May 16, 2013

The following statement by Anne Paulk on the Restored Hope Network Facebook page has been reprinted in its entirety: In responding to the news piece in OneNewsNow today, there are a couple of things that I, Anne, would like to clarify. www.onenewsnow.com/culture/2013/05/15/restoring-hope-for-homosexuals

First, as far as “replacing Exodus International,” Restored Hope Network simply continues to hold to the traditional Exodus view–prior to the current leadership–that men and women can repent and be transformed into new creatures in Christ. This implies obedience and agreement with God’s sexual ethics. Homosexuality is not approved by God in the scriptures and falls outside of God’s plan for human sexuality. (1 Cor 6:9-11, James 1:13-16) The only expression of sexuality that is blessed is that of one man and one woman uniting in marriage. This was affirmed in Genesis and reaffirmed by our Lord in Matthew chapter 19.

A subtle nuance in this discussion is that the United States Exodus organization holds the legal name Exodus International North America (EINA) and Exodus International (EI) and does not represent the ministries around the world under the covering of Exodus Global Alliance (EGA).

Secondly, this quote is the writer’s own, “To introduce the ministry to people who want to change their sexual orientation…” For those who have or are dealing with homosexual feelings, the phrasing I would use is of transformation. Jesus Christ still transforms lives in conformity with God’s expressed will in Scripture. For some that may mean resolution of same-sex feelings and the development of sexual orientation toward a member of the opposite sex. For others, that may mean satisfied and healthy singleness. Such a transformation seems both rapid, when first surrendering one’s life to Christ, and yet manifests itself over a lifetime.

Lastly, one of the most profound spiritual tools is 1 John 1:9’s principle of confession and cleansing. Another is the principle of repentance, not the flimsy version that implies only mental assent, but that which is powerful and involves regretting one’s sin, turning from it and determining to walk according to God’s plan of embracing good and avoiding evil.

“Good and evil both increase at compound interest. That is why the little decisions you and I make every day are of such infinite importance.” CS Lewis, Mere Christianity.