The Gospel According To Jesus Christ; and the “Gay Christian?”
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A Message to Pastoral Care Leaders Processing The Gospel and “Gay Christianity.”
by Stephen Black, Executive Director, First Stone MinistriesThe Gospel according to Jesus Christ is the same message for a gay-identified person, an idolater, an adulterer, a fornicator, a pornographer, a liar, a thief, a gossip, a slanderer or a murderer. The message of good news–redemption into a love relationship with God–is the same for all sinners.[1] Many “Christian” leaders [see note 40 ] communicate a message that is not Biblical, but instead is deceptive and eternally dangerous. It is certainly not a message of love to lead a person into a false hope. Unfortunately, this misleading message of “gay Christianity” is spread by perhaps well-meaning but Biblically-illiterate leaders who present a message based not on the truth of the Bible, but on a man-made theology. Other leaders purposefully and deceptively spread this message, which is a much graver offense. Deception–which leads people astray–is not love; it’s evil.[2] I share this concern with the same grief-filled compassion as expressed by the Apostle Paul to the Romans in Romans 9:1-3[3] when he wrote “with a great heavy heart and many tears.” Sincerely I write this article after much heart-ache and many tears. Paul reminded us that many will fall away from the faith in the last days.[4] This perversion of The Gospel is an example of the message of ease, love of pleasure and living unrepentantly with which many will go astray.[5] This article is equipped with many end-notes of Biblical references to back up the emphatic statements and is a Bible study with over 150 verses. Please read the Scripture references with this article and let God’s word be your guide.
GOOD NEWS or BAD?
The Gospel is Good News from Creator God, the Father in Heaven revealed to us through Jesus Christ, the Son of God. It is an amazing message of love given to fallen humanity.[6] By truly believing in and being in Christ, believers’ relationship with Holy God is restored to the way it was before “the fall.” The Good News is that God the Father has made a way for all mankind to be restored to His original divine intent of an intimate loving relationship that is greater than any we will experience in this fallen world. His desire is for this relationship to be forever with Him.[7] Many proclaim a message that totally contradicts the Gospel of Jesus Christ: that you can be a practicing sexually-immoral person or a practicing homosexual and go to heaven. The Bible speaks directly to this, with uncompromised clarity.[8] The truth expressed in Ephesians 5:5 is clear: you can know with certainty that no one who practices sexual immorality will go to heaven. Interestingly, the Bible often follows these types of passages with the reminder that we should NOT be deceived by people giving us empty promises or words that contradict the truth.[9] Jesus came to save us from and out of our sins, not leave us in them.[10] A person who struggles with and against sin differs from a person who embraces and freely practices sin. The Good News is Jesus died for the sins of the world and rose victoriously over death, hell and the devil. When Christ rose from the dead, He gave us the promise of the Holy Spirit of Grace,[11] assuring us that the Holy Spirit would come and live in those truly born of God unto eternal life. The Holy Spirit of Grace empowers true believers to live holy repentant lives in a devout relationship to Jesus Christ as Lord. However, the Spirit does not live in people who are hostile towards God and disobedient, walking in and embracing and practicing sexual immorality.[12] The Bible tells us He–the Holy Spirit–is given to those who obey God.[13] The Bible also tells us that all sexual immorality grieves God. Holy God revealed in the person of the Holy Spirit will never abide with, or approve of any immoral behavior.[14] God opposes the proud and gives His grace, the Spirit of Grace, to those who humble themselves and see their need for Christ.[15] Anyone who says otherwise is not teaching the Whole Gospel of Jesus Christ[16] and would be giving bad news instead of the good news.
The Son of God’s Beginning Message: “Repent for the Kingdom of God is at Hand,” Should also be Our First Message
God’s message, revealed to us in human form[17] through His Son, Jesus the Holy One, is very simple: turn from your ways and turn to Me.[18] Biblically we know that turning or repenting is the evidence of true faith and a belief in God that ultimately produces obedience to God in a loving relationship. Through repentance, we replace our belief systems, our worldly thoughts, the flesh and the devil’s ways, and our minds are renewed by God’s word and by His Spirit. This “believing” in the mind and heart turns the behavior away from the way of the flesh to the way of the Holy Spirit.[19] This is what it means to BELIEVE in Christ for salvation. Believing and repentance may unfold differently in each person, depending on his or her history, but God’s grace is truly amazing as it will produce a life becoming more and more like Christ.[20] His grace always convicts the real believer of sin, and reminds the believer of the righteousness of God and the judgment to come.[21] If this heart-change does not happen, self-examination is in order to see whether or not you are truly born again.[22] True faith in God is believing the Word of God and believing in Jesus Christ; such beliefs will result in a changed and righteous life.[23] Paul’s letter to Timothy makes it clear that the Gospel Message must be based upon the sound words of the Lord Jesus Christ, which conforms the soul to godliness.[24] The goal of this message is to mature the hearer into having pure love, an undefiled clear conscience and a sincere and devoted faith.[25] I rely on Jesus’ words for leadership and filter all teachings through His words. Jesus said, “Narrow is the way that leads to life and FEW find it. Broad is the way of destruction and MANY will go on its path.”[26] I also rely on Jesus’ statistics. In the parable of the sower, Jesus’ statistic is only 25% would actually bear good fruit after hearing the word of God.[27] Shouldn’t we teach the same narrow way that leads to eternal life? If anyone–and I mean anyone–teaches otherwise, they are NOT teaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We should never teach people that they are justified to live in sin and an unrepentant life, a belief that is completely contrary to the teachings of Jesus Christ. Yet, many leaders today teach contradictions. John, Jesus’ beloved disciple,[28] warns of this danger in his epistle, 1 John. “This is the message we have heard from Him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all. If we say we have fellowship with Him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light,as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned,we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.” “Whoever says “I know Him” but does not keep His commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him, but whoever keeps His word, in him truly the love of God is perfected.By this we may know that we are in Him: whoever says he abides in Him ought to walk in the same way in which He (Jesus) walked.” (1 John 1:5-10, 1 John 2:4-6). John also reminds us of the importance of obedience in his Gospel, in the very words of Jesus: “For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him. He who believes in Him is not judged; he who does not believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. This is the judgment, that the Light (Jesus) has come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the Light (Jesus), for their deeds were evil. For everyone who does evil (practices) hates the Light (hates Jesus), and does not come to the Light (Jesus) for fear that his deeds will be exposed. But he who practices the truth comes to the Light (Jesus), so that his deeds may be manifested as having been wrought in God.” “He who believes in the Son of God, Jesus Christ, has eternal life; but he who does not obey the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.” (John 3:17-21 v. 36)
Follow Me to the End
My story of true conversion began in February 1983. After praying with people that were completely surrendered to Christ, I was confronted with the Word of God in many ways, two of which I’ll share here.
First, Jesus spoke to me in the power of His Spirit.[29] I didn’t understand what was happening to me; my heart was pounding and I felt very strange. I heard in my mind a voice I know now as the Holy Spirit, telling me that if I did not surrender to Christ, I was going to die. The fear of the Lord gripped my heart. I knew in my soul that I did not know Jesus Christ like these people. They spoke in terms of a relationship with God that I thought was crazy. They told me that Jesus was answering their prayers, speaking to their hearts, that He was consistently known and felt in their home. I had never experienced Christ in that way, but I wanted to. They prayed with me to receive Jesus Christ as Lord.
Later that evening in the car going home, my friend who had been with me and witnessed my surrender to Christ, asked me; “Does this mean you will stop being gay?” I told her I didn’t know for sure, that I wanted to follow whatever Jesus had for me. At home that night I got out the big table-Bible, our only family Bible. Holding it my lap, I prayed and asked God to show me in His Word whether homosexuality was a sin. After all, the gay Catholic priest from my parent’s parish had told me God loved me just the way I was as a gay man; and he stated all the more reason to visit him at mass. God heard my prayer for truth and revealed it to me through His Word found in the Holy Scriptures.
Secondly, Jesus spoke to me through the Bible. As I opened the Bible, it fell directly upon Leviticus with the heading, “Laws on Sexual Immorality.” There it was right before my eyes: chapter 18, verse 22.[30] It was undeniable that God detests homosexual behavior. Initially, I was angry. I could clearly see that I was worthy of death. However, I also understood now that Jesus Christ paid for all my sins in His death on the cross and that He loved me. He saved me from destruction and death.[31]
In the summer of 1983, we began to hear of a strange disease being reported by the news in Oklahoma City hospitals. At that time, the doctors were calling it G.R.I.D.[32]–Gay-Related Immune Deficiency (syndrome)–or G.R.I.D.s. Many of my friends, people who had seemed so vibrant and healthy, were now dying. In fact, more than half the people I knew in the Oklahoma City gay community died within the next few years. In the midst of this tragedy, the fear of God instructed me and gave me life. God spared me and revealed His mercy.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.[33] Anyone claiming to declare the Gospel, but excluding the fear of the Lord–the very beginning of wisdom–is immediately suspect to me. I look first to see if a messenger/teacher knows and demonstrates the fear of God, as this is how the Gospel was presented to me by the Holy Spirit. Does the messenger teach that God is holy? Does the teacher instruct that we must turn to God in intimate relationship to become holy because God commands it? These questions must be answered with an emphatic “Yes!” We must respect the word of God.[34] Yes, we must know the kindness, but we also must know the severity of God, for no immoral person or idolater will be in Heaven.[35]
Many times I have been asked if I ever considered returning to the gay lifestyle. I decided in 1983 that I would rather live celibately than return to a life that clearly is not God’s divine intent. However, I am married now with three adult children, and grandchildren. I truly believe God’s word concerning homosexuality. I know He is holy, and I tremble when I think of the fate of people who choose to continue to live in immorality. The Scripture is very clear. No one who practices sexual immorality will go to Heaven.[36] Yet, false teachers, under the guise of hope and kindness, persist in spreading a message that is contrary to God’s Word. Therefore I embrace the words of Jesus Christ for clarity: “And many false (pastors) teachers will arise, and lead many astray (they will tell you can be a gay Christian), and because lawlessness (the practice of sin) will be increased,the love (real love) of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.” Matt. 24:11-14.
Will you endure to the end with me and the many others who will never go back to sexual immorality? We must endure to the end in a love relationship with Jesus Christ, who is the pearl of great price. Even if we live to be 100, this life is a mere vapor.[37] I will never be sorry I embraced Christ, His word and repentance from all immorality. Even if I am wrong, even if there is a remote possibility that a Christian could be gay, I have merely denied myself in pursuit of obedience. But, if the gay Christian or teacher of gay Christianity is wrong, the consequence may be eternal death. That’s not a gamble I am willing to take. Are you? Even if you struggle with homosexual temptation to the end, if you deny the fleshly desires out of love for Christ, isn’t eternal life better than hell? Isn’t loving Christ instead of the world or our pleasure the better choice?
Assurance of Salvation and Answers to Prayer
You can have assurance of salvation. The Bible is clear we can have security IN Christ. If you repent of your sins and put your faith completely in Jesus Christ for your salvation and you continue in this faith in Him, you WILL have eternal life.[38] The promise is found in 1 John 5:13-15: “…to you who believe in the name of the Son of God that you may know that you have eternal life. And this is the confidence that we have toward Him, that if we ask anything according to His will He hears us. And if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of Him.” Unfortunately there are doctrines and traditions of men and churches that communicate a relationship with Christ by praying a prayer, or being a member, or being present in an organization. Jesus never taught praying prayers to receive Him as Savior; He taught discipleship and Lordship.[39] Although we should pray to receive Christ, it is not merely praying a prayer that gives us an assurance of salvation. A devoted relationship, a sincere faith in Christ resulting in righteous repentant living and becoming His disciple are the Biblical truths for an assurance of salvation. Assurance of salvation to a sexually immoral person may begin by praying a prayer, but if not accompanied with a sincere faith producing the fruit of repentance, giving an assurance of eternal life would be a very dangerous teaching in leading people into a false hope. Would you like to be prepared on judgment day to give an account of leading people into a false hope of salvation based upon the traditions and doctrines of men? Would you like to give an answer to God for giving a message that actually sent people to hell?
What Will Be The Message? A Biblical Message or Man’s Theologies?
Several church leaders[40] embrace the emergent message of gay Christianity and present a gay Gospel. Their teachings are not based upon the sound doctrine of the Gospel of Jesus Christ or New Testament Biblical instruction. They choose to embrace a false social gospel of a more palatable feel-good-God, a man-made theology, yet they do ‘good things’ under the banner of Christianity. Unfortunately, rather than embracing the Gospel of Jesus Christ, a gospel of self-denial that produces a Spirit-filled life that really does do good,[41] they are embracing a man-made theology promoting gay Christianity. Which gospel message will you embrace? Will you follow a Biblical message that allows the human heart and soul to be transformed by the Word of God or a man-made theology that allows men to live in self-centeredness and indulgence?[42] Shall we teach people that just praying a prayer and being a part of a community saves them eternally? Or shall we teach a true belief, that accepting Jesus Christ as Lord and following Him in discipleship will result in a life of righteousness? Which Gospel will you teach or follow?[43] The true gospel of Jesus Christ, which leads to life, or a gay gospel according to man’s words, which leads to death? “There is a way that seems right to man, but the end leads to death.”[44]
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More Recommended Reading on this topic:
The Bible and Homosexual Practice: Texts and Hermeneutics by Dr. Robert Gagnon
Dr. Robert Gagnon’s Online Library of Articles <– Excellent Resource
Mastering Life Ministries Online Library of Articles and Video’s by Pure Passion TV <– Excellent Resource
Online Article in Facebook: “Gay & Christian? Yes and No! b”y Dr. David Kyle Foster
The Gay Gospel? How Pro-gay Advocates Misread the Bible by Joe Dallas
Read Joe Dallas’ Online Article: Responding to Pro-Gay Theology
The Whole Gospel for Gays, by Andy Comiskey
My Written Testimony: He Sent His Word To Heal Us
Video Interview on Overcoming Homosexuality and Childhood Sexual Abuse by Pure Passion TV
End-notes: (Please read the following scriptures in context of this article:)
[1] – 1 Cor. 6:9-11, 1 Cor. 1:18, 2 Cor. 2:15, 2 Cor. 4:3, Romans 1:16-17, 2 Cor. 11:3-5, Gal. 1:6-9
[9] – Eph. 5:6-9, 1 Cor. 6:9, Gal. 6:6-8, 1 Cor. 15:33-34, Romans 16:17-19, 1 Thess. 2:3-4, 1 John 3:6-8
[33] – Job 28:28, Psalm 19:9, Psa. 34:11, Psa. 111:10, Prov. 1:7, Prov. 8:13, Prov. 9:10, Prov. 14;27, Prov. 15:33, Prov. 16:6, Prov. 19:23, Prov. 22:4, Luke 12:4-5
[34] – Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible dedicated to the importance of the Word of God is in our lives.
[40] – i.e. Adam Hamilton, Tony Jones, Brian McLaren, Rob Bell, Jay Bakker, Ray Boltz, Andrew Marin, Troy Perry, Mel White, Tony & Peggy Campolo, Reba Rambo-McGuire, Gene Robinson & Neill Spurgin
RECONCILIATION
A Must See Heart-Rending Life Story
During the Exodus International Freedom Conference, I and the other delegates received an unexpected blessing. We were invited by Movie Director Chad Ahrendt to screen his new film, RECONCILIATION. I’d seen the trailer and knew a bit about the story line, so I admit to some pre-conceptions. “It will most-likely be a nice story, but I doubt it will be a real tear-jerker or pack an emotional punch as others reported,” I thought, and . . . “it probably won’t convey a real Christian message; it will most-likely compromise in some way.”
WOW, was I ever so blessedly wrong! RECONCILIATION is not only very tastefully done; it is believable, realistic and definitely packs that emotional punch, and not at all contrived. Based upon a very real and gut-wrenching life story, this movie confronts complicated life issues in an honest way without any sugar-coating.
Just the opening scenes dismissed any doubts on quality. I was concerned that it wouldn’t be well-done. Many low-budget films sacrifice story-telling and film artistry. Again . . . I was so wrong. RECONCILIATION is excellent. The actors are professional, believable; the editing and artistry of the film top-notch. Writer-Director Chad Ahrendt crafted an amazing heart-rending movie. In meeting with Chad, I could see that his personal passion is reflected in his artistic expression. This movie affirms his depth, conviction and vision. I’ve seen a lot of movies in my time; this one is definitely on the top of my movie list, EVER!
RECONCILIATION provoked a lot of questions for me. Why does this movie so bless me? Will it bless others as deeply? Why do I feel so strongly about this movie in particular? Are my strong feelings only because I can SO relate to this movie in SO many ways? Is it because I lived as a gay identified man for eight years? Is it the acknowledgment in the film of the struggles I have lived over the past 28 years within the Church and in ministry? Is it because I know what it is like to hate my father and then to be reconciled to him? Is it the raw emotional impact of the movie’s closing scenes, so similar to scenes I lived out with my own father?
The answer to all of these questions is “yes.”
Some who know me might just say, “well that’s Stephen, he’s so emotional.” And, it’s true. I am. However, it would take a hard-hearted soul indeed to not be moved by this movie. People in audiences vary greatly in everyday emotional expression, but all were clearly moved to tears at this screening. Was it because these viewers were delegates to the Exodus International Freedom Conference? Perhaps that plays a part because they can so relate. But I think it goes well beyond that. People love it when reconciliation takes place and the truth is presented in a real life story. It gives us all hope as we view whatever brokenness lies around us, and that reconciliation is possible.
My tears began to flow in the middle of the movie and were present through the final credits. My heart leaped for joy when the truth was presented to the Dad-Jeff McDowell, (played by Jack Maxwell). The presentation of truth is so freeing . . . and I was finally able to let my guard down and embrace this beautiful movie. This movie affected me so deeply because it is obviously truthful to real life. It confronted my own need to love more deeply and in truthful compassion. It demonstrates deep LOVE and FORGIVENESS. The power of grace is presented and treasured. My tears flowed as I relived my relationship with my own dad though this message of hope and great kindness. The Son-Grant Taylor, (played by Eric Nenninger) demonstrates accurately the battle that many Christians have in dealing with a loved one in homosexuality; yet the Son-Grant prevails with dignity, love and forgiveness.
RECONCILIATION reveals how very kind and long-suffering God IS with every last one of us. So many gay men and women have been deeply wounded by the Church; God desires reconciliation. Here we see it and it gives us hope.
The movie is honest and realistic, revealing varying views on the issue of homosexuality. Thank God it rises above the temptation to be politically correct and commits itself to just be about real life and the struggle we all face to overcome grief and hatred. It respects the real “issues” of hurt from both perspectives, gay and Christian.
I highly recommend this movie to everyone I know, gay, straight, Christian or uncertain. This is a must-watch movie for everyone that has been touched by the issue of a gay lifestyle. Whether you have a loved one involved in homosexuality, or you are someone trying to reconcile your own homosexuality/same-sex attractions and Christianity, this movie will speak to you in your journey. Every Christian should see it to help us deal with the issues with which our fellow brothers and sisters struggle in the Church and those who struggle outside the Church.
A film about the issue of homosexuality and the impact it has on families must, to be real, express the raw emotions of misunderstanding and pain. That realistic expression makes this movie a bit intense for children. The film does not avoid the impact of living in a fallen world. However, this movie is not just for those who struggle with same-sex attractions or those with surrounding relationships. It is for anyone who desires forgiveness and to love more deeply. It is for those who hope for better relating in any broken relationship.
Chad Ahrendt created an excellent and impacting movie; one he will never regret. As a courageous telling of the truth and a willingness to look beyond what many deny, this movie has the potential to be a sneaker-blockbuster. Some may mock it, as they did Mel Gibson’s the Passion of The Christ movie. Remember, many mocked the Billy Graham Association, saying The Hiding Place was lame. However, both movies are timeless and continue to express powerful truths. Both movies are watched over and over and are becoming multi-generational. RECONCILIATION will join these two as one of my favorite Christian movies. Why? Because RECONCILIATION is truly redemptive. Yes, it is the story of reconciling a father to his son, but it speaks to the inner need of all us, the desire to be reconciled. I loved this movie and I will definitely see it again on the big screen, with friends and tissues.
Please join with me in supporting the message of RECONCILIATION and help bring it to the Big Screen in your community.
Watch the Trailer:
RECONCILIATION trailer from Chad Ahrendt on Vimeo.
Freedom from Homosexuality – A Letter to OKC Gazette Editor
Several years ago I meet Louis Hommel who had already started his journey with God in walking away from homosexuality. I had the honor and privilege to spend time serving Louis in discipleship care and support group ministry within First Stone Ministries. I am so proud of how consistent and diligent Louis has been in seeking Christ as Savior and Lord of his life and his sexuality. Many of us who have left homosexuality behind embrace the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Jesus’ Gospel communicates clearly that we must deny ourselves and live our lives separate from the desires of the world, the flesh and sensual powers. As people who used to identify as gay; we are on a journey looking for eternity and not the momentary pleasures of this life that is offered by the “gay” Gospel proponents. The “gay gospel” is a false gospel and a dangerous message Biblically. However, there is hope! I want to share with you the excellent letter written by Louis Hommel that he shared with the Oklahoma City Gazette. The letter was published a few weeks ago, however it was edited down. Therefore I asked Louis’ permission to post the entire letter, here it is:
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A Letter to the Editor by Louis Hommel
In his letter last week Thomas Furlong makes a valid point, homosexuals are no different from other sinners and since all of us have fallen short of the glory of God, this is a message of hope! For many people who are Christian by identity and troubled by a homosexual inclination, the church’s message that it is sinful is a message of hope because God can help you stop sinning. The Church does not condemn people with a homosexual inclination by labeling it sin, it empowers them to gain control of their lives. This is not a theoretical argument because there are people who choose to leave homosexuality and have chosen the church to help them. Tolerance and respect for diversity is not a one way street and we should practice real compassion by giving them the respect they deserve. They have not been “led astray” by the church and “tricked” into adopting so called “homophobic” attitudes. They are discouraged by their experience of living a gay life and have chosen to leave of their own free will. When we blame the church we overlook these people and fail to realize that the church is meeting their demand to provide ministry for them.
In Mr. Batchelder’s letter he claims that the American Medical Association, The American Psychological Association, The American Psychiatric Association, and the National Association of Social Workers claim that homosexuality is neither sickness nor sin. Sin is not a topic for psychology, psychiatry, social work or medicine. It is a topic for theology, which is a legitimate field of study and an authentic body of knowledge. Since theology is not a matter of opinion, we can no more decide for ourselves what is and is not sinful than we can redefine the value of pi as 3.17. All the major world religions are in agreement on the sinfulness of homosexuality, even though they made the decision separately thousands of years ago. It is this consistency in doctrine that has made religion so important in people’s lives for so many centuries.
Meanwhile psychology is less than 150 years old and has changed its mind several times on many topics including homosexuality. (Anyone remember lobotomy surgery or LSD enhanced psychotherapy, how about nude encounter groups?) Now some psychologists imagine that they are the governing body for religion? They must still be running around stoned and naked!
Religion is the guide most people choose for deciding how to live their lives. If you doubt this drive around your neighborhood and count the number of churches versus the number of counseling centers. Most psychologists can only dream of filling an arena like Billy Graham did, let alone write a book as popular as Rick Warren’s “A Purpose Driven Life” As for these organizations that claim that homosexuality is a natural trait and not a mental illness, it should be pointed out that they are professional associations and not governing bodies. It is individual states that govern licensure through licensing boards. The truth is that many psychologists offer reparative therapy for unwanted homosexual inclinations. To find out more visit the National Association for Research and Treatment of Homosexuality (www.narth.com) . Here you can find out what scientific research really shows about homosexuality. For those who may be interested in learning about 12 step recovery from homosexuality you can visit Homosexuals Anonymous at: www.ha-fs.org. (There is also help with an entire network of Christian ministries world-wide called Exodus International www.exodus.to).
For anyone who is offended by this letter, let me be the first to welcome you to America where all people have their first amendment rights to freedom of speech, freedom of press, freedom of assembly, freedom of religion and freedom to petition. I know all five rights very well because I use them on a regular basis and encourage others to do so too!
Louis Hommel is a contact person for Homosexuals Anonymous in the Oklahoma City area. He is an advocate for the right of people to choose to leave homosexuality and embrace heterosexuality. Louis is a graduate student of psychology and is working on his internship in reparative therapy. Louis can be contacted at: okccourage@yahoo.com.
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First Stone Ministries’ Staff Proclaims Freedom from Homosexuality!
There Really Is Something to Celebrate this Month! The Gospel of Jesus Christ!
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Staff in photo from left to right:
Stephen Black, Andrew Franklin, Laura Leigh Stanlake and Joseph Thiessen.
Annual Exodus National FREEDOM Conference
I am attending, participating and serving at this years’ conference! I am very excited to be apart of a wonderful team of speakers, ministers, and professionals. I am equally exciting to see God moving in all of our hearts as we hunger for MORE of Jesus Christ and the power of His Spirit to give us grace and freedom to overcome our struggles and our griefs.
“Father, help us who minister to be ONE in Your Spirit and cultivate a desire to fulfill Jesus’ prayer in John 17 in the entire Church! Father make us ONE in holiness, truth, grace and mercy for Jesus’ sake! Amen!”
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“Exodus International comforts the hurting, strengthens the weak, and encourages those who are struggling. Without judgmental-ness or self-righteousness, they love sinners to the Cross and just give them Jesus.” ~ Anne Graham Lotz
Watch This Video of Hope!
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I have been to over a dozen of these conferences over the last 18 years. I thoroughly enjoy being with hundreds of people from a common background – relational and sexual brokenness; many desiring understanding and freedom from homosexuality. The power felt in the auditorium of hundreds of people of weakness worshiping God and reaching out to Him for help is an amazing experience I wished everyone I know could experience. The worship experience alone is worth coming to an Exodus conference; as you will experience God in the power of the Holy Spirit during those times. The teachings are also a wonderful time of equipping. You will also experience encouragement in the fellowship of people from around the world. This is a top notch conference, and is life changing for those who desire freedom.
I have personally been on my own journey of freedom from homosexuality now for over 26 years; and this conference is one of the most amazing experiences of hope and encouragement a person can have in overcoming homosexuality. I want to personally invite you to attend this conference if at all possible. You will not regret it. I am also plan on teaching at this conference this year.
A word about this location: Wheaton College Campus is an amazing place to have a conference. There are several beautiful things to see right there on their campus; The Billy Graham Center, The C.S. Lewis Library and you are only 30 minutes from Chicago. I also want you to know that the cafeteria at this campus is one of the best in the country. Please make your plans now! Sincerely in HIS love and service, Stephen Black, Executive Director, First Stone Ministries.
Have you ever considered attending an Annual Exodus International Freedom Conference? click here for registration and detailed information: www.exodusfreedom.org
Check out other Exodus related upcoming conferences: www.exodus.to/conferences I am excited to announce that First Stone Ministries will be the hosting ministry for the Exodus Mid-Central Regional Conference, October 2-4 this year in Oklahoma City. Save the dates now, October 2-4, 2009 in South Oklahoma City. More details to come.
Experience One Worship Song at last year’s conference
