Holy Sexuality and the Gospel

I am very grateful for resources like this, that allow us to understand better and we can also give it to people who need to know about their wonderful design. Also I am excited to explore some other titles of this topic in the extensive bibliography that the author uses in the book.

I am very excited! I received this book for review and comment prior to its publication (I really like to read and let you know about awesome books!). This new copy of Christopher Yuan will be published on November 20, 2018, WaterBrook & Multnomah. I recommend that you pre-order it here.

I liked it because this issue is not only important for people who are attracted to the same sex or who identify themselves as LGBTQ. Identity is an issue that includes all of us. We all have a continuous war with the idols of our hearts. What we like, are atracted to, captivated by, how we define ourselves, finally captures us.

The book makes us think and reflect that we live in an era in which there is a constant narrative that dictates: "your sexual desires define you, determine who you are and will satisfy you", this book explains how dangerous this position is and where it could guide us.

The first time I heard from Christopher was at a conference he gave years ago.

Later in the program of Revive Our Hearts you can listen to part of its history in a series of 6 programs in English: "Out of a Far Country, with Christopher & Angela Yuan". This series is also available in Spanish on the Aviva Nuestros Corazones ministry in the series: Desde un país lejano.

You can encourage you to read this book by listening to these free audios of the same series, with Christopher and his mother. Personally I think there is nothing like reading the book. In an audio or interview you can never go deeper as you can do in the book.

Since I heard about the story of Christopher Yuan I was very moved. It is very necessary to address these issues from other points of view, not only what we see in social networks, series or movies.

There are people who are facing similar situations and very open, clear and real perspective of people who have been. It is very needed. Personally, people I love very much know what it is to be there and I have also seen what their families and their relationships face.

What culture is currently questioning about homosexuality is: "Why would God make me this way and then not allow me to be who I am?" This and other questions are answered in the book. His arguments will surprise you! (I promise I won't give you a spoiler). You will find much about identity, the importance of anthropology (the consequences of ignoring who we are), sexuality, temptations, the anatomy of desire, sexual orientation, marriage, singleness, comparison and much more.

It seemed to me very useful that at the end of the book they included an 8 week study guide. The reader may use it to examine the topics in more depth and reach their own reflections and conclusions. To make it more enriching it can be done with a small group or a reading partner.

P.S. You can read his first book here: Out of a Far Country: A Gay Son's Journey to God. A Broken Mother's Search for Hope Out of a Far Country.

Out of a Far Country: A Gay Son's Journey to God. A Broken Mother's Search for Hope. by [Yuan, Christopher, Yuan, Angela]

Christopher is brave to detail his conversion. His mom also shares very vividly from her perspective. He went from being an agnostic gay man who put his identity in his sexuality to being a faithful follower of Jesus. Now he has placed his identity in Christ, has a completely biblical and theological perspective on sex, his desires and relationships. This is his story of redemption.

"Christopher Yuan's story of redemption and restoration has inspired thousands worldwide. Now he offers in-depth biblical and theological teaching to help explain the core of his convictions. Holy Sexuality and the Gospel is for every reader curious about what God says about human sexuality and the spiritual realities of embodied personhood. Yuan writes that holy sexuality is chastity in singleness or faithfulness in marriage. Whether you're wrestling with questions of identity yourself, or wanting to share Christ to a loved one who identifies as gay, this book will equip you with the truth you need, as well as the coaching necessary for loving and charitable relationships."
#HolySexualityAndTheGospel #NetGalley

The emphasis in this book is about the Gospel and and how, because of our love for Christ and His love for us, we should be living a holy life. The author documents his love and belief in the Bible as being the inspired Word of God, and that we should follow God’s instructions in all areas of our lives very carefully. Through the transforming power of the Holy Spirit, we can and should avoid sexual sin. Christopher Yuan does a masterful job in explaining theological terms and Scripture in a way that I could completely understand. The author doesn’t hold back on the issues we face in today’s society, but helps us see that the answers for those issues that are found in God’s Word.

Christopher Yuan is completely open and honest as he shares his own struggles and testimony. I also appreciated the suggestions he gives for ministering to and talking with those who are struggling with sexual sin. My heart was moved by the godly example of his mother, a true prayer warrior who never gave up on her son’s accepting Christ as his Savior and turning from his sin. Through her example, I’ve been challenged to pray fervently and consistently for others.

There’s a study guide included at the end of the book that is very helpful for those reading as a group or for individual study.

This is an excellent book that made me think deeply and Biblically about these issues.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.