The topic of sexuality creates a lot of controversy today. What should we believe? Are we out of date?
Good question. Did you know that the apostle Paul actually praised someone? But he also warned that same church about sexuality.
Let me explain. Thessolonica was the capitol of the Roman province of Macedonia. The city was a major trade center so religion and philosophy discussed there and many worshiped the Greek and Roman gods. When Paul visited the city, a number of Jews and Gentiles came to Christ. When Paul wrote the Book of 1 Thess., he praised them for remaining true to their father despite being persecuted and having their possessions seized.
You became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and
in Achaia. People had heard how they turned from idols to serve God.
It’s interesting to note in Chapter four of the epistle,
that Paul warns them…
“To abstain from sexual immorality that each one of you know
how to control his own body in holiness and honor.”
Wow. Given the fact that they were examples, that seems out
of character.
However, inappropriate sexuality is powerful and can
destroy.
That’s important for us to know today when we see sex
portrayed as casually as people have lunch.
I see so much confusion on this issue. People decide sexual
identity on the basis of how they feel rather than whether or not they have xx
chromosones or xy. And there’s pressure to respect each person’s decision.
Again regardless of biology.
As believers, we need to realize the power of sexuality, and how dangerous it can be misused. Today I have Mr Black. He is part of a team called Harvest USA who have done a series of lessons called God’s Design for Sexuality.
I don’t know if you have an itch to be perfect, but I do. I was a straight a student in school, and I worked so hard not to make any mistakes. That tendency to long for good grades has snuck into my everyday life. I cannot bear to err. And I know I fail all the time. The older I get, the more I am aware of the wickedness that resides in me. I wish it was not there.
Romans 3:23 says “For All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Everyone agrees none of us are perfect, but some have a leaning toward different sins. Sin separates us from God, but the consequences of some sins are more extreme than others.
Either way, we can become snared in sin and be unable to free ourselves.
In 2 Peter, the apostle speaks of false teachers when he writes: “They promise them freedom, but they themselves are slaves of corruption. For whatever overcomes a person, to that he is enslaved.” This verse makes it clear that a person can become a slave of sin. Fortunately, the Apostle John shares “you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
Bob Fife was enslaved by homosexuality for twenty years. His book, Out, tells his story of breaking free.
Critical Conversations – Chat with your children on topics that matter
When I was a young mother, I had a deep longing to share my faith with my children. My husband and I made a deliberate choice to spend time with our children and talk about things, all kinds of topics. That’s why we homeschooled. In fact, my husband even taught my kids to argue. He didn’t want that ‘yes it is’ and ‘no it’s not’ nonsense. Instead, he wanted them to engage in sharing facts. The Bible says to give reasons for the hope that is within you and that sort of conversation is what he wanted.
Today as a person with grown kids, my convictions are even stronger. I’ve seen God change people and impossible situations. I’ve seen him at work, and I know people need the Lord. I love that verse in the Psalms where David said, “I have been young, and now am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken or his children begging for bread.”
The world is broken and we see evidence of that every day. Proverbs 4:19 says “The way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know over what they stumble.” In contrast, see what God says about knowing him: Psalm 119:165 Great peace have those who love your law; nothing can make them stumble.
As parents, it’s so important to chat with your children. The kitchen table is a wonderful place to do that. Share what God says and interact with them. If they absorb the world’s ideas, they will suffer the consequences. “Be not deceived, God is not mocked. Whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.”
Today Tom Gilson tells us how to tackle a ticklish topic. He’s just written a book called Critical Conversations.
Marriage. That word brings all sorts of thoughts and images to mind. Some are bad and others wonderful. However, since God created it, let’s go to the beginning of time and look at the original plan. God created Adam and asked him to name all the animals. After fulfilling that assignment all day, Adam realized he didn’t have a mate. (What a great teaching technique.) No one corresponded to him. Imagine his delight when God showed up with Eve. She was taken from him. Amazing! I bet she was pretty, and I wonder if she wore a flower in her hair. Either way, Adam probably felt overwhelmed.
Right away God performed the first marriage and then blessed the new couple with a job. He gave them dominion over the earth and the power to have children. Adam understood. He called his wife Eve because she would be the mother of all living. The children they had formed the first family.
God’s purposes for mankind still centers around the family. It’s no wonder Satan targets marriage. If he destroys that, so many other things tumble down. The families of the next generation suffer as well as businesses, churches, and nations because people get hurt. Just think, how many people tell stories of their dysfunctional home or difficult childhood. These people have a multitude of issues to overcome because of the damage in their formative years. Yes, the Lord can heal, but it’s a good idea to work at building our marriages.
How can we strengthen our marriage so it truly bestows life to our spouse and our children? Sue Detweiler is my guest. She has written a book on this topic, and she’s going to give us some clues by sharing a few of her own struggles.
Today’s media overwhelms us with talk of the sensual side of love. Clothing, perfume, toothpaste, and other merchandise will help you achieve‘sexy’ or ‘hot.’ TV and movies depict unmarried couples engaging in sex as if were no more important than lunch. As Christians, we believe sex belongs in marriage. The world might see our convictions as negative and prudish. But, on the positive side, since sex belongs in marriage, we should embrace and encourage sensuality in that context.
Years ago when I was shopping with my girls, I stopped to admire a fancy nightgown. One of my daughters looked horrified and commented that only a prostitute would wear such a garment. I knew right there it was time for a lesson, and I said,”Don’t ever call a married woman a prostitute.” Looking back, I probably came on too strong, because she frowned and walked off, rolling her eyes. But that’s a message the church needs to give to married couples and our young people. We should be shouting a big yes when we discuss sex after the ceremony.
I encourage women to be careful about relationships with men other than their husbands. Hormones work well. Things can make things get out of hand and create problems. I tend to be a little distant or even a little cold in that situation. Often I’ll address the man’s wife if she’s present. However, a woman can and should let go with her hubby. Come on, ladies. Flirt a little. It’s fun and appropriate. Check out Song of Solomon 1:2 where Solomon and his wife talk about their love for each other:”Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth! For your love is better than wine.”
Many of us, however, get a bit stuck because of our self-image or a painful past, but there’s hope. Shannon Ethridge is my guest for Valentine’s Day. She has geared her entire ministry toward helping women get past their hangups and enjoy sex.
Shannon Etheridge
To learn more about Shannon and her ministry, click here.
How much is an individual worth? What about a woman? A child? The present administration has set up criteria to measure the worth of the individual to society. Obviously, the older you get, the more money your health care will take, which they dislike. They planned on having a board to decide who got health care and who didn’t. Elderly won’t receive care past a certain age. Based on the evolutionary standard, survival of the fittest, a person isn’t worth much. Evolutionists would view each of us as an accident of nature.
You determine worth by how much someone is willing to pay. Jesus gave his life to redeem us from sin. That makes each of us priceless.
Today we have the nightmare of human trafficking in which men entrap girls and women and enslave them for sexual pleasure. What a horror. As mothers and wives, we want our families protected and we long to see the captors freed.
Susan Coggins Norris speaks out for those in slavery, and she gives safety advice to keep us all free.
Learn more about her ministry here. Her personal page is here.
