“Should I date him?” “Should I marry her?” “What do I identify as?” Relationships and gender identity can often be difficult to navigate in a world where everyone has an opinion, but what does the Bible say on these topics? In this new series from Pluslife we’ll be diving into topics that some consider “taboo” in the church. From sex, to marriage, and even gender identity–our goal is to illuminate these topics in the light of the Gospel and see what our Creator has to say about them.
Idolatry in Identity
By: Ian Opiniano
As we began our new series, the first taboo topic that we discussed was on gender and sexual identity. As we established from God’s Word, all corrupt identity is rooted in idolatry. When we remove God as our highest authority in life, we make ourselves the definer of our identity and purpose. This is not without consequence as we saw in our passage, God hands us over to sin as part of His passive wrath. As a result our passions are corrupted and we consent to further sin. But all is not lost as our hope is in Jesus Christ, the One who died so that we might live in Him and become a new creation. Jesus is the only one who can change our hearts and give us a real identity!
Stay Single!
By: Ian Opiniano
Continuing our Taboo series, we looked at what the Bible has to say about singleness. We looked at Paul’s recommendation in 1 Corinthians 7 to stay single, noting that singleness is a season for service. It is a time where we can focus all our attention and energy into serving God. We also saw that it’s a time for sanctification; God using our loneliness as a means to develop a deep satisfaction in Him. Finally, we saw how singleness is meant to secure our identity in the Savior. Singleness is not something to be dreaded but a gift to cherish and enjoy until God calls us out of it.
Discussing Divorce Part 1
By: Ian Opiniano
In this first part of our discussion on the taboo topic of divorce, we examined exactly why God hates divorce. We saw how divorce propagates what is sinful, promoting unfaithfulness and separation for sinful reasons. We also saw how divorce profanes what is sacred by discarding what God Himself consecrates and makes holy. Finally, we were reminded how marriage is meant to illustrate the Gospel and Christ’s perfect love for His bride–the Church. Divorce pilages marriage of the message of salvation and tarnishes the Gospel. At the heart of divorce is sin, and the only way to prevent it from happening is to deal with sin at the cross of Jesus Christ.
Discussing Divorce Part 2
By: Ian Opiniano
As we concluded our discussion on divorce, we looked at the legitimate grounds in which God allows for divorce. First we established the injunction that Moses prescribes regarding divorce, recognizing that the Bible never gives a command for divorce but rather warns God’s people about it. Secondly, we looked at the illustrations that Scripture gives for divorce and saw how God likens idolatry to infidelity of the soul. Finally, we looked at the Biblical exception for divorce and how adultery is the legitimate grounds for the act. Yet despite the exception, we were reminded that divorce is still not the solution to marital issues, but rather Christ is. Ultimately, we worship a God who can reconcile even the most damaged relationship whether in this life or the next.