I hate to see this series come to a close, but I want to express my sincere thanks to all of you for making it such a success. Everyone contributed to the robust conversation. Everyone taught something. Everyone learned something. Last night was no exception, as the barbecue dinner set the stage for our final opportunity in this series to sharpen each other in the timeless truth of the gospel of Jesus.
I began the presentation by highlighting some of the key themes which we’ve established in previous weeks. When you and I look at the contemporary landscape of gender ideology, it’s easy to get depressed. The subject matter is nearly overwhelming, and it’s changing so rapidly that it’s hard to keep up – try as we may. Some specific areas of “bad news” come to my mind immediately …
Sexual desires have become the definition of personhood. Time and again in this series I’ve tried to point out just how inherently flawed this thinking really is – and yet it permeates our culture. “He is gay.” “She is trans.” They are bi.” As if the totality of a person’s being – not to mention their worth or their value – can be reduced and minimized like that.
Sexual and gender ambiguity is considered a virtue. The terminology and the distinctions are kept fluid – and intentionally so it seems – and the definitions keep morphing. Instead of well-intentioned energy being focused on helping young people successfully resolve their issues of gender dysphoria, the goal seems to be something akin to a complete social revolution (and one that will never be satisfied).
Sexual freedom has been elevated to the point of idolatry. Last night I shared with the church family a recent statement from the Association of American Physicians and Surgeons (AAPS) warning of the long-term consequences of “gender reassignment” procedures. I’ll share here a portion of that statement: “Conflicting motivations have led to a growing industry dedicated to providing ‘gender-affirming’ procedures that are generally irreversible and have a high probability of causing sterilization. These include puberty ‘blockers,’ sex hormones, and surgery, such as castration, penectomy, and mastectomy. They commit a patient to a lifelong need for medical, surgical, and psychological care. ‘Gender-affirming care” in minors is medically and ethically contraindicated because of a lack of informed consent. There are inherently unknown and unknowable long-term risks, and the consequences of removing normal, healthy organs are irreversible.”
Our sexual obsession is on a collision course with the truth. We could go on and on with examples of (what I labeled last night) the “house of cards phenomenon,” but the point has been well made: much of the current gender mantra is directly at odds with God’s Word – from Creation onward. As a bit of a “state of the union,” each one of these current trends represents some version of “exchanging the truth for a lie” (Romans 1:25). That’s the bad news.
But, when it comes to navigating this current cultural crisis, you and I are trusting in a power that isn’t us! Resurrection power! Holy Spirit power! Our gospel hope reminds us daily that we can’t rely on ourselves to change anyone – or to change anyone’s mind. We watched a portion of a video testimony by Professor Christopher Yuan of Moody Bible Institute. Dr. Yuan reminded us, in a personal and compelling way, that God can change within us things that no one else can change. When it comes to our sin, He is the overcomer. When it comes to our national sins, only He can be the overcomer. That’s why Emily prayed for us – that you and I might have “holy courage” for such a time as this.
Before our friend so graciously shared with us her personal “pronoun story” from her workplace – a global corporation with a sizable presence right here in Nashville – I presented one final thought: when confusion marks the land, grace is the sweetest language that can be spoken. Grace. I believe it’s our only path forward. It is the kindness of God that leads us to repentance (Romans 2:4), and we desperately need His kindness in us. After all, you and I have been crucified with Christ (Galatians 2:20). We are counting on the fact that our Lord Jesus will live through us a life that would be otherwise impossible. Hallelujah!
I hope that you’ve enjoyed this series as much as I’ve enjoyed spending the time with you. Our Midweek Spring Series will begin on Wednesday, April 12 at 5:30 p.m. The topic will be publicized soon. Dinner and childcare will be provided.
You make my joy complete.
Pastor Charles
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