The word holiness can give rise to thoughts of legalism. Rightly teaching the Bible truth on ethics and godly behaviour can so easily cause others to consider us dour or legalistic. Keeping in mind all this confusion around the command “be holy”, we must remind ourselves of some fundamental motivations for holy living.

David Bennett was attracted to other boys from the age of 14, and so had issues with Christianity because he felt if he was to become a Christian he couldn’t act on his romantic inclinations. He became a gay activist in Australia in support of gay marriage. But, “Jesus did not stay tidily out of [his] life.”

Some people who are single and/or attracted to the same sex find that physical touch is something they feel they lack. Therefore, feelings I began to have a few years ago took me somewhat by surprise. I became aware that I felt acutely untouched. I felt like I had a craving for physical intimacy.

Preston Sprinkle (don’t you just love that name!?), is an author, teacher, and speaker with a PhD in New Testament. He’s written a gem of a book called ‘People to be Loved.’ It’s a book that takes seriously the challenge of revisionist teaching, but throughout it radiates a pastoral warmth.

Celibate same-sex attracted Christians, while accepting that they need to say “no” to their desires for sexual intimacy with another person of the same sex. They often long for healthy and godly ways of meeting their God-given hunger for connection and intimacy with others that will ease loneliness and physical isolation.

In his introduction, Paul Mallard shares with us some of the weighty family situations and disappointments his family have faced. His aim is to take us on a journey through the “Land of Disappointment” and onwards to a place of forgiveness, restoration and hope in Christ.

When we start to think about our spiritual brothers and sisters, it soon becomes apparent that we have a responsibility to all of our fellow members in how we behave. Because we know and experience a level of freedom in Christ, it is easy to ignore the effect our actions can have on others.

Vicky Beeching's book “Undivided” tells the story of her life as a teenager and then as an adult, struggling with marrying up her evangelical theology and emerging sexuality. This review responds to the revisionist theology woven throughout the book and describes how some evangelicals are falling into the ‘undivided trap’.

To trust in God is a wonderful thing. For the Christian who is called to stay celibate because of enduring same-sex attractions, this call can reveal where the person's trust really lies. Do we trust that God knows best even when He denies us what we desire?