Tuesday, July 10, 2012

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!

Sunday, July 1, 2012

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.