Navigating the Challenging Topic of Sexuality: A Biblical Perspective

As society continues to evolve and embrace new norms and expectations, the topic of sexuality remains a loaded and nuanced issue. From the debate about transgender athletes to the use of preferred pronouns, it's clear that we could all benefit from a word from the Lord in this area. In this series, we will focus on what the Bible has to say about the topic of all things LGBTQ+ and establish a theological position and relational posture as Christ followers.

Sexuality is More Than Acts of Sex
When we talk about sexuality, it's important to understand that it's more than just the action of sex. As Tom, one of the pastors at NewStory Church, explains, "sexual attractions, feelings, thoughts, and identity are all part of sexuality. These are all part of sexuality, and all of the above, it seems, is taking center stage."

Establishing a Position and Posture
As we navigate this challenging topic, it's crucial to establish a theological position and relational posture as Christ followers. Tom explains that we need to focus on what the Bible has to say and not say about the topic of LGBTQ+. He acknowledges that this is a volatile and moving target with ever-changing definitions and cultural demands, but encourages us all to grow in wisdom as we explore this issue. Tom emphasizes that grace and truth must go hand in hand as we navigate this issue. He quotes John 1:14, which says, "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth." He explains that we must find our position in truth and our posture in grace, just as Jesus did.

What Does the Bible Say About Sexuality?
The Bible has a lot to say about sexuality, but it's important to understand the context in which it was written. Tom explains that the Bible was written in a time when cultural norms were very different from today. However, he also emphasizes that the Bible's teachings on sexuality are still relevant today. One of the most significant teachings on sexuality in the Bible is that sex is reserved for marriage between a man and a woman. Tom explains that this is not just a suggestion, but a commandment from God. He quotes Genesis 2:24, which says, "Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh."
Tom also acknowledges that there are many other teachings in the Bible about sexuality, including the importance of purity, the dangers of sexual immorality, and the value of celibacy. He encourages us all to explore these teachings and to seek wisdom and guidance from the Holy Spirit as we navigate this challenging topic.

Implications and Potential Impact
The implications and potential impact of the Bible's teachings on sexuality are vast and far-reaching. As Tom explains, these teachings have significant implications for issues like transgenderism, same-sex marriage, and abortion. He acknowledges that these are controversial and challenging topics, but encourages us all to seek wisdom and guidance from the Lord as we navigate them. Tom emphasizes the importance of showing love and compassion to all people, regardless of their sexual orientation or identity. He quotes 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, which says, "Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things."

Definitions and Understanding
As Tom explains, it's important to establish a common vocabulary when discussing such a complex topic. He provides definitions for terms such as LGBTQ+, heterosexual, cisgender, transgender, gender dysphoria, non-binary, and intersex. He emphasizes that these terms are not black and white, but rather a spectrum of experiences and identities.

The Importance of Love and Compassion
Throughout the series, Tom emphasizes the importance of showing love and compassion to all people, regardless of their sexual orientation or identity. He acknowledges that this can be challenging, but quotes 1 John 4:7-8, which says, "Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love." Tom reminds us that every person is an image bearer of God. He quotes Genesis 1:27, which says, "So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of Himself, in the image of God. He created them, male and female. He again created them." Therefore, every single person, whether heterocyst or not, whether having experienced or experiencing some form of gender dysphoria or not, whether black, white, yellow, brown, or whatever in between, bears God's image. Tom emphasizes that it is important to have a posture of love and compassion towards all people, regardless of their sexual orientation or identity. He explains that this is not just a matter of theological position, but of relational posture. He quotes Jesus' command to love one another as he has loved us, and emphasizes the importance of sacrificial, patient, and generous love.

The Bible's Teachings on Eunuchs
Tom draws attention to the story of the eunuchs in Matthew 19. He explains that eunuchs were an umbrella term used to describe a person in the sexual and or gender minority. More specifically, a eunuch was usually a person whose sexual organs and many believed, especially in that day, whose even sexual desires were somehow altered, manipulated. Often it was a man who was castrated. Eunuchs were on the fringe and were not part of the social norm of the majority. Jesus acknowledges this sexual and gender minority and elaborates on three important insights. First, there are eunuchs who were born this way. Second, there are eunuchs who have been made so by others. Third, there are those who choose they voluntarily choose to live like eunuchs, code word for celibacy. They choose to live this celibate life for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. Tom emphasizes that Jesus sees them and doesn't ignore or sweep them under the rug. He leverages this moment to teach a bigger lesson about the importance of showing love and compassion to all people, regardless of their sexual orientation or identity.

The Importance of Community
Aaron, a member of New Story Church, shares his personal experience of feeling isolated and alone due to his same-sex attraction and identity as bisexual. He shares how he feared rejection from God and the church, but eventually found a sense of belonging and safety within the community of believers. Tom emphasizes the importance of community in navigating the challenging topic of sexuality. He encourages us all to create a safe space within our churches and to show love and compassion to all people, regardless of their sexual orientation or identity. He quotes James 4:8, which says, "Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you."

Conclusion and Future Outlook
As we continue to navigate the challenging topic of sexuality, it's important to remember that every person is an image bearer of God and deserves to be treated with love and compassion. We must establish a theological position and relational posture as Christ followers, seeking wisdom and guidance from the Holy Spirit as we explore this issue. We must also create a safe space within our churches for all people. As Tom emphasizes, our posture must be one of humility, meekness, and Christlikeness. We must lead with grace and come with truth, just as Jesus did. And we must show love and compassion to all people, regardless of their sexual orientation or identity. In the end, our hope is that we can all grow in wisdom and understanding as we navigate this challenging topic. And as we do so, may we be a people who reflect the love and compassion of Christ to all people, regardless of their background, beliefs, or sexual orientation.