Bro. Albit Rodriguez

There is great deception that causes the widespread acceptance of the homosexual lifestyle in almost all sectors of our society.

This is the reason why the CCF Living Free Ministry held a forum last Saturday, November 21, 2009 at Christ Commission Fellowship in St. Francis Square, Ortigas Center entitled: “THE CHRISTIAN’S RESPONSE TO THE GAY TODAY”, which was aimed to increase awareness of this problem and how we as Christians ought to respond. Bro. Albit Rodriguez, head of the ministry, was the main speaker.
In his speech, Bro. Albit cited various research perspectives coming from medical, social and theological concepts and beliefs which were and still are being used to promote the acceptance of the homosexual lifestyle which run contrary to the Word of God. He said studies like the alleged evidence proving homosexuality’s constitutionality – existence of Xq28 x-chromosome and size difference in the hypothalamus brain region (INAH3) were never proven. He further explained how the men behind these findings later on even recanted their earlier declarations and attempted to correct the widespread deception that their work had caused. He also noted a number of determining factors as to how a person develops homosexual tendencies and desires and later on progress to embrace the so called “alternative lifestyle”. Dysfunctional family environments (such as, having an absentee, abusive or indifferent father or mother, etc.), traumatic and sexual influences, deception and lies of the enemy instigates the unmet need for love and affirmation of a child at a young age thus resulting to a misguided quest for love and affirmation which take parts in the formation of “hole in a child’s heart”. The so-called “hole in the heart syndrome” experienced by individuals due to improper child-development may lead to a reckless quest for love and understanding, which to some individuals result in a perverse and gay orientation and lifestyle.

Bro. Albit referred to Genesis 1:26 which clearly states “God created man and woman” period! He did not create a third sex or gender. “God clearly said that homosexuality is an abomination (Leviticus 18:22). It is a sin, having the same ultimate consequence as other sins (1 Cor. 6:9-12), which is eternal death,” he continued. “For whatever type of sin it may be, it is only through Jesus Christ that we can find a solution and a way out. We should not be disheartened. The Lord has plenty of promises to those who are near to Him and faithful to His word. It is only through Christ that we can overcome sin and temptation. First John 1:9 says ‘If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness’.” He further said that with man, changing a homosexual is impossible but “with God all things are possible.”

As the speaker closed the message, he concluded with an encouragement to follow the example that Jesus has set before us. The greatest gift we can give to people in need including those in the bondage to the homosexual, effeminate and lesbian lifestyle is our love. We also need to spend time with the Lord in prayer and fasting for the Spirit to change their hearts. And most importantly, we need to share the gospel of Jesus Christ to them in love.

The Audience

An audience of 134 men and women from different churches and groups came to hear God’s message because of their burden to learn and know how to respond to a family member, a relative, a co-worker or a friend who are into the gay lifestyle. A series of questions came from the audience as the event closed with an open forum and were answered by the selected guest panels consisting of Bro. Albit Rodriguez, Paul Aquino, Marlyn Estrera, and Cel Dizon, headed by Pastor Bert Villa.

Windsong, together with an LFM member, Bro. Yette Valenzuela opened the event with a heartwarming and intimate praise and worship. Sister Marlyn Estrera and Brother Paul Aquino, both a part of the ministry’s core team shared their own testimonies of being delivered from the bondage to homosexuality through the working of Jesus Christ in their individual lives.

“These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” -John 16:33

We will face opposition whenever we do the right thing. Jesus Himself made this very clear when He said, “In the world you have tribulation.” Opposition will come in many forms: criticism from other people or difficult circumstances. The bottom line though is we have a spiritual enemy.

It is important to know the enemy’s tactics. Discouragement is one of his most powerful weapons. He also entices us to lose our self-control and tempts us to panic or fly off the handle. He wants to immobilize us to the point of paralysis whenever we refuse to make a move for fear of making a mistake. He leads us to the brink of spiritual defeat and poverty rendering us useless in the Kingdom of God.

But Jesus has told us to take heart because He has overcome the world! How should we therefore respond to opposition? Knowing the enemy’s tactics, we must prepare ourselves because opposition will undoubtedly happen. We must also pray and press on not only for the glory of God but also for our sake and that of the people around us. By the grace of God, we will be able to infuse new hope into the hearts of depressed, disheartened, and disillusioned people simply because we continued to press on.

Yes, it is true we will face opposition, but the battle is the Lord’s and Jesus is the Victor!

When the power of darkness comes in like a flood,
The battle belongs to the Lord.
He’ll raise up a standard, the power of His blood,
The battle belongs to the Lord.- Jamie Owens-Collins

*This Devotional was taken from Ricky Sarthou’s message delivered at CCF Ortigas last NOCtober 21, 2007

ENCOUNTER 2010

Preparing for new realities in 2010 and beyond

December 12, 2009, 8:00AM-5:00PM, 3F CCF Annex

Seminar Fee: PhP350/head [Food and Materials]

Speakers: Pastors Bong Saquing and Albert Noel

For more details, please contact Pastor Albert Noel [09209243324]