As I am sure you are aware, sexuality has been in the news a lot lately. Our President has come forward in favor of same sex marriage. People with varying perspectives have responded in all kinds of ways: some with unbridled enthusiasm, others with hate-filled vitriol. The media has enthusiastically stirred up this circus and covered it from every angle. This kind of passion brings good ratings. People love to watch a good fight.

We need to respond to the confusion around us in a way that honors Jesus. This is why we will take a break from our series in Exodus through the month of June and into July in order to focus on what the Bible says about sexuality. It is important we look at this subject from God’s perspective for three reasons:

1. Our culture embraces a foolish and destructive view of sexuality.
2. Many believers respond to the culture in foolish and destructive ways.
3. God’s Word speaks often about His view of sex, which is the only right view of sex. After all, it was His idea in the first place.

Here is the overall layout of the series so that you can prepare or even invite someone you know who might benefit from it:

• June 3rd – God’s Design for Sex
• June 10th – The Idolatry of Sex
• June 17th – The Gospel Response to GLBT
• June 24th – Facing Sexual Temptation (technical issues / partial recording)
• July 1st – Sexual Freedom…For Real
• July 8th - Questions and Answers (Part 1)
• August 5th - Questions and Answers (Part 2)

For the parents among us, I want you to be aware of a couple of things. If your child is in the 5th grade or younger, he or she will not be in the service for the sermons during this series. If your child is in the 6th grade or older, you now have a list of what we are covering so that you can talk your kids through these issues. We respect the fact that, as a parent, you alone have the responsibility, authority and perspective to discern the timing and content of this conversation. We want to do everything possible to support you as you care for your children in this critical area.

It is our desire to deal with this issue in a way that gives glory to God by speaking the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15). We must hold to the truth in a way that is clear and consistent so that, by His grace, we will live in this confused and dark world as salt and light (Matthew 5:13-14). Then we will face temptation with the weapons He has given us with hope that many will be rescued from various forms of sexual idolatry. As we pursue Him in this area, may the words of Jesus ring out of our lives and into our community, “You shall know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32).