Disqus - Latest Comments for Stephen_Black

Re: From Orlando to Atlanta to Chicago – Exodus Freedom Conference Blogging

Stephen_Black — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 19:13:18 -0000

Randy... dude, you are hilarious to read! Truly!

You have the gift!

Re: Alan Chambers Responds to Gay Pride Month Declaration

Stephen_Black — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 15:37:38 -0000

Amen... and that is indeed worth celebrating!

Re: Prop 8 & Gay Marriages Upheld

Stephen_Black — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 01:24:36 -0000

Hey Randy: I am sorry I have not got back here to your blog sooner. It just doesn’t seem possible that I posted this above 2 weeks ago… that’s crazy! Is that real?

I am sure you can relate; things have been really busy lately with closing a group and starting a new one; and so many new people. Several personal issues to keep me very busy as well; I am a dad of three adult children and one granddaughter that all live at home; a very busy place.

RANDY--
Your reply to me was well received; and I find you to be an excellent and insightful writer. Thank you, sincerely. Besides, I really like you and your perspective; and enjoy the challenge from godly people pursuing Jesus who see things differently than I do. I think it wise to listen and be challenged; and as you know, I also like to challenge  Please know that I really do receive your gentle and loving correction… you sound like my wife – great minds think a like.

I really enjoy blogging; but don't always have the time to devote to it. I love writing and trying to make a difference for HIS sake; especially on these issues so near and dear to us who have left a gay identity. I have been very hurt and discouraged lately by Christians, but I have also been very encouraged as well by Christians. I have recently received some of the biggest compliments of my life and ironically some of the deepest verbal assaults over the subjects of gay marriage and hate crimes. I expect it from those who do not follow our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ as King of their lives. The trolls have left me alone for the last month, until last week when we had to call the police. Strange but that is becoming apart of my new norm. Is that sick? Strange lives we are living. However; those who communicate that they love God, and actually know me, and turn around and to be so mean is very sad indeed. Many lessons being learned over the last few years concerning betrayal - truly; and I am not being melodramatic. We are living in a time that I see as a great falling away, just as the Scripture predicted.

TO PETER-- I read over Randy’s reply and I would have to say he conveys my thoughts as well. We are very like minded when it comes to the issues of homosexuality, and the “ex-gay” position. Neither of us like identifying ourselves as “ex-gay” although I don’t mind communicating to help in a sound bite as there are those who will completely understand that I once lived as a gay man and no longer do; and btw, I haven’t for almost 27 years.

The only thing I would add is that I do not struggle with my same-sex attractions (SSA) and desires to act out sexually like I once did. In truth, I very rarely desire or have the ideas of temptation that I want to be with a man sexually as I once live, which was almost out of control. However, I do have all my memories intact; and I can find attractive men, attractive. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I say, “so what!” It is unrealistic to believe that a man who once lived as a gay man for 8 years would have complete memory and/or feels absolved or zapped out. God does not promise this in His salvation relationship. God promises grace, which is empowerment to overcome and live above a once life controlling issue. I actually do live in freedom. The issue of gay marriage is not threatening to me based upon my past desires and life. It certainly is not based upon any remote attraction or current desire that might creep in from remotely time to time. It might be very difficult for you to grasp; but I have actually had such a profound encounter with God; that has caused me to believe so deeply that it actually has transformed my life. I truly believe in the commandments, precepts and statues of the Bible. I believe the Bible is inspired by God. I know that may seem far out to you. However it is what has changed my life. Therefore gay marriage is a violation against the ONE I love. It is a violation against HIS divine intention and order for sexuality. He created all of us heterosexual in our biology and physiology. (Although there may be deformities HIS norm is heterosexuality). This belief system is acquired by faith. I know that faith can seem so ambiguous, but it is real over time for those who are consistent and who believe. Faith actually does turn to reality for those who believe over time. So Peter, as you might be able to conclude, I am convinced by my faith in God. If they make gay marriage legal tomorrow across all 50 states and make it illegal for me to speak out about my life story of freedom from homosexuality, I will not be silent. I will always proclaim what I believe from the Bible and my new life experiences over the last 27 years. I have actually encountered God, I know HE IS real, and I would rather die believing in obedience to His commands than feel sorry for dying to my selfish desires for any human appetite that is in contrary to His will. This is called self-control, and I am pursuing His control in my life. I hope that helps reveal my position.

BTW… you have not revealed troll like characteristics that I can see. If you start calling for picketing my home, getting my home address and phone number posted on the internet and call for a group of gays to harass me, then I would say you were a troll. This has been going on in the last year of my life. You actually seem genuine, which is always appreciated on Randy’s blog and on mine. You will find Randy to be very reasonable.

Re: Prop 8 & Gay Marriages Upheld

Stephen_Black — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 00:39:13 -0000

I guess I am just “other world” on my views on this issue. Perhaps am I too conservative for my own good? I feel I am merely trying to live out this Christian life with integrity, yet it seems to get me in a lot of trouble these days. If not stalking gay activists "reporters" threatening our home and well-being, then on the other side I have "Christians" telling me I am mean, and need to be more tolerant.

Okay so for me, this isn't just the rule of law, or even that the justices acting appropriately for me, although I am glad that they upheld the vote of the people and the constitution of California with Prop 8. I cannot embrace the idea that homosexuality is legitimate at all in society, or that gay identified people have the same right to marriage. I know, very unpopular. I believe marriage is an ordination from God for one man and one woman.

No doubt that LGBT people will view this as rejection and want to rant at me. I expect that. But when "Christians" rant. It grieves me.

How does one bring a truth that is so black and white from God’s word that calls for the laying down of one’s idol? Will it not be perceived as rejection, no matter what kind of idol? No doubt our attitude and delivery must be kind; but boldness is not unkind, or mean, and even the prophetic deliver of the prophets of old were considered anointed by scholars. Yet when you study their contexts it would be considered mean by todays' standards. However I wonder if today’s Church would consider it unkind in dealing with “man’s ways” as Elijah or Jeremiah did? As an "ex-gay" I don't associate myself as "ex-gay" in my identity and try not to sympathize with anything that our Great God and King Jesus calls evil. Is this lacking compassion? Possibly, however, I call my own sin evil and cannot minimize it with the idea of so called compassion, and then have a clear conscience before my King, and neither will I minimize others sin when it brings destruction, just because I can relate to it from my own broken past. My desire is to approach things Biblically and lovingly; I feel the Body of Christ MUST take a salty stand. I unfortunately take the less popular position on the gay marriage licenses: they should be made voided, despite the lament that would ensue. Unkind? Isn’t unkind to leave a culture or a people in deception? How can you have it both ways, some to marry and others can't? You cannot have it both ways, it is not just; or perhaps we just give in completely, with either way, isn’t it compromise?

Gay marriage or not, this entire situation was a planned debacle by those in authority in San Francisco. They began this process of twisting the law and caused chaos by their desire to revamp culture. As long as I can draw breath I will never compromise on Biblical integrity even as it becomes more and more unpopular under a banner of “relevancy.” Yet I certainly believe we should be relevant. My heart’s desire and my longing are with the Apostle Paul to love in such away as revealed in Romans 9:1-3, unceasing grief in prayer for their salvation… and yet be to accursed from Christ so others may be saved is still a goal that I cannot utter in truth, possibly I am there for my family. I pray that God would pour out a real revival on our country so as to crush this discussion nation-wide in HIS holiness changing all our desires to please Him above all. Wishful thinking? Perhaps, however God is amazingly powerful! I hope that all of my service and leadership is in the fear and wisdom of God, pleasing HIM first and then may I be filled with the Holy Spirit to make a difference in a very broken world with HIS love that compels people to love GOD. God help us all!

Re: Of Bridges and Rivers - Living In Dynamic Friendship

Stephen_Black — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 00:23:16 -0000

Unfortunately my experience with BA, was there needed to be the compromise of Biblical integrity for agreement in relationship with me. I remember having several discussions with different individuals and it seem there was a call for me to let go of Biblical integrity. It became too frustrating and there was too much strife. I remember a meeting where it was very angry in Chicago several years ago. My heart goes out to people who embrace "another gospel", one that does not conform us to godliness and abandoning a self-centered world for the better, a Christ-centered world - a Lordship Gospel. I personally believe the gay gospel is deception.

For those seeking Truth being involved as a gay in BA may be a helpful avenue to a deeper relationship with Christ, as it has been for those who started seeking God in a "gay" church and then finally surrender to Jesus as Lord. God can and does USE things, but that does not mean a stamp of His blessing on it. I just see Him longing for us and His love draws us out of darkness. What an amazing God!

Anyway...

I am glad you had a good experience and that you were able to establish a good friendship.

You just a sweetie :-)

Re: Washington Activists Threaten Voter Intimidation During Petition Process

Stephen_Black — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 01:43:24 -0000

Hey brother Randy! It is ironic that there are people that actually believe that murder is justified be it from a right of left point of view in circumventing the rule of law. The comment left for you did not make sense. It seems there is a complete lacking a lot of common sense in policies and law making in our country, certainly lacking Judeo-Christian laws which is where moral law originated in our government. The intimidation factor is akin to tyranny and tactics used by the Nazis. I thought the ethics of a free society and in voting was to provide a private non-intimidating environment so that the majority of the people could have their will over a few tyrannical intolerant individuals. So where's the tolerance now?

Re: Can I Vote for this Guy for President?

Stephen_Black — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 12:22:33 -0000

BTW... I could have done without sexists remarks as well... It justs makes it harder for many to listen to, again he made a LOT of excellent points, topics that should be discussed and debated.

Re: Can I Vote for this Guy for President?

Stephen_Black — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 12:20:14 -0000

He makes a LOT of great points that people REALLY need to think through!

Re: Can I Vote for this Guy for President?

Stephen_Black — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 21:22:45 -0000

This guy is terrific! He says it like it is! AMEN BROTHER!

Hilarious!

NOBAMA!

Re: The Economic Meltdown Timeline That Leading Democrats Don’t Want You to See

Stephen_Black — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 18:20:29 -0000

The pressure of being accountable to voters and what a person's legacy would be while in Congress. However, this also give new participants in the process the ability to continue to point out the problems of the incumbents and improve. I hope that makes sense :-) God bless!

And quite frankly... I am tired of careerer politicians who do not actually have the people of the USA as their priority... It has become congressmen thinking "ME as a god of the Congress. What I say is good for the people." It must be changed.

Re: The Economic Meltdown Timeline That Leading Democrats Don’t Want You to See

Stephen_Black — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 13:44:03 -0000

Amen sister... be the light, be the salt, evangelize and if necessary use words. :-)

Re: The Economic Meltdown Timeline That Leading Democrats Don’t Want You to See

Stephen_Black — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 13:42:26 -0000

Sorry sis... I don't agree... term limits would bring a greater level of accountability... and that is what is needed first.

There must be a promotion of character and integrity. I cannot see another way around making sure the people of the USA can police it as voters. It is out of control in the Christless, immoral self-centered narcissistic generation. We need a sweeping Revival, so until then... we need term limits.

Re: The Economic Meltdown Timeline That Leading Democrats Don’t Want You to See

Stephen_Black — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 13:39:09 -0000

Exactly... no reason not to have term limits... and it could be once out, you rest and re-run after 2 or 4 years. I would be very satisfied with that... it needs to happen... Congress is untrustworthy!

Re: The Economic Meltdown Timeline That Leading Democrats Don’t Want You to See

Stephen_Black — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 13:37:37 -0000

Dave Ramsey has some great ideas that are circulating around the Internet. It is laid out well on his web site. We need to hold the Congress accountable. I hope each of you will call, as I have to voice opinions on this matter... FINALLY it seems they are actually listening to the citizens out of fear of being voted out of office! I do not want me, or my children or grandchildren to have to pay for this mess! IT IS SO WRONG!

http://www.daveramsey.com/etc/fed_bailout/3_ste...

This is a very sound plan!

GOD HAVE MERCY ON US! Oh Lord hear our prayer that Congress will act with wisdom!

Re: The Economic Meltdown Timeline That Leading Democrats Don’t Want You to See

Stephen_Black — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 19:10:52 -0000

I completely agree... it is time to make them responsible!

Re: The Economic Meltdown Timeline That Leading Democrats Don’t Want You to See

Stephen_Black — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 16:30:39 -0000

So true! Let's push for term limits!

Re: The Economic Meltdown Timeline That Leading Democrats Don’t Want You to See

Stephen_Black — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 12:18:20 -0000

What a spin the media and what the Democrats have presented about this mess. Oh, but then you start looking at the history and isn't interesting that the Dems really are much more culpable.

Politics are messy! I am finding it very hard to trust anyone in Washington to have consistent integrity. It really makes me angry and very irritated!

They continue to make the dollar worthless, and ultimately they are ruining the economy.

Re: Political Wall of Sound: Make It Stop! … Really?

Stephen_Black — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 02:25:54 -0000

Randy, brother, Come on don't get too tired, you need material to blog about :-)

You are funny!

Re: On Chris Fabry Live Concerning Ray Boltz “Coming Out”

Stephen_Black — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 02:07:03 -0000

Hey brother... I just listened to the interview on my iPod on the way home. You did an excellent job. The man who called in about his wife leaving him for another woman made me cry.

The reason I mentioned so much about the distorted gospel and the last days in my last post was what I had read on Ray Boltz's site. He is seems to be embracing the gay gospel. It is so sad to actually know the TRUTH and have people fall away in deception. It truly breaks my heart. I want to help by giving some answers, perhaps to no avail out here.

Cheryl, I love that verse and believe that verse. Fortunately or unfortunately I have had the opportunity to experience a lot of personal loss and grief as well. I am thankful that the tears are being bottled up in Heaven. It will be all worth it!

I just read over some of the posts above.

Again, it is apparent that there are many people who struggle with SSA, or who have embrace homosexuality - a gay identity who are not Biblically literate and who have not enjoyed an intimate relationship with Christ to bring a revelation. It makes sense that they would not understand your position Randy. It is very sad.

Re: On Chris Fabry Live Concerning Ray Boltz “Coming Out”

Stephen_Black — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 21:04:39 -0000

Hello Brother Randy!

I am very saddened by Ray's direction. I am not surprised. However, I am grieving with the many that are affected by his direction and choice. My heart goes out to his wife, children, extended family members and fans. WOW! What a mess just one man's decision can make in this life.

It is a good minder for me, my staff and others I know who have struggled with SSA. Our choices in life will matter. I am also dealing with a personal situation with a man I used to minister to and serve who is now leading a “gay” church. Very sad situation.

It is not how we start this race / relationship with Christ that matters, but how we finish. He who overcomes will be clothed in white raiment and shall receive a crown, whom the Lord gives to those who LOVE HIM. The beginning of wisdom - the fear of the Lord, is never apart of the “gay gospel.” The teaching of covenant is foreign to most, and it is a social message. Therefore what is taught is not the gospel of Jesus Christ, but is based upon traditions of men, and doctrines of churches. There will be a great falling away of many in the days to come. The Scriptures are clear about this fact, and we should mourn; but we need to be prepared, we cannot lose heart and yet we should not be surprised any more.

I have been asked the question several times, "why! - how can this happen?"

Bottom line, (but not to be too over simplistic), this is an issue of faith and what one will believe in their core, in the secret world of their private thoughts. Faith is so ambiguous - it doesn't have handles on it. Yet it is simple.

It really is an issue of unbelief, and people embracing another message/gospel. This deception gives way when the Word of God is not implanted to save - deliver the mind / soul of a believer. We must be consecrated believers and not just mental believers. This is a relational gospel of humility and honesty that gives the believer “power” – grace to overcome.

This false message has teachers willing to comfort the desires of the afflicted to embrace their homosexuality. I have noticed that there is no cross or dying to self in their message. It is the believer of mental ascent, the believing of historical facts and the desire for a social group. The devil believes in Jesus. Oh yes, Satan knows Jesus well, yet the devil is not going to spend eternity with the Church. This is indeed a sad day, and I truly hope Ray, and others like him who I love dearly, come to their senses. I have already prayed for him and his family. No doubt there is a real hardening of the heart that takes place with those who once actually walked in Christian circles and then they embrace a gay gospel. It makes you wonder what kind of isolation and fantasy Ray and others live in their secret world before they actually embrace their homosexuality. I know first hand that those who I have seen fall away have another gospel message and become religious or completely give up on Christianity and become mockers. I have wept hard. I have seen this first hand several times now. There are several other key elements I have not mentioned; like the very unpopular elements of dying to self, living in transparent community and willing to live by faith regardless of feelings, but continuing to live in the enjoyment of Christ. Spiritual warfare is another subject as well; can't hardly talk about that without the mockers coming out in legions.

Thank you for stand strong! Thank you for pressing in! You are loved!