Strong. Sexual. Shepherd.

Follow Along with the Message

I forget sometimes.  How strong Jesus was.  Direct.  Courageous.  Honest.

     "A bruised reed He would not break" (Isaiah 42:3).

Gentle is NOT the only thing Jesus was (is).

     "I am the good shepherd" (John 10:11).  "Your rod and your staff comfort me" (Psalm 23:4).

     "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy" (John 10:10).

Jesus on the subject of sex--Sermon on the Mount

Porneia (immorality)--sexual contact outside the one man/one woman covenant relationship of marriage (adultery, pre-marital sex, same-sex behavior, pornography etc.)

     "For this is the will of God, your sanctification; that is, that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each of you know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor, not in lustful passion, like the Gentiles who do not know God; and that no man transgress and defraud his brother in the matter because the Lord is the avenger in all these things, just as we told you before and solemnly warned you.  For God has not called us for the purpose of impurity, but in sanctification.  So, he who rejects this is not rejecting man but the God who gives His Holy Spirit to you" (1 Thessalonians 4:3-8).

Not a morally neutral subject.

Joseph--"How can I do this evil and sin against God?"(Genesis 39:9).

Jesus--woman at the well (John 4)

Why?  Why would Jesus bring up such an sensitive subject?  Because sex matters to God!  It is not a private matter between consenting adults without Spiritual impact.  It isn't!

--SEE GOD

--STAND WITH GOD

     "Unless change comes, America is doomed for the ash heap.  No civilization, no nation, has survived an obsession with sexual impurity such as we are experiencing.  This disease is eating the heart out of America" (Pitirim Sorokin, Harvard Professor of Sociology, 1968).

--SPEAK GOD'S WORD

      "I do not condemn you, either.  Go, from now on sin no more" (John 8:11).  Snap-shot of the Savior.  Kind.  Firm.  Savior.  Lord.

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     "Hallowed be Thy name"

     "In a large house there are not only gold and silver vessels, but also vessels of wood and earthenware, and some to honor and some to dishonor.  Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from these things, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work.  Now flee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart" (2 Timothy 2:20-22).

He cleanses himself!  He flees!  He pursues righteousness from a pure heart!