I recently came across this interesting story of a former lesbian who came to know Jesus. Dr. Rosaria Butterfield was a college professor and former lesbian who after spending time with a pastor and his wife began to reconsider her beliefs and choices. She now helps Christians to identify several prominent lies of the culture – including homosexuality, transgenderism, and feminism – and encourages us to lovingly engage those false ideas with a strong biblical worldview (Five Lies of Our Anti-Christian Age). With compelling stories and eye-opening insights, Rosaria cuts through the cultural clutter to help others see God’s design for men and women.
Loving People through the Truth (Best of 2024) - Dr. Rosaria Butterfield, an interesting comparison she makes is between Dysphoria and Anorexia. How can we help people going through psychological and spiritual torment? How can we help parents who have children suffering in a world (and church) that tells them to embrace lies? I enjoy learning from people who have traveled on a path and can speak from experience. It's the difference between believing in miracles because the Bible says so, and having experienced a miracle personally.
This week in BSF we explore the damaging course of evil and rebellion, the doctrine of sin, its character and universality. We all have a sinful nature (Romans 3:23) but the good news is that God saves sinners (Romans 5:7-8; Ephesians 2:1-10) and has called and empowered us to share this with everyone (Matthew 28:18-20).
I've often heard the phrase "Sin is not sin if you don't act on it" however the last of the 10 commandments warns us not to covet our neighbors belongings and "You must not covet your neighbor’s wife, male or female servant" (Ex 20:17). Dr. Butterfield equates the root of homosexuality, transgenderism, and feminism as "Envy/coveting."
Parents are caught up in the fear of their children, Proverbs 29:25 says "Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe." A snare is something that you can't free yourself from. Christians can help release the snare by sharing gospel truth. Communication is a two way street, we haven't communicated truth if it hasn't been received. Dr. Butterfield shows how this pastor and wife laid breadcrumbs about what it means to be an image-bearer of God and shows us that Christians have to start with where people are at and practice real hospitality. Being present and gracious with truth (spiritual), not abrasive and offended (flesh). Embrace the awkwardness of inviting people into your faith, outside of church.
Rom 7:17-24, indwelling sin impacts us all, but we can learn to cross cultural boundaries and love one another. Speak the truth in good conscience: I'm a lover of your soul. Jesus knows you better than you know yourself. You'll be okay in losing somethings in life to gain a personal relationship with God.
Learning to love people through the truth is worth it:
Jude 1:22-23: And indeed, have mercy on those who doubt; save others by snatching them from the fire; and to still others show mercy tempered with fear, hating even the clothing stained by the flesh. Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you unblemished in His glorious presence, with great joy
- Therefore, since we know what it means to fear the Lord, we try to persuade men. What we are is clear to God, and I hope it is clear to your conscience as well. 2 Corinthians 5:11
- consider this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and cover over a multitude of sins. James 5:20
- And, “If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?” 1 Peter 4:18
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