Contentment https://truefreedomtrust.co.uk/ en Designed for Happiness https://truefreedomtrust.co.uk/designed-happiness <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--title--article.html.twig x field--node--title.html.twig * field--node--article.html.twig * field--title.html.twig * field--string.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--title.html.twig' --> <span property="schema:name">Designed for Happiness</span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--title.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--field-image--article.html.twig * field--node--field-image.html.twig * field--node--article.html.twig * field--field-image.html.twig * field--image.html.twig x field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/field.html.twig' --> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'image_formatter' --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/fields/image-formatter.html.twig' --> <div class="item-image"> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'image' --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/system/templates/image.html.twig' --> <img property="schema:image" loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/articles/designed%20for%20happiness%201170%20x%20330.png" alt="painted stones" typeof="foaf:Image" /> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/system/templates/image.html.twig' --> </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/fields/image-formatter.html.twig' --> </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/field.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--uid--article.html.twig x field--node--uid.html.twig * field--node--article.html.twig * field--uid.html.twig * field--entity-reference.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--uid.html.twig' --> <span rel="schema:author"> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'username' --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/user/templates/username.html.twig' --> <span lang="" about="/user/92" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">Owen</span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/user/templates/username.html.twig' --> </span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--uid.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--created--article.html.twig x field--node--created.html.twig * field--node--article.html.twig * field--created.html.twig * field--created.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--created.html.twig' --> <span property="schema:dateCreated" content="2024-03-27T12:12:54+00:00">Wed, 27/03/2024 - 12:12</span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--created.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--body--article.html.twig * field--node--body.html.twig * field--node--article.html.twig * field--body.html.twig * field--text-with-summary.html.twig x field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/field.html.twig' --> <div property="schema:text" class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"> <p>Happiness begins and ends in Jesus Christ. That’s it. Full stop. Surely it can’t be as simple as that? We all have friends and family who will encourage us to think something quite different. The argument is often that happiness can only truly be found in the arms of another person, in a sexual union of some sort. We hear voices saying that having Jesus is all well and good, but in this life, you can’t just rely on Him. You need something or someone else that is more tangible and immediate. Someone, or something that will give you that dopamine rush of excitement, that helps you forget your troubles and, even if it is just for a short while, gives a sense of being OK, normal and feeling loved. </p> <p> </p><div class="widget gsc-quote-text no-border" style="background:#59adc4;">&#13; <div class="widget-content">&#13; <div class="content" style="color:#fff;"><i style="color:#fff;" class="icon fa fa-quote-left"></i>We have been designed to be happy God's way</div>&#13; </div>&#13; </div> &#13; <p>I don’t want to be trite. I acknowledge that being human in our world means experiencing sin and sinfulness in all its diverse shapes and sizes. This pervasiveness of sin influences our minds far more than you and I fully grasp. We find ourselves drawn to false ways of thinking that promise happiness. Brothers and sisters, it may often feel tough and counter-cultural, but I want to argue for the better way, the way of happiness in Jesus Christ. It is a way that is healthier for mind and body and prepares us for heaven. </p> <p>My argument in this brief article will begin with the reality that we have been designed to be happy God’s way. Secondly, and drawing on the work of Andrew Fellows in his excellent book “Smuggling Jesus Back into the Church” (IVP, 2022), I will consider the influences that encourage us to believe less about Jesus as our source of happiness. Finally, I want to encourage us to conform our thinking Christ-wards rather than to the world.</p> <h3>Designer happiness</h3> <p>The Bible tells us that God is happy. He is full of joy. It’s in His very nature to be so. The first chapter of Genesis tells us that God experienced happiness as he made the world and us. He saw it was good (e.g. Genesis 1:4,10,12). His creation brought joy to His heart. It still does. He is the unchanging joyful God (e.g. 1 Kings 10:9, Matthew 25:21, John 17:3, Hebrews 12:1-3, 1 Timothy 1:11). Eternity for the Christian will be enjoyed in the presence of a joyful God (e.g. 1 Chronicles 16:27, Psalm 16:11, Romans 14:17). We are made in His image, and so we have in our DNA a desire for lasting happiness that can only be met in one person - this person is Jesus (e.g. John 15: 9-11, Colossians 3:10, Ephesians 4:24, James 3:9).</p> <h3>Thinking happy</h3> <p>I grew up with very difficult emotions. I realise now that what I experienced were severe attacks of anxiety. As a child, I found different ways of what we might now call ‘acting out’ in order to soothe my anxious feelings. As I grew older, these became sexualised and I found that my feelings could temporarily be calmed by sexual behaviour and habits. These patterns became entrenched. My thinking was focussed on how I might hide these behaviours from others. Now I realise that my thinking was the source of my anxiety. I had wrongly assumed that my feelings would drive my thinking. Does this make sense? And I now see that it is really the other way around. I have come, very slowly, to realise that what I think and believe triggers my feelings, including feelings of happiness. Feelings do not just come out of thin air, nor do they simply resolve and go away. Paul hits the nail on the head when he says in Romans that we need to be “transformed by the renewing of our minds” (Romans 12:2). It is in renewing our minds that our whole selves will be transformed. What will this transformed self look like? We will think and look more like Jesus. In doing so we will also experience the happiness of Jesus. Speaking of Jesus, the writer of the letter to the Hebrews says of Him:<br /><em>“You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness beyond your companions” - Hebrews 1:9</em></p> <p>As we follow Jesus in loving good and turning away from sin, so the oil of gladness will overflow in our lives.<br /> Therefore, if you or I want to be happy, we need to stick close to Jesus, to steadily become more like Him in the joy we feel. Jesus teaches in John 15:<br /><em>“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.”- John 15:9-11</em></p> <h3>Distracted from happiness</h3> <p>When our thinking is distracted from considering Christ as our joy, churches and individuals may be tempted to think that happiness lies elsewhere. This, in a nutshell, is Andrew Fellows’ argument. I’m using some of his insights as the basis for my own reflections on how happiness goes wrong. </p> <p>Firstly, we think of ourselves first and foremost. We assume that we are at the centre of our world - what Fellows calls egoism. Our faith in Christ is essentially a self-improvement programme. We think that the more we do the ‘right’ things, the more we will find satisfaction in life and so happiness and positivity will be our daily experience. Once we have achieved our full potential, we will be happy. This is a big lie. We are tempted to replace trusting God with our ego. Far from joy or happiness, this is a way of thinking that leads to joylessness. We can never deliver to ourselves that which we are spiritually lacking. Nothing we try is ever enough.</p> <p>A second lie is what Fellows terms naturalism. We are tempted to believe that the only real things are those we can see and touch. In effect we lose sight of God, who is spirit. Our thinking focuses on how we can make the most of the material world. We believe that somehow, we will find happiness from the world. This is a distraction from Jesus and He gets excluded from our thinking. Ultimately, if we are honest with ourselves, we are left feeling hollow. The joy of a wonderful sunset can never eclipse the joy of meeting the Creator who made that sunset for our pleasure. </p> <p>Thirdly is the lie of hedonism. This is the idea that the best life, the happiest life we can lead, is to have our senses gratified. The end result is a craving for more and more sensations from what we can see and touch. We seek out sex from whomever and whenever, we seek love from men and women, and we crave the next dopamine high to flood our minds with warm fuzzy feelings. It does not matter where the buzz comes from because here is all we have and we deserve to be made happy. Does this sound familiar? A friend of mine recently turned his back on Christ. The reason he gave (albeit dressed up with more words) is that sex with men delivers happiness where Christ does not. Does that shock you? My guess is that most of us know people who have said and done something similar. In a hedonistic mindset, feelings are king/queen and everything else is to be subjugated to them.</p> <p>Finally, Fellows talks of politicism, the quest for justice and meaningful change in society as a route to life satisfaction. I feel happiness in my healthcare work when I think I have made a difference for people. Activism can offer a sense of happiness and joy. However, when we see this as our primary role in the world, and the source of our greatest joy, we quickly lose sight of Jesus. We become busy, distracted and ultimately disillusioned. </p> <h3>Walking back to happiness</h3> <p>How do we do this? We come back to Jesus. We engage in the spiritual disciplines of worship, prayer, listening to God speak through His word and joining with God’s holy people in the local church. We repent of sin and we seek to obey. As the great old hymn says: <br /><em>“Trust and obey, for there's no other way<br /> To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.”</em></p> <p>As you reflect on this article, maybe you can take some time out to think about your thinking! Does that sound odd? It’s called reflexivity and is the practice of stepping back from thoughts, feelings and habits and asking questions. How come I think this way? How do these thoughts serve me in my walk with Jesus? What purpose has this habit had in my life? What fresh, more Christ-like ways of thinking can I adopt? What support do I need to change my thinking? Building reflection into your routines can help you stay alert to the many temptations to think wrongly. </p> <p>As Paul said in the letter to the Philippians:<br /><em>“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things” - Philippians 4:8</em></p> <p>He is pointing us to Jesus. Happiness begins and ends in Jesus Christ!<br />  </p> <hr /><p>This article was originally published in the Spring 2024 edition of the TFT magazine, <em>Ascend</em>. Click the button below to download your copy.</p> <p>&#13; <style rel="stylesheet"> <!--/*--><![CDATA[/* ><!--*/ #button-l3jzc721eoze{background:#fff;color:#000;border-color:#00599c;} #button-l3jzc721eoze:hover{background:#00599c;color:#fff;border-color:#00599c;} /*--><!]]>*/ </style></p><div class="clearfix"></div>&#13; <a href="https://truefreedomtrust.co.uk/sites/default/files/newsletters/2024Q1ascend.pdf" class="gsc-button medium " id="button-l3jzc721eoze">&#13; Download the Spring 2024 edition of Ascend </a> &#13; &#13; </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/field.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'links__node' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * links--node.html.twig x links.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/navigation/links.html.twig' --> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/navigation/links.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--field-post-format--article.html.twig * field--node--field-post-format.html.twig * field--node--article.html.twig * field--field-post-format.html.twig * field--list-string.html.twig x field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/field.html.twig' --> <div class="field field--name-field-post-format field--type-list-string field--label-hidden field__item">Article</div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/field.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--field-post-category--article.html.twig * field--node--field-post-category.html.twig * field--node--article.html.twig * field--field-post-category.html.twig * field--entity-reference.html.twig x field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/field.html.twig' --> <div class="field field--name-field-post-category field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/contentment" hreflang="en">Contentment</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/identity" hreflang="en">Identity</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/singleness" hreflang="en">Singleness</a></div> </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/field.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--field-more-information--article.html.twig * field--node--field-more-information.html.twig * field--node--article.html.twig * field--field-more-information.html.twig * field--text-long.html.twig x field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/field.html.twig' --> <div class="field field--name-field-more-information field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__item"> <p><em>Please note that any external resources below are intended to complement the main answer given above and may not entirely match TFT's position.</em></p> <p>***for FAQs ONLY, replace this text with links to further articles, books, audio and video. Examples below for each media type.</p> <p> </p><div class="widget gsc-icon-box left text-dark">&#13; <div class="highlight-icon"><span class="icon fa fa-link"></span></div>&#13; <div class="highlight_content">&#13; <a href="***URL LINK"> <h4>Living Out article: 'Is it ok to be gay?' '</h4>&#13; </a> <div class="desc">This article (click link above) goes into more of the biblical passages.</div>&#13; &#13; </div>&#13; &#13; </div> &#13; <p> </p><div class="widget gsc-icon-box left text-dark">&#13; <div class="highlight-icon"><span class="icon fa fa-video-camera"></span></div>&#13; <div class="highlight_content">&#13; <a href="***URL LINK"> <h4>ERLC video: 'Is it ok to be gay?' </h4>&#13; </a> <div class="desc">***CHANGE VIEW MODE TO SOURCE HTML AND INSERT SHARED EMBED CODE FROM YOUTUBE HERE, BUT CHANGE WIDTH TO 100% TO MAKE IT MORE RESPONSIVE*** This video sets out some more arguments on the matter.</div>&#13; &#13; </div>&#13; &#13; </div> &#13; <p> </p><div class="widget gsc-icon-box left text-dark">&#13; <div class="highlight-icon"><span class="icon fa fa-headphones"></span></div>&#13; <div class="highlight_content">&#13; <a href="***URL LINK"> <h4>UCB podcast: 'Is it ok to be gay?' </h4>&#13; </a> <div class="desc">This podcast (click link above) details...</div>&#13; &#13; </div>&#13; &#13; </div> &#13; <p> </p><div class="widget gsc-icon-box left text-dark">&#13; <div class="highlight-icon"><span class="icon fa fa-book"></span></div>&#13; <div class="highlight_content">&#13; <a href="***URL LINK"> <h4>IVP book: 'Satisfaction Guaranteed' </h4>&#13; </a> <div class="desc">This book (click link above) details...</div>&#13; &#13; </div>&#13; &#13; </div> &#13; </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/field.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--field-author-information--article.html.twig * field--node--field-author-information.html.twig * field--node--article.html.twig * field--field-author-information.html.twig * field--string.html.twig x field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/field.html.twig' --> <div class="field field--name-field-author-information field--type-string field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item">Written by Stefan</div> </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/field.html.twig' --> Wed, 27 Mar 2024 12:12:54 +0000 Owen 655 at https://truefreedomtrust.co.uk Hearing the truth in Love https://truefreedomtrust.co.uk/hearing-truth-love <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--title--article.html.twig x field--node--title.html.twig * field--node--article.html.twig * field--title.html.twig * field--string.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--title.html.twig' --> <span property="schema:name">Hearing the truth in Love</span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--title.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--field-image--article.html.twig * field--node--field-image.html.twig * field--node--article.html.twig * field--field-image.html.twig * field--image.html.twig x field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/field.html.twig' --> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'image_formatter' --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/fields/image-formatter.html.twig' --> <div class="item-image"> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'image' --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/system/templates/image.html.twig' --> <img property="schema:image" loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/articles/testimony%201170%20x%20330.png" alt="2 women having coffee" typeof="foaf:Image" /> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/system/templates/image.html.twig' --> </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/fields/image-formatter.html.twig' --> </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/field.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--uid--article.html.twig x field--node--uid.html.twig * field--node--article.html.twig * field--uid.html.twig * field--entity-reference.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--uid.html.twig' --> <span rel="schema:author"> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'username' --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/user/templates/username.html.twig' --> <span lang="" about="/user/92" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">Owen</span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/user/templates/username.html.twig' --> </span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--uid.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--created--article.html.twig x field--node--created.html.twig * field--node--article.html.twig * field--created.html.twig * field--created.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--created.html.twig' --> <span property="schema:dateCreated" content="2023-11-07T10:21:26+00:00">Tue, 07/11/2023 - 10:21</span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--created.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--body--article.html.twig * field--node--body.html.twig * field--node--article.html.twig * field--body.html.twig * field--text-with-summary.html.twig x field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/field.html.twig' --> <div property="schema:text" class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"> <p>I’m proudly South African and I recently came to the UK as a seasonal farm worker - at least that is the reason on my visa application and what pays for my food! I have come to realise, though, that God brought me to Britain for so much more than picking fruit and driving tractors. The following testimony may be a testament to my stubbornness - that God had to bring me to a different continent for me to listen to Him - or rather a statement of God’s faithfulness to His children. The change that has occurred in me is undoubtedly all to the glory of our loving and faithful Father and His lavish, abundant grace. </p> <p> </p><div class="widget gsc-quote-text no-border" style="background:#59adc4;">&#13; <div class="widget-content">&#13; <div class="content" style="color:#fff;"><i style="color:#fff;" class="icon fa fa-quote-left"></i> God loved me and was speaking truth to me </div>&#13; </div>&#13; </div> &#13; <h3>My searching question</h3> <p>As a woman with same-sex attraction, I have a history of running away from God and suppressing the conviction of adhering to biblical holiness that He graciously placed on my heart. In my country, same-sex attractions are neither generally spoken about, nor properly addressed in churches,. Therefore, it’s quite easy to not only to compromise belief, but to avoid accountability for ungodly living and keep under the radar. There is a global movement towards embracing same-sex relationships and it feels like the majority of those left disapproving prefer to ignore the issue, rather than address it. Therefore, the question I have recently been faced with is this: “how is the church, as the body of Christ, living differently to the world to live distinctively regarding sexual activity between those of the same sex?”</p> <h3>Compromise and conviction</h3> <p>I need to go back at this point and put this question into the context of my life. In 2021, four years into my university degree, living far away from home, I was trying to keep my head above water with my never-ending studies. I’d made a handful of good friends and one day decided to share some news with them that I believed was wonderful - I’d entered into my first same-sex relationship. My friends reacted with boisterous support and even elation. I received statements of affirmation like “love is love” and “Ah, don’t worry. The Bible is an old book that is no longer relevant today”. They obviously felt that this was worthy moral support. I wanted to be ecstatic at their response - my close friends were loving and kind, rejoicing that I had found a partner.  And yet, something jarred within me. I was constantly and uncomfortably aware of a small voice of conviction of sin in my heart, but I ignored it. My friends, who professed to be Bible-believing Christians like me, told me that my choices and lifestyle were perfectly acceptable and to be celebrated. They endorsed my wrong thinking and I just tolerated the prodding of the Holy Spirit within me.</p> <p>A few weeks later, I sat with my aunt at the dinner table and shared with her about my same-sex relationship. The words came out much more carefully than with my friends. Being from an older generation, I was worried that she would condemn me into the fiery pit for my behaviour. To my relief, she listened intently and patiently. Then she slowly said: “Thank you for opening up to me. I can imagine this must be hard for you. I want you to know that we love you no matter what. Our door is always open with a warm welcome waiting inside. We will not be treating you any differently than before. Yet, I believe it’s important that I stand on the truth of the Word of God. It tells me that engaging in same-sex relationships is wrong.” At this, my shoulders relaxed, as my stomach tied itself in knots. </p> <h3>Truth and grace</h3> <p>These words were uncomfortable and challenging, but to that constant quiet voice inside me, they were like honey. They were the sweet sound of amazing grace. God loved me and was speaking truth to me. My conviction was calmed and momentary peace was brought to the spirit in me, because the Holy Spirit shared the same truth, the truth I had yet to step into. From that point onwards, I then started to lean much more on my aunt’s support, and her advice on responding to my same-sex feelings, than that of my friends. I knew I needed the truth, despite not being ready to step into it. </p> <p>In hindsight, I am so grateful that my Aunt’s statement was loving in its truth. It was evident that explaining scripture was more loving toward me, than saying she loved me a hundred times. This question has been answered for me – “how am I, and how is the church, to live distinctively?”. We are called to abide in God’s word, seeking to flourish in truth and grace. We are called to stand on the truth and still show up.  We are called to love our neighbour as we ourselves want to be loved. I am both inspired and challenged by what people from one gay community had to say about Pastor Edward Dobson after he’d reached out to them in service: “We understand where you stand, and know that you do not agree with us. But you still show the love of Jesus, and we’re drawn to that.” Can the world say that of us today? Are we committed to being a people who display the same love that Jesus showed, regardless of our cultural, political or sexual orientation? </p> <hr /><p>This article was originally published in the Autumn 2023 edition of the TFT magazine, <em>Ascend</em>. Click the button below to download your copy.</p> <p>&#13; <style rel="stylesheet"> <!--/*--><![CDATA[/* ><!--*/ #button-fpul2dvxh8u1{background:#fff;color:#000;border-color:#00599c;} #button-fpul2dvxh8u1:hover{background:#00599c;color:#fff;border-color:#00599c;} /*--><!]]>*/ </style></p><div class="clearfix"></div>&#13; <a href="https://truefreedomtrust.co.uk/sites/default/files/newsletters/2023Q3ascend.pdf" class="gsc-button medium " id="button-fpul2dvxh8u1">&#13; Download the Autumn 2023 edition of Ascend </a> &#13; &#13; </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/field.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'links__node' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * links--node.html.twig x links.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/navigation/links.html.twig' --> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/navigation/links.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--field-post-format--article.html.twig * field--node--field-post-format.html.twig * field--node--article.html.twig * field--field-post-format.html.twig * field--list-string.html.twig x field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/field.html.twig' --> <div class="field field--name-field-post-format field--type-list-string field--label-hidden field__item">Personal Story</div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/field.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--field-post-category--article.html.twig * field--node--field-post-category.html.twig * field--node--article.html.twig * field--field-post-category.html.twig * field--entity-reference.html.twig x field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/field.html.twig' --> <div class="field field--name-field-post-category field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/contentment" hreflang="en">Contentment</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/identity" hreflang="en">Identity</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/singleness" hreflang="en">Singleness</a></div> </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/field.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--field-more-information--article.html.twig * field--node--field-more-information.html.twig * field--node--article.html.twig * field--field-more-information.html.twig * field--text-long.html.twig x field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/field.html.twig' --> <div class="field field--name-field-more-information field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__item"> <p><em>Please note that any external resources below are intended to complement the main answer given above and may not entirely match TFT's position.</em></p> <p>***for FAQs ONLY, replace this text with links to further articles, books, audio and video. Examples below for each media type.</p> <p> </p><div class="widget gsc-icon-box left text-dark">&#13; <div class="highlight-icon"><span class="icon fa fa-link"></span></div>&#13; <div class="highlight_content">&#13; <a href="***URL LINK"> <h4>Living Out article: 'Is it ok to be gay?' '</h4>&#13; </a> <div class="desc">This article (click link above) goes into more of the biblical passages.</div>&#13; &#13; </div>&#13; &#13; </div> &#13; <p> </p><div class="widget gsc-icon-box left text-dark">&#13; <div class="highlight-icon"><span class="icon fa fa-video-camera"></span></div>&#13; <div class="highlight_content">&#13; <a href="***URL LINK"> <h4>ERLC video: 'Is it ok to be gay?' </h4>&#13; </a> <div class="desc">***CHANGE VIEW MODE TO SOURCE HTML AND INSERT SHARED EMBED CODE FROM YOUTUBE HERE, BUT CHANGE WIDTH TO 100% TO MAKE IT MORE RESPONSIVE*** This video sets out some more arguments on the matter.</div>&#13; &#13; </div>&#13; &#13; </div> &#13; <p> </p><div class="widget gsc-icon-box left text-dark">&#13; <div class="highlight-icon"><span class="icon fa fa-headphones"></span></div>&#13; <div class="highlight_content">&#13; <a href="***URL LINK"> <h4>UCB podcast: 'Is it ok to be gay?' </h4>&#13; </a> <div class="desc">This podcast (click link above) details...</div>&#13; &#13; </div>&#13; &#13; </div> &#13; <p> </p><div class="widget gsc-icon-box left text-dark">&#13; <div class="highlight-icon"><span class="icon fa fa-book"></span></div>&#13; <div class="highlight_content">&#13; <a href="***URL LINK"> <h4>IVP book: 'Satisfaction Guaranteed' </h4>&#13; </a> <div class="desc">This book (click link above) details...</div>&#13; &#13; </div>&#13; &#13; </div> &#13; </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/field.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--field-author-information--article.html.twig * field--node--field-author-information.html.twig * field--node--article.html.twig * field--field-author-information.html.twig * field--string.html.twig x field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/field.html.twig' --> <div class="field field--name-field-author-information field--type-string field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item">Written by Ansunel</div> </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/field.html.twig' --> Tue, 07 Nov 2023 10:21:26 +0000 Owen 632 at https://truefreedomtrust.co.uk What our sacrifices reveal https://truefreedomtrust.co.uk/what-our-sacrifices-reveal <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--title--article.html.twig x field--node--title.html.twig * field--node--article.html.twig * field--title.html.twig * field--string.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--title.html.twig' --> <span property="schema:name">What our sacrifices reveal</span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--title.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--field-image--article.html.twig * field--node--field-image.html.twig * field--node--article.html.twig * field--field-image.html.twig * field--image.html.twig x field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/field.html.twig' --> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'image_formatter' --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/fields/image-formatter.html.twig' --> <div class="item-image"> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'image' --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/system/templates/image.html.twig' --> <img property="schema:image" loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/articles/looking%20at%20fence%201170%20x%20330.png" alt="looking through a fence" typeof="foaf:Image" /> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/system/templates/image.html.twig' --> </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/fields/image-formatter.html.twig' --> </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/field.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--uid--article.html.twig x field--node--uid.html.twig * field--node--article.html.twig * field--uid.html.twig * field--entity-reference.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--uid.html.twig' --> <span rel="schema:author"> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'username' --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/user/templates/username.html.twig' --> <span lang="" about="/user/92" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">Owen</span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/user/templates/username.html.twig' --> </span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--uid.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--created--article.html.twig x field--node--created.html.twig * field--node--article.html.twig * field--created.html.twig * field--created.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--created.html.twig' --> <span property="schema:dateCreated" content="2023-10-26T09:12:12+00:00">Thu, 26/10/2023 - 10:12</span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--created.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--body--article.html.twig * field--node--body.html.twig * field--node--article.html.twig * field--body.html.twig * field--text-with-summary.html.twig x field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/field.html.twig' --> <div property="schema:text" class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"> <p>There are many superficial indicators of faith in my life:</p> <ol><li>I marked myself as ‘Christian’ on the most recent census. But plenty of people select that as a mere label.</li> <li>I have lots of Christian books on my bookshelves. But you could take the view that I’m just an interested student: after all there are plenty of atheists studying theology!</li> <li>I attend church on a Sunday. But you might say that I just go because I enjoy the social side and it makes me feel better about myself!</li> </ol><p>Of course, there’s nothing wrong with any of these trappings of faith. But each of them can be easily explained by motives that have nothing to do with saving faith. If these surface-level indicators are all I’ve got, how can I know that my faith is real in the eyes of God? Sacrifice reminds us that we are done with sin</p> <p> </p><div class="widget gsc-quote-text no-border" style="background:#59adc4;">&#13; <div class="widget-content">&#13; <div class="content" style="color:#fff;"><i style="color:#fff;" class="icon fa fa-quote-left"></i> We need to value God’s favour more than we fear the criticism of the watching world </div>&#13; </div>&#13; </div> &#13; <p>In the book of 1 Peter, the Apostle Peter writes about living godly lives in the midst of a society that does not know the living God. He tells believers that they belong to another kingdom, and so will be “<em>foreigners and exiles</em>” in this life (1 Peter 2:11). He prepares Christians to expect to “<em>suffer for what is right</em>” (1 Peter 3:14) and that non-Christians will “speak maliciously against your good behaviour in Christ.” In itself, this sounds rather tough and a bit discouraging. But. actually, Peter intends to show us how this position of being distinctive and facing opposition actually helps to remind us who we really are:</p> <p><em>“Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin.” </em>– 1 Peter 4:1</p> <p>Choosing to suffer with Jesus (or make sacrifice for Him) is exactly when faith becomes real. It’s easy to “do Christianity” when it is comfortable. At the point when following Jesus becomes truly sacrificial, this can be for many people the decisive moment when His lordship is made clear. If we take a stand against our culture’s values and surrender everything to God, it is then truly apparent (to our culture, to God and to ourselves) that we are serious about our faith. But “taking a stand” here isn’t so much about external actions, like signing petitions or lobbying decision makers in power. Rather, it is for me to have a serious conversation with myself about whether I am going to take up my cross and live for Jesus in a way that is costly.</p> <h3>Unglamorous acts of worship</h3> <p>Such sacrifice is not glamorous and it’s rarely going to win acclaim from those around us. The way of the cross is a quiet, often unnoticed discipline. It should not feed our pride, nor be trying to impress God. But living distinctive lives, where our sacrifice is real to us every day, reassures us that we are truly His. We will be prepared for when hard times come, when opposition is fierce, and when doubts emerge in our own minds. We will already have trodden the path of decisive discipleship. We will look back and see that we chose this narrow path a long time ago, and we will be less inclined to turn back.</p> <p><em>“As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God.”</em> – 1 Peter 4:2</p> <p>Let me be clear that I’m not proposing sacrifice for its own sake. Going on a tough diet or making yourself take cold showers does not make you holy! Indeed, many non-Christians make huge sacrifices for their career, their children, their body image or even to set themselves up for a dream retirement. But these kinds of sacrifices are not what Peter is calling us to here. In Colossians 2:23, the Apostle Paul challenges the value of self-denial as an end in itself: “<em>Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence.</em>” Rather, our sacrificial choices must be acts of worship that align us with our suffering Saviour: “<em>[we] do not live the rest of [our] earthly lives for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God</em>”. The purpose of our sacrifice is all-important: if we sacrifice out of obedience to God, it can transform a decision from one of grim determination into one of joyful service.</p> <p>For the same-sex attracted believer, their sacrifice may become very apparent in their relationship decisions. Some people will sense a call to singleness - their unmarried state will be a constant reminder to them that they are set apart from the world’s insistence upon an active sex life. Instead, their spiritual life comes from their obedient determination to stay sexually pure. Other same-sex attracted people may be able to get married to someone of the opposite sex: often these marriages can be wonderful, albeit not without their challenges. But, even for those who marry according to the biblical definition of marriage, their decision to resist the lure of a same-sex marriage is a reminder to them that they have chosen the narrow way.</p> <h3>Getting off the fence</h3> <p>Sometimes faithful Christians look at the debauchery of the world and think, “They look like they’re having fun. Am I missing out?” But Peter reminds us that we are now to consider those behaviours as being from a past life:</p> <p><em>“For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do - living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry.”</em> - 1 Peter 4:3</p> <p>Do we ever look back on memories of old sin with fondness? If so, we need to take Peter’s words here to heart. Our past lives may have been governed by sensual indulgence. But that was the past life. Indeed, that was a wasted life. Nothing in those behaviours has any lasting value. On the contrary, that old way of living darkened our lives and took us further away from God. The closer we are aligned with the will of God, the more we will see the past life as a waste of time and lose our appetite for it. In contrast, the longer we sit on the fence, and toy with old desires, the more we will taunt ourselves with old passions, and risk returning to the wasted life. If we can not only get off the fence, but walk well away from the fence, then we will increasingly see the old ways of living as consigned to history. We won’t be tempted to peek through the knotholes in the fence at old temptations, and they will increasingly lose their grip on us. Practically speaking, this probably starts with the radical disposal of any objects or contacts that connect us with that past life. But other people may be offended by our choice to abstain from their way of living:</p> <p><em>“They are surprised that you do not join them in their reckless, wild living, and they heap abuse on you.”</em> - 1 Peter 4:4</p> <p>We need to be ready for criticism. Leaving behind “wild living” will certainly stir up surprise. And Peter tells us that people may respond to our withdrawal from these behaviours with abuse, perhaps interpreting our abstinence as being judgemental. We certainly shouldn’t adopt a disapproving posture towards them, but we can’t stop our pure living shining a light on their lives. Indeed, we enjoy fellowship with God when we walk in the light (1 John 1:7). To prepare for inevitable criticism, we need to value God’s favour more than we fear the criticism of the watching world.</p> <h3>The reality of our faith</h3> <p>Do we ever doubt the reality of our faith? How can we convince ourselves that we are true believers and not just superficial ones? After all, Jesus told his disciples that “<em>Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven</em>” (Matt 7:21).</p> <p>In summary, 1 Peter 4:1-4 shows us a way to demonstrate that our faith is real. If we can look back on genuine sacrifices that we have made in our Christian lives, then we can see decisions that only make sense if we have faith in God. We will be encouraged and assured that our faith is real. And as we continue to put distance between our new life and our old “wasted life”, we will know that we are set apart from the world and its ways. Our attitude to costly living need not be a reluctant, self-pitying one. Peter calls us to “<em>arm [ourselves]</em>” (1 Peter 4:1) with Christ’s attitude of embracing sacrifice, because it sets us apart and helps us to know that we are His forever.<br />  </p> <hr /><p>This article was originally published in the Autumn 2023 edition of the TFT magazine, <em>Ascend</em>. Click the button below to download your copy.</p> <p>&#13; <style rel="stylesheet"> <!--/*--><![CDATA[/* ><!--*/ #button-1pzvgkeovjj7{background:#fff;color:#000;border-color:#00599c;} #button-1pzvgkeovjj7:hover{background:#00599c;color:#fff;border-color:#00599c;} /*--><!]]>*/ </style></p><div class="clearfix"></div>&#13; <a href="https://truefreedomtrust.co.uk/sites/default/files/newsletters/2023Q3ascend.pdf" class="gsc-button medium " id="button-1pzvgkeovjj7">&#13; Download the Autumn 2023 edition of Ascend </a> &#13; &#13; </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/field.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'links__node' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * links--node.html.twig x links.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/navigation/links.html.twig' --> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/navigation/links.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--field-post-format--article.html.twig * field--node--field-post-format.html.twig * field--node--article.html.twig * field--field-post-format.html.twig * field--list-string.html.twig x field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/field.html.twig' --> <div class="field field--name-field-post-format field--type-list-string field--label-hidden field__item">Article</div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/field.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--field-post-category--article.html.twig * field--node--field-post-category.html.twig * field--node--article.html.twig * field--field-post-category.html.twig * field--entity-reference.html.twig x field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/field.html.twig' --> <div class="field field--name-field-post-category field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/bible" hreflang="en">Biblical Teaching</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/contentment" hreflang="en">Contentment</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/identity" hreflang="en">Identity</a></div> </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/field.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--field-more-information--article.html.twig * field--node--field-more-information.html.twig * field--node--article.html.twig * field--field-more-information.html.twig * field--text-long.html.twig x field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/field.html.twig' --> <div class="field field--name-field-more-information field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__item"> <p><em>Please note that any external resources below are intended to complement the main answer given above and may not entirely match TFT's position.</em></p> <p>***for FAQs ONLY, replace this text with links to further articles, books, audio and video. Examples below for each media type.</p> <p> </p><div class="widget gsc-icon-box left text-dark">&#13; <div class="highlight-icon"><span class="icon fa fa-link"></span></div>&#13; <div class="highlight_content">&#13; <a href="***URL LINK"> <h4>Living Out article: 'Is it ok to be gay?' '</h4>&#13; </a> <div class="desc">This article (click link above) goes into more of the biblical passages.</div>&#13; &#13; </div>&#13; &#13; </div> &#13; <p> </p><div class="widget gsc-icon-box left text-dark">&#13; <div class="highlight-icon"><span class="icon fa fa-video-camera"></span></div>&#13; <div class="highlight_content">&#13; <a href="***URL LINK"> <h4>ERLC video: 'Is it ok to be gay?' </h4>&#13; </a> <div class="desc">***CHANGE VIEW MODE TO SOURCE HTML AND INSERT SHARED EMBED CODE FROM YOUTUBE HERE, BUT CHANGE WIDTH TO 100% TO MAKE IT MORE RESPONSIVE*** This video sets out some more arguments on the matter.</div>&#13; &#13; </div>&#13; &#13; </div> &#13; <p> </p><div class="widget gsc-icon-box left text-dark">&#13; <div class="highlight-icon"><span class="icon fa fa-headphones"></span></div>&#13; <div class="highlight_content">&#13; <a href="***URL LINK"> <h4>UCB podcast: 'Is it ok to be gay?' </h4>&#13; </a> <div class="desc">This podcast (click link above) details...</div>&#13; &#13; </div>&#13; &#13; </div> &#13; <p> </p><div class="widget gsc-icon-box left text-dark">&#13; <div class="highlight-icon"><span class="icon fa fa-book"></span></div>&#13; <div class="highlight_content">&#13; <a href="***URL LINK"> <h4>IVP book: 'Satisfaction Guaranteed' </h4>&#13; </a> <div class="desc">This book (click link above) details...</div>&#13; &#13; </div>&#13; &#13; </div> &#13; </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/field.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--field-author-information--article.html.twig * field--node--field-author-information.html.twig * field--node--article.html.twig * field--field-author-information.html.twig * field--string.html.twig x field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/field.html.twig' --> <div class="field field--name-field-author-information field--type-string field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item">Written by Stuart</div> </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/field.html.twig' --> Thu, 26 Oct 2023 09:12:12 +0000 Owen 631 at https://truefreedomtrust.co.uk The unrelenting approach of God https://truefreedomtrust.co.uk/unrelenting-approach-god <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--title--article.html.twig x field--node--title.html.twig * field--node--article.html.twig * field--title.html.twig * field--string.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--title.html.twig' --> <span property="schema:name">The unrelenting approach of God</span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--title.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--field-image--article.html.twig * field--node--field-image.html.twig * field--node--article.html.twig * field--field-image.html.twig * field--image.html.twig x field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/field.html.twig' --> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'image_formatter' --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/fields/image-formatter.html.twig' --> <div class="item-image"> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'image' --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/system/templates/image.html.twig' --> <img property="schema:image" loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/articles/normal-peopple-1170-x-330.jpg" alt="planting flowers" typeof="foaf:Image" /> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/system/templates/image.html.twig' --> </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/fields/image-formatter.html.twig' --> </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/field.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--uid--article.html.twig x field--node--uid.html.twig * field--node--article.html.twig * field--uid.html.twig * field--entity-reference.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--uid.html.twig' --> <span rel="schema:author"> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'username' --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/user/templates/username.html.twig' --> <span lang="" about="/user/92" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">Owen</span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/user/templates/username.html.twig' --> </span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--uid.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--created--article.html.twig x field--node--created.html.twig * field--node--article.html.twig * field--created.html.twig * field--created.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--created.html.twig' --> <span property="schema:dateCreated" content="2023-09-08T13:33:40+00:00">Fri, 08/09/2023 - 14:33</span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--created.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--body--article.html.twig * field--node--body.html.twig * field--node--article.html.twig * field--body.html.twig * field--text-with-summary.html.twig x field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/field.html.twig' --> <div property="schema:text" class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"> <p>I thought I might start by laying my cards on the table. I am someone who experiences same-sex attraction and has done since childhood. I am not only attracted to people of the same sex; I am married, and my wife graciously supports me. My desires are rather carnal than romantic. By which I mean, I have never desired a long-term romantic relationship with a man. </p> <p>Given Christ’s teaching on marriage, sex and relationships, as well as the witness of Scripture as a whole, I believe I am called to deny myself in this area, pick up my cross, and carry it. I nevertheless rejoice in Christ’s teaching, believing it be clear and good news for all - no matter our sexuality.<br /> In part or in whole, those two paragraphs may ring true for subscribers to Ascend. However, it is my hope that a few of you will be coming to the issue of faithful, biblical sexuality for the first time, and so  I wanted to lay out my stall up-front, as well as give you permission to be curious, confused, intrigued, relieved or outraged, by that or any of what follows.</p> <p>Now, let’s backtrack. I don’t remember a ‘moment’ when I realised I was same-sex attracted, but I was certainly young, younger than ten I think. At that time, in the late 1990s, the nuanced categories which now enable us to think through and speak about sexuality, both in church and the secular world, just weren’t available to me or my parents. And at that age, I’m not sure I cared.</p> <p>I am an only child. I was brought up in a Christian home by two doting parents who loved the Lord and took me - mostly willingly, but sometimes not - to church every Sunday. I honestly cannot remember having any teaching in church or youth group on the subject of sexuality during my childhood or teenage years, right up to when I turned my back on the Lord aged seventeen. My departure from Him wasn’t directly related to this absence of teaching, or indeed any sense of sexual confusion, though I’m sure that played its part. It was more that I was bored. </p> <p>I was that most worrying of things: a child of Christian parents who knew all the right answers, but didn’t know Jesus. I could turn up to youth group each week, nod along, spew out a line or two about some fancy doctrine, then pop home having got my dose of ‘religion’. That is what I thought following Jesus was all about: clock in/clock out, know enough of the Bible, and do enough good during the week to put a smile on God’s face. Instead of living in the grace of the gospel of Jesus Christ, I was living with the burden of religion. Of course, I ended up abandoning it.</p> <p>My parents were naturally disappointed, but incredibly gracious at the same time. No demands or threats were made. No insistence that I get out of bed at once and get dressed and get in the car because it was Sunday. They knew I couldn’t piggy-back off their faith in Jesus. If I was to have a true, saving faith it must be mine, and mine alone.</p> <p> </p><div class="widget gsc-quote-text no-border" style="background:#59adc4;">&#13; <div class="widget-content">&#13; <div class="content" style="color:#fff;"><i style="color:#fff;" class="icon fa fa-quote-left"></i>The call to Christian discipleship is radical and life-giving </div>&#13; </div>&#13; </div> &#13; <p>I wasn’t an atheist. I was a pretty reluctant agnostic, looking back on it. I was just really annoyed that God existed because I knew that meant He had an ultimate claim on my life, love and affections, which at that age, I was determined to pour into other things. As a teen, my inner world was a shut-up shop; nothing more so than my same-sex attraction. I wanted to put my fingers in my ears and live a life without God. And so, in His providential kindness, He gave me the life I wanted and let me go.</p> <p>The decade that followed became steadily chaotic. My sixth form and university years, as well as the best part of my twenties, were spent in a drink and drug induced haze (which was frequently a lot more fun than even now I’m willing to admit). Drink and drugs were a useful tool. They helped buffer my sensitive and insecure heart against a brash, self-obsessed culture that demanded I only need look within to find my truest identity, while also shielding friends, family and the few women I dated/slept with from ever getting too close. I didn’t know who I was. And despite all my efforts to prevent it from ever happening, my deepest longing was to be fully known by another.<br /> Some friends came out as bisexual post university and their stories were often familiar: the shame of keeping their sexuality secret; the fear of telling friends; the fear of rejection by parents and family; the longing for acceptance; the ache for peace - it all hit very close to home. I wondered if I would ever display the courage my friends had and confess my secret. </p> <p>Or whether giving my attractions the appropriate cultural label and leaning into them would bring me the deep rest for which I was yearning.As 2018 drew to a close, I had put a rebellious and damaging decade firmly behind me. I was sober and living in a lovely new-build flat in south London with a great flatmate and a job in publishing I enjoyed. There was a lot going for me. But reflecting on the months in early 2019 that led up to the events described below, I realise I had become powerfully skilled at self-deception. I was not alright. The decades long shame I felt at my sexuality had grown overwhelming. I was desperately lonely. Foolishly, I had placed on my sobriety the burden of delivering deep psychic and emotional stability. But it hadn’t. I had asked the same from my work in publishing, which I adored. That too rang hollow. As did independence and dating and everything else in my life.</p> <p>Then one cool May evening in 2019, as I was sitting reading “Normal People” by Sally Rooney (ironically a book about lost and sexually broken - but also whiny - young people), in my armchair in my flat in south London, Jesus showed up.</p> <p>In “Surprised by Joy”, C. S. Lewis’s autobiography of his early life, he describes his conversion: “You must picture me alone in that room in Magdalen, night after night, feeling, whenever my mind lifted even for a second from my work, the steady, unrelenting approach of Him whom I so earnestly desired not to meet. That which I greatly feared had at last come upon me. In the Trinity Term of 1929 I gave in, and admitted that God was God, and knelt and prayed: perhaps, that night, the most dejected and reluctant convert in all England”.</p> <p>That same ‘unrelenting approach’ stalked me every single day in early 2019. I couldn’t wake, sleep, eat, shower, cook, sit, read, talk, watch, listen or laugh without sensing the almost physical presence of the One I had abandoned over a decade earlier. This all climaxed in my room that May evening when, looking up from my book and placing it with care on the armrest next to me, I turned my gaze back to the wall, ‘admitted that God was God’, and wept.</p> <p>As I began my Christian walk in the months that followed, I knew that Jesus’ call to discipleship would, and had to, affect every aspect of my life, including my sexuality. Jesus doesn’t ask permission to come into the house of your heart to re-pot a few plants, re-paint a few rooms, and re-arrange the tatty furniture. He arrives with a wrecking ball to demolish what wasn’t His and to begin construction of a palace fit only for Himself.</p> <p>Four years have now passed and much has changed: marriage, a call to ministry and reconciling with family and friends are just a few works of the gospel’s grace in my life. Of course, my same-sex attraction remains, and I suspect it always will. Discipleship in this area of my life looks like any other: as Jesus’ disciple the only identity that matters now, and will matter on the final day, is my identity in Him. I believe He has spoken clearly in Scripture on this matter, and it is my call to deny myself, pick up my cross daily and follow Him, being enabled with all the grace He so lovingly supplies by the Spirit.</p> <p>As I continue to work out the implications of following Jesus for my same-sex attraction, as well as each and every other aspect of my life, I am made aware of how radical and life-giving the call to Christian discipleship is. Our culture places an unbearable burden on men, women and increasingly children, by calling them to look within and make whatever they find there constitutive of who they most truly and uniquely are. As a Christian, I am so thankful I am called to something greater. </p> <p>My same-sex attractions are part of my story, certainly, but not my identity. The foundation of my identity is Christ and His work on the cross. Nothing more, nothing less. My identity lies not within myself, but without. With another. And because of that it cannot be shaken. It lies utterly secure. It lies nestled in the heart of Him who gave Himself in my place on the cross, who bore the punishment my sin deserved, who called me while I was wandering and still far off, who came running towards me beaming, with open arms thrown wide. He swept me up as a little child on that cool May evening in south London, as I wept at my foolishness for ever abandoning such a tender and loving Saviour.</p> <hr /><p>This article was originally published in the Summer 2023 edition of the TFT magazine, <em>Ascend</em>. Click the button below to download your copy.</p> <p>&#13; <style rel="stylesheet"> <!--/*--><![CDATA[/* ><!--*/ #button-cghlbet2jvnx{background:#fff;color:#000;border-color:#00599c;} #button-cghlbet2jvnx:hover{background:#00599c;color:#fff;border-color:#00599c;} /*--><!]]>*/ </style></p><div class="clearfix"></div>&#13; <a href="https://truefreedomtrust.co.uk/sites/default/files/newsletters/2023Q2ascend.pdf" class="gsc-button medium " id="button-cghlbet2jvnx">&#13; Download the Summer 2023 edition of Ascend </a> &#13; &#13; </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/field.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'links__node' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * links--node.html.twig x links.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/navigation/links.html.twig' --> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/navigation/links.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--field-post-format--article.html.twig * field--node--field-post-format.html.twig * field--node--article.html.twig * field--field-post-format.html.twig * field--list-string.html.twig x field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/field.html.twig' --> <div class="field field--name-field-post-format field--type-list-string field--label-hidden field__item">Personal Story</div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/field.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--field-post-category--article.html.twig * field--node--field-post-category.html.twig * field--node--article.html.twig * field--field-post-category.html.twig * field--entity-reference.html.twig x field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/field.html.twig' --> <div class="field field--name-field-post-category field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/contentment" hreflang="en">Contentment</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/identity" hreflang="en">Identity</a></div> </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/field.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--field-more-information--article.html.twig * field--node--field-more-information.html.twig * field--node--article.html.twig * field--field-more-information.html.twig * field--text-long.html.twig x field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/field.html.twig' --> <div class="field field--name-field-more-information field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__item"> <p><em>Please note that any external resources below are intended to complement the main answer given above and may not entirely match TFT's position.</em></p> <p>***for FAQs ONLY, replace this text with links to further articles, books, audio and video. Examples below for each media type.</p> <p> </p><div class="widget gsc-icon-box left text-dark">&#13; <div class="highlight-icon"><span class="icon fa fa-link"></span></div>&#13; <div class="highlight_content">&#13; <a href="***URL LINK"> <h4>Living Out article: 'Is it ok to be gay?' '</h4>&#13; </a> <div class="desc">This article (click link above) goes into more of the biblical passages.</div>&#13; &#13; </div>&#13; &#13; </div> &#13; <p> </p><div class="widget gsc-icon-box left text-dark">&#13; <div class="highlight-icon"><span class="icon fa fa-video-camera"></span></div>&#13; <div class="highlight_content">&#13; <a href="***URL LINK"> <h4>ERLC video: 'Is it ok to be gay?' </h4>&#13; </a> <div class="desc">***CHANGE VIEW MODE TO SOURCE HTML AND INSERT SHARED EMBED CODE FROM YOUTUBE HERE, BUT CHANGE WIDTH TO 100% TO MAKE IT MORE RESPONSIVE*** This video sets out some more arguments on the matter.</div>&#13; &#13; </div>&#13; &#13; </div> &#13; <p> </p><div class="widget gsc-icon-box left text-dark">&#13; <div class="highlight-icon"><span class="icon fa fa-headphones"></span></div>&#13; <div class="highlight_content">&#13; <a href="***URL LINK"> <h4>UCB podcast: 'Is it ok to be gay?' </h4>&#13; </a> <div class="desc">This podcast (click link above) details...</div>&#13; &#13; </div>&#13; &#13; </div> &#13; <p> </p><div class="widget gsc-icon-box left text-dark">&#13; <div class="highlight-icon"><span class="icon fa fa-book"></span></div>&#13; <div class="highlight_content">&#13; <a href="***URL LINK"> <h4>IVP book: 'Satisfaction Guaranteed' </h4>&#13; </a> <div class="desc">This book (click link above) details...</div>&#13; &#13; </div>&#13; &#13; </div> &#13; </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/field.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--field-author-information--article.html.twig * field--node--field-author-information.html.twig * field--node--article.html.twig * field--field-author-information.html.twig * field--string.html.twig x field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/field.html.twig' --> <div class="field field--name-field-author-information field--type-string field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item">Written by Jonathan</div> </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/field.html.twig' --> Fri, 08 Sep 2023 13:33:40 +0000 Owen 626 at https://truefreedomtrust.co.uk How God set me free https://truefreedomtrust.co.uk/how-god-set-me-free <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--title--article.html.twig x field--node--title.html.twig * field--node--article.html.twig * field--title.html.twig * field--string.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--title.html.twig' --> <span property="schema:name">How God set me free</span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--title.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--field-image--article.html.twig * field--node--field-image.html.twig * field--node--article.html.twig * field--field-image.html.twig * field--image.html.twig x field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/field.html.twig' --> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'image_formatter' --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/fields/image-formatter.html.twig' --> <div class="item-image"> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'image' --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/system/templates/image.html.twig' --> <img property="schema:image" loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/articles/god-set-me-free-1170-x330.jpg" alt="bird cage" typeof="foaf:Image" /> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/system/templates/image.html.twig' --> </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/fields/image-formatter.html.twig' --> </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/field.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--uid--article.html.twig x field--node--uid.html.twig * field--node--article.html.twig * field--uid.html.twig * field--entity-reference.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--uid.html.twig' --> <span rel="schema:author"> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'username' --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/user/templates/username.html.twig' --> <span lang="" about="/user/92" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">Owen</span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/user/templates/username.html.twig' --> </span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--uid.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--created--article.html.twig x field--node--created.html.twig * field--node--article.html.twig * field--created.html.twig * field--created.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--created.html.twig' --> <span property="schema:dateCreated" content="2023-06-14T12:24:37+00:00">Wed, 14/06/2023 - 13:24</span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--created.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--body--article.html.twig * field--node--body.html.twig * field--node--article.html.twig * field--body.html.twig * field--text-with-summary.html.twig x field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/field.html.twig' --> <div property="schema:text" class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"> <p>In my late teens, I adopted a stray budgie that had flown in through my next door neighbour’s window and landed on his head whilst he was asleep. After trying unsuccessfully to locate the owner of the bird, I kept the budgie, naming it Wally (after the neighbour), not knowing that it was actually a female! Uneasy with keeping birds in cages, I left Wally’s cage door open for her to come and go as she pleased. She loved to have a fly around the room, but always returned to her cage after her excursions. I was fascinated by the fact that every day, she chose to return to captivity, even though in the natural world she would be a wild bird, free to fly anywhere she pleased.</p> <p>As a same sex attracted female, now married to my husband for thirty three years, I have often felt like Wally the budgie; as a Christian, I am set free from the bondage of sin, and yet time and time again I have returned to the ‘cage’ of secret fantasies and desires, never enjoying true freedom. I loved verses in the Bible that speak of a believer’s freedom in Christ (e.g. ‘So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.’ John 8:36) but deep down, I knew that I wasn’t really experiencing that kind of freedom. </p> <p> </p><div class="widget gsc-quote-text no-border" style="background:#59adc4;">&#13; <div class="widget-content">&#13; <div class="content" style="color:#fff;"><i style="color:#fff;" class="icon fa fa-quote-left"></i> As a Christian, I am set free from sin  </div>&#13; </div>&#13; </div> &#13; <p>From a very young age, I had lived in a fantasy world, probably using my thought life as an escape from reality. Even as young as 4 or 5, I remember fantasising that I was a man, always the hero in my dreams, rescuing a distressed female. As I became a teenager, the fantasies became romantic with me and any girl or woman that I happened to have a crush on at the time. And then entering adulthood, these thoughts became sexualised and felt more dangerous as the line between fantasy and reality was becoming blurred. I think I must have set up some kind of neural pathways in my brain from a very young age, so that my brain became programmed to need fantasy and escape on a daily basis.</p> <p>As I approached my fiftieth birthday in 2019, I became particularly distressed about my inner life not matching up to my outward Christian appearance, and I became desperate for change. My family and I attend the Summer New Wine conference each year, and this particular year, my husband and I went forward in response to a great talk to make a deeper commitment in our ministry. As we stepped forward to the front, a woman came bounding up to us and started to speak words from God about our ministry, prophesying into various situations and hurts that we had experienced as church leaders. She then noticed my name badge and said that the name Catherine means pure, and that God sees me as His pure daughter. As she said these words, I found myself screaming very loudly. (Just as a side note, I do not usually do things like this and feel uncomfortable when people scream or yell in church gatherings, so I was just as shocked as everyone else at the noise that came out of my mouth!) My legs then felt very weak and I had to get to the floor. I remember being in a position as if giving birth, and taking lots of deep breaths. All I could think was that I could trust God, whatever He may be doing to me, and so I wanted to breathe in as much of the Holy Spirit as I could. Another lady then came up to me and said that God was doing a new thing in me and that it was a time of new birth. I don’t know how long I was on the floor, but afterwards, I was unable to walk properly for a good half hour.<br /> So what on earth was God doing to me and in me? At the time, I had no idea what was happening, but it felt very freeing, whatever it was. For a few months after this, I didn’t have a single sexual thought or desire. </p> <p>Surely God hadn’t taken away all my sexual desires?! But after a few months, thoughts started to return, but I was able to fight them. I didn’t actually want them anymore, but just longed for the presence of God that I had felt so tangibly at New Wine. I haven’t been perfect since; there have been a couple of occasions when I let fantasies control my mind again, and I have also found that my attractions are still towards females. But what has changed is that I am not controlled by my desires or thoughts anymore. I feel free at last! And because I am experiencing true freedom, I feel much more confident in sharing the Gospel with others now, as I truly believe in and am experiencing the freedom that Jesus promises to His believers. I know that He can do for others what He has done for me. I am also able to look people in the eye now, without the feeling that I am hiding something all the time. And the ‘new birth’ that was spoken over me at New Wine has included a much deeper involvement with TFT. Lockdown made it so much easier for me to join meetings as everything went online, and I am gradually being drawn in to being part of this ministry which I am really excited about.</p> <p>I know we will not experience perfection this side of Heaven, but I do believe that it should be every believer’s experience to be truly free. God deals with each of us differently, and so freedom won’t look the same for each of us, and we don’t have to scream loudly and lie on the floor to experience it. He will deal with us in whatever way we need, and we can trust Him completely to take us on a journey that leads us out of the cage and to being ‘free indeed’.</p> <hr /><p>This article was originally published in the Summer 2023 edition of the TFT magazine, <em>Ascend</em>. Click the button below to download your copy.</p> <p>&#13; <style rel="stylesheet"> <!--/*--><![CDATA[/* ><!--*/ #button-mglzb9h1hudc{background:#fff;color:#000;border-color:#00599c;} #button-mglzb9h1hudc:hover{background:#00599c;color:#fff;border-color:#00599c;} /*--><!]]>*/ </style></p><div class="clearfix"></div>&#13; <a href="https://truefreedomtrust.co.uk/sites/default/files/newsletters/2023Q2ascend.pdf" class="gsc-button medium " id="button-mglzb9h1hudc">&#13; Download the Summer 2023 edition of Ascend </a> &#13; &#13; <p>To give space to discuss certain articles in greater depth, the TFT staff team will be recording occasional podcasts under the banner “Ascend Higher”, covering the issues raised in a more conversational style. To hear it for yourself, you can use the audio player below.</p> <iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1526276887&amp;color=%23ff5500&amp;auto_play=false&amp;hide_related=false&amp;show_comments=true&amp;show_user=true&amp;show_reposts=false&amp;show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/true-freedom-trust" title="True Freedom Trust" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">True Freedom Trust</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/true-freedom-trust/ascend-higher-episode-13-how-god-set-me-free" title="Ascend Higher Episode 13 - How God Set me Free" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Ascend Higher Episode 13 - How God Set me Free</a></div> </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/field.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'links__node' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * links--node.html.twig x links.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/navigation/links.html.twig' --> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/navigation/links.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--field-post-format--article.html.twig * field--node--field-post-format.html.twig * field--node--article.html.twig * field--field-post-format.html.twig * field--list-string.html.twig x field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/field.html.twig' --> <div class="field field--name-field-post-format field--type-list-string field--label-hidden field__item">Ascend Higher</div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/field.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--field-post-category--article.html.twig * field--node--field-post-category.html.twig * field--node--article.html.twig * field--field-post-category.html.twig * field--entity-reference.html.twig x field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/field.html.twig' --> <div class="field field--name-field-post-category field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/accountability" hreflang="en">Accountability</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/contentment" hreflang="en">Contentment</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/self-control" hreflang="en">Self Control</a></div> </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/field.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--field-more-information--article.html.twig * field--node--field-more-information.html.twig * field--node--article.html.twig * field--field-more-information.html.twig * field--text-long.html.twig x field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/field.html.twig' --> <div class="field field--name-field-more-information field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__item"> <p><em>Please note that any external resources below are intended to complement the main answer given above and may not entirely match TFT's position.</em></p> <p>***for FAQs ONLY, replace this text with links to further articles, books, audio and video. Examples below for each media type.</p> <p> </p><div class="widget gsc-icon-box left text-dark">&#13; <div class="highlight-icon"><span class="icon fa fa-link"></span></div>&#13; <div class="highlight_content">&#13; <a href="***URL LINK"> <h4>Living Out article: 'Is it ok to be gay?' '</h4>&#13; </a> <div class="desc">This article (click link above) goes into more of the biblical passages.</div>&#13; &#13; </div>&#13; &#13; </div> &#13; <p> </p><div class="widget gsc-icon-box left text-dark">&#13; <div class="highlight-icon"><span class="icon fa fa-video-camera"></span></div>&#13; <div class="highlight_content">&#13; <a href="***URL LINK"> <h4>ERLC video: 'Is it ok to be gay?' </h4>&#13; </a> <div class="desc">***CHANGE VIEW MODE TO SOURCE HTML AND INSERT SHARED EMBED CODE FROM YOUTUBE HERE, BUT CHANGE WIDTH TO 100% TO MAKE IT MORE RESPONSIVE*** This video sets out some more arguments on the matter.</div>&#13; &#13; </div>&#13; &#13; </div> &#13; <p> </p><div class="widget gsc-icon-box left text-dark">&#13; <div class="highlight-icon"><span class="icon fa fa-headphones"></span></div>&#13; <div class="highlight_content">&#13; <a href="***URL LINK"> <h4>UCB podcast: 'Is it ok to be gay?' </h4>&#13; </a> <div class="desc">This podcast (click link above) details...</div>&#13; &#13; </div>&#13; &#13; </div> &#13; <p> </p><div class="widget gsc-icon-box left text-dark">&#13; <div class="highlight-icon"><span class="icon fa fa-book"></span></div>&#13; <div class="highlight_content">&#13; <a href="***URL LINK"> <h4>IVP book: 'Satisfaction Guaranteed' </h4>&#13; </a> <div class="desc">This book (click link above) details...</div>&#13; &#13; </div>&#13; &#13; </div> &#13; </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/field.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--field-author-information--article.html.twig * field--node--field-author-information.html.twig * field--node--article.html.twig * field--field-author-information.html.twig * field--string.html.twig x field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/field.html.twig' --> <div class="field field--name-field-author-information field--type-string field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item">Written by Catherine</div> </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/field.html.twig' --> Wed, 14 Jun 2023 12:24:37 +0000 Owen 619 at https://truefreedomtrust.co.uk "Now I know I was born in the right body" https://truefreedomtrust.co.uk/now-i-know-i-was-born-right-body <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--title--article.html.twig x field--node--title.html.twig * field--node--article.html.twig * field--title.html.twig * field--string.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--title.html.twig' --> <span property="schema:name">&quot;Now I know I was born in the right body&quot;</span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--title.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--field-image--article.html.twig * field--node--field-image.html.twig * field--node--article.html.twig * field--field-image.html.twig * field--image.html.twig x field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/field.html.twig' --> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'image_formatter' --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/fields/image-formatter.html.twig' --> <div class="item-image"> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'image' --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/system/templates/image.html.twig' --> <img property="schema:image" loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/articles/sophie-1170-x-330.jpg" alt="family " typeof="foaf:Image" /> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/system/templates/image.html.twig' --> </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/fields/image-formatter.html.twig' --> </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/field.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--uid--article.html.twig x field--node--uid.html.twig * field--node--article.html.twig * field--uid.html.twig * field--entity-reference.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--uid.html.twig' --> <span rel="schema:author"> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'username' --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/user/templates/username.html.twig' --> <span lang="" about="/user/92" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">Owen</span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/user/templates/username.html.twig' --> </span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--uid.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--created--article.html.twig x field--node--created.html.twig * field--node--article.html.twig * field--created.html.twig * field--created.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--created.html.twig' --> <span property="schema:dateCreated" content="2023-05-29T11:42:01+00:00">Mon, 29/05/2023 - 12:42</span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--created.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--body--article.html.twig * field--node--body.html.twig * field--node--article.html.twig * field--body.html.twig * field--text-with-summary.html.twig x field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/field.html.twig' --> <div property="schema:text" class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"> <p>The boy was looking at me like I was crazy. I can still see his face, bemused and laced with disdain.<br /> “Why are you answering? You’re a girl!” It was a primary school assembly and the teacher had just asked a question, specifically directed at the boys, to which I had responded effusively. The boy’s words doused me like a bucket of icy water.<br /> “Oh yes,” I remembered with a start, “I’m a girl.”<br /> That was the first time I realised that despite being female, I’d assumed I was male. And it was not to be the last.</p> <p>Most children, or so I’ve gathered, know what sex they are, but I required regular reminders. It's not that I longed to be a boy, or told people, "I'm a boy," I just assumed I was. And I can’t remember a time before it.</p> <p> </p><div class="widget gsc-quote-text no-border" style="background:#59adc4;">&#13; <div class="widget-content">&#13; <div class="content" style="color:#fff;"><i style="color:#fff;" class="icon fa fa-quote-left"></i> I was in no-man’s-land; I was isolated from the girls and not accepted by the boys </div>&#13; </div>&#13; </div> &#13; <h3>Childhood memories</h3> <p>From the earliest age, girls seemed foreign to me. I wanted to play games like ‘Escape from the Stampede’ (heavily inspired by The Lion King, it must be said), but the girls were not interested. In fact, they didn’t seem to want to play games at all. They just wanted to talk - a more boring use of my time I could not possibly imagine! The boys didn’t want to talk; they wanted to play games, pretend to fight bad guys and run up and down the hill… just like me. It was as though the girls spoke a different language, but the boys spoke a language I understood. It was easy to assume I was one of them. However, reality would often bite back. Feeling, as I did, this kinship with the boys, I would attempt to join in their football games, but they would reject me outright for being a girl. When assailed by the truth of my sex, I never insisted that I was a boy - the physiological evidence to the contrary was undeniable, even to a five-year-old.</p> <h3> Female disassociation </h3> <p>So, there I was in no-man’s-land; I was isolated from the girls and not accepted by the boys. I played on my own. I never blamed the boys. I knew they were right - I was indeed a girl. I didn’t have a leg to stand on. As for the girls, I’m afraid I was less charitable. I suppose I blamed them for the annoying female norms that thrust themselves upon me in my everyday life. For example, when toys were handed out, I would get given the Barbie, my brother, the Action Man. This exasperated me no end. What does Barbie even do? She stands around with a hairbrush and a mirror. Meanwhile, Action Man is abseiling, hang-gliding and launching missiles. It was obvious to me which toy was superior, but incredibly, a lot of the girls seemed to prefer Barbie! The recognition of such a pattern, over time, bred in me a kind of contempt for girls and women. I judged them to be vacuous, vain and dull. When something would come along to remind me I was female, I would always feel deflated - as though I’d been rudely awoken from a wonderful dream. As I got older, I strove to disassociate myself from anything that was considered feminine.</p> <h3>Teenage rebellion</h3> <p>As soon as I was old enough to choose my clothes, I refused point blank to wear skirts or dresses. I remember my poor mum pleading with me to wear something nice for my grandparents’ big anniversary party. She did not win. The grainy old home video shows a black tie event with a teenage girl in blue Adidas jogging bottoms. As a teenager, I paid zero attention to my physical appearance. Despite my mother’s entreaties, I refused to wash or brush my hair. I did not care that it was a matted, knotty mess. Eventually, when it had reached the status of legitimate health hazard, she gave me an ultimatum. Wash your hair or I will cut it all off. I didn’t think she’d follow through on her threat. She did.</p> <p>My masculine appearance contributed to several instances during my teenage years where I was mistaken for a boy. Most embarrassingly, our deputy headteacher once called upon me in front of the entire class to run an errand, addressing me as ‘young man’ - to much harsh laughter from the boys.</p> <p>It is a strange thing, when I consider it, that as a child I should at once have felt pain upon being reminded I was female and shame upon being taken as male. What was wrong with me? I carried a sense, deep down, that I was defective.</p> <h3>Gender dysphoria</h3> <p>I completed sixth form college and went on to study Media at the University of Sussex in Brighton. Around this time, I started noticing the fact that my body had changed (better 5 years late than never!) When trying on clothes, my body was a constant reminder of my femaleness, so I relaxed my rigid dress code and allowed some skirts and dresses into my wardrobe. Nevertheless, my default perception of myself changed little. I drifted through life thinking that I was male and, what’s more, that other people saw me as male. During the times where I was aware of my ‘femaleness,’ envy would often flare up within. I would dwell - sometimes with bitterness - on how much better my life would be were I a man. In short, I flitted between thinking I was a man and wanting to be one. The medical label for this condition is gender dysphoria, which is defined as ‘The persistent distress and discomfort with one’s biological sex.’</p> <h3>Work life</h3> <p>While this was indeed the case, I do not wish to portray my life as miserable. Overall, I was very happy. After all, there are not too many instances in daily life where one’s sex comes into play, and even when it did, I was used to the feelings such incidents brought up. After university, I got a job working for my church as a video editor and there I stayed for several years with very little change in my thoughts about myself.</p> <p>At 25, I cut all my hair off, only this time (apparently) it was chic! Pixie cuts were all the rage. My colleagues at work cooed over me and said that some lipstick would complement my new look. So, at lunchtime, they took me down to Boots and bought me some red lippie. I was not used to wearing makeup and as they applied it, I felt like a clown. I distinctly remember walking home from work that day with a strong sense of shame. My eyes darted around, paranoid. When walking past strangers, I expected them to stop and stare at me, as I felt like a man in drag. Then I remembered I was not in fact a man and what they saw when they looked at me was a woman wearing lipstick, which, after all, was not out of the ordinary. Twenty years had passed since that first incident in school assembly, yet still I was experiencing those pin pricks reminders that I was not the sex I thought I was.</p> <h3> Autism diagnosis</h3> <p>Around the same time, following a build-up of problems in other areas of my life, I sought an autism diagnosis. I’d suspected for a long time that I was on the spectrum. Looking back, I didn’t actually understand autism amazingly well, but I knew enough about it to recognise several of its key symptoms. After an uncharacteristically short time on the NHS waiting list, I received a formal diagnosis for Autism Spectrum Disorder. The clinician who diagnosed me described me as ‘an open and shut case of an adult female with autism.’</p> <p>As I looked into my new condition, I discovered more about how autism affects the brain. There isn’t time enough to go into the neurology here, but very long story short, it is clear from the scientific literature that the autistic brain resembles an exaggerated version of the typical male brain. I am not referring to stereotypes here, but to the scientifically proven cognitive distinctions that characterise the way most men think. To most people, the fact that men and women think differently (in general) is self-evident, but if you are interested in the science, I would recommend ‘The Essential Difference’ by Professor Simon Baron-Cohen. Anyway, as I was saying, the autistic brain has been described as hyper-masculine. Hearing this changed everything for me. It became clear to me why I had related so much to the boys, while the girls had seemed so alien. And the answer was not that I was male. Nor was I defective. I was autistic. I was not outside the category of female, I was just a rarer type of female. This realisation allowed me, gradually, to see myself as female. Essentially, I let myself into the club from which I’d always rejected myself, and at which I had always looked with derision. </p> <h3>Sharing with others</h3> <p>The acceptance of myself as female did not happen overnight. Rather, it unfolded slowly over a matter of years. In fact, it was several years after my diagnosis of autism that I dared even to tell anyone about my struggle with gender dysphoria. In the end, it was my dear friend Ruth in whom I confided. Perhaps ‘confided’ is not the most accurate word. In fact, I bawled my eyes out to her for several hours in a stairwell. Good times. This first moment of honesty opened the door to many years of pastoral conversations with elders, friends and fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. At every step, I was met with compassion and a listening ear. But true love sometimes hurts. On one occasion, I was complaining to my elder, Stephen, that women were boring and vain. To my surprise, he pointed out that I was being sexist and advised me to repent. He was right. The vision of ‘woman’ that I had been holding in my mind was an amalgamation of the worst excesses of the most vapid and mindless women I had come across in my life. I had conflated all women with ‘her’, somehow managing to dismiss the myriad women I’d met who did not fit that mould - women who were funny, sharp and principled. I repented immediately. </p> <p> </p><div class="widget gsc-quote-text no-border" style="background:#59adc4;">&#13; <div class="widget-content">&#13; <div class="content" style="color:#fff;"><i style="color:#fff;" class="icon fa fa-quote-left"></i> I was not outside the category of female - I was just a rarer type of female </div>&#13; </div>&#13; </div> &#13; <p>This propensity to look at a complex set of data and come to overly simplistic conclusions is another facet of the autistic mind. Autistic people are notorious for their aversion to change and instability. We need to know exactly where we are in order to feel safe. Nuance and subtlety, therefore, are the autistic person’s natural enemies. I believe this black and white style of thinking was another contributing factor to my gender dysphoria. When I noticed, at a young age, that I differed from my female peers, I could not deal with the complexity of a sliding scale of personality types ranging from feminine to masculine. Instead, I saw only two categories: girls and boys. Subconsciously, I must have thought: ‘I clearly do not fit in with the girls. Therefore, I must be a boy.’ </p> <h3>Girls identifying as boys</h3> <p>I was diagnosed with autism in 2015, and for the last couple of years, I can honestly say I have not found myself thinking I am a man. I am at home with the fact I am a woman. That’s not to say that I don’t sometimes get frustrated by the hurdles that come with womanhood, but I have accepted that being a sex - either sex - comes with challenges. There are many expectations and burdens placed upon men with which I will never have to contend. I try to be mindful of that on the odd occasion when I find myself lamenting that the grass is greener on the other side of the fence. But at least now I know which side I am on. What’s more, I find myself gazing over that fence less and less often.</p> <p>Yes, things are much better for me now, yet, as I look at the current narrative about gender, I am deeply concerned. The number of girls identifying as transgender (and seeking medical intervention as a result) has absolutely skyrocketed over the last few years - and studies have shown that a huge proportion of these girls are autistic. I worry for them. It took me a long time to process who I was and introduce some nuance to my rigid convictions about the world. How much harder must it be for modern teenagers who are constantly being told that whether they are a boy or a girl is dictated by their feelings rather than their physiology? I wrestled with my identity, but I always knew this to be true:<br /><em>“You are a girl whose mind causes a disconnection from that reality.”</em><br /> Never was I told the lie that girls are now being told:<br /><em>“You are a boy whose body causes a disconnection from that reality.”</em></p> <p>I am so grateful to God that I was shielded from this poisonous idea. It meant that in seeking a solution to my problem, I knew my mind had to be brought into alignment with my body. I was not charmed by the horrific solution offered by today’s activists: ‘Bring your body into alignment with your mind… even if it means getting a hysterectomy.’ I shudder to think that, had this ideology been around when I was a teenager, I would probably be sitting here right now with an irreversibly mutilated body and a whole reservoir of regret.</p> <p>It is important to say that gender dysphoria is not always caused by autism. It can be felt by anyone who does not naturally conform to conventional gender stereotypes. Other factors such as the disturbing onset of puberty, the terrifying expectations thrust upon them by pornography, as well as various mental health conditions, can cause adolescent girls in particular to see the rejection of their sex as a means of escape.</p> <h3>At peace</h3> <p>But autism is my story. The very first time that I sat down to discuss my dysphoria with Stephen and his wife, after several hours of weeping had passed and the shame was still raw, I said to them, “I have a feeling that, sometime in the future, God is going to use my story to help other people.” I believe that, by the grace of God, that time is now. I am determined to speak up about this issue, trusting as I do that it is God’s desire that all his children be at peace with the way He’s made them to be.</p> <hr /><p>This article was originally published in the Spring 2023 edition of the TFT magazine, <em>Ascend</em>. Click the button below to download your copy.</p> <p>&#13; <style rel="stylesheet"> <!--/*--><![CDATA[/* ><!--*/ #button-eecqf7ko3470{background:#fff;color:#000;border-color:#00599c;} #button-eecqf7ko3470:hover{background:#00599c;color:#fff;border-color:#00599c;} /*--><!]]>*/ </style></p><div class="clearfix"></div>&#13; <a href="https://truefreedomtrust.co.uk/sites/default/files/newsletters/2023Q1ascend.pdf" class="gsc-button medium " id="button-eecqf7ko3470">&#13; Download the Spring 2023 edition of Ascend </a> &#13; &#13; </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/field.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'links__node' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * links--node.html.twig x links.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/navigation/links.html.twig' --> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/navigation/links.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--field-post-format--article.html.twig * field--node--field-post-format.html.twig * field--node--article.html.twig * field--field-post-format.html.twig * field--list-string.html.twig x field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/field.html.twig' --> <div class="field field--name-field-post-format field--type-list-string field--label-hidden field__item">Personal Story</div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/field.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--field-post-category--article.html.twig * field--node--field-post-category.html.twig * field--node--article.html.twig * field--field-post-category.html.twig * field--entity-reference.html.twig x field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/field.html.twig' --> <div class="field field--name-field-post-category field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/contentment" hreflang="en">Contentment</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/gender-identity" hreflang="en">Gender Identity</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/identity" hreflang="en">Identity</a></div> </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/field.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--field-more-information--article.html.twig * field--node--field-more-information.html.twig * field--node--article.html.twig * field--field-more-information.html.twig * field--text-long.html.twig x field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/field.html.twig' --> <div class="field field--name-field-more-information field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__item"> <p><em>Please note that any external resources below are intended to complement the main answer given above and may not entirely match TFT's position.</em></p> <p>***for FAQs ONLY, replace this text with links to further articles, books, audio and video. Examples below for each media type.</p> <p> </p><div class="widget gsc-icon-box left text-dark">&#13; <div class="highlight-icon"><span class="icon fa fa-link"></span></div>&#13; <div class="highlight_content">&#13; <a href="***URL LINK"> <h4>Living Out article: 'Is it ok to be gay?' '</h4>&#13; </a> <div class="desc">This article (click link above) goes into more of the biblical passages.</div>&#13; &#13; </div>&#13; &#13; </div> &#13; <p> </p><div class="widget gsc-icon-box left text-dark">&#13; <div class="highlight-icon"><span class="icon fa fa-video-camera"></span></div>&#13; <div class="highlight_content">&#13; <a href="***URL LINK"> <h4>ERLC video: 'Is it ok to be gay?' </h4>&#13; </a> <div class="desc">***CHANGE VIEW MODE TO SOURCE HTML AND INSERT SHARED EMBED CODE FROM YOUTUBE HERE, BUT CHANGE WIDTH TO 100% TO MAKE IT MORE RESPONSIVE*** This video sets out some more arguments on the matter.</div>&#13; &#13; </div>&#13; &#13; </div> &#13; <p> </p><div class="widget gsc-icon-box left text-dark">&#13; <div class="highlight-icon"><span class="icon fa fa-headphones"></span></div>&#13; <div class="highlight_content">&#13; <a href="***URL LINK"> <h4>UCB podcast: 'Is it ok to be gay?' </h4>&#13; </a> <div class="desc">This podcast (click link above) details...</div>&#13; &#13; </div>&#13; &#13; </div> &#13; <p> </p><div class="widget gsc-icon-box left text-dark">&#13; <div class="highlight-icon"><span class="icon fa fa-book"></span></div>&#13; <div class="highlight_content">&#13; <a href="***URL LINK"> <h4>IVP book: 'Satisfaction Guaranteed' </h4>&#13; </a> <div class="desc">This book (click link above) details...</div>&#13; &#13; </div>&#13; &#13; </div> &#13; </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/field.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--field-author-information--article.html.twig * field--node--field-author-information.html.twig * field--node--article.html.twig * field--field-author-information.html.twig * field--string.html.twig x field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/field.html.twig' --> <div class="field field--name-field-author-information field--type-string field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item">Written by Sophie</div> </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/field.html.twig' --> Mon, 29 May 2023 11:42:01 +0000 Owen 611 at https://truefreedomtrust.co.uk A brief look at single “heroes of the faith” https://truefreedomtrust.co.uk/brief-look-single-heroes-faith <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--title--article.html.twig x field--node--title.html.twig * field--node--article.html.twig * field--title.html.twig * field--string.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--title.html.twig' --> <span property="schema:name">A brief look at single “heroes of the faith”</span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--title.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--field-image--article.html.twig * field--node--field-image.html.twig * field--node--article.html.twig * field--field-image.html.twig * field--image.html.twig x field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/field.html.twig' --> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'image_formatter' --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/fields/image-formatter.html.twig' --> <div class="item-image"> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'image' --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/system/templates/image.html.twig' --> <img property="schema:image" loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/articles/history-1170-x-330.jpg" alt="john wycliffe statue" typeof="foaf:Image" /> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/system/templates/image.html.twig' --> </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/fields/image-formatter.html.twig' --> </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/field.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--uid--article.html.twig x field--node--uid.html.twig * field--node--article.html.twig * field--uid.html.twig * field--entity-reference.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--uid.html.twig' --> <span rel="schema:author"> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'username' --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/user/templates/username.html.twig' --> <span lang="" about="/user/92" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">Owen</span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/user/templates/username.html.twig' --> </span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--uid.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--created--article.html.twig x field--node--created.html.twig * field--node--article.html.twig * field--created.html.twig * field--created.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--created.html.twig' --> <span property="schema:dateCreated" content="2023-05-21T11:24:46+00:00">Sun, 21/05/2023 - 12:24</span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--created.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--body--article.html.twig * field--node--body.html.twig * field--node--article.html.twig * field--body.html.twig * field--text-with-summary.html.twig x field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/field.html.twig' --> <div property="schema:text" class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"> <p><em>“I want to talk about sex and relationships</em>” said Dr Helen Roseveare as we interviewed her at the Keswick Convention as part of the 19-24s stream back in 2011. She continued. “<em>Being single is a gift from God and we can use it to serve Him. We don’t need to go chasing a life of romance and sex”</em>. I found that deeply challenging in a world that was telling me otherwise. I’ll come back to Dr Roseveare. </p> <p>This is an article on the history of single church leaders.  I obviously can’t expound on every single one, and I acknowledge there are others who I could have written about. Not all of these are church leaders, but are single people who left a legacy in one way or another. </p> <p> </p><div class="widget gsc-quote-text no-border" style="background:#59adc4;">&#13; <div class="widget-content">&#13; <div class="content" style="color:#fff;"><i style="color:#fff;" class="icon fa fa-quote-left"></i> Although he struggled with loneliness, he developed as many friendships as possible </div>&#13; </div>&#13; </div> &#13; <h3>Defending the faith </h3> <p>We begin with Irenaeus who was born around 130AD and was a student of Polycarp. Polycarp was a Bishop in Smyrna, where he passed on to Irenaeus what he had learnt from the apostle John.  It is believed they travelled to Rome together, where Irenaeus met Justin Martyr, who was a big influence on him. It is well documented that both Polycarp and Justin were martyred probably within 10 years of each other.  After those significant deaths,  Irenaeus released his popular works <em>“Against Heresies”</em> and <em>“The Demonstration of the Apostolic Preaching”</em>. It is believed that Irenaeus was also martyred in 202AD under a wave of persecution by the first Severen Dynasty Emperor of Rome - Septimius Severus. </p> <p>Irenaeus’s <em>“Against Heresies”</em> was a work criticising Gnosticism, which had infected the church in the 2nd century. The most popular of these heresies was Valentinianism, which believed 30 angelic beings made up the spiritual realm. </p> <p>Irenaeus held 3 things in defence of biblical truth: Scripture itself, tradition and the teaching of the apostles. Irenaeus held to Gospel truth, commended it and used it against heresy. He was bishop in Lyon and was an advocate of the worldwide church, including asking Pope Anicetus not to ex-communicate churches in Asia Minor. He was one of the first people to hold all 4 gospel accounts of Jesus’ life as equally important and was one of the first people to explain Jesus as the new Adam, taken from the apostle Paul’s writings. </p> <p>He truly was a good example of a single church leader who put Christ first and defended truth. It’s not known why Irenaeus remained single, but it is documented that the friends he had spurred him on to experience all that God wanted to do with his life as a single man. </p> <h3>Bible translator</h3> <p>We move on to the 1300’s and to one of Britain’s most important figures in church history, John Wycliffe (statue in the picture).  Wycliffe was a forerunner of Martin Luther, a pre-Reformer. He was an educated man and, for a brief time, was Vice-master of Balliol College, Oxford. His writings reveal that he both professed caution about clerical marriage and articulated a culturally traditional theology of sexuality, which he lived out as cleric himself. Wycliffe realised that the medieval church was going seriously astray. He spoke out against 3 things: transubstantiation; the hierarchy of the church, as regards not needing to confess sins to a priest but directly to God; and finally, and possibly his legacy to us today, he translated the Bible in a way that lay people could read for themselves, knowing that they didn’t understand Latin. This caused major upset within the church. Thankfully Wycliffe had a friend who protected him, John of Gaunt, a younger son of King Edward III. </p> <p>Wycliffe was a big influence on the Czech, Jan Hus, who also followed and believed what Wycliffe had said on various Reformation points that later would be picked up by Martin Luther.</p> <p>Wycliffe also survived the Black Plague, which is said to have a had a lasting impression on him, leaving him gloomy. His reformed theology is best summed up by these words <em>“Trust wholly in Christ; rely altogether on his sufferings; beware of seeking to be justified in any other way than by his righteousness. Faith in our Lord Jesus Christ is sufficient for salvation.”</em></p> <p>Wycliffe’s desire for people to be able to read the Bible for themselves started a whole movement that 200 years later led to Martin Luther’s 95 theses and the beginning of the Reformation.</p> <h3>Mission and Grace </h3> <p>Next, we jump to the last 100 years or so and 3 leading women who have impacted mission around the world, Gladys Alyward (1902-1970), Corrie Ten Boom (1892-1983) and Dr Helen Roseveare (1925-2016). </p> <p>Gladys Alyward was a missionary in China. In the 1930s, she travelled the trans-Siberian railway, where she was arrested by Russians before being allowed to continue to China. Gladys was not one to give up easily and was driven by a compassion for human suffering. In 1938 she helped take children to safety over the mountains as the Japanese invaded China, despite being wounded. Although she fell in love during the Sino-Japanese war she never married, but she did adopt one of the Chinese children, called Gordon. She always told the children about Jesus and many came to faith.</p> <p>Corrie Ten Boom is well known for her book “The Hiding Place”. It tells the story of the Nazi occupation of Holland, the way her family hid Jews and were caught and what life was like in a concentration camp for her and her sister Betsy. Finally, after her release, she came face-to-face with one of her captors, for whom she had to pray for God to help her forgive. Corrie spent the rest of her life telling people about Jesus and forgiveness. She believed she was set apart by God to be single to do his work. Her life centred on Christ, who kept her balanced and able to follow Him.</p> <p>Dr Helen Roseveare worked in Congo as a missionary and helped set up a hospital there. She struggled with male leadership at the hospital and put this down to her being single. Having met someone who she hoped she would marry, it never happened. From then on, she learnt to see God in the details of her life and to trust Him more fully.  She was taken prisoner by rebels who held her captive for 5 months, beat and raped her. After coming home, she then went back to Congo and rebuilt many of the hospitals that had been destroyed. At all times, she displayed the fact that Jesus was enough for her life, witnessing to Him at every turn. She had bouts of depression, but used her experience to minister to those who feared they would lose their purity in the mission field. Helen helped them see their relationship with God would not be damaged, as was true for her.</p> <p>These three women were dedicated to their mission fields. Their sacrificial service for the gospel is a great example of how we can serve Christ both at home and abroad. Roseveare’s book <em>“Enough</em>” is a great reminder that Jesus is truly all we need.</p> <h3>The advocate of singleness</h3> <p>John Stott was renowned for his singleness. He believed that both marriage and singleness were a gift from God. Unlike some early church fathers, Stott never wanted to exalt singleness over marriage and was helped by 1 Corinthians 7:7: “I wish that all of you were as I am. But each of you has your own gift from God; one has this gift, another has that.”</p> <p>Stott recognised that he wouldn’t have been able to do the things he did, writing or travelling to speak, if he had the responsibilities of a family. Although he struggled with loneliness, his advice was to develop as many friendships as possible, with various ages and both sexes, knowing it wouldn’t deaden the occasional pangs of loneliness, but would help. He was well aware that single people are exposed to sexual temptation, but also spoke of the danger of being self-centred. He lived his life in service of God and wrote many books, including “The Message of Thessalonians” where he wrote: <em>“Alongside a natural loneliness, accompanied sometimes by acute pain, we can find joyful self-fulfilment in the self-giving service of God and other people.”</em></p> <h3>Conclusion</h3> <p>There is much that could have been said about other single figures in church history, such as Patrick of Ireland, Amy Carmichael, Augustine and Charles Simeon. We can learn much from Church history and be inspired by those who have gone before us. We can see how they contended for the faith, stood firm and held onto the truth. Some you could argue “changed the world” for God’s glory.<br />  </p> <hr /><p>This article was originally published in the Spring 2023 edition of the TFT magazine, <em>Ascend</em>. Click the button below to download your copy.</p> <p>&#13; <style rel="stylesheet"> <!--/*--><![CDATA[/* ><!--*/ #button-y8axi2k33scr{background:#fff;color:#000;border-color:#00599c;} #button-y8axi2k33scr:hover{background:#00599c;color:#fff;border-color:#00599c;} /*--><!]]>*/ </style></p><div class="clearfix"></div>&#13; <a href="https://truefreedomtrust.co.uk/sites/default/files/newsletters/2023Q1ascend.pdf" class="gsc-button medium " id="button-y8axi2k33scr">&#13; Download the Spring 2023 edition of Ascend </a> &#13; &#13; </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/field.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'links__node' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * links--node.html.twig x links.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/navigation/links.html.twig' --> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/navigation/links.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--field-post-format--article.html.twig * field--node--field-post-format.html.twig * field--node--article.html.twig * field--field-post-format.html.twig * field--list-string.html.twig x field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/field.html.twig' --> <div class="field field--name-field-post-format field--type-list-string field--label-hidden field__item">Article</div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/field.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--field-post-category--article.html.twig * field--node--field-post-category.html.twig * field--node--article.html.twig * field--field-post-category.html.twig * field--entity-reference.html.twig x field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/field.html.twig' --> <div class="field field--name-field-post-category field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/church" hreflang="en">Church</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/contentment" hreflang="en">Contentment</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/singleness" hreflang="en">Singleness</a></div> </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/field.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--field-more-information--article.html.twig * field--node--field-more-information.html.twig * field--node--article.html.twig * field--field-more-information.html.twig * field--text-long.html.twig x field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/field.html.twig' --> <div class="field field--name-field-more-information field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__item"> <p><em>Please note that any external resources below are intended to complement the main answer given above and may not entirely match TFT's position.</em></p> <p>***for FAQs ONLY, replace this text with links to further articles, books, audio and video. Examples below for each media type.</p> <p> </p><div class="widget gsc-icon-box left text-dark">&#13; <div class="highlight-icon"><span class="icon fa fa-link"></span></div>&#13; <div class="highlight_content">&#13; <a href="***URL LINK"> <h4>Living Out article: 'Is it ok to be gay?' '</h4>&#13; </a> <div class="desc">This article (click link above) goes into more of the biblical passages.</div>&#13; &#13; </div>&#13; &#13; </div> &#13; <p> </p><div class="widget gsc-icon-box left text-dark">&#13; <div class="highlight-icon"><span class="icon fa fa-video-camera"></span></div>&#13; <div class="highlight_content">&#13; <a href="***URL LINK"> <h4>ERLC video: 'Is it ok to be gay?' </h4>&#13; </a> <div class="desc">***CHANGE VIEW MODE TO SOURCE HTML AND INSERT SHARED EMBED CODE FROM YOUTUBE HERE, BUT CHANGE WIDTH TO 100% TO MAKE IT MORE RESPONSIVE*** This video sets out some more arguments on the matter.</div>&#13; &#13; </div>&#13; &#13; </div> &#13; <p> </p><div class="widget gsc-icon-box left text-dark">&#13; <div class="highlight-icon"><span class="icon fa fa-headphones"></span></div>&#13; <div class="highlight_content">&#13; <a href="***URL LINK"> <h4>UCB podcast: 'Is it ok to be gay?' </h4>&#13; </a> <div class="desc">This podcast (click link above) details...</div>&#13; &#13; </div>&#13; &#13; </div> &#13; <p> </p><div class="widget gsc-icon-box left text-dark">&#13; <div class="highlight-icon"><span class="icon fa fa-book"></span></div>&#13; <div class="highlight_content">&#13; <a href="***URL LINK"> <h4>IVP book: 'Satisfaction Guaranteed' </h4>&#13; </a> <div class="desc">This book (click link above) details...</div>&#13; &#13; </div>&#13; &#13; </div> &#13; </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/field.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--field-author-information--article.html.twig * field--node--field-author-information.html.twig * field--node--article.html.twig * field--field-author-information.html.twig * field--string.html.twig x field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/field.html.twig' --> <div class="field field--name-field-author-information field--type-string field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item">Written by Owen</div> </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/field.html.twig' --> Sun, 21 May 2023 11:24:46 +0000 Owen 610 at https://truefreedomtrust.co.uk Starting and ending the day well https://truefreedomtrust.co.uk/starting-and-ending-day-well <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--title--article.html.twig x field--node--title.html.twig * field--node--article.html.twig * field--title.html.twig * field--string.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--title.html.twig' --> <span property="schema:name">Starting and ending the day well</span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--title.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--field-image--article.html.twig * field--node--field-image.html.twig * field--node--article.html.twig * field--field-image.html.twig * field--image.html.twig x field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/field.html.twig' --> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'image_formatter' --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/fields/image-formatter.html.twig' --> <div class="item-image"> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'image' --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/system/templates/image.html.twig' --> <img property="schema:image" loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/articles/starting-ending-1170-x330.jpg" alt="waking up" typeof="foaf:Image" /> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/system/templates/image.html.twig' --> </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/fields/image-formatter.html.twig' --> </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/field.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--uid--article.html.twig x field--node--uid.html.twig * field--node--article.html.twig * field--uid.html.twig * field--entity-reference.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--uid.html.twig' --> <span rel="schema:author"> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'username' --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/user/templates/username.html.twig' --> <span lang="" about="/user/92" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">Owen</span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/user/templates/username.html.twig' --> </span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--uid.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--created--article.html.twig x field--node--created.html.twig * field--node--article.html.twig * field--created.html.twig * field--created.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--created.html.twig' --> <span property="schema:dateCreated" content="2023-04-15T10:44:50+00:00">Sat, 15/04/2023 - 11:44</span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--created.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--body--article.html.twig * field--node--body.html.twig * field--node--article.html.twig * field--body.html.twig * field--text-with-summary.html.twig x field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/field.html.twig' --> <div property="schema:text" class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"> <p>The whole earth is filled with awe at your wonders; where morning dawns, where evening fades, you call forth songs of joy. (Psalm 65:8)</p> <p>Most of us have more structure in the middle of our days, normally because of work duties, which helps us in being disciplined and making good choices. But, for many Christians, the times either first thing in the morning or later in the evening can go one of two ways:</p> <ol><li> They can be wonderful times with God, recharging and committing our lives to Him, or...</li> <li> They can be chaotic, temptation-ridden times, where the best of intentions goes out of the window, leaving us feeling guilty, distracted and defeated.</li> </ol><p>Some Christians struggle to manage to start each day positively. This can look like one or more of the following:</p> <ul><li>Feeling anxious or hopeless about the day ahead;</li> <li>Launching into the day’s challenges without pausing to commit them to God;</li> <li>Trusting in their own abilities, rather than asking God to give them all that they need.</li> </ul><p> </p> <p> <em><img alt="helpful in the morning" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e176e02a-08ea-4826-8fb4-a476237aa930" height="416" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/helpful%20in%20the%20morning.JPG" width="499" class="align-right" loading="lazy" /></em>Other Christians struggle more with the hour or two before bedtime, when their duties are complete, their bodies are tired, and the troubles of the day have left their emotions unsettled. They can be tempted to turn to self-pity, pornography, alcohol, overeating or a catalogue of other unhealthy and ungodly behaviours.</p> <p>Many find both these times – early mornings and bedtimes – to have their challenges. TFT now has a popular Night Prayers Zoom meeting at 9.30pm each weekday evening to help us turn to God and be reminded of His goodness at this vulnerable time of the day. The two boxes alongside this article contain some tips from Christians of different ages and backgrounds of what they have personally found helpful in settling them in the mornings and evenings. </p> <p>Thankfully, Jesus calls us to take life just one day at a time. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus teaches us to ask God only for one day’s bread (Matt 6:11). This perhaps reminds us of how God provided manna daily to the people of Israel in the wilderness for 40 years: He did not let them stockpile His grace to them. Indeed, many of us at TFT have become thankful for our daily weaknesses, which turn us regularly to God to seek his strengthening.</p> <p>The writer of Lamentations reminds us that God’s mercies are endless and are new every morning (Lam 3:22-24):</p> <p class="text-align-center"><em>The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;<br /> his mercies never come to an end;<br /> they are new every morning;<br /> great is your faithfulness.<br /> “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul,<br /> “therefore I will hope in him.”</em></p> <p><img alt="helpful in the evening" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="edfdc147-9b7b-479a-8ce5-e295125cfc26" height="319" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/helpful%20in%20the%20evening.JPG" width="575" class="align-right" loading="lazy" />But it can be hard to keep up the spiritual disciplines that bring us to prayer each day and remind of all that God has done. It might be easier for those who share their accommodation with other Christians – they can encourage one another in pursuing God daily. On the other hand, those who live alone have plenty of opportunities for uninterrupted times of quiet Bible study and prayer... as long as they don’t turn first to their TVs, phones etc.</p> <p> Whatever our circumstances, it is good for us to reflect on which times of day we are most vulnerable. In response, let us seek to build good habits and disciplines that turn us away from fear and sin and towards our God who gives life: “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures for evermore.” (Psalm 16:11)</p> <hr /><p>This article was originally published in the Spring 2023 edition of the TFT magazine, <em>Ascend</em>. Click the button below to download your copy.</p> <p>&#13; <style rel="stylesheet"> <!--/*--><![CDATA[/* ><!--*/ <!--/*--><![CDATA[/* ><!--*/ <!--/*--><![CDATA[/* ><!--*/ #button-lb8645r96n4s{background:#fff;color:#000;border-color:#00599c;} #button-lb8645r96n4s:hover{background:#00599c;color:#fff;border-color:#00599c;} /*--><!]]]]]]><![CDATA[><![CDATA[>*/ /*--><!]]]]><![CDATA[>*/ /*--><!]]>*/ </style></p><div class="clearfix"></div>&#13; <a href="https://truefreedomtrust.co.uk/sites/default/files/newsletters/2023Q1ascend.pdf" class="gsc-button medium " id="button-lb8645r96n4s">&#13; Download the Spring 2023 edition of Ascend </a> &#13; &#13; </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/field.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'links__node' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * links--node.html.twig x links.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/navigation/links.html.twig' --> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/navigation/links.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--field-post-format--article.html.twig * field--node--field-post-format.html.twig * field--node--article.html.twig * field--field-post-format.html.twig * field--list-string.html.twig x field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/field.html.twig' --> <div class="field field--name-field-post-format field--type-list-string field--label-hidden field__item">Article</div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/field.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--field-post-category--article.html.twig * field--node--field-post-category.html.twig * field--node--article.html.twig * field--field-post-category.html.twig * field--entity-reference.html.twig x field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/field.html.twig' --> <div class="field field--name-field-post-category field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/contentment" hreflang="en">Contentment</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/self-control" hreflang="en">Self Control</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/singleness" hreflang="en">Singleness</a></div> </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/field.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--field-more-information--article.html.twig * field--node--field-more-information.html.twig * field--node--article.html.twig * field--field-more-information.html.twig * field--text-long.html.twig x field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/field.html.twig' --> <div class="field field--name-field-more-information field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__item"> <p><em>Please note that any external resources below are intended to complement the main answer given above and may not entirely match TFT's position.</em></p> <p>***for FAQs ONLY, replace this text with links to further articles, books, audio and video. Examples below for each media type.</p> <p> </p><div class="widget gsc-icon-box left text-dark">&#13; <div class="highlight-icon"><span class="icon fa fa-link"></span></div>&#13; <div class="highlight_content">&#13; <a href="***URL LINK"> <h4>Living Out article: 'Is it ok to be gay?' '</h4>&#13; </a> <div class="desc">This article (click link above) goes into more of the biblical passages.</div>&#13; &#13; </div>&#13; &#13; </div> &#13; <p> </p><div class="widget gsc-icon-box left text-dark">&#13; <div class="highlight-icon"><span class="icon fa fa-video-camera"></span></div>&#13; <div class="highlight_content">&#13; <a href="***URL LINK"> <h4>ERLC video: 'Is it ok to be gay?' </h4>&#13; </a> <div class="desc">***CHANGE VIEW MODE TO SOURCE HTML AND INSERT SHARED EMBED CODE FROM YOUTUBE HERE, BUT CHANGE WIDTH TO 100% TO MAKE IT MORE RESPONSIVE*** This video sets out some more arguments on the matter.</div>&#13; &#13; </div>&#13; &#13; </div> &#13; <p> </p><div class="widget gsc-icon-box left text-dark">&#13; <div class="highlight-icon"><span class="icon fa fa-headphones"></span></div>&#13; <div class="highlight_content">&#13; <a href="***URL LINK"> <h4>UCB podcast: 'Is it ok to be gay?' </h4>&#13; </a> <div class="desc">This podcast (click link above) details...</div>&#13; &#13; </div>&#13; &#13; </div> &#13; <p> </p><div class="widget gsc-icon-box left text-dark">&#13; <div class="highlight-icon"><span class="icon fa fa-book"></span></div>&#13; <div class="highlight_content">&#13; <a href="***URL LINK"> <h4>IVP book: 'Satisfaction Guaranteed' </h4>&#13; </a> <div class="desc">This book (click link above) details...</div>&#13; &#13; </div>&#13; &#13; </div> &#13; </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/field.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--field-author-information--article.html.twig * field--node--field-author-information.html.twig * field--node--article.html.twig * field--field-author-information.html.twig * field--string.html.twig x field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/field.html.twig' --> <div class="field field--name-field-author-information field--type-string field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item">Written by Stuart</div> </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/field.html.twig' --> Sat, 15 Apr 2023 10:44:50 +0000 Owen 607 at https://truefreedomtrust.co.uk From Paganism to Christ https://truefreedomtrust.co.uk/paganism-christ <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--title--article.html.twig x field--node--title.html.twig * field--node--article.html.twig * field--title.html.twig * field--string.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--title.html.twig' --> <span property="schema:name">From Paganism to Christ</span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--title.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--field-image--article.html.twig * field--node--field-image.html.twig * field--node--article.html.twig * field--field-image.html.twig * field--image.html.twig x field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/field.html.twig' --> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'image_formatter' --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/fields/image-formatter.html.twig' --> <div class="item-image"> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'image' --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/system/templates/image.html.twig' --> <img property="schema:image" loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/articles/paganism-to-christ-1170-x330.jpg" alt="church on a hill" typeof="foaf:Image" /> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/system/templates/image.html.twig' --> </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/fields/image-formatter.html.twig' --> </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/field.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--uid--article.html.twig x field--node--uid.html.twig * field--node--article.html.twig * field--uid.html.twig * field--entity-reference.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--uid.html.twig' --> <span rel="schema:author"> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'username' --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/user/templates/username.html.twig' --> <span lang="" about="/user/92" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">Owen</span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/user/templates/username.html.twig' --> </span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--uid.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--created--article.html.twig x field--node--created.html.twig * field--node--article.html.twig * field--created.html.twig * field--created.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--created.html.twig' --> <span property="schema:dateCreated" content="2023-03-22T11:14:02+00:00">Wed, 22/03/2023 - 11:14</span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--created.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--body--article.html.twig * field--node--body.html.twig * field--node--article.html.twig * field--body.html.twig * field--text-with-summary.html.twig x field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/field.html.twig' --> <div property="schema:text" class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"> <p>I was born in Shrewsbury and raised in the somewhat odd border town of Oswestry, where I think it is fair to say I retain some rather fond memories of my early years. In my primary school years I, of course, had not developed any real identity or serious interests that would define who I was. Perhaps maybe apart from being sucked into playing music, where I was once a brass band member for a good ten years. Once I entered adolescence, apart from the usual teenage rebellion, I started experiencing hugely challenging situations, which rocked the stability I had been used to as a child. I now praise God that I had a lovingly supportive, albeit rather strange family.</p> <p>When I moved to secondary school, I was blissfully ignorant of a hostile outside world. I didn’t have any major personal responsibilities and felt quite indifferent about this next stage in my education. I did lose friends from my previous school, as I moved to an entirely different school to my peers, but on reflection, my lack of emotion was most likely caused by autism. Even today I struggle to experience emotion. For people with autism, emotion is disordered and experienced in extremes - either far too much or, like me, far too little. </p> <p> </p><div class="widget gsc-quote-text no-border" style="background:#59adc4;">&#13; <div class="widget-content">&#13; <div class="content" style="color:#fff;"><i style="color:#fff;" class="icon fa fa-quote-left"></i> Scripture was so clear… giving me the strength to take up my cross and follow Christ </div>&#13; </div>&#13; </div> &#13; <p>Not knowing anything about autism at the time, I only now understand that it defined the relationships I had with others in my new school. I spent the majority of my first year quite alone and cut off from everyone else, like there was some great barrier between us. I was bullied mercilessly. I did eventually make a rather good friend by the end of that year. To my ignorance, it never crossed my mind that that person would unknowingly reveal to me my same-sex attraction. I was twelve years old at the time.</p> <p>Over the next year, my feelings and attraction for my then best friend grew, but I did not think anything of it. As far as I was concerned, it was normal. Though I did know that the word ‘gay’ was often associated with feelings for the same sex, it was such a secretive and insulting word. I did have an interest in girls, but I had become so infatuated with my best friend, I never thought about girls. My strong feelings for my best friend were becoming a problem. I was lonely and what was worse, from my perspective, the boy I was so infatuated with was with a girl. My jealousy was like a raging furnace, fuelled by my selfish desires and loneliness. It reached a point where I confessed my feelings towards him, which was the worst thing I could have done.</p> <p>I felt I was often singled out during my adolescence, which resulted in some rather unpleasant encounters. Not long after my great confession to my best friend, I started to hear talk of my, as people put it, “perversion.”  My school experience got increasingly worse, until I fell into a gaping pit of darkness, depression, anxiety and pure, intangible anger. My sister became incredibly ill due to the amount of bullying she was also subjected to. She became the focal point in my family. It was the start of seven years of what I thought was hell. I felt unable to address my problems and started exploring alternative ways of coping.</p> <p>I discovered the world of Celtic polytheism and the occult. The practice of this interest didn’t get too entrenched, but it was the one thing that made me feel secure. Previously, I had bumped into Christians who came across as being very disturbed or angry about my same-sex attraction. I didn’t like Christians; I didn’t want anything to do with them and had crossed Christianity off my list of possible religions I would be interested in. </p> <p>Jumping forward a few years, I left school and flitted between jobs in a pharmacy, in retail, gardening and as a carer. I had no clear purpose or drive and felt like a sojourner who was anchor and rudderless. By this time, I had already had two relationships with men. I was with a man for the best part of three and a half years, but all was not well. </p> <p>Because of my now strong beliefs rooted in the Celtic polytheistic faith and my fascination with the occult, and due to how myself and my sister were treated by others, my heart was swelling with anger. I’m not even sure I could say I had a heart. Anger became the only emotion I could feel and I basked in its manifestation. I hated people with a passion I could not even imagine now. I was lost in that gaping pit of darkness, with only evil desires occupying my thoughts. </p> <p>Looking back, I am not able to recognise myself; I feel exceedingly grateful for the amount of grace I receive today. I was 22. In the Autumn of 2020, after celebrating Samhain, or Halloween, as it’s more widely known, I started experiencing a series of “nightmares”. Now I call them dreams. You shall see why momentarily. </p> <p>My only experience of Christianity and encounters with Christians were, in the majority, rather negative. But I was nevertheless acquainted with people, whom I would refer to, as my “favourite Christian friends”. I was never made aware of the Gospel or the meaning of Christianity by them or by anyone else. All I knew was that they proclaimed they were Christian and that they went to a church building every Sunday. All in all, I had no knowledge or understanding of the message that Christ had brought to the world.</p> <p>These “nightmares” were set in the dark and I would envision many crosses dotted around the place. I would follow familiar people, who wore crosses, up a hill to this rather fancy, but quite impractical building, full of gaping holes. Bright sunlight shone through the holes in the walls. Even I was wearing a cross! The building had a classic church building shape, with its tower and long grand hall, but the walls resembled that of vine-like roots, which were made of stone. </p> <p>These dreams continued for about a week or so until I had an overpowering urge to pray, to fall to my knees and call out to God. <br /> He was saying to me, “Follow me, follow me” and I said, “Yes Lord. Here I am”. This now very much reminds me of the relationship between Samuel and the Lord in 1 Samuel 3. It was personal, so powerful and so overwhelmingly beautiful. I gave my heart to Him, my soul to Him. I wept tears of relief, but also with sorrow, as I knew in my heart what it meant for my same-sex attraction and my relationship with the man I was with. Six months later, after a very rocky start to my relationship with God, I joined a church where I am now, delightfully happy.</p> <p>God had delivered me into the hands of a church family, who would guide my desires and my heart in living more for Him and that of course came with a great cost. After Halloween, this time, I had decided to make that sacrifice for Christ. Scripture was so clear, yet so empowering and soul-nurturing, giving me the strength to take up my cross and follow Christ. I had to end my same-sex relationship, which only deepened mine with Christ. I could not live without Christ or His word. But if I can assure you of anything, it would be that Christ is worthy of it all. God’s Word and His holy Scriptures are the foundation of my life. My identity is in Him. “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” – Romans 5:8 </p> <p>I was asked this question by my fellow brothers in Christ, “If you could press a button that removed your same-sex attraction (SSA), would you?” In response to this question, I can assuredly answer “no”. The struggles and sufferings I experience with my SSA have only deepened my relationship with God. If I did not have that as my struggle, what would my relationship with God look like? “For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit” – 1 Peter 3:18.<br />  </p> <hr /><p>This article was originally published in the Spring 2023 edition of the TFT magazine, <em>Ascend</em>. Click the button below to download your copy.</p> <p>&#13; <style rel="stylesheet"> <!--/*--><![CDATA[/* ><!--*/ #button-xm0927rbf7rw{background:#fff;color:#000;border-color:#00599c;} #button-xm0927rbf7rw:hover{background:#00599c;color:#fff;border-color:#00599c;} /*--><!]]>*/ </style></p><div class="clearfix"></div>&#13; <a href="https://truefreedomtrust.co.uk/sites/default/files/newsletters/2023Q1ascend.pdf" class="gsc-button medium " id="button-xm0927rbf7rw">&#13; Download the Spring 2023 edition of Ascend </a> &#13; &#13; </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/field.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'links__node' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * links--node.html.twig x links.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/navigation/links.html.twig' --> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/navigation/links.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--field-post-format--article.html.twig * field--node--field-post-format.html.twig * field--node--article.html.twig * field--field-post-format.html.twig * field--list-string.html.twig x field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/field.html.twig' --> <div class="field field--name-field-post-format field--type-list-string field--label-hidden field__item">Personal Story</div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/field.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--field-post-category--article.html.twig * field--node--field-post-category.html.twig * field--node--article.html.twig * field--field-post-category.html.twig * field--entity-reference.html.twig x field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/field.html.twig' --> <div class="field field--name-field-post-category field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/contentment" hreflang="en">Contentment</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/identity" hreflang="en">Identity</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/singleness" hreflang="en">Singleness</a></div> </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/field.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--field-more-information--article.html.twig * field--node--field-more-information.html.twig * field--node--article.html.twig * field--field-more-information.html.twig * field--text-long.html.twig x field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/field.html.twig' --> <div class="field field--name-field-more-information field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__item"> <p><em>Please note that any external resources below are intended to complement the main answer given above and may not entirely match TFT's position.</em></p> <p>***for FAQs ONLY, replace this text with links to further articles, books, audio and video. Examples below for each media type.</p> <p> </p><div class="widget gsc-icon-box left text-dark">&#13; <div class="highlight-icon"><span class="icon fa fa-link"></span></div>&#13; <div class="highlight_content">&#13; <a href="***URL LINK"> <h4>Living Out article: 'Is it ok to be gay?' '</h4>&#13; </a> <div class="desc">This article (click link above) goes into more of the biblical passages.</div>&#13; &#13; </div>&#13; &#13; </div> &#13; <p> </p><div class="widget gsc-icon-box left text-dark">&#13; <div class="highlight-icon"><span class="icon fa fa-video-camera"></span></div>&#13; <div class="highlight_content">&#13; <a href="***URL LINK"> <h4>ERLC video: 'Is it ok to be gay?' </h4>&#13; </a> <div class="desc">***CHANGE VIEW MODE TO SOURCE HTML AND INSERT SHARED EMBED CODE FROM YOUTUBE HERE, BUT CHANGE WIDTH TO 100% TO MAKE IT MORE RESPONSIVE*** This video sets out some more arguments on the matter.</div>&#13; &#13; </div>&#13; &#13; </div> &#13; <p> </p><div class="widget gsc-icon-box left text-dark">&#13; <div class="highlight-icon"><span class="icon fa fa-headphones"></span></div>&#13; <div class="highlight_content">&#13; <a href="***URL LINK"> <h4>UCB podcast: 'Is it ok to be gay?' </h4>&#13; </a> <div class="desc">This podcast (click link above) details...</div>&#13; &#13; </div>&#13; &#13; </div> &#13; <p> </p><div class="widget gsc-icon-box left text-dark">&#13; <div class="highlight-icon"><span class="icon fa fa-book"></span></div>&#13; <div class="highlight_content">&#13; <a href="***URL LINK"> <h4>IVP book: 'Satisfaction Guaranteed' </h4>&#13; </a> <div class="desc">This book (click link above) details...</div>&#13; &#13; </div>&#13; &#13; </div> &#13; </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/field.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--field-author-information--article.html.twig * field--node--field-author-information.html.twig * field--node--article.html.twig * field--field-author-information.html.twig * field--string.html.twig x field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/field.html.twig' --> <div class="field field--name-field-author-information field--type-string field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item">Written by Tom</div> </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/field.html.twig' --> Wed, 22 Mar 2023 11:14:02 +0000 Owen 605 at https://truefreedomtrust.co.uk God harnessed my same-sex attraction https://truefreedomtrust.co.uk/god-harnessed-my-same-sex-attraction <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--title--article.html.twig x field--node--title.html.twig * field--node--article.html.twig * field--title.html.twig * field--string.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--title.html.twig' --> <span property="schema:name">God harnessed my same-sex attraction</span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--title.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--field-image--article.html.twig * field--node--field-image.html.twig * field--node--article.html.twig * field--field-image.html.twig * field--image.html.twig x field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/field.html.twig' --> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'image_formatter' --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/fields/image-formatter.html.twig' --> <div class="item-image"> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'image' --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/system/templates/image.html.twig' --> <img property="schema:image" loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/articles/2022Q4-How-I-now-have-peace-with-my-SSA-image-1170-x-330.jpg" alt="group photo " typeof="foaf:Image" /> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/system/templates/image.html.twig' --> </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/fields/image-formatter.html.twig' --> </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/field.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--uid--article.html.twig x field--node--uid.html.twig * field--node--article.html.twig * field--uid.html.twig * field--entity-reference.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--uid.html.twig' --> <span rel="schema:author"> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'username' --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/user/templates/username.html.twig' --> <span lang="" about="/user/92" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">Owen</span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/user/templates/username.html.twig' --> </span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--uid.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--created--article.html.twig x field--node--created.html.twig * field--node--article.html.twig * field--created.html.twig * field--created.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--created.html.twig' --> <span property="schema:dateCreated" content="2023-02-17T10:42:36+00:00">Fri, 17/02/2023 - 10:42</span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--created.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--body--article.html.twig * field--node--body.html.twig * field--node--article.html.twig * field--body.html.twig * field--text-with-summary.html.twig x field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/field.html.twig' --> <div property="schema:text" class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"> <p>As a 75-year-old, I’ve learnt that it is unwise to make assumptions about how one’s life is going to pan out. Now looking back, I can say that as youthful libido wains, and by the transforming power of the Holy Spirit, one’s same-sex attraction can sublimate into something useful. For me this has been an introduction to the practice of ‘father care’, free of sexual content, but fuelled by spare emotional capital.</p> <p>Allow me to tell you my story:</p> <p>I became a teenager in 1960, where I had been attending a boys’ boarding prep school since I was 9 years old. There would be a certain amount of larking around of a sexual nature at the school, particularly in the dorms, but nothing serious. I would sometimes fantasize over certain boys I found attractive. In 1961 I graduated to an all-male private boarding school. Although there were boys who were ‘out’ about their homosexuality and acted accordingly, I, being reserved and slightly prudish, kept myself more or less within bounds. Nevertheless, there would be mild ribbing from those who discerned my proclivity.</p> <p>The problem became more difficult when I left boarding school in 1965 (two years before the decriminalisation of homosexuality between consenting adults). I had, by then, realised that I was exclusively homosexual and that it was not just a phase I was going through. Homosexuals were open game on media comedy channels, where they were mercilessly stereotyped. In social banter they were marginalised, vilified and the subject of ridicule. On such occasions, I became very self-conscious and would go noticeably red when the subject came up. </p> <p> </p><div class="widget gsc-quote-text no-border" style="background:#59adc4;">&#13; <div class="widget-content">&#13; <div class="content" style="color:#fff;"><i style="color:#fff;" class="icon fa fa-quote-left"></i> We can learn from each other strategies for dealing with temptations and bad habits. </div>&#13; </div>&#13; </div> &#13; <p>The thought of carrying this lifelong stigma led to some suicidal thoughts. This, combined with the fact that my father was dying from a terminal illness and that I was not enjoying the law studies that he had hoped would result in me joining his law firm, brought me to a crisis point at the age of 21. The future looked bleak and I did not have the resources within me to manage the mess. At this point, I didn’t have a personal relationship with Jesus. I had been brought up in a church-going family and was educated at Christian-based schools. Yet somehow, the full significance of the Cross and Jesus’ sacrifice for me personally had eluded me. Was it because the message of the Cross was not emphasised in the Church of England? Anyway, my faith had not penetrated my whole heart. </p> <p>Though I did not reject Christianity, it was surely not recognisable in my life, which had become compartmentalised. This meant that, after leaving fulltime education and being more exposed to secular culture, I started to believe that there was no God and even stopped attending our village church, thinking it hypocritical to do so.</p> <p>Thus, from this low point, I started searching for the meaning of life. This led me to make visits to the local hills (since I love nature) to find the answer. I grew up on an idyllic 200-acre farm with a stream running through it, wild woodlands and wild flower meadows that supported many varieties of butterflies. My father’s garden was home to so many bird species, the likes of which I don’t get to see these days. This instilled within me a sense of awe and wonder at creation, which was to be my pathway to finding God. On returning from one of these sorties to the hills, I arrived back home, found a quiet corner of the gardens, laid back on the grass and looked up into the sky. I was amazed to see the clouds like I had never seen them before or since. They were decked high in layers creating voluminous spaces in between, like I was seeing temple spaces up there. I had a firm sense that God was in this way revealing to me the existence of a spiritual reality that I had not hitherto embraced. </p> <p>That day in the quiet of my bedroom, I got on my knees to talk to God. I told Him that my life was in a mess and that I could not cope with it any longer, on my own. I told Him that I wished to give my life 100% to Him from now on and would accept whatever He wanted me to do. I got up with the sure identity that I was now a Christian and I needed to meet up with others. My new technicolour life had started! I reconnected with the local church and willingly accepted the mentorship of an evangelical couple there. They co-opted me to help out with the Sunday School teaching and I joined them for times of prayer and Bible study. Changes were made in my studies, because I searched my heart as to what I really wanted to do for a career in this life. I had always loved horticulture, each year winning the annual prize for the best kept garden at primary school. ‘Nature conservation’ summed up where my heart was. This led me to give up law and enrol on a landscape architectural course, that led me into a career as a Landscape Advisor/Manager.</p> <p>My homosexuality was clearly still there. Fortunately, because of my sensibilities, I had never seriously indulged it and now understood that it was definitely a ‘no-go’ area. I tried dating girls and was quite involved with a lovely American who loved me deeply. However, after a while, I realised that I was not able to match her love and had to break it off. The hurt that this caused her impacted me greatly, so I decided not to get myself in a similar situation again. I made it clear that future female relationships were sisterly.</p> <p>After training I secured a job as a Landscape Manager to a design and build firm. There I would regularly get attracted to landscape students that were under my management. This was potentially embarrassing, but I was able to keep it under control, and it tended to turn into a mentorship role for me, that was beneficial to them. Thus began a lifetime role of befriending and encouraging younger men in their life walk.</p> <p>For the next three decades I was not ‘out’ to friends and relatives, but only to known gays that I came across through the church. This meant that I was not benefitting from the prayers of my church or the wisdom and experience of other same-sex attracted celibates.</p> <p>Then in 2003 I attended a talk given by Martin Hallett at a Christian Conference and afterwards spoke to TFT delegates who had a stall there. I signed up as a member and started attending meetings. It has proved wonderful being able to talk freely with others in the same situation. It is as if it brings oxygen to the issues, preventing things festering and going rotten. It is great being open with each other, knowing that there is no judgement, because we have a shared experience. We can learn from each other strategies for dealing with temptations and bad habits. At the time of joining TFT I was made redundant from a post that I held at the Peabody Trust, overseeing the quality control of their landscapes. I had been with them for 10 years. Almost immediately, they realised they still had a use for my services. </p> <p>Thus, for four more years, I worked for them as a part time consultant. Since I knew I would now have spare capacity for other things, I went on a church trip to Kenya with 14 others to explore the possibility of cross-cultural work with the Kenyan church. Kirstie, a fellow team member, and I loved the work they were doing with the disadvantaged children. We went back each year for the next four years. This led to us organising activities for eight teenagers who, because of poverty, were not getting secondary education. They were, however, being given woodwork training at the diocesan rehabilitation centre for street boys. We got to know them over two annual trips; then their course came to and end. That was when the senior boy took me to one side and asked if I could find funding to get four of them into secondary education to give them a better future. </p> <p>That was in 2009, which marked the beginning of an educational funding programme, in partnership with the local Diocese, which now has 26 students on its books. It identifies needy students graduating from primary school and takes them on until they graduate from their technical college or university. The funding comes largely from my own resources and I visit the programme each year. We support about four female undergraduates, but all the secondary students are boys, many of whom lack fathers. </p> <p>We encourage a family atmosphere in the group and hold mentorship days each holiday when they can share their experiences and receive encouragement from the older members. They all like to call me ‘Dad’ and some will contact me on WhatsApp during the school holidays when they have access to a smartphone. The undergraduates can contact me anytime and will seek my advice on some issues. Thus, in spite of not having natural children of my own, I find myself with an ever-increasing family of dependants!</p> <p>How glad I am that I didn’t take my own life as a 21-year-old. Same-sex attraction bore a large part in bringing me to my knees, which connected me to God’s purpose for my life. As a youth from a privileged background, I was an insufferable snob and, without Christ, would probably have progressed into a life of self-gratification.</p> <p>I encourage younger same-sex attracted Christians to hang in there. With Christ’s transforming power, things are definitely going to get better as your life produces something beautiful for Jesus. After all, He is in the business of sorting out our mess and giving us life to the full. </p> <hr /><p>This article was originally published in the Winter 2022 edition of the TFT magazine, <em>Ascend</em>. Click the button below to download your copy.</p> <p>&#13; <style rel="stylesheet"> <!--/*--><![CDATA[/* ><!--*/ #button-dagwu9vc3urw{background:#fff;color:#000;border-color:#00599c;} #button-dagwu9vc3urw:hover{background:#00599c;color:#fff;border-color:#00599c;} /*--><!]]>*/ </style></p><div class="clearfix"></div>&#13; <a href="https://truefreedomtrust.co.uk/sites/default/files/newsletters/2022Q4ascend.pdf" class="gsc-button medium " id="button-dagwu9vc3urw">&#13; Download the Winter 2022 edition of Ascend </a> &#13; &#13; </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/field.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'links__node' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * links--node.html.twig x links.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/navigation/links.html.twig' --> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/navigation/links.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--field-post-format--article.html.twig * field--node--field-post-format.html.twig * field--node--article.html.twig * field--field-post-format.html.twig * field--list-string.html.twig x field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/field.html.twig' --> <div class="field field--name-field-post-format field--type-list-string field--label-hidden field__item">Personal Story</div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/field.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--field-post-category--article.html.twig * field--node--field-post-category.html.twig * field--node--article.html.twig * field--field-post-category.html.twig * field--entity-reference.html.twig x field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/field.html.twig' --> <div class="field field--name-field-post-category field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/contentment" hreflang="en">Contentment</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/identity" hreflang="en">Identity</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/self-control" hreflang="en">Self Control</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/singleness" hreflang="en">Singleness</a></div> </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/field.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--field-more-information--article.html.twig * field--node--field-more-information.html.twig * field--node--article.html.twig * field--field-more-information.html.twig * field--text-long.html.twig x field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/field.html.twig' --> <div class="field field--name-field-more-information field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__item"> <p><em>Please note that any external resources below are intended to complement the main answer given above and may not entirely match TFT's position.</em></p> <p>***for FAQs ONLY, replace this text with links to further articles, books, audio and video. Examples below for each media type.</p> <p> </p><div class="widget gsc-icon-box left text-dark">&#13; <div class="highlight-icon"><span class="icon fa fa-link"></span></div>&#13; <div class="highlight_content">&#13; <a href="***URL LINK"> <h4>Living Out article: 'Is it ok to be gay?' '</h4>&#13; </a> <div class="desc">This article (click link above) goes into more of the biblical passages.</div>&#13; &#13; </div>&#13; &#13; </div> &#13; <p> </p><div class="widget gsc-icon-box left text-dark">&#13; <div class="highlight-icon"><span class="icon fa fa-video-camera"></span></div>&#13; <div class="highlight_content">&#13; <a href="***URL LINK"> <h4>ERLC video: 'Is it ok to be gay?' </h4>&#13; </a> <div class="desc">***CHANGE VIEW MODE TO SOURCE HTML AND INSERT SHARED EMBED CODE FROM YOUTUBE HERE, BUT CHANGE WIDTH TO 100% TO MAKE IT MORE RESPONSIVE*** This video sets out some more arguments on the matter.</div>&#13; &#13; </div>&#13; &#13; </div> &#13; <p> </p><div class="widget gsc-icon-box left text-dark">&#13; <div class="highlight-icon"><span class="icon fa fa-headphones"></span></div>&#13; <div class="highlight_content">&#13; <a href="***URL LINK"> <h4>UCB podcast: 'Is it ok to be gay?' </h4>&#13; </a> <div class="desc">This podcast (click link above) details...</div>&#13; &#13; </div>&#13; &#13; </div> &#13; <p> </p><div class="widget gsc-icon-box left text-dark">&#13; <div class="highlight-icon"><span class="icon fa fa-book"></span></div>&#13; <div class="highlight_content">&#13; <a href="***URL LINK"> <h4>IVP book: 'Satisfaction Guaranteed' </h4>&#13; </a> <div class="desc">This book (click link above) details...</div>&#13; &#13; </div>&#13; &#13; </div> &#13; </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/field.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--field-author-information--article.html.twig * field--node--field-author-information.html.twig * field--node--article.html.twig * field--field-author-information.html.twig * field--string.html.twig x field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/field.html.twig' --> <div class="field field--name-field-author-information field--type-string field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item">Written by Timothy</div> </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/field.html.twig' --> Fri, 17 Feb 2023 10:42:36 +0000 Owen 600 at https://truefreedomtrust.co.uk