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[[Image:St Paul Preaching.jpg|right|thumb|250px|St. [[Paul]] defends his preaching (Giovanni Ricco)]]

[[Image:St Paul Preaching.jpg|right|thumb|250px|St. [[Paul]] defends his preaching (Giovanni Ricco)]]

Overcoming homosexuality is definitely possible for those who wish to abandon [[homosexuality]] and the testimonies of [[ex-homosexuals]] attest to this matter. Today people still report overcoming homosexuality and becoming heterosexuals or celibate through their Christian faith.

'''Overcoming homosexuality''' is definitely possible for those who wish to abandon [[homosexuality]] and the testimonies of [[ex-homosexuals]] attest to this matter. Today people still report overcoming homosexuality and becoming heterosexuals or celibate through their Christian faith.

   

   

Many people do not understand the [[Causes of Homosexuality|causes of homosexuality]] so they mistakenly believe that overcoming homosexuality is not an available option. However, the the [[Apostle Paul]] offered great hope to those who wish to overcome homosexuality when he wrote the following:

Many people do not understand the [[Causes of Homosexuality|causes of homosexuality]] so they mistakenly believe that overcoming homosexuality is not an available option. However, the the [[Apostle Paul]] offered great hope to those who wish to overcome homosexuality when he wrote the following:

{{cquote|Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were [[Justification (theology)|justified]] in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God." - I Corinthians 6:9-11 (NIV)}}

{{cquote|Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were [[Justification (theology)|justified]] in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God." - I Corinthians 6:9-11 (NIV)}}

==Testimony of an Ex-Homosexual Pastor Darryl L. Foster==

==Testimony of an Ex-Homosexual Pastor Darryl L. Foster==

[[Image:Pastorfostergso1_op_444x600.jpg‎|right|thumb|200px|Pastor [[Darryl Foster]]]]

[[Image:Pastorfostergso1_op_444x600.jpg‎|right|thumb|200px|Pastor [[Darryl Foster]]]]

Pastor [[Darryl L. Foster]], an [[Ex-homosexuals|ex-homosexual]], states the following regarding overcoming homosexuality:

Pastor [[Darryl L. Foster]], an [[Ex-homosexuals|ex-homosexual]], states the following regarding overcoming homosexuality:

{{cquote|Former homosexuals joyfully point to one definitive Scripture that mentions them and the redemptive process they are embracing: "Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites ... will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God" (1 Cor. 6:9-11).  

{{cquote|Former homosexuals joyfully point to one definitive Scripture that mentions them and the redemptive process they are embracing: "Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites ... will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God" ([http://nasb.scripturetext.com/1_corinthians/6.htm 1 Cor. 6:9-11]).  

When I met and married my wife, Dee, almost 12 years ago, she and I both were clueless about what my post-homosexual life would be like. As painful as my past sin was to me, my wife was not the cause of my change; rather, she was the fruit of my change...  

When I met and married my wife, Dee, almost 12 years ago, she and I both were clueless about what my post-homosexual life would be like. As painful as my past sin was to me, my wife was not the cause of my change; rather, she was the fruit of my change...  

That day, the wall I had erected as a child came tumbling down. I entered into my rightful role as a woman of Christ. I felt as though I belonged-at long last.

That day, the wall I had erected as a child came tumbling down. I entered into my rightful role as a woman of Christ. I felt as though I belonged-at long last.

As I have entered into my identity as a woman, God is healing my views on men. Now I see them as having a major role in my life. We complement each other, and I realize now that my life has been enriched because of them....<ref>http://www.leaderu.com/stonewall/pages/jeanette.html</ref>}}

As I have entered into my identity as a woman, God is healing my views on men. Now I see them as having a major role in my life. We complement each other, and I realize now that my life has been enriched because of them...<ref>http://www.leaderu.com/stonewall/pages/jeanette.html</ref>}}

==Testimony of Ex-Lesbian Luanna Hansberger==

==Testimony of Ex-Lesbian Luanna Hansberger==

{{cquote|Homosexual behavior can be conquered as evidenced by the thousands of people who have completely given up the lifestyle...  

{{cquote|Homosexual behavior can be conquered as evidenced by the thousands of people who have completely given up the lifestyle...  

If homosexual behavior [[Homosexuality and Genetics|were thought to be inborn]], Scripture would not have said, “Even their women exchanged natural relations for unnatural ones. In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. …” (Romans 1:26-27). The clear implication is that the homosexual acts were deliberate choices.  

If homosexual behavior [[Homosexuality and Genetics|were thought to be inborn]], Scripture would not have said, "Even their women exchanged natural relations for unnatural ones. In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another." (Romans 1:[http://scripturetext.com/romans/1-26.htm 26]-[http://scripturetext.com/romans/1-27.htm 27]). The clear implication is that the homosexual acts were deliberate choices.  

If homosexual behavior were thought to be unchangeable, Scripture would not have said, “And that is what some of you were [past tense]. But you have been 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)<ref>http://www.cwfa.org/articles/3456/CFI/cfreport/index.htm</ref>}}

If homosexual behavior were thought to be unchangeable, Scripture would not have said, "And that is what some of you were [past tense]. But you have been 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:[http://scripturetext.com/1_corinthians/6-11.htm 11])<ref>http://www.cwfa.org/articles/3456/CFI/cfreport/index.htm</ref>}}

==Christians and Helping Others in Respect to Overcoming Homosexuality==

==Christians and Helping Others in Respect to Overcoming Homosexuality==

[[Image:Mark_copeland.jpg‎|right|thumb|200px|Pastor [[Mark A. Copeland]]]]

[[Image:Mark_copeland.jpg‎|right|thumb|200px|Pastor [[Mark A. Copeland]]]]

proper way.

proper way.

Paul’s instructions to the Galatians can serve as good beginning:

Paul's instructions to the Galatians can serve as good beginning:

“Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore

"Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." (Ga 6:[http://scripturetext.com/galatians/6-1.htm 1]-[http://scripturetext.com/galatians/6-2.htm 2])

such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be

tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” (Ga 6:1-2)

In a spirit of gentleness we need to be able to show them how, and to provide the encouragement they will

In a spirit of gentleness we need to be able to show them how, and to provide the encouragement they will

{{cquote|[[Stephen Bennett]], a former homosexual and Christian recording artist who runs a ministry to free people from homosexuality, saw his testimony cut from an appearance on The Ananda Lewis Show, a syndicated TV talk program that airs on WB, NBC and CBS affiliates. The program in question aired on Tuesday (February 19, 2002) in several markets.

{{cquote|[[Stephen Bennett]], a former homosexual and Christian recording artist who runs a ministry to free people from homosexuality, saw his testimony cut from an appearance on The Ananda Lewis Show, a syndicated TV talk program that airs on WB, NBC and CBS affiliates. The program in question aired on Tuesday (February 19, 2002) in several markets.

Not only was any mention of Jesus dropped from Bennett’s six-minute segment, but he charges that the show had a misleading caption on the screen while he and his wife Irene were featured. The title read: “Says he and his wife pray daily that he doesn’t revert to being gay.”

Not only was any mention of Jesus dropped from Bennett's six-minute segment, but he charges that the show had a misleading caption on the screen while he and his wife Irene were featured. The title read: "Says he and his wife pray daily that he doesn't revert to being gay."

This gave the impression that Mr. Bennett had told them he was still struggling with homosexuality. But Bennett, who left homosexuality behind when he accepted Jesus Christ years ago, had said during pre-interviews that he was completely healed and had no homosexual temptations. He said that neither he nor Irene told anyone on the show that he was struggling...

This gave the impression that Mr. Bennett had told them he was still struggling with homosexuality. But Bennett, who left homosexuality behind when he accepted Jesus Christ years ago, had said during pre-interviews that he was completely healed and had no homosexual temptations. He said that neither he nor Irene told anyone on the show that he was struggling...

“I just can’t get over how this completely misrepresented me,” Bennett told C&F Report. He said he knew that the show’s lineup would be lopsided, but,“they completely lied about my story” by leaving out how he overcame homosexuality.<ref>http://www.cultureandfamily.org/articledisplay.asp?id=450&department=CFI&categoryid=cfreport</ref>}}

"I just can't get over how this completely misrepresented me," Bennett told C&F Report. He said he knew that the show's lineup would be lopsided, but, "they completely lied about my story" by leaving out how he overcame homosexuality.<ref>http://www.cultureandfamily.org/articledisplay.asp?id=450&department=CFI&categoryid=cfreport</ref>}}

 

==See Also==

==See Also==

*[[Ex-Homosexuals]]

*[[Ex-Homosexuals]]

==External Links==

==External Links==

*[http://www.ccel.org/contrib/exec_outlines/hom/hom_06.htm Homosexuality - A Christian Perspective - Helping Homosexuals To Overcome]

*[http://www.ccel.org/contrib/exec_outlines/hom/hom_06.htm Homosexuality - A Christian Perspective - Helping Homosexuals To Overcome]

[[Category:Homosexuality]]

[[Category:Homosexuality]]