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Just a sinner saved by grace!
We are all born sinners. Your sins are not mine, and mine are not yours. The sins we struggle with are born into us all. They are different for every one. Our flesh wants what it wants. Where the choice comes into play for every sinner, is do we see ourselves as a sinner in need of a savior, or do we see nothing wrong with our sinfulness. I spent to many years of my life fighting gay desires, to every believe I chose to be gay. I no more chose to have a same sex attraction, any more than anyone else chose their sinful desires. All we can do is come to the cross and repent of our sins. Washed clean by the precious blood of Jesus. We then must learn to trust and obey God in all things, as we grow in our relationship with Him. I hope that answers the big question, (Were you born that way)?
Thanks for your friendship.
God bless! From Todd
My Testimony -
Of God's Amazing Grace, Tender Mercy, & Unyielding Love!
I repented of the sin of homosexuality six years ago. Some will say, "Once gay always gay!" The only way I know to answer that is to say that we all have a sin nature. Without the saving Grace of Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit working in my life, I would run back to what once seemed normal, and natural to me. I believe sin is what the Bible says it is. I must lay that sin at the foot of the cross, and walk away from it. I have not overcome every temptation, or desire yet, but the Lord changes all of His children little by little, from Glory to Glory. This journey I'm on, as with any Christian, will be a life long one. I Just turn it over to Jesus, and believe that He will work it all together for my good.
I'd like to share with you a little about my life past and present. When I was a child my home life was pretty bad. My father was very abusive to his wife and kids. He had experienced a lot of abuse in his childhood. They say hurting people hurt people, and I believe that to be true. My only real escape in those days was music, and drama in school. It was a place for me to dream of a better life. Also, back then it was really difficult for me to socialize with others, or let them know of my home life.
God was always very important to me, and I longed for a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ! I gave my heart, and soul to the Lord back in the late eighties, after high school. I even tried to start my own music ministry, and traveled the country with a gospel group called The Spurrlows, for almost a year. When I came off the road, things at home got even worse. I was now in my twenties and was still being knocked around by my father. The only reason I stayed was to try and protect my mother. I had a taste of freedom and independence while out on the road, and could no longer sit back and let it keep happening.
My mother and I would stick together and fight our way out of that situation. After my father and mother divorced, mom and I moved from Newark, OH. to Nashville, TN. to get a fresh start. After the move, I guess I gave up on God. Life had not turned out the way I had hoped, and I was very bitter and angry. I also had all these homosexual feelings, and I could not overcome them.
I came out of the closet, and lived an openly gay lifestyle, a few years after moving to Nashville. In some ways it was the happiest I had ever been, in others the most miserable. For several years I wandered in that darkness. Thank God, His Holy Spirit never left me or forsook me in my time of backsliding.
I had a very bad car accident on January 10th of 1997. I don't remember a thing about the accident. I came to in the ambulance for a few seconds and remember saying, "Thank you God!" I know He was with me, and kept me from dying in my sin that night. I had a crushed face on the right side, a broken jaw, a collapsed lung, and a shattered right ankle. Sad to say it would still be a few more years before I would repent and return to Jesus.
Mom and I made plans to move to Las Vegas NV. way before my accident. I'd hoped to audition for some shows and work out there. We went ahead and moved a few months after my wreck. We lived in Las Vegas for two years, but my leg didn't heal enough for me to work, so we ended up moving back to Nashville.
A Year after moving back, I got a job at a local gay bar. (The Chute) This Is where The Holy Spirit really started to open my eyes, and started to lead me back to the arms of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! While I worked at the bar, I seemed to sink lower and lower. The only thing that would numb the pain was drugs. Up until a few years before this I had never touched drugs of any kind.
One night after I drove home from work, I cried out to God for help. It was a very simple prayer, but boy did He listen. Within a few days I knew what I had to do. I quit my job and left that world behind. I had to totally cut everybody and everything out of my life that might try to tempt me back into it. I repented and returned to my Savior, and He welcomed me with open arms. I am now back in Church, reading my bible, and growing everyday in my relationship with Jesus.
Like I said before it has now been six years since I repented, and though it has not been easy, I refuse to turn back again. I take it one day at a time, and lean on God for everything. I really can't complain even with all that has happened. I am truly blessed. I still struggle from time to time, and I really hope more churches will start reaching out to the gay community, and showing them the love of God the way they are supposed to. We don't have to accept the sin, but we are to love the sinner. It is my desire that God will one day use me, and my talents in this area of ministry.
I must say I don't like the ex-gay ministries for several reasons. First I have spent a good part of my life defining who I was by my sin. I don't want to be called ex-gay. I am a born again Christian. Just like anybody else who has repented of their sin. We are the only group of Christians who are told to do that. I have been to some of the so called ex-gay conferences. I don't think they do much good for anybody involved. Salvation happens the same way for everybody. We repent of our sins and lay them at the foot of the cross.
I think people fighting over the old question, were you born that way is really stupid. I know I did not choose it. We are all born into sin. Sin is different for all of us. Our flesh wants what it wants. Where the choice for all of us comes into play, is do we see ourselves as in need of a savior, or are we content with our sinfulness? All people have to decide if they see themselves as sinners or not. We did not choose to be sinners, but we do decide if we want to stay in our sin.
We all have a sin nature. If I were to turn from the Lord, I would return to that old life. The Bible tells us we are to crucify the flesh, and die to self daily. I think it is wrong to tell gay people that if they have enough faith that they will one day be straight. The fact is I may have to fight that desire my whole life. I do believe It gets easier the closer we get into relationship with God, but I don't believe it completely goes away. That is another reason why I think gays seeking help from the church, give up and give in to their sin. They can't overcome it. It is only with the help of the Holy Spirit that I can fight this good fight of faith, and it is the same for any Christian.
I thought I had to debate others in the beginning, but I found it only messed me up spiritually. To many outside voices competing in my head. I believe we as Christians have made salvation for the sinner much harder than it has to be. We have added so much worldly doctrine to the gospel that it can't help us like it should. The Bible calls it doctrines of devils. A watered down gospel, but not the gospel of Jesus Christ. Psychology does not belong in the church, and that is how the church has decided to deal with the gay issue. The church has replaced the Holy Spirit with a psychiatrists way of thinking..
It wasn't until I started listening to the Holy Spirit living inside of me, that I started growing in my faith, and relationship with God. Just think about it. For many centuries It was just the word of God and a prayer life. A relationship with God. Nothing else! That is really all we need. We are to seek Him above all else - period! What is more important to us, our love of God, or our love of sin? No matter if your gay, a murderer, a drug addict, a thief, whatever. It all boils down to the same questions. Do we believe in what Jesus did for us at the cross or not? Will we turn from our sinful ways or not? Will we trust that He knows better than we do?.
I never thought I would ever find my way back, but praise God He Is faithful. He started a good work in me all those years ago, and He will finish it. In closing this entry I just want you all to know God Is real. He knows everything about you, and He loves You. He will meet you right where you are , and lead you into everlasting life and peace. If you Listen close You can hear His still small voice calling you near. Repent and run into His arms. He Is waiting for you! Place your trust in the Cross and Christ Crucified! Nothing else!
From a new creature in Christ Jesus!
James Todd Johnson
Also on ShoutLife, FaithFreaks and FaceBook
(Salvation Prayer)
The Cornerstone is Christ!
What is the so-called Salvation Prayer?
What do I do to get "saved?"
At one point or another we all ask ourselves this question.
"That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." (Romans 10:9)
"Jesus answered and said to him, 'Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.'" (John 3:3)
Salvation Prayer - Back to Basics.
The Salvation Prayer is merely a road to rebirth in Jesus Christ. To be born again you must confess Jesus as Lord and believe that He is. When you ask Him into your heart, you are allowing Him to be the Lord of your life. Unfortunately, the Church today has complicated the Salvation message with various layers of extra "stuff."
So, let's get back to the basics!
A. Salvation is the "permission slip" to enter heaven when you leave this world.
B. Salvation takes place when a person listens to the salvation message, believes it, and makes a decision to receive Jesus into his or her heart. Salvation Prayer - The Simple Steps:
1. Acknowledge in your heart that Jesus is Lord.
2. Confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord.
3. Believe that Jesus died for your sins and was raised three days later.
4. Repent of your sins and get baptized in the name of Jesus.
Salvation Prayer - Merely a Tool to Communicate Our Faith.
The Salvation Prayer is not a ritual based on specific words. This is not the power of a prayer, but the power of truly committing our lives to Christ as Savior and Lord. The following is merely a guideline for our sincere step of faith:
"God, I recognize that I have not lived my life for You up until now. I have been living for myself and that is wrong. I need You in my life; I want You in my life. I acknowledge the completed work of Your Son Jesus Christ in giving His life for me on the cross at Calvary, and I long to receive the forgiveness you have made freely available to me through this sacrifice. Come into my life now, Lord. Take up residence in my heart and be my king, my Lord, and my Savior. From this day forward, I will no longer be controlled by sin, or the desire to please myself, but I will follow You all the days of my life. Those days are in Your hands. I ask this in Jesus' precious and holy name. Amen."
If you decided to repent of your sins and receive Christ today, welcome to God's family. Now, as a way to grow closer to Him, the Bible tells us to follow up on our commitment.
* Get baptized as commanded by Christ.
* Tell someone else about your new faith in Christ.
* Spend time with God each day. It does not have to be a long period of time. Just develop the daily habit of praying to Him and reading His Word. Ask God to increase your faith and your understanding of the Bible.
* Seek fellowship with other followers of Jesus. Develop a group of believing friends to answer your questions and support you.
* Find a local church where you can worship God.
(HOW EACH APOSTLE DIED)
All of the apostles were insulted by the enemies of the Master. They were called to seal their doctrines with their blood and nobly did they bear the trial.
(Matthew) suffered martyrdom by being slain with a sword at a distant city of Ethiopia.
(Mark) expired at Alexandria, after being cruelly dragged through the streets of that city.
(Luke) was hanged upon an olive tree in the classic land of Greece.
(John) was put in a caldron of boiling oil, but escaped death in a miraculous manner, and was afterward banished to Patmos.
(Peter) was crucified at Rome with his head downward.
(James), the Greater, was beheaded at Jerusalem.
(James), the Less, was thrown from a lofty pinnacle of the temple, and then beaten to death with a fuller's club.
(Bartholomew) was flayed alive.
(Andrew) was bound to a cross, whence he preached to his persecutors until he died.
(Thomas) was run through the body with a lance at Coromandel in the East Indies.
(Jude) was shot to death with arrows.
(Matthias) was first stoned and then beheaded.
(Barnabas) of the Gentiles was stoned to death at Salonica.
(Paul), after various tortures and persecutions, was at length beheaded at Rome by the Emperor Nero.
Such was the fate of the apostles, according to traditional statement.
Read the above again! Dare we think we have it hard in serving the Lord today? God help us in our lack of faith and courage to preach Jesus as Lord, and faithfully serve Him on a daily basis. How long has it been since you talked to someone about Jesus Christ, the Saviour and Lord? Have you taught your children about Jesus and the necessity to obey Him and live for Him? (cf. 2Tim. 3:14-15.)
(Scriptures to remember in times of trial)
We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh.
—2 Corinthians 4:8-11
For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
—2 Corinthians 12:10
Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,
—2 Timothy 3:12
Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.
Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name.
—1 Peter 4:12-14, 16
A Time for Everything
To every thing there is a season,
and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
A time to be born, and a time to die;
a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;
A time to kill, and a time to heal;
a time to break down, and a time to build up;
A time to weep, and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
A time to cast away stones,
and a time to gather stones together;
a time to embrace, and
a time to refrain from embracing;
A time to get, and a time to lose;
a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
A time to rend, and a time to sew;
a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
A time to love, and a time to hate;
a time of war, and a time of peace.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 KJV
THE FATHER'S LOVE LETTER
My Child,
You may not know me, but I know everything about you. (Psalm 139:1)
I know when you sit down and when you rise up. (Psalm 139:2)
I am familiar with all your ways. (Psalm 139:3)
Even the very hairs on your head are numbered. (Matthew 10:29-31)
For you were made in my image. (Genesis 1:27)
In me you live and move and have your being. (Acts 17:28)
For you are my offspring. (Acts 17:28)
I knew you even before you were conceived. (Jeremiah 1:4-5)
I chose you when I planned creation. (Ephesians 1:11-12)
You were not a mistake, for all your days are written in my book. (Psalm 139:15-16)
I determined the exact time of your birth and where you would live. (Acts 17:26)
You are fearfully and wonderfully made. (Psalm 139:14)
I knit you together in your mother's womb. (Psalm 139:13)
And brought you forth on the day you were born. (Psalm 71:6)
I have been misrepresented by those who don't know me. (John 8:41-44)
I am not distant and angry, but am the complete expression of love. (1 John 4:16)
And it is my desire to lavish my love on you. (1 John 3:1)
Simply because you are my child and I am your father. (1 John 3:1)
I offer you more than your earthly father ever could. (Matthew 7:11)
For I am the perfect father. (Matthew 5:48)
Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand. (James 1:17)
For I am your provider and I meet all your needs. (Matthew 6:31-33)
My plan for your future has always been filled with hope. (Jeremiah 29:11)
Because I love you with an everlasting love. (Jeremiah 31:3)
My thoughts toward you are countless as the sand on the seashore.(Psalm 139:17-18)
And I rejoice over you with singing. (Zephaniah 3:17)
I will never stop doing good to you. (Jeremiah 32:40)
For you are my treasured possession. (Exodus 19:5)
I desire to establish you with all my heart and all my soul. (Jeremiah 32:41)
I Love You My Child,
Your Father In Heaven
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