He Created Male and Female
“Can you provide a definition for the word 'woman'"?
That's what Senator Marsha Blackburn asked soon-to-be Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson during her Supreme Court confirmation hearings. Over and over again, Justice Jackson's answer was played on television and the internet. Some mocked her answer; others supported it depending on their stance on gender identity issues.
For the Bible-believing Christian, there should be no debate. The issue is settled in Genesis 1:27:
“So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them." (ESV)
Genesis 2 provides a more detailed description of how God created man and woman.
Throughout the Bible, only two genders are recognized: male and female.
Scientifically and historically, whether you are male or female was determined by anatomy and chromosomes.
Ultimately, defining or redefining the definition of "male" or "female" is not just a societal issue—it is a fundamental attack on Biblical truth and Christianity. Those who believe anything else have fallen under a lie from Satan, seeking to keep people separated from God, from salvation, and God's plan for their lives.
These are the facts. However, it leaves followers of Christ with the dilemma of how to stand for Biblical truth and yet, show Christ's love to those who are deceived or trapped in Satan's deception. How do we do that?
While I am sure this is not a complete list, here are some things I believe.
1. Christians must stand for Biblical truth.
We cannot believe the lies of society just because it is popular or easier to go with the flow. Instead, we must read what the Bible says about gender and sexuality and believe that every word is true. Then we must choose to obey it.
Pastors and teachers need to preach Biblical truth from the pulpit. This applies not just to gender issues and homosexual sin. True believers need to teach God's truth about heterosexual sins, including sex outside of marriage, living together, adultery, and pornography. Pastors and parishioners need to believe, live by, and stand for ALL Biblical truth, whether it's convenient or not.
2. Christians need to teach their children Biblical truth.
Secular culture wants to indoctrinate your children. It's your job to teach them Biblical truth and live a godly life in front of them, providing them with the support they need to follow Jesus and walk in God's ways.
You need to get your kids to church so they can learn Biblical truth and see that they are not alone in their quest to follow Jesus. Kids need positive influences in their lives to reinforce the world's messages.
Even more importantly, you need to have family devotions with your kids. It's YOUR responsibility to teach your kids God's Word and His ways. They need to pray with you, read the Bible with you, and talk about what the Bible has to say about real life and real-life issues.
3. Everyone should be welcome in the church.
Every person who walks through the doors of a church is struggling with sin, just like you. The church should welcome everyone into the church to hear God's Word, experience the power of the Holy Spirit, and be called to salvation. While, no, I do not believe everyone should be given a leadership position in the church (1 Peter 5 addresses this), every person should be welcome inside the church.
4. Followers of Christ should pray for those struggling with transgender issues.
It's so important that we remember those who are struggling with the issues of gender and sexuality aren't just numbers or statistics. They are real people. Over the past few months, the Holy Spirit has been leading me to intercede for the salvation of the people I know who have fallen into this deception. If I encounter someone dealing with these issues, I stop and pray for them quietly.
5. Followers of Christ should show love and kindness to everyone.
I strongly believe that Christians aren't doing the kingdom of God any favors by making jokes, making cruel memes, or being downright ugly toward those who disagree with the Bible regarding genders. Rather than turning people to Jesus, it drives them away and confirms the "right-wing Christian hate" stereotype. It is completely wrong and sinful.
As followers of Christ, we are called to love. We to be kind. We're to do good even to those who attack us. We must speak the truth, but speak it with love and grace.
6. Prepare to stand for what you believe.
We are in a spiritual battle. All over the world, men and women of God face the choice of whether they will conform to the world's new standards regarding gender and sexual identity or choose to stand firm for Biblical truth and face the consequences.
What will you do? Can I encourage you to start preparing yourself for this possibility today?
As we continue loving people, praying for people, sharing the Gospel of Jesus, and exhibiting kindness, we also need to prepare our hearts to stand for truth even when it comes with a cost.
We can't just pretend that we'll never be asked to answer questions, to take a stand. Instead, we must prepare ourselves and determine that no matter what society says, we will be legendary men who stand for Biblical truth about gender, sexuality, inclusivity, religion, and any other topic that may come up.
Memory Verse: So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. (Genesis 1:27, ESV)
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
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