Ex-‘Gay’ Leader Stephen Black to Keynote AFTAH Banquet and Teach-in Oct. 20-21

Thursday, August 24th, 2017

Folks, please make plans to attend the Americans For Truth banquet and next-day teach-in featuring my friend and pro-family leader Stephen Black, Oct. 20-21, 2017 — at Grace For Life Bible Church, in Naperville, IL (west of Chicago). Stephen once considered himself “gay” but now is a Christian family man and the director of First Stone Ministries, which helps people overcome homosexuality like he did. He is also author of the forthcoming book, Freedom Realized, and Board Chairman of Restored Hope Network, the largest umbrella group of ex-gay Christian ministries. This will be a spectacular learning event that you will not want to miss!! Event details follow the video from our friends at PFOX. — Peter LaBarbera, AFTAH; Twitter: @PeterLaBarbera

AFTAH Banquet and Teach-in on Homosexuality (note venue change):

WHO: Stephen Black, author, Freedom Realized; director, First Stone Ministries, Oklahoma City; Board Member, Restored Hope Network.

WHAT: AFTAH’s annual dinner-banquet and next-day teach-in on homosexuality.

WHEN: Banquet with casual dinner is Friday, Oct. 20, 6:00-9:30 PM. Teach-in seminars led by Stephen is Saturday, Oct 21, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. A casual lunch will be served.

WHERE: [Note venue change] Grace For Life Bible Church, Naperville, Illinois (west of Chicago), 7S201 S. River Rd., Naperville, IL. [at the corner of River Rd. and Aurora Ave.] 

COST: Just $25/person to attend either or both events. Table of 10 at banquet for $250. Separate gift offerings will be taken both Friday and Saturday. Mail check to: AFTAH, PO Box 5522, Naperville, IL 60567-5522 — or pay online HERE (we are still updating the banquet donor form).

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Background

Stephen H. Black’s life is a microcosm of homosexuality and the “gay” cultural debate. Molested and bullied as a boy, he came to believe the lie that he was “gay.” Unsatisfied with his homosexual life as a man, he ultimately found salvation through Jesus Christ, walked away from homosexual sin, married a wonderful woman and had children (Stephen is a grandfather now, too). In recent years, Stephen was used by God to defend the truth about homosexuality as a board member of the largest Christian ex-gay umbrella group, Exodus International, which imploded after its leaders embraced apostasy.

Stephen is the author of the forthcoming book, Freedom Realized: Finding Freedom from Homosexuality & Living a Life Free from Labels, which testifies to the truth, ignored by the media, that many men and women have found freedom from homosexuality through Christ. Stephen’s powerful testimony and bold defense of biblical truth is a rebuke to the timidity and shallow, defensive thinking on homosexual sin that pervades the evangelical church today.
Stephen will be the keynote speaker at our dinner banquet Friday, October 20th, and then will lead three seminar discussions on Saturday, October 21st, answering questions like these:
  • People I love are “gay.” What is the best way to reach out with the heart of Christ to homosexual or “transgender” strugglers?
  • Why should I believe what the Bible teaches about homosexuality and marriage, and how do I defend it in a secular culture?
  • If “born gay” is a myth, what are the major contributing factors to a person embracing a homosexual identity?
  • Is there really solid evidence that MANY once-“gay” men and women have changed and found lasting freedom apart from homosexuality?
  • Why is it wrong to affirm “LGBTQ youth” in “gay” identities and gender confusion? 
  • What is the danger of “gay”- and “trans”-affirming “Christianity” and how should believers answer its false claims?
  • Why should the Church stay engaged in the cultural battle for Truth surrounding LGBTQ issues?
  • How are LGBTQ activists destroying religious liberty in America?

VIDEO: Anne Paulk Interviews Frank Worthen, Dean of Ex-‘Gays’ – at Restored Hope Network Conference

Monday, July 18th, 2016

There are lots of hidden gems in the pro-family movement because we don’t have the media helping us get the word out. Frank Worthen, the dean of the “ex-gay” movement, is one of them. This interview occurred at the 2015 conference of the Restored Hope Network, the ex-“gay” umbrella group that replaces Exodus International (which imploded through failed, unbiblical leadership). RHN Executive Director Anne Paulk conducts this interview, which is also posted on her YouTube channel.

Frank was “in” the homosexual lifestyle for 25 years and he’s been “out” of homosexuality and married for decades. Think about that. How many times have you heard the lie that people cannot overcome the pull of homosexuality? That being “gay” is “who they are”? That people are “born gay,” etc.? Also, note how a religious man whom Frank respected sought to confirm him as a homosexual. How evil is that? Please share this interview with your network of friends–especially young people swimming in cultural myths and falsehoods about disordered sexuality.

Come to think of it, Anne Paulk, who herself came out of lesbianism and who is doing terrific work running RHN, is another one of those gems. Please support Restored Hope Network with your prayers and gifts–and buy Frank’s books. They would make a wonderful gift to anyone who struggles with same-sex attractions or claims a “gay” identity. Yes, lasting, wholesome change for homosexuals is possible! Frank Worthen is proof of that. But more importantly, his life is a shining testimony to the love, mercy and grace of Jesus:

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation.” — 2 Corinthians 5:17-18

 — @Peter LaBarbera, AFTAH

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Ex-‘Gay’ Group – Restored Hope Network – Rejects ‘Gay Christian’ Formulation and Celibate Homosexual ‘Spiritual Friendships’

Wednesday, August 5th, 2015
Assault on Biblical Truth: Due to the success of the homosexual movement, Christianity is under an unprecedented assault to make an accommodation with out-and-proud homosexualism. Above, young "evangelical" Matthew Vines uses recycled "gay theology" arguments to push for the acceptance of homosexual unions and even same-sex "marriage" in Christian churches. Vines refuses to debate orthodox

Assault on Biblical Truth: Due to the success of the “gay” activist revolution, Christianity is under an unprecedented pressure to make an accommodation with homosexualism. Above, young “evangelical” Matthew Vines uses recycled “gay theology” arguments to push for the acceptance of homosexual unions and even same-sex “marriage” in Christian churches. Vines now refuses to debate orthodox Christian scholars like Dr. Michael Brown and Prof. Rob Gagnon. See Brown’s answers to Vines’ “4o Questions’ HERE.

The following official statement was approved in June by Restored Hope Network, the leading U.S. network for ex-homosexual ministries. RHN is a Christian ministry that was formed during the implosion of Exodus International, which collapsed under the failed and unbiblical leadership of Alan Chambers [see this video]. Here is a link to a PDF of the RHN document.

I know some of the leaders of RHN—godly men like Stephen Black and women like Anne Paulk—and have attended two of their annual conferences, most recently in Lancaster, Pennsylvania–which began on June 26, the day that five Justices on the U.S. Supreme Court imposed homosexual “marriage” on the land. I urge AFTAH followers to pray for and donate to Restored Hope. May the Lord bless and protect this Christ-centered ministry!– Peter LaBarbera, AFTAH; Twitter: @PeterLaBarbera; AFTAH Facebook Page

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‘Gay Christian’ and ‘Spiritual Friendship?’ RHN Official Position

Restored Hope Network (RHN) respectfully disagrees with anyone who continues to identify as both ‘homosexual’ and Christian. Identification with Christ can and must displace an identity based on disordered desires. The New Testament repeatedly calls believers to repent of old identifications and to cleave to the new, true source of one’s identity—Christ Jesus Himself (Rom. 6: 11, 12; 8:6-14; Gal. 2:20). Paul in particular reminds ‘homosexuals’ to forego their ‘gay’ selves when he declares to believers: ‘such were some of you’ in light of having been ‘washed, sanctified, and justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God’ (1Cor 6:9-11).

Yet many Christians today claim to be faithful to both God and their ‘homosexual natures.’ ‘Gay’ Christians tend to fall into two categories: first are persons who are open to homosexual erotic unions, behaviors clearly prohibited by scripture (see RHN doctrinal statement). The second group is comprised of ‘gay’ persons who claim to be celibate. These celibates appear to be faithful to scripture and church tradition but actually foster the ‘gay’ self by encouraging same-sex attracted persons to ‘come out’ to their faith communities and to form ‘spiritual friendships’ with others, even covenanting in exclusive homo-emotional unions.

RHN advocates for healthy same-sex friendship as a key to transformation. However, RHN believes that claiming to repent of sinful behavior while cultivating homosexual selves and desires in exclusive homo-emotional ‘spiritual friendships’ is unscriptural and unwise. Such an approach reinforces a ‘gay’ identity and orientation, which undercut God’s purposes for our sexuality. Identification with Christ cannot be separated from these purposes. Jesus’ command to love our neighbors applies to our self-definitions and relational choices. That requires a realignment of our fallen natures to Christlikeness.

The Bible defines humanity as created in God’s image as male and female (Gen. 1:26, 27; 2:18-25). Faithfulness to God involves faithfulness to one’s gendered self and the command to live interdependently with the opposite gender (Matt. 19: 1- 6; 1Cor. 11: 11, 12). Any Christian who advocates for ‘gay’ selves and friendships frustrates the prospect of growing in that gender duality; in truth, ‘gay Christians’ encourage gender dis-complementarity, which endangers God’s will for our humanity (Rom. 1: 18-25).

RHN believes that God calls all persons to gender complementarity: married, single and celibate, whatever their sexual inclinations may be. RHN upholds God’s call upon certain persons to live celibate lives, and understands celibacy as God’s call on persons He asks to serve His Kingdom without domestic burdens (1Cor 7: 7, 35-37). We disagree with the implication of ‘gay’ Christian celibates that persons with same-sex attraction automatically receive God’s call to celibacy, much less a ‘gay’ celibate call. God calls all to gender complementarity.

Many Christians base their ‘gay’ identification upon the depth of their same-sex inclinations. Yet such identification prevents the renewing of the mind that can open one to new ways of thinking, feeling, and relating. While RHN realizes that one may experience same-sex desires to varying degrees over a lifetime, we contend that one can also discover new desires by reordering one’s thinking and acting (2Cor. 10:3-5).

After all, we are turning toward the Author and Redeemer of our lives; His transforming love is deeper than our desires. He asks us to forego any identification or behavior that stands in the way of the transformation He desires for us. ‘Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will’ (Romans 12: 2).

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VIDEO: Failed Exodus International Leader Alan Chambers Says God Is ‘Cool’ with Homosexual ‘Marriage’

Wednesday, May 6th, 2015

Calls work of faithful Christian ex-“gay” ministry Restored Hope Network “reprehensible”

Traitor to the Truth: Alan Chambers says God is "cool" with homosexual "marriage."

Traitor to the Truth: Alan Chambers, one-time “ex-gay” leader turned apostate, now says God is “cool” with homosexual “marriage.”

Folks, I have a hard time fathoming the pride and massive ego of Alan Chambers, the man who destroyed the “ex-gay” Christian umbrella group Exodus International, using a twisted “grace” message. Now Chambers has the audacity to speak for the Creator Himself, giving the Almighty’s endorsement of a blasphemous perversion (!) by saying God is “cool” with homosexual “marriage.” [See the 11:50 mark in the video as Chambers responds to “gay Christianity” advocate Jeff Chu.]

Christians need to pray for these poor, confused souls who are practicing disobedience and rebellion against God and leading people away from righteousness and holiness. If Alan truly loves Jesus, why does he profane God’s holy Word by celebrating sin?

I agree with my friend Stephen Black–whose First Stone Ministries created this 37-minute compilation–that many faithful Christians still are unaware of Chambers’ and Exodus’ apostasy. Thank God that Restored Hope Network–whose Christ-honoring work Chambers slanders as “reprehensible” [see 7:55 mark]–rose out of the ashes of Exodus! Please support RHN and First Stone with your gifts and prayers — and show this important video to Christian leaders and pastors, so that they will not be deceived.  — Peter LaBarbera, AFTAH

Below the video is First Stone’s description of it:

First Stone writes:

Published April 27. 2015 [YouTube site HERE]

This is Alan Chambers in his own words from the Level Ground interview – February 2015 and from his own words when speaking at the Glory Tabernacle, October 2014. In Alan Chambers’ Own Words Part 1 and Part 2 were created by a Scriptural mandate to correct, rebuke and expose those who are teaching false doctrines leading souls to hell. Matt. 18:17, Acts 20:29-31, Jude 1:4, Gal. 1:6-8, 1 Tim. 5:20-21, Titus1with :10-16, 2 Peter 2:1-22, 2 Peter 3:14-18. Both Parts, 1 and 2 of Alan Chambers’ in His Own Words were created to warn leaders in the Church globally of the perverse grace teachings of Clark Whitten, former Exodus Board Chairman and Alan Chambers’ pastor. Clark Whitten has mentored Alan Chambers for years. Whitten also helped Alan Chambers with closing Exodus as he was the Chairman of the Exodus Board of Directors in 2013. This video and Part 1 reveals Alan Chambers’ inconsistencies in his own words and grave heretical teaching of perverse grace. These videos were also created to call the Board of Directors with Exodus to accountability and responsibility. Exodus imploded, but… There is hope! There is the Restored Hope Network with many ministries and counselors to help! (http://www.restoredhopenetwork.org)

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Related links: 

1)      “In Alan Chambers’ Own Words” (original compilation):  www.tinyurl.com/in-alans-own-words

2)       “In Alan Chambers’ Own Words – PART 2” (the video above):  www.tinyurl.com/in-alans-own-words-2

3)      Chambers apologizes to the Gay Christian Network:  [click here]

Also see Laurie Higgins’ article “Exodus International Closes Its Doors Following Troubling Leadership of Alan Chambers”(http://illinoisfamily.org/homosexuality/exodus-international-closes-its-doors-following-troubling-leadership-of-alan-chambers/)

 

 

Ex-‘Gay’ Leader Stephen Black, Mission America’s Linda Harvey, Join as Speakers at AFTAH Banquet Oct. 25

Sunday, October 19th, 2014

Powerful pro-family leaders join Dr. Michael Brown at “Teaching Banquet” that will answer questions on the lie of pro-homosexual ‘Christianity’

Banquet Web Page: [Click HERE]

Printable Banquet PDF Flier: [Click HERE for PDF]

Former homosexual turned family man Stephen Black will be attending AFTAH's banquet Sat., Oct. 25 at Christian Liberty Academy in Arlington Heights, IL. The keynote speaker is Dr. Michael Brown, author of "Can You Be Gay and Christian?"

CHANGED MAN: Former homosexual turned family man Stephen Black will be attending AFTAH’s banquet Sat., Oct. 25 at Christian Liberty Academy in Arlington Heights, IL. The keynote speaker is Dr. Michael Brown, author of “Can You Be Gay and Christian?”

** UPDATE**: Former homosexual (ex-“gay”) leader Stephen Black of First Stone Ministries, based in Oklahoma City, will be attending our banquet this Saturday, Oct. 25. Stephen will offer his observations on the downfall of the ex-“gay” umbrella group Exodus International under false teaching–and the rise of Restored Hope Network to take its place as offering the hope of change for men and women struggling with homosexuality.

Also, Linda Harvey of Columbus-based Mission America–a leading Christian expert on the homosexual-bisexual-transgender agenda in schools–will be on hand at the banquet! Harvey is author of “Maybe He’s Not Gay: Another View on Homosexuality.” There is now a Study Guide for the book available for small group discussions such as home Bible studies.

The keynote speaker at the banquet is Dr. Michael Brown, author of the new book, “Can You Be Gay and Christian?: Responding with Love & Truth to Questions About Homosexuality”; and the well-documented research work: “Something Queer Happened to America–and What a Long, Strange Trip It’s Been.” [Brown will be signing copies of both books at the banquet.]

WHEN: Saturday, October 25; doors open at 5:30 PM; dinner served at 6:30

WHERE: Christian Liberty Academy, 502 W. Euclid Ave., Arlington Heights, IL

COST: Tickets are only $20/person in advance (payment received by Oct. 24) or $25 at the door. Dinner is included. Table Sponsorship: just $200 for a table of 10. Please bring young adults who are confused about homosexuality and “gay rights”! Sign up online at www.aftah.com/donate/, or mail your check to: AFTAH, PO Box 5522, Naperville, IL 60567-5522.

THEME: Can You Be “Gay” and Christian?

Phone: 312-324-3787; E-mail to RSVP: americansfortruth[at]gmail.com; or email Brad Wallace at connops]at]yahoo.com.


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