PPL eNews, JUNE 2023 |Sexuality: The Bible provides clarity and guidance

Compelled by the Gospel, PPL equips Presbyterians to champion human life at every stage PPL ENEWS Sexuality June 2023 From PPL Archives Sexuality: A Guide for Students The Bible is God's written Word.1 We declare our commitment to its infallible truth,2 especially in the areas of marriage and sexuality where its teaching is under attack in our day.3 Our Reformed tradition has always stood on the absolute authority of Scripture The Bible Reveals God’s Plan For Men and Women. The Bible tells us that both male and female are made in God's own image,5 and are intended by God to express sexual love for one another only within the bonds of the life-long covenant of marriage.6 Christian marriage is created by God7 and designed for three purposes:8 The mutual help of husband and wife.9 The safe-guarding, encouragement, and development of their moral and spiritual character.10 Having children11 and raising them in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.12 We call the Church to Follow the Bible’s Teachings We call on Christians to join with us in following the Bible’s teachings13 and our Reformed confessions and tradition across history in declaring that sexual relationships within this context14 are the only possible expressions of sexuality that are not in direct rebellion against God's revealed will.15 With many sexual temptations facing America’s youth today, the Church of Jesus Christ must speak truthfully in support of what God says about sex and marriage.16 We want to be faithful followers of our Lord Jesus Christ who said both: Your sins are forgiven (Luke 7:48), and Stop sinning (John 5:14).17 The words of God and His followers call those continuing in sexual sin to turn away from their sin18 and believe in forgiveness offered to us through the blood of Jesus.19 Click here for Endnotes, Appendix, and free downloadable pdf brochure

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Resources to help you speak truth in love about God's design for sexuality. SEXUALITY | ppl.org

Pastors Connect with PPL Board Pastors from around the nation joined representatives of the Presbyterians Protecting Life Board of Directors in a teleconference conversation early last month. PPL has enjoyed pastors’ participation and connection for decades; however this was the first organized “PPL Dialogue With Pastors” designed to help the organization better understand current needs of pastors as they relate to life issues and ministries.

Board members Justin Marple, Jonathan Leach, Lowell Avery, John Sheldon and Craig Kephart welcomed invited pastors into the Zoom platform discussion. The invitees represented congregations from Pennsylvania, Mississippi, New Jersey, and Michigan. Some conversation topics the group spent time upon included: local life ministries and congregational relationships with those ministries; contemporary mindsets of local church leaders with regard to life issues; family ministry in situations of unexpected pregnancy; Christian convictions vis-à-vis political identities; Roe, Dobbs, and March for Life activism; leadership dynamics where pro-life pastors and elders are outspoken; congregational reactions to preaching about abortion; and the outlook of teenagers on questions of gender.   The meeting opened with Lowell Avery’s brief description of PPL changes in recent years – moving away from denominational policy shaping and assembly lobbying efforts. PPL has instead moved into a resourcing role and, during these same years, has expanded its constituencies by drawing participants and Board members from several different Reformed and Presbyterian bodies.  A second “PPL Dialogue With Pastors” will be conducted later this summer. Please contact the PPL office for more information.

Will you make a gift to fund PPL's mission today? PPL has set a budget of $80,000 for 2023. Simply put, we need to raise $6700 to meet expenses each month in order to carry on with PPL's gospel compelled mission to equip Presbyterians to champion human life at every stage. In May PPL had a shortfall of $2500. If you are able, would you make an extra gift to help? Thank you to all our faithful donors--you make our equipping possible!

Other ways to give To donate via text from your phone: Text "give" to 1 (717) 537-0909. Follow the prompts on the page that opens to make a gift to equip Presbyterians to save human lives! To donate by check, mail your check to: PPL, PO Box 5239, Lancaster, PA 15606-5239. Online bill pay: Set up a monthly recurring check through your your bank. Give an IRA disbursement and avoid paying income tax on it. Call us for information about giving stocks. Click the donate button below to help PPL make a difference today!

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