Differing Views on Christianity, Identity and Homosexuality where there is an onslaught of the promotion of "gay Christianity" in the Church today. The differing view chart reveals the differences in belief and approach and is helpful for those who need to understand and be warned of those who promote false teaching, or lacking in fullness for HOPE....
There have many studies to try and prove that people are born gay. NONE have given results, although much speculation in the media and from Hollywood since Simon LeVay's terrible study results released in 1991. A new study of a Human Genome-Wide Association Study of the largest sample ever to date, almost 500,000 reveal NO ONE IS BORN GAY!...
The amazing grace of God is poured out on those who humble themselves and confess their sins consistently. The power of humility and confession are the characteristics of freedom realized....
Sunnyside Baptist Church desired to bless our community with Christ’s voice on the issues of godly sexuality and holy relating. We believe that Christ speaks through His Word and gives His Church truth for real freedom to those who identify themselves as sexual minorities, LGBTQ+ or any other type of sexual sin outside of God’s will. Jesus reveals His love to all by calling us all into a deep relationship, and by calling for our need to embrace a sincere faith producing repentance and genuine hope of salvation and renewal in our sexuality and relationships....
I have the privilege of talking with many people who minister to others in the area of sexual sin: the youth minister counseling hormone-charged teens, the pastor getting ready for a sermon on lust, the counselor meeting with sex addicts, or the brave soul reaching out to women in the adult industry. But no type of ministry is perhaps as overlooked, underfunded, and stigmatized as a ministry to homosexuals. ...
Restored Hope Network (RHN) respectfully disagrees with anyone who continues to identify as both ‘homosexual’ and Christian. Identification with Christ can and must displace an identity based on disordered desires. The New Testament repeatedly calls believers to repent of old identifications and to cleave to the new, true source of one’s identity...
The God Who Sees Me is Annette Morales' testimony. Annette went through discipleship pastoral care at First Stone Ministries and participated in the Living Waters support group for several years. Annette is now serving as a volunteer at First Stone Ministries in helping others recover from sexual and relational brokenness....
First Stone Ministries embraces the Restored Hope Network (RHN) Policy on the Role of Christian Counseling for Persons with Unwanted Same-Sex Attractions. This policy was developed by the RHN board 2016-2017 and was presented to the Member Ministries for a vote in June of 2017. This became the recognized policy of the RHN Network....
"How many of you feel that, within the last year, you’ve been through the most intense spiritual warfare you've ever experienced?" Almost the entire congregation raised their hands. It is as if the enemy knows that his time is short and he is coming against the people of God with great intensity. (Revelation 12:12)...
This public response is answering a false claim, some distortions and the typical fake-news narrative by those who do not hold to a conservative Biblical orthodox view of human sexuality, The Gayly and Sara Cunningham. Before going into the details of their false claims...
The study of hell, understanding the theology of hell is very important for Christian maturity. Most churches today forsake the thorough teaching of hell. Therefore, unfortunately, allowing many so-called Christians to remain in sin, no repentance necessary, and believe they are going to heaven. It is not true. Only those who truly surrender their lives to Jesus Christ as Lord, bringing forth the fruit of repentance enter into heaven....
We should never forget the extreme mercy of God in delivering us from hell by sending us His Son to die on the cross for our sins. It is so important to remind people of the reality of hell and eternity....
Perverse-Grace, Red Flags to Alert You to Perverse-Grace Teachings is to help people identify if they might be under a perverse-hyper-grace teacher. If you hear the following things being taught in your church or community you are under perverse-grace teaching. This is very important as it is a segue to the promotion of “gay Christianity.”...
From Stephen Black: Andrew Comiskey gave a very timely message that serves as a prophetic warning to the Church. I believe this warning is especially needed for evangelicals that are more susceptible to the growing deception toward embracing “gay Christianity.” Evangelicals are more likely than ever before to embrace the mixture of the cheap-grace messaging, adding the validation of same-sex sexual orientation and then pouring in a once prayed, always saved message. The outcome of this mixture has caused many to embrace “gay Christianity.” Andrew Comiskey gives a warning as he shares his own story of how this “gay Christian” messaging infiltrated his own home through the “Spiritual Friendship” movement and Wesley Hill's book with the so-called celibate gays, who are calling for the Church to embrace “gay Christianity” as a dangerously deceptive and corrupting option....
First Stone has compiled a short list of stunning statistics concerning pornography use among Christians including pastors as well as in marriage and children....
Laura Leigh Stanlake and Stephen Black teach "Hope and Wholeness" as an audio teaching in growing in maturity and freedom....
Stephen Black was the guest speaker at Abundant Grace Community Church in Gainesville, FL on January 17, 2016. He shared a message from the testimony of his life on how the word of God brought salvation....
After the ruling of the Supreme Court on June 26, 2015 Laura Leigh Stanlake, Director of Women's Ministries attended a local church service where a pastor gave a message in responding to so-called "gay marriage". There was a problem! Homosexual identity and Christianity were being integrated as one legitimate identity-- a "gay Christian" identity. Laura responded with this article in the Winter 2015 First Stone Newsletter....
The emphasis of the beauty of God's divine intent and His divine creation brings clarity to Imago Dei - made in the image of God. This message was delivered on June 26, 2015 in Lancaster, Pennsylvania the very morning the Supreme Court gave their opinion on gay marriage in America....
I am hearing of this more and more—that a Christian has been invited to attend a "wedding" between two men or two women. It is usually from a relative, a close friend, or perhaps their own child. A Christian, who is faced with a decision whether to attend or not, processes through many questions with heartache. ...
A Letter from a Pastor Who Participated in Living Waters 2014-2015...
This is an agreement that is between First Stone Ministries(FSM) and any participant or attendee to any FSM event, seminar, conference or group. This includes all public and/or private events. Participating, Attending or Registration to a First Stone Ministries Event signifies agreement with the event policies....
It seems to me that our entire Christian culture is looking for the inspiration for connection. What is the best way to connect? What is the face we want to put out there that draws people? How do we connect with hurting people? What is the right formula for making “community” happen in our churches?...
A Clarion Call for Genuine Salvation and Biblical Hope; Not Compromise! God commands us to love one another, yet only through the divine influence of the Holy Spirit living in us and moving us to love as the Lord Jesus Christ loves are we able to fulfill that command and walk out love. The Holy Spirit creates this kind of love within God’s diligent surrendered repentant people, enabling them to walk out true love without denying true justice. Only in His love can we avoid the great compromise of our age....
A poem by James Ryle about a boy who becomes a homosexual and the need for the Church to act....
The trumpets were left at home and the parades were canceled. The press releases and campaign signs were quietly forgotten. The news was big, but it did not contain what some had hoped for. On April 14, 2003, the International Human Genome Consortium announced the successful completion of the Human Genome Project—two years ahead of schedule. ...
The following article links are helpful in understanding the subject of homosexuality clearly communicated in the Bible as sin and are posted as encouragement and equipping for those who desire to have a clear Biblical response to the culture concerning homosexuality....
A Message to Pastoral Care Leaders Processing The Gospel and "Gay Christianity" This article is equipped with many end-notes of Biblical references to back up the emphatic statements and is a Bible study with over 150 verses on this subject. Please read the Scripture references with this article and let God’s word be your guide....
This three-part series will address the pro-gay theology by dividing its arguments—or tenets—into three categories: social justice arguments, general religious arguments, and scriptural arguments. A brief description of these arguments will be provided, followed by a response/rebuttal to each....
This three-part series will address the pro-gay theology by dividing its arguments—or tenets—into three categories: social justice arguments, general religious arguments, and scriptural arguments. A brief description of these arguments will be provided, followed by a response/rebuttal to each....
This three-part series will address the pro-gay theology by dividing its arguments—or tenets—into three categories: social justice arguments, general religious arguments, and scriptural arguments. A brief description of these arguments will be provided, followed by a response/rebuttal to each....
There are a great many people in ministry whose personal healing has not reached a stage where it is safe for them to be a model or teacher for others who are seeking help. There, I said it!...
After ten years of celibacy, Jim (not his real name) had concluded that masturbation was his consolation prize - door number three in a world where the big deal of the day was behind door number one. "It was God's provision for single people and for those in sexually unfulfilling marriages," he surmised, concluding that it would be unfair for God to have made things any other way. "Even more," he thought, "it was necessary to maintain healthy physiology. After all, the Bible was silent on the issue wasn't it?"...
Finding the will of God can be unclear and uncertain for many. God is not a physical person that shows up for a conference session to tell you exactly what to do. Any believer would welcome that in a crisis or during a difficult decision time, but the walk of faith with Christ doesn’t work that way....
William Booth loved others enough not only to tell them about Jesus, but to go out into their misery, filth, and darkness to share in their pain - that they, in return, might share in his joy in knowing God. It is possible for anyone who has a sincere desire to find God, to enter into that joy and peace He so freely gives to those who love Him. It is our prayer that you will read this with an open and searching heart - and that you will enter into a deep and loving relationship with your Father in heaven....
An encouraging article and testimony from Joseph Thiessen in overcoming internet pornography addiction. There are several helpful tools included from Covenant Eyes....
Keep ReadingGovernment promotes natural marriage for a reason, permits many other relationships (including gay relationships) while prohibiting very few relationships (like incest)....
Keep Reading The following article links are helpful in understanding the subject of homosexuality clearly communicated in the Bible as sin and are posted as encouragement and equipping for those who desire to have a clear Biblical response to the culture concerning homosexuality....
Keep ReadingWe believe the Bible is the inspired Word of God; and therefore the supreme authoritative revelation of Truth for all Christian faith and life. We believe that devotion and obedience to God's Word is essential in bringing about the healing process and freedom from the bondage of sexual brokenness....
Keep ReadingTHE WORD OF GOD, Use the Scriptures, just like our Lord Jesus Christ did to overcome temptation in the wilderness. Jesus overcame the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life – (Matthew 4:1-11, 1 John 2:15-17), Know/Memorize the Scriptures and hide the Word of God in your heart to be ready for Satan’s attacks. – READ Psa. 119 to grow in-...
Keep ReadingMen and women —even long-time Christians— can struggle with things like pornography and masturbation. This should be no surprise. Yet those guys you mock in your mind—the ones sneaking in and out of Adult Bookstores—did not get started as adults....
Keep Reading"Ex-gay" is a term which always brings a response. For the most part, the gay community believes this is a total lie. They deny that it is possible to become ex-gay. It is their belief that "ex-gay" is a fraudulent term. Most come from the standpoint that a homosexual orientation is inborn, that it cannot be changed. They frequently equate the homosexual orientation with b...
Keep ReadingYou may not know me, but I know everything about you Psalm 139:1 I know when you sit down and when you rise up Psalm 139:2 I am familiar with all your ways Psalm 139:3 Even the very hairs on your head are numbered Matthew 10:29-31 For you were made in my image Genesis 1:27 In me you live and move and have your being Acts 17:28 For you are my offspring Acts 17:28 I k...
Keep ReadingNo sera facil ver a Jesús lavar estos pies. Ver las manos de Dios frotando los dedos del pie de hombres es, bueno ... no es correcto! Los discípulos deberían estar lavando sus pies a El. Nathanael debería vaciar el agua. Andrés debería llevar la toalla. Pero ellos no lo hacen. Nadie hace nada, execto. En vez de servir, ellos discuten sobre el quien es el mas im...
Keep Reading Finding the will of God can be unclear and uncertain for many. God is not a physical person that shows up for a conference session to tell you exactly what to do. Any believer would welcome that in a crisis or during a difficult decision time, but the walk of faith with Christ doesn’t work that way....
Keep ReadingLust is a battle for us all. Christians – both men and women – have struggled with it for generations. Many have measured their or others’ spirituality on the basis of their freedom from lust. Yet for all the interest focused on lust it would seem that we ought to be far more clear about the problem and its solution. What exactly is lust, why is it so hard to change,...
Keep ReadingFor over a decade I have worked in the specialized and somewhat controversial field of helping those desiring to overcome the control of homosexuality. It has proven to be quite a learning experience! My own story of recovery from sexual brokenness has been widely publicized, resulting in people contacting me from all over the world....
Keep ReadingHumility is an absolute to the Christian life, for without it, we cannot grow in our salvation and knowledge of God. Many well-meaning Christians are stifled in their growth, because they have become full of knowledge and pride....
Keep ReadingThe precious Lord Jesus Christ is our friend. Oh, let us seek to realize this! It is not merely a religious phrase or statement, but truly He is our friend. He is the Brother " born for adversity," the one who "sticks closer than a brother." Who will never leave and never forsake us....
Keep ReadingThere is one particular secret about prayer that we should know about, which is, a praying three times to the Lord. This "thrice" is not limited to only three times, it may be many times. The Lord Jesus asked God three times in the garden of Gethsemane until His prayer was heard-at which point He stopped. Paul too prayed to God three times, and ceased praying after he was ...
Keep ReadingDevotion is the particular frame of mind found in one entirely devoted to God. It is the spirit of reverence, of awe, of godly fear. It is a state of heart which appears before God in prayer and worship. It is foreign to everything like lightness of spirit, and is opposed to levity and noise and bluster....
Keep ReadingWe have a revelation of God's personal feelings in the first commandment. We are to love Him with all our heart!...
Keep ReadingLast year I wrote an article called "Christ Cry - Covenant Love" . I spent a lot of time praying and thinking about what’s really dear to the heart of Jesus....
Keep ReadingWithout tenderness of spirit the most intensely righteous, religious life is like the image of God without His beauty and attractiveness....
Keep ReadingJohn Mason's (1646-1694) sayings on prayer compiled by David Smithers with Awake and GO!...
Keep ReadingMore and more when the issue of homosexuality is raised one hears responses like these: "Why can’t we just ‘live and let live’?" "Why all this bother about something that isn’t anyone else’s business?" "It isn’t for me, but who am Ito say anything about what goes on between consenting adults behind closed doors?" "Aren’t personal decisions about sex a private...
Keep ReadingRecently in preparing a message for a group of men I was praying and asking the Lord about what was on HIS heart to share. I wanted us who say, "I love Jesus" to align ourselves with what was really important to Him. While praying, I was lead to John 17. ...
Keep ReadingNosotros sentimos la necesidad de elaborar un estudio de la Biblia, para proporcionar al lector a Jesus Cristo “La Palabra”, y poder describir como es LA CAIDA DE LA IGLESIA. POR MEDIO DE LA PALABRA DE DIOS PARA QUE EXAMINEMOS EN NUESTRAS PROPIAS BIBLIAS....
Keep ReadingThe alarm clock rings. Fifteen minutes later, you roll out of bed. Late again. With toothbrush in hand, you step into the shower where you have what passes for "devotions" - a hasty, "Good morning, Lord." While getting dressed, you spot your Bible on the bedside table facing you like a leather-bound judgment. "One of these days," you say to yourself, "I'll get my act toget...
Keep ReadingOne of the most enlightening passages in all of scripture is found in John 17:3 where Jesus said “And this is eternal life, that they may know Thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom Thou has sent.”...
Keep ReadingThe Bible isn't like any other book that's ever been written. The claims of the Bible are unlike any other book - it's not a human book! God called His Word living. But unless you have a rock-solid commitment to truth, the Bible won't change your life - it will only be so many words in a sea of words....
Keep ReadingHave you ever been hurt in your life? Hurt is a universal problem. It's impossible to find anyone in today's society who hasn't been hurt....
Keep ReadingOften people of varied church affiliations use the same terminology, but may mean something totally different by their terms. Multitudes around the world say they are "Born Again" and yet their life-style demonstrates that their definition is one contrary to biblical teaching. I write this today, with the deepest concern for those who walk in bondage to sin....
Keep ReadingThere's nothing more transfiguring than prayer. People often ask, "Why do you insist on prayer so much?" The answer is very simple - because Jesus did....
Keep ReadingNo tree can grow except on the root from which it sprang. And what is the root and essence of the character of our Redeemer? There can he but one answer: it is His humility....
Keep ReadingHave you ever wondered what God thinks of you? Is it hard for you to believe He loves you as much as the Bible says He does? God is so big and He sometimes seems so distant - but what is He really like? Do you really know Him? You've heard His instructions, but do you know anything about His emotions or His character?...
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