Real Life!

Some thoughts on some hard subjects in today’s world

Balanced information to prayerfully consider

Over the years, homosexuality, at least in the US, has gained more visibility and has become as much of a political issue as it is an orientation issue for an individual.

Below we want to give you two views, while they differ slightly, they give you two valid ways to view the “Nature” of Homosexuality.

First is an article by Dr. Frank Senn, a theologian that provides an in-depth exposition of the historical and etymology background of homosexuality. Read it here.

The second is by Matt McMillian and he dives into our response to sin and homosexuals. Regardless of your view of homosexuality (always sinful or only in certain circumstances), I think you can agree that our response should be the same. You can read Matt’s devotion here.

LGBTQIA+

Nudity

Nakedness and Modesty

Modesty, to me, is intentionally concealing or reducing what is seen by others, especially so-called “private parts” (for example, genitals). When Paul was comparing the church metaphorically as the body of Christ to the human body in 1 Corinthians 12, he extolled the value of all parts of the body, including the parts that we deem “less honorable” that are treated with “greater respect” (1 Cor. 12:23). The comparison he’s making is that the members of the body of Christ, the church, who are less honorable in social status should be “clothed with greater honor.”

The only passage that treats the issue of modesty in dress is 1 Timothy 2:9–10.

I desire, then, that in every place the men should pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or argument; ⁹also that the women should dress themselves modestly and decently in suitable clothing, not with their hair braided, or with gold, pearls, or expensive clothes, ¹⁰but with good works, as is proper for women who profess reverence for God.

Transgender

TRANSGENDER, the word has become a hot spot in the USA. Gender is binary in biological terms and the current idea that gender is fluid or changeable is a political or cultural idea, not a biological one.

Changing gender is not really a possibility. A doctor at one of the leading trans clinics on the west coast is quoted as saying he has never met a real trans person, rather he has encountered very feminine males and very masculine females that have chosen to, at times, mutilate the bodies to match their internal image of themselves”.

A related question comes up about when a person can make those decisions about their own body. In the US at least, there is a push to give that decision to younger and younger individuals often without the knowledge of the parents or guardians. This raises a valid concern if the young person is actually mature enough to make decisions that at least biologically speaking will change their physical bodies for life by the removal or destruction of their bodies.

How to respond then as we face these questions in our society?

I would advocate that decisions about permanent physical changes be stopped until a person is an adult and can fully understand the consequences of their choices.
If you are considering a sex change, ask Jesus how He sees you. We sincerely believe that hearing His voice for yourself can change everything.

Nudity and Pornography

Question:
Hi, Pastor Frank! I’m curious if you have any thoughts on how men should navigate the somewhat blurred lines between nudity and pornography in the contemporary era…

I think when it comes to real-life situations, the nude body is what God created; we humans created clothing and we create art. The body should be treated with honor and respect. We are also endowed by our Creator with sexuality, and that too should be treated with honor and respect. I think pornography uses the body as an object to intentionally awaken if not satisfy lust. That, I think, is where the line is crossed. Unfortunately, it is a blurred line since what turns one on sexually is subjective and context has to be considered.

Masturbation

Personal Issues Regarding Masturbation

All men masturbate from an early age. You would think it’s a natural thing to do and should not cause problems. But body issues are not just biological. Biological needs, such as expelling excess semen, interacts with one’s environment (e.g., privacy), experiences (e.g., the trauma of being caught in the act), social norms (e.g., religious teaching), and cultural expectations (e.g., not after marriage). So all sorts of issues are raised about masturbation at different stages in one’s life. Here are seven issues about masturbation for which I gave brief answers on the old blog. I collect them together here because they may be of more general interest. The questions asked include such issues as: catching your 13-year old son masturbating to porn, masturbating with a buddy with your wife’s approval, getting a “happy ending” to your massage, dealing with a college roommate who likes to be nude and jerks off in front of you while watching porn, how often one should ejaculate, whether masturbation can become addictive, and how to masturbate mindfully. To these I add a question and answer about oral sex since the two often go together.

Gigo is an old concept

My Dad used GIGO when we talked. Garbage in = Garbage Out (GIGO), likewise the same can be said for the opposite, Good In=Good Out. Whenever we look at the tough subject on this page, they are tough because there are so many points of view. We provided you with what be believe is some Biblical views that are balanced with society and history.

At the end of the day, we always go back to hearing from God for ourselves. Take time to learn how to hear Jesus, then invite Him into whatever situation you find yourself in. You will find that He will change GIGO into Great In=Great Out. Be blessed!