The tag-line of our preaching series could cause a bit of confusion and consternation.
In a world where sex and sexuality have become almost god-like, the ultimate delineator of identity, purpose and joy, we recognized our responsibility as Christ-followers to allow THE designer of sex and sexuality to weigh in on this conversation.
But we also were fully aware that the church at large does not have a great track record and reputation when it comes to the handling of these topics. Church scandals, hypocrisy, abuse and puritanical view-points without nuance have relegated the church to being a pariah in the corner when it comes to having a voice in this dialogue.
Because of this, the church have succumb to one of the following postures: angrily condemning or critiquing the sexual ethic of the world even louder (“thus sayeth the Lord!”) or capitulating into a mess of compromise by trying to make the bible (and God) more palatable for a “modern” world.
The temptation to rather just be silent is very alluring!
Jesus called His church to be a city on a hill though, not a community in hiding, so we have decided to come out swinging (definitely no pun intended!)
We have a mandate from heaven to preach the Word, even (or especially) the parts that might make us uncomfortable or challenge the status quo of our day (and of our own hearts!). Along with this, we have a charge to reach the world with the Good News of Jesus Christ, that He did not come to condemn the world but to save it!
So this series is not a defense of God, the bible or the church but rather an all out declaration of the goodness of God! He is not a kill-joy. He is not an angry, unfeeling, uncaring deity.
God is good! And God designed sex. And He did this for our joy and for His glory!
He is not embarrassed about our sexual organs. He does not leave the room when the topic of sex gets brought up! I actually remember the first time someone prayed the scripture “he will never leave you nor forsake you” over me. What was meant to be comforting actually was somewhat terrifying. I was in my teenage years in the middle of a pornography addiction battle at the time and the concept that God never left me, even in the midst of my late-night depravity, scared the living heck out of me.
He will never leave you! He will pursue you into your mess. He will confront you about your sin. But He will also invite you out of that sin, back into the glorious design and purpose and joy that He has for you!
God is good. And God designed sex. And when our desires are submitted and surrendered to Him, we discover that our broken, distorted and confused sexual journeys can be restored and used for His glory and for our joy!
This is the good news about sex.
This is the good news about Jesus.
Blog written by Gabe Phillips who is one of the pastors in our Life Changers story