God’s Love for Gay People: Shepherding and Befriending the Same-Sex Attracted
God’s Love for Gay People: Shepherding and Befriending the Same-Sex Attracted
Imagine… What is same-sex attraction (SSA)? What are its origins? (King’s Speech, Muriel’s Wedding) What other problems manifest? (Exodus 6:9, Judges 17) What role do affections play? (Prov. 4:23, Psalm 34:18)
Problems including fears of abandonment and rejection, maintaining boundaries, pain, addiction, being unwanted, loneliness, loss, grief, superficiality, immaturity, insecurity, bitterness, self-pity, narcissism, lust, porn, masturbation, fantasy. This is not merely a theological issue, but a profoundly personal one. This is where theology reaches into the deep recesses of sexuality and all the hopes and fears which that entails. It’s where theology most acutely affects personhood because it deals with unresolved needs and pains which have become sexualised. Exodus 6:9 - Moses spoke thus to the people of Israel, but they did not listen to him, because of their broken spirit and harsh slavery. Emotions can be singular and mixed. For instance, Praise (Ps. 34), lament (Ps. 88, Lamentations), and both (Psalm 77, Revelation) all in Scripture and there for people to apprehend, own, and replicate. ‹#›
Where do you fit in? (Pastoral shepherd, friend, family) Where does church fit in (Psalm 68:5-6)? Patience, prayerfulness, involvement, consideration, preparation, and expecting the unexpected Believe it or not, this can help you too!
Ps. 68:5-6: A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows is God in his holy dwelling. He sets the lonely in families. ‹#›
Romans 12:15-16 (NKJV)– 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. 16 Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion.
Connect with your own brokenness in order to pastor to the wounds of others (v. 15); Empathise (v. 16a)- same mind, same heart; Don’t emotionally disengage and be lofty, but humble (v. 16b, Ps. 131:1, Elanor Rigby). Remember to keep yourself safe.
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The church with healing presence
Preach and practice lament and include it in worship! Be a listener, not a problem solver.
About Liberty Christian Ministries
We provide: support, hope, and insight to Christians struggling with unwanted SSA; help to those with children, parents, family and others who are same-sex attracted or living the ‘gay’ lifestyle; resources such as articles, book reviews, and other information. Online: http://www.libertychristianministries.org.au Email: lcmi@iinet.net.au Phone: 9818-8111
Want to support Liberty or get involved? Here’s how. ‹#›
What Liberty Offers
Training pastoral staff, preaching, testimony; One-to-one meetings for those struggling; Support groups for parents and those struggling with SSA; Counselling contacts.
What Liberty Offers - Resources
Questions and Comments
Key Learning Points for those who struggle…
Jer. 2:13, 17:9– people use broken cups because of sick hearts Isaiah 53, 61:1-7 – God is in the business of healing hearts John 5:39-40 – Knowing the Bible is not enough Matt. 11:29-30, Heb. 12, Lament. 3 – God doesn’t remove struggle: He helps and uses it. He disciplines for us to return. Titus 2:11-14 – I have choices and am not a hapless victim John 4:1-25 – Jesus is the living water 1 Corinth. 6:9-11 – some were once ‘gay’ Psalm 139:23-24 - God, tell me why I’m doing what I do! Revelation 21:6-7 – war against sin has a higher purpose Luke 15:11-32 – The gut-wrenching father heart of God
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