Befrienders for the Marginalized

Edmund Smith would like to share this video with you for use in your homeschool / church / ministry / home-cell etc … when/if you are ministering or teaching in the area of homosexual and the exgay lifestyle.

FAQ: Homosexuality

"Roland Chia addressed some common FAQs on this hot issue in 'Questions and Answers on Homosexuality' published in "Church and Society in Asia Today", 2004 Volume Seven, Number One

Objection 1. The Bible does not condemn all homosexual relationships but only those that are exploitative and promiscuous.

This viewpoint states that homosexual practices in the Greco-Roman world of Paul in the first century have to do with pederasty - sex between an adult male and an adolescent boy. It states that it is this exploitative form of homosexuality that the New Testament condemns.

This objection cannot be supported by the Scripture passages (in both Testaments) that deal with homosexuality. This is simply because in all these passages homosexual practices are rejected without specifying the age of the participants. Furthermore, the rejection of lesbianism in Romans 1:26 shows that what is referred to here and elsewhere is not just pederasty but all forms of homosexual relationships since lesbianism in the ancient world was not confined to pederasty alone. The argument that the biblical passages on homosexuality are irrelevant to the contemporary world because they have to do with pederastic forms of homosexuality is therefore untenable.

Objection 2. Since the Bible does not talk about the idea of a ‘homosexual orientation’ same-sex passion was thought to have originated in over-sexed heterosexuals and therefore condemned.

This viewpoint states that since modern society does not regard homosexuality as originating from insatiable heterosexual lust, we should not condemn homosexuality in our society.

Some scholars interpret Romans 1 on the basis of this theory. According to this approach, in Romans 1, Paul was not condemning homosexuals but perverse heterosexuals who have sexual relations with members of their own sex because of their insatiable lust. This reinterpretation of the Biblical passages does not stand up to careful scrutiny. In Romans 1:26 Paul refers to females who "exchanged" sexual
intercourse with men for intercourse with other females, and to men who "abandoned" sex with women for sex with men. The word "abandon" implies that these males were exclusively oriented to other males. It weakens the argument that Paul was exclusively referring to the homoeroticism of heterosexual males and not to homosexual acts in general.

Thus, there is no evidence that Paul saw homoeroticism as excessive heterosexual passion and had opposed homosexual practices of this sort.

Paul was not referring to certain individuals. He was speaking generally, and therefore was making the point that all homosexual acts are against nature. Furthermore the source of homoeroticism is not the main part of Paul’s opposition to homosexual intercourse. The reason for his opposition is that such practices are unnatural, meaning that they fail to conform to God’s design of heterosexual relationship within monogamous marriage.

Objection 3. Since we do not follow all the injunctions of the Bible, why should those on homosexual practices be binding?

This viewpoint points out that few churches would require women to wear veils during worship as Paul requires them to in 1 Corinthians 11:1-6. Hence, not all the commands in the Bible are being followed. Why, then, should we follow the biblical teaching regarding homosexual practices?

However, the command against homosexual practices in the Bible is found in both Testaments and therefore very difficult to avoid or ignore. In both the Old and New Testaments, the forbidding of homosexuality is persuasive and absolute. There are no dissenting voices and alternative judgements on such practices. The command is absolute in the sense that it includes every form of homoerotic sexual practice without exception. As we have seen under Objection 2, it is not limited to only certain forms of exploitative homosexuality. Finally, both Testaments stress the severity of the command. In the Old Testament, those found disobeying it would be
punished by death (Lev 20:13). In the New Testament Paul places it alongside idolatry (1 Cor 6:9).

Read on for more insights on a difficult topic

What Next?

The Agora Forum is abuzz with activity in response to the 'gay church' issue. After all that is said and done, would the Msian church make a more concerted effort in reaching out to the homosexual community? Here are some practical ways you can be part of the solution by Pastor Edmund Smith

"Dear Church of Malaysia,

Greetings in Jesus name from an exgay ministry (Real Love Ministry "RLM")!

Since we (RLM) are a ministry that reaches out to homosexuals in Malaysia; we are continuously receiving both the emails below (by Rev Allen Tan) from so many troubled Malaysians... wanting to hear what are RLM's thoughts on Oyoung and his plan to start a progay church in Malaysia.

In respond to the situation, we have a few things to say...

1. Exgay vs. Progay: When we talk about "reaching out" to the homosexual community, it is vital that the Body of Christ realize that there are 2 very different kinds of approaches that are going on all over the world. There is the exgay approach and there is also the progay approach. RLM takes the exgay approach. The Body of Christ in Malaysia - need to make a choice on which approach we as a Body would want to take. We can't afford to say - "we have no approach". Making no choice is going to bring a lot of problems.

2. The exgay approach: proclaims that...
a. Gays can change (if they want to)
b. With Jesus NOTHING is impossible
c. Homosexuality is NOT God's intention
d. etc

3. The progay approach: proclaims that...
a. Gays cannot / should not change
b. The church should hold the progay stance
c. Homosexuality is a gift from God - so celebrate it
d. etc

To be honest, we are totally not surprise to hear the story of Oyoung and his dream to start a progay church in Malaysia. We knew that this will happen in Malaysia (sooner or later) either through Oyoung or through someone else. The progay church already exist in so many countries all over the world (even in Asia) - who are we to say that it will not happen in our own country.

We are not surprise that this is happening in Malaysia because;

1. Generally speaking, the Body of Christ in Malaysia- is not seriously interested and has very limited knowledge on the subject of "Homosexuality and the Exgay lifestyle". RLM has been around since 1999 but there are less than 8 churches in the whole of Malaysia that have shown interest and seriousness in what we are doing. We thank Jesus for each of those 8 churches in Malaysia that have partnered/is partnering with us in one way or another.

2. Most churches would suggest that gays should not be gays. But what next? By simply commanding gays and lesbians not to be in a homosexual lifestyle - a church leaves the homosexual strugglers with no choice but to get interested when they hear another church (the progay church) that is willing to do something for them.

3. RLM started an exgay church in 2006 - and guess what? After sharing the need to have such a church with Malaysia with so many people - only a hand full step out to encourage us. We were treated (by many) as though we are wasting our time.

4. But when the news about a progay church is about to begin - the Body of Christ in Malaysia - begins to seriously start talking about the homosexual community! To us in RLM... that is heartbreaking. I hope we learn a lesson from this situation. The Body of Christ in Malaysia needs to realize that gays and lesbians have to make a choice - be exgay OR progay. Whatever choice we hope they will make, we have a
role to play. We have to be responsible in helping them make the right choice & journey with them in their JOR (Journey of Recovery).

5. Rev Allen said "The reason that Oyoung is so bold to confront the Malaysian churches because our leaders usually don't want to be so-called "busybody"! Matters concerning the Body of Christ are our business. If we don't do take care of our people - who will? In other words, lets be busybodies for Jesus!

Below is some information about RLM (for those who are interested)... RLM Mission
Our Mission is to educate, motivate and give opportunity to individuals into becoming Befrienders (Care Givers); thus bringing real love to the marginalized community (e.g. the homosexuals).

RLM Vision

Our Vision is to see marginalized individuals all over Malaysia experiencing real love; thus stepping up into becoming respected citizens of this country.

Introduction
RLM is a Christian, non-profit, voluntary & charitable organization that works closely with the marginalized community particularly the homosexual community all over Malaysia.

The ultimate goal of RLM is to bring "real love" or in other words, the unconditional love, into the lives of the marginalized community. Love is real IF love is the element that motivates an individual into doing something good for someone else. In other words...it is always about WHY we do it - more that WHAT we do.

Members of RLM consist of two groups of people which are...
1. The Befrienders (Care Givers) - Individuals who commit to be
trained into becoming Befrienders to the homosexual and etc.
2. The Befriendees (Care Receivers) - Marginalized individuals who
seriously choose to receive help from RLM.

For more information on RLM, visit our Website at www.r-l-m.com or email us at rlm@streamyx.com"

A Time for Clarity and Wisdom

by Tan Soo-Inn

The gay issue just won't go away. In fact it should be the issue du jour for many days to come with the election of a practising gay to the office of bishop in the U.S. What is at stake here? The answer is both simple and complex.

The simple answer, and one where the church must draw a line, is the issue of biblical authority. Evangelicals, of which I consider myself one, believe that the Bible properly interpreted is the supreme authority over the life and beliefs of the church. What the bible says, God says. In the words of J.I. Packer:

" Built into Christianity is the principle of authority. This is because Christianity is revealed religion. It claims that God our Creator has acted to make known his mind and will, and therefore his revelation has authority for our lives. Biblical religion is marked by certainty about beliefs and duties. The diffidence and indefiniteness of conviction which thinks of itself as becoming humility has no place or warrant in Scripture, where humility begins with taking God's word about things."

No amount of hermeneutical sleight of hand can change the fact that homosexual activity is outside the will of God. John Court summarizes the biblical material as follows:

"Homosexual practices do receive mention in both the Old and New Testaments, but such references are few. The conservative interpretation of passages such as Genesis 19:5-9; Leviticus 18:22; 20:13; Judges 19:22- 28; Romans 1:26-32; 1 Corinthians 6:9-10; and 1 Timothy 1:8-11 is that there is a clear condemnation of homosexual behaviour that goes beyond the commands to Israel and has binding significance for Christians today. This interpretation comes from setting such injunctions into the broader context of sexuality generally, especially the creation principle of male and female."

The nature of human sexuality is predicated on the very image of God (Genesis 21:27). And He has made human kind male and female. The ideal couple in the pre-fall Garden was male and female. Human sexuality is heterosexual. Any capitulation on this point is a jettisoning of the very foundation of our faith.

However, we would do well not to underestimate the power of the gay rights movement. In the U.S. in particular, the movement taps into the energy, momentum and memories of the civil-rights movement, a movement that led to the abolishment of the unequal treatment of Afro-Americans in America. It is one thing to ensure that homosexuals are not preyed upon and discriminated unfairly in a modern pluralistic society. It is quite another to say that homosexuality is an alternative form of normal human sexual behaviour.


What must also be borne in mind is that the debates that are raging from Singapore to Minneapolis are actually a mixed bag of issues, including:


1. How do you define homosexuality?

2. Does the bible permit openly practising gays to hold positions of church leadership?

3. How do we help Christians with strong homosexual urges be fully accepted in the community of believers and receive help to remain celibate?

4. How do we help homosexuals who are struggling to find the truth and to find healing to hear the gospel?

5. What is our answer to a militant gay movement that is pushing so hard for homosexuality to be accepted as an alternative life style?

6. How do we speak up in the public square for a biblical position on homosexuality in a modern pluralistic society?

7. How do we speak the truth in love?

These are just seven questions that need to be addressed in the present debate over homosexuality. I am sure there are more. So while the biblical position on homosexuality is simple, the various debates that are going on are not. And Christians are often not clear which of the above questions they are addressing.

I have seen heated debates between Christians, where one side was answering question 3 while the other side was answering question 5. Both sides were adamant about their positions without realizing they were talking past each other.

This is a tough time to be a Christian with homosexual tendencies fighting to remain true to the bible's demands for purity. When the church brings its heavy cannons to bear on the militant gay agenda, it is scary indeed. And runs the risk of hurting homosexual brothers and sisters struggling to be celibate, with friendly fire. (In the meantime, there will be gay groups, some "Christian" who will tell them that they are fully loved and accepted!)

One good thing about the present homosexuality controversy is that it seems to have shaken some Christians out of their theological lethargy. That is good and to be welcomed. But we must be very clear at all times which question we are addressing. And then we must ask God for wisdom as to what to do, what to say, and how to say it.

We must also remember that the present homosexual controversy is by no means the only battle that requires the prophetic voice of the church. Evil continues to manifest itself in many, many forms throughout the globe and in the church. And thousands continue to die daily without food. And without God.

It's a time for clarity and wisdom.

Your brother, Soo-Inn Tan

For more reflections on the issue:
No Room For Grace
This Is Not THAT
Comments On Brokeback Mountain
The Marriage of Charles and Philip
Truth, Love and Homosexuality

Thoughts on homosexuality and being "gay-friendly"

How should we respond to recent news that a "gay church" is being set up? More importantly, how should we seek to honour Christ in this matter? Here are brief reflections, and I want to stress that this is certainly not the last word!

On the one hand, we desperately need to show love and grace to all our homosexual friends. "Those who accept the Bible’s veto on homosexual behaviour must go out of their way to express genuine love for homosexual people (David Field)". For our unbelieving friends, we see to proclaim the gospel to them, while living out that same gospel, knowing that it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes (Romans 1:16-17). For our Christian homosexual friends, we continue to love them. If they are persuaded that homosexuality is compatible with being Christian, then we seek to reason from the Scriptures to show that homosexuality is indeed not how God intended it to be without being needlessly insensitive (see link at the end for more on this). At the same time we can rejoice with them that in following Jesus, they have a new identity even stronger than their sexuality. "And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God." (1 Corinthians 6:11).

If our friends are Christians who uphold the traditional Christian teaching on homosexuality, it is still the same good news that they (and we!) need to hear. We struggle and pray with them, all the while again reminding them of the gospel, reassuring them that Jesus has paid the price and speaks in our defence. (1 John 2:1). There is no longer any condemnation in Jesus.

At the same time, the Scriptures are clear that we are to oppose error (eg. 1 Timothy 1, Jude, 1 Corinthians 5-6 where Paul takes on both the legalists and the hedonists of his day). The gospel is not to be brought into disrepute. So, with regards to Rev. Ou Yang and the MCC, Christians are right to oppose the setting up of a church which affirms homosexuality, and to be public with such opposition. We should pray, not against homosexual people, but against the progress of a sinful agenda. Nevertheless, it should not be done with a sense of triumphalism. In addition, we should take this opportunity to examine ourselves and repent of any homophobic behaviour.

Christians will not be free from sin in this world. Instances of homosexual behaviour, therefore doesn't mean we're excluded from the kingdom of God anymore than if we lie. Nor are we excluded when we fail to model the gospel of grace to our homosexual friends. Instead, we can all pray

'Heavenly Father, you have loved us with an everlasting love. We have
been stubborn and rebellious, but you have been merciful and kind. For
the sake of your Son who died for us, forgive us, cleanse us, and
change us. By your Holy Spirit, enable us to live for you and to
please you in every way, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.'

What can wash away my sin?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
What can make me whole again?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

Oh! precious is the flow
That makes me white as snow;
No other fount I know,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

› This is a summary refinement/restatement of some earlier reflections on homosexuality and the disquiet caused by the Rev. Ou Yang's intentions. Click through too for a list of further reading.

Pursuing Liberty Under Christ

Exodus Asia Pacific Conference 2007
Healing for the Sexually and Relationally Broken.

Date: 2-3 August 2007
Time: 8am - 5pm (Day Conference) and 8pm (Night Meetings)

Venue: Banner of Love Church
No 1-3A, (2nd and 3rd Flr),
Jalan PJU 5/11, Dataran Sunway,
Kota Damansara, 47810 PJ

Contact PLUC: Pursuing Liberty Under Christ,
Phone: 013-352-3501 or trylaw@yahoo.com (Tryphena Law)



Who We Are
PLUC is a Christian ministry that administer sexual wholeness to the sexually and relationally broken people. Evangelical and Inter-denominational. Member ministry of Exodus Global Alliance

VISION
Restoration of the sexually broken under the healing power of our Lord Jesus Christ.

MISSION
To reach out and disciple the sexually broken into godly men and women who experience true liberty in Christ.

GOALS
To establish more support groups in Malaysia
To be a resource center for ministries that administer sexual wholeness
To build teams of facilitators
To work with churches, Christian organizations and NGO on issues relating to sexual brokenness.

Compassion & Truth

Berita NECF: “The Church needs to realise that there are many Christian homosexuals struggling with their sexuality,” according to Edmund Smith, a former homosexual who now runs a ministry – Real Love Ministry (RLM) that helps gays and lesbians who have decided to leave their homosexual lifestyle.

“In fact, 70 percent of the people that we work with are Christians.” he revealed. The Church must come into the picture and work with us to help them.” Edmund observed that churches generally have a “hands-off” attitude towards homosexuality. There is therefore a great need in Malaysia for a ministry to firstly, educate and equip churches to counsel people struggling with the issue; and secondly, help those who have decided to turn away from the homosexual lifestyle.

RLM was started by Edmund and his wife, Amanda, in 1999 to fulfil these two objectives. It conducts a four-season recovery programme for its members, who comprise only gays Help for the Homosexuals and lesbians.

At each season, members face up with the issues that contribute to their homosexuality bent, and they must resolve those issues before moving to the next season. For instance, at Season 1 or the Education Season, (the first season in the programme), helps members to deal with the perception of their gender and appearance.

Once these issues are resolved, members move on to Season 2 – the Celibate Season –
where they learn how to love people of the same gender in a platonic way. By the time
members reach Season 4, they are actually ready for heterosexual relationships which will hopefully lead to marriage.

The journey of recovery is a challenging journey, and should not be travelled alone. RLM therefore assigns journey partners, called RLM Befrienders, to walk alongside its members. Currently, about 200 people are participating in RLM’s programme in Penang, Ipoh, Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Malacca and Johor Baru. As membership is free, RLM depends on freewill offering and donations to finance its work.

RLM also conducts awareness programmes in churches, schools and youth groups to educate the public on homosexuality. Those who wish to invite RLM to share about
its work may contact Edmund at 016-680 9996.

Real Love Ministry

Edmund Smith will be discussing how the church could minister to friends who have homosexual orientation, and practical ways in which we could demonstrate love and truth.

NECF: "Edmund lived a homosexual lifestyle from 1983 to 1994. He was born-again in 1994 after he rejected homosexuality. Edmund got married in 1996 to a wonderful wife, Amanda. They moved to Singapore in 1997 as God led them there. From 1997 to 1999, Edmund and Amanda, both went under the teachings & leadership in CHOICES: Exodus International gay ministry. CHOICES is a ministry under Church of Our Savior, Singapore. When they left CHOICES in 1999, they went on to reach out to their gay and lesbian friends and that was the birth of "Real Love Ministry (RLM)". Read more at http://www.r-l-m.com"

Venue: City Discipleship Presbyterian Church
Date: 18 March 2007 (Sunday afternoon)
Time: 1.30 pm

从基督 看 同性恋

从基督徒伦理的角度来看, 同性恋是一门相当复杂的课题. 它牵涉到法律,社会心理学及医学, 甚至神学思考和圣经的基础原则. 虽然圣经有关<性>与<犯罪>的教导对基督徒伦理有关键性的影响, 但同性恋的课题并不能够只用几个圣经里的例子来作结论.

我经常被一些肤浅的解说困扰了我的思想; 尤其是针对同性恋这种触摸到人内心深处复杂情感的课题. 然而, 身为基督徒, 我们不应廻避神学及圣经对这课题的释义;因为,我们是本着圣经为我们安身立命的终身原则.

在现今时代,作为耶稣基督忠诚的跟从者,我们更要深入思考圣经及神学论在同性恋这课题的教导. 有所谓一群同性恋基督徒, 更是自创及推广了他们自己一套的哲理,导致同性恋这风气也越来越盛旺. 他们甚至曲解了圣经, 并且坚持圣经的教导和同性恋的立场是没有冲突的, 尤其是对于一生只有一位(同性恋)伴侣的主张, 他们认为这是符合圣经教导的.

(当今, 同性恋的风气已经侵入大马，近期更有一位知名的基督徒作家当众宣告他是一位同性恋者. 这位同性恋基督徒也向公众表明了他的展望 - 也就是在他完成他现今在美国的社会与神学博士学位后，将会回来大马组织及开办同性恋者的教会.)

那么, 到底圣经在同性恋这课题是有着怎样的教导及解说呢? 我认为教会在这方面, 则应该以更谦卑的心态来了解圣经所提供的资料。别忘了不久以前，就有一些教会以主观的解圣来支持种族主义和奴隶的观念。

当我们查考圣经时，就知道其实圣经中讲述到关于同性恋的课题是很少的。

Richard B. Hays说过：

“圣经很少深入地讨论到关于同性恋的课题.反观贫富不均这课题, 圣经倒是有很多的解说及教导.”

但是,无论如何，圣经里对于同性恋这回事, 仍是有着明确的立场表明。特别是通过罗马书1:26–27的经文表达,是再清楚不过的。

“因此，神就任凭他们放纵可耻的情欲：他们的女人把原来的性的功能，变成违反自然的功能；同样地，男人也舍弃了女人原来的性功能，彼此欲火攻心，男人与男人作出可耻的事。他们这样妄为，就在自己身上受到应该受的报应。”



首先，圣徒保罗在这段经文中, 是指着同性的性<行为>; 而不是指着那些有着同性恋倾向的人,被保罗责备的是男同性恋及女同性恋的性<行为>. 反观歌林多前书,圣徒保罗则是在指责那些身带一些罪恶的罪<人>。在罗马书1:26–27的经文里, 保罗是指着所有的罪人而说的 - 所有的罪人都陷入了背叛他们创造主的罪恶当中。

保罗的立场是很明确. 他说世人都犯了罪，亏欠了上帝的荣耀. 更甚者, 在这段经文中, 保罗把<同性性交行为>举例为人类堕落最典型的罪恶。

再者, HAYS先生也说：

“在这里保罗把同性性交行为作为最典型的范例 - 人类的堕落已把上帝创造的定律大大的给破坏了。上帝创造男人、女人是为了让他们生养众多。当人类以自己的意思来‘更换’ 上帝所指定的角色,而进行同性性交的行为，他们已经以自己的行为,潜意识自主地代替了上帝。”

保罗在这里使用同性恋行为作为典范的例子来形容堕落的人类，是因为我们很清楚的知道, 我们人类是被上帝创造为男和女各别异性的. 使徒保罗在这段经文中描述的很清楚,同性恋不是上帝所意识及认同的.

“于是，神照着自己的形象创造人；就是照着他的形象创造了人；他所创造的有男有女。”(创 1：27)

所有背弃男与女性行为的定律,都是一种对上帝- 我们的创造主的污辱。

我们现今活在一个堕落的世界当中，有些人生来就有着强烈的同性恋倾向,
当然，异性恋者是不会完全的了解同性恋者的孤单和欲望不被满足心情.我建议你们要多多去倾听他们的心声而少给予训悔。

我最喜欢的一位属灵作者 - HenriNouwen，在他后期的作品中讲述了他许多的孤单和创伤。


当他离世以后我才知道他原也是一位同性恋倾向者。但是，他宁愿选择孤守终身，胜过于陷入同性恋性行为的罪当中。他这所作所为,就是耶稣基督忠诚追随者的好榜样,一生背着十字架。

我们众人因罪本也不完美. 当活在这堕落的世上,是极为痛苦的。所以身为耶稣基督跟从者的我们, 有着一个盼望, 就是那即将来临完美的天地和那完全的医治。

使徒保罗在罗马书8:18-25叙述到关于苍天下所有的被造物都在呻吟和诉苦，正在等候那即将来临的新天地。

若我们心里相信,口里承认耶稣基督是我们的救主,作为耶稣的忠诚跟随者，我们必须马首是瞻地仰望那完全的上帝，好让我们现在每一刻的生活都是跟随那完整的;而不是妥协在这个已经败坏且堕落世界的生活模式里。

这个等待及跟随当然对我们来说是很艰难的事情，尤其是对于某些人来说是更为困难的。更因如此, 我们是很须要神的恩典!

(当今有些同性恋信徒极力要开办及创立一个可以包容他们的教会,这是否乃是传统教会无法给予那些挣扎要信靠及跟随耶稣的同性恋倾向者爱和包容? 若真是如此,相信神必向我们责问.)

我们应自我反省, 如果我们是真诚的想为上帝的传扬福音工作而奋斗，那么我们应该服侍所有等候上帝的灵魂, 更不可忽略同性恋者!

我猜想有很多的人, 对同性恋这课题比其他课题有着更大的兴趣.但HAYS先生提醒我们，上帝对经济不平衡的课题还有加多的教导及指示.

我们不能做的, 是加添圣经里面所没有提及的事情。罗马书1:24-27经常提醒我，圣经极其反对同性恋的性行为。

你的主内弟兄,
一位异性恋者,因主恩典而被得救.
Soo-Inn Tan