By now I hope you have had the opportunity to watch the show. Leslie and I were fortunate enough to get an advanced link to the show since we are speaking at two conferences in the United Kingdom. I would like to extend my thanks to Lisa Ling for the courtesy, sensitivity and respect she demonstrated during our interviews and the filming at our 35th annual conference. I was grateful for the opportunity to share a bit of Exodus with her and the rest of the world, as well as some of my thoughts on this amazing journey towards Christ that so many of us are on.
As we sit here processing our own thoughts of the show we wanted to offer an opportunity for all of you to share your feedback and stories with us. At the same time I want to speak to two very important issues that the final edited version touches on but also cut short. Let me start with a reminder of what Exodus is all about.
Since 1976, Exodus has existed to assist those seeking resolution to the conflict between their faith and their sexuality. Exodus International believes that individuals can and do experience change in their sexual behavior and attractions as they seek to live in congruence with the Christian faith. Diminishing or elimination of same-sex attraction can occur to varying degrees, but Exodus does not believe that an absence of same-sex attractions is necessary in order to live a life in harmony with biblical principles. Like I said during the interview, God wants our hearts more than he wants anything else. When He has our heart then and only then can He begin the transformation process.
Change is possible. For Christians change is ultimately about embracing a new identity. This new identity is rooted in what God says is His best plan for individuals, humanity and sexuality. This involves a personal decision to reject behaviors and an identity that conflicts with biblical truth about life and relationships. Remember, the opposite of homosexuality, or whatever sin struggle one brings to the foot of the cross, is holiness. Jesus Christ paid the price for our sin when He died on the cross. Our eternal destination is based on whether or not one has accepted God’s atoning and sufficient sacrifice. Obviously, only God knows who has made that decision and who hasn’t.
Exodus respects each individual’s right to determine their own course for their lives. For those interested in our help, we simply point to the truth of our experiences and the truth of the Bible. The outcome of applying this information is up to the individual. This process is one of discipleship not conveyor belt Christianity or sexuality.
As I told Lisa at the end of our interviews there will be people who say, “Aha! See, Alan believes this or that.” What I believe is what the Bible tells me: “Those who are in Christ are a new creation. The old is gone and the new has come.” I cannot judge someone’s heart. All I can do for those who question what I believe is offer my life as a testimony. I once was lost and now I am found. I lived a life that was contrary to everything God said was pure, holy and His best for me. 20 years ago this year I made a decision to pursue Christ with everything I had and I stand here today a man who is a new creation and who sees how far off I once was. That is why I have given my life to bring a message of hope to those looking for answers and to the Church that needs to love those questioning their sexuality with the same passion and power that Christ does.
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