In the January 2022 issue of CORE Voice and the February 2022 letter from the director I had a two-part article entitled, “How Did It Happen?”, in which I explained how groups such as ReconcilingWorks have made use of the principles of community organizing so that they have been able to completely take over the ELCA with their LGBTQ+ values, priorities, and agenda.  A link to the article in the newsletter can be found here.  A link to the letter from the director can be found here. 

At the end of the second part I described the need for resources for parents, church leaders, and LGBTQ+ identified persons which are Biblically sound, scientifically based, and compassionate in their approach to matters pertaining to same-sex attraction and gender identity, and more broadly relating to sexuality and gender.   

Next month – June – the LGBTQ+ community will be celebrating Pride Month.  In anticipation of that event Lutheran CORE has gathered a list of resources that will provide Biblically sound and compassionate answers to such questions as, “What do I do if I am gay?” and “What should I do now that my child or friend has come out as gay?” 

We began the task of developing this list with the clear understanding that the Bible does not allow for same-sex sexual activity and/or misrepresenting one’s biological sex.  No resource that takes an LGBTQ+ affirming point of view would be included unless in that resource the LGBTQ+ affirming point of view is in dialogue with the traditional point of view regarding sexuality.

The goal in providing this list is to reach LGBTQ+ persons for Christ, to acknowledge their struggles with same-sex attraction and/or gender dysphoria, and to help them find a healthy way forward and assist them in their efforts to live biblically.

We do not believe that the Bible promises that same-sex attraction and/or gender dysphoria will disappear if only we will _____.   Rather we are reminded of how God did not remove Paul’s thorn in the flesh (whatever it might have been) in spite of his fervent prayers (2 Corinthians 12: 7-10), and we understand that the Christian life – this side of heaven – is a constant struggle between the flesh and the spirit, as Paul describes in Romans 7.  

The goal is to help same-sex attracted persons live according to a Biblical sexual ethic.  We acknowledge that some will choose to live a celibate life.  Some will marry a person of the opposite sex even though they still struggle with same-sex attractions. 

When working with transgender identified persons, regardless of the initial stance taken on identity markers, the end goal is to help them accept their biological sex. 

We commend these resources to you, and we pray that they will help all of us live in the spirit of what the apostle Paul wrote to the Romans –

“I appeal to you, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.  Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God – what is good and acceptable and perfect.”  (Romans 12: 1-2)

THE PRAYERS, 

7^th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 9, Cycle B (July 8, 2018)

Let us pray to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ on behalf of the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

Lord, you commissioned Ezekiel to speak to your rebellious people; and your Son chose the Twelve to spread the Gospel throughout Galilee. Bestow your Spirit to the Church, so that it may boldly speak words of warning and grace to all people, and may bring many to repentance, true faith, and redemption in Christ Jesus.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Grant y0ur all-sufficient grace to your persecuted servants. By their faithful witness and persistent hope, turn their enemies toward the cross of Christ, where they may be forgiven and transformed. Bestow your favor and guidance upon your missionaries, especially those serving in dangerous places.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Thank you for calling the people of this congregation into fellowship with your dear Son. Give us the gifts of the Holy Spirit to shape us into disciples and heralds of your Kingdom. Grant us courage, so that we do not cringe at the prospect of sharing the Good News; and give us kindness, so that others may gladly hear it.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer

Thank you for the lives and dreams of patriots who have labored to make this country into a shining beacon of hope, freedom and justice for all. Kindle in all of our hearts the desire to serve nation and neighbor in ways that please and honor you.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Grant the Spirit of wisdom and understanding to all who take counsel for the nations. Give them teachable spirits, honest minds, and merciful hearts, so that those entrusted to their care may enjoy the blessings of health, hope, freedom and peace.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Keep our military personnel and first responders in your care. Grant that all they do may secure and further the blessings of peace, justice, and liberty. Help us to support and encourage their families until the day when they are reunited; and heal all whose lives have been shattered by the violence of war.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Like Paul, who prayed that his thorn in the flesh might be removed; we pray for all who suffer in body, mind, or spirit. Especially we remember before you: {List}. Heal them according to your gracious will; and give them unshakable confidence in your grace, which is always sufficient for their needs. Thank you for all caregivers. Give them compassion, patience and serenity. And keep all who suffer in closest communion with their church, their family, and all who love them.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Most holy Father, we praise and adore you for your never-failing mercy, especially as it has embraced our loved ones who have died in the shelter of your arms. Keep us close to your heart throughout our lives; support us with your grace; heal us with your forgiving love; and lead us by your Spirit into the Kingdom and the inheritance won for us by your Son, Christ Jesus our Lord.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Hear and graciously answer our prayers, dear Lord, as it is best for us and most glorifies your holy name. Amen.