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In 325 AD, the early church met together in the Council of Nicea to condemn (among other things) the heresy of Arianism. Then in 381 AD, the Council of Constantinople met to condemn (among other things) Apollinarianism. Throughout the centuries, the church has convened from time to time to assert plainly what it believes in the face of a culture that makes truth claims contrary to scripture.

Culture changes, but the truth of God's word never changes. As our culture asserts truths that are contrary to scripture, it is incumbent on the church to state plainly what it believes. The Nashville Statement for Biblical Sexuality is just that. The reason that I want to bring it to your attention is because I think it is necessary for our church to affirm it. This is not a way of rubbing anything in, or creating unnecessary friction with the culture around us. This is simply a clear way for our church to state plainly what we believe scripture teaches about sexuality and marriage.

The statement is a series of affirmations and denials, and it is very well written. We will have a church-wide business meeting on November 15, 2017, where a proposal will be presented that we affirm this statement. Assuming it passes, it will be used to make sure our ministry partners abroad align with our convictions. I've linked to the statement in this post. Please take the time to read it.

Soon after the release of the Nashville Statement, Al Mohler, President of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (one of the SBC's 6 seminaries), discussed the statement on his weekly podcast called, "The Briefing." These may be helpful for you as you think through this issue:

http://www.albertmohler.com/2017/08/30/briefing-08-30-17/?segment=1

Segment title: Evangelical coalition releases Nashville statement, a manifesto on biblical sexuality

http://www.albertmohler.com/2017/08/31/briefing-08-31-17/?segment=1

Segment titleThe new functionalist understanding of religion and how it contrasts with biblical Christianity

http://www.albertmohler.com/2017/08/31/briefing-08-31-17/?segment=2

Segment titleFinding refuge in the muddled middle: What can we learn from responses to the Nashville Statement?