Sexual & Gender Identity with Grace & Truth Podcast Episodes

Part 1

Conviction of truth. Compassion for people. Context for our society. And comfort in Christ. These are our goals. Join Ted Witzig Jr. as he speaks to the important topic of gender and sexual identity with grace and truth.

Conviction of Truth.

• Mark 10:6-9
  • Gender is a divine creation.
  • Marriage between a man and a woman is a divine institution.
  • Fidelity is the divine intention.

Compassion for People.

• See people as Christ sees them. Love them.
  • We are created in God’s image.
  • We are loved by God.
  • We have undying souls.
  • We are in need of salvation.
• Interacting with a believer who struggles with same sex attraction (SSA).
  • Love them.
  • Understand that growth takes time.
  • Understand that situations vary. Learn their situation and respond to their needs.
  • They fear rejection. Don’t reject them.
  • Don’t view SSA or gender struggles as a “special category”. Neither sexual attraction nor gender are the most central defining features of a person.

Context for our Society.

• Common erroneous cultural script
• • I feel attracted to my same sex. Attraction is a central identifier to who I am as a person. Happiness is found in fulfillment of my identity. Therefore, I must live out my same sex attraction to flourish as a person.
• Common erroneous societal thought
  • The nontraditional sexuality and gender tendencies of our times have proven that the Christian faith is obsolete.
• Important truthful facts
  • People do not choose their sexual attraction. Attraction is complex.
  • Changing sexual attraction is not simple. Sometimes it happens to a degree. Sometimes it does not.
  • The fall of man into sin (Genesis 3) has touched every aspect of our lives, including our desires and feelings. Sexuality and gender feelings have been altered by our sin nature away from God’s design.
  • Terminology surrounding sexuality and gender is in flux. It is a good idea to understand how our society is using terms to describe their experience. Never use terms pejoratively. If you are unsure about what someone means by the terms they use, it is always wise to ask them what they mean by the term they wish to use.
  • Christians who struggle with SSA, yet are obedient to Christ’s sexual ethic, exhibit great faith and require a church community for support.
  • A robust Christian view of singleness is required to properly care for many believers who struggle with SSA.

Comfort in Christ.

• Jesus attracted people who had brokenness.
• The repair that Jesus offers is much deeper than sexual orientation.
• Jesus offers us an alternative script and it is good news for all of us.
  • I feel attracted to my same sex. This is just one example of brokenness in my life. Sexual attraction is not the central identifier of my life. Rather, my identity in Christ is who I am at the core. Happiness is found in fulfillment of my identity in Christ. Human flourishing happens when I am conformed to Christ’s likeness. Thus, I do not need to act on sinful sexual urges.
• Sexual activity is not required for living a fully flourishing life. Consider Jesus and Paul for examples of this.
• The Good News of the Gospel is that Jesus Christ offers salvation and conversion of the heart and life to anyone who wants it. A transformation occurs when we were once slaves to our brokenness and become new creatures with new minds set free to live according to Christ’s example.
• Hope exists for those who struggle with SSA and gender identity. Many such Christian’s are living full lives today. Some are in healthy heterosexual marriages, and some remain single.

Part 2

Conviction of truth. Compassion for people. Context for our society. And comfort in Christ. These are our goals. Join Ted Witzig Jr. as he speaks to the important topic of gender and sexual identity with grace and truth.

Listen on Spotify   –   Listen on Apple Podcast

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Further Information

Compassion without Compromise: Sexual and Gender Identity

What if I’m questioning my gender identity?

Answers to Gender & Sexual Identity Questions Webinar
The topic of gender and sexual identity has become a major issue facing Christians today. This webinar is designed for mentors who are walking with others through questions of gender and sexual identity, providing important context for mentors to consider as well as common questions often raised in this area. Learn how to offer support, help, and hope in this area as you watch our webinar recording.

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