Pastor’s Column: God’s Plan for Sexual Brokenness

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In the last year, we’ve heard a lot about the “Me Too” movement. And to be honest, I’ve honestly LOVED the national conversation. After all, it’s the first time in years that our culture has started talking about America’s out of control rape-culture.

it’s the first time in years that our culture has started talking about America’s out of control rape-culture.

Don’t get me wrong, it’s actually quite irritating and disheartening when a  topic like this becomes highjacked by politics such as in the Kavanaugh hearings. Yet, despite this, it’s still important that we “Address the Mess” when it comes to our sexual brokenness. After all,  rape, porn, sex trafficking, and pedophilia are all experiencing record highs in the United States.

For example, did you know that according to the Center for Disease Control, in 2012, at least 18.3% of American women have been raped. That’s almost 1 out of 5 women! And a UNICEF study proved that rape is not only skyrocketing in America but all over the world. There’s an unprecedented 120 million girls who’ve been sexually abused or raped before age twenty. (As reported by Mike Embley, BBC World News, interviewing Susan Bissell – Global Head of UNICEF; September 4th, 2014).

at least 18.3% of American women have been raped… Just think about the PAIN of that stat

Just think about the PAIN of that stat. Of course, many of you know, rape stats tend to increase in direct proportion to porn sales. In fact, 20% of ALL internet porn comes from under-aged trafficked children.

And I get it: It’s hard to talk about some of this; all of us have sexual brokenness. Yet, God’s plan isn’t to oppress us but set us free.

all of us have sexual brokenness. Yet, God’s plan isn’t to oppress us but set us free

So, the question remains: How do we deal with it? Thankfully, we serve a God of redemption. Our church is filled with people from every imaginable background who’ve been restored to a lifestyle of joy. Indeed, repentance is actually a joyful process – the gateway to “refreshment” (Acts 3:19).

Unfortunately, for many people, they struggle with deep shame. Many people feel like they’re the only person who is dealing with their issue. Perhaps you shared your struggle with someone, only to feel further pain and rejection? God wants you to know: You’re not alone. And he’s got plenty of extra grace and power to help you experience a totally new life.

But here’s the purpose of this blog: After diving into our 2015 marriage and sexuality series: Too Many Shades of Grey, the Substance Church staff and I received an amazing number of awesome questions (which we love, by the way). Of course, there’s no way we could even begin to answer these questions; thus, I decided to write a quick blog outlining a variety of resources for the various questions and demographics that are seeking advice. I.e., Treat this page as a “table of contents” of random Bible and research advice.

 

Pastor Peter Haas is the lead pastor at Substance Church, a multi-site church in the Twin Cities. This blog was originally posted at peterhaas.org