The Gender Controversy
FRONTLINE Volume 33 • Number 4
The gender controversy is the most common public policy dispute of our day. The news is full of terms such as “transgender,” “cisgender,” “puberty blockers,” and “conversion therapy.” Slurs such as “transphobe” and “homophobe” are designed to silence opponents. Those who blur the lines between genders have insisted that biological males can compete in women’s sports and use women’s restrooms. Inevitably, these disputes have invaded churches and warped the very nature of their worship. How should Bible-believing Christians respond to the enormous pressure to conform to this culture? This edition of FrontLine magazine will help you address this question. We are, first and foremost, “theo-phobes”—we fear God. These articles will help you know how to apply the fear of God in the gender controversy.
The 1969 riots in Manhattan’s Greenwich Village were a watershed event in the gender controversy. But even there, those who love the Lord are ministering the gospel to those in bondage. Matt Recker’s article on reaching those in the LGBTQ movement will help you reach those in your community as well. But religious leaders are pushing in the opposite direction. They want to change what the Bible says about God in the name of tolerance. Robert Condict’s article evaluating such leaders’ claims will help you sort out your biblical beliefs. And when it comes to public policy, would it be helpful to hear about legislation from an elected representative? Pastor Gary Click is such a representative in Ohio; his article will arm you with necessary information for the legal battles in your area.
Are the Old Testament prohibitions against homosexuality relevant for today? Ken Burkett’s writing will help you teach the timeless truth from Leviticus 18. But even gospel-preaching churches are beginning to compromise this truth. In this issue Ben Hicks explains the way that this compromise is being portrayed as compassion. He explains how to use biblical discernment to evaluate the changing position of a well-known evangelical pastor. And if you want to grasp the way that contemporary worship is being warped, read Taigen Joos’ book review of Lovin’ on Jesus. Inevitably, the current gender controversy has revived the debate about women pastors. Kevin Bauder’s analysis of a key biblical text will give you the answers you need to explain the unique roles of men and women in the ministry.
The gender controversy should not distract you from seeking and finding the lost. Jim Tillotson’s column will help you to maintain the right focus. Jerry Sivnksty explains that you have the Godgiven power to maintain that focus. Bret Perkuchin’s explanation of how chaplains minister to the families of military casualties will give you a new perspective on an important ministry.
All of the articles in this edition can aid your biblical discernment. Mark Minnick’s column will guide you in how to apply that discernment when you are meeting with small groups of believers. His explanation of 1 Corinthians 14 and the connection between preaching and teaching is worthy of careful reading.
All in all, we believe that you will find this edition of FrontLine useful for years to come. The gender controversy is not going away. But beginning with the fear of God and using the Word of God, we have answers for Christians and non-Christians alike.
Gordon Dickson
Features:
REACHING THOSE IN THE LGBTQ MOVEMENT
Matt Recker
The neighborhood where our church meets every Sunday is the nexus of the modern homosexual movement.
EVALUATING GENDER-NEUTRAL CLAIMS REGARDING GOD AND ANGELS
Robert Condict
We can use faithful biblical exegesis and good theology to respond to the current societal drift toward a genderneutral God.
GENDER, SCIENCE, AND THE CHURCH
Gary Click
The fastest growing religious belief today is based on gender ideology. Many survivors have branded this movement as a cult.
DOES THE OLD TESTAMENT LAW APPLY TO SEXUAL EXPRESSION FOR MODERN BELIEVERS?
Ken Burkett
In today’s moral climate, Leviticus 18 is a very unpopular and controversial Bible chapter. Is it still relevant today?
A LITTLE COMPROMISE IS A BIG DEAL
Ben Hicks
What do we do when the world accuses us of hatred?
MEN, WOMEN, AND THEIR UNIQUE ROLES
Kevin Bauder
God is glorified when we are satisfied and faithful in the roles that He has given us.
HOW DO YOU STAND AGAINST EVIL?
Gordon Dickson
When believers fail to show the world the fear of God, the world sees no God to fear.
DEPARTMENTS
MAILBAG
ON THE HOME FRONT
NEWS FROM ALL OVER
HEART TO HEART
Blueprints: A Parable
Claudia Barba
AT A GLANCE
Exodus: Salvation, Sanctification, and Self- Revelation
Layton Talbert
WITH THE WORD TO THE WORLD
Intentionally Seeking—and Finding
Jim Tillotson
REGIONAL REPORTS
CHAPLAIN’S REPORT
A Chaplain for the Fallen
Bret Perkuchin
EVANGELIST’S PERSPECTIVE
Power to Control or Controlled to Have Power?
Jerry Sivnksty
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