Godly Relationships https://truefreedomtrust.co.uk/ en Flourishing as a living sacrifice https://truefreedomtrust.co.uk/flourishing-living-sacrifice <!-- 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">Flourishing as a living sacrifice</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/flourisihng%20as%20sacrifice%201170%20x%20330.png" alt="Man looking back" 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="2023-12-20T14:04:01+00:00">Wed, 20/12/2023 - 14:04</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>Many same-sex attracted Christians feel that respecting God’s design for marriage means that they have to sacrifice their desire for a same-sex partner. I was challenged recently with the question of whether giving up a sinful relationship really can be counted as a sacrifice. Is it not merely an act of obedience?<br />  </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> A life of spiritual sacrifice is one that is wholeheartedly given over to God </div>&#13; </div>&#13; </div> &#13; <h3>What is a spiritual sacrifice?</h3> <p>This got me thinking about what the Bible teaches us as Christians about sacrifice. The Cambridge Dictionary definition of sacrifice is “to give up something for something else considered more important”. But what does the Bible say? The vast majority of references in the Bible, even in the New Testament, refer to the temple sacrifices as atonements for sin: the blood of animals was shed as a substitution for our sin. But the book of Hebrews makes it very clear that this type of sacrifice is no longer required for those who trust in Jesus’ work on the cross. This is because “where [sins] have been forgiven, sacrifice for sin is no longer necessary.” (Hebrews 10:18).</p> <p>However, following Jesus is more than a passive receiving of his work on the cross: Jesus says, “whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me”. The cross is a picture of self-sacrifice: Jesus is inviting us to lives of self-sacrifice too.<br /> The New Testament does have some references to what sacrifice looks like for Christians: Peter calls us “to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ”. Sacrifices now no longer involve the killing of animals (remember, Jesus has taken care of sin on the cross); but the call of every believer to sacrificial discipleship involves “spiritual sacrifices”. Prior to Christ’s death, believers needed to take their physical offerings to the priests who would sacrifice the animals on their behalf. In Christ, however, every believer is a holy priest, able to make their own spiritual sacrifices in the way they live their lives. But what does this mean in practice? Well, the author of Hebrews calls us to “continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise” (Hebrew 13:15) and not to “forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased” (Hebrew 13:16). So, worship and good works are spiritual sacrifices. A life of spiritual sacrifice is one that is wholeheartedly given over to God.</p> <h3> What’s this got to do with same-sex relationships?</h3> <p>The Apostle Paul applies the language of sacrifice specifically to our bodies:<br /><em>“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”</em> (Romans 12:1-2)<br /> Paul’s “therefore” takes this idea of our bodies being living sacrifices and links it to the argument that he has been building in chapters 1-11 of Romans. In particular, it is in stark contrast to the degradation of bodies described at the start of the letter:<br /><em>“Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another.” </em>(Romans 1:24) <br /> Whereas ungodly people are given over to sexual impurity and specifically same-sex activity (Romans 1:26-27), the Christian by contrast is called to offer his/her body as a living sacrifice, which does “not conform to the pattern of this world”. It seems that Paul is actually saying that sexual purity, abstaining from the sexual immorality so prevalent in our world, is an act of living sacrifice, which is “your true and proper worship”.</p> <h3>Worshipping through sacrifice</h3> <p>It is really important to remember though, that our sacrificial lives aren't in any way a payment to God. Our sacrifice is a response to the great news of the gospel, that Jesus has become the ultimate sacrifice for us. That's particularly clear in the Romans passage - we are to offer ourselves up “in view of God's mercy” rather not to gain God's mercy by our own merits!</p> <p>When we think about offering our bodies as living sacrifices, we need to be careful to avoid any feelings of pride in doing so. God has ordered this world, and He’s made it clear that none of us is entitled to a same-sex union. Even though aligning our lives with God’s ways involves sacrificing our desires, we shouldn’t pity ourselves or allow a sense of martyrdom to take hold. Rather, we should present this sacrifice with a genuine attitude of “true and proper worship”. </p> <p>Our culture tells the celibate person, “don’t waste your life!”, but no sacrifice is wasted in God’s economy. On the contrary, it is magnified. I am reminded of the story of when David was hiding from Saul in the Cave of Adullam and his body “longed for water” (2 Samuel 23:13-17). His companions took great risks against the enemy to bring water back to David from Bethlehem. Rather than drinking the water, however, he poured it out on the ground as an act of worship. His sacrifice demonstrated to those around him that his God meant more to him than his bodily appetites. By giving up this temporary treasure, which would have greatly satisfied his thirst, it was transformed in God’s sight into an eternal treasure in heaven. Likewise, when we offer our “bodies as a living sacrifice”, by abstaining from bodily desires, we worship God and show him to be the one who is greater than any temporary gratification. Indeed, our sacrifices demonstrate to us/others what we really value in life. Such acts of worship actually build our faith and are an amazing witness to those around us.<br />  </p> <hr /><p>This article was originally published in the Winter 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-anqavlkqlkja{background:#fff;color:#000;border-color:#00599c;} #button-anqavlkqlkja: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/2023Q4ascend.pdf" class="gsc-button medium " id="button-anqavlkqlkja">&#13; Download the Winter 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="/church" hreflang="en">Church</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/relationships" hreflang="en">Godly Relationships</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 Stuart</div> </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/field.html.twig' --> Wed, 20 Dec 2023 14:04:01 +0000 Owen 642 at https://truefreedomtrust.co.uk Review: "God, Sex and your Marriage" by Dr. Juli Slattery https://truefreedomtrust.co.uk/review-god-sex-and-your-marriage-dr-juli-slattery <!-- 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">Review: &quot;God, Sex and your Marriage&quot; by Dr. Juli Slattery </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%20sex%20and%20marriage.png" alt="God sex and your marriage book" 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="2023-12-01T13:09:44+00:00">Fri, 01/12/2023 - 13:09</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>This book is an exceptional resource for couples seeking to improve their communication, both in action and speech, and enhance the physical aspect of their marriage. While primarily (in my opinion) suited for those already married, the book also offers valuable insights for individuals approaching marriage within the Christian context, whether both partners identify as heterosexual or whether there is same-sex attraction (SSA). The author does make a fleeting mention of SSA. </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 grappled with deep emotions, faced difficult questions </div>&#13; </div>&#13; </div> &#13; <h3>The four pillars</h3> <p>The book is structured around four pillars that serve as a foundation for building a meaningful and fulfilling marriage: Faithfulness, Intimate Knowing, Sacrificial Love and Passionate Celebration. Dr Juli Slattery offers practical guidance and profound wisdom within each of these pillars to help couples cultivate a thriving relationship. But before delving into the pillars, the author explores how a couple's individual backstories influence their relationship: <br /> “<em>Backstory is everything. It paints the picture for how we understand and interpret the events that are happening right now…These backstories include what has happened between the two of you and also what you experienced before you ever met.</em>” p18<br /> By understanding and addressing these personal histories, couples can overcome challenges and deepen their connection.</p> <h3>Covenant love</h3> <p>God's story of sex is examined and highlights the importance of pursuing wholeness beyond sexual purity, providing a refreshing and holistic perspective on intimacy within marriage. The author describes the ‘covenant love’ with which God loves His church. She encourages us to model our marriages on this love, for a stronger and fuller experience here on earth. Covenant love flips our culture’s “If you meet my needs, we will be good together” belief on its head.</p> <p>Each of the eight chapters is thoughtfully crafted, presenting highly supportive and challenging ideas that encourage personal reflection and foster meaningful couple-centred discussions, such as:<br /><em>“What is one thing God is showing you about what it means to surrender your sexuality to Him?”</em> p171.<br /> The inclusion of scriptural references throughout the book adds depth and allows readers to connect their experiences with timeless biblical truths. Furthermore, the book offers additional resources such as surveys and recommended reading, providing opportunities for further exploration and growth.</p> <h3>Practical ways forward</h3> <p>"God, Sex, and Your Marriage" concludes with a section titled "Take the Next Step," which empowers readers to apply the knowledge gained from the book into practical actions:<br /><em>“Like hiking a mountain, your journey toward sexual wholeness can feel like a massive undertaking…Throughout this book, you have learned that sexual intimacy in your marriage is an earthly metaphor for God’s covenant love.”</em> p145.<br /> This hands-on approach helps couples actively implement the concepts discussed, leading to transformational change in their relationship; offering tools to navigate through the complexities of communication, intimacy, and love within marriage. </p> <h3>Personal testimony</h3> <p>As my spouse and I approach our 30th wedding anniversary, I can't help but reflect on the profound impact that "God, Sex, and Your Marriage" has had on our lives. For nearly 29 years, I held onto the belief that God would miraculously "heal" my SSA, but as time went on, this was not the path God had for me. We each read the book from cover to cover independently, allowing us to process our own thoughts and feelings; we grappled with deep emotions, faced difficult questions and ultimately enlarged our focus from a narrow viewpoint to embracing a new understanding of wholeness. A paradigm shift is being brought to our relationship, as we continue to pray through and reflect on the chapters for a second time. Dr Slattery's compassionate and insightful writing style resonated deeply with us, providing comfort and clarity during this transformative time. While our path may have taken an unexpected turn, "God, Sex, and Your Marriage" is helping us embrace a new sense of purpose, authenticity, and deepening connection in our relationship, with tools to approach our marriage with grace, understanding and a renewed commitment to sacrificial covenant love and support for each other.    </p> <h3>Recommendation</h3> <p>In summary, "God, Sex, and Your Marriage" is a must-read for married couples looking to deepen their connection and foster a more fulfilling relationship. I also wholeheartedly recommend the book to anyone who finds themselves living with SSA within a marriage. Its comprehensive approach, supported by thought-provoking discussion questions and scriptural references, provides a solid framework for couples to build a strong and lasting marriage.</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-rvj5lgiwkxcz{background:#fff;color:#000;border-color:#00599c;} #button-rvj5lgiwkxcz: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-rvj5lgiwkxcz">&#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="/relationships" hreflang="en">Godly Relationships</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 Paul</div> </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/field.html.twig' --> Fri, 01 Dec 2023 13:09:44 +0000 Owen 634 at https://truefreedomtrust.co.uk Review: “Welcome” by Jen Oshman https://truefreedomtrust.co.uk/review-welcome-jen-oshman <!-- 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">Review: “Welcome” by Jen Oshman</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/review-welcome-1170-x-330.jpg" alt="welcome book by jen oshman" 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="2023-08-31T13:27:27+00:00">Thu, 31/08/2023 - 14:27</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 love the format of this book. Although it is short, Jen Oshman has packed it with nuggets of biblical wisdom. Each chapter has brief real-life stories to bring the topics to life. Jen then roots the principles of what she is saying in biblical passages. The end of each chapter lists a set of “<em>Action steps</em>”, based on the teaching from the chapter. And the book ends with a 7-session discussion guide for small groups, each session being based on one of the chapters as well as a relevant Bible passage. The message is clear - Jen wants us not just to read this material, but to apply it to our churches and to bring about substantial culture change.</p> <p>There is a logical progression through the book, which has the subtitle "<em>Loving your church by making space for everyone</em>". Starting with Jesus’ welcome to us, Jen encourages us to respond in welcome to others. This was the model of the early church, and we need to recapture their radical inclusion of all people. We also need to recognise that many outsiders have a negative view of the church, so we should continually adopt an outsider’s perspective, to ensure that our gatherings are experienced as hospitals for the many rather than exclusive groups for the few.</p> <p>Chapter 4 will resonate with many TFT members, as it refers to Jesus’ words in Mark 10:29-30 when He said that believers who have given up relationships to follow Him will receive a hundred times as many mothers, sisters and brothers amongst our fellow believers. Jen encourages us to have depth in our interactions with others at church and to make church family our priority.</p> <p>The remainder of the book continues with its challenging themes. We are called to take our welcome beyond the doors of our churches and to all see ourselves as missionaries. There are also some very practical tips on how to make Sunday services seeker-friendly, but never dumbing down Bible truth. Her advice is always about helping people to feel loved, welcomed and included, rather than compromising the gospel in any way. She concludes the book with a final call to action, reminding us that the church is God’s “Plan A” for his world - there is no “Plan B”!</p> <p>While Jen Oshman is married with 4 daughters, and there is no explicit mention in the book of those who are same-sex attracted, there is much in this book to encourage TFT members. She explains how her family experienced being outsiders when they lived in Japan for 10 years, and she relentlessly reminds us what it must be like to be a newcomer attending one of our meetings. Although the book is very upbeat, it is clearly a condemnation of introspective, shallow and cliquey churches. If you are hungry for your church to go deeper in its fellowship and become more radical in its outreach, without watering down its message, then this book will thrill your soul.</p> <p>The great challenge will be how to achieve that change in posture. This will take time, and it will need a critical mass of core people to get on board with it. This book could be a catalyst for that change. Being short and very practical, the discussion guide at the end would be ideal as a short small group series of studies. If you can encourage your church leaders to read the book and consider working through the material in groups, that would be a great step towards becoming a radically inclusive, but biblical church.</p> <p>My only real criticism of this book is that at £9.99 it seems quite expensive for a short read, especially one that you are probably going to want to buy multiple copies of to hand out to fellow Christians. I hope that the Good Book Company offers some generous multi-buy deals in due course. It is part of their “Love your church” series, which also contains books on belonging and on how we meet together.</p> <p>Overall, I highly recommend this book. Jen Oshman recognises that some of her ideas come from Rosaria Butterfield’s “<em>The Gospel comes with a House Key</em>”, but “<em>Welcome</em>” is in my opinion an easier read and presented in a format that is designed to inspire positive change.<br />  </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-5plxac6f9s91{background:#fff;color:#000;border-color:#00599c;} #button-5plxac6f9s91: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-5plxac6f9s91">&#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">Review</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="/culture" hreflang="en">Engaging Culture</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/relationships" hreflang="en">Godly Relationships</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, 31 Aug 2023 13:27:27 +0000 Owen 625 at https://truefreedomtrust.co.uk Review: “Space at the Table” by Brad & Drew Harper https://truefreedomtrust.co.uk/review-space-table-brad-drew-harper <!-- 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">Review: “Space at the Table” by Brad &amp; Drew Harper</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/review-space-at-table-1170-x-330.jpg" alt="space at the table book" 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="2023-08-10T13:05:05+00:00">Thu, 10/08/2023 - 14:05</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 this book, subtitled "<em>Conversations between an Evangelical Theologian &amp; His Gay Son</em>", pastor Brad Harper and his son Drew converse in short letters to each other about their differences of opinion regarding same-sex attraction. Whilst Brad holds to a traditional Christian sexual ethic, Drew has left his biblical faith and embraced an LGBTQ lifestyle.</p> <p>What ensues is not a disaster, but a miracle. As father and son eloquently engage and respond to each other, and occasionally also ponder life from their own respective corners, the reader is invited into a dialogue that is part sordid family history and part testimony to humility and perseverance. Though father and son disagree deeply on the ‘gay’ issue, they have, over the years, discovered how to love each other profoundly and meaningfully, without abandoning any of their deeply held principles or expecting the other to desert theirs.</p> <p>What emerges in the telling is a gentle, charitable and often very humorous recollection of one family's life in the 1990s and early 2000s, told from two perspectives. On the one hand, we have Brad’s take as a conservative preacher, who senses early on that his bright, aesthetically sensitive and bullied son might be different in the ‘wrong’ ways and wants to help him. On the other, we have Drew’s perspective on faith and social rejection and striving to please his father, even to the point of embracing conversion therapy in his early teens. The story has all the makings of a tragedy, and though Brad and Drew do experience real calamities, both together and apart, father and son hold one thing in common throughout: a commitment to love each other, to respect each other despite their differences, and to keeping lines of communication open. Both learn from their mistakes along the way, and both are better for it. “We don’t see the world the same way”, Drew tells his father in one particularly poignant exchange. “But I can’t imagine my world without you in it” (p.190).</p> <p>Their shared story offers much to Christian parents confronting the reality of a same-sex-attracted son or daughter who has ‘come out’ and left the faith. Threaded through Brad and Drew’s narratives are short informative sidebars bylined by either Brad or Drew on such ground-floor topics as homophobia and AIDS, misconceptions about the causes of homosexuality and specific mistakes to avoid while making space for each other. For example:</p> <p><em>‘“<strong>Can’t I just ‘love the sinner but hate the sin?</strong>” At Stonewall [in June 1969], LGBTQ people did not protest for the right to their sexual orientation. They protested for the right to be open about it as public citizens. Thus, for many gay people, to condemn their behavior simply communicates condemnation of them. Christians can argue all day long that that is not what we are doing, but it will still feel that way to gay folks. So, if we want conversations to be productive, we should stay away from this line of reasoning’ - Brad (pp.145-46)</em></p> <p>It seems to be a book that a parent and child could read together, confident that its purpose is not to sway the other’s view, but rather to help both parties learn strategies to stay close and see the best in each other without diminishing either one’s convictions. The book is also broadly applicable to navigating today’s culture, as it could be read as a model for developing compassionate dialogue on virtually any contentious issue.</p> <p>The book's message - that a traditional Christian parent can accept and even embrace an LGBTQ child in love (and vice-versa) - is a challenging one for Christian ethics and is the reason the book did not immediately find a willing Christian publisher. This is not, after all, a book intended to convince an LGBTQ child to ‘become straight’ or to choose Christian celibacy. But the fact that the book preaches neither for nor against embracing an LGBTQ identity is its greatest strength. It encourages its readers, Christian or not, to come to the table as partners, ready to talk and, most of all, ready to listen. </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-j8mps6gkrclf{background:#fff;color:#000;border-color:#00599c;} #button-j8mps6gkrclf: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-j8mps6gkrclf">&#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">Review</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="/culture" hreflang="en">Engaging Culture</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/relationships" hreflang="en">Godly Relationships</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/supporting-others" hreflang="en">Supporting Others</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 Ric</div> </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/field.html.twig' --> Thu, 10 Aug 2023 13:05:05 +0000 Owen 623 at https://truefreedomtrust.co.uk Being an unmarrried elder https://truefreedomtrust.co.uk/being-unmarrried-elder <!-- 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">Being an unmarrried elder</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/unmarried-eldar-1170-x-330.jpg" alt="man building a wall" 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="2023-04-27T10:57:06+00:00">Thu, 27/04/2023 - 11:57</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>Independent evangelical churches very rarely appoint single men as elders. Personally, I don’t know any other single elders. The reasons for this are cultural, historical and a mis-reading of Bible teaching. The key texts used in the argument against single elders are 1 Timothy 3:2 where the elder is to be the husband of ‘but one wife’ and Titus 1:6 which again talks about the elder being a husband of ‘but one wife’ and ‘whose children believe’. If you follow through this line of interpretation, the teaching in Titus also implies that a man who is married, but without children, is also prohibited from the role of elder as would be a widower. Other texts are used to shore up this position. Those who understand the original Greek much better than I ever could, argue that the focus of this ‘but one wife’ phrase is about sexual purity and fidelity. As a single man in an eldership role, I need therefore to ensure that my Christian walk is morally pure. I am not restricted by God from the role of elder because I am wife-less. I have been given the blessing of a being a member of a church that accepts this understanding of Bible teaching. The membership also recognises the teaching of Paul in 1 Corinthians 7 about how the state of singleness can enable a person to serve the Lord wholeheartedly given that they do not have family commitments which need attention. The result is that two years ago the church invited me to join the eldership. In this article, I reflect on the encouragements and challenges I have faced and how the Lord enables me to serve in this role.</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> His ways are far above ours and it has been a privilege to be involved in His work </div>&#13; </div>&#13; </div> &#13; <h3>Deepening my faith</h3> <p>In the economy of God, serving Him and His people leads not to deprivation for individuals, but to great blessing. I think I always understood this, but since taking on eldership responsibilities, the truth of it has become more and more apparent. I have been reminded that the church, local and universal, is the apple of God’s eye and He is building it. A church is not mine or yours, but His. The result is that I must rely on the builder to do the work only He can do. The way to do this is to pray, and do so continually. </p> <p>I have seen my own prayer life take off as I realise that much of what I am involved in is beyond my control and often beyond my understanding. Of course, as we pray, we see how God loves to answer prayer. The result for me has been a strengthening of my faith with an increasing reliance on God. <br /> During the last two years, I have witnessed some terrible things said and done by people who claim to be believers. I have feared at times for the church and its people. I have been at my wits’ end in some situations, wondering what will happen next. To pray and trust God was the only thing to do. Surprise, surprise! This is the place where God meets us and rescues us from our fears and doubts. He has proved completely reliable. His ways are far above ours and it has been a privilege to be involved in His work.</p> <h3>Finding support</h3> <p>Being a single man has had its challenges in these circumstances. I have needed to recognise that I am a part of a team of elders and that I need to share with them all what is going on for me. I need to hold myself accountable to them and lead a transparent life. Not easy when many of my struggles with same-sex attraction have involved shame and seeking to cover myself up and hide from others. Again, the Lord enables and has provided support for me. I am grateful for a network of wise friends who complement peer support. Many have extensive pastoring experience and have been more than willing to share their own learning with me. I have also developed and deepened my accountability relationships, which add rigour to my walking with the Lord in purity.<br /> The result is that, whilst I am single, I have not considered myself single-handed in the task of eldership.</p> <h3>Using my gifts and experiences </h3> <p>Before I was asked to be an elder, I had a growing sense that the Lord was drawing me into caring pastorally in a church context. I was conscious of His prompting. I prayed about it and waited. Before long, and out of the blue, an invitation came to consider joining the eldership. It seemed that the Lord had been preparing me for this time. I also became aware that my gifts and experiences also matched some of the needs of the church and contributed to those of the existing eldership. Some say that, if you do not feel drawn to the work of eldership, then don’t do it! I was honest about my experiences of same-sex attraction. I shared my testimony with the eldership. To my surprise, they shared some of this detail with the wider church and yet it did not prompt concern. This encouraged me and subsequently can see how past experiences are enabling me to serve people. I am continually amazed at how God uses that which I consider the most painful in my life for the building up of His church. It is yet another illustration of how God’s ways are so far beyond ours. </p> <p>A couple of areas of how elders serve in my church prompted some anxiety. We regularly lead services, including the Lord’s Supper, and also teach regularly. Neither of these I feel are my strong points, especially preaching on a Sunday. Thankfully, ‘teaching’ is widely defined and I can contribute in various ways. To my surprise, I was encouraged into the pulpit one Sunday to preach. The Lord blessed me and others, so I am contemplating preaching again in the not too distant future. Becoming an elder has definitely resulted in being stretched in my faith and increased my willingness to serving in new ways.</p> <h3>Being single</h3> <p>Becoming an elder as a single man has prompted me to take even more care of how I ‘manage’ myself and my life. I can see dangers in immersing myself in church work to the extent I don’t keep sufficient watch on how I am living my own life. For example, I know I need relationships with people who ask me how I am doing. Yes, people in my church do ask, but I need conversations where I do not feel slightly guarded. In psychological terms, I am even more conscious of the need for appropriate boundaries in different contexts. I enjoy those conversations where I can talk about nothing in particular. They are a gift and an opportunity to relax with those who know me well and feel they can be rude to me! </p> <p>Over a third of church members live a single life. Being single is enabling me to connect, support and empathise with them. I can ask questions which married friends might not think about asking. I have developed formal and informal accountability relationships with some. Having the role of elder gives me permission to ask some pointed questions of people and opens up conversations that previously I would not have had. My knowledge of same-sex attraction is allowing me to teach and support people facing questions in this area of life and relationships. I find plenty of opportunities to signpost the work of TFT! On a practical note, I do have more flexibility than others when responding to needs. My employment also gives me freedom to meet people for a coffee at odd times of the day. I am proving the truth of Paul’s teaching about singleness, that it gives opportunities to serve that others might not have.</p> <h3>Spiritual warfare</h3> <p>Sometimes the term ’under-shepherd of the flock’ is used to describe the work of an elder or pastor. This draws upon the teaching of Peter in 1 Peter 5:2, where he encourages the elders to consider themselves as the shepherds of God’s flock. The Chief Shepherd is Christ and we are to do His will and work. Indeed, He will hold me accountable for what I do in the role. Eldership is a heavy task and without depending fully on God, I am not up to it. It is a spiritual task. The wolves are always on the lookout for those they can devour and lead away from Christ. I have become acutely aware of the need for me to pray for church members regularly and in an informed way. I find it easy to fill my hours with activity and need to set time aside for prayer. I also need to prioritise studying God’s word and helping others to do likewise. In this way, they will become more aware of God and His call upon their lives. There is certainly much practical care I and others need, but the spiritual care has to be the focus in my role. </p> <p>I am in the war myself and sometimes it feels very much like it when attacks on the sheep occur. So, I need to submit to His Word and also to my fellow elders. This is never easy for someone so self-willed as me, but is an essential discipline if I am to be a faithful and useful servant. Please pray for me. Indeed, please pray for all leaders single or married that they may stand firm in the war and serve you well on Christ’s behalf.</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-uzolkyrvw2po{background:#fff;color:#000;border-color:#00599c;} #button-uzolkyrvw2po: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-uzolkyrvw2po">&#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="/accountability" hreflang="en">Accountability</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/relationships" hreflang="en">Godly Relationships</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' --> Thu, 27 Apr 2023 10:57:06 +0000 Owen 608 at https://truefreedomtrust.co.uk Life as a single pastor https://truefreedomtrust.co.uk/life-single-pastor <!-- 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">Life as a single pastor</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/life-as-single-pastor-1170-x-330.jpg" alt="preacher " 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="2023-04-03T10:31:18+00:00">Mon, 03/04/2023 - 11:31</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>A few years ago, I visited a church to preach. I vividly remember the small talk with somebody before the service. “I assume you are married with kids,” they said. “No. I’m single actually,” I replied. They were somewhat surprised. “Oh! Have you never found anybody you liked?” And then an altogether different suggestion struck them. “Or have you never found anybody who likes you?”</p> <p>I was one of the pastors of Woodstock Road Baptist Church in Oxford for 19 years before finishing last summer to lead a ministry training course and work with Living Out. Across that time, most people outside the church assumed that as a pastor I must be married – although generally people didn’t express that quite in the manner above. Woodstock Road itself was wonderful. The elders knew about my sexuality before my appointment as pastor. The church didn’t and initially most assumed I would get married (and a few, in a kind but possibly misguided manner, told me they were praying this would happen). However, when I spoke publicly about my sexuality ten years into the role, I could not have wished for a better response. In all my years there, nobody said that I would be a better pastor if I were married.</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> Being single may be more difficult than being happily married, but it is easier than being unhappily married </div>&#13; </div>&#13; </div> &#13; <h3>Tough moments</h3> <p>Nevertheless, being a single pastor had its tough moments. The nature of all ministry is that we give of ourselves. You are visiting somebody in hospital, a church member in the midst of agonising bereavement, a friend going through depression or a long-standing Christian talking about their doubt issues for the first time. As you listen to people’s pain, you inevitably share in some of that yourself - or at least you should do! Or there are the leadership meetings where there is a difficult decision to be made, where you know that whatever the final call, some people you love are going to be hurt or disappointed. Alongside the thrill of new Christians, there is the pain of those deciding to leave the church. In other words, there is an inevitable cost to doing ministry. “We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus,” Paul says as he describes serving others (2 Corinthians 4:10).  </p> <p>Of course, what makes that much harder is doing it alone. Sometimes the challenge was coming back to an empty house after a painful meeting. It would have been great to have somebody to download on, whereas instinctively I would stew on whatever event I’d just come from. I have always had a tendency to overwork and being single meant there was nobody to tell me to say no. At times, self-pity would creep in. The pattern of thinking would go something like this - “I’m trying to help lots of people. I’m bearing the emotional cost of that. But who’s doing it for me? I’ve just got nothing left to give.” Now that was at best a half-truth: there were loads of people in the church and elsewhere who loved me and cared about me. But the challenge of singleness is that you are aware that you are not the number one human priority for anybody else – understandably that place will go to family members. And recognising that made life lonely and left me wondering where to find the resources to keep serving. </p> <h3>Comparisons with married life</h3> <p>Yet, for all the times of pain, I don’t regret serving as a single pastor for a moment. Indeed, it was possible to see the benefits. In 1 Corinthians 7, Paul is profoundly realistic about marriage - “Those who marry will face many troubles in this life.” (1 Cor 7:28). </p> <p>Those who are single are set free from this. Instead of needing to focus on how to please their spouse, they can have one clear goal. “An unmarried man is concerned about the Lord’s affairs- how he can please the Lord.” (1 Cor 7:32).  As a pastor I definitely saw this was the case as I looked at my fellow church leaders. Yes. It was a challenge to go from a challenging meeting to an empty house. But I’m not sure that was more difficult than going home to a sick child, to another facing problems at school or just the constant busyness of making sure everybody had what they needed. </p> <p>Occasionally I would listen to friends serving as pastors who would talk about family problems and then church problems and never really having time to rest and I would wonder, “How on earth do they manage it?” More than that, being a pastor removed any sense of naivety that marriage was always straightforward. Part of a single person’s problem is that we go to joyful weddings and assume that marriage is always like that. But, in doing pastoral care, I sat with enough couples in difficulty to know that that really wasn’t the case. Indeed, I came to a clear conclusion - being single may be more difficult than being happily married, but it is easier than being unhappily married. </p> <p>As a single pastor, therefore, I did have more freedom than my married counterparts. In part, this did make me more flexible and available for ministry. But it also enabled me to have time to enjoy good things in creation that refreshed me - sport, reading, walks and so on. I well remember talking to another church leader with several small children. “Did you see the football?” I asked. “Andy, I am a married pastor with small kids. Of course not!” he replied.</p> <h3>Benefits of singleness</h3> <p>Perhaps more seriously, I was aware that there were benefits even in the pain of singleness.</p> <p>2 Corinthians has been a source of constant encouragement for me in ministry. In the letter, Paul is candid about the sufferings he has faced and the deeply painful thorn in the flesh that he endures. My sexuality and singleness have been my thorns. But throughout 2 Corinthians, Paul insists that it is the pain that enables ministry, helping him to know the comfort of Jesus and so comfort others who are suffering (chapter 1), showing that the power is from God and making him more like Jesus (chapter 4) and preventing him from becoming proud (chapter 12). I empathise with that. Other than my sexuality and singleness, life has been smooth for me. I would have been a rubbish pastor had I been happily married, because I would have struggled to talk to those in pain. It was the pain of singleness that enabled me to care for others and forced me to depend on the Lord.</p> <p>There was one other benefit to singleness that I only realised on my last day as pastor. We had a lunch where some in the church managed to find nice things to say! One single lady commented how much it had meant to her to have a single pastor. She sensed that I could empathise with her and it showed the church giving dignity to those who are single. As it happens, the church was in a good position in having elders who were both married and single. We complemented each other well. </p> <p>They did more marriage prep than I did (though I did enjoy preaching at lots of weddings) whilst I spent more time with the single adults. And hopefully as a leadership team, we communicated that marriage and singleness were equally good gifts in God’s eyes.</p> <h3>How I persevered</h3> <p>So what helped me to persevere through the joys and challenges of being a single pastor? Friends were massively important. Of course, friends aren’t around all the time, but their encouragement meant that the loneliness was sporadic rather than constant. For most single people, close friends have a similar emotional importance to a nuclear family for those who are married. That’s certainly been true for me. I am part of a group of six church leaders spread around the country that meets for 24 hours three times a year. There’s real trust and openness there and they became my main sounding board for advice. But alongside this, I worked hard to develop friendships more locally. I have to confess to being an off - the - scale introvert (I find my own company endlessly fascinating!) which meant that I generally loathed small talk. But the benefit of this was that most of my friendships went deep quite quickly. Within those friendships, there was the joy of being known. </p> <p>Over time, I could begin to spot the lie that my self-pity told me that nobody cared. But, above all, the Lord cares. <em>“An unmarried man is concerned about the Lord’s affairs.”</em> I reckon I was a lousy single pastor when I focused on what I didn’t have. And I did some good as a single pastor when I looked to the Lord and fixed my attention on Him. I found two aspects of the Lord’s character particularly important. One was his sympathy. I love the fact that Jesus is fully human, was single Himself and so, according to Hebrews 2, completely able to feel for us and with us. In the deepest sense, I was never the only one in the house, for He was always with me. Pouring out my heart to Him and thanking Him for His presence was generally helpful. But the other beautiful truth is that He is the bridegroom. </p> <p>Singleness may be painful but its only temporary. I’m looking forward to the wedding day.<br /><em>“Sorrowful yet rejoicing”</em> is another description that Paul uses for ministry. It’s also phrase that describes life as a single pastor.  </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-qh12lwtl3gfh{background:#fff;color:#000;border-color:#00599c;} #button-qh12lwtl3gfh: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-qh12lwtl3gfh">&#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="/church" hreflang="en">Church</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/relationships" hreflang="en">Godly Relationships</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/singleness" hreflang="en">Singleness</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/supporting-others" hreflang="en">Supporting Others</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 Andy</div> </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/field.html.twig' --> Mon, 03 Apr 2023 10:31:18 +0000 Owen 606 at https://truefreedomtrust.co.uk Emotional dependency podcast https://truefreedomtrust.co.uk/emotional-dependency-podcast <!-- 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">Emotional dependency podcast</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/emotinoal-dependancy.jpg" alt="emotional dependency" 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="2023-03-03T13:52:45+00:00">Fri, 03/03/2023 - 13:52</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 this extended conversation, Simon and Ruth discuss the theme of emotional dependency, where friendship turns into an unhealthy obsession with the other person. They share candidly from their own experiences of such relationships and how they found their way through the pitfalls to redeem what was good in the friendships.</p> <p>  </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/1459546342&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-12-emotional-dependency" title="Ascend Higher Episode 12: Emotional Dependency" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Ascend Higher Episode 12: Emotional Dependency</a></div> <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-mxuzfsmgiwbo{background:#fff;color:#000;border-color:#00599c;} #button-mxuzfsmgiwbo: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-mxuzfsmgiwbo">&#13; Download the Spring 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> </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="/relationships" hreflang="en">Godly Relationships</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/supporting-others" hreflang="en">Supporting Others</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 Simon</div> </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/field.html.twig' --> Fri, 03 Mar 2023 13:52:45 +0000 Owen 613 at https://truefreedomtrust.co.uk How to be a biblically affirming church https://truefreedomtrust.co.uk/how-be-biblically-affirming-church <!-- 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 to be a biblically affirming church</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/how-to-be-a-biblically-affirm-church-1170-x-330.jpg" alt="entering church" 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="2023-01-12T12:55:40+00:00">Thu, 12/01/2023 - 12:55</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 I pondered the brief for this article, a wry smile came over my face as I reflected on the title. Simply by removing one word, this article would be widely celebrated in today’s woke culture. </p> <p>I wondered how celebrated it would actually be when the reader saw the addition of that all-important word, ‘biblically’. Living in a post Christian society we are challenged to declare our support of, and uphold the personal rights of, everyone and anyone to do life their way. Saying that you’re an affirming, inclusive and progressive church heralds your endorsement of society’s values. Could this create a stumbling block, a potentially crushing blow to those who hold to traditional biblical teaching? You, like me, may feel that through the omission of that one important word, the emphasis is significantly different; in fact, the vision becomes diametrically opposed. </p> <p>The sense of inclusion swings from ‘come as you are, stay as you are,’ to ‘come as you are and find a spacious place to be transformed by the Holy Spirit’. And that for me is the essence of a biblically affirming, inclusive and progressive church. One which excludes no one, and where all who attend have time and space to be transformed by God’s love. </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> Jesus' love affirmed them in a society where they were ostracised. </div>&#13; </div>&#13; </div> &#13; <p>In considering how we can be churches who fit this picture of being biblically rooted in our outlook, we will consider each of these attributes in light of what Jesus desired for his church and how his life demonstrates that well. Paul reminds us in Ephesians 5:25 -27 that Jesus loved the Church and sought to make her holy. The love of Jesus is so apparent in the way he interacted with people who were to become His church, and not in a way that we might expect. Jesus was a lot more woke than your average Christian today. By saying Jesus was woke, I am saying that he was alert to injustice and discrimination in his society, something that we, as Christians, could aspire towards today. </p> <p>One of His many virtues was His love of the outcast. Jesus loved and affirmed people who society had shunned. The leper, tax collector, prostitute, the unclean woman and the demon possessed were all shown compassion and love by Jesus when he met them. His love affirmed them in a society where they were ostracised.</p> <p>Let’s consider how Jesus demonstrates his commitment to being affirming, inclusive and progressive and model our commitment on His lived experiences.</p> <h3>To be an affirming church</h3> <p>A short trawl of dictionary entries helps us to define affirmation as something that is stated publicly or emphatically; it declares one’s support for something, or describes providing emotional support or encouragement to another.</p> <p>One such example of affirmation was the woman with the issue of blood. This woman stepped out in faith, reached out and touched His cloak (Mark 5:21–43). Whilst she was immediately healed, what happened next was what makes this encounter all the more applicable to our lives. Jesus called her out from the place she had withdrawn in shame, He called her into the sight of others because He wanted to affirm her. He understood that her condition would be widely known of, that she was looked upon as someone cursed of God, so He seized the opportunity to ensure that her new status as “daughter” was known. She was no longer to be mocked or shunned. </p> <p>She was accepted and affirmed publicly, so that there could be no doubt of her status. Jesus clearly demonstrated that this woman was no longer to be judged as unclean.</p> <p>Being an affirming church speaks to me of this act of compassion. Regardless of who walks through the door of our church, we know that through Jesus they can find healing and righteousness. Rather than hiding in the shadows, feeling judged or unworthy, affirming churches should be places where people can, if they choose, mix in with the crowd. The woman with the issue of blood was both unclean and inferior as a woman in a patriarchal society. By being in the crowd, she had already put herself in a place where she was likely to be torn down. Yet Jesus did not condemn. Had the crowd noticed her, I am sure there would have been many who would have tried to prevent her from touching the hem of Jesus’ cloak. Let us never be guilty of preventing someone from reaching out to Jesus.</p> <h3>To be an inclusive church</h3> <p>By definition inclusion is the opposite of exclusion; being inclusive means that we have a desire that no one should be left out. More recently it has been associated with ensuring that people have equal access to opportunities and resources, particularly those who are marginalised in some way or who belong to a minority group.</p> <p>Controversies raging around inclusion are the hot topic of most western societies. The discourse on sexuality provokes heated discussion and the church is not exempt. In looking at the life of Jesus would you say he was inclusive, or perhaps you’d reflect that he was simply against exclusion? Being inclusive and being against exclusion are different and we need to consider this. For example, Jesus may not have been inclusive (in the modern sense of the word) of LGBTQ, but He wouldn’t have excluded them. We have enough Scripture available to us to illustrate that, whatever the answer, Jesus was certainly effective in ensuring that no one was left out, and that surely should be our goal as the church.</p> <p>Whilst Jesus was inclusive, this was not at the expense of his teaching. He did not embrace sin as something good, as is happening in many churches today. Rather, He tackled it directly by addressing the state of the heart. Simply consider the story of the woman caught in adultery. The words of Jesus from John 8 are familiar to us:</p> <p><em>“Where are your accusers? Didn’t even one of them condemn you?”  “No, Lord,” she said. And Jesus said, “Neither do I. Go and sin no more.” </em></p> <p>Those words ring out, “Go and sin no more”. In other words, address your heart and see where you need to change. Jesus showed her love, but gently called out her actions as something that needed to be addressed. She was not shunned or worse stoned, but there was a challenge.. Jesus did not shy away from the reality that her behaviour could not be condoned. He lovingly, yet clearly, corrected her by that one simple statement - “Go and sin no more.”</p> <p>1 Corinthians 5 reminds us that our judgment should not fall on those outside the church, and that includes all who come to our churches seeking answers and relationship with God. Inclusion means loving people where they are at. It means not excluding them because of the result of a judgmental word, an unfriendly environment or worse still a pointed reference to their lifestyle. I know one lady, who as a seeker, went to a number of churches with her wife. Most of the churches demonstrated an outward form of welcome, yet after 3 or 4 weeks in each church the pastor preached pointedly on homosexuality. </p> <p>Understandably this caused pain and rejection; they felt judged and unwelcome. Effectively they were excluded from those churches because of the treatment they received, despite the veneer of welcome. The pastor’s mistake was to prioritise challenging sin over welcome, and seemingly to enforce change rather than build relationship. Creating an environment which fosters change is the work of the Holy Spirit. Being inclusive requires us to switch the question around: “In what ways are we excluding people?” </p> <h3>To be a progressive church</h3> <p>In the context of church, progressive often refers to becoming advocates of social reform and is synonymous with advancement. Hence being a progressive church is associated with moving forwards, perhaps stepping out of archaic teaching or thinking and approaching long held, traditional beliefs in a different way. </p> <p>Let’s consider whether, as those who hold fast to the Bible being the inerrant word of God, we can safely call ourselves progressive? Progressive church is a relatively new term; it paints a picture of a church that has stepped away from the antiquated practices of the past, a church that focuses more on social justice than sound doctrine. Perhaps it suggests a church that has moved with the times, that recognises how life has changed significantly since the Bible was written and one that has a revisionist view of Scripture. </p> <p>For those of us who hold to the traditional interpretation of Scripture on sexuality, progressive church is not where you are likely to find us on a Sunday morning!</p> <p>Yet in seeking to be a church that is truly progressive, would it not be more realistic to talk about a progressing church, a church that is constantly evolving and growing? Jesus told Peter that he would build His church (Matthew 16:18). This was never meant to be a one-off event. The church is being built by Jesus to an ever-increasing degree of glory; the church is being perfected for the bridegroom. The reality is that, yes things in the world have changed significantly since Jesus walked the earth, but God does not change. His ways and teachings remain the same. (Malachi 3:6, Hebrews 13:8). </p> <p>And in recognising the progression of the church, we appreciate how progressive Jesus was in His day. There are so many examples in the Bible of how progressive Jesus was for His time. </p> <p>Here’s just four things that stand out to me:</p> <ol><li>Jesus encouraged wealth distribution: he told a rich man to give all he had to the poor (Mark 10:21)</li> <li>Jesus spent time with prostitutes, despite the potential for gossip or slander (Luke 7:38)</li> <li>Jesus treated women as equals. Think about how Mary sat at his feet listening as He taught (Luke 10:39)</li> <li>Jesus didn’t endorse behaviour that traditional religious leaders tolerated, as shown when He overturned the tables in the temple courts (Luke 19:45)</li> </ol><p>Jesus was radical, and we too can be radical churches. It’s not hard to love radically, regardless of a person’s sex, gender, identity or orientation; we can love. Let’s be churches that think and talk about the difficult questions. Questions such as, “How can we welcome members of the LGBTQ community?” ”How can we support, love and affirm them as important members of our community?”</p> <p>The only answer to becoming the church Jesus calls us to be is to look to Him as our example. Yes He drew attention to sin, but He didn’t pursue sin. He was content to speak truth and allow the person to choose their response. He affirmed people through His love and grace. He never excluded anyone from His ministry and, as a progressive, He never once called evil good or good evil. </p> <p>Jesus is the ultimate example of compassion and truth. Let us aspire to follow His example as we open our churches to a society more in need of Jesus than ever before.</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-83a9wl5bjk03{background:#fff;color:#000;border-color:#00599c;} #button-83a9wl5bjk03: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-83a9wl5bjk03">&#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">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="/relationships" hreflang="en">Godly Relationships</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 Sarah</div> </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/field.html.twig' --> Thu, 12 Jan 2023 12:55:40 +0000 Owen 596 at https://truefreedomtrust.co.uk Preparing for life's challenges https://truefreedomtrust.co.uk/preparing-lifes-challenges <!-- 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">Preparing for life&#039;s challenges</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/bumps-in-road-1170-x-330.jpg" alt="Bumpy road" 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="2022-09-22T09:03:16+00:00">Thu, 22/09/2022 - 10:03</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>Growing up, I lived opposite an incredibly house-proud lady. We could regularly see her, rain or shine, sprucing up the front of her home. She would clean the windows, ensure no weeds were growing, and even go out onto the pavement with a hard scrubbing brush to remove all the dirt from the concrete flagstones. I’m not going to criticise anyone for maintaining high standards of cleanliness, but it used to amuse us that the fastidiousness of her home didn’t match that of the homes surrounding it.</p> <p>We made comparisons between her and Hyacinth Bucket, a character from a sitcom in the 90s, who used to go to extreme lengths to impress her neighbours and hide her true social standing. Hyacinth was also a terrible back-seat driver. She would constantly tell her husband, Richard, to “Watch the road” and point out hazards which he was already well aware of.</p> <p>Our invitation to follow Christ is like a road that leads to an incredible destination as, in the end, we spend eternity with God in the New Creation. However, it is a road fraught with hazards that seek to stop us dead in our tracks, and the pavements are lined with enticements to get us to turn in a different direction. All Christians face potential pitfalls and temptations on their discipleship journey, which distract them from the final destination. There may be times when the cost of our discipleship feels too great. For many, a life of singleness and celibacy contributes to feelings of loneliness and isolation. How can we stop our journey from being disrupted? What can we do to keep going?</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 times when we are most tempted can be those when we are the most drained </div>&#13; </div>&#13; </div> &#13; <h3>Pack some snacks</h3> <p>Whenever I go on a road trip, I pack some snacks for the ride. After all, we all need to eat. Food and water for the journey are an important part of our self-care. As best we can, taking care of ourselves will help us making unnecessary stops. The times when we are most tempted can be those when we are the most drained, be that spiritually, physically or emotionally.</p> <p>Jesus emphasises the importance of self-care in Mark 6. The apostles had been busy sharing the good news of Christ in the villages. They return to Jesus and give him an account of their actions, but they still have people coming to them. Jesus suggests they take some time out to eat, rest and find quiet (v31). Jesus himself often moved away from the busyness of his ministry to find time to pray. We must build time for rest into our lives if we are to persevere in service. We ought to be mindful of our spiritual, physical, and emotional needs and not leave ourselves running on empty.</p> <h3>Pick your route well</h3> <p>Smartphone mapping apps are great for any journey. Type in where you want to go, and they will let you know the best way to get there. They often give you options so you can choose the route that best suits you. Want to avoid that 50mph stretch on the M6? Sure. Want to take the scenic route through the peak district? Just tap. As Christians, some things can seriously disrupt our discipleship journey that we would be wise to avoid.</p> <p>There is no shortage of scripture verses reminding us of our need to flee temptation. Romans 13:14 says, “…clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.” The words are strong. We’re not to even think about how we might gratify the desires of the flesh. Are there choices we can make that might help us to keep well clear from temptation? For instance, some might need to limit their internet access. Others might need to avoid a particular part of town. Being deliberate in keeping well away from ungodly influences is all part of self-care.</p> <h3>Bring some passengers</h3> <p>Travelling mile after mile on the motorway by yourself is no fun. I find myself clock-watching and working out how many more hours or minutes there are until I reach my destination. Journeys are much better when you have some good passengers by your side. Surround yourself with the right people, and the conversation will make you lose track of time and help you keep going in the right direction.</p> <p>God designed people to live in community with one another. 1 Corinthians 12:4-27 shows us that community is essential to how God has ordered his church. Each person is different, and each brings something to the table. It takes the whole body of Christ (the church) to accomplish God’s purposes. Galatians 6:2 suggests that we can fulfil the law of Christ through carrying one another’s burdens. </p> <p>Hebrews 10:24-25 stresses the importance of not neglecting to meet together as we spur one another on. It shouldn’t come as a surprise that not having those people around us spurring us on can lead us to fall into temptation. This is a challenge for the whole church. We need to foster good intimacy with others and walk as a community to stop each other from seeking intimacy in unhealthy places.</p> <h3>Focus on the destination</h3> <p>Often, when we set out on any journey, there is a destination worth reaching. Maybe you are going to visit a friend you haven’t seen in a long time. Maybe you are going on a mission trip that will advance the kingdom of God. Maybe you’re just going to work to put some food on the table. Some of my close friends live several hours away. The journey to see them can often feel tedious, but I do it because I know we’ll have a great time once we’re together.</p> <p>In Luke 18:29-30, Jesus says: “…no one who has left home or wife or brothers or sisters or parents or children for the sake of the kingdom of God will fail to receive many times as much in this age, and in the age to come eternal life.” Setting out may be costly, but we do it for the sake of the kingdom of God. His Word gives us confidence that the road leads to something wonderful as we join him in glorious fellowship in the age to come. As we fix our eyes on this, we will surely want to keep going.</p> <p>And there you have it, my top tips for a healthy road trip. Of course, other things can cause bumps, setbacks and frustrations on a journey we can’t plan for. Sometimes the car breaks down. We may face periods of ill health that compromise our ability to resist temptation. In those situations, help is out there. TFT can provide support if you are currently wrestling with same-sex attraction in the light of your faith convictions. If we can help, we’d love to walk the road with you as we give thanks for the grace and compassion of God, our Father.</p> <hr /><p>This article was originally published in the summer 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-g45lzgfzn3ny{background:#fff;color:#000;border-color:#00599c;} #button-g45lzgfzn3ny: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/2022Q3ascend.pdf" class="gsc-button medium " id="button-g45lzgfzn3ny">&#13; Download the Autumn 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">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="/relationships" hreflang="en">Godly Relationships</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 Simon</div> </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/field.html.twig' --> Thu, 22 Sep 2022 09:03:16 +0000 Owen 584 at https://truefreedomtrust.co.uk Accountability software https://truefreedomtrust.co.uk/accountability-software <!-- 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">Accountability software</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/accountability-software-1170-x-330.jpg" alt="typing on laptop" 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="2022-08-02T09:47:45+00:00">Tue, 02/08/2022 - 10:47</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 Internet can be both a blessing and a curse. While it is an incredible tool to stay connected to others, helps us do our jobs and is a powerful educational resource, we can also use it in ways that are damaging to our wellbeing.</p> <p>If you’re looking for protection online, internet accountability software can be a fantastic tool to help you stay away from pornography or other unhelpful content.</p> <p>Accountability software will not necessarily prevent you from accessing certain material. Instead, it encourages good behaviour by giving someone a reason to take responsibility for their actions and decisions. It will monitor internet use, generate a report about the sites visited, and then send it to a chosen ‘accountability partner’.</p> <p>There is also the option for filtering software, which functions by monitoring, filtering and blocking (where appropriate) internet traffic. If the filtering software’s algorithms detect that the website being accessed is potentially objectionable, the software creates a ‘digital wall’ that will prevent the user from gaining access to that content.<br /> Note that there are also some options out there for both filtering and accountability that have a free option, such as KasperskySafe Kids (<a href="https://www.kaspersky.co.uk/safe-kids">www.kaspersky.co.uk/safe-kids</a><a href="www.kaspersky.co.uk/safe-kids "> </a>).</p> <h3>Examples of Filtering Software</h3> <p>Some of the most notable filtering programs are Net Nanny, SpyAgent, and Qustudio. These programs typically have features, such as:</p> <ul><li>email alerts when some sites are visited</li> <li>summary reports of all internet activity over a given period</li> <li>chat reports of dialogue that have taken place with other people online</li> <li>screenshots of Internet and computer use and activity.</li> <li>Mobile airtime and broadband providers can provide automated parental control blockers, if requested, and the Windows Operating System comes with a ‘Family Settings’ function, whilst some internet browsers can have a similar capability. These tend to be very broad brush, and (because you control them), are not too difficult to switch off or circumnavigate. </li> </ul><p>Net Nanny (<a href="https://www.netnanny.com/">www.netnanny.com</a>) is a software-based parental control filter that can block pornography and manage screen time. It does, however, cost about £65 a year for 5 devices (although discounts are available), and is best for a family setting. The cost increases to £105 a year for 20 devices. It works on all the major operating systems and phones.</p> <p>SpyAgent (<a href="https://www.spytech-spyagent.com/">www.spytech-spyagent.com</a>) is a more complete package, mainly for Windows computers, and is very expensive at around £65 a year per computer. Unfortunately, it is not available for phones.</p> <p>Qustudio (<a href="https://www.qustodio.com/">www.qustodio.com</a>) markets itself as an “all-in-one parental control and digital wellbeing solution” that works across all the primary computer, phone and tablet operating systems, and works by being downloaded on a ‘parent’ device, to monitor a ‘child’s’ internet activity. The cost ranges from about £40 for 5 devices to £65 for 10. </p> <p>To gain the most from filtering software, you will need to ask a friend or family member to act as the ‘parent’, and they will review usage and make sure you don’t seek to circumnavigate the system by switching it off.  </p> <h3>Accountability vs Filtering Software</h3> <p>Filtering deters accessing content by making it more difficult to access; however, it may not address the root cause of the issue, which is taking responsibility for one’s actions and maintaining integrity. By contrast, internet accountability software cannot force a person to stop accessing certain content, but it encourages them to behave with integrity. Online accountability software puts more responsibility on the individual using the device to make healthy choices about their use of the Internet. It is a relationship-driven way of encouraging healthy and positive internet engagement, with the goal being an attitude of accountability that will also extend into other areas of the user’s life. Accountability partners can have productive conversations with the software user, a chance that might be denied if only using filtering. More than half of all pornography is viewed over a mobile device, so it is important for the software to serve mobiles in a way that maintains the functionality of the device. Most filtering options for mobile devices work by essentially limiting the device’s function and forcing its user to browse the Internet via a “safe browser”. Unfortunately, many of these can be circumvented by different browsers or apps that would allow unrestricted access to the Internet.</p> <h3>Accountability Software </h3> <p>The most significant difference is that Accountability Software rarely blocks or filters content, but reports the websites looked at. When it flags a website as explicit or dangerous, it sends a report by email or text to one or more of the accountability partners that the user has chosen. The software is very clever, but can sometimes be over-cautious (which is better), meaning the partner could get a report flagging a newspaper story or article for having concerning content, where it can be easily explained. However, this keeps the conversation between the user and partner going, and so takes a ‘better safe than sorry’ approach! It can take a great deal of courage to admit the problem to one or more friends, and ask them to be accountability partners, but that is at the heart of the solution. Other positive points are that the software also monitors “incognito” browsing, and if you uninstall the software from a phone or computer, it informs your allies. Sometimes, you even have to contact the software manufacturer and ask for an uninstall code. Some limitations that are worth mentioning are:</p> <ol><li>Covenant Eyes routes the internet traffic via their US-based servers. This means that streaming UK content (e.g. from the BBC or Sky) might not be allowed and Netflix can get very confused!</li> <li>If you are using a corporate PC or mobile that a company or other organisation monitors, then the software or app might conflict with the supplied monitoring software. If this is the case, the software supplier might provide a solution.</li> <li>Reports may contain page headers from websites visited, which could include contact information etc. So, there could be privacy concerns if using the software on a work computer, for example.</li> </ol><h3>Three accountability software options</h3> <p>Covenant Eyes (CE) is by far the largest company in this space and partners with churches and Christian groups. It works with Mac, iOS, Android and Windows operating systems. It is mainly concerned with porn use and, unlike some other options, doesn’t seek to limit access to other sites such as gambling or chat rooms. CE continuously captures screenshots of your phone at random, analyses them, and sends blurred images to your partners through email. It also tracks the websites you visit, sends reports of them to your allies and provides a filter to restrict access to certain content. The Covenant Eyes accountability software supports a “panic button” feature that cuts off access to the Internet when pressed, if an individual is dealing with temptation. The program costs about £14 per month and includes 10 users and unlimited devices. <a href="https://www.covenanteyes.com/">www.covenanteyes.com</a></p> <p>Accountable2You was initially started by a Christian developer, who wanted an accountability tool that didn’t negatively impact internet speed, as he found many others did. It functions on Windows, iOS, Android, Chrome and Linux devices. The online program does not show website links in the reports, because the program creators have determined that doing so may tempt an accountability partner to click on the link. So, they typically only show the title of the webpage in question. Accountable2You advertises its most significant advantage to be the reporting features. The program provides a large amount of customisable information to accountability partners about the activity of the device’s user. There are instant alerts, both email or text, sent to the partner, to increase the immediacy of accountability. The cost is a lot less than CE, at about £6 per month for an individual (on 6 devices), or £10 for a family (covering 20 devices). You can try it for free. <a href="https://accountable2you.com/">Accountable2you.com </a></p> <p>Ever Accountable is an online accountability program that supports Android, iOS, Windows, Chromebooks, and even Kindle devices, and is again aimed at dealing with pornography usage. The company also supplies meaningful articles, emails and guides to keep the user on track. The software has a free 14-day trial and the company gives discounts for those who pay up to a year in advance. This online programme can also monitor what is happening inside of YouTube, Facebook, Instagram or other apps. The programme can monitor activity done in a browser’s incognito mode. The cost for an individual is about £72 a year (one user with unlimited devices) and for a family is £96 a year. <a href="https://everaccountable.com/">everaccountable.com</a></p> <hr /><p>This article was originally published in the summer 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-y6i32dc1x0yx{background:#fff;color:#000;border-color:#00599c;} #button-y6i32dc1x0yx: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/2022Q2ascend.pdf" class="gsc-button medium " id="button-y6i32dc1x0yx">&#13; Download the summer 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">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="/accountability" hreflang="en">Accountability</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/contentment" hreflang="en">Contentment</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/relationships" hreflang="en">Godly Relationships</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 Jon</div> </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/gavias_charityplus/templates/field.html.twig' --> Tue, 02 Aug 2022 09:47:45 +0000 Owen 581 at https://truefreedomtrust.co.uk