7 posts tagged “homosexuality”
I personally don't like describing myself as "ex-gay," however; it communicates a quick sound bite of the reality and a direction of many. So while others might be disturbed by the term, "ex-gay" I feel it is a waste of time to wrangle over words that work in concisely communicating. Yes, folks I am “ex-gay” though I do not find my identity in being “ex-gay.” I am also very concerned that there are many great stories of “ex-gays” which are being browbeaten into silence.
I have been made aware of the growing hostility towards ex-gays in the past
couple of years in the media, and recently on many blogs. Even the very popular
Bill
O'Reilly (here’s an article here where Bill wanted to sue an ex-gay
minister) continues to communicate snide chuckles on his program at the idea
of ex-gays. Fox News is somewhat fair and balanced to Judeo-Christian
values, yet they do a better job with conservative political news. I like and
watch Fox News, and even watch O’Reilly a lot, because most of the other cable
news outlets are very hostile to the idea of Christian values, never-mind the
idea of ex-gays. Our culture
is completely buying into the hoax of being born gay
and has accepted the idea of being gay as normality.
The hostility is really growing to the message of leaving
homosexuality behind. It could actually become illegal in the near future
to minister the gospel of Jesus Christ in helping people find freedom from of
homosexuality. Even well-meaning Christians scoff at the idea, perhaps
they should view the documentary: SPEECHLESS
- SILENCING the CHRISTIANS.
Perhaps we should remember our history of Nazi
Germany. We should at least read the recent news from our Canadian
neighbors to the north. In Canada it is
illegal to speak out that homosexuality is sin. It is now legislatively
considered hate speech and prosecutable; a topic worth Googling. Perhaps
well-meaning, well-educated yet misinformed Christians wouldn't scoff at this
knowledge.
I came across this article yesterday "Ex-Gays Afraid
to Come Out for Fear of Persecution" and thought this would be a good
post in light of this discussion. Ex-gays are in fact, afraid
to make themselves known. I have met with MANY people who are influential in my
community and others who have church communities that would make it very
difficult to talk about their recovery from homosexuality. Yet there is
even a larger and growing threatening group of gay activists who are fueling
the fire of fear and oppression in our culture. They wish to silence the
freedom of choice when it comes to leaving homosexuality. The idea of leaving
homosexuality is very threatening to their gay insecure existence and their
political agendas. Wayne Besen,
a self-proclaimed activist, is one of these very loud voices, he is cruel and
mean-spirited. These groups are receiving too much attention, just like the
school yard bully or another picture that comes to mind, it's like the
elementary kid throwing himself down on the floor throwing the hissy-fit.
I know what I want to do to that kid, but Dr. Spock wouldn’t like it! Yet
our culture is deceived by Darwinian-ism and humanistic beliefs. Our society is vacillating
from being increasingly afraid of these bullies or being in love with them!
There are growing numbers of political gay groups that are very disturbing to
me. They are actual GAY hate groups who wish to silence the voices of ex-gays.
These groups are like the brazenly named "Ex-Gay
Watch" and their club of bloggers who use hatefully sarcastic words in
addressing ex-gays. There are even more
radical groups that are extra hateful with their narcissistic sarcasms which
reveal vicious vitriol fueled by people like Wayne Besen. I have had my
own personal encounters with these groups. These people have actually posted
ideas of how to stalk and harm ex-gay ministries and their leaders. They
sarcastically mock and hope for the demise of any ex-gay ministry leader.
They write books and plays applauding, scoffing and laughing at any relapse of
any individual leaving homosexuality. If someone did this with other addicts
like alcoholics or other human weaknesses the media would crucify them and then
completely dismiss them as cruel hateful people, like Rev. Phelps and his gang; not so for
gay activists.
A very successful attorney friend of mine recently told me he felt it was like
1933 in Nazi
Germany for Christians and Exodus type
ministries in the USA. He seriously joked with me and said,
"Stephen it is like 1933 and your last name isn't Black, but Bernstein.
Your ministries will be on the front-line of the next demonic wave of an
anti-Christ movement
in history. It is coming." WOW! It was a sobering moment.
One merely need to lightly read over blogs like the "Ex-GAY WATCH" and/or Wayne Besen's
blog and you will know we are living in very dark days. In the news
just yesterday, at WorldNetDaily,
Wayne Besen is revealed in an article that exposes his tactics and lies. The article by
Bob Unruh describes Wayne Besen “as the Fred Phelps of the left.” Pretty scary!
It is sad how many people are afraid of gay
activists, liberal blog bullies and the liberal anti-Christ media machine. They
are silencing their great stories about overcoming homosexuality.
Yet in closing, we need to have hope, as Charles Dickens
said, “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times…” and so shall it be
right before the great and terrible day of the Lord. He is coming and HE will
set things STRAIGHT!
by Pete Winn
CNSNews.com Senior Staff Writer
April 08, 2008
(CNSNews.com) - Public officials have the right to bring their religious convictions into the public square, but that right is under assault when Christians mention their deeply held beliefs about homosexuality, according to former homosexual Stephen Black.
"If you hold to strong Judeo-Christian values and you do not believe that homosexuality is God's intention for sexuality, (that is) going to be labeled as 'intolerant,' and 'hate speech,' and you yourself will be labeled as a 'bigot' and 'uncaring' and...'hateful,' with some of the most vulgar and vigorous communication," Black told Cybercast News Service.
View The Freedom Video at First Stone Ministries!
Testimonies from the lives of Dennis Jernigan, Laura Leigh Stanlake and Stephen Black
Links:
Dennis Jernigan
Exodus International:World's Largest Resource in ministering to people who desire to overcome homosexuality.
I like the idea of being able to VENT out some frustrations concerning the move of unscrupulous people who desire to attack our ministry. I hope that in venting I can speak TRUTH.
Why should we keep silent? Many are quiet as to not cause trouble. Well-meaning Christians who desire to be loving, kind and peaceful are out of the battle. In the book of Acts... the disciples were referred to as trouble makers. It all depends on who is getting stirred up and for what reasons. THE GOOD NEWS, the GOSPEL of Jesus Christ is a VERY good reason to cause stirrings. A life embracing homosexuality or any sexual impurity is a life without Good News. The Good News that Christ proclaimed is: we can have a new life! New direction... you can CHANGE!
If we confront evil... and it stirs up more hatred... we must remember, JESUS SAID... "If they hate Me... THEY WILL hate you." We cannot let fear stop us. I am determined that fear will not stop me.
My heart's desire is to take a stand. TO SPEAK OUT, righteously, kindly and yet BOLDLY!
I don't want controversy... I don't want attention! I really don't enjoy it, but I am NOT afraid of it. I will confront conflict. I want Truth... I want the proclamation of TRUTH... I WILL speak the Truth in love concerning deceived individuals who are propagate lies about the broken lifestyle of homosexuality. There is a growing number of gay identified people, gay activists , "exexgay", "Christian" gays, and those who actually desire our ministry harm and ministers in our ranks to be hurt. They are exgay watch dogs. This is deception, and must call it by name... it is EVIL. We must speak out! Will you speak out as a Christian?
"All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing." Edmund Burke
Jesus told us that in the last days men's hearts would fail them because of fear. (Luke 21:26) The word fear in this passage is the same word as TERROR, or literally striking terror into the heart of the victim. In the last days men's hearts will be faint / paralyzed because of terrorism. Radical Islamic fascists are growing cause terror all over the word. The radical spirit of anti-Christ is growing. Fear / Terror - striking at the hearts of men is a Biblical prophecy of the day we live. Fear is going to increase. Shall we all sit by idle, or act? We need to see fear as our enemy. Fear's design is to silence godly voices and make us faithless. God forbid! As a believer in Christ may my faith grow stronger, more bolder, and in tears for the deceived, pray but act. We must speak up and not be cornered in silence by those angry voices of gay activists of are screaming about tolerance when in fact they are very intolerant.
Will you speak up against radical voices embracing immorality as a right? Will you speak up against those who actually desire to cause harm and hurt towards the ministry I am apart? Will you share your faith and proclaim the GOOD NEWS?
WOW! After reading what I posted... feeling somewhat provoked by the Montel show, the media buzz around slamming ex-gay ministry etc. I have reposted here my comments from Randy Thomas' blog concerning Richard Cohen's (I guess bizarre appearance on Jon Stewarts Comedy Central, I did not see it) appearance on the Daily Show.
REPOST:
I forgot to mention the other wonderful speakers that were present!
Andy Comisky, Executive Director from Desert Streams Ministries, Kansas City, MO was a blessing! Most who know Andy's teachings lately are prophetic and very timely. Andy was very vulnerable himself, leading the way of humility to the Cross to find forgiveness, healing and strength, to find mercy and grace in our time of need! I really enjoyed, or should say appreciated the confronting word for leaders to uncover hidden idols and broken motivations that lead to darkness. It was a timely word, because the very next day the Ted Haggard news broke.
Esly Carvalho, founder of Exodus Latin America spoke in the very beginning of the conference to open up the hope that is for those whose hearts are open the Christ. Esly shared the parrallel of the Scriptures in Hosea and other places. I was so blessed to be additionally equipped by Esly in a leaders fellowship time. I hadn't quality time with Esly in other conferences. It was so good to hear her heart, to hear her desire to really help people; so grace-filled. Esly also shared with me professional techniques of her practice 'EMDR' to connect the right brain and left brain using, stimulus, eye movement, and art to get to the source and roots of lies and belief systems in a soul. Honestly, when first listening I was skeptical. However, I listened and then thought how interesting. I came home, and the first week I was in a one on one session I felt prompted to use just the art phase. I was amazed! It was so revealing. The prayer time was amazing and the tears flowed from a dry well - from a man who usually never cries. No doubt that God used me as well in the process to speak prophetically to the individuals during our sessions. God really showed up. I have used this art method three other times... EACH TIME with amazing results. THANK YOU ESLY!
Pat Lawrence with Exodus Global Alliance did an excellent job in describing the differences in the Divine Order of the masculine and feminine. The creativity of God. I was so blessed as this teaching parrallels teachings from Living Waters and two teachings the Lord has stirred in my heart. The people loved this message.
There were other speakers as well, however, I did not hear them, or did not understand them without interpretation from Spanish to English. I cannot say enough good about the wonderful time I had at this conference.
There is a leadership conference coming up in January for Exodus leaders. I am very excited about traveling to Orlando and being with my other brothers and sisters. The messages there are always as encouraging. GOD IS GOOD!
Okay folks... please pray for me as I travel to Mexico City. I have the honor and privilege to teach four workshops. I really enjoy teaching on the subjects...
• Can you overcome Homosexuality?
• Forgiveness?
• Spiritual Warfare - How It Affects Your Sexuality
• Counting The Costs - A Walk of Faith (Answering Why the ExEXer says "it doesn't work.")
Please pray for my family... it seems the evil one likes to mess with them while I am out of town... BUT NOT THIS TIME!
A friend from church is translating for me! She is going to do a wonderful job!
Another friend from the other side of Mexico is also meeting us there in Mexico City to fellowship with me! What a wonderful trip this will be... I then top off the trip to spend time with a man I prayed with several years ago who is now a leader in our movement! GOD IS SO GOOD TO US!
Okay... so I say all this to say... FOLKS I will not be around for the next 8 days!
Hey Randy! I agree with your thoughts completely! AND CAN I JUST RANT A LITTLE HERE? I don’t make it out here often in the blog world, too busy helping people who want help! Okay, so here I go! I want to RANT about Montel, the media buzz this week, Cohen and gay activists who are mockers!
I am so tired of the ridiculous arguments put forth by people like Wayne Besen. (I agree with you, one does not have to look too far to understand that Wayne is a mocker and a very mean spirited person…). They – the gay activists, just don’t get IT, and they will not get IT(change) without their eyes being opened; sad, but true. However, we are to proclaim it for those who will hear.
The issue of change for most people in our ministries is IT – change – IS about a relationship of FAITH in a God whom no one has physically seen, but they KNOW He exists! Our rights to have faith in God are constitutionally protected! THANK GOD! He does exist and He changes hearts and lives!
Change – a different direction in life; turning or the biblical word is repent by BELIEVING… Why is it so difficult and threatening to the gay community? Could it be that there really is a God and they know it? Could it be that there really is only a few, a minority, who will actually follow Christ fully and they hate it? If they only knew who their father was in believing the lie. It is written! It has been foretold! Where? In the Bible! AND OF COURSE there are going to be people who fall back into sin and brokenness! If they only understood the beauty of the Cross of Jesus Christ, but alas that is revealed divinely as well. You have to want it. Could it be that it is very threatening in their brokenness and living in an immoral life as described by the Holy Scriptures? It only takes a 5th grade education to read it in black and white; the Scriptures are CLEAR concerning a condemnation of living in a sinful lifestyle of any kind of sexual impurity. Exodus ministries are about believing in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The Gospel and the New Testament are clear about the last days… men will be mockers and lovers of themselves… lovers of pleasure. They will actually acquire teachers, even PhDs who will appeal to their appetites, their DESIRES. I will NOT be afraid to speak the good news, the Biblical truths. I will not be cornered into silence; I MUST continue to proclaim liberty and freedom through Jesus Christ our Lord even if it does seem ridiculous. Freedom and liberty is NEVER without struggle… even if it is an entire life time… SO WHAT! We were never promised a life absent of struggle! Quite the opposite ~ tribulation. I think they are ridiculous to think otherwise and so does God… HE LAUGHS! Now that is a fearful thought!
“If they hated Me they will hate you.” – Jesus Christ. Doesn’t sound like good news, but the final chapter to THE Book is great!
This really is their crisis; it is a crisis of their own FAITH. This really is NOT about having a great amount of faith. It is about having faith to begin. They do not understand, and saying they do understand, they are still blind. You really do have to feel sorry for the many who are believing “THE LIE” – “hath God really said.” (Gen 3, Rom. 1) And they mock HIM, even as they mock us who want to follow Christ fully. There is coming a day when they will become violent, calling bitter – sweet, sweet – bitter and then their sweet revenge will grow to a dark hatred and violence; the very people who preach no to hate and say tolerance!
It is unfortunate that Cohen portrays reparative therapy very goofy. I think he means well. However, it is so strange! The only thing that is remotely close to his touch therapy would be normal holy relational bonding with safe people… this is certainly beneficial to those who are touched deprived or only relate in a sexual ways to touch. This is better in the family or the community in the Church, not in therapy. I still like him; I just wish he would listen to you!
About Montel, no doubt from reading Alan’s blog it was a spiritually and an emotionally negative environment to say the least. Alan Chambers did a great job! (I sure love you guys! You are terrific!) As Exodus ministries we should be reminded to serve / minister to those who WANT help, and turn away those who do not… just like Christ, especially when they are young. I was sad about the young man’s story forced into ministry. I have found it takes YEARS to mature and fully understand root issues, and the anatomy of temptation and sin; there is always time, even if parents are grieving. We must always pray and wait.
Oh! I so wanted to ask the Ms. Abomination Lady on Montel if she has ever had a practice or known of a practice in therapy and/or counseling where there weren’t any complainers? Again, it seems ridiculous, and it was so slighted on Montel, it was so stacked against our view. OF COURSE! You are going to have people who don’t make it or follow Christ, or turn away from destructive homosexual practices or any other life destructive practices for by which someone goes to therapy. There are always going to be critics to ever practice, ministry, church or people care giving institutions! Get a grip gay community… there are those who don’t want to be gay anymore! I left homosexuality 25 years ago! There are many more people out here who have left who never testify! They are living heterosexual lives, going on in life and not looking back… PEOPLE CAN CHANGE WHATEVER THEY WANT TOO, even gender by surgery, so why not homosexuality to heterosexuality. Oh they applaud those who go through gender reassignment, as radical as it is, but condemn and mock those who embrace a change of direction in life to follow God. I thought it was ridiculous of Montel to embrace a practicing prostitute as a legitimate occupation, but scoff at ministries helping those who desire help.
Okay so this was my random rant for the month! I know it was long... will you forgive me?