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.
A Brother ~ My Brother! An Answer to Prayer!
FINALLY! A NATIONAL LEADER! A Man of God, Ken Hutcherson, the senior pastor of Antioch Bible Church in Kirkland, Washington. Pastor Hutcherson is a beautiful black man in my view, for he is a courageous man of God, but not just because he is black, but that he has godly conviction as a black man. This is God’s beauty – the feet of those who preach good news! No doubt Pastor Hutcherson will take a lot hits (verbal abuse) over speaking the truth with the “One New Now” interviews. However I have no doubt that he will stand strong on the truth, boldly proclaiming, because Jesus Christ is his God and king. I am rejoicing today! FINALLY one my brothers in Christ who is boldly speaking the truth! A godly black conservative leader who is not afraid of the back lash or the “black lash” of the politically correct leftist elite. I am so grateful for Pastor Hutcherson’s interviews; this brought tears to my eyes as I read the articles and then again when I called Antioch Bible Church to express my gratefulness! I am sure that Pastor Hutcherson is not the only leader who is speaking up, however he just happens to be one who is speaking up loud enough to be heard nationally.
(See links to the articles below).
My heart was sincerely grieved over hearing the election exiting statistical poll data; 95% of black America voting for Barack Hussein Obama for President, which includes the black church in America. It is conclusive that this was based upon the fact of Obama’s skin color. Many Christians, white, black or otherwise voted for the “change” because they were frustrated with the war in Iraq and the economy; but they did not consider the actual facts of the stated Obama goals during the campaign that were actually anti-Christian. I found that grievous, since church percentages should have been more politically conservative no matter what a persons race. The numbers of 52 to 48 percent should have been the norm in the Church as was the entire election. I tried to remind people of the Obama campaign promises. I was told not to worry Barack Obama will govern more from the center. I didn’t believe it and said so, but I did hope so; unfortunately to no avail as Barack Obama became our 44th President.
Since the election and on the very day of the inauguration I have been praying for God to raise up black Christian leaders to speak the truth. President Obama was clear at his inauguration that he wanted to “remake America” and on the same day he posted the Gay Agenda on the White House Web Site. (However recently the White House staff re-worked the web page “Support for the LGBT” and is now condensed with less details. It is not quite as boldly pro-LGBT as it was. However there is more to read on the White House by searching you can see for yourself.) President Obama hasn’t changed his radically left desires to “remake America.” His desire to remake America includes barbaric practices of partial-birth abortion, Hate Crimes Legislation, and a Presidential Proclamation making June 2009 LGBT Gay Pride Month for America. I am in agreement with Pastor Hutcherson, I look for the moral compass of a leader when voting. Clearly if a man or woman cannot see the barbarianism of partial-birth abortion, they should not be a leader. If they cannot clearly see abortion as murder how can they have the clarity of character and conscience to lead our country? They can easily violate the other 10 Commandments of God if they are willing to promote partial-birth abortion. This CHANGE and “remaking America” direction also has built-in plans to stifle the voices of ex-gays. This is especially exasperating for me as a man who left homosexuality 27 years ago. This propagation of Hate Crimes legislation has what I believe the potential to lead to a culture war on traditional family value ministries and the church at large.
I have asked, “Where are my black brothers and black pastors who are equally appalled?” Sincerely I prayed that T.D. Jakes would repent. I have asked the Father, “please raise up godly black leaders!” You will not find many white leaders in the church asking out loud. It’s too politically incorrect. They would face condemnation of being racist, divisive and bigoted. I have asked where are the men who truly love God above the color of a man’s skin? I thought we were so much further along in racial reconciliation in the church at large including the black church. I was naive. I was appalled at T.D. Jakes and other major leaders in the black church of America who were unwilling to stand ground on Biblical principles in their voting rather than glorying skin color and/or a man’s race. Please don’t misunderstand me here. It is exciting that America has voted for a black man for President. This does prove we have made strides in overcoming racism. I can honestly relate to some of the prejudice. I was called awful names growing up. (I apologize now for the words in this next sentence, but imagine hearing them almost every day for 2 years.) I had one bully who for 2 years in junior-high school screaming at me almost every day within the hearing of my peers “Black – you sissy faggot, you queer, your nothing but a nigger faggot.” It was so painful, shameful and damaging to my identity. It was also terrifying to be followed home and beat with the name calling. Perhaps you can see, I am not insensitive. I can truly relate to these terrible words. My heart has been broken. I love black people, especially my brothers in Christ, but most powerfully I am in love with my granddaughter who is half white and half black, a gift from God. You see, I am not insensitive, I just desire truth and righteousness.
I am so grateful to God and I thank God for Pastor Hutcherson who is speaking the truth boldly in these articles to call for repentance of black leaders standing with our President when he is propagating anti-Christian policies. I am so thankful for the call to come back to character and godly living rather than merely standing with a person based upon skin color or because he is charismatic or loved by the media. I have been so grieved over the racism I perceive in the black church of America who voted for Barack Obama, kicking Jesus’ teachings aside and the leaving the Scripture behind simply for the affirmation of having a black man in the White House. Pastor Hutcherson set things clear in these interviews. He is an answer to prayer. If you feel the same way, I encourage you to write, call or email Antioch Bible Church and let Pastor Hutcherson know that you are standing with him, and then make sure you pray for him, his family and church. I am sincerely praying for revival in America, and then doing something about it by speaking out; as is Pastor Hutcherson. Will you join us by praying, and then influencing by talking to people about truth and The Gospel?
Read Pastor Hutcherson’s Interviews with Jim Brown at One News Now:
Pastor: Obama has no ‘black experience’ to speak of
‘No truth’ in Obama’s speech before homosexuals
Related Article: Obama hopes to persuade all Americans to accept homosexuality
Miss California Faces Intolerance with Class
Disclaimer / Warning: The content of the bottom YouTube video with Perez Hilton is offensive. The use of this video is not to be construed as an endorsement of the video producer and is used only as informational purposes only.
The level of intolerance in the USA is at an all time high, but not from the “right-wing” conservatives or from Christians. It is coming from those who scream the loudest for tolerance. Politically correct tolerance is only for those who believe that homosexual behavior must be given civil rights status equal to race and gender; and any other beliefs are met with hostility and intolerance. This intolerance not only came from the openly gay Perez Hilton as seen in the hateful video clip below, but from the betrayal of Miss California’s “friends” and colleagues. It is now obvious Carrie Prejean’s “friends” were in this only for the “win” and not for Carrie personally. Miss Prejean’s “freinds” Shanna Moakler and business partner Keith Lewis completely snubbed Carrie, only later to continue in their intolerance by communicating divisive twitter posts.
Miss California, Carrie Prejean who was winning the contest for Miss USA until she was asked the controversial question by Perez Hilton a self proclaimed gay celebrity gossip queen. Perez asked the question since four states have legalized gay marriage shouldn’t all the states now legalize marriage? Whatever happened to majority rules in a vote? There are currently 30 other states that have already said “NO” to gay marriage, apparently all of Miss Prejean’s critics have forgotten this known fact. Let’s remember, Miss California does represent California as it was the majority who voted for Prop 8. No doubt Miss California faced fierce political and spiritual opposition on the stage in giving her answer, yet Carrie stayed true to her convictions and boldly shared her belief in God and her faith in Jesus Christ as seen in this YouTube interview with Sean Hannity.
Carrie Prejean feels so blessed to be one who would rather live by her convictions than compromise to be a man pleaser! She is a much better role-model than those left behind in this story. Carrie Prejean stood strong on her faith and Biblical beliefs. I applaud Miss California! I pray she goes far, and I believe she will. We are now living in a day when there are fewer and fewer people willing to take such a bold stand. Many minister’s could learn from Carrie’s stand and bold witness. Unfortunately everyone is told by the politically correct left that it will offend someone, and masses of Christians are shut down and silenced.
Miss California has continued to handle her interviews with dignity and class. Sean Hannity asked Ms. Prejean in this interview how she felt about Peres’ verbal attacks; as his politically motivated judgment cost her the crown. Carrie answered with great class and godliness, as she communicated forgiveness to Perez. She wishes Perez and her friends the very best. It was sincere and truly beautiful. What a terrifically beautiful woman of God, inside and out.
Perez Hilton could learn a lot from this REAL queen, Miss California. Read how outrageous this leader of the gay Hollywood elite treats the classy Miss Prejean. Perez Hilton has come unhinged and sadly represents many who feel the same way. Perez Hilton, Miss USA judge, calls beauty queen, Carrie Prejean the ‘B-word’ and the ‘C-word’ with sarcasm and hatred. So where are the drive by media decries? Where is “Miss USA Pageant” quick denouncements? Sadly they are non-existent.
Tax Day TEA Party – Oklahoma State Capitol
OK State Capitol on Tax Day - TEA Party - April 15, 2009
Today I had the pleasure to be with over 5000 Okalhomans who are tired of the “Out-of-Control Washington Government” wasteful spenders! 5000 plus Oklahomans enjoyed protesting at the Oklahoma Tax Day – Taxed Enough Already “TEA” Party! Taxes are too high and they are going to get higher. The Obama-ites are raising taxes on businesses. Businesses will continue to reduce employment rolls. Unemployment will increase under this fiscal irresponsibility! Business will close, services and goods will cost more. The Obama-ite congressional solution will be more taxes on fuel, goods and services. The cost of living will go up, and the American standard of living will continue to go down towards a depression. Our children and grandchildren will have less and many on the edge of poverty will go into poverty.
This must be the beginning of a new revolution. 2010 is when we vote a new congress into office! 2012 is when we vote in a new President! It is amazing how Americans have become so apathetic concerning this outrageous tax code we have with the IRS. The Boston Tea Party was a revolt over taxation without representation in British Parlament. The tax was actually very little, some say less than 3%. Why are Americans now willing to pay 20% to 50% in their income taxes, or even more taxes IF Obama has it his way? There needs to be a fair tax. It is time to revolt against Washington, DC and elect true representation of the people. The United States of America is the oldest Republic form of governement in the world.! A government of the people representing the people, governed by a constitution. However, the US Congress and rogue judges are governing this country as a tyranny or an oligarchy. This must be stopped before they destroy this country. We need to protect State’s Rights! Texas Governor Perry is calling for Texas Independence as the federal goverment is out of control! Let’s keep this country strong militarily and protect the USA from foriegn invasion through illegal immigration. We need to stop bowing down to the United Nations. Let’s educate and influence those around us to stop being complacent and vote out the socialists and tryannists; and let’s return to a Republic form of government rule that made this country great! Above all, as Christian ministers (as servants) of the Gospel of Jesus Christ we must humble ourselves and pray, then ask God to help give us leaders that love and desire HIS WAYS!
