The first annual State of the Podcast talks about the Flip Side Podcast Survey and some upcoming improvements to the podcast. Topic of the day is how to live for Christ in this messed up world. How to stop from being gradually assimilated into the world’s way of operating, particularly around the around of sex, but also in how we view Scripture and our overall worldview.
The Primary Purpose of Sex is not Pleasure
We live in a culture that believes pleasure is the primary, and often times only, purpose for sex. Chapters 4 and 5 of Mere Sexuality: Rediscovering the Christian Vision of Sexuality by Todd A. Wilson say that the Bible teaches otherwise. You might roll your eyes at “the Bible” teaching you about what you should or shouldn’t do sexually. Before you make this judgment, pause and ask if our culture’s “do what pleases you” mindset for sex has created fruitful outcomes for individuals, children, and culture at large or not.
Accountability is for the Weak
Most of us, especially us guys, like to think of ourselves as tough, strong, and self-reliant. If I’m in trouble, I’ll get myself out of it. If I’m lost, I’m not asking for directions. If there’s a car on top of my chest, I’ll gather my gusto and push that sucker off, thank you very much. I’ll help you, but I’m certainly not in need of your help. This then bleeds in whenever we hear the topic of accountability broached by a pastor or in a sexual purity conversation. I don’t have a problem, and even if I did, I’d be able to figure it out myself.
Flip Side Book Club: “The Sexuality of Jesus” & “Male, Female, and the Imago Dei”
Chapter 2 has an intriguing title, “The Sexuality of Jesus.” I don’t want to say that it didn’t live up to its name. As I read Mere Sexuality, I’m realizing there are 3 categories that the broad term “sexuality” encompasses. One is gender / transgenderism, one is orientation / LGBTQ+, and the other would be what is sometimes called “sexual purity,” more or less meaning pornography, sex before marriage, lust, etc.
Ep. 20: Interview with Jason Redoutey on Vulnerability and Grace Overcoming Shame and Addiction
Noah catches up with Jason Redoutey on how encountering the affirming love of God satisfied Jason’s lifelong quest for approval and affirmation. A quest that led him to a double life of porn, lies, womanizing, and cheating in his marriage. Shame was once the ruler in Jason’s life, shame that has been replaced by love and grace, found through vulnerability. Jason now helps other men find this same overwhelming love of God as one of the directors of Hearts, Alive, and Free.
Flip Side Book Club: “Mere Sexuality” Intro & Chapter 1
Wilson and I are both heterosexual, married men who love Scripture, pastor churches, and love people. So there is a compassionate ache for those who struggle with gender identity or with same sex attraction, but also the conviction that Scripture is the inspired and authoritative word of God and you can’t pick and choose the parts you like and don’t like.