Arm Yourself with Love and Compassion!

By: Steve Huston

Plan to attend one (or more) of the many events scheduled during July 20-29. Who, What, Where, When, and Why are answered below!

As LGBTQ activists push their agenda, our government, media, and schools promote its acceptance. We as believers must be prepared to give a reasoned, compassionate, Biblical response to those mired in sexual sin. To help us toward this goal, M.D. Perkins, producer of the acclaimed film “In His Image” of American Family Studios (a division of American Family Association), will be speaking throughout Michigan to equip us to respond lovingly and Biblically regarding issues of gender identity and sexual orientation. 

A battle rages in our culture over gender and sexuality. Genesis, which describes mankind’s true origins, clearly states God’s design for human sexuality. “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. And God blessed them…” (1:27-28a)” Jesus reiterated this fact in the Gospels. God made us male and He made us female; He makes no mistakes. When one desires to identify as something other than that which God created them to be they not only wrestle against themselves, they fight against God. This is why there is so much confusion, depression, self-hatred, and suicidal thought among the LGBTQ+.

Though from its earliest chapters the Bible makes clear that God created male and female in His image, grave confusion is seeping into our schools, institutions, and even our churches about these foundational issues regarding identity. The church, above all institutions, should know that our identity is found in Christ. Instead of self-seeking we need to be Christ-seeking. As Paul David Tripp states in his devotional book, “You don’t work in the hope of getting an identity, you work in celebration of the identity that, in Christ, you have been given.” If one is a true believer there is plenty to celebrate about; if not, regardless how one self-identifies and call for celebration, there will be emptiness to combat and a need which isn’t met.

This is such a crucial subject today and affects most families either directly or indirectly; please make every effort to attend!

Mark Your Calendar:

Tuesday, July 20 – Beaverton Church of the Nazarene (6:30 – 8:00 PM)
540 Lang Road, Beaverton, MI  48612

Wednesday, July 21 – Alanson Nazarene Church (6:30 – 8:00 PM)
7489 Mission Road, Alanson, MI  49706

Friday, July 23 – Oakhill Evangelical Presbyterian Church (6:30 – 9:00 PM)
1930 Leonard NE, Grand Rapids, MI  49505

Sunday, July 25 – Dutton URC (11:00 – 11:45 AM – Sunday School)
6950 Hanna Lake Ave, Caledonia, MI  49316

Sunday, July 25 – American Decency (6:30 – 8:00 PM)
203 E Main Street, Fremont, MI  49412

Wednesday, July 28 – American Decency (3:00 – 5:30 PM)

Thursday, July 29 – American Decency (6:30 – 9:00 PM)

Since many of these events will have differing messages plan to attend, if possible, more than one; bring friends and family. Put it in your church bulletin; what a great opportunity for learning. For a listing of the topics Mr. Perkins will speaking on at these events click here.

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