May 18, 2021
“In the Beginning: Gender, Sexuality, and Identity”
Two important things to remember as we navigate this message:
1) How I express what I believe is just as important as what I believe.
2) People may disagree with my position, but I pray that I never give them a reason to disagree with my disposition.
Our main scripture for this teaching is found in Genesis - Chapter 1, Verses 26-28.
I - Our Cultural Reality - Most everyone would agree that we live in a world that increasingly embraces anything and everything related to sexuality, gender, and identity. Question - How did we arrive at this place in history? There are two books that highlight the strategy developed by those who would see our family foundation recast in a different light. "After the Ball: How America will conquer its fear and hatred of Gays (1989) and "At the Crossroads: The Future of the LGBT Movement (2013) Both books discuss the need for a sweeping public relations strategy that would help to usher in a cultural transformation. The bottom line is this is our new cultural reality.
II - Our Scriptural Priority - This message is not designed to tell you what to think but to ensure that you know how to think - and to think Biblically while viewing all issues through the lens of God's Word. (Romans - Chapter 1, Verses 25-27) and (1 Corinthians - Chapter 6, Verses 9-11) These passages speak very clearly about God's viewpoint on our current culture.
III - Our Spiritual Strategy - Five steps -
1) Pray for yourself and your LGBT+ family, friends, and neighbors.
(James, Chapter 5, Verse 16) 2) Solidify your understanding about
sexuality, gender, and identity. 3) Do not buy into the orientation
and identity narrative. 4) Recognize that the Lordship of Jesus
Christ, not sexual ethics, is the heart of the Gospel. 5) Build
bridges of hospitality with members of the LGBT+ community.