Easy Answers? Tough Questions

Recently I was invited by our church to participate in a series of Hot Topics that the church seems to shy away from at times. There were several choice topics offered, but the topic of sexual identity seemed to jump off the screen at me. I have my reasons why, but that is saved for another blog post some time. I really have not struggled with sexual identity in my experience personally, but have some experience with students, friends and co-workers who have seemed to have some great questions about this topic. I agreed to study, pray and present on the topic and my talk landed first in the series. The series at church is being adapted by a resource by Mike Glenn called Gray Areas. I think Glenn does a good job of looking at some tough issues through a solid, biblical lens. 

Here are some thoughts that I spent time explaining in more detail. You are getting the Cliff Notes version here.

Here are three statements that I believe the Lord led me to share to establish some basis of understanding for the group moving forward:

• There is not and never has been a prerequisite for God loving us.
• Mistreating someone based upon a decision that they make is never Christ-like.
• Christ came to provide forgiveness of sin.

We took a look at Romans 1:18-32 which is the "go to" passage when many Christians want to address the sin of homosexuality. It is mentioned there and is one of the sins listed among many others.

Paul came and preached to Gospel. The Gospel is about forgiveness and about people dead in their sin being made alive in Christ.

      Be careful not to gloss over your own sin to focus on the sin of another.

We are all sinners in need of a Savior. How can we not share that if Christ has truly transformed us?

John reminds us in 1:14 that "Jesus was filled with grace and truth." I think what Scripture teaches is that Christ compels us to share the Gospel, introduce people to the Savior and then for us to allow the Holy Spirit to bring about a change in someone's behavior. Prioritizing our focus on trying to change someone's behavior rather than introducing them to the Savior and allowing Christ to bring about the change in someone is missing the call that I believe that Christ has called us.

Remember that all of us are tempted. Christ was tempted. He however did not give into that temptation. It is when we give into temptation that sin occurs. The temptation is not the sin.

Jesus was known to look up on the crowds with compassion. How can we do less than that?

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:34-35 ESV) May we be known for loving those who are dead in their sin (just like we once were outside of Christ) and for loving one another.

The easy answer? I know the tough question for me is - Do I believe in Christ being who He says He is and am I willing to share Him and trust Him to do the work of life in others and in me?