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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.

rr-thegameplan-dallasThe Game Plan: The Men’s 30-Day Strategy for Attaining Sexual Integrity by Joe Dallas lays out a positive five-point strategy for overcoming harmful sexual addiction. Drawing from his own hard-earned lessons and based on biblical principles and practices, Dallas’s method is innovative and simple, powerfully equipping men who have been caught up in pornography, extramarital affairs, or any form or sexual sin.

For more information visit JoeDallas.com.

The Game Plan is available at JoeDallas.com.

It says in the Book of Romans that because man began serving and worshipping created things rather than the Creator, God gave him over to shameful and unnatural lusts (Rom. 1:24-27). And so, you can see an almost predictable pattern in the fall of the great civilizations of the world, from an increased worship of the human body to the descent of that society into sexual depravity and disaster.

Pastor Phillip Lee OKNC5In our culture today, the human body is indeed the god of our idolatry. We spend billions of dollars making it look beautiful and tan and young and pulled tight and fit. The success of most television, film and even ad campaigns revolves around the sensual depiction of the human body, or related innuendo. It is an obsession that has encircled the entire globe. And so, before we can even address the issue of pornography, we must confess our own participation in this evil system of idol worship.

We are not watching what we put before our eyes. We are not sold out to God, as citizens of His Kingdom, forsaking the lusts of this world. We do not believe in His power to deliver, or in His promises to sanctify and cause to walk Holy. When we read, “He who hungers and thirsts after righteousness shall be filled” (Matt. 5:6) – do we truly believe it? Frankly, there is a much larger “Elephant” in the sanctuary than homosexuality and heterosexual sexual addiction. And, the “Elephant” goes by a couple of names – complacency and unbelief.

When you put your money down for the purchase of any magazine or video with nudity in it, you are first paying for the exploitation of the actors who were used in the production of what you bought. The young man or woman who has to take their clothes off in order to get a part in a film or magazine has already sold a part of their self-respect, and have built another wall of division between themselves and the God who wants to redeem them. You participate in that process by financing that young boy or girl’s fall. The Bible says that it would be better for a millstone to be hung around your neck and for you to be thrown into the sea than for you to do that (Luke 17:1-2).

When it comes to explicit pornography, there is an even more hideous reality. In even the most “respected” “girlie” and “boy” magazines, there is an incredible amount of sexual abuse and exploitation going on behind the scenes.

Many of the people you see have been drugged and compromised and threatened in order to secure their participation in the production. At the very least, their emotional insecurities have been sinfully exploited by evil and callous men and women.

It is not unusual in the world of pornography for young girls and boys to be kidnapped off the streets, force-fed addictive drugs and gang-raped in order to break down their resistance to being used. In some cases, they are brutally treated, tortured and even killed. They are often forced into a life of prostitution. This goes on every day of every week in every major city (and some towns) of this country. And the person who finances it is the person who buys pornography. We participate in the unspeakable practices that go on with our dollars and by our silent, turned faces. And still we wonder why pornography has such power to keep a man or woman in bondage.

The first part of the remedy for an addiction to pornography is to see it as the evil that it is. There is no single good thing about it. Learn to hate it for what it does to others as well as for what it does to you and your relationship with God.

Next, determine in your heart that with God’s power, you are going to turn away from your sin and follow the instructions of the Lord.

At this point, it becomes important to get rid of every piece of pornography that you own — not by selling it or giving it away, but by burning and throwing it away. This is a very important step to take, as a practical demonstration to the Lord of your commitment to Him and as a way of eliminating immediate sources of temptation.

It is also important at this point to separate yourself from any affiliation or friendships that have contributed to the problem. Cut up the credit cards that you use to order such materials and services. Change your phone number if you have to, but do those things, which show the Lord that you are serious, because if you are not serious, then you cannot expect that the Lord will do anything to deliver you.

At the same time, spend a lot of time in praise and worship of the Lord; seek Him in prayer with all your heart, in reading the Bible, and in getting involved in a Bible believing fellowship of Christians, so that you can begin to flood the darkness in your life with the light of Jesus Christ.

The relationship that you develop with the Lord in prayer and worship will serve to guide you to the particular issues that birthed the problem in the first place, and as each of them is healed, the power of the forces that try to pull you back into sin will lessen in strength. It’s really a matter of replacing what the pornography did for you with what God Almighty can do for you. You’ll find that it is no contest. What God will fill you with will be beyond what you can possibly imagine or think (Eph. 3:20). Just give it time, and a great deal of attention.

Know this: God loves you and promises to heal you from your calamity and your sin if you will humbly come to Him and ask for His help, and patiently work with Him as He shows you what to do. He can restore your innocence, because He is a mighty and powerful God. He bought you at the price of the death of His own Son. He sees you clothed in robes of pure white linen, righteous before His eyes because you have clothed yourself with the purity and holiness of Christ.

Pastor Phillip Lee
Executive Director
His Way Out Ministries

© Copyright His Way Out Ministries

Answering Pro-Gay Theology

Argument: Jesus said, “Come unto me, all ye that are weary and heavy laden,” not just “Come unto me, all ye that are heterosexual.” The gospel is for everyone, including gays.

Response: True, Christ’s invitation is to everyone. Most Christians who believe homosexuality is unnatural do not believe that homosexuals cannot be saved – only that they, like all of us are called to repent of all aspects of life that are contrary to God’s standards. We are all called to repent just as surely as we are all called to salvation. To say that no change in behavior or heart is necessary after conversion is to deny the very need for conversion in the first place.

Did anyone really think it would come to this? I certainly didn’t. I have been asked numerous times what I think about the U.S. Supreme Court addressing the issue of same-sex marriage. While I have shared my personal views and thoughts on same-sex marriage, I will still say probably much less than some would expect. Why? Because His Way Out Ministries calling is not necessarily to the political arena.

That said, I do believe and encourage all Christians to consider what is the most appropriate way of responding to homosexuals, and more specifically, to the demands which they are pursuing through various social and political agendas when it comes to same-sex marriage?

Today, advocates of social policies and legislation to “normalize” and prohibit discrimination on the basis of homosexual orientation often base their arguments on the claim that homosexuality (same-sex unions of any type and to any degree) is “normal” for a significant percentage of people. However, the term “normal” remains open to various interpretations, being understood in different ways by different people.

Our primary concern should be to promote public policies which both protect and enhance the well-being of individuals and society as a whole. Today, many people are impressed with statistics. Consequently, when it comes to communicating that large numbers of homosexuals exist, they mistakenly assume that homosexuality must be normal, natural and, therefore, socially acceptable. Setting aside this faulty logic, we should at least attempt to get the facts straight.

The questions surrounding homosexuality, and more specifically, same-sex marriage, are not legal ones. Frankly, even if all religions were silent on the subject, we would still need to ask whether it is right or wrong. We should not even be asking political questions regarding homosexual practice because it matters little to the debate of whether homosexuality is politically correct. Nor is “the question” about culture or tradition. Ultimately, the moral status of homosexual practice should never be determined on the basis of figures. There is no such thing as “statistical morality.”

Given the high profile of the public debate over homosexuality and same-sex marriage, and the efforts of those seeking its social legitimacy, the question of how society will handle and respond is critical. Given the current political climate, if we cannot address homosexuality and same-sex marriage both factually and within a moral context, then we should not address it at all.

It is more than ironic that in a time of what appears to be great concern for basic values and the emphasis for the instilling of character, there are those perpetuating and elevating “desire” to the level of the new “moral norm.”

It is my opinion that hurting, wounded people are the main issue. There are many men and women who call themselves gay, lesbian, bi-sexual or transgender, who don’t know that God loves them and has made provision for them. As the Book of Joel tells us, there are “multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision.”

As long as resources are poured into the political battle alone and ignore ministry to the lonely ones, we contradict the heart of the gospel of Jesus Christ. What if people were to hear, instead of labels, an invitation to relationship? What if they were to hear, “We know you are a person. Come talk with us, let us know you, and we will let you know us. Let us grow in our understanding of one another and see how the Lord might use us in one another’s lives.”

Our hope at His Way Out Ministries remains that people who have been just fighting over the political issues of homosexuality would be willing to expand their awareness to the human need embedded in the behavior, which is a fueling agent of same-gender attraction. My personal hope and desire is that the people who are called by God’s name will humble themselves and pray, then open their hearts to men and women who need to know Jesus cares about them and their needs. I pray that God’s people will look for ways to minister in truth and love and reach into the vast, enormous and virtually untouched mission field of those struggling with unwanted same-gender attraction.

Pastor Phillip Lee
Executive Director
His Way Out Ministries

© Copyright His Way Out Ministries

UPDATED: December 4, 2012
All edits and uploads have been completed for the recent video series. Please check them out.

Pastor Phillip Lee spoke at Olive Knolls Nazarene Church in Bakersfield, CA on two topics. The first, A Biblical Response to Sexuality, is available in both Audio MP3 and as a two part video on our Vimeo Channel. Links below.

A Biblical Response to Sexuality
Audio | Video Part One | Video Part Two

The second topic was titled, The Myths of Homosexuality, and is available in Audio MP3 and as a two part video on our Vimeo Channel. Links below.

The Myths of Homosexuality
Audio | Video Part One | Video Part Two

For additional videos, please visit our Media Page or check out the His Way Out Channel on Vimeo.

We have had an exciting and wonderful year. I believe we have seen numerous prayers and requests become a reality due to our waiting on the Lord to hear His voice and then earnestly praying according to His will, plan and purpose for His ministry called His Way Out. Today, I remain steadfast in learning to listen closely to the Lord as we are on the threshold of a new year. God is leading all of us at His Way Out Ministries and I am purposed to step through each and every door of opportunity He opens to His Way Out Ministries.

I am confident each individual, family, ministry and church which comprises the His Way Out Ministries Network in America, the Caribbean and South America, would ask you to pray for us to hear His voice and do what He tells us. At His Way Out Ministries, we remain certain that our major calling is to disciple men and women, both adults and teenagers, with unwanted same-gender attraction as well as develop materials and teachings that will instruct, guide and equip the Church and its workers. To date, we have been faithful to do this and we give God praise for the numerous doors of opportunity in which our teachings have blessed many thousands of people. Now, our desire is to proceed accordingly to His will as we look forward to a new year.

His Way Out Ministries continues to receive new people making their way to us for ministry. Individuals that struggle with same-gender attraction, wives whose marriage has been impacted by sexual impurity, parents trying to come to terms with their child’s declaration of same-gender attraction, ministry to those impacted by HIV/AIDS, and more and more invitations, both locally and abroad, to teach and equip the Body of Christ in ministry to the sexually broken remain strong and on the increase. There are those times when it can be overwhelming and appear almost impossible, but that is when we extend our faith beyond our capabilities into the realm of His possibilities and promises.

Recently, an abundance of new men and women have come to His Way Out Ministries because of their struggle with same-gender attraction. Within minutes of meeting with each man and each woman, each individual expressed, “The gay lifestyle is a dead end, empty and holds no promise for the future.” Frankly, their sincerity and transparency was refreshing and greatly appreciated. During each meeting, it became obvious that each individual felt like a total and complete failure, in spite of their undeniable gifts, intelligence, and talents. Ultimately, the course of each conversation turned to the importance of each person knowing Jesus as Savior and Lord. Not too surprising since a goal here at His Way Out Ministries is to lead each person that comes our way into the presence of Christ Himself and to teach them how to develop intimacy with Him. Or, as I have heard it said and agree fully, “We are not here to overcome anything, but to be overcome by Christ.”

More than ever, I believe God wants The Church to reach to individuals struggling with same-gender attraction. We are convinced that God the Father is leading His Way Out Ministries into new areas of ministry and into deeper depths of His Holy Presence. He is revealing His heart for this ministry and what He desires to do to penetrate the kingdom of darkness not only in American society but the world concerning sexual brokenness – heterosexual, homosexual, male, female, family, adult, teenager, and the many related issues that accompany sexual and relational brokenness.

As I walk by faith, but also dealing in reality, I am acutely aware that here in America laws are being challenged and changed. Homosexual marriage is marching from state to state and nation to nation. Our education system has become much more tolerant and sensitive to lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and transgender students while falsely teaching pro-homosexual lessons through health education curriculum. Religious institutions continue to revise their faith traditions by following social trends. Media and movies are basically a sound stage to promote homosexuality unchallenged and without debate. Scientific organizations are reluctant to allow any discussion about the causes and therapy of unwanted same-gender attraction.

At His Way Out Ministries we believe we have a mandate and a calling to bring understanding to the confusing issue of homosexuality. Indeed, it is past due to set many records straight and provide answers to key questions, separating fact from fiction. Are people born with same-sex attraction? Did God make them that way? Did they choose to have same-sex attraction? Does God really love those who experience homosexual feelings? How do we respond to same-sex attracted family members, friends, co-workers and fellow brothers and sisters in Christ?

Therefore, His Way Out Ministries remains dedicated to communicating a message of hope that change is possible for those struggling with same-gender desires, we refuse to be silent about the truth, and we remain steadfast in believing people have a choice with regard homosexual practice.

I remain convinced if Jesus were here today He would reach out in love to men and women struggling with same-gender attraction and require His Church to treat the same with dignity and respect. I also believe that Jesus would seek and work towards providing a safe environment for those struggling with same-gender attraction, an environment we are purposed to continue providing at His Way Out Ministries, without fear of condemnation or persecution.

Of course, as followers of Christ, the practice of homosexuality should never be encouraged or affirmed. However, when any man or woman has the courage and the integrity to disclose their battle with same-gender attraction, that in and of itself should never be taken lightly and ultimately viewed as an opportunity to share Christ’s love and acceptance for and to the individual. The delicate balance is our willingness as Ambassadors for Christ to keep the lines of communication open and enter into a relationship without compromising truth or love. It means not backing down from the truth of Scripture and remaining dedicated to reaching men and women in a Christ-like way. Since love is basic to Christianity, His love must be extended to all people – including those that struggle with homosexuality; that, I remain convinced, is exactly what Jesus would do.

Each of us can either be part of the problem by not taking any action, or we can participate in changing history by reaching out in love, forgiveness, and understanding. Ultimately, the crisis of homosexuality will not be solved by politics, science, or the media. The solution is in your

hands and mine, within our hearts, inside our minds, and most definitely by our actions. The sooner each person gets involved, the sooner the resolution occurs.

I am confident 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. Yes, Jesus is a friend of sinners; in fact, the greatest friend they will ever know.

Equally true is 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. In short, the Lord cannot tolerate it because it does so much damage to people’s lives.

All of us at His Way Out Ministries are dedicated to truly loving the sinner but hating the sin. We remain dedicated to continually resist popular trends with our ministry position resting fully on the Authority of Scripture versus the interpretations of some of the social sciences. All ministry services at His Way Out Ministries remain centered on the biblical foundations of compassion, integrity, and dependence on God.

Ultimately, as we are on the threshold of a new year, all of us at His Way Out Ministries believe the Scriptures contain the final truth and authority concerning all matters of morality and present Jesus Christ as the One who has the power to release people from the snare of same-gender attraction.

It is therefore our goal and vision to proclaim this truth of freedom through the Lord Jesus Christ.

From all of Us at His Way Out Ministries…
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Pastor Phillip Lee
Executive Director
His Way Out Ministries

© Copyright His Way Out Ministries

Dear His Way Out Ministries…

I understand that multiple contributing factors are involved in homosexuality, including environment, biology, and family. Is a spiritual component included as well?

All the factors you mentioned (and there are others) can contribute to the development of homosexual attraction, but we cannot overlook spiritual influences that contribute to same-gender attraction. Scripture clearly states that “our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (Ephesians 6:12). Obviously, the powers of darkness can much more easily seduce those who are spiritually vulnerable. That said, to think that only praying against the “demon of homosexuality” is all one must do is shortsighted. God often chooses to manifest His power in various ways in our struggles with sin – alcoholism, drug addiction, sexual addiction, anger, envy, or gossip. In most cases, the recovery road is a process played out not only through prayer and the power of the Holy Spirit but also through godly counseling, one-on-one accountability, and forgiveness.

Recently, California Governor Jerry Brown signed into law SB1172, a law banning “nonscientific therapies” regarding homosexuality. Consequently, many have called and written His Way Out Ministries to inquire how the new law impacts His Way Out Ministries.

Beginning in 2013, anyone under the age of eighteen in the state of California whose personal, family, or religious values are at odds with their homosexual feelings will be forbidden to seek help from a mental health practitioner unless the clinician tells them to accept their homosexual feelings and identify themselves as gay. To do otherwise, says the law, would be harmful and potentially lead youth into depression and self-harm.

It is hard to fathom how Governor Brown and the California Assembly can justify their acceptance of homosexual youth taking part in high-risk sexual behaviors that often lead to HIV, but find it harmful that young people who do not wish to embrace a gay life explore their heterosexual potential through counseling.

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

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

In December 1973, by a narrow vote, homosexuality was removed from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder (DSM) by the American Psychiatric Association. The vote was not based upon scientific research but on political pressure from homosexual activists. So much for an individual’s right of self-determination to address their unwanted homosexual feelings and behavior. In a nutshell, the problem is the politicization of psychiatry, psychology, and most definitely, the Bible, to the extent that the freedom to investigate and treat homosexuality has been and continues to be under serious attack.

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

Personally, I do support the rights of gays and lesbians to live their lives according to their own values. But to ban a person’s right of self-determination to pursue sexuality within their own values, especially in adolescence, which is a critical time of sexual development, is truly dangerous and harmful. Tragically, the truth that is being suppressed is that some people can and do change their homosexual attractions.

Ultimately, the SB1172 law does not impact His Way Out Ministries in any way since our discipleship method and ministry position rests on the Authority of Scripture versus the interpretations of some of the social sciences. His Way Out Ministries is a Christian ministry rather than a clinically-based organization which utilizes various therapies to help those with unwanted same-gender attraction.

To those that have contacted His Way Out Ministries, we remain grateful for your concern given our focus of ministry. We are here and remain dedicated to effectively and compassionately communicating God’s heart concerning sexual brokenness and wholeness, while disputing the unchangeable nature of sexual orientation.

Pastor Phillip Lee
Executive Director
His Way Out Ministries

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