Gospel Singer Tonex Comes Out on The Lexi Show

[Rev. Dr. Tracy Scott]

Date: Friday, September 25, 2009, 4:57 am
By: EURweb.com


From his tattooed and pierced appearance, a short-lived marriage, the death of his father, and early retirement from the gospel industry to being dropped from Verity Records, the life and career of gospel artist Tonex (To-nay) has been marred by pain and controversy.

Throughout all the pressure, the young pastor of Truth Apostolic Community Church in San Diego has taken pride in being transparent.

In 2007, after a foul-mouthed online interview and angry YouTube posts, he issued an open letter apologizing to fans and fellow clergy for his outlandish rants.

Now, during an astonishing testimony in an exclusive interview on Word Network's "The Lexi Show," Tonex (real name Anthony Williams) lays to rest years of speculation about his sexuality and admitted he is attracted to men.

When Lexi attempts to clarify if he is a practicing homosexual, the radical artist declares he is a “free spirit.”

Among many candid details, in the following clips, Tonex acknowledges he had a nervous breakdown, says he does not blame his interest in men on being molested, that he believes in “same sex covenants” and that he wants to be a dad someday.

You can see the full interview by visiting You Tube and search for Lexi Show Tonex

What are your thoughts about sexual behavior? How should the church address issues related to sexual conduct?

During the month of October, Wisdom For Joyous Living will explore, Homosexuality Conflict Within My Soul with Christian Psychologist Dr. Tracy Scott and Christian Psychiatrist and Ordained Minister Dr. Verle Bell.

Wisdom For Joyous Living is heard weekly on WPJC.FM

[Rev. Dr. Tracy Scott]

E.W.

I've enjoyed reading your posts. You are passionate for the Lord and that's a good thing.

But, yes, we should speak, preach and teach against sin, but we can not just leave it there. God has provided counselors to be used through the Holy Spirit to help people beyond to come back to Him. You are attacking when you just take the first step! It's a two-way street. You are to equip the saints! You can't equip if you just do one part of the work.

Remember, I am cheif sinner #1 and you probably #2. We need both mercy and grace for restoration. I like 2 Cor 1:4 Who conforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.

There maybe many out there who want help and we should do all we can to help them. This is why we are here. To help God's people. Tonex and others may be waiting for us to reach out to them.

Maybe if we worked together, we can pull each other through this process and help some folk who are in need, so that God gets the glory!

[Child of the Kingdom]

Dr. Scott,

When I reply to a forum or discussion on a network it is a far cry different than how I deal with people directly. In these discussions, we are all talking about the issues at hand and this one being the coming out of Tonex and others that practice homosexuality.

Now when dealing with anyone in sin, whether they are homosexual, lesbian, fornicating, cheating, stealing, carnally minded....etc. we (my husband and I) deal with them according to how the Spirit leads us. We do not load up spiritual AK 47's and start firing, but we preach the truth in love. Never is a person left without a solution on how to be free, but we certainly won't let them leave, believing that they are okay in their sins and that they have plenty of time to get right.

So, please understand, that theses blogs and forums are just that, and you are usually presented with varying views on a particular subject. Some are right, left or neutral. We sometimes assume that those who take a harsher stand on issues in the church are unloving, attackers, not compassionate and harsh on those who are living in sin. No, this is not the case, but what I do, (can't speak for others), is give a response to how I feel about these issues in the church. I try to keep in line with scripture on how we are to deal with these issues. I don't have a heaven or hell to put anyone in but I do have a responsibility to make it clear to people that I minister too, that the Lord does not tolerate sin.

Be Blessed.

[Child of the Kingdom]

Anthony: If you consider the Bible to be a gun filled with ammo, then you must take that up with the Lord. It seems as though you are suggesting that we not address homosexuality and allow the continued growth of it in the churches.

Quite frankly, the growth of homosexuality in the churches is proof that no one is coming against it. How dare you say that I am spewing hatred and discontent simply because I quote a few scripture. Never once did you hear me say that I hated homosexuals. You completed ignored my testimony about my godfather being a homosexual. That was a relationship of love not hate. Why is it considered whipping gay people upside the head if you proclaim the gospel..

Be realistic, their is so much respect and defense of the homosexual lifestyle today that they are busting out of the closet. Why? Because it is no longer a shameful act in the sight of men. Get your facts straight. I am not the problem, but the teaching going forth can be blamed.

[Rev. Dr. Tracy Scott]

Hey Kim,

Congrats on seminary. You will grow from the experience. Listening to the Voice of God is important for all of us. We all have come up short and in need of grace and mercy.

However, man is a three-part being, not just spiritual. All of these areas can mature at different times and trauma has an impact on how we mature, grow and understand, God and ourselves. It's not just a matter of any person in sin making a decision as an act of the will to change and listen to God. Yes it does start with that, but then the hard work begins and one must live the Christian life through the challenges and temptations. This is where the church can play a special role. But we can't do that, if those who are hurting with a confused theology are kicked out. Give them a chance, with structure and guidance and allow the Holy Spirit to minister to them. If they refuse to listen, God will judge them. No one sneaks in, so we don't have to police the Kingdom.

I agree with many of your points and concerns, but this issue is complicated because of the legacy leading up to the behavior and the consequences as a result.

I would welcome the opportunity to speak with this brother or any other person who is hurting. I will not give up on them, but yes homosexuality is sin and the behavior cannot be allowed in the church along with other deviant behaviors.

[Rev. Dr. Tracy Scott]

Hey Anthony,

Domestic violence, adultry, drunkeness, racist views, substance abuse, child molesters just to name a few. We are truly harder on homosexuals, but the pastor who beats his wife (secret sin) we are silent and for the most part will allow them in the pulpit and in leadership. We should be consistent. Sin is sin. However we should encourage people to seek help. If they refuse, they do not qualify for leadership, but they still need to be ministered to. Out-reach is essential.

Most of the people seem to be talking about a person who living a pattern of sin and refuse to hear the Voice of the Lord. We can't just lump everyone into one category.

Hang in there. This is a difficult subject, but we must not give up. People are sharing alot of passionate views and we all love the Lord Jesus Christ.

[Child of the Kingdom]

Anthony, I haven’t heard anyone in this discussion suggest that we throw all homosexuals out of the church, yet I keep hearing that statement come up. What I have heard are scripture and text, suggesting that we should be more firm on the subject and others saying we should be soft. This is just a discussion board, but in the church where it does matter, they are being soft so what is your complaint? The homosexuals are getting what they want, with all the love and support being poured on them so stop acting as if they are being attacked at every church they attend.

They are more widely accepted than any other type of sinner there is so where is all of your anger coming from. When was the last time you heard large numbers of pastors aiming their bible weapons at homosexuals. Why do you think so many are frolicking around in churches? It’s because they feel comfortable being unrepentant sinners so calm down, your fears are unfounded. No one is spiritually killing all of the homosexuals as you are claiming. Why is a lot of our music being played by homosexuals? It’s because no one within ear shot of them is telling them the truth. Once again, calm down and stop over exaggerating your statements as if homosexuals are being ambushed with the truth. Because they are not!!!!!

[Child of the Kingdom]

Hello Kimberly,
My husband and I have a home church, but there are those who do not understand what that is. Our home is open to the our community and we fellowship with other home churches as well as other assemblies. My husband is the Pastor of our church.

The same holy ghost that we had back at our church in Michigan, followed us here to Kentucky. Go figure....LOL

[Child of the Kingdom]

I am affiliated with God's church which works for me. I am glad that God has called me and my family out so that we can reach those who don't want to deal with what they see in the churches.

I think the churches are pretty transparent right now which is why the world is laughing at them. I don't need to be in the middle of the desert to know that the sand exist.

You can continue your immature dialog alone. I see homosexuals as people needing God not sympathy. Go ahead and sympathize but at the end of the day, they will still be bound until the people of God do what thus saith the Lord.

[MYBY/Moreh Yahoshua ben Yisrael]

That is how it was done...Homes open...

[Rev. Dr. Tracy Scott]

Hey Kim,

Thank you sister. I am a Christian Psychologist, and professor. If the body comes together, we can learn to help people in need and set the world on fire for the Lord. Yes we have the answers, in the person Jesus Christ.

We must preach the true Word of God, but also be there to help people learn how to live the Christian life. This is where the rubber meets the road and the place where most Christian give up and put people out. Jesus did not just tell the truth, but He also worked with the people.

Lets keep working at it.

Peace,
Dr. Tracy Scott
http://www.healthylivingseminars.org
http://www.wpjc.fm

[Child of the Kingdom]

WHICH IS MORE IMPORTANT KNOWING THE CONSEQUENCES OF SIN OR HAVING COMFORT IN SIN?

If we truly want to minister the love of God to homosexuals or any sinner, shouldn’t we simply tell them the truth. Isn’t it more effective to tell them that our time on earth is running out than it is to have them tip toe through sin and ultimately die in them. Even Jesus said those whom he loves he chastens. In Love we can teach homosexuals that their sin goes against the very nature of God, but by no means should they feel that the church has embraced this behavior.

Sadly, that is exactly what is happening. How can we say that we love people and quietly sit back and watch them die in their sins. Where is the love in that? Only the truth can set us free. Tell the truth even if it hurts. After all isn’t the bible a TWO EDGED SWORD THAT WAS MEANT TO CUT?

[Rev. Dr. Tracy Scott]

Yes, EW, tell them the truth and then help them work through it. It's not enough to just preach. We must minister to the whole person. This takes work, it's painful and ugly at times. But the Holy Spirit will help.

You are talking about someone who refuses to seek help and listen. Be careful that you don't paint with too wide of brush. God's people do not all come in one size!!!