4. How can I discuss same sex marriage with grace and truth?

27.08.16 And God Said…Riverstone Finding Fulfilment Session 4 Speaker: Bruce Buckley Topic: How can I discuss same sex marriage with grace and truth? Duration: 1.01.53 This is a great question! And the answer is in the question! What are your feelings about this issue?Discussion Ideals!You are can, and probably should, have a conversation about this subject. And it is important that you do it well! The topic of ‘same-sex marriage’ should be discussed within the greater story of God’s purposes in creation and redemption. In any meaningful discussion it is important to have some ground rules. Is there such a thing as ‘absolute truth’?There are 3 general viewpoints about ‘truth’. 1. God has the ultimate authority; and everyone submits to Him. 2. Key leaders have the authority; and everyone submits to them. 3. Everyone has equal authority; and everyone is tolerant and accepting each other’s viewpoint. God’s Purpose and Truth!Given an opportunity to discuss things from God’s perspective, try and start at the beginning of God’s purposes in creation and redemption. Why did God create the universe? To reveal His glory, through His creation, in particular, human beings! The ultimate reality is ‘personal relationships’, revealed through the Trinity. Male and female are made in the ‘image of God’! We alone are able to know God, to reflect His glory and worship Him. Marriage is the most significant ‘personal relationship’. It is God’s design, declaration and provision. We are made for completion and companionship. Marriage is the foundation of family and society. Sexual relationships can only be perfectly expressed within the context of male and female marriage. But… creation also needs redemption! Truth Rejecters! 1. God is replaced: As human beings we have exchanged God for something else. 2. God’s response: God gives us what we want. 3. God’s judgment: our bodies act out sexually what our heart’s desire and worship – namely ourselves! Romans 1:18-28 A. 1:23-24 1. Replacement: God’s glory is exchanged for idols (23) 2. Response: sinful desires leads to sexual impurity (24) 3. Judgment: Degrading of their bodies with one another (24) B. 1:25-27 1. Replacement: God’s truth is exchanged for a lie = worshipped and served created things rather than the Creator (25) 2. Response: Experience shameful lusts (26) 3. Judgment: Homosexual behaviour (26b-27) C. 1:28 1. Replacement: Removed the knowledge of God from their thinking (28) 2. Response: A depraved mind (28) 3. Judgment: do what ought not to be done (28) Summary 1. The biggest and deepest problem in our lives is rebellious worship. 2. Our sexual disorders and dysfunctions are God’s judgment upon us. 3. Paul’s focus on homosexuality is because this clearly demonstrates our serious problem. Right and wrong worship is reflected in our sexuality! 4. The saving and healing of our every sinful soul, comes about when we return God to His rightful place and we return to worship and glorify Him in our hearts and lives. YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/user/andGodsaidBibleConf