DISQUS

This ad IS offensive. The changes in the life of Jeff Johnston are a direct result of the cross of Christ. And the cross itself is offense (Galatians 5:11), and its message is foolish! (1 Corinthians 1:18 "For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.")
So, of course, those not yet saved are offended by this man and his testimony. It's foolishness to them.
As for Jeff and for the rest of us having been justified by His blood and saved from the wrath of God (Romand 5:9), being transformed and set free by the Spirit of God (2 Corinthians 3:18), let us never "boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to [us], and [we] to the world." (Galatians 6:14)
:::stepping awy from the pulpit now:::

Ha! 'Buy-a-European-Monarch-an-i-Pod fund' You make me laugh.
BTW, I want your tax lady.

You got the last shot in! Good job

I'm sorry you feel you have to explain yourself to some folks. I appreciate your integrity, though, in doing so.


You know that idea, "some may, some may not"? For some, for you, for instance, as you said a 40 year old man, 16 years out of homosexuality, with plenty of online accountability, reading gay blogs is not a sin. I trust you when you say that you are not sinning.



For me, it would be a sin because I am still in a place, when I have 'lonely days', for instance, where I can be easity swayed to consider the 'community' in the old identity. So, at this point in my life I don't read gay blogs or websites. When I mature some, I may be able to, and hope that I have the wisdom that you do to read them with accountability.



Also, for you, considering what you do for a living, it would make sense that reading those blogs may be a benefit to you. Like for me, reading pro-choice, pro-euthanasia sites can be a benefit for me, as one attempting to advoace for life (sloppily as I do, though, it is a passion). However, I don't think I'm sinning when I look at these sites. Well, not just by looking at them anyway. Maybe in my response to some of the things they are saying, sometimes. ;)



Anyway, I see you as a man after God's own heart and a man of integrety. I trust ya. :)

AB 2747 has been signed into law in California by Gov Schwarzenegger already and will be the law in January. If I had been keeping on top of that I would have known that. Sorry.


AB 2747 mandates that people with a terminal illness be given end of life options. This includes allowing for the recommendation by a nurse or physician assistant of unnatural death via 'palliative sedation. One may opt for this and thus dehydrate to death. The bill was sponsered by Compassion & Choices, the new name for the pro-euthanasia Hemlock Society.

AB 2747 has been signed into law in California by Gov Schwarzenegger already and will be the law in January. If I had been keeping on top of that I would have known that. Sorry.

AB 2747 mandates that people with a terminal illness be given end of life options. This includes allowing for the recommendation by a nurse or physician assistant of unnatural death via 'palliative sedation. One may opt for this and thus dehydrate to death. The bill was sponsered by Compassion & Choices, the new name for the pro-euthanasia Hemlock Society.

The state of Washington has a Physician Suicide initiative on the ballot (I-1000) this election year. The state of California is sneaking in a mild form of euthanasia onto their ballot. Sen Obama claimed that hearing the case of Terri Schaivo was the worst mistake he made in his career. Should we mention his feelings about infants born alive during abortions?


Should some sort of universal health system come about or even an increase in gov funded health care, soon the fear of limited resources will pop up. Who will be the first denied care- or even life?



This is what will happen by 2012.



I remember a conversation I had with a Christian friend, a man who sincerely loves God, who really didn't understand what was wrong with letting 'Mrs. Schaivo die'- a woman alive and breathing (on her own, I might add) who may or may not have been in a persistant vegetative state, who had the misfortune of complete dependence on other human beings and their subjective ideas of right and wrong. I REALLY have to have conversations how murder is wrong with other Christians. Incidentally, do you know how many Terri Schaivos there have been and how many more there are?



But homosexuality is far more sensational, and seems to be all but the theme of this letter. So, instead of noticing how euthanasia is sneaking into the state of California and PA suicide is boldly marching into another, let's just pay attention to the squeaky wheel of gay marriage.



I'm sorry, Randy. Gay marriage is serious and should be dealt with. I'm just really frustrated with Christians' seemingly obsession wih sex, while we ignore those with no voice who can't throw themselves a parade every year, ignoring Luke 14:21's mandate to "'Hurry into the streets and narrow roads of the city and bring poor people here. Bring those whose bodies are diseased. Bring those who cannot walk and those who are blind.'"



Why do you think we're meant to hurry? Time's short.



Okay, I'm stepping off the self-righteous box now.

The state of Washington has a Physician Suicide initiative on the ballot (I-1000) this election year. The state of California is sneaking in a mild form of euthanasia onto their ballot. Sen Obama claimed that hearing the case of Terri Schaivo was the worst mistake he made in his career. Should we mention his feelings about infants born alive during abortions?

Should some sort of universal health system come about or even an increase in gov funded health care, soon the fear of limited resources will pop up. Who will be the first denied care- or even life?

This is what will happen by 2012.

I remember a conversation I had with a Christian friend, a man who sincerely loves God, who really didn't understand what was wrong with letting 'Mrs. Schaivo die'- a woman alive and breathing (on her own, I might add) who may or may not have been in a persistant vegetative state, who had the misfortune of complete dependence on other human beings and their subjective ideas of right and wrong. I REALLY have to have conversations how murder is wrong with other Christians. Incidentally, do you know how many Terri Schaivos there have been and how many more there are?

But homosexuality is far more sensational, and seems to be all but the theme of this letter. So, instead of noticing how euthanasia is sneaking into the state of California and PA suicide is boldly marching into another, let's just pay attention to the squeaky wheel of gay marriage.

I'm sorry, Randy. Gay marriage is serious and should be dealt with. I'm just really frustrated with Christians' seemingly obsession wih sex, while we ignore those with no voice who can't throw themselves a parade every year, ignoring Luke 14:21's mandate to "'Hurry into the streets and narrow roads of the city and bring poor people here. Bring those whose bodies are diseased. Bring those who cannot walk and those who are blind.'"

Why do you think we're meant to hurry? Time's short.

Okay, I'm stepping off the self-righteous box now.

Ya know, every time I attend an Exodus conference, I am utterly filled with gratefulness for what I have in my city. I have an amazing (Exodus affiliated) ministry here. So, I have had the opportunity for support groups, counseling, and other healing events. In addition, I have a loving and supportive church, supportive of both me and the ministry.


When I am at an Exodus conference I meet people who only have that regional or national conference for support in their healing journey. They have no ministry at all close to where they live and do not feel they can turn to their church for help. That conference is all they have- that one weekend or one week a year.



Yet, they come, making themselves vulnerable by exposing their need to God in front of strangers, grasping and packing into their hearts every Truth that comes at them for those few days. It's so beautiful to watch- and experience for myself- the way God meets the humble, hurting, and broken at an Exodus conference.



It makes me ill to think that such a sacred, desperately needed thing like this summer's conference would be violated like this. I feel so bad for the roomate who was indeed violated. However, upon reading the article, I think the roomate is far better off than the reporter. Though she was in an, at times, shaky decision making place, the roomates eyes were open to the Truth. Her comments were very wise, and I believe God will be faithful to her and finish what He started in her.



The reporter I pity far more than her roomate. She very much needs prayer. She is so lost right now.

Ya know, every time I attend an Exodus conference, I am utterly filled with gratefulness for what I have in my city. I have an amazing (Exodus affiliated) ministry here. So, I have had the opportunity for support groups, counseling, and other healing events. In addition, I have a loving and supportive church, supportive of both me and the ministry.

When I am at an Exodus conference I meet people who only have that regional or national conference for support in their healing journey. They have no ministry at all close to where they live and do not feel they can turn to their church for help. That conference is all they have- that one weekend or one week a year.

Yet, they come, making themselves vulnerable by exposing their need to God in front of strangers, grasping and packing into their hearts every Truth that comes at them for those few days. It's so beautiful to watch- and experience for myself- the way God meets the humble, hurting, and broken at an Exodus conference.

It makes me ill to think that such a sacred, desperately needed thing like this summer's conference would be violated like this. I feel so bad for the roomate who was indeed violated. However, upon reading the article, I think the roomate is far better off than the reporter. Though she was in an, at times, shaky decision making place, the roomates eyes were open to the Truth. Her comments were very wise, and I believe God will be faithful to her and finish what He started in her.

The reporter I pity far more than her roomate. She very much needs prayer. She is so lost right now.

I'm frustrated with the "Clay Aiken is finally confirming what many people already knew" part of the article. I've been sickened by all the (at times brutal) jokes and insinuations and stereotyping regarding his 'obvious' homosexuality since he acquired so much fame. I've been praying for him for years to find his true identity amid all the fame and accusations and pressure from those in gay or gay friendly communities who insist that anyone with fame must be public about his/her same sex attractions out of some sort of moral obligation. I'll still pray for him in that way.

I'm frustrated with the "Clay Aiken is finally confirming what many people already knew" part of the article. I've been sickened by all the (at times brutal) jokes and insinuations and stereotyping regarding his 'obvious' homosexuality since he acquired so much fame. I've been praying for him for years to find his true identity amid all the fame and accusations and pressure from those in gay or gay friendly communities who insist that anyone with fame must be public about his/her same sex attractions out of some sort of moral obligation. I'll still pray for him in that way.

I am so glad that abolitionists didn't give up their 'pipe dream'. From Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia:


"Although antislavery sentiment had existed during the American Revolution, and abolitionist Benjamin Lundy began his work early in the 19th cent., the abolition movement did not reach crusading proportions until the 1830s. One of its mainsprings was the growing influence of evangelical religion, with its religious fervor, its moral urgency to end sinful practices, and its vision of human perfection. The preaching of Lyman Beecher and Nathaniel Taylor in New England and the religious revivals that began in W New York state in 1824 under Charles G. Finney and swept much of the North, created a powerful impulse toward social reformâ€"emancipation of the slaves as well as temperance, foreign missions, and women's rights. Outstanding among Charles Finney's converts were Theodore D. Weld and the brothers Arthur Tappan and Lewis Tappan."



Abortion is not the only 'sanctity of life' issue anymore. With its legalization, we now have physician assisted suicide and euthanasia. "Working toward fewer abortions" is great. But WE CAN DO MORE.

I am so glad that abolitionists didn't give up their 'pipe dream'. From Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia:

"Although antislavery sentiment had existed during the American Revolution, and abolitionist Benjamin Lundy began his work early in the 19th cent., the abolition movement did not reach crusading proportions until the 1830s. One of its mainsprings was the growing influence of evangelical religion, with its religious fervor, its moral urgency to end sinful practices, and its vision of human perfection. The preaching of Lyman Beecher and Nathaniel Taylor in New England and the religious revivals that began in W New York state in 1824 under Charles G. Finney and swept much of the North, created a powerful impulse toward social reform—emancipation of the slaves as well as temperance, foreign missions, and women's rights. Outstanding among Charles Finney's converts were Theodore D. Weld and the brothers Arthur Tappan and Lewis Tappan."

Abortion is not the only 'sanctity of life' issue anymore. With its legalization, we now have physician assisted suicide and euthanasia. "Working toward fewer abortions" is great. But WE CAN DO MORE.

Yes, I appreciate with Nick her walking the walk of her pro life values. I am hopeful that as a pro life mother of a child with a disabilitiy, she will be effective in all ares of 'life', not just for the life of the unborn or disability rights in general, but also help to fight doctor assisted suicide and euthanasia lawas that are cropping up in various states. Yeah, I know/think she handled some oil crisis, too, as governor :), but these area of life are where I'm most invested.

Yes, I appreciate with Nick her walking the walk of her pro life values. I am hopeful that as a pro life mother of a child with a disabilitiy, she will be effective in all ares of 'life', not just for the life of the unborn or disability rights in general, but also help to fight doctor assisted suicide and euthanasia lawas that are cropping up in various states. Yeah, I know/think she handled some oil crisis, too, as governor :), but these area of life are where I'm most invested.

Happy Anniversary, Randy.
I don't remember the exact day of mine, but I do know this summer marks my fourth anniversary. I remember God calling me back to Him a few times during the spring and summer of '04, and when I finally said yes to Him, it was such a relief. (It hurts to wrestle with God!)
It was scary, also, saying yes to Him, because I had to leave behind everything I held onto, and like Greg, I still struggle to truly Trust Jesus, and like Lot's wife, I still look back once in awhile (though it has been a long while, come to think about it) but I was just so grateful to have some Truth in my life. And the Truth comes clearer and clearer through my walk with Him.
ANYWAY, I'm so grateful for the work Exodus does, including the Freedom Conference. Yeah, freedom!

Yeeaaahhhh, First Stone! I love First Stone Ministries, but then again I'm kind of biased. :)
Good job, Joseph. I especially liked when you said in the intervies, "God is not afraid of me, not afraid of my struggles."

Happy Anniversary, Randy.

I don't remember the exact day of mine, but I do know this summer marks my fourth anniversary. I remember God calling me back to Him a few times during the spring and summer of '04, and when I finally said yes to Him, it was such a relief. (It hurts to wrestle with God!)

It was scary, also, saying yes to Him, because I had to leave behind everything I held onto, and like Greg, I still struggle to truly Trust Jesus, and like Lot's wife, I still look back once in awhile (though it has been a long while, come to think about it) but I was just so grateful to have some Truth in my life. And the Truth comes clearer and clearer through my walk with Him.

ANYWAY, I'm so grateful for the work Exodus does, including the Freedom Conference. Yeah, freedom!

Yeeaaahhhh, First Stone! I love First Stone Ministries, but then again I'm kind of biased. :)

Good job, Joseph. I especially liked when you said in the intervies, "God is not afraid of me, not afraid of my struggles."

Wow, I really like that.

Wow, I really like that.

I have mixed feelings about gay marriage. On one hand, the conservative side of me says that for the government to say who one may and may not make a legal contract of marriage with is wrong. In a free society, it's none of the government's buisiness if I want to make that contract with a competent man or a competent woman.
On the other hand, I know that gay marriage will help to change the structure of the family, and that means children will be reared in uncharted territiory. Do we really want to use a person's childhood as an experiment in what family should be?
I look at the example of divorce. Many warned about the negative effect of divorce on children, but 30 years ago or so, it became popular to assume that children would be fine. Divorce has now become the norm, and there are so many children of divorce that we see the pain from that kind of rearing as the norm. We accept it, even minimize it, at chilren's, and ultimately, societiy's expense.
In addition, I kind of resent that gay marraige has come around at this time, so loudly and boldy with so much fan fare and media attention. For it makes it easier for euthanasia to slip into California with Bill AB 2747; there are a lot less parades for this kind of thing http://www.wesleyjsmith.com/blog/labels/A.B.%20... .
I think, bottom line is, what it comes down to for me, is if I am ever in a position, in my state, to vote on same sex marriage, I would have to follow God's law, for I fear for my country when we become like those in Romans 2. I would, even above my conservative leanings, have to vote 'no' on legalizing homosexual unions.
I know the pain my thinking causes those who identify as gay who feel I am wanting to deny them human rights. I used to passionately be of the same thought, and it really hurts my heart that I will be hurting people. And I don't want to minimize those hurt feelings, but, with all due respect, there is so much more to the same sex marriage issue than a person's homosexual feelings.

I have mixed feelings about gay marriage. On one hand, the conservative side of me says that for the government to say who one may and may not make a legal contract of marriage with is wrong. In a free society, it's none of the government's buisiness if I want to make that contract with a competent man or a competent woman.

On the other hand, I know that gay marriage will help to change the structure of the family, and that means children will be reared in uncharted territiory. Do we really want to use a person's childhood as an experiment in what family should be?

I look at the example of divorce. Many warned about the negative effect of divorce on children, but 30 years ago or so, it became popular to assume that children would be fine. Divorce has now become the norm, and there are so many children of divorce that we see the pain from that kind of rearing as the norm. We accept it, even minimize it, at chilren's, and ultimately, societiy's expense.

In addition, I kind of resent that gay marraige has come around at this time, so loudly and boldy with so much fan fare and media attention. For it makes it easier for euthanasia to slip into California with Bill AB 2747; there are a lot less parades for this kind of thing http://www.wesleyjsmith.com/blog/labels/A.B.%20... .

I think, bottom line is, what it comes down to for me, is if I am ever in a position, in my state, to vote on same sex marriage, I would have to follow God's law, for I fear for my country when we become like those in Romans 2. I would, even above my conservative leanings, have to vote 'no' on legalizing homosexual unions.

I know the pain my thinking causes those who identify as gay who feel I am wanting to deny them human rights. I used to passionately be of the same thought, and it really hurts my heart that I will be hurting people. And I don't want to minimize those hurt feelings, but, with all due respect, there is so much more to the same sex marriage issue than a person's homosexual feelings.

Listen to your mother! :)