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Dear Editor, Bakersfield Californian Newspaper – Community Voices

In light of the recent statement by Pope Francis that he “will not judge priests for their sexual orientation,” I believe a point of clarification is required as some have misconstrued the statement as a license for homosexual practice.

For Christians committed to the Authority of Scripture, when the Bible speaks a clear word on a particular topic, it speaks the final word. With regard to homosexual practice, the biblical judgment against homosexuality is primarily focused on the practices, and not on the person involved. In other words, in its clarity regarding homosexuality, the Bible “speaks the truth in love” because love seeks nothing higher than the ultimate welfare of people.

To date, there is no compelling scientific evidence that anyone is determined from birth to have same-gender attraction. Additionally, there is no conclusive scientific data that proves there is a simple biological, genetic, or hormonal cause for homosexual feelings. Consequently, while homosexual feelings, desires and attractions are discovered, a decision is ultimately made by the individual to embrace what many refer to as “the gay identity” and practice a behavior which Scripture clearly condemns – not unlike other sins such as adultery, sex before marriage, prostitution, etc.

Today, there remains many people uniformed and misinformed regarding the facts about homosexuality No one is essentially born that way, no one simply chooses to have same-sex attraction, and change is possible regardless of what some say and/or believe. As a result, there are those that have spoken disparaging words about homosexual persons and need to take responsibility for any harsh words or hurtful actions.

Judgment never has and never will work. That said, truth is and truth matters greatly to God. Those who have the self-respect to recognize that a person is not reducible to his or her desires or behavior truly exhibit a concern for social justice, personal responsibility and a true love for the individual.

Pastor Phillip Lee
Executive Director
His Way Out Ministries

Dear His Way Out Ministries…

We received an invitation to a same-sex wedding ceremony. As Christians, we sense all eyes are on us. Can you suggest a loving way to respond? We feel attending would be showing support of the union. Are we wrong for not wanting to attend?

Marriage is a sacred relationship and a symbol of man’s relationship to God. So, as Christians, we should not support any attempt to subvert the sanctity of that union. However, do not just decline the invitation. Use the invitation as an opportunity to build a relationship by asking if you might have an opportunity to discuss the matter. Explain that your decision is based on principle, not a judgment on them as individuals. Help them understand the true definition of tolerance – ‘sympathy for beliefs or practices differing from or conflicting with one’s own’ – and ask them to extend that to you as well. As a Christian, there are times when we must be willing to appear intolerant if we hope to remain obedient to God’s Word.

Today, there are those wanting Christianity, but not without sexual expression. In short, they want it all, a common malady of our time. Today, even knowing the Scriptural condemnations of homosexual practice in both the Old and New Testaments as being clear and final, there are those on a continued quest to find some way to get around them. Any sexual behavior outside of heterosexual marriage, whether heterosexual or homosexual is sin, and is forbidden by the Word of God. It does not matter, in the end, whether we can explain why God has spoken in the way He has; the essential issue is what He has spoken.

C.S. Lewis once wrote, “No amount of falls will really undo us if we keep picking ourselves up each time. We will, of course, be very muddy and tattered children by the time we reach home, but the bathrooms are ready, the towels put out and the clean clothes are waiting. The only fatal thing is to lose one’s temper and give up. It is when we notice the dirt, that God is present in us. It is the very sign of His presence.”

Pastor Phillip Lee RL Series01

During my twenty years of ministry, I have often noticed that it is often the individual’s disposition that renders them powerless to do what they know they should do. With so many completely consumed by focusing upon and addressing their “sin,” how is it the huge aspect of “our will,” which is quite profound, is often not considered and even dismissed? If “I can’t or I won’t” is present, I submit the critical issue is not one of sin but of the will.

God tells us clearly in His Word that we all must abide (live continually) in His Word enabling us to become His disciples (learners who do not resist His teachings) and then we will know the truth and it is the truth that will set us free. Far too many today are banking on ‘love’ to set them free. This is a huge lie that has enslaved many. When you look at the root causes of heterosexual sexual addiction and homosexual practice, it is obvious they are rooted in the lie that someone of the same or opposite sex will be everything anyone could possibly need.

In order to obey God, our thinking must change to align with His. Admittedly, this can be much easier said than done because over time, we have been introduced, if not bombarded with lies – many of which we have chosen to embrace and believe. Lies left unattended or addressed have the potential to develop into strongholds in our lives and also have the potential to become the foundation from which we form our self-worth and identity which directly impacts our walk with Christ greatly.

Romans 6:17-18 tells us, “But thanks be to God that though you used to be slaves to sin, you whole-heartedly obeyed the form of teaching to which you have been entrusted. You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness.”

So it is proven here by the Word of God that all Christians can be set free from being slaves to sin. That said, I believe it is critically important we all realize that being a slave to sin is more than just sinning. Every man and woman who lives on this earth sins, but those who are slaves to sin make the choice (exercising our free-will) to follow the evil desires and walk after the flesh and not the Spirit. Therefore, to hear and know that there is freedom from being a slave to sin,
homosexually or heterosexually, is truly good news. This is the grace of God.

Our personal choice, responsibility and action is to exchange the lies we have embraced for the truth – and, live by the truth. Then we will be set free by the power of living by the truth and not the lies. So break the power of statements of discouragement and hopelessness such as “I’ll never be free,” by exercising your will and choose to say the truth, “God is setting me free by the power of His truth as I learn to live by it.”

John 8:31-32 clearly states, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free.”

Wake up every morning and thank God for whom you truly are in Him. Exercise your free-will and put off the old man and put on the new. God has pledged to deliver those who agree with His judgment of homosexual practice and heterosexual sexual brokenness. By pursuing God’s truth and aligning our will with His, the man or woman in bondage will be washed, sanctified and justified (1 Corinthians 6:11) and set free (John 8:32, 36).

Ultimately, it is only when we pursue Truth that we are able to know true love and share it with others (1 Peter 1:22). There is no security or freedom in homosexual practice or heterosexual sexual sin, only dependency, bondage, neediness, perversity, addiction and death. Today, set your will in His and declare, “…yet not my will, but yours be done.” (Luke 22:42)

From All of Us at His Way Out Ministries…

To each of you who continually bless us by your encouragement, ministry participation, monthly financial support, offerings, and prayers…we remain truly grateful. His Way Out Ministries is proclaiming to, educating and impacting the world with the biblical truth that freedom from homosexuality is possible when Jesus Christ if Lord of your life.

Pastor Phillip Lee
Executive Director
His Way Out Ministries

© copyright His Way Out Ministries

Dear Editor, Bakersfield Californian Newspaper – Community Voices

America is facing a challenge the significance of which is impossible to exaggerate. The challenge has to do with the status of morality, and whether or not there are any kinds of desires, behaviors or lifestyles which are deviant in an ethical, and not merely a sociological, sense.

There is no doubt the winds of social change are blowing aimlessly across America with emphasis being placed upon “tolerance” – which is to be extended to everyone and anyone without limitation and to any and all kinds of sexual expression. Is there nothing wrong with sex as long as it is consensual? And if there is something wrong, what is it? Does it really come down to a matter of personal taste, of private sentiment and personal choice? Have we become a nation that gains our sense of purpose and meaning primarily from our sexual desires and behavior?

The reality of an across-the-board crisis of sexual and relational brokenness in America clearly points to an increasing inability, as a society, to make healthy and moral distinctions. Even those who place a high premium on tolerance are obligated to recognize that matters of various sexual lifestyles now threatens the very values and institutions on which a solid and vital society is built and sustained.

The moral status of America cannot be determined on the basis of population figures. Three is no such thing as statistical morality. America’s blind, amoral pursuit of pleasure at any price, and in any form, have indeed perpetuated the social and dark spiritual dynamics which have birthed and inflamed the various forms of sexual perversion.

What matters morally should and must be determined on the basis of our best understanding about what constitutes human well-being. Today, more than ever, responsible American citizens who truly care for the greater social good of America are obligated to impose, if not place under the microscope, a moral gaze on their sexual behavior. Unfortunately, not every American is willing or responsive enough to such an obligation. What’s more they do not want anyone to hold them responsible.

Those who have the self respect to recognize that a person is not reducible to his or her desires or behavior truly exhibit a concern for social justice, personal responsibility and a true love for this nation which seeks nothing higher than the welfare of  people. When a person’s actions, no matter how well-intentioned or sincere, endanger the well-being of society, criticism is both appropriate and necessary. Irresponsible sexual behavior, is one of our nation’s most destructive realities. How is it in choosing to dismiss and disregard a moral compass, we are shocked by the state of our culture?

Pastor Phillip Lee
Executive Director
His Way Out Ministries

For Immediate Press Release – June 27, 2013
Response to Exodus International Closure and U.S. Supreme Court Rulings on Same-Sex Marriage

The His Way Out Ministries Executive Board/Officers and Advisory Council grieves the recent closure of Exodus International and decisions of the U.S. Supreme Court with regard to same-sex marriage. Once a powerful Christian ministry, Exodus International represented a considerable network of referral ministries dedicated to working with Christians who struggled with unwanted same-sex attractions. His Way Out Ministries joined Exodus in 1995 and became a referral ministry. However, several months ago, His Way Out Ministries withdrew membership from Exodus due to their adoption of new philosophies and interpretations of Scripture.

His Way Out Ministries continues to stand upon The Authority of Scripture and we remain committed to the biblical witness believing Scripture clearly defines homosexual practice, in any form and to any degree, incompatible with Christian teaching and conduct.

It must be recognized the push for the legalization of same-sex marriage remains a key component of achieving the legitimacy and social acceptance of homosexual practice. Western culture, and America in particular, is now faced with a challenge the significance of which is nearly impossible to exaggerate.

The truths must be spoken about homosexuality and same-sex marriage, and they must be spoken in love. That is, with compassion, understanding, and also with the full knowledge that truth is not always a soothing balm.

His Way Out Ministries is bound by love to speak the truth about homosexuality and same-sex marriage; this alone holds out the hope for true sexual liberation and personal wholeness – to the individual, family, and nation.

The only morally adequate response to homosexuality and same-sex marriage is that which combines compassion with understanding and the recognition that American society, in an amoral pursuit of pleasure at any price, and in any form, threatens to undermine all of America’s values and institutions.

Pastor Phillip Lee
Executive Director
His Way Out Ministries

His Way Out Ministries remains:

  • Concerned regarding the issue of homosexuality and will continue to seek to minister to those within The Church and the community at large, with the Truth of Scripture, the power of testimony and the dialog of issues.
  • Dedicated to raising awareness, educating, and encouraging The Church to minister to those with unwanted same-gender attraction. We believe restoration and wholeness is available through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and the healing power of the Holy Spirit.
  • Committed to lovingly communicate that God’s mercy and grace is available and sufficient for transformation. Restoration and wholeness, through competent ministry and a caring Christian community, is possible.
  • Committed to effectively and compassionately communicating God’s heart concerning homosexual practice, in any form and to any degree, while disputing the unchangeable nature of sexual orientation.

The position of His Way Out Ministries rests on the Authority of Scripture. Therefore, we do not condone the practice of homosexuality and consider such practice incompatible with Christian teaching and conduct.

Founded in August 1994, His Way Out Ministries remains a network of individuals, families, ministries and churches dedicated to offering hope to those impacted by sexual and relational brokenness. We repudiate any non-loving, prejudicial attitudes that deny Christ’s unconditional love for all persons and declare such to be sin. Our intent is to extend a compassionate Christian ministry for such persons.

For more information, please contact Pastor Phillip Lee, Executive Director of His Way Out Ministries.

All His Way Out Ministries Services are centered on the biblical foundations of compassion, integrity, and dependence on God.

Dear His Way Out Ministries…

When do homosexual or lesbian temptations become sin?

At the same point when heterosexual temptations become sin. The book of James sheds light on this important question: But each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin. (James 1:14-15) There is always a time gap between conception and birth. A homosexual thought occurring in our mind can be either killed or nurtured. If it grows, it gives birth to sin. That is where our ability to choose comes into effect. We make the choice whether or not homosexual thoughts (temptations) will become sin. All Christians deal with inappropriate sexual feelings and attractions. Those addressing and overcoming same-gender attraction are not unique and do not belong in a different subclass than the rest of the Church. Sexual struggles are a part of being human.

Because of my travels to churches and conferences, I come in contact with numerous Christians from all denominations. I am continually alarmed by the number of Christians that have been sexually active in ways that place them at great risk of contacting the HIV virus, which causes AIDS. Frankly, sometimes I come away from certain conversations wondering, “What’s the difference between the Church and the world?” when it comes to sexual involvement.

We have all heard the statement, “God hates sin but loves the sinner.” It has been my experience – both professionally and personally – that this is a true statement. Scripturally speaking, it is an undeniable fact that God hates sin. He hates every act of sin that has ever been committed. In fact, He intensely hates it because He understands that it ruins lives, destroys families and corrupts society. Ultimately, God cannot tolerate it because it does so much damage to people’s lives.

Experts agree that the answer to stopping the AIDS epidemic globally is not treatment, but prevention. They also agree that the best hope for prevention lies in changing human behavior. Never has the need and the opportunity been greater for the Christian community to take the lead in responding to this continuing crisis with conviction and compassion.

The global crisis of HIV/AIDS cries out for a united Christian response – a response that demonstrates the compassion of Jesus Christ while it declares the life-changing principles of God’s Word.

I remain convinced that God birthed , organized, equipped and continues to build His Church for the purpose of being the answer to many of life’s problems. We, The Church, are to be a lifeline for those struggling with sexual and relational brokenness, and most certainly health issues.

Therefore, with so much at stake, I wish to assure you that His Way Out Ministries will remain dedicated to continually resist popular trends toward licentiousness – the minimization of evil. Be assured that His Way Out Ministries does hate sin but loves sinners.

rr-desires-joe-dallasDesires in Conflict: Hope for Men Who Struggle with Sexual Identity offers a concise plan of action to Christians pursuing a healthy sexual identity. Author Joe Dallas looks at the cost and rewards involved in turning away from homosexual behavior, delving into the rebellion behind the behavior, and tracing the process of resolution and recovery. You won’t find any quick fixes in this book. What you will find is effective help for restoring sexual wholeness and moving ahead in the Christian life.

For more information visit JoeDallas.com.

Desires in Conflict is available at Amazon.com

Dear Friends and Fellow Laborers in Christ Jesus,

Individually and collectively, we are called for such a time as this to continue raising awareness, educate, and encourage the Body of Christ around the world to minister to those with unwanted same-gender attraction. This is both a privilege and an honor in Christ Jesus.

Our full and total reliance has been and must continue to be upon the leading of the Holy Spirit. Our belief that through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and the healing power of the Holy Spirit, mediated by extended and competent ministry, prayer, and a caring, compassionate Christian community, the sexually broken can experience transformation and restoration towards wholeness. Therefore…

May God prosper the work of your hands

Encourage you with His guidance

Wrap you in His loving arms

Heal your heart with His presence and truth

Shield you from the schemes of the devil

Watch over you in the darkness and grant you His rest

Strengthen you with all spiritual gifts

Send you friends in Christ to walk with you

Restore those things which have been lost and taken from your life

Renew your hope daily

And hide you from all sorrows.

You are precious in His sight.

In Christ,
Pastor Phillip Lee

His Way Out Ministries

Dear Editor, Bakersfield Californian Newspaper – Community Voices

A recent article in the Bakersfield Californian focused on being an ally in support of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning individuals due to bigotry, malice, ignorance and mean-spirited jokes often perpetrated against the LGBTQ community. I agree completely. I, too, once sat on the receiving end of being clobbered with Scripture by well-meaning but horribly misguided Christians.

However, to simply quote a Scripture is not the same as to clobber. I still find it more than intriguing when conservatives quote Bible verses against homosexuality it’s called clobbering, yet when the gay community quotes Scripture while arguing against conservatives, it’s just well, quoting Scripture.

God-given love is not primarily a feeling, but an action toward a person. I believe we often have a twisted picture of love, thinking that what makes a person feel love is how we should show love. Therefore, to confront him or her with some unpleasant thing would not be loving. To this day, I, not unlike many other men and women, remain grateful our families did not lower the bar or dismiss the clarity of Scripture with regard to homosexual practice. Thankfully and gratefully, my family, and many others continue to love their children while not putting a stamp of approval on a behavior that clearly runs contrary to the teachings of Scripture. Sexual behavior outside of heterosexual marriage, whether homosexual or heterosexual, is sin, and is forbidden by the Word of God.

Today, there are those wanting Christianity, but not without sexual expression. In short, they want it all, a common malady of our time. Today, even knowing the Scriptural condemnations of homosexuality in both the Old and New Testaments as being clear and final, there are those on a continued quest to find some way to get around them.

Personally, I have friends, acquaintances, and neighbors who are homosexual. All of these relationships can be described as gracious and respectful. Even though our stances may be dramatically different on the topic of homosexual practice, we enjoy a mutual respect.

It is possible to be right in one’s beliefs but wrong in attitude or approach. It is appropriate and good to say the right thing, but it must be said in the right way. To dismiss this part of telling the truth, is to make truth a weapon more than a tool, and even the best tool, when misused, can be destructive.

I would submit that many gay people have misconceptions about Christians, just as a lot of Christians have misconceptions about gays. The criticism is often raised that Jesus preached an ethic of love and would never utter harsh words of condemnation. To speak the truth in love is not to condemn the one to whom it is spoken. Heaven knows, it may feel that way.

It does not matter, in the end, whether we can explain why God has spoken in the way He has; the essential issue is what He has spoken. In the end, the Bible “speaks the truth in love” and pure, true, undefiled love seeks nothing more or higher than the welfare of people.

Pastor Phillip Lee
Executive Director
His Way Out Ministries

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