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Reality Check. What a new generation really thinks about Christianity … and why it matters. Kevin Bowman, kevinb@cordovachurch.com Dave Davis, daved@cordovachurch.com PowerPoint download , www.cordovachurch.com/reality. Anti-homosexual. Current perception
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Reality Check What a new generation really thinks about Christianity … and why it matters Kevin Bowman, kevinb@cordovachurch.com Dave Davis, daved@cordovachurch.com PowerPoint download, www.cordovachurch.com/reality
Anti-homosexual • Current perception • Christians show contempt for gays & lesbians • Goal perception • Christians show compassion & love to all people, regardless of their lifestyle • So… where are we going?
Recap • Separation of church & sex • Sexual sin is more than gay or straight • Recent Gallup study • Immorality comes in many flavors • Demilitarizing • It is not Christians vs. homosexuals • This is not a deal-breaker • People are people • Acknowledging character & feelings • Investing in people & developing relationship • Think of the ROI
Willingness to talk • Homosexuality (sexuality) can’t be an off limits conversation • With family, with each other, & as a church • What are some of the challenges that prevent you from having these conversations?
Willingness to engage • With people school, with people at work, & with people in our neighborhoods • Despite our differences • This is not a project; it’s simply being like Christ • With homosexuality in particular, why might it be hard for you to move past the sin and focus on a relationship with the person?
One’s ability to serve • Christians are gifted differently in where & how they are called to serve • We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.(Romans 12:6) • Christians being Christ-like with those practicing homosexuality should not be discouraged • How can we better encourage & support efforts to reach the homosexual community?
Imagine if… 30yrs from now • Christians are the ones who love people, whoever they are – gay or straight, Jew or Muslim, religious or atheist, capitalist or not, conservative or liberal. • Christians are the ones who have done more than anyone in the world to stop the HIV/AIDS crisis. • Christians have personal integrity. They keep their marriage vows & are aware of how destructive misused sexuality can be. Yet they are compassionate toward people who make sexual mistakes, and they never consider themselves superior.
Call to action • Recognize that homosexuality is just one of many types of sexual immorality • Know that people who practice homosexuality value & need relationships • God provides opportunities to be that friend • We are called to love above all else • Wouldn’t it be great if thiswas our #1 perception?
Next week • Christians are too political • Feedback & resources • Kevin Bowman, kevinb@cordovachurch.com • Dave Davis, daved@cordovachurch.com • PowerPoint download, www.cordovachurch.com/reality