February 12, 2023

Creation

At some point in humanity’s story, sex stopped being something you do and it became WHO YOU ARE. The world has taken away the dignity and value of male and female. As Jesus followers, we should believe with deep convictions and love with strong affection. Outside of that, we either drive people away or we conform to the prevailing cultural norms. Sex and gender used to mean the same thing, but they don’t anymore. Words may change, but theological Truth does not. Genesis 1:26-27 ends with, “So God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him, male and female He created them.” We reflect the Father (Imago Dei). Definitions: Sex – Male or female with reference to reproductive functions. Gender – A person’s self-perception of whether they are male or female, masculine or feminine. Cis-gender – People who do not question their assigned gender Gender Dysphoria – Sense of mismatch between physical sex (body) and psychological gender identity (mind) Transgender – Umbrella term for many experiences of gender identity that do not align normatively with a person’s biological sex In other words, sex is assigned and gender is chosen and fluid. Cultural lies (from John Stonestreet):

1. Gender is merely a social construction – social construction is free to go anywhere our minds want. It cannot maintain logical consistency; therefore, the idea should be rejected.
2. We should validate people’s thoughts and desires so they’ll flourish- Tolerance is no longer enough, but now you must affirm or face the wrath of being cancelled or worse. Why?

1. Social Media – especially TikTok
2. The lonely watching the celebration of others

Satan has a brilliant strategy – When we look back at the original design and purpose of life, male and female are created as the Imago Dei. Marriage is between one man and one woman and is not the ultimate goal, but it is a signpost of the gospel. So when the image of male and female is blurred, that signpost of marriage becomes blurred as well. This leads to the very thing it is intended to point to (the gospel) becomes blurry. Satan can’t create, but he is brilliant at distorting. Romans 12:1-2 tells us “to present your bodies as a living sacrifice,” and “be transformed by the renewal of your mind,”. Action Steps:

1. Look honestly in the mirror. There is sexual brokenness all around, and our homes are filled with sexual sin. Do not worship sex.
2. Ask God to fill you with compassion for those who struggle with gender-identity issues (Phil 1:9-11
3. Talk to your kids about gender
4. Fathers and mothers should cultivate loving relationships with your sons and daughters
5. Cultivate a strong, healthy marriage – Marriage is a covenant relationship between one man and one woman who are pursuing Christ together so that the Gospel is proclaimed.
6. Speak the Truth with a big dose of compassion – love ALL people well, and be willing to befriend anyone, regardless of their lifestyle.
7. Play the long game – this is our culture now, and it is here to stay.

Remember, Jesus changes people. He changed you and me. He is our hope!