Choosing Rules over a Relationship

I loved this illustration that speaks about the difference between being a religious rule keeper and having an authentic intimate relationship with GOD.  It’s from the book, “Not A Fan,” by Kyle Idleman

When we learn to truly follow Jesus, we find that obedience to GOD comes from the inside out.  Submission to what GOD wants for our lives flows naturally out of that relationship.  It’s not to say that what we do or don’t do doesn’t matter, but what we do or don’t do must come from who we are as followers of Jesus.

When I got married there were some rules that I said I would live by.  These rules were written and spelled out for me.  When I said, “I Do” I understood I was committing to keeping certain rules.  Rules like:

·         Be faithful to her as long as we both live.

·         Provide for her and meet her needs.

·         Protect her with my life.

·         Be committed to her for better or for worse.

But after I got married I soon discovered that there are other rules I didn’t know about.  But these rules have since been clearly established:

·         I am to keep my closet clean.

·         I am not to make fun of her before 10 am.

·         The toilet seat is to remain down at all times.

·         I am to always have an opinion when asked about two dresses that to an untrained male eye appear to be identical.

·         Listening to her and watching SportsCenter at the same time is tantamount to an emotional affair.

·         Never grow hair on my back.

If I saw our relationship as a bunch of rules I had to keep, I would quickly become bitter and miserable.  I would likely rebel and break the rules when she wasn’t paying attention.  But I am passionately in love with my wife and that translates into a desire to please her.  So I find that cleaning my closet, putting the lid down on the toilet, or other such extravagant acts aren’t cumbersome but actually quite satisfying.  When the relationship on the inside is right, the outside will follow.

"Politics and Religion are Poor Substitutes"

The answer for solving the problems in America is not to be found in politics, or in a specific political party or in a specific political leader.  The answer is for the Church to heed 2 Chronicles 7:14 and for believers to become authentic followers of Jesus.  Let the Church be the Church . . . not political action committees.

Politics, church programs and events, become a substitute for being authentic followers of Christ Jesus . . . they become idols that we worship . . . they require less time and investment on our part . . . they are not as costly as following Jesus (Matthew 10). 

Some authentic followers of Jesus may be called into the world of politics to serve in positions of civil leadership in our communities and they should be obedient to that calling of GOD.  That may be a legitimate way to be “salt and light” in our world.  But the most effective part of their service will be as authentic followers of Jesus who are bearing Spiritual fruit where they serve.

It is the GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST that is the power of GOD unto salvation (Romans 1:16), not religious institutions and certainly not political parties or platforms.  It is the onslaught of the true Church of Jesus Christ proclaiming the truth that Jesus is “the Christ, the Son of the Living God” that the gates of hell will be unable to stand against (Matthew 16:13-19) . . . not party platforms.

As true followers of Jesus Christ we are “a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for GOD’s own possession” (2 Peter 2:9) aliens to this world; and yet we are “no longer strangers and aliens, but we are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of GOD’s household” (Ephesians 2:19).  America is not our home . . . we were redeemed for an eternal destiny.  Heaven is our home.  We are not primarily a citizen of the United States of America . . . we are citizens of the Kingdom of GOD first and foremost.

Out of authentic intimacy with GOD through Jesus, Holy Spirit begins "life-ing" out the life of Jesus in us and through us. Holy Spirit then begins producing Spiritual fruit through us (Galatians 5:22-23).   As a result of this spiritual redemptive work of GOD within us we become "salt & light” within the communities in which we live.  Then the people around us who are living outside of GOD’s purposes become more important to us than their sinful lifestyles or their political viewpoints.  (Matthew 5:1-16)

When we begin investing in the lives of the people all around us and they begin seeing Jesus in us they will either be drawn to the Jesus within us or they will be repelled by Him in the same way people were drawn to Jesus or repelled by Him when He walked on this earth in human form.  Our part is simply to be faithful.

Jesus is the hope of the world, not Obama or Romney and not the Democratic or Republican parties.  I think we should stop praying, “God, bless America” and we should repent in humility and brokenness in order that we (America) bless GOD.

Ultimate Purpose for Gays & Straights

This is a good word during this national presidential election season. This also speaks to the mission of Sight Ministry.

 Isaiah 55:1-2: – “Everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and you who have no money come, buy and eat.  Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost.  Why do you spend money for what is not bread, and your wages for what does not satisfy?  Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, and delight yourself in abundance.”
"The enjoyment of GOD is the only happiness with which our souls can be satisfied. To go to heaven, fully to enjoy GOD, is infinitely better than the most pleasant accommodations here. Fathers and mothers, husbands, wives, or children, or the company of earthly friends, are but shadows; but GOD is the substance. These are but scattered beams, but GOD is the sun. These are but streams. But GOD is the ocean. Therefore it becomes us to spend this life only as a journey toward heaven, as it becomes us to make the seeking of our highest end and proper good, the whole work of our lives; to which we should subordinate all other concerns of life. Why should we labor for, or set our hearts on, anything else, but that which is our proper end, and true happiness? Isn’t that what GOD asks in Isaiah 55:2: 'Why do you . . . labor for that which does not satisfy?'" --Jonathan Edwards (“The Christian Pilgrim”)

Same-sex attractions may be powerful and overwhelming but to embrace them rather than denying them will not bring a person ultimate fulfillment, happiness or contentment. We can apply this also to opposite-sex attractions. We can also apply this to putting our hopes in a presidential candidate. Obama nor Romney is the hope of America. America is not the hope of the world. Sexuality isn't our purpose. GOD is the hope of the world and only Jesus fully satisfies.

What is the most effective thing we can do to bring glory to GOD? Enjoy Him . . . delight in Him . . . find your ultimate satisfaction in Him and in Him alone!

What It Will Cost a Gay Person to Follow Jesus

"Finally a thought crosses my mind: I wonder what Jesus taught whenever he had the big crowds . . . I found that when Jesus had a large crowd, He would most often preach a message that was likely to cause them to leave." -- Kyle Idleman

WOW! The Gospel of Jesus Christ is not ice cream sundaes, firework shows and the spectacular "Spectacular!" Jesus' calling to follow Him includes the following: "Do not acquire gold, silver or copper for your money belts, or a bag for your journey, or even 2 coats, or sandals, or a staff. Don't travel & stay in fancy hotels. You are being sent out to a world of wolves. You will be persecuted by others. You will be betrayed by others; even family members & friends. You will be hated by most everyone. You may actually even be killed. This will be like warfare. You must not love anyone more than you love Me . . . not even family members. Take up your cross and follow Me. You must lose your life in this world. You must lose your love for this world. Now count the cost and follow Me if you dare!" -- Matthew 10

Whether you are gay or straight Jesus calls us to deny the lusts of our flesh and follow Him.  Most are unwilling to pay the price of following Christ Jesus.  Most are unwilling to die to the overwhelming desires of this world.  Most are not even being presented the truth of what it means to follow Jesus.  

If we preached the true Gospel of Jesus Christ I wonder what our churches would look like. Just a thought. I guess I'm being silly and out of touch and misguided.

"Many Gays are attracted to Jesus"

Often we preach and teach scriptural truth in such a harsh way it sounds condemning and judgmental.  Why is it that we expect unbelievers to live in ways contrary to their nature?  Anyone who is not in Christ Jesus continues living out of the Adamic nature . . . the sin nature (the old man).  When a person is truly redeemed they die to the Adamic nature and take on the nature of Jesus Christ through the indwelling Holy Spirit (Romans 6: 2 Corinthians 5:21).

We are not going to reach the typical unbeliever with anger or harshness.  James says, “For the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of GOD” (1:20).  Proverbs 15:1 says, “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”  And Paul makes a powerful statement in Romans 2:4:  “Or do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and tolerance and patience, not knowing that the kindness of GOD leads you to repentance?”

To speak and teach the radical truth of Jesus Christ with the radical love of Jesus Christ is not to compromise His truth.  On the contrary, by teaching and preaching in this way is to totally rest in the power of the gospel to redeem (Romans 1:16) rather than trusting our weak and powerless efforts of flesh. 

As we lovingly and confidently present the radical truth of GOD’s word His love compels men and women everywhere to follow Him and to obey Him.  This is clearly the practice of Jesus and precisely why sinners were attracted to Him and to His message.   

The very gates of hell themselves shall not prevail against the onslaught of the Church of the living Christ as she proclaims the radical gospel with radical love.

A Dream

In my flesh I desire to fight back, to speak out, to make myself look good before others, to vindicate myself. But Holy Spirit calls me to quite rest in Him, to sit quietly in His presence, to trust Him in every area of my life.

This may appear to be doing nothing but actually I am participating in battles going on in spiritual realms. I am waging war--not with the weapons of the world, but with heavenly weapons, which have divine power to demolish strongholds. Living close to the LORD is a sure defense against evil.

I dream about what would happen if instead of living out of our flesh we would rest in Holy Spirit and allow His life to be "lived-out" within us and through us. I wonder if our churches & beloved Christian ministries would be so full of discord and division and behavior that is so unbecoming of a follower of the Risen LORD.

It is a dream that I pray will become a reality in my life.

[Adapted from, "Jesus Calling"]

Conflict and Flesh Among Believers

Isn't it strange how people (including myself) position themselves to look good or right before others even at the expense of the reputation of someone else.  Where is Jesus in the midst of that?

Another important lesson I'm learning from the LORD during this difficult season . . . I must not believe everything I read or hear. It seems there are usually two sides to every disagreement and conflict.  Give others respect that perhaps they have been misunderstood or even deliberately slandered.  It's amazing what I'm hearing and seeing believers doing to one another.  I do not see Jesus or the fruit of Holy Spirit in any of it. I repent!  You must repent!  The Church must repent!  GOD forgive us & have mercy upon us in this dark hour!

Don't be so quick to pass judgment or make judgment . . . speak to everyone involved . . . but most importantly, seek the LORD and walk in Holy Spirit. Allow His life to  be lived in you and through you.  He will ALWAYS express Himself through you as . . . love . . . joy . . . peace . . . suffering long with the other . . .gentle . . . good . . . faithful . . . humble . . . and He will always refrain from quick speech, self-centered sinful anger, from quick judgments, and will control all responses of our flesh. (Galatians 5:22-23).

Let me close by asking a deeply serious question:  "Are you more concerned about looking good to your friends and winning an arguement or are you more concerned about experiencing intimacy with the Father and being faithful?"  GOD help us all!

How Can a Gay Person Come to God?

How can a gay person come to GOD?  The answer is exactly the same for a gay person as it is for ANYONE else . . . through the redeeming work of GOD's grace made available through Jesus' death and resurrection.  Forget about merit-salvation or self-sanctification.  This is called, "justification by faith plus nothing . . . and sanctification by Holy Spirit (that's His job), not the Law.  


If one is authentically justified by GOD through Christ's finished work we would not be concerned about sanctification because sanctification follows authentic justification.  It is all GOD's work and it is all finished!  If we preach/teach any other "gospel" we are to be cursed (Galatians 1:8 & 9).

It is amazing how preaching the "gospel of Jesus Christ" riles up the "religious" folk who want to focus on external behavior.  Even Paul was accused of preaching "cheap grace" (Galatians 1:10).  To preach anything else is to question the authority and power of the “gospel of Christ which is the power of GOD unto salvation to EVERYONE who believes . . . .” (Romans 1:16).  The “gospel of Jesus Christ” will fully do its work in all who truly receive it . . . the work of justification . . . sanctification . . . and glorification. 

What was it that Jesus declared “upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it?”  Was it that Jesus is partly able to redeem?  No!  Peter’s confession directed to Jesus was that, “You are THE CHRIST, the Son of the living GOD.” (Matthew 16:15-18).  Satan is not afraid of the works of mankind but he trembles at the very name of Jesus the Christ.  It is upon this truth that Jesus is building His Church because through the shed blood of THE CHRIST and His resurrection are all who believe redeemed fully and completely . . . plus NOTHING (Hebrews 10)!

 Obviously, if one “goes on sinning willfully” we might question whether or not that person has experienced authentic justification (Hebrews 10:26).  However, we must be cautious in our judgments (The wheat and the tares -- Matthew 13:24-30).  Lost people can perform outwardly and appear to be believers.  Our churches are full of such people.  Also, being redeemed does not mean one becomes perfect in behavior.  None of us can reach perfection this side of glory.  A more accurate measure of spiritual maturity is evidenced by Spiritual fruit (Galatians 5:22-23).  If one is walking by the Spirit he/she will not “carry out the desire of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16-17).  Paul clearly shows us that even for those of us who are in Christ there is spiritual warfare going on (Galatians 5:16-26; Romans 7:15-25).

 Paul speaks an incredibly serious warning against trusting in something other than Jesus alone for justification:  “You have been severed from Christ you who are seeking to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace.  For we through the Spirit, by faith, are waiting for the hope of righteousness.  For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything, but faith working through love” (Galatians 5:4-6).

 GOD’s grace (there is only one kind of grace . . . authentic biblical grace) has NEVER motivated me to desire to act out in my flesh.  Paul says it well:  “It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.” (Galatians 5:1).

 Yes, I have a major problem with anyone who claims to know Jesus and continues embracing a gay identity just as I have an equally major problem with anyone who claims to know Jesus and continues embracing a prideful and self-righteous spirit.  So I would say to us all: “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds” (Hebrews 10:23-24).

Don't Believe Everything You Hear or Read -- Part 1

Please don't believe everything you hear or read!  I know we've heard that all our lives but we often get sucked into articles or conversations that appear reasonable but are not.  I want to focus on this in several posts in the coming days because of how dangerous this can be and because we are all susceptible to being guilty of doing it. 

An example would be the New York Times article on July 6, 2012:  "Rift Forms in Movement as Belief in Gay 'Cure' Is Renounced," by Erik Eckhom. 
 
Horrible Wording:  "Gay Cure!"  Where in the world did that come from?  Exodus International has never ever used that wording in its entire history.  But this is commonly used by media as they strive to identity who we are and what we do.
 
There is a statement that is passed around in Exodus circles that is profound:  "The opposite of homosexuality is not heterosexuality . . . its holiness!"  We primarily focus on spiritual truth as we walk with individuals and their family and friends who have been impacted by same-sex attraction issues.  We focus on Christian discipleship and on walking with others toward a deeper authentic love relationship with GOD.  Our view is that we are not primarily physical beings or sexual beings but that we are primarily spiritual beings created for the glory of GOD.
 
Another example is the MSNBC interview Alan Chambers, the President of Exodus International, conducted on Monday, July 9, 2012.  As the program was coming on the host introduced the segment by saying, "The leader of the 'pray the gay away' organization now believes there is 'no cure for being gay.'"  That is totally erroneous!  Exodus International has never ever identified itself as a "pray the gay away" organization.  That does not at all describe who we are and what we do, though we certainly believe in the power and effectiveness of prayer in dealing with all issues of life. 
 
I understand we may have misunderstandings and even disagreements but it is critically important that what we communicate is true and not false or misleading whether intentional or not.
 
More to come!

Deeply Grateful for Exodus International

If for one moment I thought Exodus International embraced any level of gay ideology I would be out of here. I have been involved with Exodus since 1999.  I have heard the heart of Exodus over the years & I have read most everything publicly written from Exodus.  I have never doubted our biblical convictions about homosexual behavior.

Our message is clear and has been consistent: the Bible teaches that all sexual expression outside of marriage between one man & one woman is sinful and contrary to His plans & purposes for us. Also, we are called by GOD to engage our culture because we are confident that "the gospel of Christ is the power of GOD unto salvation to everyone who believes" & the very gates of hell shall not stand up against the onslaught of God's word and His people.

Those who are blinded by the Enemy will never come to GOD out of conviction but they will come running to Him as they are overwhelmed by His irresistible grace & love.

Fear & unbelief cause us to retreat in offense from the vulgarity of our culture but GODLY confidence & belief empowers us to engage it.

A Perspective: What Exodus Is Trying To Say

While attending a conference team meeting at the Exodus Freedom Conference I heard Alan Chambers say something like:  "The world [media] doesn't understand us even though we give them everything we possibly can."  I totally get what he was saying. 

Much of the world doesn't understand our message because our message is of a spiritual nature and is discerned only by those who have spiritual ears to hear.  However, it really hurts when other believers do not get our message either; and many do not.  I want to make a simple point to address one aspect of our message.

I have been involved with the issue of same-sex attractions (SSA) in some way my entire life.  I have been involved with SSA issues openly for nearly 17 years.  During this time I have spoken to a lot of people about sexual issues.  Sometimes I merely want to have the tires on my car rotated or I simply want to read a book on my flight to wherever.  But the issue comes up all the time!

I can't remember ever hearing any male say to me that they have absolutely no sexual temptations or impure sexual thoughts.  Every male I've ever spoken with about sexual issues has confessed to me his personal battle with sexual lust issues.  Some of these men are deeply spiritual men and some of them are serving in ministry in some capacity. 

Just because a person loves Jesus and is truly Spirit-filled does not mean all their sexual temptations, battles, struggles and lusts toward the opposite gender instantaneously go away.  However, their sexual temptations do not control them and do not define them.  And it is critically important that they are transparent with at least some trusted community of faith.  It is important for the Church to extend God's grace in such a way that no one feels pressure to put on a mask or to remain hidden in a closet and in bondage.

Why would we expect things to be any different for a person who battles with same-gender attraction issues?  Just because a person loves Jesus and is truly Spirit-filled does not mean all their same-sex temptations, battles, struggles and lusts instantaneously go away.  However, their sexual temptations do not control them and do not define them either.  And it is equally important that they have opportunity to be transparent with a community of faith somewhere so as not to continue wearing a mask or living in the closet and in bondage!

For over 45 years I wore a mask and I lived in a closet!  As a result I made many serious mistakes and lived a dysfunctional life and caused great harm to many people as well as to myself.  I will NEVER return to the closet again.

The desire of my heart is to love GOD with all my heart, with all my soul, and with all my mind.  A fruit of that desire has been to walk in the freedom of truth, authenticity and transparency in the midst of my battle against SSA issues without compromising what GOD's word says about homosexual behavior.  In this kind of walk I am finding freedom and I am experiencing healing.

I can't control what the media or culture thinks or says about me.  But CHURCH, please do not pressure me to wear a mask or to live in a closet.  I will not! 

I am thankful for a community of faith I attend in Nashville, TN, that not only allows me to walk in transparency but expects it!  Thank you to my Restoration Church family and thank You LORD for this incredible gift!

GOD's Message to the Church: Repent!

“If I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or if I command the locust to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among My people, and My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin and will heal their land." -2 Chronicles 7:13-14

If there is a sin that is most grievous than all others, and I believe there is, I believe it is the sin of unbelief . . . “whatever is not from faith is sin” (Romans 14:23).  Unbelief is the essence of all sin.  This was the sin of the Fall . . . Adam and Eve chose to believe the lies of the Enemy rather than the truth of GOD (Genesis 3).  We, more times than not, continue to walk in unbelief . . . for some crazy reason we often believe the enemy’s lies rather than the truths of our loving Father.

Those of us who are followers of Jesus have what I call “blanket belief” in GOD and “blanket love” for GOD.  On any given day in any given church if you were to take a poll on Sunday morning as to who loves GOD and who believes GOD almost every hand would be raised.  But we often do not walk in what I call “moment-by-moment belief”.

 Our unbelief causes us to breach the Greatest Commandment: “You shall love the LORD your GOD with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind” (Matthew 22:37; Deuteronomy 6:5).  Everything flows from our relationship with GOD.  Did you read that statement carefully?  EVERYTHING flows from our relationship with GOD.

 Unbelief thrusts us into common sense effort and human flesh as we personally face adversity.  Unbelief thrusts us into human ingenuity, business tactics and strategy as we strive to “grow” our churches.  Unbelief subtly corners us into the walls of independence, arrogance and humanism.  Unbelief breeds pharisaical judgments and condemnation upon those for whom GOD’s redemptive plan was ordained from the foundations of the world.

 As we walk in unbelief we become offended by the culture that surrounds us and we withdraw ourselves from it rather than being “provoked to engage” it (“The Next Christians,” by Gabe Lyons).

 Belief, on the other hand, compels us to love GOD with all our heart, soul and mind.  Belief, on the other hand, drives us to trust GOD with all our heart, soul and mind.  Belief, on the other hand, causes us to collapse into a state of divine rest in the very arms of our Father Who is greater than the enemy.

 Belief produces within us genuine brokenness and humility.  Belief drops us prostrate with our faces in the mud crying out to our GOD.  Belief relentlessly pursues GOD in all things.  Belief abruptly and powerfully turns us from unbelief and toward rest in the bosom of the One True and Living GOD.  Belief provokes us to proclaim loudly and walk boldly in the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ which is the power of GOD unto salvation . . . not politics . . . not programs . . . not strategies . . . not humanism. 

 Belief disrobes us from the garment of flesh and brings us naked before the world and our GOD and in our nakedness we cry out, “I am not ashamed of THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST, for IT is the power of GOD for salvation to EVERYONE who BELIEVES . . . (Romans 1:16)” and upon this rock, the gospel of Jesus Christ, GOD is building His Church to breach the depths of hell and the very gates of hell will not prevail against it (Matthew 16:18). 

 Let us heed the call of GOD to repent of unbelief and let us march forward clothed only with Holy Spirit and “with all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints, and pray on [behalf of one another] in the opening of [our] mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, for which [we] are ambassadors in chains; that in proclaiming IT [we] may speak boldly, as [we] ought to speak (Ephesians 6:10-20).”