This sermon was delivered in an unconventional manner, given the sensitive nature of the topic. It stemmed from a letter signed by fifteen pastors, including Pastor Josh Rouser from Grace Baptist church here in Waverly, expressing concerns to the City Council regarding a Pride event in Waverly. The letter, referencing Romans 13, raised concerns about potential community division and adherence to decency laws. This action generated significant local media attention and sparked considerable internal discussion within our church, Riverwood.
This post isn't intended as a defense or apology for the letter, but rather an explanation of Riverwood's approach to LGBTQ+ issues, grounded in scripture.
My central focus was First Corinthians 6:12-20, though a full exploration of this complex passage is beyond the scope of this reflection. The sermon began with Genesis 1: God created humanity in His image (Imago Dei), bestowing inherent value upon each individual. This Imago Dei—the image of God—is the bedrock of our understanding. It means that every person, regardless of their beliefs or lifestyle, bears the indelible mark of God's image. This is not something earned or lost; it's inherent, woven into the very fabric of our being, a mark on the soul that signifies ultimate belonging and worth. Our identity begins with this truth, not with our job, family, or any other external factor. We must see others as image-bearers of God, looking beyond superficial characteristics.
However, the Genesis account also reveals that the image of God, while precious, has been marred by sin. Adam and Eve's disobedience damaged creation, relationships, work, our bodies, and minds. Sin distorted the image of God, attempting to separate humanity from its Creator. God, in a sense, is "jealous" for humanity because we belong to Him. Sin results in spiritual death, and Romans 3:23 reminds us that all have sinned. Therefore, while possessing immense value as image-bearers, we are all born into spiritual death.
Jesus Christ came to redeem humanity, paying the penalty for our sin. Through faith in Him, we receive mercy and forgiveness. This is the Gospel—the good news of Jesus' death and resurrection. The Gospel redeems and restores all areas of life, including our sexuality.
First Corinthians 6 speaks powerfully about the body as belonging to the Lord, not to sexual immorality. The passage emphasizes the profound unity between two people in sexual union, contrasting it with the spiritual union with Christ. It warns against sexual immorality as a sin against one's own body, the temple of the Holy Spirit. The body, purchased by the sacrifice of Christ, is not our own to misuse.
Historically, the context of Corinth, with its diverse religions and practices including temple prostitution, sheds light on Paul's warnings. While modern interpretations vary, Paul's argument is rooted in the Gospel. Faith in Jesus means our bodies belong to God, purchased by His sacrifice. A follower of Christ cannot unite their body sexually with anyone outside the confines of marriage, as later clarified in 1 Corinthians 7.
A common misinterpretation of "porneia" (sexual immorality) as solely prostitution overlooks Paul's broader teaching and other scriptures (Matthew 15:19, 19:9). The Jewish understanding of sexual immorality was far broader than the Greek. First Corinthians 6 addresses any sexual activity outside the bounds of marriage—regardless of gender, familial relationships, or the number of partners involved. Our bodies, housing the Imago Dei, are not ours to harm or use sexually outside the covenant of marriage (Hebrews 13:4).
Sex, within the context of marriage, is a beautiful and God-given gift intended for procreation, bonding, intimacy, pleasure, and protection. However, sin twists the truth about sex and marriage. Examples of this twisted desire are evident in same-gender relationships, incest (Leviticus), and David's actions with his son (2 Samuel 13).
God's word often stands countercultural. Consider the historical shifts in views on mixed-gender marriage, the one-man/one-woman standard, sacrificial husbandly love, the existence of sex slaves, and divorce. We must not allow culture to dictate our theology; cultural views are constantly shifting. Will future culture accept polygamy, pedophilia, incest, bestiality, or marriage to robots?
Jesus' teaching on marriage in Matthew 19 reaffirms the traditional view from Genesis 2, stating that the original intent was "from the beginning." God's intention for marriage and sex should guide us, regardless of cultural pressures or personal desires.
We are all sexual sinners. But Christ's sacrifice covers this sin, leading to change, not excuse. All are welcome here, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or struggles. However, we will not affirm unhealthy behaviors. We will help with overcoming addictions, dishonesty, and other struggles, but we will not encourage their continuation. Our goal is Jesus, not heterosexuality.
While I lack personal experience with same-sex attraction or gender dysphoria, I know many Christians who have experienced these things and have surrendered to God's grace. As a church community, we must love sinners, confess our own sin, celebrate Jesus, and forgive. All matter to God, regardless of their struggles. All have value and are welcome. We will help people find their identity in Christ, not in their body, gender, attractions, or past.
We offer help to those struggling with sexuality or gender identity, providing resources and avoiding misleading interpretations of scripture. Straight individuals are no better than those in the LGBTQ+ community; we are all sexual sinners. Christ's love extends to all, regardless of sin; sexual sin is forgivable. We all need Jesus and the Gospel, regardless of our sexual orientation, body image, addictions, or marital status.
