Gender Matters Series

I want to begin this message called, “Gender Matters” with some ground rules and foundational points.

1. The topic we will be addressing may not be appropriate for younger children as I will be using terms some may not be ready to hear.

2. Normally, I like hearing “amens” when I’m preaching but I’m going to ask you to refrain out of respect for an individual or a family member who may be struggling with this topic.

3. Related to that, it’s important to distinguish “trans-activists” who are lobbying for transgender rights, from others who are confused or misled.

4. We will be guided by the Biblical framework we learned from Genesis 1:26 last weekend: Everyone matters to God because everyone is made in the image and likeness of God. Because we are image-bearers of God, our purpose is to reflect, reveal, and represent Him.

5. My primary aim is to clearly present what the Bible says about this topic. I’m certainly no biologist or expert on gender matters. As a pastor, I am committed to teach with biblical conviction and with compassion to show how God’s way is the best and is the most beautiful way to live. We’re not to conform God’s Word to our opinions or feelings but instead we’re to conform our opinions and feelings to God’s Word.

Someone told me recently she stopped attending Edgewood because we spoke against homosexuality. She referred to knowing some gay people who were really nice and “her God” would not condemn anyone. I tried to help her see that homosexual behavior is a sin, but God still loved her friends. The issue is not how “nice” someone might be; the real issue is always, “What does the Bible say?”

6. We won’t cave on sin or clobber sinners but instead we’re committed to follow Christ as our example. John 1:14 says Jesus was “full of grace and truth.” When a woman was caught in adultery in John 8:11, Jesus ministered grace to her and told her truth: “Neither do I condemn you…go and sin no more.” Likewise, we’re called to minister in truth and with grace as we speak the truth in love. Remember, it’s loving to tell the truth because truth always brings freedom as Jesus said in John 8:32: “The truth will set you free.” Truth is found in a person. And His name is Jesus Christ.

7. I recognize a small number of people have a genetic or hormonal anomaly which affects sexual development. In rare cases, their genitalia may be damaged or ambiguous. However, these exceptional cases of intersex people have effectively been hijacked by activists to promote radical gender ideology.

8. Children are on the front line as social media, schools, celebrities, and even some libraries are promoting an unbiblical and unnatural gender ideology. This worldview involves a comprehensive sexuality education. One example comes from a picture book written for four-year-old children called, “Gender Fairy,” featuring two transgender children. Here’s one line: “Only you know whether you are a boy or a girl. No one can tell you.” The author explains: “Some children will realize their true identity is not the gender they were assigned at birth, and will choose to make a social transition to live as their true gender.” Other book titles for kids include, “Bye-Bye, Binary,” “I’m Not a Girl,” “Jacob’s New Dress,” and “Gender Swapped Fairy Tales.”

Some school districts are using the “Genderbread Person” to propagate this ideology. One handout reads, “Gender isn’t binary. It’s not either/or. In many cases, it’s both/and. A bit of this, a dash of that. This tasty little guide is meant to be an appetizer for gender understanding. It’s okay if you’re hungry for more after reading it. In fact, that’s the idea.” Other districts are using the “Gender Unicorn” to spread these lies. We shouldn’t be surprised since our own President invited a man made famous by TikTok, who now claims to be a “glittering girl,” into the White House for an interview last month. The President gushed about the need for so called “gender reassignment” surgeries.

9. Because our time is limited, and my expertise is inadequate, we’ve included some very helpful resources on “Sermon Extras,” which can be accessed through edgewoodbaptist.net or our mobile app.

• Gender Ideology: What do Christians Need to Know? by Sharon James. A brief yet powerful book of only 125 pages.

• Helping Children With Gender Confusion from Focus on the Family.

• When Transgender Issues Enter Your World from Focus on the Family.

• Transgenderism. Sermon notes from Pastor Rob Willey, Coram Deo Bible Church.

• A Biblical Perspective on Transgender Identity: A Primer for Parents and Strugglers from Focus on the Family.

I like Pastor Rob’s statement regarding why he preached on this topic: “My purpose is to inform your thinking, solidify your [biblical] convictions, fortify your courage, fuel your prayers, and encourage your response.”