Apr 23
2026
What is Changing, and Why
Marking 50 years of ministry, First Stone Ministries announces a thoughtful evolution in how it communicates and ministers. While remaining firmly grounded in biblical conviction and the belief that healing is found in Jesus Christ alone, the ministry is adopting warmer, more accessible language, refreshing its website, and shifting internally toward Scripture-based identity formation rather than self-assessment. The goal is clear — to meet people where they are, welcome their whole story, and walk with them patiently toward freedom and wholeness in Christ.
“The Dangers of Affirming What is Clearly Wrong” reflects on Paul’s warning in 1 Timothy 4 about the peril of a seared conscience—losing sensitivity to the Holy Spirit through repeated compromise. Using the example of families affirming a prodigal’s LGBT identity, it warns that embracing what contradicts God’s Word invites deception and spiritual deadness. Over time, conviction can fade into full affirmation of sin, with eternal consequences. The article calls believers to stand firm in truth, resisting cultural pressure while remaining faithful to Christ.
In “Put Away in Order to Put On,” Laura Leigh Stanlake unpacks 1 Peter 4, urging Christians to embrace Christlike endurance and spiritual transformation. She explains the biblical call to “put away” old habits—like sensuality and addiction—to fully “put on” the life of Christ. Stanlake weaves scriptural context, personal testimony, and counseling experience to encourage listeners to find hope through the Spirit’s power, resist temptation, and live as powerful witnesses for Christ in a challenging culture.
“Biblical Sexuality and Gender” is a comprehensive sermon series presented by Trinity Baptist Church, Norman, Oklahoma, featuring Dr. Robert Gagnon. The series explores sexuality and gender from a biblical viewpoint, covering the Old Testament, Jesus’ teachings, Paul’s witness, and real-world applications. Designed to equip believers, it addresses topics such as identity, God’s intentional design, and responding to cultural trends. The practical, compassionate approach aims to help families and individuals navigate sensitive issues by rooting understanding and guidance in Scripture.
First Stone Ministries has selected a focused collection of recommended books for those seeking a deeper biblical and practical understanding of homosexuality and sexual brokenness. Titles include Stephen Black's personal testimony of freedom, Robert Gagnon's scholarly examination of Scripture and homosexual practice, Joe Dallas's rebuttal of pro-gay biblical interpretation, Sam Black's guide to pornography ministry in the Church, and the American Family Association's resource on cultural compromise. Together these books equip both individuals and church leaders with truth-centered guidance.
In this scholarly article shared by First Stone Ministries, Dr. Robert A. J. Gagnon of Houston Baptist University systematically dismantles the argument that the Greek word arsenokoitai in 1 Corinthians 6:9 refers only to the molestation of boys. Drawing on Levitical law, early Jewish writings, linguistic evidence, and the broader New Testament context, Gagnon demonstrates that the term broadly prohibits all male-male sexual intercourse. He concludes that recent revisionist interpretations reflect a lack of biblical scholarship rather than sound exegesis.
A curated reading list for spouses.
In this Living Waters year-end session from First Stone Ministries, Laura Leigh Stanlake and Stephen Black guide participants through a four-part framework for sustaining healing and hope — Honest Humility, Obedience, Patient Perseverance, and Expectancy. Drawing on personal testimony, Scripture, and Andrew Comiskey's teaching, they challenge participants to embrace dependent community, remove self-imposed deadlines on God's work, and press forward in confident expectation. The evening concludes with communion, a commissioning prayer, and a call to lifelong integrity and sanctification in Christ.
Christopher West, the world's most recognized teacher on John Paul II's Theology of the Body, presents a sweeping biblical case that erotic desire was designed by God to point humanity toward Heaven. Far from being something to suppress or indulge, sexual longing is the fuel of a rocket meant to launch us toward eternal union with Christ. Shared by First Stone Ministries, this message challenges the Church to recover a beautiful, incarnational understanding of the body, gender, and God's design for human sexuality.
This youth-focused reading list from First Stone Ministries provides young men and women with age-appropriate, biblically grounded resources for navigating sexuality, temptation, and identity. Stephen Arterburn and Shannon Ethridge offer gender-specific guidance on guarding the mind, heart, and body in a sex-saturated world, while Scott Davis's DVD resource opens an honest, compassionate conversation with young people about same-sex attraction. Together these titles equip teens and young adults with truth, practical strategies, and hope for walking in purity.
Judith Reisman’s “Kinsey’s Criminal Psychopathology in American Law” exposes the profound effect of Alfred Kinsey’s disputed research on U.S. law and culture. Reisman documents how Kinsey’s reliance on data from criminals and sex offenders—often gathered through unethical methods—was used to liberalize sex crime laws. She contends that Kinsey’s influence led to the normalization of sexual deviance, weakening legal protections for women and children and distorting public policy, with repercussions still evident in American society.
“When Did Idolatry Become Compatible with Christianity? Why It Matters” challenges modern Christians to recognize subtle forms of idolatry infiltrating church life and personal faith. The author traces how societal shifts and complacency can lead believers to justify or overlook idol worship, whether material, ideological, or spiritual. The article urges readers to reclaim biblical standards, remain faithful to God alone, and understand idolatry’s dangers. By confronting compromise, Christians are called to renew genuine devotion and uphold transformative, scriptural Christianity.
“Healthy Sexuality for Today’s Generation” explores how biblical principles can guide young people in navigating modern sexual pressures. The article emphasizes God’s original design for sexuality, encouraging spiritual growth and personal transformation over cultural trends. It provides practical advice for overcoming temptations and relational challenges, highlighting the importance of community support, scriptural truth, and the Holy Spirit’s healing. First Stone Ministries aims to equip individuals, parents, and churches to model and teach sexual integrity, fostering hope and restoration rooted in Christian faith.
“Our Common Bond: The Presence of Idolatry and the Hope to Overcome” illuminates the universal struggle with idolatry, highlighting how even Christians are vulnerable to counterfeit gods—anything that claims the heart’s ultimate loyalty besides God. Drawing from Romans 1 and Colossians 3, the article urges readers to identify and confront their idols, recognizing their deceptive power. First Stone Ministries points to deep transformation and freedom found through Christ, advocating for Spirit-empowered healing, renewed devotion, and a return to biblical faithfulness.
Steve Gallagher of Pure Life Ministries examines the strategic blueprint laid out in "After the Ball" by Marshall Kirk and Hunter Madsen, which outlined a three-step psychological campaign to shift public opinion on homosexuality through desensitization, discrediting opponents, and media-driven conversion. The article traces how this strategy has been successfully implemented through television, film, mainline church infiltration, and hate crimes legislation — arguing that the ultimate goal is the complete silencing of Christian voices that uphold a biblical view of sexuality.
This article from First Stone Ministries puts human faces to the ministry's work, sharing brief testimonies from men and women whose lives were shaped by childhood sexual abuse, neglect, and identity confusion. From Steven and Stephen to Kim, Linda, and others, each story reflects a common thread — wounds that followed children into adulthood. Through discipleship, Living Waters, and the Father heart of God, First Stone walks alongside these individuals as Jesus heals what was broken and restores what was lost.
“Why They Fall” discusses the tragic reality of spiritual and moral failures among Christian leaders and believers. The article explores how hidden sin, pride, neglect of spiritual disciplines, and a lack of accountability lead to public scandals and personal breakdowns. Drawing on biblical principles, First Stone Ministries urges transparency, repentance, and humble reliance on God’s grace as safeguards against stumbling. The piece encourages individuals and churches to foster honest community, diligent prayer, and unwavering commitment to Jesus for enduring faithfulness.
“Breaking the Silence on the ‘M’ Word” confronts the stigma and silence around masturbation among Christians. Through real-life testimony and pastoral reflection, the article reveals how shame and secrecy empower harmful habits, arguing that darkness leads to isolation and hopelessness. By encouraging open discussion and reliance on God’s grace, First Stone Ministries urges readers to move beyond embarrassment, embrace compassionate guidance, and seek hope through biblical principles and spiritual support for overcoming struggles with sexuality.
“Lust” examines how lust is not simply sexual temptation but any strong, consuming desire that becomes out of bounds or imbalanced. The article discusses why lust is so difficult to overcome, highlighting that real change requires honest self-examination, repentance of deeper heart issues, and the pursuit of love over self-gratification. By rooting transformation in the gospel and meditating on Christ’s beauty, believers are encouraged to redirect desires toward godliness, finding true fulfillment and ongoing freedom through spiritual renewal.
In “Crisis in Leadership,” Jack Frost reflects on how leaders often face intensified spiritual opposition in seasons of transition or influence. He identifies core areas where attacks commonly occur—like unresolved sin, relational discord, or pride—and emphasizes the importance of spiritual health, prayer, and community support. Frost encourages leaders to anchor in the Father’s love, maintain integrity with authority structures, and engage in confession and unity. Through deep discipleship and alignment with God’s purpose, leaders can endure and thrive amid crisis.
“What Does the Bible Say?” by Bob Davies investigates the biblical stance on homosexuality by analyzing key passages from Genesis, Leviticus, Romans, and the teachings of Jesus. Davies contrasts moral and ceremonial laws, addressing common modern arguments and interpretations. He explains that Scripture defines marriage as a union between man and woman, views homosexual acts as contrary to God’s design, and maintains that the Bible’s moral teachings remain relevant today, despite cultural or scientific trends.
“Sexual Sin and Bondage: What Does It Look Like To Be Healed?” outlines the biblical process of transformation from sexual brokenness. The article argues that true healing is not instant perfection but a Spirit-led journey marked by growing intimacy with God, behavioral change, and new identity in Christ. It lists signs of authentic recovery—consistent rejection of temptation, dependence on God, emotional maturity, and selfless service—emphasizing that healing is a unique, progressive process shaped by commitment, knowledge, and reliance on God’s grace.
“The Truth about Sexual Sin” outlines the devastating impact of sex outside of marriage, challenging media myths that ignore real consequences like heartbreak, disease, distrust, addiction, and shattered dreams. Pratney details seven reasons for sexual purity: preventing unwanted pregnancies, protecting against diseases, emotional disappointment, broken trust, diluted intimacy, addictive behaviors, and divorce. He affirms that only God’s design—sex within lifelong marriage—leads to true freedom, healing, and love, urging readers to pursue spiritual restoration and avoid the pain of sexual sin.