A “Normal Gay Life” – Nathan Responds to Ray Boltz

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Regular readers of this blog may remember my friend Nathan who has guest blogged here before concerning Jennifer Knapp and about his "Divine Appointments" at the Exodus Freedom Conference. At this rate I just need to create a login for you Nathan :) Today Nathan writes an eloquent response to Ray Boltz' new song "God Knows I Tried."  Here's Nathan: A “Normal Gay Life” I’m adding Ray Boltz to the list of people I’d love to meet at Starbuck’s for a chat.  Most readers of this  blog will remember Ray as the Dove Award-winning gospel singer who revealed his homosexuality two … [Read more...]

What’s Healthy vs. Unhealthy Same-Sex Relationships? – Real Answers Article for October 2010

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This article appears in both our offline and online newsletters.  To receive articles like this along with the full newsletter online via email or offline through the postal service please sign up here. --- How can I discern the difference between healthy and unhealthy same-sex relationships?  by Kristin Tremba When I was struggling with same-sex attraction, I found myself attracted to women who offered to meet all my emotional needs. These relationships were intense, secretive, and all-consuming. Instead of admiring a fellow female as a friend, I worshiped her as an idol. Why did … [Read more...]

How can my struggle with same-sex attraction help to benefit others in the Body of Christ? – Real Answers Article for September 2010

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This article appears in both our offline and online newsletters.  To receive articles like this along with the full newsletter online via email or offline through the postal service please sign up here. --- How can my struggle with same-sex attraction help to benefit others in the Body of Christ? Sometimes in the midst of struggling we are so focused on getting through the day that we forget what our struggle may eventually mean to others. Our stories are powerful. Our God loves to use our redeemed and restored lives as testimonies of His grace. I believe the Body of Christ is … [Read more...]

Lean Summer, Generous God

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In June Exodus International hosted our 35th Freedom Conference in Irvine, CA and the 59th Love Won Out event. More than 1,100 ministry leaders, parents, pastors, and individuals seeking freedom in Jesus Christ came together for an amazing time of worship, teaching, and fellowship. As I look back, it wasn’t any one thing that stood out that made this conference spectacular. Instead, it was the fact that, all around, people were beaming with joy, hope, and the understanding that God is good! I could see it in the faces of those waiting in the lunch line, in the casual conversations that … [Read more...]

Some Thoughts On Church/Denominational Conflict

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This post was inspired by Matt Kaufman over at the Boundless Line.  He wrote, in response to the ELCA decision, a good question (emphasis mine): ... When should you leave a church on principle -- not for personal reasons (which we've talked about elsewhere on this blog), but for reasons of its doctrines or practices? And a follow-up question: Have you ever had to wrestle with this decision? That is definitely a tough question with plenty of potential variables.  In the 18 years I have been a Christian I haven't ever left a church on "principle" (when I have it has been for personal … [Read more...]

Are You Happier Now Than When You Were Gay?

You Just Never Know What Could Happen Now Do You?

One of my young(er) friends on Facebook sent me a message that I have been getting a lot lately.  Now that I have passed the 40 year old mark by two years the youngin's ask me "lonely old man" questions a lot.  They don't say it like that and I am being humorous in phrasing it that way but it's true, I am getting older and have been celibate for 18 years this coming July 23rd. So they want to know if you can be happy, older and not pursuing or in a gay relationship.  Wade (not his real name) writes in part: Are you happy? I know your probably thinking 'weirdo', but I'm not. Basically … [Read more...]

Going to California – Ramping Up For The Freedom Conference

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I love working at Exodus.  Especially this time of year in getting ready for the Exodus International Freedom Conference.  The team really comes together and it is simply amazing to watch the myriad of plans, talents, vision, details and more ... all come together so beautifully. Stress?  ... just a bit. :) But through it all we know that the end result will glorify the Lord and bring edification to His church.  He instills an inner peace even as we run around like crazy getting everything ready! This is the 35th Annual Exodus Freedom Conference.  Exodus was formed after the … [Read more...]

Paul Webster Visits Passion For Christ Movement in Los Angeles

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For those that don't know yet, Paul Webster joined the Exodus staff a couple of months ago as our Director of Ministry Advancement. We are very blessed to have him join our team. Paul and his wife Susan live in Southern California and decided to visit the Passion for Christ Movement (P4CM) Church in Los Angeles.  Here is an account of their visit: Sunday worship was spent visiting a vibrant young church in Los Angeles called the Passion for Christ Movement. This burgeoning fellowship is full of young people yearning to be transparent before Jesus and sharing their deepest hurts. Many on … [Read more...]

Never Forget Christ

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From Spurgeon's Morning and Evening Devotional (emphasis mine): ... Can it be possible? Yes, it is not only possible, but conscience confesses that it is too sadly a fault with all of us, that we suffer Him to be as a wayfaring man tarrying but for a night. He whom we should make the abiding tenant of our memories is but a visitor therein. The cross where one would think that memory would linger, and unmindfulness would be an unknown intruder, is desecrated by the feet of forgetfulness. Does not your conscience say that this is true? Do you not find yourselves forgetful of Jesus? Some … [Read more...]

Transforming a Worldview – Testimony of Karen Booth

Karen Booth

Testimony originally posted on the Exodus website: ***Begin*** Transforming A Worldview By Rev. Karen Booth, Executive Director of Transforming Congregations* Since many folk involved in Exodus-related ministries have struggled with same-sex attraction, I have been asked many times if that is true of me. It isn’t. My desires and behaviors since my adolescent years have been consistently heterosexual. In the past, however, those desires and behaviors haven’t been pure; I’ve hurt myself and I’ve wounded others through sexual sin, and I praise God that He has forgiven and … [Read more...]