into my teens, the difference I felt became a reality. I was homosexual. On the outside, I looked successful. I had a killer wardrobe, traveled to exotic places, had beautiful friends and an income that supported my party life and hard drugs. But I remember often thinking, this isn’t the way I should be.

It took hitting rock bottom before I could look up. One night I was sitting in my apartment. I looked around at all my expensive things: my new car, the closets full of clothes, the displayed artwork. With another glance, I realized I had enormous debt, a body riddled with drugs, not a friend in sight, and the absence of any hope. Sitting there with my eyes closed, I heard myself say, “God, I am going down for the last count. If you’re there and listening, please….”

I remember a bright light penetrating my tightly shut eyes.

I felt an embrace around me, and all the things I felt caught in seemed to drop to the floor. Immediately, I wanted to go to church. That was definitely a major surprise, if not a miracle. It was October 5th, 1985.

At church for the first time, I found pastors that I felt safe enough to share my journey with. They counseled and mentored me back into wholeness. Books from those who had stepped out of homosexuality also gave me the guidance I sought and helped me find a way forward.

During the first six months after I decided to pursue change, I stopped doing all drugs and totally removed myself from all associations with homosexual activity. The 35 years prior to my conversion were difficult, to say the least. But I’m now approaching 33 years of a dramatically changed and more fulfilling life.

In 1993, I was diagnosed with the AIDS virus. After many years of celibacy, I thought I had escaped the possibility. There have been times of frustration and fear since, but instead of hopelessness, I now fully enjoy my life and look forward to the future.

Phillip Lee’s testimony as offered in the book: Changed: Once Gay Stories

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 four weeks for these encore presentations of the His Way Out Ministries Broadcast or click the links and listen now!

April 6, 2019
And Such Were Some of You with Wayne Blakely pt1, Audio Podcast S04E10
April 13, 2019
And Such Were Some of You with Wayne Blakely pt2, Audio Podcast S04E11

Join Pastor Phillip Lee and his Special Guest, Wayne Blakely, retired Co-Founder of Coming Out Ministries and Director of Know His Love Ministries as they discuss:

  • The importance of the Church walking alongside men and women desiring to address and overcome unwanted same-sex attraction.
  • Does the term “ex-gay” properly identify a man or woman who has left the gay identity and community?
  • How should we define “deliverance” from homosexuality and what does that look like?
  • Why is 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 such an extremely important Scripture passage regarding homosexual practice?

Wayne shares “after 40 years of involvement in homosexuality and then surrendering his life to Christ,” what the process – the journey – has been like.

April 20, 2019
A Crisis of Authority with Pete Baker pt1, Audio Podcast S04E14
April 27, 2019
A Crisis of Authority with Pete Baker pt2, Audio Podcast S04E15

Pastor Pete Baker, friend, ministry partner, and Senior Pastor of Fairfax Assembly of God joins Pastor Phillip Lee to discuss,

  • Why has the issue of homosexuality remained so divisive to the Church?
  • How does God want us to see gay-identified individuals?
  • Have too many churches conformed to the standards of the popular culture regarding homosexual practice versus the truth and authority of Scripture?
  • Is the Bible inspired and without error in its original delivery to the prophets from God or just a collection of myths and man-made opinions?

Pastor Baker also shares the testimony of his two recent trips to South Korea with emphasis on the dedication, discipline, and power of prayer.

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.

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. Hence, enter pro-gay theology.

In all fairness, my considerable concern for many men and women today struggling, 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, 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 me 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

Frankly, homosexuality should never have been, nor should it now be, the primary concern of the Church. What has been unfolding for decades, and what continues today, mostly unchallenged, is a rejection of God and a suppressing of His truth, His absolute truth, in favor of being wise in our own eyes.

As a result, herein lies the dilemma for many today, “Will I reject God’s absolute truth, the authority of His Word, or will I by the power of the Holy Spirit surrender and conform my life to the Word of God?”

In a time when far too many lives and our culture is being shaped by political correctness and moral cowardice, the time is long overdue for faithful followers of Christ Jesus to stand unwaveringly on God’s absolute truth.

Is it not abundantly clear that we, God’s people, are standing front and center of one of the greatest crossroads the Church has ever faced?

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “A man dies when he refuses to stand up for what is right; a man dies when he refuses to stand up for justice; a man dies when he refuses to take a stand for that which is true.”

We are treading on terribly treacherous turf.

Ultimately, I am satisfied God’s truth, His absolute truth, will always “be” whether you and I or anyone else believes it or likes it. 1 Corinthians 13:6 says, “Love does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rather rejoices with truth.”

Personally, I cannot come to any other conclusion other than “love, pure, true, undefiled love supports absolute truth.”

Christ-follower, we must challenge our culture with God’s absolute truth because feelings, personal opinion, theories, notions, and ideas have consequences.

Today, many are finding God’s absolute truth much too threatening. Understandably so, because when you love sin, it is impossible to love God’s absolute truth.

Pastor Phillip Lee
Executive Director
His Way Out Ministries

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.

Season 4, Episode 15
Pastor Pete Baker, friend, ministry partner, and Senior Pastor of Fairfax Assembly of God and Pastor Phillip Lee continue to discuss,

  • Why has the issue of homosexuality remained so divisive to the Church?
  • How does God want us to see gay-identified individuals?
  • Have too many churches conformed to the standards of the popular culture regarding homosexual practice versus the truth and authority of Scripture?
  • Is the Bible inspired and without error in its original delivery to the prophets from God or just a collection of myths and man-made opinions?

Pastor Baker also shares the testimony of his two recent trips to South Korea with emphasis on the dedication, discipline, and power of prayer.

Listen online or download the podcast.

A Crisis of Authority with Pete Baker pt2 – Download MP3 –

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

Season 4, Episode 14
Pastor Pete Baker, friend, ministry partner, and Senior Pastor of Fairfax Assembly of God joins Pastor Phillip Lee to discuss,

  • Why has the issue of homosexuality remained so divisive to the Church?
  • How does God want us to see gay-identified individuals?
  • Have too many churches conformed to the standards of the popular culture regarding homosexual practice versus the truth and authority of Scripture?
  • Is the Bible inspired and without error in its original delivery to the prophets from God or just a collection of myths and man-made opinions?

Pastor Baker also shares the testimony of his two recent trips to South Korea with emphasis on the dedication, discipline, and power of prayer.

Listen online or download the podcast.

A Crisis of Authority with Pete Baker pt1 – Download MP3 –

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

Today, the intolerance of anyone challenging the practice of homosexuality, in any form and to any degree, continues by attempts to revise historic Christian teaching. When anyone claims that homosexuality is God’s gift to the Church and to society, then true faithful followers of Christ Jesus must speak up and defend the clarity of the Holy Scriptures.

Those that have fully embraced the Bible in its entirety, are a people bound by the Word of God; our conscience is constrained by it, and from this position we cannot move. While we are not focusing on the sins of others and thereby ignoring our own, neither are we willing to sit silently when our culture calls a behavior, any behavior, acceptable to God and has the blessings of Christianity.

Ultimately, the issue with regard to homosexuality is a Gospel issue. Those who attempt to support homosexual practice from the Bible use approaches to the Bible that do not support the understandings historically held by the Christian church. Nowhere in the Bible will you find one positive statement about the practice of homosexuality. Every time it is mentioned, it is mentioned as a behavior (not unlike many others) in which no man or woman is to practice.

Therefore, as revisionist attacks will undoubtedly continue, true faithful followers of the teachings of Christ must continue to counter attempts to make homosexuality morally acceptable and on par with heterosexuality. Not to do so undermines the historic Christian teachings regarding sexual morality.

Tragically, much of the Church has become desensitized by the bombardment and constant flooding of homosexual imagery through homosexual-related messages, media, and people sharing their stories about ‘gay is good.’ It is an undeniable fact that homosexual imagery has influenced many into thinking that it is just another part of life.

We, the Church, are continuing to pay a very high price due to our reluctance, and sometimes fear, in not talking about and educating ourselves on the subject of homosexuality leaving the culture to teach our children and adults in terms of what to think and believe.

With far too many Christians having mostly ignored the extremely detailed and strategic pro-gay agenda and march, how is it we are surprised by the effectiveness of their propaganda and relentless campaign? For far too long, we, the Church have been in the defense-mode, bobbing and weaving just to fend off the impact of the gay rights movement.

The gay-Christian movement is picking up momentum due to the reinventing of Scripture. It goes something like this: “Revising the Scriptures on homosexuality is appropriate and correct because in light of new scientific evidence, we now understand that people are born that way. Therefore, homosexual behavior and relationships should be endorsed.”

Frankly, both condemning and endorsing homosexuality miss the mark. A huge and significant shift needs to take place. The question is, “Are we, the Church, willing to turn that high-powered perception upon ourselves and ask ourselves some very hard questions?”

  • Are we willing to take responsibility for harsh words or inappropriate actions and apologize for any wrongs we may have committed out of ignorance?
  • Are we willing to share the Scriptural truths about homosexuality such as: No one is born with same-sex attraction and change is possible?
  • Do we, the Church, truly see ourselves as God’s vehicle to reach wounded, broken, hurting humanity – which includes the sexually and relationally broken?
  • Are we, the Church, truly willing to educate ourselves on the complexities of same-sex attraction thereby dismantling the many lies and replacing them with the Scriptural truths about homosexuality?

In other words, might we, the Church, become much more proactive in educating and equipping ourselves regarding true Christian ministry to those with unwanted same-sex attraction?

In doing so, we would move from the defense mode of the past several decades to reverse the current tide through understanding and education.

Morality is not a matter of personal interpretation. It is a matter of authority – God’s Word – the Bible.

According to Scripture, there can never be any justification for treating homosexuality as morally equivalent to heterosexuality. That said, we, the Church, are being asked to lower the bar on the clarity of Scripture with regard to homosexual practice which ultimately means faithful followers of Christ Jesus are being asked to set themselves in direct opposition to moral values clearly outlined in God’s Word.

Today, as the saying goes, “The ball is squarely in our court.” We, the Church, cannot and we must not underestimate ourselves. We, the Church, hold the only answer there is to the crisis of homosexuality. In other words, “Are we willing to be the change we wish to see in the world?”

If we, the Church, truly desire to see current trends change regarding homosexuality and the many related issues, our response requires a combination of compassion and understanding. Scripture is abundantly clear in that homosexual practice is only one of the many types of behavior condemned in the Bible. Therefore, to condemn homosexuality really is an expression of compassion because it seeks to warn, if not rescue those snared by the brokenness of same-sex attraction.

There is no doubt the battles will continue, as those who favor homosexuality appear unwilling to concede any ground, at times even defying sound, crystal clear biblical and theological standards and truths. Clearly, today, the Bible is being pushed aside as just another book on the shelf by many. However, the Bible continues to give us the way to eternal life with God and the true answers to victorious living here on earth. The Bible as God’s Book is and shall forever remain the textbook for life where one finds the truths, the ideals, and the inspirations to guide safely through life.

I still believe in and have every confidence in the Church’s ability, through Christ, to lovingly communicate to the sexually broken that God’s mercy and grace are sufficient for transformation.

May God help us on that day when we are asked to give an account of how we responded to the difficult issue of homosexuality so that we might hear Him, say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” (Matthew 25:21)

From All of Us at His Way Out Ministries…

All of us at His Way Out Ministries truly covet your prayers. You make it possible for His Way Out Ministries to reach around the world with a message of hope in Christ Jesus. Today, the need remains great but too often the resources are few. We desperately need you to help us in this effort.

Pastor Phillip Lee
Executive Director
His Way Out Ministries

“If I profess with the loudest voice and clearest exposition every portion of the truth of God except precisely that little point which the world and the devil are at the moment attacking, the I am not confessing Christ, however boldly I may be professing Christ. Where the battle rages, there the loyalty of the soldier is tested.” Martin Luther

For all Christians, there is an on-going struggle between the flesh and the spirit that is often a daily reality.

Therefore, which of these two natures is the real me? More specifically, what does this inner conflict mean for the person addressing unwanted same-sex attraction?

For every Christian, overcoming his or her past – whether it is homosexuality or some other life-dominating struggle – is an on-going process of spiritual growth. In some respects, it never ends. The transformation of anyone struggling with same-sex attraction is a maturing experience similar to that of any believer. The journey out of the brokenness of same-sex attraction is not unique at all. It just has different twists and turns along the way from that of the average heterosexual seeking healing from his or her past.

Without a doubt, to stop homosexual acting out is a significant, important first step. But what then? One of the deepest root issues that every man and woman must change in order to experience freedom from his or her homosexual background is a change in thoughts and identity.

Identity – the core sense of who we are – is probably the deepest and most difficult area to experience change. This is where Scripture can have its most powerful effect. Am I defined by my feelings or by whom God says I am?

Every former homosexual that I have met has repeatedly told me that the reason they have been successful in abandoning homosexuality has been solely due to obedience to God’s Word. Changing their same-gender attraction was a side effect of a much larger goal: being conformed to the image of Jesus Christ.

Many men and women have found homosexuality to be ultimately disappointing and less than totally fulfilling. Many have sensed that there is something more available, and they want it. However, seeking a ‘straight lifestyle’ is a flawed and misdirected motive for coming out of homosexuality. The ultimate goal and focus should be seeking and reaching spiritual maturity, and not just experiencing a certain sexual orientation.

There is evidence for change from homosexuality right in the New Testament church. In speaking to the Corinthian believers, the Apostle Paul said that some of them had been involved in various sinful lifestyles, including homosexuality. But then he declared, “And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the spirit of our God.” (1 Corinthians 6:11)

Coming out of homosexuality is not a new phenomenon. It has been occurring in the Church since the days of the first-century church – if not before. The message of hope for overcoming same-gender attraction has been declared for centuries.

With that in mind, I hope you will find the following testimonies encouraging and thought-provoking. To God be the glory!

“I am amazed at the change in me. Other people see it as well. Yes, I still experience temptation from time to time, but I now have the strength and the desire to turn away from it. I am so filled with compassion to help others who have the same issue of same-sex attraction that I can’t explain it. I know that it is the Holy Spirit at work in me. I know that I am just a babe in Christ and that I must grow in knowledge and maturity. I wait patiently for the time to come when God calls me to help. I pray daily He will use me to help others. I want to thank you so much for His Way Out Ministries. It is a truly needed ministry in this world. I wish the Church would face this issue more directly and speak of it openly and remove the stigma it has associated with it. I just feel like so many people could be helped more easily. May God bless your ministry. Mike.”

“It was truly God’s plan and blessing that His Way Out Ministries was here in Bakersfield, California just when I needed healing and restoration. You devoted an enormous amount of time, love and understanding to me and I appreciate it and still do appreciate it. You made a positive impact not only on my life but the life of my wife and children. When we all see each other in Glory, you will be able to see how many generations you affected. I praise God for His Way Out Ministries. Please, please, please never be disheartened or discouraged. You are a conduit of God’s love. Jim.”

“I asked Jesus to fully invade my heart and rescue me. I would love to tell you that there was an immediate surge of electricity throughout my body or there was a mighty gush of the Holy Spirit upon me, but that is not how God worked with me. That said, there was an undeniable peace in my heart. The events that followed are nothing short of miracles especially after all the bridges I had burned. I called my parents who helped me get into a Christian drug program in Vista, CA and after about four months of being sober, I began to become truly convicted of my same-sex attraction. My mom, a seasoned prayer warrior, had been in prayer all these years and hunting down any and all ministries for those who struggle with same-sex attraction. She began sending me articles and newsletters from Pastor Lee and His Way Out Ministries with the content just making sense. Finally, I wasn’t alone and I began to see and understand my true struggle wasn’t my drug abuse. For the past eight years, I have been rebuilding my life and learning how to have a relationship with God. It hasn’t been without its trials or its joys. Ultimately, you do not have to surrender to a lie. You have to surrender to God. Kenny.”

Ministering to men, women, and their families is a joyous opportunity to share in the comfort that Christ has given to all of us. It says in 2 Corinthians 1:3-5, “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows.”

From All of Us at His Way Out Ministries…

To each of you who continually bless us by your encouragement, ministry participation, financial support, offerings, and prayers, we remain truly grateful. Bless you, for enabling us to speak His truth with love and integrity.

Pastor Phillip Lee
Executive Director
His Way Out Ministries

It is a fact that life is a series of choices that lead us. We are the choosers – we have control over our choices and what we believe, though at times we may feel that we have no choice. This is exactly where many “lies” come into play and seize the opportunity.

Proverbs 23:7 tells us, “For as a man thinks in his heart, so he is.” If I continue to see myself based on my past, my past addiction, my past behavior, my past identity – even allowing the things (today) that may sorely tempt me – I will remain stuck and bound.

In the dictionary, a “vow” is defined as “a solemn promise or declaration by which a person is bound to an act, service, or condition.” In Scripture, over and over again we see references to vows and oaths.

“Again, you have heard that it was said the people long ago, Do not break your oath, but keep the oaths you have made to the Lord. But I tell you, Do not swear at all; either by heaven, for it is God’s throne, or by the earth, for it is His footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King. And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black. Simply let your Yes be Yes, and your No, No, anything beyond this comes from the evil one.” (Matthew 5:33-37)

How often have I heard, “I have had same-gender attraction for as long as I can remember and I guess I always will.”

According to John and Paula Sanford in their book Transformation of The Inner Man, “an inner vow is a decision and resolve either to do or not to do a certain activity, event, or relationship.”

It is my responsibility, it is my deciding and my determination to set in my mind and heart not to do a certain activity, event, or relationship. I choose.

Personally speaking, I have often found that the attitude in which I face the mountains in my life always has a direct and profound bearing on just how long “the mountain” may remain in my life.

If I, or anyone for that matter, continue to define their identity based upon their sexuality (homosexual), it implies the possibility of one’s behavior or sexual orientation can never be minimized or changed. In other words, how we label ourselves reveals what is of prime importance in our life. There is an absolute finality about labeling oneself. It implies the matter is closed and that a final decision has been reached.

How I remember to this day when I was just a little guy, those that would constantly encourage me to play a variety of sports that I really didn’t want to play but did because “that is what little boys did.” That sense of reality coupled with the disappointment and downright hurt and shame of generally being the last to be picked for “the team,” caused me to make a decision (a vow) that I was never going to play “those stupid games” again.

Now, I realize just how my attitude and decision (which really wasn’t based in truth it was just a perception on my part), catapulted me down a path that led to years of struggling with self-worth and acceptance. The incredible irony regarding sport activity was that I was pretty dog-gone good at a number of sports.

Oh, the inner traps (vows) that cause such heartache, pain and sometimes years of disillusionment and despair. It took me a very long time to realize that I was most definitely a “guy” that just happened to have different interests, gifts, and talents that didn’t match the abilities, gifts, and talents of others. No gender confusion, just specific gifts God had granted me and placed within me to ultimately honor and glorify Him.

Embracing an inner vow, belief, and proclamation of, “I am gay and will always be gay,” can most definitely set the shape of our entire being and character. It is entirely possible for the entire structure of a person’s personality to be built around one inner vow. Now hear this! There is always much, much more to a person that just their sexuality! However, the owning of one’s identity based upon, “I’m gay!” can and often does shape the individual’s personality for life.

The inner vow of seeing oneself as “always homosexual” must be addressed and ultimately broken. If not broken, the strong possibility exists that the individual will fall to relying upon the power of their flesh to lead the Christian life, to be good, righteous and holy. Freedom, true freedom comes by faith as well as recognizing that an inner vow just may have placed us in a position of defeat and not victory.

To this day, I thank God I did not become a Christian to leave homosexuality. I became a Christian because Jesus just made sense. Heaven knows, where I came from and what I was doing made absolutely no sense whatsoever.

Today, I continue to find that God will take me as far as I am willing to go.

The path of healing from same-sex attraction comes about only through a genuine and intimate relationship with Jesus Christ. The addiction and bondage to homosexuality can be broken. I say “can be” because Jesus has given us free will. The essential first step is wanting Christ and all that He offers.

Indeed, each and every faithful follower of Christ Jesus must obey the truth in order to be purified and ultimately made whole. The wonderful and glorious promises of God remain and shall forever be that there is an end to homosexual desire if we yield to God’s truth and not the opinion of man.

Every Christian has been given the God-given right to cancel any vow made in the past or present. Begin, today, by seeing yourself as God sees you. The only remedy for any lie you may have embraced or bought into is to confront it with truth. His truth.

Pastor Phillip Lee
www.hiswayout.com

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