exodus youth

Why do we speak up about what the Bible says about homosexuality? Why do some of us who have walked away from it go public with our stories? What’s the point of trying to communicate this message to a culture that doesn’t want to hear it? These are important questions that each of us needs to have answered in our own hearts. Here is some of what motivates us.

First, those of us here at Exodus youth are passionate to get the truth out there for all the young people who are struggling with their sexuality but don’t want to be gay. We get emails, phone calls and letters all the time from these desperate teens and young adults–and I’m convinced that for every one of them that contacts us, there are ten who don’t.

Many of them are people of faith, but they haven’t heard what the Bible really says on these issues. Whether they’ve grown up in church all their lives, or only have a peripheral knowledge of Christianity, far too many have imposed upon them a perception of a cold and distant God who holds their unchosen sexual struggle against them, and won’t love them until they find a way to change it.

They are also constantly bombarded with our culture’s message that change isn’t possible, that homosexuality is safe and natural and good–and unavoidable. Homosexuality, bisexuality and transgenderism are marketed to youth more intensely every year via popular culture and even the educational system. The message is clear: intelligent, trendy and truly “progressive” people embrace homosexuality.

Both of these false and pervasive viewpoints push struggling teens into homosexuality, keeping them blind to what God really has for them. I know exactly what that’s like because it happened to me, and many others of us who are in this ministry. So when we’re developing our resources and programs, we ask ourselves, “What do I wish had been available to me back then?”

As the word gets out that freedom and change are possible through Jesus Christ, we’ll start to see just how many people are hungry for that truth.

Secondly, we’re reaching out to a group in our world who really hasn’t heard the true Gospel of Jesus Christ. We’ve already seen how the staunchly traditional church has come up short in offering grace and healing to those who either struggle with these issues or identify as LGBT. But, those who fall in to each of these categories are being targeted by another religious viewpoint, one that is a false gospel.

Pro-gay Christian theology delivers a deceptively pleasing message to those with same-sex attractions, but it’s one that goes against the very nature of Christianity.

You’re probably aware the Bible says that humanity is “fallen” because of our rebellion against God. “Fallen” means we are not in community with Him; we have desires that naturally conflict with His will. As Believers we know that Jesus had to die to remove the punishment we earned by following this sinful nature. Each of us, through believing in Him, is saved and called to a life of change; we are to become more and more like Him and deny the fallen desires we still wrestle with; it’s what the Scriptures call repentance.

Gay-affirming theology teaches the complete reverse. Rather than acknowledging our sinfulness and submitting our lives to God, we’re taught that our natural desires are all good, and that the only way to live an honest life is to follow them wherever they may lead us. Truth be told, it’s a faith devoid of repentance.

I once spoke with a young lady who was protesting outside a Love Won Out event. I tried to explain to her that God’s issue wasn’t so much that she somehow change her attractions, but rather that she change the attitude expressed on her picket sign, which read: “God Made Me Perfect.”

That’s what we constantly hear from those who advocate pro-gay theology: “We’re fine just the way we are.” If you think about it, it’s really an arrogant and anti-Christian theme. Really, if God made you perfect, what do you need Jesus for? He even said, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor-sick people do. I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners.” (Mark 2:17, NLT) He wasn’t saying that there actually are people who don’t need Him, but rather that He had no interest in people who thought they were good enough to impress God by themselves.

But you can see why someone struggling would be drawn to this ideology. Just think if there was a church that actually encouraged you to indulge in your temptations! If you had to choose between that and a church that shamed you and made a Christian life seem impossible, which one would you pick?

We’re called to share a Gospel that is 100% Truth and 100% Grace–they actually go better together!

I’m dreaming of a new generation who won’t ever waste their time or their hearts chasing an illusory lifestyle because the truth will be readily available. I’m envisioning multitudes from the GLBT community being powerfully impacted by the truth of who Jesus Christ is, and becoming part of His Body. And I’m praying for a Church that makes it all happen.

Great Ways to Impact Your World

Allies, Too The Allies, Too campaign was created to mobilize Christian students to stand up against bullying, name-calling and harassment in their schools without having to compromise their faith in God’s Word. Challenge the lie that Christians hate gay-identified people, and stand up for true tolerance–which means we treat each other with kindness and respect even when we disagree. Show them you’re an ally, too.