Dear Friends and Ministry Partners of His Way Out Ministries,

When my heart and spirit is troubled, I pour my thoughts out in writing. I have been, as I remain, greatly troubled with regard to what is happening in the Church regarding homosexuality. Admittedly, The Church has always faced problems, but the scope and intensity of its problem regarding homosexuality seems to be greater than any previous time in history. How did things get to this point?

An increase of the “gay is good” notion within the Church, along with a considerable decline in the moral tone of America literally now threatens the stability of the Church. Morality on the part of many appears to be minimal.

Is it possible that given the crisis of homosexuality in the Church, and the persecution by many that uphold the Authority of Scripture which clearly defines the practice of homosexuality, in any form and to any degree, a sin, are being separated as true believers from the merely professing to be Christian?

There is no doubt we are witnessing an increase and a rise to an amoral society. That said, Church history clearly dictates that persecution has generally purified and strengthened the Church. Today, however, The Church, called to be salt and light, appears to be greatly struggling today to find its relevance. There was time when The Church set societal standards.

Therefore, what are the prospects for The Church (Christians) choosing to confront and combat what appears to be a growing complacency and neglect regarding homosexuality? If we as true, faithful followers of Christ Jesus, face and discuss this critical issue in a rational and loving way hoping and praying to produce principles that may warn and encourage The Church with regard to the future, is it possible our attention to what lies before us will produce a stronger Church?

I remain convinced for proper spiritual guidance in the life of every Christian and the Christian community, our authority must be rooted in special revelation which must guide all reason, emotion, and the will- individually and collectively. We can and we must be accepting of the same-sex attracted man or woman, but we can never accept a theology or a way of life that flies in the face of God’s Word.

Frankly, I do not know of a time when we have needed God’s intervention so desperately. No nation has squandered as many opportunities as we have. It does seem unrealistic to expect a revival when far too many appear to be unwilling to face the harassment that might well come to us all. But if we humble ourselves and weep for this nation, God may yet intervene and restore decency to this crazed nation and world.

I hope, I pray, the knowledge of God and what He has clearly stated in His Word, is not fading from view. We must call on God for His mercy, and if it please Him He will come to our aid.

Pastor Phillip Lee
Executive Director
His Way Out Ministries

Some time ago, an article in the Bakersfield Californian Newspaper focused on National Coming Out Day with the articles emphasis being “Should a lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender person come out to you, please be kind.” I couldn’t agree more. Instead of mocking or condemning, we, The Church, should apologize for any wrongs we might have committed out of ignorance. Ultimately, we should take responsibility for any and all harsh words or hurtful actions.

It remains a fact that for far too long homosexual men and women were despised simply because they experienced homosexual feelings and attractions. Now, in the name of diversity and tolerance, many are endorsing homosexual behavior, thinking they are helping to right the wrongs of centuries of unjust persecution. The healthiest position is to love all people with same-gender attraction, while at the same time sharing undeniable facts and truth with regard to 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. The article states:

“While today is a day to celebrate who we are, we must also acknowledge the hard reality facing gay men in this nation, especially young gay men. Evidence suggests that those who come out and live openly as gay men are more likely to become HIV-positive. Young gay and bisexual men are the only group in which HIV infections are increasing, with young black gay men seeing an alarming 48% spike in new infections between 2006 and 2009. As we celebrate National Coming Out Day, our community must once again come together and support young gay and bisexual men and help them grow into adulthood HIV-free.”

In the December 6, 2012 edition of The Advocate, another article titled Why Are HIV Rates So High Amongst Young Gay Men? focused on a critically important and shocking truth that we are in a second HIV epidemic among U.S. Gay men “that no one is talking about.”

AIDS was first described in June of 1981 as “an unusual disease that was causing primarily young homosexual men to lose their ability to fight off otherwise common and non-harmful diseases.” GRID (Gay Related Immune Deficiency), as it was first called, soon took the name of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome or AIDS. It was shown to affect anyone who was either sexually or through intravenous means was infected by some agent which caused the immune system to be compromised over time. How well I remember this horrific tragedy unfold as some of my closest friends were the first to pass away from AIDS while living in San Francisco in 1981.

Speaking for myself, I would say this. When I meet people with HIV/AIDS, it doesn’t matter to me how they got it. All that matters is that they are human beings whom God loves so much and asks us to love too. Admittedly, some of my more theological friends may question this. I don’t mind. HIV/AIDS clearly forces all of us to make hard choices, choices that reveal clearly what kind of people we are choosing to be. Tragically, there are those that call for callous unconcern by deserting and even persecuting the person with HIV/AIDS. However, my continued hope and prayer is that we all would resolve to follow Christ Jesus, who willingly took risks, crossed barriers, touched lepers, met freely with the despised, took the blame, even bore the stigma.

Ultimately, we must talk about HIV/AIDS. Why? Because this about people and not just an issue. In the name of decency, true compassion, humanity and the sanctity of life (all life), the truth cannot and must not be ignored or suppressed with what continues to unfold regarding HIV/AIDS. People’s lives are not made better – physically, psychologically, spiritually or socially – as a result of ignoring or unwillingness to talk about a real, true crisis of our time.

For their support throughout my own personal journey with HIV/AIDS, I thank God for my family, especially my mother and brother, my church, the many wonderful brothers and sisters in Christ, that have stood by and supported me, not always knowing what to say or do, but you were there.

HIV/AIDS is a disease that impacts real people and their loved ones who must learn to face this together, because no one can face it alone. People facing HIV/AIDS do better when they know what to expect on the journey. They do best when they don’t have to find their way alone. The journey begins with “talking about it.”

Not entirely, but all most, the Church has mostly avoided the crisis of HIV/AIDS. The Church cannot, the Church must not underestimate itself since it holds the only answer there is to the growing crisis of HIV/AIDS. Experts agree that the answer to halting the AIDS growing 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 crisis with conviction and compassion.

We as Christians have to be concerned – no, committed – under the imperatives of the Bible to minister to those people (all people) suffering the devastating effects of HIV/AIDS. Ultimately, your willingness and participation can make a difference in the lives and the eternal destinies of millions. Jesus Christ preached the Gospel and showed compassion to the suffering.

We, the Church, must respond by following His example.

Pastor Phillip Lee
Executive Director
His Way Out Ministries

© Copyright His Way Out Ministries

It’s a fact that much of modern society is preoccupied, if not consumed by sex. Today, many Christian men and women are highly disturbed by their sexual feelings. For some, sexual obsession has become a form of worship. Anytime we give our hearts, minds and bodies over to remain in a state of sexual arousal, we are indeed doing exactly what the Apostle Paul talks about when he refers to worshipping created things rather than the Creator.

“Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator – who is forever praised. Amen.” (Romans 1:24-25)

As the prophet asked in Ezekiel 33:10; “How should we then live?” in a society that is so permeated by sex that even the most dedicated Christian is affected? More specifically, how does a Christian man or woman face and deal with sexual temptations – whether gay or straight?

First, we must understand and believe the clarity of Scripture that Jesus, our Savior and High Priest was tempted Himself and understands our temptation. Please embrace and take comfort in Hebrews 4:14-16:

“Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are – yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”

It is a fact that God knows our struggles, understands and forgives our failures. More than not, the questions most people face when confronted with temptation is not “Does God care?” but “Do I care?” Clearly, within Scripture God has made an abundance of resources available to us that we are sometimes unwilling to employ. Therefore, let’s be honest. We sin because we choose to sin rather than because we are left without resources by a God who doesn’t care.

According to the Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 10:13; “No temptation has seized us except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.” Clearly, when we choose to ignore the resources offered to us by God, we fail.

Regularly, I receive invitations to speak and teach on the topic of same-gender attraction. Every now and then, I am challenged by someone that feels I should not speak so frankly and openly about homosexuality. The view, by some, is that by making people aware I may be encouraging them to participate. I do listen, even trying to take them seriously due to their usage of the following:

“The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature.” (Romans 13:12-14)

While I do respect their opinion, I still believe we must know the enemy and understand both the subtle and the obvious ways he tries to affect us. Making people aware of dangers is not the same as thinking about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature.

So, what do you and I do when we fail? Ultimately, it’s pretty easy to keep the right focus and attitude when sexual temptations have been resisted successfully. However, when any man or woman has given into sexual temptation, “What’s the use?” is all too common to surface. “I’ve blown it and so I just might as well do some other things also” is anything but the thought, attitude or approach recommended by Jesus. I guarantee you that in adopting or embracing these mentioned thoughts or actions will only lead to deep guilt as well as continued sexual frustration and spiritual frustration also.

When Jesus confronted individuals who had sinned and who were truly repentant, His response was always the same. He forgave the sin but also challenged the person to forsake it and begin living a better way. Once our sin has been admitted and we see our sin as God sees it, it is imperative we place our full attention and focus on our Savior and no longer upon our sin. Do not remain in a mode of mentally replaying your sin. That, in and of itself, can become an obsession.

When we are purposed to keep our eyes on Jesus, we see victory. This absolutely gives us hope. However, when we continue to fix our eyes on our recurring brokenness or sin, we will see only defeat which can easily transcend to becoming ashamed even to look at Jesus. We must keep our focus and attention on our source of hope rather than that which is broken. That is exactly why a regular time of reading Scripture and praying is essential. It puts our attention on Christ where it belongs. One more time – look at the Savior, not at the sin.

I really believe that any discussion about sexual temptation would be incomplete without a look at the way David dealt with his own sin. David was brutally honest with God, which just may be why, despite his sin, he was called a man after God’s own heart. In Psalm 51:5-12 he writes:

“Surely I have been a sinner from birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me. Surely you desire truth in the inner parts; you teach me wisdom in the inmost place. Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones you have crushed rejoice. Hide your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquity. Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of our salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.”

There is a way out. God is good!

Pastor Phillip Lee
Executive Director
His Way Out Ministries

© Copyright His Way Out Ministries

A recent article in The Advocate, which proclaims to be “the world’s leading gay news source,” offered yet another alarming, if not chilling, depiction of where we stand with regard to HIV/AIDS. The article titled Why Are HIV Rates so High Amongst Young Gay Men? which was offered on December 6, 2012, focuses upon a very important and shocking truth that we are in a second HIV epidemic among U.S. gay men “that no one is talking about.”

AIDS was first described in June of 1981 as “an unusual disease that was causing primarily young homosexual men to lose their ability to fight off otherwise common and non-harmful diseases.” GRID (Gay Related Immune Deficiency), as it was first called, soon took the name of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome or AIDS. It was shown to affect anyone who was either sexually or through intravenous means infected by some agent which caused the immune system to be compromised over time. How well I remember this horrific tragedy unfold as some of my closest friends were the first to pass away from AIDS while living in San Francisco in 1981.

Speaking for myself, I would say this, when I meet people with HIV/AIDS, it doesn’t matter to me how they got it. All that matters is that they are human beings whom God loves so much and asks us to love too. Admittedly, some of my more theological friends may question this, I don’t mind.

HIV/AIDS clearly forces all of us to make hard choices, choices that reveal clearly what kind of people we are choosing to be. Tragically, there are those that call for callous unconcern by deserting and even persecuting the person with HIV/AIDS. However, my continued hope and prayer is that we all would resolve to follow Christ Jesus, who willingly took risks, crossed barriers, touched lepers, met freely with the despised, took the blame, even bore the stigma.

Ultimately, we must talk about HIV/AIDS. Why? Because this about people and not just an issue. In the name of decency, true compassion, humanity and the sanctity of life (all life), the truth cannot and must not be ignored or suppressed with what continues to unfold regarding HIV/AIDS. People’s lives are not made better – physically, psychologically, spiritually or socially – as a result of ignoring or unwillingness to talk about a real, true crisis of our time.

For their support throughout my own personal journey with HIV/AIDS, I thank God for my family, especially my mother and brother, my church, the many wonderful brothers and sisters in Christ, that have stood by and supported me, not always knowing what to say or do, but you were there.

HIV/AIDS is a disease that impacts real people and their loved ones who must learn to face this together, because no one can face it alone. People facing HIV/AIDS do better when they know what to expect on the journey. They do best when they don’t have to find their way alone. The journey begins with “talking about it.”

Not long ago, during one of our men’s discipleship group meetings, we began talking about “vows” people make and more specifically, how vows relate and contribute to a man or woman having an issue of same-gender attraction. As a result, the discussion caused me to dig a bit further into the subject matter. Ultimately, I could not dismiss the overwhelming evidence of just how much “inner vows” play in contributing to many individuals struggling with compulsive behaviors and finding them so incredibly difficult to change.

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 by 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 to have or not to have a certain attitude or relationship. It is a determination set by the mind and heart into all of one’s being usually set early in life, and often forgotten.” 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.

While I would never dismiss the intense temptations, feelings, emotions, and, at times, overwhelming tsunami of same-gender attraction, if I, or anyone for that matter, continues to define their identity based on the 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 finality about labeling oneself. It implies the subject is closed and that a decision has been reached. It is entirely possible for men and women to recover from any number of conditions but they may not fully recover from an inner vow or labeling of oneself.

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 down right 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 causes 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 with me to ultimately honor and glorify Him.

It is certainly true that inner vows are sometimes identified by compulsive behavior. At the very moment we became a Christian and knew we have given our heart to Jesus, the reality of a power struggle may have in many cases just begun. Frankly, losing one’s life to find it is no easy journey because our old way of doing things and the old way of seeing ourselves dies only with a great deal of pain and over time. The true battle becomes – which will survive, our will or God’s will? The resolution of that question often involves coming to terms and dealing with the inner vows of homosexuality that have been falsely embraced as truth and have placed a person under the bitter root of fear, hidden resentment, and self-judgment.

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 here this! There is always much, much more to a person that just their sexuality! However, the owning of one’s identity being based upon “I’m gay!” can and often does shape the individuals 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 recognizing that an inner vow just may have placed us in a position of defeat and not victory.

However, there is great news! Through the repentance of any sinful action that may have caused us to make a vow, we can exercise our authority in Christ and break each and every inner vow. Whether homosexuality or any other deeply ingrained habit or compulsive behavior, breaking the hold vows may have over us is entirely possible. Every Christian has been given the God-given right to cancel any vow made in the past or present.

How does one know if an inner vow is in some way impacting their life, possibly locking them in a battle with same-gender attraction? By asking. Connect with a prayer minister, a ministry, pastor or believer in the Authority of Christ and ask the Holy Spirit to come and search your heart. Anytime a believer in Christ invites the Holy Spirit to come…why wouldn’t He? Now, here’s a tip. If the Holy Spirit identifies, discloses an “inner vow,” know that a “root cause” of behavior (homosexuality, habitual adultery, alcoholism, etc.) has been identified and the Holy Spirit is enabling a key to freedom.

Personally, I have found that God will take me as far as I am willing to go. The path of healing from same-gender attraction comes about only through a genuine and intimate relationship with Jesus Christ. The addiction and bondage to homosexuality can be totally broken. The essential first step is wanting Christ and all that He offers. The person that really experiences the most change is the person that has come to realize that he simply has no other place to go.

From All of Us at His Way Out Ministries…

To each of you who continually bless us by your encouragement, ministry participation, monthly financial support, offerings and prayers, we remain truly grateful.

Pastor Phillip Lee
Executive Director
His Way Out Ministries

© Copyright His Way Out Ministries

While many continue to preach, “If it feels good do it!” and “Since everyone is doing it and doing it behind closed doors (well, some anyway), Go for it!” let me begin by stating that if you choose not to have sex “You won’t blow up!”

Today, more than ever, single men and women (straight or gay) face a relentless onslaught of pressure and challenges daily. Ultimately, we are all in a battle to stay pure in a very impure world. The music industry, news media, educational system, TV and the Internet are keeping all of us completely saturated in a lust-filled atmosphere. Frankly, many today are far more interested and concerned with pleasing themselves outside of God’s will, plan and purpose and simply do not trust Him enough to supply all of their needs. In America, especially, ‘feeling good’ has become a narcotic.

You know, I have accepted the fact that as long as I am on this earth – single or not – I will be engaged in combating something. The undeniable truth is that my flesh will always be at war with the Spirit of God in me. “For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things you wish.” (Galatians 5:17)

As a single man, called to a life that involves going against the normal flow of our culture, a culture which promotes a love of pleasure and self-indulgence, I remain a man called and commanded by Christ Jesus to strive for purity. Now, if that sounds like too much of a tall order, remember Jesus will never ask anything of us that is impossible for us to obey.

When anyone, gay or straight, makes the conscious choice to stray beyond God’s holy boundary lines in terms of sexual expression, we bring terrible consequences upon ourselves by our rebellion and disobedience. Sexual sin of any type or any degree causes an immediate dividing wall between our spirit and God’s. God doesn’t create the dividing wall, our sinful behavior does. With so many today exclaiming their desire to be delivered from a considerable list of habits, addictions and compulsive behaviors, I just can’t help but believe the reason God does not deliver us from particular sins that are a concern to us is that we remain unwilling to cooperate with Him in delivering us from other sins that He has already made known to us.

And, while I am defining ‘holy boundary lines.’ let me be thorough and fair. Any perversion beyond God’s original divine intent for human sexuality which includes adultery, prostitution, promiscuity, homosexuality, and more, is thoroughly and repeatedly condemned in Scripture (1 Corinthians 6:9; Romans 13:13; Galatians 5:19-21). Therefore, in terms of the single man or woman, Jesus could not have been more clear in defining if a person is not married the only acceptable option with God is celibacy. For the single person, celibacy is a good thing and should be our only choice if we want to live according to God’s word and plan. While the world continues to encourage every and any type of sexual expression under the sun, I wonder, has remaining celibate become so obsolete because we have become so enlightened in our under-standing of human sexuality? I think not.

May I be frank? Over the past twenty-six years since I’ve made a real commitment to follow Jesus, I have faced my share of intense temptation. But, I made a promise. Rather than caving in to complete despair because of the battle or desires of my flesh, I have always held on to the fact there was strength (overcoming strength) and hope because Jesus promised me that I would never, ever be forsaken or snatched from His hand (John 10:28). I assure you and can testify that that the Lord Jesus Christ will keep anyone who wants to be kept. “Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” (Romans 8:37)

We have become far too impatient with things that take time. Today, we even want our own personal deliverance to be micro waved. Relax and enjoy the journey! I guarantee you every faithful follower of Christ Jesus is “…continuing to work out their own salvation with fear and trembling.” (Philippians 2:12)

Yes, in the midst of such a decadent culture, you have hope. Psalm 119:9-11 tells us, “How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping it according to Your Word. With all my heart I have sought You; do not let me wander from Your commandments. Your Word I have treasured in my heart, that I may not sin against You.”

May you have the courage, conviction and commitment to do what is right in His sight.