So - while I often try to stay away from highly controversial, political or social areas of discussion on this flailing attempt at a blog - I'm going to step, quite possibly, into the proverbial deep end with today's link.
Let me preface it with this,
It is my belief that God wishes to restore and redeem all of us. From the deepest darkest secrets to the most public parts of our lives. Unfortunately, we as believers, are often at the forefront of judgement decrees on personal choices and behaviors of others. I am in no way endorsing a "live your life however you want and them come crawling to Jesus for forgiveness when you think you are "ready" to take God seriously." However, I believe that God longs for your heart more than anything else - and He stands ready to accept and redeem your life from whatever it is that's got you separated from Him.
The links below talks about the church's public stand on virginity and sex outside of marriage.. and how our messages on what God has designed for marriage and virginity and sex are - can be presented in harmful and discouraging ways to believers and non-believers. The many contributors to this online discussion give valuable words and insight into how, while discussions about sexuality and issues related to, must be included in our teachings from God's word, how the presentation and approach to those topics, and the overarching message for the listeners, are valid points of considerations. It is certainly our responsibility to teach the truth of these matters within our churches, but it is also our responsibility to teach it well - and with the emphasis on the right points.
So I encourage you to read the links below - and roll your own thoughts around these insights. Just as I am doing.
http://deeperstory.com/i-am-damaged-goods/
http://deeperstory.com/impromptu-sex-week-a-link-list/
