Originally posted by Draco69
People will stop being anti-Christian when Christians (fundamentalists) stop being so anti-anything other than Christian.Noone likes a bully. Noone likes a meanie.
So telling you that God loves you (yes even if you are a practicing homosexual) is being mean? God loves you and wants to help you come out of that abominable lifestyle. Love is an action and God has already done His part by sending His Son Jesus to pay for the sins of the world. You can be set free from the sin of homosexuality. There are many former homosexuals who have been delivered from homosexuality and have gone on and married and had children.
Originally posted by JesusIsAlive
So telling you that God loves you (yes even if you are a practicing homosexual) is being mean? God loves you and wants to help you come out of that abominable lifestyle. Love is an action and God has already done His part by sending His Son Jesus to pay for the sins of the world. You can be set free from the sin of homosexuality. There are many former homosexuals who have been delivered from homosexuality and have gone on and married and had children.
That's all fine..to some extent. But actively stating that certain persons or cultures are evil, sinful and aren't worth the bile of a hippo isn't.
Which is what fundamentalists Christians do. If they weren't mean, they would just say "Love the sinner, hate the sin" and treat them like a human being. But sprouting racism, hatred and prejudice like protesting at the funeral of a US. soldier is mean.
And people don't like mean people.
Tell me this: Would you or would you not consider it a Christian thing to do if one were to hold up signs like "Your son is going to hell" at the funeral of a gay teen?
To me Christianity is about opening doors to everyone and accepting everyone for who they are and letting God judge. Not about doing the judging for God and closing doors to anyone who they don't like.
Originally posted by JesusIsAlive
So telling you that God loves you (yes even if you are a practicing homosexual) is being mean? God loves you and wants to help you come out of that abominable lifestyle. Love is an action and God has already done His part by sending His Son Jesus to pay for the sins of the world. You can be set free from the sin of homosexuality. There are many former homosexuals who have been delivered from homosexuality and have gone on and married and had children.
👆 Beautifully put.
It's too bad that some people don't wish to hear what's in their best interest.
Originally posted by JesusIsAlive
So telling you that God loves you (yes even if you are a practicing homosexual) is being mean? God loves you and wants to help you come out of that abominable lifestyle. Love is an action and God has already done His part by sending His Son Jesus to pay for the sins of the world. You can be set free from the sin of homosexuality. There are many former homosexuals who have been delivered from homosexuality and have gone on and married and had children.
An explanation for that - many were possibly bisexual to begin with.
Or
They have managed to repress there natural and perfectly healthy sexuality. Which incidentally isn't considered psychologically healthy.
Originally posted by Imperial_Samura
An explanation for that - many were possibly bisexual to begin with.Or
They have managed to repress there natural and perfectly healthy sexuality. Which incidentally isn't considered psychologically healthy.
Your futile efforts to explain away the fact that they were bona fide homosexuals is without validity.
Originally posted by Draco69
That's all fine..to some extent. But actively stating that certain persons or cultures are evil, sinful and aren't worth the bile of a hippo isn't.Which is what fundamentalists Christians do. If they weren't mean, they would just say "Love the sinner, hate the sin" and treat them like a human being. But sprouting racism, hatred and prejudice like protesting at the funeral of a US. soldier is mean.
And people don't like mean people.
Tell me this: Would you or would you not consider it a Christian thing to do if one were to hold up signs like "Your son is going to hell" at the funeral of a gay teen?
To me Christianity is about opening doors to everyone and accepting everyone for who they are and letting God judge. Not about doing the judging for God and closing doors to anyone who they don't like.
You are putting words in my mouth. I don't recall ever calling you or homosexuals evil. I have said that God loves the homosexual but that He hates the homosexual mindset and lifestyle.
Don't even worry about the unloving acts of those who have held up signs. God will reward them according to their works. Vengeance is God's, He will repay them to their face. But believers should pray for people who do things of that nature that the Lord will have mercy on them (they mean well but they have not used wisdom). I understand what you mean. But love is telling someone the truth. Believers and followers of Jesus Christ have a heavy mandate from God to let people know that they are in great danger. We are called by God to speak the Truth in love, not keep our mouths shut in hate. To not warn someone of what God's word says is the greatest sin of all. But we must do it in love. Many Christians are simply trying to be obedient but lack the skill, experience, and tact in declaring the eternal truths of God's unfathomable love for people. If I saw someone that I love in harms way I don't care how much I offend him/her, I will yell, holler, or do whatever it takes to rescue them or get them to safety. It may appear that I am being mean by grabbing him/her violently or pushing them abruptly out of harms way. He/she may even come away with a bruise or scratch as a result. But after all of that, that may be what was necessary to save his/her life. Do you follow me. Telling someone about Jesus in a firm, unyielding, dogged manner may come off as mean. But it is no different than yanking someone out of the path of a rushing vehicle. It may seem harsh but it just saved his/her life in the end. Can you see this?
Originally posted by JesusIsAlive
You are putting words in my mouth. I don't recall ever calling you or homosexuals evil. I have said that God loves the homosexual but that He hates the homosexual mindset and lifestyle.Don't even worry about the unloving acts of those who have held up signs. God will reward them according to their works. Vengeance is God's, He will repay them to their face. But believers should pray for people who do things of that nature that the Lord will have mercy on them (they mean well but they have not used wisdom). I understand what you mean. But love is telling someone the truth. Believers and followers of Jesus Christ have a heavy mandate from God to let people know that they are in great danger. We are called by God to speak the Truth in love, not keep our mouths shut in hate. To not warn someone of what God's word says is the greatest sin of all. But we must do it in love. Many Christians are simply trying to be obedient but lack the skill, experience, and tact in declaring the eternal truths of God's unfathomable love for people. If I saw someone that I love in harms way I don't care how much I offend him/her, I will yell, holler, or do whatever it takes to rescue them or get them to safety. It may appear that I am being mean by grabbing him/her violently or pushing them abruptly out of harms way. He/she may even come away with a bruise or scratch as a result. But after all of that, that may be what was necessary to save his/her life. Do you follow me. Telling someone about Jesus in a firm, unyielding, dogged manner may come off as mean. But it is no different than yanking someone out of the path of a rushing vehicle. It may seem harsh but it just saved his/her life in the end. Can you see this?
This god of yours sounds like a violent and evil being.
Former practicing homosexual Allan Chambers has been converted. He is now a follower of Christ Jesus. He is president of Exodus international.
Who We Are
What is Exodus?
Exodus is a nonprofit, interdenominational Christian organization promoting the message of Freedom from homosexuality through the power of Jesus Christ.
Since 1976, Exodus has grown to include over 120 local ministries in the USA and Canada. We are also linked with other Exodus world regions outside of North America, totaling over 150 ministries in 17 countries.
Within both the Christian and secular communities, Exodus has challenged those who respond to homosexuals with ignorance and fear, and those who uphold homosexuality as a valid orientation. These extremes fail to convey the fullness of redemption found in Jesus Christ, a gift which is available to all who commit their life and their sexuality to Him.
What Does Exodus Do?
Ministry Referrals
Exodus is the largest Christian referral and information network dealing with homosexual issues in the world. A list of current qualified member ministries is available on this website (see Find A Ministry). Each listing is an independent organization which has met Exodus’ criteria for membership. Most of our members are "lay" (non-professional) ministries, while some are professional counseling centers and some are churches' ministries. Each provides unique services and resources. Our member ministries provide support for individuals who want to recover from homosexuality, as well as provide support for their family (parents, spouses, children, relatives) and friends.
Monthly Newsletter
In order to keep you informed of the national and worldwide ministry to the homosexual, we offer a free monthly newsletter, Exodus Update. Each issue includes a testimony of healing, current events in the national "ex-gay" movement, new book and video reviews, prayer requests for the month, and news of upcoming local, regional and national events. If you would like to receive the Exodus Update for free, please use the Request Info form to register. You will be placed on our confidential mailing list (we do not loan or sell our mailing list to any organizations or individuals for any purposes whatsoever).
Annual Exodus freedom Conference
Each year, over 1,000 men, women, youth, pastors, therapists, spouses, parents and other interested persons come together for a unique gathering of instruction and celebration. Besides powerful worship and inspirational messages, dozens of workshops are presented on counseling, relationships, sexual struggles, societal issues, support for family and friends, ministry development, and various other topics. This five-day event is held annually in late July, in different cities throughout North America. See the Freedom Conference website for full information on the next annual conference.
Speaking Engagements
Many Exodus leaders are available for media interviews and speaking engagements at church events. Representatives from Exodus have been interviewed by such major media as 60 Minutes, Good Morning America, 20/20, Time, Newsweek, The Washington Post, Christianity Today, CBN News, and countless radio and television talk shows. (see the Speakers Bureau for details of available speakers).
http://exodusyouth.net/youth/index.html
http://www.exodus-international.org/
Mission & Doctrinal Statement
Mission Statement
Proclaiming to, educating and impacting the world with the Biblical truth that freedom from homosexuality is possible when Jesus is Lord of one's life.
Doctrinal Statement
We believe the Scriptures of the Old and New Testament are the inspired Word Of God, the final authority for doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction for right living. We believe in one God, existing eternally in three Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We believe in the deity of our Lord Jesus Christ, fully man and fully God, only begotten Son of the Father. he was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, and lived a sinless life. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, buried and rose physically from the dead. He ascended to the right hand of the Father and will come again in power and glory.
We believe that faith alone in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord frees us from the mastery of sin, and its consequences of death and eternal damnation. He assumed the penalty of death Himself, and enables us to live out of His resurrected life unto eternity. We believe the Holy Spirit carries out this work of renewal in our lives, empowering us to grow in loving union with our Heavenly Father and to walk in obedience to His will. We believe that the Church of Jesus Christ is formed of all those who know Him as their Savior and Lord, regardless of denominational beliefs.
Policy on Homosexuality
EXODUS is a Christian organization dedicated to equipping and uniting agencies and individuals to effectively communicate the message of liberation from homosexuality, as well as how to effectively convey support and understanding to individuals facing the reality of a homosexual loved one.
EXODUS upholds heterosexuality as God's creative intent for humanity, and subsequently views homosexual expression as outside of God's will. EXODUS cites homosexual tendencies as one of many disorders that beset fallen humanity. Choosing to resolve these tendencies through homosexual behavior, taking on a homosexual identity, and involvement in the homosexual lifestyle is considered destructive, as it distorts God's intent for the individual and is thus sinful.
Instead, Christ offers a healing alternative to those with homosexual tendencies. EXODUS upholds redemption for the homosexual person as the process whereby sin's power is broken, and the individual is freed to know and experience true identity as discovered in Christ and His Church. That process entails the freedom to grow into heterosexuality.
Central to this redemption is EXODUS' desire to unite and equip the church to carry out this healing process. EXODUS bridges the gap between Christians who respond to homosexual men and women with ignorance and fear, and those who uphold homosexuality as a valid, Christ-centered lifestyle. To EXODUS, both extremes fail to convey to the homosexual the fullness of redemption found in Christ--He who embodies grace and truth, and invites us to partake of Him.
Healing Statement
Exodus affirms reorientation of same sex attraction is possible. This is a process, which begins with motivation to, and self-determination to change based upon a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. We facilitate resources for this process through our member ministries, other established networks and the Church. The key outcome of this is measured by a growing capacity to turn away from temptations, a reconciling of ones identity with Jesus Christ, being transformed into His image. This enables growth towards Godly heterosexuality. Exodus recognizes that a lifelong and healthy marriage as well as a Godly single life are good indicators of this transformation.
Other Helpful Organizations
BIBLEStudy.com. This site offers articles and live, interactive discussion on a variety of Christian topics. For more information: BIBLEStudy.com.
Bruce Sonnenberg. Phone: 800-HIV-HOPE. An international network of support for HIV+ persons.
Courage. St. John the Baptist Church, 210 W 31st, New York, NY 10001. Phone: 212-268-1010. Fax: 212-268-7150. Internet: couragerc.net. Email: [email protected] This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it . A national network of support for Roman Catholics who struggle with homosexuality.
Emmaus Ministries. 921 W. Wilson Ave., Chicago, IL 60640. Phone: 773-334-6063. Internet: www.streets.org. Ministry to male prostitutes.
Esther Ministries. P.O. Box 2874, Tupelo, MS 38803. Phone: 662-429-6533/ Toll Free: 877-637-8437. Internet: http://www.estherministries.org/. Ministry to wives of sexual addicts.
Genesis Counseling. 1774 N Glassell, Orange, CA 92658. Joe Dallas. Phone: 714-502-1463. Fax: 714-532-6531. Author of Desires in Conflict and Unforgiven Sins.
Grace & Truth. 8057 Arlington Expressway, Jacksonville, FL 32211. Phone: 904-220-7474. Email: [email protected] This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it . The Rev. Canon David Kyle Foster. A ministry to homosexual strugglers within the Charismatic Episcopal Church.
His Servants. Internet: www.hisservants.net. Resources on gender confusion for parents and youth. Don Schmierer is author of An Ounce of Prevention, What's a Father to Do?, and Celebrating God's Design.
Homosexuals Anonymous. PO Box 7881, Reading, PA 19603. Phone: 610-376-1146. A national 12-step recovery group for homosexuals.
JONAH. PO Box 313, Jersey City, NJ 07303. Elaine Silodor Berk & Arthur Goldberg, Co-Directors. Phone 201-433-3444. A ministry to Jewish strugglers.
Love & Action. 3 Church Circle #108, Annapolis, MD 21401. Phone: 800-940-9500. Fax: 410-267-7991. Email: [email protected]. This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it A ministry to persons affected by HIV.
Minirth-Meier New Life Treatment Center. 2100 N Collins Rd, Richardson, TX 75080. Phone: 214-669-1733. Fax: 800-778-5855.
National AIDS Information Hotline. Phone: English, 800-342-2437/Spanish, 800-344-7432. A secular organization offering information and referrals throughout the US.
NARTH. 16633 Ventura Blvd. Suite 1340, Encino, CA 91436-1801. Phone: 818-789-4440. Joseph Nicolosi, Ph.D. Fax: 805-373-5084. Internet: www.narth.com. National Association for Research and Therapy of Homosexuality.
One by One. P.O. Box 648, Pittsford, NY 14534. Phone: (585)586-6180. Email: [email protected] This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it . Internet: www.oneby1.org. A ministry to homosexual strugglers within the Presbyterian Church (USA).
P-Fox (Parents and Friends of ExGays). PO Box 561, Ft. Belvoir, VA 22060. Phone: 703-739-8220. Regina Griggs. Email: [email protected] This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it (for information on local chapters). Internet: www.p-fox.com.
Pastoral Care Ministries. P.O. Box 1313, Wheaton, IL 60189-1313. Phone: 630-510-0487. Fax: 630-510-7659. The ministry of Leanne Payne.
Porn Free Youth. P.O. Box 131, Cortland, OH 44410. Matt DeBenedictis. Phone: 330-638-1988. www.standtrue.com/pornfreeyouth. A youth based organization that educates people on the harms of pornography and all other sexual issues while helping those who are striving to be pure.
Pure Life Ministries. www.purelifeministries.org. A Christian ministry that provides residential and over-the-phone counseling for men who struggle with sexual addiction. This ministry also helps wives of men who struggle with sexual sin.
Rapha Christian Counseling. Phone: 800-383-4673. Branches in several cities, offering counseling for co-dependency issues, high-stress relationships, marital problems.
Reality Resources Publications. P.O. Box 12508, Lexington, KY 40583. Jerry Leach. Phone: 859-388-9889. Email: [email protected] This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it . Internet: www.realityresources.com. A ministry specializing in transgendered issues.
Sexaholics Anonymous. P.O. Box 300, Simi Valley, CA 93062. Phone: 805-581-3343 or 800-339-0222 (referral line). A 12-step recovery group for sexual addicts.
Shepherds' Heart. Agent: Kathy Law. Phone: 918-781-1200. The ministry of Dennis Jernigan, a gifted worship leader and songwriter.
Sy Rogers. c/o Steiner International, P.O. Box 13550, Wellington, New Zealand 6032. Internet: www.syrogers.com. International speaker and musician, formerly a transvestite.
Transforming Congregations. PO Box 580, Millsboro, DE 19966. Phone: 302-945-9650. Director: Rev. Karen Booth. Email: [email protected] This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it . Internet: www.transformingcong.org. A ministry to homosexual strugglers within the United Methodist Church.
The Truth for Youth. P.O. Box 372, West Monroe, LA 71294-0372. Email: [email protected] This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it . Internet: www.thetruthforyouth.com. A ministry outreach to young people dealing with a variety of modern challenges.