Living Between the Edens

Many of us have believed the lies of the Enemy for way too long.  As we do that we begin to embrace those lies and live them out.  This is why some believers eventually embrace a gay identity rather than their true identity in Christ. 

One of the main purposes we exist as a ministry is to provide a safe place for gay people and their loved ones to work through this process and to embrace their true destiny and their true identity in Christ.  This is also an important role for the Church to embrace regardless of what the issues may be.  We are called to encourage one another, to stir up one another to love and good deeds (Hebrews 10:24).  Paul calls us to “be transformed by the renewing of [our] minds” (Romans 12:2).  This is a major part of spiritual warfare that all believers battle.  However, if we believe the Enemy’s lies long enough we will walk in negativity and defeatism.  But as we grow in our belief of who GOD says we are in Christ we walk in liberty, joy and peace.

My pastor (Aarron Schwartz, pastor of Restoration Church Nashville) is preaching through a series he calls “Living between the Edens.”  The basic premise is to remind us that we are living in a fallen and broken world and to walk in redemption does not mean we are suddenly exempt from temptation or suffering.  Men and women who experience attractions to the same sex and who come to JESUS are not necessarily instantly “cured” from those attractions. 

Paul declares: “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).  To embrace a gay identity is to embrace a “yoke of slavery.”  In Romans 8:1 Paul makes another incredible declaration:  “Therefore (see Romans 7:24 & 25 for why the “therefore” is there) there is now NO CONDEMNATION for those who are in Christ Jesus.”

However, it is not that we have been delivered from temptation, struggles, and suffering in this world, but that in the midst of them we have been set free from the Law because JESUS condemned sin in the flesh through His death on the cross; something the Law could never accomplish.  Hear what Paul is saying:  Our redemption is a work GOD accomplished by condemning sin (not us) in the flesh and, therefore, the requirement of the Law is fulfilled in us because we are now in the Spirit (Romans 8:2-4; 9).

Because we have divorced salvation from sanctification, and have preached a gospel of “cheap grace” and “easy believism,” (works-based salvation) we have lost the beauty of holiness that is so essential to walking in freedom while living in this fallen world.

It is critically important that we as believers recognize the biblical truth that redemption has three levels:  (1) Justification (we have been redeemed) – the instantaneous born again experience where the old man has been crucified with Christ & the new man is risen (Romans 5:18; Romans 6); (2) Sanctification (we are being redeemed) – the journey of “living between the Edens” in this world and growing in holiness and Christ-likeness (Romans 7:15-25; 2 Corinthians 4:7-12 and much of the New Testament); (3) Glorification (we will be redeemed) – embracing our true destiny through shedding the body of flesh and receiving a glorified body for eternity (Romans 8:18-25; 1 Corinthians 15:51-58; 2 Corinthians 4:14-18).

The mission of Sight Ministry is to share the redemptive process of the GOSPEL OF JESUS with individuals for whom homosexuality is a reality.  We attempt to fulfill our mission basically in three ways:  (1) Through Mentoring and Discipleship:  One-On-One and Small Groups; (2) Through Assimilation into the local church; (3) Through Outreach to the gay community.

It is important that those of us who choose to follow JESUS rather than our sexuality find a safe place to live and walk “between the Edens” so we can embrace all that GOD has created us for and all that He has redeemed us for.  This is the call of the Church.

Sight Ministry Fall Semester Details

Sight Ministry Fall Semester Details

One aspect of Sight Ministry is our small group ministry for individuals who have been impacted by gay issues in some way.  The following is a description of what we are offering for our 2013 Fall Semester:

·         Family & Friends – Led by two of our parents – This group is open to anyone who has a family member or friend who is either embracing a gay identity or is battling against same-sex attraction issues.  Book study:  Yet to be determined.

·         Wives Group – Led by Amber Carroll – This group is open to any wife whose husband is gay-identified or who is battling against SSA issues.  Book Study:  “The Journey,” by Melissa Haas (cost unknown at this time).  The Journey is an interactive weekly workbook designed to help spouses grieve the losses associated with the betrayal they’ve experienced and begin to learn how to relate in more healthy ways to God and others.  Topics addressed include first steps on the journey, grieving the loses, dealing with anger, disclosure, safe relationships, setting limits, admitting fears, understanding the struggle, trusting wisely, and next steps on the journey.

·         Women’s Group – Led by Kim Young – This group is open to any female who is battling against same-sex attraction issues.  Book Study:  “Slave,” by John MacArthur ($10).  You will see with new eyes the riches of your salvation in a radically new way.  What does it mean to be a Christian the way Jesus defined it? MacArthur says it all boils down to one word – SLAVE -- “We have been bought with a price. We belong to Christ. We are His own possession.”

·         Lifetime Guarantee – Led by Richard Holloman – Book Study:  “Lifetime Guarantee,” by Bill Gillham ($12.00) – This group is open to anyone who battles against same-sex attraction issues.

·         4Streams – Led by Brian Smith & Glenn Thompson – This group is openly ONLY to men who have graduated from Lifetime Guarantee.  Book Study:  “Fathered by God,” by John Eldredge ($15).  In the Fathered by God Small Group Video Series, John Eldredge presents the six stages a man goes through as he matures in life and faith, sharing insights and teaching on how each stage can be encouraged and supported by those around him.  The companion participant’s guide follows the DVD episodes, providing additional information and discussion questions designed to help men grow and bond with each other. Together you will forge companionship with God the Father while undergoing a transformation, releasing the fullness of life and the passion God designed.

If you have questions or would like more information please contact me: richard@thesightministry.org or call:  615-509-0782.

The GOSPEL OF JESUS – Turn the Other Cheek

This teaching of JESUS is another dynamic that defines the authentic GOSPEL OF JESUS:  Matthew 5:39:  "I tell you not to resist an evil person.  But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also." 

This verse reveals the humiliation of being a Christian.  In the natural realm, if a person does not hit back, it is because he is a coward.  But in the spiritual realm, it is the very evidence of the Son of GOD in him if he does not hit back.  When you are insulted, you must not only not resent it (as if that is a simple thing), but you must make it an opportunity to exhibit the Son of GOD in your life.  And you cannot imitate the nature of JESUS—it is either in you or it is not.  A personal insult becomes an opportunity for a saint to reveal the incredible sweetness of the LORD JESUS. – Oswald Chambers 

The GOSPEL OF JESUS: The Power of GOD for Gays Too

The LORD has burned into the very fiber of my spirit His truth found in Matthew 16:13-19 and Romans 1:16 and how different “this” gospel is from that which has been shared by many churches and by many believers today and in past decades.

The gospel of “cheap grace” and “easy believe-ism” and “Jesus plus something” is not the same gospel JESUS spoke of in Matthew 10 and Matthew 16:13-19, or that Paul spoke of in Romans 1:16. 

It is important to understand that the biblical teaching of the security of the believer and walking in the grace of GOD never embodies the practice of antinomianism. 

The biblical truth of the security of the believer embraces the reality that JESUS’ death, burial and resurrection fully satisfied the redemptive plan of GOD for all who truly believe once and for all (Hebrews 10).

If one thinks that GOD’s grace gives us a license to continue on in sin then they clearly do not comprehend GOD’s grace at all (Romans 6).

For many reasons a large percentage the Church has cheapened the GOSPEL OF JESUS.  The primary reason perhaps is because we have not fully grasped the power of it.  Due to our unbelief we have been forced to scramble to find substitutes for the GOSPEL OF JESUS:  church growth strategies, works, human effort and ingenuity, church programs and events to draw people into the church building, evangelistic presentations that manipulate and attempt to “sell” Jesus to the lost. 

If JESUS preached the message that ministers preach today He would have never been crucified (Lenard Ravenwood).

We are forced to enter into the political arena due to our unbelief in the power of the GOSPEL OF JESUS.  Our culture has become incredibly decadent because the Church has failed to be “salt and light.”  We pitifully strive to preserve what we believe to be a Christian culture within a kingdom that is not our own.

When JESUS responded to Peter’s confession in Matthew 16 He did not say that political debate is the rock upon which He would build His Church.  JESUS did not say church growth strategies is the rock, or that works of the Law is the rock, or that human effort and ingenuity is the rock, or that church programs and entertainment is the rock, or that shallow evangelistic presentations is the rock.  JESUS said the rock upon which He is building His Church is the confession that "He is the Christ, the Son of the Living GOD."

What the church has been doing to respond to our culture has not worked well.  This is evident by the state of the Church today.  It is weak and full of strife, conflict and division.  The lifestyles of Christians today basically mimic the lifestyles of our godless culture.  If we could see past the masks and walls of many believers and peer into their secret closets we would see that there really isn’t a lot of difference.  Many believers are caught up in debate over the most frivolous issues you can imagine.  Pride and self-centeredness are rampant.  There is a thick cloud of self-righteousness that breeds a judgmental condemning attitude toward unbelievers. Those outside of faith are simply living out of who they are and what they were born into (the Adamic nature/sinful nature/the old man).

Also, look at our culture.  Why would we expect people who do not know JESUS and, therefore, who do not possess HOLY SPIRIT, to act differently?  Do we actually believe we are going to gain ground or usher in GOD’s Kingdom through cultural battles?

The call of GOD to His Church is to “go and makes disciples” (Matthew 28:18-20).  JESUS shows us what it looks like to be His disciple in Matthew 10.  That looks radically different from the watered-down, compromised, cheap grace, "easy believe-ism" gospel which is the gospel often shared today.

Believing the GOSPEL OF JESUS:  “. . . upon this rock I will build My church and the gates of Hades will not overpower it” (Matthew 16:18) and believing that the GOSEPL OF JESUS is the power of GOD unto salvation to all who believe” (Romans 1:16), I choose to be provoked by the GOSPEL OF JESUS to engage our culture rather than to be offended and withdraw from it.  Prophets were developed in the wilderness, not in the temple.  

I choose to follow the example of JESUS who radically loved sinners, harlots, prostitutes, tax collectors, lepers and the outcasts of His day.  The leper of today is the gay community and people like me who follow JESUS though we may continue dealing with same-sex attractions.

I will continue to engage the gay community with “His kindness, tolerance and patience . . . because it is the kindness of GOD that leads to repentance” (Romans 2:4) not self-righteousness and condemnation, debate and politics.  I totally renounce and resist any offer of Law rather than JESUS’ complete and finished redemptive work.  

I am not a heretic and I have not renounced GOD’s word.  I am a follower of JESUS and I embrace the GOSPEL OF JESUS.

Exodus, Sight Ministry & Gays . . . On the Brink of the Promised Land

For the past two weeks life has been like a world wind for me!  Whew!  But it’s been incredibly exciting.  These have been two of the most intensive seasons of my life in the way the LORD has spoken so clearly to me and how He has confirmed and affirmed that I am his beloved son.  I have been astounded beyond measure and beyond comprehension.

I am entering into an intentional & intensive time of prayer & fasting concerning all that is happening with Exodus. I desire to clearly understand what the LORD would have Sight Ministry do and what direction He is leading me.

I am processing everything with scripture as my primary filter & I'm seeking counsel from those who have been closely walking with me in this great adventure for many years.  I will guarantee you I am committed to the best of my ability to be faithful to GOD’s word & to GOD’s plans & purposes. 

Our views about what scriptures teach about human sexuality have not changed & will not change.  But I can tell you this, the LORD has profoundly impacted my spirit and my heart about Who He is, who I am in Christ, and about the authority & power of the GOSPEL OF JESUS [I will always capitalize & “bold” this statement to set it apart from the traditional understanding of the gospel . . . “sinner’s prayer” & traditional evangelism for example] based on Matthew 16:13-19 & Romans 1:16.

I literally feel we are standing on the brink of the Promised Land and I cannot move in any direction unless the presence of the LORD goes before me. Today the LORD has directed me to Exodus 33. This is just the beginning. 

My desire is that every decision we make about every dynamic in this arena will be totally & completely controlled & directed by HOLY SPIRIT.

I will not be making any decisions about any of this until I feel completely at peace that it is what the LORD would have me do. This will take much praying, much time, much research, and much understanding. I have no idea what the LORD's timing in all of this will be.  Actually, I don’t think it will all come to a measureable end.  I sense this will be an ongoing process the LORD has me in for the rest of my life in this foreign land.  I am resting patiently in Him & trusting His plans and purposes.

“And He said, ‘My presence shall go with you, and I will give you rest.’ Then he said to Him, ‘If Your presence does not go with us, do not lead us up from here’” (Exodus 33:14-15).


I invite you to join me in this great adventure.  It’s going to be exciting & life changing!

“Gays, Pharisees, Politics and the Gospel of Christ”

As Christians continue involving themselves in the public policy arena and in political debate concerning gay issues they may discover they are contributing to widening the “great divide” between the church, and it’s GOD-given mission, and a large group of people whom God loves.

Let me first clear the air about what I believe about the Bible before you turn me off.  I believe the Bible is ultimate truth and authority.  I believe everything GOD says as He addresses His purposes concerning human sexuality.  I also believe it is critically important for both sides on the gay debate to enter into authentic relationships and to dialogue with one another in nonthreatening ways.

As I processed the senseless acts of terror in Boston recently I tried to understand what terrorists hoped to gain or accomplish by their horrific cowardly acts of indiscriminate violence on innocent people.  In the end it seems terrorism does not gain the sought after results.  It seems when Americans are attacked in these ways we are brought closer together; we become more unified and patriotic; we seem to rise up with even greater resolve; we are made stronger not weaker.

This observation made me think about the tactics and methods some churches and Christians use in trying to sway unbelievers and gay people to embrace biblical standards (I’m not suggesting churches or Christians are terrorists).  Some of these tactics and methods are impersonal evangelism, politics, and debate, etc.  Very often these tactics are carried out  with an attitude of judgmentalism, condemnation and religious self-righteousness.   These methods and attitudes will not be productive in reaching our culture.

Why would we expect unbelievers, who do not possess HOLY SPIRIT, to embrace GOD’s purposes and truths when the things of GOD can only be spiritually understood (1 Corinthians 2:14).  Unbelievers or “a natural man/woman” are simply acting out of their nature . . . who they are apart from Christ.  The “natural man” believes the things of GOD are foolish.  The “natural man” responds to the methods and attitudes of many Christians with anger and they recoil away from Christ and the church.  Solomon understood this spiritual truth when he wrote:  “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger”  (Proverbs 15:1).  They will seek out others who will love them and accept them and support them. 

It seems the Church and Christian community would learn from Jesus’ experiences and examples.  It is clear throughout the gospels (there are numerous examples) that Jesus attracted sinners, tax collectors, immoral people and outcasts of His day though He never embraced their sinful behavior.  The people Jesus had problems with were the self-righteous religious zealots who were condemning and making judgments against the very same people Jesus engaged.  Unfortunately, many in the church today have missed this and have become guilty of making the same mistakes of the Pharisees.  As a result, what I call “the great divide,” between the lost unbelieving culture and GOD’s redemptive message has greatly widened and deepened. 

It is important that the followers of Jesus embrace His method of reaching a belligerent culture . . . authentic unconditional self-sacrificing love (agape) coupled with the message of the Gospel of Christ.

It is important to understand what the Gospel of Christ is and what it is not.  It is not simply getting people to recite a “sinner’s prayer” so that when they die they will go to heaven.  The Gospel of Christ . . . GOD’s redemptive work . . .  affects every part of our lives here and now.  Though it includes our eternal destiny it impacts our lives as we live in this difficult world.  How can anyone survive or keep their sanity in this world of pain and suffering without embracing the authentic Gospel of Jesus and without walking in faith that trusts in the goodness and faithfulness of a loving and present GOD?

Paul said: “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for [IT] is the power of GOD for salvation to everyone who believes . . . “ (Romans 1:16).  The power of GOD to impact lives and to redeem a lost soul both now and for eternity is the Gospel of Christ . . . not politics, arguments, debate, protests, judgmentalism or a condemning attitude.  All of these methods and attitudes cheapen the gospel and its power.

When asked by Jesus, “Who do [you] say that I am?” Peter cried out, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living GOD!”  Jesus replied, “I also say to you that you are Peter (Petros—rock-man), and upon this rock (Petra—a feminine word for “rock” not a name; Jesus was using a play on words) I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it” (Matthew 16:13-19).  This is the gospel message of Christ.

The most effective way to confront our culture with this amazing truth of GOD is to be pro-active and intentional in cultivating authentic relationships with people in our community where we live; not simply having an acquaintance type relationship but an authentic transparent intimate relationship with our neighbors (Matthew 5:43-44; Luke 10:29-37; Galatians 5:14).  As we experience authentic relationships with lost people next door we will then have many opportunities to share with them what we have heard Jesus teach us and what we have seen Jesus do in our lives. (Matthew 11:2-6). 

As we cultivate these authentic relationships with lost neighbors and as we have opportunity to share the authentic gospel of Christ, HOLY SPIRIT will have opportunity to work the work that only He can perform . . . and the very gates of hell will not be able to resist.  This is the Good News . . . this is the power of the Gospel of Christ Jesus . . . this is the Church being the Church.

"GOD's Love and Grace is for Gay People Too"

IF YOU ARE TRULY IN CHRIST . . . not only have all your sins been forgiven . . . past, present & future . . . because SIN has been dealt a final blow of defeat once & for all (Hebrews 10) . . . but you are already seated with Jesus at the right hand of the Father: "Even when we were dead in our transgressions, [GOD] made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up with Him, and SEATED US WITH HIM IN THE HEAVENLY PLACES IN CHRIST JESUS," (Ephesians 2:5,6).

Through the finished, completed, once for all redemptive work of Jesus, GOD immediately seated us with Jesus at His right hand! WOW! INCOMPREHENSIBLE!!!

Praise GOD for His amazing grace & work of redemption! GOD's grace NEVER motivates me to want to continue on in sinful behavior. GOD's INCOMPREHENSIBLE grace ALWAYS motivates me to walk in obedience & to walk in an intimate relationship with Him!