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1. We believe the Bible to be the final and only authority in matters concerning sexuality and the wholeness
of mankind. We believe the scriptures are self-validating. “All scripture is given by inspiration of God”(II Timothy
3:16), consequently we hold that the totality of Biblical canon reject contemporary theories and philosophies of genetic homosexuality. *** 2. We believe that real freedom from homosexual addictions only come through
Jesus Christ. We fervently believe that Jesus was the perfect embodiment of truth and that knowing Him makes one free (John
14:6, 8:32). We hold that freedom comes, and is maintained, not through religious methodology, but through a life of submission
to Christ, accountability at a Bible-practicing church, and walking daily according to the precepts found in the Holy Word. *** 3. We
believe that according to II Corinthians 5:17 that “if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature, old things are passed
away and behold: all things are become new.” Because the Bible declares newness of life in Christ, we reject the theory
that one cannot change ”sexual orientation.” This phrase –humanistic in origin– suggests one’s
sinful proclivities are immutable, thereby being in direct conflict with the scriptures (John 3:3, Matthew 16:24). *** 4. We
believe that in order to live a life free from sexual immorality, one must be born again and then ask for the free gift of
the Holy Spirit. According to Acts 1:8, He (the Spirit) will empower the receiver to be witnesses unto the Lord Jesus Christ.
Freedom is not perfectionism nor is it absolutism in conduct, but an acceptance that disciples of Christ must (1) continually
lay aside every weight and the sin that does so easily beset us, (2) repent and confess their sins to God who is faithful
and just to forgive us and cleanse us all unrighteousness and (3) cast down every thought which seeks to exalt itself above
the knowledge of Christ. *** 5. We encourage persons struggling against sexual and gender identity issues to seek professional counseling for
the solutions they desire. Such counseling should not be a replacement for repentance but as a supplement to one’s Christian
journey to maturity in Christ. We caution that those providing the counseling, in order to be effective, must base their
counseling on Biblical principles. We therefore reject all practices such as reparative therapy, yoga, transcendental meditation,
spirit-guides and other new-age based techniques that focus on humanistic solutions to the spiritual problem of sin. *** 6. We
believe the Bible speaks clearly to the conditions and consequences of same gender sin without regards to the chronology of
society and its ever-changing social mores. The timeless message of the Bible clearly condemns homosexuality in every form,
but not without providing the remedy by way of repentance and faith in the work of Christ on the cross. Our response to that
glorious work is to conform our lives to the image of Jesus Christ. *** 7. We affirm the sanctity and worth of
every human life, whether homosexual or heterosexual. We believe the agape love of the Father extends to all persons regardless
of response. While all persons are God’s creations, all are not God’s children. Thus, we hold homosexual
behavior and expression as outside of the will of the Father for His children. *** 8. We believe that the church is God’s
ordained agency in the earth, commissioned to communicate and demonstrate the love and judgment of God. Therefore, we call
upon the church, which is the body of our Lord Jesus, to cease its practice of rejecting homosexuals who come to her for help.
We hold that the church should openly preach and teach a redemptive message of deliverance and healing for all persons have
experienced the ravages of sexual sin. It should also provide applicable ministries to support and nurture these believers
into maturity. Likewise, we urge the church to cease its practice of allowing persons, steadfastly unrepentant of homosexuality,
to operate in positions of influence and authority. For the scriptures wisely admonish us that “a little leaven leaveneth
the whole lump” (I Cor 5:6).
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