Who IS FREE INDEED
Free Indeed IS... An identity change ministry focused on same sex attraction, sexual identity issues, gender identity issues, and pornography. It stands on a razors edge between conservative and liberal Christianity. Teetering either direction leads to dysfunction: conservative traditionalist Christianity can lead to legalism, performance, works based value, being judgmental and perfectionism etc.; liberal theology leads to the blurring of truth and morality, diluting and perverting scripture, misguided theology and splitting the body of Christ. All of which is done in an effort to be "compassionate"!
Cultural battle lines are being drawn and a new moral standard is being created in an attempt to foster social justice. Free Indeed seeks to know and live the middle ground while firmly laying the cross of Jesus here without apology (Gal 5:2-4). Our desire is for all to know the grace and freedom found in Christ and grow closer to him. (Gal 5:1)
Free Indeed…
Teaches the Church how to love their gay neighbor.
Show the LGBTQ community that there is actually hope in Jesus, despite popular belief.
Approach ministry from an identity standpoint, not behavioral change.
Because when you know you are beloved in Christ, you live out your identity.
With a focus on LGBTQ, gender dysphoria (including but not limited to) sexual identity and gender identity or you have an obsession/addiction to pornography, Free Indeed will walk with you on your life’s path to health, peace and joy grounded in a personal relationship with Jesus.
”The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy: I came that they may have life, and have it more abundantly” (John 10:10)
We have been brought together by God to be a voice for you when no one else will hear you.
“The LORD said, “And they shall be my people, and I will be their God in truth and righteousness.” (Zec 8:8b). …”Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” (Rom 8:1)
If you’re here because you’re looking for yourself or someone else, Free Indeed Can help
Cultural battle lines are being drawn and a new moral standard is being created in an attempt to foster social justice. Free Indeed seeks to know and live the middle ground while firmly laying the cross of Jesus here without apology (Gal 5:2-4). Our desire is for all to know the grace and freedom found in Christ and grow closer to him. (Gal 5:1)
Free Indeed…
Teaches the Church how to love their gay neighbor.
Show the LGBTQ community that there is actually hope in Jesus, despite popular belief.
Approach ministry from an identity standpoint, not behavioral change.
Because when you know you are beloved in Christ, you live out your identity.
With a focus on LGBTQ, gender dysphoria (including but not limited to) sexual identity and gender identity or you have an obsession/addiction to pornography, Free Indeed will walk with you on your life’s path to health, peace and joy grounded in a personal relationship with Jesus.
”The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy: I came that they may have life, and have it more abundantly” (John 10:10)
We have been brought together by God to be a voice for you when no one else will hear you.
“The LORD said, “And they shall be my people, and I will be their God in truth and righteousness.” (Zec 8:8b). …”Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” (Rom 8:1)
If you’re here because you’re looking for yourself or someone else, Free Indeed Can help
what we do
We are founded on the bible and its truths set before us to be sexually moral before God (1Cor 6:18) and we seek to equip all with knowledge, wisdom and understanding of morality before a righteous God who desires what is best for us.
We seek to expose the lie of satan that people can't come to Jesus the way we are: broken, in need of love and acceptance, because when they do they experience freedom from shame, guilt, fear, and condemnation.
We give our perspective on life from unique firsthand experience; one half from within the gay world, and one half from outside it, in order to change peoples thinking about who God is and who they are to Him. We stand firm on the authority of scripture as the written word of God.
We bring wrong beliefs about God into the light and replace them with truth because to live right one must believe/think right.
We are here for any and everyone who wants to have relationship with God through personal connection with Jesus regardless of sexuality, sexual identity or sexual activity.
We seek to expose the lie of satan that people can't come to Jesus the way we are: broken, in need of love and acceptance, because when they do they experience freedom from shame, guilt, fear, and condemnation.
We give our perspective on life from unique firsthand experience; one half from within the gay world, and one half from outside it, in order to change peoples thinking about who God is and who they are to Him. We stand firm on the authority of scripture as the written word of God.
We bring wrong beliefs about God into the light and replace them with truth because to live right one must believe/think right.
We are here for any and everyone who wants to have relationship with God through personal connection with Jesus regardless of sexuality, sexual identity or sexual activity.
what we think
Before we can enplane how Free Indeed operates, it is important to understand God's view of the individual God accepts everyone exactly as they are, It is not Free Indeed' place to make judgments about someone’s spiritual status or standing based on what they deal with, what lifestyle they're in, or what they do with their lives. We think every single person is favored, accepted, and loved of God as they are and that its the Holy Spirits job to lead them in all truth as he provokes and empowers change in their lives, whatever that change might look like right now.
We think that same sex attraction and sexual/gender identity are issues that need to be dealt with on an identity level, not a behavioral level.
We think that gay recovery programs, ex gay groups, and expectations to become straight or to “do well enough and become straight” are damaging things that are un-scriptural and un-biblical because they keep you identifying with shame and behavior instead of identifying you as you truly are, which is an image bearer of Christ who is loved, favored, and precious.
We think that only through generating an atmosphere of grace and freedom to be authentic to your very core can healing truly come.
We think that its unfair to expect to “be healed” of being same sex attracted, or struggling with gender identity as the norm.
We do not think, nor promote “reparative therapy” and we are not a “recovery group.”
We do not think that same sex attraction is, in and of itself sin.
We think pornography and its addictive nature is a sexual identity issue and the person using it is in crisis and therefore in need of immediate and deep rooted help.
We believe you can be a Christian and be confused by same sex attraction to the point of living and openly gay lifestyle.
We think that same sex attraction and sexual/gender identity are issues that need to be dealt with on an identity level, not a behavioral level.
We think that gay recovery programs, ex gay groups, and expectations to become straight or to “do well enough and become straight” are damaging things that are un-scriptural and un-biblical because they keep you identifying with shame and behavior instead of identifying you as you truly are, which is an image bearer of Christ who is loved, favored, and precious.
We think that only through generating an atmosphere of grace and freedom to be authentic to your very core can healing truly come.
We think that its unfair to expect to “be healed” of being same sex attracted, or struggling with gender identity as the norm.
We do not think, nor promote “reparative therapy” and we are not a “recovery group.”
We do not think that same sex attraction is, in and of itself sin.
We think pornography and its addictive nature is a sexual identity issue and the person using it is in crisis and therefore in need of immediate and deep rooted help.
We believe you can be a Christian and be confused by same sex attraction to the point of living and openly gay lifestyle.
THE BIBLE
We believe that “men were moved by the Holy Spirit” to write the very words of Scripture in the original manuscripts. Because of this divine guidance, the original writings were without error. We believe that the only proper way to understand the Bible is to interpret it in all its parts literally and apply it by faith.
THE TRINITY
We believe that God eternally exists in three persons—the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. We believe that these three persons constitute One God, One divine Being, not three. Each divine subsistence possesses the same essence and attributes of deity, each retaining His unique characteristics described in the Bible. Though the persons are distinct, they are One God.
MAN
We believe that every man is an image bearer of God being created in His image and is placed into this world to seek God in Whom we move and exist and have our being. While living by sin results in death, man has the ability to walk by faith and by-pass the influence of sin. Thus man must live by faith in order to please God.
SALVATION
We believe that salvation from sin and Satan is a gift from God offered by His grace. This gift is received by man through faith alone in Jesus Christ alone whose blood was shed as the satisfaction for sin so that he might live through Him.
JESUS CHRIST
We believe that Jesus Christ, the eternal Son, became man, without ceasing to be God, having been conceived by the Holy Spirit of God and born of the virgin Mary, in order that He might reveal God the Father and redeem sinful man. We believe that Jesus Christ is now in heaven, exalted to the right hand of God the Father, where, as our High Priest, He is our intercessor and advocate.
THE HOLY SPIRIT
We believe that the Holy Spirit is a person who possesses all the attributes of God. He is the third person of the triune Godhead. We believe the Holy Spirit convicts of sin and manifests Christ through the life of His faith-filled followers. We believe that He baptizes each believer into the Church, the body of Christ, and seals the believer as a possession of God. He illumines the application of Scripture to the believer and empowers him to live a life pleasing to God. He bestows spiritual gifts to the believer for his work of the ministry within the body of Christ.
THE CHURCH
We believe that there is only one universal Church of Jesus Christ. Everyone who believes in Jesus has been placed into the Church, called the Body of Christ. We believe that the local church is God’s ordained ministry for the present age. We believe that the two ordinances of the local church are water baptism of believers and the observance of the Lord’s Supper.
END TIMES
We believe that the Church will be raptured when the Lord comes in the clouds to receive it to Himself. The rapture is an imminent event which has no sign that precedes it. The Tribulation will begin at the rapture and last for seven years. At the end of Tribulation, Jesus will return to earth, will destroy all of Israel’s enemies, redeem a remnant of Israel, and Gentiles who had responded to the light, and will reign on the throne of David in Jerusalem for one thousand years. After 1000 years, Satan, who had been bound at the beginning of the Millennial reign of Jesus upon the earth from Jerusalem, will be loosed and allowed to organize one last opposition against Jesus. This opposition will be destroyed and Jesus will judge the living and the dead and then will hand over the kingdom to the Father, and a new heaven and new earth will be our eternal place of service.
We believe that “men were moved by the Holy Spirit” to write the very words of Scripture in the original manuscripts. Because of this divine guidance, the original writings were without error. We believe that the only proper way to understand the Bible is to interpret it in all its parts literally and apply it by faith.
THE TRINITY
We believe that God eternally exists in three persons—the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. We believe that these three persons constitute One God, One divine Being, not three. Each divine subsistence possesses the same essence and attributes of deity, each retaining His unique characteristics described in the Bible. Though the persons are distinct, they are One God.
MAN
We believe that every man is an image bearer of God being created in His image and is placed into this world to seek God in Whom we move and exist and have our being. While living by sin results in death, man has the ability to walk by faith and by-pass the influence of sin. Thus man must live by faith in order to please God.
SALVATION
We believe that salvation from sin and Satan is a gift from God offered by His grace. This gift is received by man through faith alone in Jesus Christ alone whose blood was shed as the satisfaction for sin so that he might live through Him.
JESUS CHRIST
We believe that Jesus Christ, the eternal Son, became man, without ceasing to be God, having been conceived by the Holy Spirit of God and born of the virgin Mary, in order that He might reveal God the Father and redeem sinful man. We believe that Jesus Christ is now in heaven, exalted to the right hand of God the Father, where, as our High Priest, He is our intercessor and advocate.
THE HOLY SPIRIT
We believe that the Holy Spirit is a person who possesses all the attributes of God. He is the third person of the triune Godhead. We believe the Holy Spirit convicts of sin and manifests Christ through the life of His faith-filled followers. We believe that He baptizes each believer into the Church, the body of Christ, and seals the believer as a possession of God. He illumines the application of Scripture to the believer and empowers him to live a life pleasing to God. He bestows spiritual gifts to the believer for his work of the ministry within the body of Christ.
THE CHURCH
We believe that there is only one universal Church of Jesus Christ. Everyone who believes in Jesus has been placed into the Church, called the Body of Christ. We believe that the local church is God’s ordained ministry for the present age. We believe that the two ordinances of the local church are water baptism of believers and the observance of the Lord’s Supper.
END TIMES
We believe that the Church will be raptured when the Lord comes in the clouds to receive it to Himself. The rapture is an imminent event which has no sign that precedes it. The Tribulation will begin at the rapture and last for seven years. At the end of Tribulation, Jesus will return to earth, will destroy all of Israel’s enemies, redeem a remnant of Israel, and Gentiles who had responded to the light, and will reign on the throne of David in Jerusalem for one thousand years. After 1000 years, Satan, who had been bound at the beginning of the Millennial reign of Jesus upon the earth from Jerusalem, will be loosed and allowed to organize one last opposition against Jesus. This opposition will be destroyed and Jesus will judge the living and the dead and then will hand over the kingdom to the Father, and a new heaven and new earth will be our eternal place of service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you believe and teach that homosexuality is a sin?
Yes we teach and believe that gay sex is a sin. However we do not teach or believe that the attraction is condemned. Being attracted to the same sex is no more a sin in and of itself than having a physical dependance on alcohol or having a tendency to be a malicious gossip. Everybody has conditions on their life that need to be submitted to morality under Christ and we all need to learn how to live with our different tendencies, identity issues, propensities to sin, and sexualities in freedom from the bondage of condemnation, guilt and shame. Any sex outside of marriage is sin regardless of who (or what) its with.
Do gay people go to hell just for being gay?
Lots of people go to hell. Does someone go to hell because they're gay? No. We are separated from God's presence for eternity because we didn't accept the absolutely free gift of salvation and forgiveness of sins that Jesus Christ lived and earned and gave to us, or as Scripture puts it, "dying in sin". Someone doesn't go to hell for being gay any more than someone would go to hell for being straight. "For you are saved by grace, it is a gift of God, not a result of works lest any man should boast." Eph 2:8
We are all saved by the same means (the sacrifice of Jesus Christ) for the same reason (we all need a savior because we all have sins we can't atone for in and of ourselves).
We are all saved by the same means (the sacrifice of Jesus Christ) for the same reason (we all need a savior because we all have sins we can't atone for in and of ourselves).
My ____ is gay, I'm a Christian. What do I do?
You're in an excellent place. Now of course every situation is different but the things that span every situation are very clear.
1)Being their friend doesn't mean that you condone their lifestyle:
We Christians are so consumed with fear of doing friendship wrong and have the preconceived notion that if we befriend someone who is gay or in a lifestyle of sin then we're condoning it. By that logic Jesus condoned a whole lot of sin. Ask to meet their boyfriend, invite them over for dinner, let them know that they're still family, friends, or welcome to be a part of your life and you don't reject a single bit of them. Accepting someone isn't the same as condoning. If you were to say "i'm so happy for you, how can i help you? can i preside over the wedding and officiate it?" then you'd be condoning.
2)We don't want people to live a lifestyle of sin however we have to make sure that people understand that WE UNDERSTAND that its not our job as Christians to play the Holy Spirit in other's lives: You are not failing as a Christian by not "pointing out they're headed for a cliff" unless the Holy Spirit SPECIFICALLY says to do it and its not your own impulse and upbringing telling you to do it. You also don't need to let them know that "you don't agree with their lifestyle" upfront. You probably have friends you don't ag Be their friend, love them, don't treat them any different than any other person, they need the love and grace of Jesus just as much as you do.
3)Letting them know you're with them no matter what is the most important thing (especially if they're family)
4) You also don't need to let them know that "you don't agree with their lifestyle" in order to be "being a good Christian or witness" You probably have friends you don't agree with completely or live life that don't match up with the gospel or have sin in their lives or things they're not submitting to Jesus yet but you also know that you're not going to get anywhere by addressing it before the Holy Spirit sets up the situation or prompts them to talk about it with you AFTER establishing a strong friendship with them and a deep trust and that only comes after full acceptance of the person as a creation of God who is loved and cherished and deserves to be loved and cherished.
1)Being their friend doesn't mean that you condone their lifestyle:
We Christians are so consumed with fear of doing friendship wrong and have the preconceived notion that if we befriend someone who is gay or in a lifestyle of sin then we're condoning it. By that logic Jesus condoned a whole lot of sin. Ask to meet their boyfriend, invite them over for dinner, let them know that they're still family, friends, or welcome to be a part of your life and you don't reject a single bit of them. Accepting someone isn't the same as condoning. If you were to say "i'm so happy for you, how can i help you? can i preside over the wedding and officiate it?" then you'd be condoning.
2)We don't want people to live a lifestyle of sin however we have to make sure that people understand that WE UNDERSTAND that its not our job as Christians to play the Holy Spirit in other's lives: You are not failing as a Christian by not "pointing out they're headed for a cliff" unless the Holy Spirit SPECIFICALLY says to do it and its not your own impulse and upbringing telling you to do it. You also don't need to let them know that "you don't agree with their lifestyle" upfront. You probably have friends you don't ag Be their friend, love them, don't treat them any different than any other person, they need the love and grace of Jesus just as much as you do.
3)Letting them know you're with them no matter what is the most important thing (especially if they're family)
4) You also don't need to let them know that "you don't agree with their lifestyle" in order to be "being a good Christian or witness" You probably have friends you don't agree with completely or live life that don't match up with the gospel or have sin in their lives or things they're not submitting to Jesus yet but you also know that you're not going to get anywhere by addressing it before the Holy Spirit sets up the situation or prompts them to talk about it with you AFTER establishing a strong friendship with them and a deep trust and that only comes after full acceptance of the person as a creation of God who is loved and cherished and deserves to be loved and cherished.
How do I "hate the sin and love the sinner"? (love people without compromising)
Just to clarify really quick, this phrase "hate the sin love the sinner" is very destructive in your relationship with someone dealing with identity issues of any kind. Not just sexual or gender identity issues but anybody who identifies with their sin in whatever form that looks like. With sexual identity, gender identity, and sexual orientation issues, the person isn't "affected by the attraction" they usually identify themselves by the attraction. Reference the podcast "what not to say" to hear a bit more on that. But when you say that "I hate your sin but I love you" or "God hates your sin but loves you" what you essentially say to this person is that God or I hate you through and through because this person identifies themselves as this condition, they identify as their sin in a "its not just what i do or feel, its who i am" and identity issues can only be resolved by a deep understanding of who we are as creations of Christ. So how do you hate the sin and love the sinner? Give them hope and let them know how much Jesus loves them as they are. That is the Gospel, that is the power of God unto salvation. Be love to them. Be Jesus' love to them.
Why does being gay have to be a sin?
Again the attraction isn't condemned to be sin. Its what you do with it. Sex outside of heterosexual marriage is condemned as sin and its not like sexual sin is any better or worse than anything else. In the realm of God's justice having sex with a child is just as bad as lying to your mom about how bad the meatloaf is. We don't get to decide what is to considered to be sinful but it wasn't arbitrarily decided. God designed and created us so he knows how we operate and what's healthy for us and what isn't. Its not about who decides whats bad or not, its about our makeup and design.
I'm gay, does this mean that I can never have sex again or hope to be in a meaningful relationship with someone?
Absolutely not. please listen to our teaching on sex, love, and intimacy.
I'm gay, does God hate me?
For God so loved the world that whoever believes in him wouldn't die but have eternal life John 3:16. He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? Romans 8:32. God loves everybody. Period. It doesn't matter what you've done, are doing, planning to do, God loves you because he's your kid, not because of anything you do or can do.
"What about where it says that God hates certain kinds of people" We have a whole teaching on that on what God's hatred actually is. It's not what you think.
"What about where it says that God hates certain kinds of people" We have a whole teaching on that on what God's hatred actually is. It's not what you think.
How does someone become gay/same sex attracted/gender confused? Is it just sex addiction?
There are so many schools of thought on this that we wouldn't have time to go through all of them but basically we ascribe to the thinking that there are so many ways and paths that our lives take or the hands that we're dealt that result in so many different things that theres no "magic bullet" "this is why people are gay" but there is evidence that its an early adolescent developmental issue in which people don't attach to a masculine or feminine identity, see it as foreign and then become attracted to it in other people in an attempt to take in what they're missing.
I was born this way so God made me this way right?
God made you. he made the essence of you. And he loves everything about you, even your imperfections. However our imperfections weren't made by him, they're a result of being in a fallen world affected by sin, even down to our DNA. God doesn't make people gay because that would predispose someone to being unhappy without hope, it would contradict his character as a loving God and make him into a very cruel individual. It would be like saying that "God made me an alcoholic" or "God made me a hateful person" God doesn't make things contrary to their design, our development and experiences of the world and genetic makeup affected by sin account for our imperfections. But thank God that he loves all of us as we truly are: His beloved children.
How can I support a gay friend who recently lost their partner? should i console them the same way i would a straight friend?
Absolutely. This person lost someone they loved dearly. It isn't any different than you losing someone you love.
I know and love people who are in the gay lifestyle and I don't seem to be able to point them to God without telling them that its wrong? What do I do?
This is a loaded question best answered on our episode "what not to say"
but in short: Relax. Your understanding of witnessing and telling people about God's love needs to change. God doesn't have a list of things you need to tell them in order to have done your job and accurately represented God or "make sure they're saved". Just treat them like a friend, share what God is doing in your life and how amazing his love has been for you, share the grace he pours out on you, share your personal walk, struggles, joys, and that is "pointing someone to God". We overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony Rev12:11
but in short: Relax. Your understanding of witnessing and telling people about God's love needs to change. God doesn't have a list of things you need to tell them in order to have done your job and accurately represented God or "make sure they're saved". Just treat them like a friend, share what God is doing in your life and how amazing his love has been for you, share the grace he pours out on you, share your personal walk, struggles, joys, and that is "pointing someone to God". We overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony Rev12:11
My brother loves God and is confident that God loves him. he wants total endorsement as a gay man and would like me to be aligned with him and march in Gay pride with him. what do i do?
This is between you and the Holy Spirit. It's ok to say that that's too much to ask because that isn't how you align but it doesn't mean that you don't love and accept him
My friend, son, etc. wants me to be in/ at his wedding. What do i do?
You're not presiding over the marriage itself, you're not proclaiming to the people at the wedding that God is presiding and endorses this marriage, the pastor is. So we answer that by saying: Why not be at/in the wedding and bring the most expensive and extravagant gift to be a testimony of how much Jesus loves them pouring out from how much He loves you? Why not shock people with love? You get to be there for and with these people who have decided to pick you as a trusted member of their family. What an excellent opportunity to show the faithfulness of Jesus.
what does free indeed believe about porn and how do you help people in it?
Free Indeed views porn as a negative influence on a person and society. We view a constant use of porn and images of the like as an identity issue leading to identity crisis. Through the leading of Holy Spirit we have developed a powerful and successful path to freedom and healing. Contact us directly if you are or feel you are struggling with pornography.
do you agree with the legalization of same sex marriage?
Same Sex Marriage, as it is now referred to, is a social construct meant to include those who have been "excluded" from certain benefits of American society. Same Sex Marriage in and of itself is not a battle in which we engage.
I HAVE A GAY CHRISTIAN FRIEND WHO WAS DISOWNED AFTER COMING OUT. WHAT CAN I DO?
This is an all too common occurrence in our day and age. Though hard to believe, it is not as rare as one would hope. We encourage you to keep close contact with your friend. Keep them involved with a church if possible; at the very least do not reject them. The answer to this is a long and thoughtful process of understanding why Jesus created us and then died for his creation. To respond with anything other than the point of view of the cross is to be as much a pharisee as the parents. Please contact Free Indeed immediately for shelter, support and friendship with those who come from the same mindset. If immediate assistance is needed in a non local free indeed area, contact a local shelter or let them stay with you if you can.
DO YOU BELIEVE PEOPLE CAN LIVE IN COMMUNION WITH JESUS AND STILL LIVE ACTIVELY IN GAY PARTNERSHIPS?
Yes and no. There are many ways to be in an "Actively Gay Partnership" and many ways God communicates with us. It is not ours to assume what you see is not in God's hands and he is somehow not able to do anything for the couple. We know God is loving and long-suffering but don't take his patience for tolerance or acceptance. God is always in charge of each persons life and does not share his position as God with his creation. Is someone still a christian if they're involved in a lifestyle of sin? Yes because who we are doesn't change based on our behavior. The same could be said for someone who compulsively gambles. Can someone be in communion with Jesus if they have a problem with drinking, or worship their style, or have a problem with lying? Yes but it's Jesus meeting them where they're at. Holy Spirit is working on our lives and getting us to surrender things all the time. It doesn't necessarily mean we're out of fellowship with him.
WHAT DOES FREEDOM FROM SEXUAL SIN AND SAME SEX ATTRACTIONS LOOK LIKE?
Freedom from sexual sin and same sex attraction takes many forms. They are both exclusive situations in a life and vary as much as the personalities of the people who come out of them. Freedom is to be in the same room with what troubles you and it have no power over you. To say sexual sin is to include everyone. After all, Jesus does tell us that even lusting in your mind is sexual sin. As for SSA, it may be that the person changes so much you wouldn't recognize them physically or emotionally. You may see someone you judge as "gay" and yet that was an old lifestyle not a current one. Freedom in Christ is when you are lead by His Spirit and through his grace and power you are able to face the trials of life that will come. Freedom comes at a price. Giving up what your flesh wants is not easy and often painful. We ask you to contact us now if you or someone you know is dealing with either of these issues and wants freedom. Guilt and shame will keep you in pain and agony. They will also make you feel as if God is far away and Jesus left you behind to die in your pain. Nothing could be further from the truth! Jesus is with you through it all and we are with you through it.
WHAT IF SOMEONE WHOS GAY ASKS ME IF I THINK BEING GAY IS A SIN? HOW DO I RESPOND?
This is a common question from people who engage in SSA sex to draw another into an argument or fight. It is used to be divisive and is generally not rooted in simply sharing opinions between each other. You don't have to be God and tell them where they're going to go if they do that because you don't have a clue and you're not God. Be kind, ask questions and let them know you want to understand as much as you can because you are not SSA. Ask them what they think you think of it. Find out their preconceived ideas of your opinion before you answer and potentially end the conversation before it starts. Then you can get them to explain their definition of gay. If it comes down to two of the same gender having sex together; tell them you believe what the bible teaches. Remember, experiencing same sex attractions themselves isn't condemned in the bible, sex outside of marriage is. Nobody is sinning by being gay any more than someone is sinning by being attracted to giant furry animal suits or fenceposts. But when it becomes about having sex theres where it becomes inappropriate.
aj and chloe stills
My name is A.J. I’m honored to have you take the time to read this and get to know me.
This message comes from my heart at the behest of those around me who ask who I am and how I came to be involved with Free Indeed Central Oregon.
I live in Redmond Oregon where I have been raised, graduated high school and moved into adulthood. With many friends and family in my life, I have always been drawn to those who seek “help” in their personal lives including a relationship with God.
I know that I know that Jesus is the answer to life and beyond. I know that I know that life is challenging and often lonely. I knew I wanted to reach others who felt the way I did…wondering if God was real and if I was worth His time.
He showed up in my life and made it clear He was there and reaching out to me all the time! All I had to do was accept his invitation. Without change first or fixing my ills!
Now, I have been given the opportunity to join with an organization that reaches people, “Right where they’re at.”
You should know I do not personally struggle with same sex attraction. I do know many that do, many that support them, and the fear and rejection that comes to them all. Fear of what may happen in a lifestyle that is so confusing. Rejection by anyone who finds out that doesn't agree with it or those who support a loved one or friend. What to do? Do you support your friend or loved one in to it or encourage them to stay out?
My battle came in understanding the mind and heart of the struggling and wanting to be able to reach out with true compassion and a message of Godly love that does exist. I was tired of the hypocrites. They, being anyone that told me one thing and lived the opposite. Church or not hypocrisy is everywhere!
I have seen the same things through media and life itself as all have. I have heard the complaints and fears of those who want to come to Christ but ending up running the other way because of the battle lines drawn by the church and media.
Isn’t church where we are all welcome? Why is there a divide among us? Aren’t we all in need of a Savior? I had done nothing for God to love me so why should anyone else?
With this in mind, my journey continues. Then a friend I have known for some time (who is also a Christian) came to me, telling me about a man he knows and the ministry he has begun.
Free Indeed Central Oregon is the ministry and John is the man to whom I referred.
I was drawn (cautiously) to the message that this was going to be a welcoming place for people with same sex attraction and a desire to know God. I admit, I was a bit skeptical as the message is framed (in the media) as either, “how much God hates you” from the church side and “how much I hate God” from the other side.
“The only thing we want to change about you is your opinion of God” Free Indeed’s motto! Could this be true? Could someone actually hold sway with skeptics from both sides of the aisle?
The answer turned out to be, “Yes”. In fact, I have had the great opportunity to challenge people I know in the church to change their mind about God!
You heard right, the church needs to change their mind about God. His absolute love and grace for all!
The message is real…Jesus died for us all. He has already forgiven us of all sin and awaits us to, “Open the door of our heart” to receive forgiveness.
No longer do I feel the need to lead a conversation with what is wrong with you or tell you the consequences of your future if you don’t accept what I say. No, in fact I am free (indeed) to lead with how much God loves you and desires to meet you where you’re at in your life.
Don’t change for me or anyone else! Another great truth grounded in Free Indeed. All are welcome.
Another great aspect of Free Indeed is the “Support the Supporters” program. We now reach out to friends and family and come to them to show this great love God has and support their needs. Again, “meeting people where they’re at in their lives”.
In closing, I want to thank you for taking the time to read this and getting to know me.
I look forward to meeting many more of you and sharing God’s unending love and grace!
Feel free to send an e-mail to me at: freeindeedco@gmail.com. Or sign up for e-mail updates here on our website ( www.freeindeedco.com )
God Bless You All!
A.J.
This message comes from my heart at the behest of those around me who ask who I am and how I came to be involved with Free Indeed Central Oregon.
I live in Redmond Oregon where I have been raised, graduated high school and moved into adulthood. With many friends and family in my life, I have always been drawn to those who seek “help” in their personal lives including a relationship with God.
I know that I know that Jesus is the answer to life and beyond. I know that I know that life is challenging and often lonely. I knew I wanted to reach others who felt the way I did…wondering if God was real and if I was worth His time.
He showed up in my life and made it clear He was there and reaching out to me all the time! All I had to do was accept his invitation. Without change first or fixing my ills!
Now, I have been given the opportunity to join with an organization that reaches people, “Right where they’re at.”
You should know I do not personally struggle with same sex attraction. I do know many that do, many that support them, and the fear and rejection that comes to them all. Fear of what may happen in a lifestyle that is so confusing. Rejection by anyone who finds out that doesn't agree with it or those who support a loved one or friend. What to do? Do you support your friend or loved one in to it or encourage them to stay out?
My battle came in understanding the mind and heart of the struggling and wanting to be able to reach out with true compassion and a message of Godly love that does exist. I was tired of the hypocrites. They, being anyone that told me one thing and lived the opposite. Church or not hypocrisy is everywhere!
I have seen the same things through media and life itself as all have. I have heard the complaints and fears of those who want to come to Christ but ending up running the other way because of the battle lines drawn by the church and media.
Isn’t church where we are all welcome? Why is there a divide among us? Aren’t we all in need of a Savior? I had done nothing for God to love me so why should anyone else?
With this in mind, my journey continues. Then a friend I have known for some time (who is also a Christian) came to me, telling me about a man he knows and the ministry he has begun.
Free Indeed Central Oregon is the ministry and John is the man to whom I referred.
I was drawn (cautiously) to the message that this was going to be a welcoming place for people with same sex attraction and a desire to know God. I admit, I was a bit skeptical as the message is framed (in the media) as either, “how much God hates you” from the church side and “how much I hate God” from the other side.
“The only thing we want to change about you is your opinion of God” Free Indeed’s motto! Could this be true? Could someone actually hold sway with skeptics from both sides of the aisle?
The answer turned out to be, “Yes”. In fact, I have had the great opportunity to challenge people I know in the church to change their mind about God!
You heard right, the church needs to change their mind about God. His absolute love and grace for all!
The message is real…Jesus died for us all. He has already forgiven us of all sin and awaits us to, “Open the door of our heart” to receive forgiveness.
No longer do I feel the need to lead a conversation with what is wrong with you or tell you the consequences of your future if you don’t accept what I say. No, in fact I am free (indeed) to lead with how much God loves you and desires to meet you where you’re at in your life.
Don’t change for me or anyone else! Another great truth grounded in Free Indeed. All are welcome.
Another great aspect of Free Indeed is the “Support the Supporters” program. We now reach out to friends and family and come to them to show this great love God has and support their needs. Again, “meeting people where they’re at in their lives”.
In closing, I want to thank you for taking the time to read this and getting to know me.
I look forward to meeting many more of you and sharing God’s unending love and grace!
Feel free to send an e-mail to me at: freeindeedco@gmail.com. Or sign up for e-mail updates here on our website ( www.freeindeedco.com )
God Bless You All!
A.J.
raechael schoch
Baptism in my life was always something that I was told I HAD to do to live forever with my homie, Jesus. That didn't settle right with me at all. Plus, I really don't like being told I HAVE to do something or else I'll die...or being told I have to do anything at all. (It's pretty bad. I get the mad where I start crying but really I'm super pissed and it's coming out of my eyes and I hate it.) So I kinda didn't do it just because of those reasons, (like most of my spiritual journey, but that is a WHOLE other story haha). Anyways. Back on track. The whole idea of being baptized really came about when Hannah said she was getting it done, and I really hope she was ready for it. It was planned, and I'm so glad God caused stormy weather the times I was at the beach because I wasn't ready for it-I just wanted to get it done to do it and get it over with. Luckily, that didn't happen, because God had a journey set for me. Diving right back into the whole 'lifestyle', if you will, after just abandoning it for two or so years is quite the experience I'll have you know. And God works in mysterious ways, I would have never guessed that the reason it happened would actually be what would happen. If that makes sense. But back to the point. I want to say I've been working hard trying to get back to where I should be, but I burnt myself out too fast and am learning how to pace myself out. It's been probably...oh...5 months or so since my first baby step and probably two, maybe three months of immersing myself fully. Of course the thought of baptism never REALLY left my mind, but I wasn't thinking about it all the time. Fast-forward to Sunday, May 31st. About the whole week leading up to this day the thought of getting baptized was weighing on me heavily. I keep saying I don't know why but honestly I believe it was God speaking to me. I don't know why I have such problems saying that, but it is something I need to work on. I remember clearly, my cousin Daniel had just arrived in town around noon, and it was around one or two we were going into walmart cause it was too hot to do much else. We were walking through the parking lot when he [Daniel] suggests that we go to the lake some time since it is so warm. Now, I don't know if it was a sign, or just irony, but I stopped dead in my tracks, and literally looked up at the sky with my arms out and said, "Really? Awesome." And like an hour later or something I texted B and got the ball rolling. Now, after setting a date and time and place and whatnot, I was pumped man. When I went to the park a couple days before to check it out I was just in awe. All I could think was that God had done this. And it felt perfect. I just stood in the water admiring it for like twenty minutes. I couldn't even speak. I was super pumped but at the same time I was terrified, mainly because I don't like putting my head under water. When the day came I can honestly say that it made me feel so..my heart hurt at the fact that more people didn't show up. Like, I understand a couple people couldn't because of work and the fact that they live in another state, but there were so many people that could have come and they just didn't. But whatever, if they didn't want to be there then there is not much I could do anyways you know. Anyways, it happened. I went into the whole situation unsure of what to expect from it exactly. I had heard so many things (like three leave me alone) from so many people (again, like three), and they were all different things. When I was at the Christian School and we had the baptism thing for the students, one of my friends did it. She said afterwards that it felt like Jesus passed through her, which just sounds friggin awesome btw. I've also heard people say that they didn't feel any different afterwards, or that life felt like it got a lot harder (in the words of B "satan's a douche"). Now it's only been about a day since it all went down, so I mean this is just reflection on the now. I felt like, when I was sitting in the water I couldn't breathe. (Who really knows why, I am really weird.) And after it happened, I felt so...peaceful would be the word. I felt so light, other than the fact that some water got in my nose and eyes, I felt so great. Like I could conquer the world. It kinda wore off, everything does, but there's still quite a bit of it in me. As for feeling more attacked by Satan and whatnot, I haven't noticed anything so far, I mean I've gone about three days without an actual attack and today in the car I started to have one and I was just like..no. I plugged in my phone, opened my MOSH IT playlist on youtube, turned my stereo as high as it could go, and screamed along with the music. And I felt great. (I was stuck at a stoplight in traffic so I wasn't endangering anyone, don't worry. #stillnottoosmart) As for feeling God pass through me or whatever, I didn't get that sadly. For a little bit there I was worried I had done something wrong, like I wasn't ready? Did I not prepare? Was I not 'far enough along' in my spiritual journey to do this momentous act? Then I had to stop myself. I can be such a worry wart at times. Then I breathed. God loves me no matter what, this was the absolute perfect time to get it done because somewhere deep down inside me I knew it was time. I was ready. And I'm so glad I did it.
josh and kyle bundra
Kyle-
There is something spiritually significant about being honest and open about where you are in life; no holds barred about struggles, addictions and spiritual issues. John and the Team at Free Indeed have given me this opportunity, just by listening and offering advice. Without judgment and in complete confidence. The result of this in my life has been astounding. I have gone from a man who struggled with viewing women in an unhealthy over sexualized way. To a man who is learning to appreciate and understand God's design for me as man pursuing his heart and the heart for those around me. Through the life of Christ Free Indeed has allowed me to see and experience true freedom in areas of my life that I never had believed were possible.
There is something spiritually significant about being honest and open about where you are in life; no holds barred about struggles, addictions and spiritual issues. John and the Team at Free Indeed have given me this opportunity, just by listening and offering advice. Without judgment and in complete confidence. The result of this in my life has been astounding. I have gone from a man who struggled with viewing women in an unhealthy over sexualized way. To a man who is learning to appreciate and understand God's design for me as man pursuing his heart and the heart for those around me. Through the life of Christ Free Indeed has allowed me to see and experience true freedom in areas of my life that I never had believed were possible.
Josh-
I just want to say thank you to all of you who are a part of this ministry. John and Brandon have been such blessings in my life. To be able to understand and walk out my identity in the Lord has been and continues to be so freeing for me. Free Indeed is such an amazing work of God's faithfulness. Just know that what each of you do for this ministry is so value to the kingdom. Blessings for the new year!
I just want to say thank you to all of you who are a part of this ministry. John and Brandon have been such blessings in my life. To be able to understand and walk out my identity in the Lord has been and continues to be so freeing for me. Free Indeed is such an amazing work of God's faithfulness. Just know that what each of you do for this ministry is so value to the kingdom. Blessings for the new year!
David Redmond
“The spirit of a man will sustain him in sickness, but who can bear a broken spirit?
…(and)…a man who has friends (popularity, social recognition, a good reputation) must himself be friendly, but there is one who sticks closer than brother” but there is one who is there for you when your “family” abandons you, and your heart ceases to beat normally from the weight of total despair.
Going from my dream life, to losing literally everything & finding out I'm to spend nearly 2 decades in prison, my spirit was broken. I have known Brandon for many years, but I only just met John, yet as a whole, Free Indeed has been that “one who is closer than a brother” to me. From driving 8 hours both ways to visit me every month, to phone call counseling and helping me financially, Free Indeed has been the Father’s hands extended in my life. Ecclesiastes 4:12 says that we are overwhelmed in our solitude, but when we surround ourselves with brothers and sisters in faith, that we are not easily broken.
The people with Free Indeed walk that out on a daily basis. They get the true biblical principles that the apostle Paul spoke about that the ‘church’ should practice. They have made that difference in my life and I pray that I too, can be that difference in return, to somebody else who is heart broken. Thank you to all who support Free Indeed…for by doing so, you change many lives. Thank you for doing your part to change my life.
-David Redmond
…(and)…a man who has friends (popularity, social recognition, a good reputation) must himself be friendly, but there is one who sticks closer than brother” but there is one who is there for you when your “family” abandons you, and your heart ceases to beat normally from the weight of total despair.
Going from my dream life, to losing literally everything & finding out I'm to spend nearly 2 decades in prison, my spirit was broken. I have known Brandon for many years, but I only just met John, yet as a whole, Free Indeed has been that “one who is closer than a brother” to me. From driving 8 hours both ways to visit me every month, to phone call counseling and helping me financially, Free Indeed has been the Father’s hands extended in my life. Ecclesiastes 4:12 says that we are overwhelmed in our solitude, but when we surround ourselves with brothers and sisters in faith, that we are not easily broken.
The people with Free Indeed walk that out on a daily basis. They get the true biblical principles that the apostle Paul spoke about that the ‘church’ should practice. They have made that difference in my life and I pray that I too, can be that difference in return, to somebody else who is heart broken. Thank you to all who support Free Indeed…for by doing so, you change many lives. Thank you for doing your part to change my life.
-David Redmond