Marriage & Relationships: 20+ Resources
When marriages are loving and faithful, they point people to Jesus’ unending love for us (see Ephesians 5:25-33). When marriages fall, they propel debris and destruction like a crumbling tower […]
Is Masturbation a Sin? A Thoughtful Christian Exploration
“Of all the moral issues which face the community of Christian believers, there are few issues that Christians feel more uncomfortable discussing than the issue of masturbation.”[1] Masturbation is a […]
Seven Churches of Revelation: The Church in Pergamum
Going on the road north from Smyrna you would travel along the coast for 40 miles, then you’d go northeast up the valley. Ten miles east from the shore was […]
A Journey from Secrecy and Control to Truth and Freedom in Christ
My name is Kirk Taylor, and I’m a grateful believer in Jesus Christ who has found freedom from gender dysphoria, codependency, and a lifelong struggle with trying to control how […]
Politics Is Downstream from Culture? Exploring the Other Side of the Coin
December 30, 2025 Amen to the Warning About Political Idolatry First, a hearty amen to Daniel and Bobby’s recent and excellent article, “The Birth of Our King and Our Country’s […]
Facing Cultural Hostility with Cultural Apologetics
October 6, 2025 @NeilShenvi – I understand the desire to “not mix Christianity and politics.” But open, vigorous debate about which policies *actually* align with biblical values seems vastly preferable […]
In the Wake of Minneapolis: Why We Must Be Honest About the Mental Health Crisis in the LGBTQ Community
On the morning of August 27, 2025, during Mass at Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis, a 23-year-old transgender individual, identified as Robin Westman, opened fire through stained-glass windows, killing two […]
When to Teach Your Kids About Sexuality and Gender?
When is the right time to teach kid(s) about sex, sexuality, gender, and LGBTQ+ topics? I wish it were as easy as offering a specific point in childhood development; unfortunately, […]
Chip and Joanna Gaines and the Quiet Drift of the Church
Chip and Joanna Gaines are a husband-and-wife duo best known for their hit series Fixer Upper, where they combined home renovation with warm, family-centered storytelling to win over audiences across […]
Transgender Interventions for Minors: Conversation with Senator Jack Johnson
June 26, 2025 *Editor’s Note: Can church leaders be a voice of wisdom to politicians—without being seduced by political power? Can church leaders speak up to their churches regarding pieces […]
It Goes Without Saying? A Reflection on Pope Francis
April 25, 2025 “If necessary, use words.” The original (Saint) Francis purportedly said this. Preach the gospel all the time, and—if necessary—use words. To this, we talkers want our chance […]
Christian Love and LGBTQ+: A Q&A with Dr. Chad Ragsdale
*Editor’s Note: A common slogan within LGBTQ+ communities is that “love is love,” implying that any consensual sexual expression is a legitimate form of love. At the same time, love […]
Expressive Individualism and LGBTQ+: Q&A with Dr. Chad Ragsdale
*Editor’s Note: What is expressive individualism and how does it relate to contemporary trends regarding sexuality and gender? To help us understand this powerful worldview, I caught up with Dr. […]
Why I Chose To Preach on Sexuality and Gender (Part 2)
My wife and I are blessed to have raised four children. I remember when we just had two. It seemed manageable at that point. We could play man-on-man defense. Then […]
What I Said to the Preteens About Marriage, Sexuality, and Boundaries
Once a month, I teach at the preteen youth group at church. My assigned topic a few weeks ago was what the Bible teaches about marriage, romance, and godly boundaries. […]
Why I Chose to Preach on Sexuality and Gender, Part 1
It is no secret that one of the most explosive topics of our day is sexuality and gender. For many decades, there has been a concerted effort to change the […]
Why Our Church Decided to Pray About the Transgender Bill
December 9, 2024 *Editor’s Note: When, if ever, should a church take a public stance over local legislation? Recently, the leaders of Harpeth Christian Church in Franklin, TN (located just […]
Should Men Remain Silent on Abortion?
November 5, 2024 I’ll just cut to the chase. In the past several weeks, I’ve been told about a half dozen times by both men and women that I shouldn’t […]
The Bible & My Vote?
A man in our congregation recently asked, “Would you preach a sermon about Christians and voting?” My inner voice said, “No!” Is there a topic more guaranteed to send people […]
Review of Richard & Christopher Hays’s ‘The Widening of God’s Mercy’
In The Widening of God’s Mercy, father and son Richard and Christopher Hays show why they believe same-sex sexual relationships and marriage ought to be fully welcomed in the church […]
Review of Richard and Christopher Hays’s ‘The Widening of God’s Mercy’
In The Widening of God’s Mercy, father and son Richard and Christopher Hays,[1] show why they believe same-sex sexual relationships and marriage ought to be fully welcomed in the church […]
An Editor’s Take on Megan Basham’s ‘Shepherds for Sale’
September 2, 2024 Everybody loves an editor. (Ha, that’s the closest you’ll get to an editor joke.) The truth is, nobody likes being told all the ways they could have […]
Who Was Potiphar’s Wife in the Bible?
The actual identity of the woman known as “Potiphar’s wife” has never been verified, though in the book of Genesis chapter 39, she is the woman who caused Joseph to […]
David and Bathsheba and Affairs in Your Church
I recently preached through the story of David and Bathsheba from 2 Samuel 11:1-27 on a Sunday morning. There are several important learnings from within this story, as well as […]
Just Turn the TV Off? Reflections on the Paris Olympic Opening Ceremonies
July 30, 2024 “Just turn the TV off!” That’s the advice Whoopi Goldberg gave in response to Christians outraged by the apparent depiction during the Paris Olympics opening ceremony of […]
Looking for Clarity During Pride Month? Here Are Two Helpful Resources.
June 19, 2024 I have the privilege of leading College Press Publishing Company. We have been publishing Christian books since 1959. We have a solid partnership with RENEW.org, and we […]
Christians and Sexuality: Q&A with Jonathan Storment on the Sexual Revolution
What is the relationship between Christians and sexuality in light of the sexual revolution? Are Christians doomed to be at war with sexual and gender minorities until they reframe biblical […]
Renew Review: ‘Does the Bible Support Same-Sex Marriage’ by Preston Sprinkle
John Whittaker reviews Preston Sprinkle’s Does the Bible Support Same-Sex Marriage?: 21 Conversations from a Historically Christian View. For a written review by John, click here.
Review of ‘Does the Bible Support Same-Sex Marriage?’ by Preston Sprinkle
Does the Bible Support Same-Sex Marriage? is Dr. Preston Sprinkle’s latest contribution to the ongoing conversation concerning what the Bible teaches about sexuality and marriage. It “is designed to offer […]
Sex Is Spiritual
Sex is deeply, deeply spiritual. When the Bible talks about sexuality, notice the language of deep intimacy and oneness: “This at last is bone of my bones and flesh of […]
The Catholic Church Is Blessing Same-Sex Unions? Let’s Check.
December 18, 2023 On December 18, many of us woke up to headlines such as “Pope Francis Allows Priests to Bless Same-Sex Couples” and “Pope Francis Authorizes Blessings for Same-Sex […]
The Bible and Modesty: It’s About More Than Personal Choices (Part 2)
Editor’s Note: For Part 1 in this series on the Bible and modesty (“Where Modesty Starts”), click here. Have you ever seen someone do something really stupid, and then say, […]
How One Church Handled the LGBTQ+ Conversation
The people in your church are being discipled into somebody’s view of marriage, sexuality, and gender. Is your church helping to disciple its people into God’s view as described in […]
Competing Views of Justice & Equality
Grounded in Judeo-Christian ethical systems, classical American theories of justice and equal treatment under the law are among the most profound judicial theories humanity has ever seen. Christian ethical systems […]
Andy Stanley, Albert Mohler, and Three Trajectories
October 4, 2023 – Daniel McCoy, RENEW.org Editorial Director There’s a lot I appreciate about Andy Stanley. In years past, I’ve led his small group DVD studies. I’ve gathered helpful […]
Sex Work and the Church’s Job
Sex has been an economized commodity since early human history, and in many parts of the world sex work remains thriving business. How should Christians respond to sex workers? One […]
Women and Men in the Church: A RENEW.org Guide to 10 Key Resources
Many church leadership teams are exploring what the Bible teaches about men and women in the church. And it’s a good time to do so. For many, it feels that […]
Review of Louise Perry’s ‘The Case Against the Sexual Revolution’
“The passions of a revolution are apt to hurry even good men into excesses.” —Alexander Hamilton All changes usher in a set of consequences, for better or worse. There are […]
How to Love Well During Pride Month: 6 Bible Passages
LGBTQ+ Pride Month can bring dilemmas for disciples of Jesus. We want to show our love for everyone, but we do not want to dishonor the teachings of God’s Word […]
Foreword to ‘Male and Female: A Biblical Look at Gender’
The following is one of the forewords for the book Male & Female: A Biblical Look at Gender, edited by Renée Webb Sproles. Henny-Penny, we are told in various versions […]
What Is a Eunuch in the Bible?
What is a eunuch in the Bible? Under the Old Testament law, eunuchs were banned from the priesthood and from God’s assembly due to their castration. Yet, we see men […]
How Polyamory Changes the Discussion on Homosexuality in the Church
As stated in a previous article on the rise of polyamory, I originally wrote a large portion of that article around three years ago. Since then, I have been engaging […]
The Rise of Polyamory
In this article, I want to describe what, for many, is a surprising shift: an acceptance within some Christian circles of polyamory (simultaneous romantic or sexual relationships with multiple partners). […]
Theology of the Body: What the Bible Teaches About the Importance of Bodies
What is a theology of the body? It is easy for us to see our bodies as disconnected from our spirituality. Yet the Bible teaches us much about the purposefulness, […]
The Remarkable Power of Preferred Pronouns
I told myself I wouldn’t brag about this publicly. For years, it’s been a bit of a Clark Kent-Superman dilemma: should I tell people about my secret power? Should I […]
Deconstructing the God of Sexual Identity
What follows is the manuscript of a sermon delivered in Ozark Christian College’s chapel on 2/25/2021. I feel some conflict this morning. It is a strange thing to be asked […]
Rod Dreher and the Disciple Making Solution
In early September, I had the opportunity to interview and dialogue with author and cultural commentator Rod Dreher in a public forum about his latest book and the concerns that […]
Sex at the End of the World
In Huxley’s dystopian novel, Brave New World, sex has been completely removed from any traditional constraints. Sex literally has nothing to do with procreation or love. In fact, these things are […]
How Do You Live Your Best Life? And Why Saying ‘No’ Is More Freeing Than You Think
How do we live our best life? Our musicians sing the answer. Our movies tell stories about it. Our politicians make speeches and pass laws to promote it. And each […]
Understanding the Pressures of the LGBTQ Movement in Five Decade-Centered Shifts
“The times they are a-changin’,” said the prophet Bob Dylan in a song by the same name. The year was 1963, and the winds of change were definitely blowing. The […]
Is there Really a Transgender “Craze” Seducing our Daughters? A Review of Abigail Shrier’s ‘Irreversible Damage’
Although written in 2020, Irreversible Damage discusses one of the most important subjects in the world today: transgenderism and how the subject is addressed in middle schools and high schools. […]
The Anxiety of Being a Progressive Christian
A progressive Christian swims along well with the cultural currents, but there’s an anxiety that comes along with it. I was interviewing a couple to get marriage advice for an […]
Book Review and Reflections on Embodied, by Preston Sprinkle
‘Embodied’ by Preston Sprinkle and the Church’s Response to Transgender Identity This book review explores how Embodied by Preston Sprinkle presents a biblical view of the body, arguing that Christians […]
Sermon on the Mount: How to Cut Off Your Hand
Cut Off Your Hand: Practical Steps to Fight Lust Jesus’ “whatever it takes” warning targets the earliest moment of temptation, calling you to cut off lust at the level of […]
Dr. Carol Swain on the Challenges Christian Face Today
Challenges Christian Face Today: Urgent Wake-Up Call Modern influences like social media, podcasts, and cultural voices can disciple believers into “self-inspired theology” that slowly weakens faith. Renewing the mind means […]
Dr. Carol Swain on the Challenges Christian Face Today
Dr. Carol Swain on Living Faithfully in a Confusing Age Through personal testimony, Dr. Swain recounts how her journey from academic success to Christian conviction reshaped her identity in Christ. […]
Sermon on the Mount: Lust and Objectification
Lust and Objectification: What Jesus Teaches in Matthew 5 Jesus extends the command against adultery to “looking with intent,” exposing objectification as a heart-level form of unfaithfulness. Biblical sexual ethics […]
How Pride Month Taught Me the Power of Spirituality
Pride Month: Seeing Culture Through a Spiritual Lens Exploring the explosion of flags and identities during Pride Month, the article shows how even health sites like Healthline can shift from […]
On Gender and the Bible: Thoughts of a Theologian and a Therapist on the Transgender Debate (Part 11)
Transgender Debate Part 11: Biblical Clarity for Today’s Questions Transgender Debate Part 11 affirms God made humans male and female, grounding identity in creation and biology. Key definitions like gender […]
Losing My Faith in Progressive Christianity: The Banned Books and Podcasts (Part 4)
Progressive Christianity Part 4 Lessons from Deconstruction Dave recounts a slow slide into progressivism. Influences like C.S. Lewis, Rob Bell, and The Liturgists shaped his doubts, loosening his trust in […]
We’re about to Make a Big Mistake – Reflections on Rebecca McLaughlin’s “The Secular Creed”
The Secular Creed and the Cost of a Godless Morality McLaughlin’s book exposes a new secular religion in which slogans like “love is love” and “gay rights are civil rights” […]
How to Read the Bible like a Progressive
Read the Bible like a Progressive with Clear Discernment Progressive reading is shown as rewriting essential Christian doctrines to fit Western cultural values while proudly selecting which Scriptures still apply. […]
Can Masculinity Be Non-Toxic?
Masculinity in God’s Good Design for Men Scripture presents masculinity as part of God’s creation of male and female, giving men a unique calling to reflect His character in strength, […]
4 Observations from the Frontlines of Disciple Making
Frontlines of Disciple Making in Today’s Church Frontlines of Disciple Making begins with creating deep belonging, where genuine friendship and shared struggle move people from mere churchgoing to committed disciples […]
Losing My Faith in Progressive Christianity: The Three Unforgivable Sins — Drinking, Smoking, and Cussing (Part 3)
Progressive Christianity Part 3: Lessons in Grace and Drift Progressive Christianity Part 3 traces how childhood taboos about drinking, smoking, and cussing slowly gave way to a “liberated” lifestyle that […]
The Equality Act: The Background, Battle, and Our Beliefs
Equality Act and Religious Liberty in Today’s Culture Sweeping federal protections for sexual orientation and gender identity would reach nearly every public space, reshaping how schools, businesses, and ministries operate. […]
A Resilient Church in a Cancel Culture
Cancel Culture — Practicing Church Resilience Grounded in disciple making, the church develops resilient believers who hold to biblical convictions with joy and courage. Facing cultural pressure, Christians reject timidity […]
On Gender and the Bible: What Does It Mean to Be a Man or Woman? (Part 10)
Man or Woman — Design, Signs, and Culture Drawing on nature and biology, the article shows how male and female bodies shape behavior and complement one another toward intimacy and […]
The Long March through the Institutions of Society
Long March in Today’s Institutions—A Discipleship Response Decades of university influence spread into media, corporations, and policy, advancing Critical Theory across culture. Marxist-rooted frameworks center power and suppression, conflicting with […]
6 Lies That Sink Marriages
6 Lies That Sink Marriages — Practical Guardrails Reject “greener grass” fantasies and fairy-tale expectations; intentionally nurture your spouse and grow together through every season. Seek outside support when needed—trusted […]
When the Foundations Are Being Destroyed
Foundations That Endure Through Faith Discover how Foundations grounded in God’s Word give strength when society feels unstable and divided. Explore David’s Psalms to understand why trusting the Lord offers […]
On Gender and the Bible: Where Does Egalitarianism Lead? (Part 9)
Egalitarianism and Scriptural Trajectories Authors trace how egalitarianism, when unchecked, can override created differences and biblical hierarchies in church and home. The article contrasts secular lenses with exegesis, arguing that […]
Top 10 Renew.org Articles in 2020
Top 10 — Lessons that Strengthened the Church Featuring standout discussions on gender, LGBTQ, race, and faith, these articles shaped meaningful reflection in 2020. Addressing deconversion, marriage, and disciple-making, the […]
Accepting LGBTQ+ Lifestyles for Disciples of Jesus: A Response to Sally Gary and the CenterPeace Ministries Decision to be Pro Gay
CenterPeace Ministries — Conviction with Civility Drawing on his testimony, Guy Hammond upholds historic Christian sexual ethics while explaining why holiness—not heterosexuality—is the disciple’s aim. While affirming dignity and respect […]
Lessons from the Church in Germany: Post-Christianity
The Church in Germany Insights for Today From classrooms to pulpits, negative higher criticism eroded confidence in Scripture, opening a spiritual vacuum filled by rival worldviews. Mission progress is slow—often […]
Something You Can Never Be
Something You Can Never Be — Love That Tells the Truth Using the square–circle analogy, Daniel McCoy exposes the contradiction of “caring” by not caring and the cultural pressure to […]
Book Review: Jen Hatmaker’s Fierce, Free, and Full of Fire
Jen Hatmaker’s Fierce, Free, and Full of Fire – Biblical Evaluation Drawing on Scripture, the review contrasts Hatmaker’s self-focused identity claims with biblical teaching on sin, grace, and the fear […]
Following Jesus through Chaos and Cancel Culture: Race, Sexuality, Gender, & the Gospel
Chaos and Cancel Culture – Faithful Discipleship Grounds believers in Jesus’ way amid public shaming, modeling grace and truth in conversations on race, sexuality, and gender. Offers a biblical framework […]
Changing Times: Part 3 of a Conversation with Bob Russell
Part 3 of a Conversation with Bob Russell on Faithful Leadership Facing shifting cultural views, Russell urges thick skin with soft hearts, resisting the drift to “shout grace and whisper […]
Racial Reconciliation & Church Unity – Part 1 of a Conversation with Bob Russell
Racial Reconciliation in Church Leadership Bob Russell recounts bridge-building efforts—joint services, grants to inner-city churches, and partnerships—while admitting greater intentionality was needed. Pastors are encouraged to seek elder unity, state […]
Corrupted or Co-opted: 2 Non-Options as Christians Fight Racism
Christians Fight Racism — Gospel-Driven Pathways Grounded in Jesus’ model, believers practice honest conversation, compassion, lament, repentance, justice, and reconciling love. Rather than the corrupting comfort of apathy, the church […]
Promise Keepers & Stories of Changed Lives
Stories of Changed Lives in Faith and Transformation Stories of Changed Lives highlight reconciliation, as men returned to their families and restored broken marriages after encountering Jesus. Life-change was evident […]
Can Churches Have Friendly Dialogue with the LGBTQ Community?
LGBTQ Community Bridge-Building Insights Lead with humility and honesty. Admitting weakness lowers defenses and opens space for friendship, evangelism, and discipleship. Serve together on shared causes. Working side-by-side for the […]
4 Takeaways from LGBTQ Documentary
4 Takeaways from LGBTQ Documentary on Faith and Dialogue 4 Takeaways from LGBTQ Documentary reveal that churches must foster transparency, offering both truth and grace so believers struggling with same-sex […]
What Makes Premarital Sex So Bad (Part 2)
What Makes Premarital Sex So Bad Part 2: Design, Purpose, and Covenant Sex as God’s gracious gift. God intends sex for joyful, self-giving love—not self-centered use—so healthy habits start before […]
Bridging the Gap with the Gay Community: Interview with Guy Hammond
Interview with Guy Hammond: Faithful Insights on LGBTQ Ministry What does a faithful response to the LGBTQ community look like? Guy Hammond shares how Christians can engage with compassion, truth, […]
A Pastor’s 4 Reflections on Joshua Harris’s Latest Goodbye
4 Reflections on Joshua Harris Latest Goodbye: Heartbreaking Truth Joshua Harris’s story reveals overreaction and the wounds of purity culture. Learn how his journey still impacts Christian youth today. These […]
My Decade as a Born-Again Virgin & Why the World Doesn’t Understand Sex
Understanding the Impact: Why the World Does not Understand Sex The world’s view of sex feels hollow. Jon Sherwood reflects on how worldly pleasure left him empty and searching for […]
4 Things I Would Like to Say to Taylor Swift as a Pastor
4 Things I Would Like to Say to Taylor Swift as a Pastor: A Christian Response to Her LGBTQ Advocacy 4 Things I Would Like to Say to Taylor Swift […]
Pornography: Everyone’s Battle
Pornography is Everyone’s Battle: Biblical Warnings and Steps to Freedom Pornography is Everyone’s Battle is invading homes, hearts, and churches. This article unpacks alarming statistics and the spiritual consequences of […]
9 Fears Related to the Alabama Abortion Law
Alabama Abortion Law: Crucial Realities Christians Should Know What does the Alabama Abortion Law mean legally? The law criminalizes most abortions, aiming to challenge Roe v. Wade and redefine federal […]
The Celebration, Floats, Party Atmosphere and My Broken Heart
What Broke My Heart at the Pride Parade? My Broken Heart revealed a Christian’s compassion at Pride, not condemnation. Guy Hammond reflects on his inner conflict while attending a parade […]
The Illusion of Progressive Christianity
Understanding The Illusion of Progressive Christianity Progressive Christianity redefines biblical truth. Modern ideologies often reshape Scripture to mirror cultural norms, raising essential questions for faithful believers. Foundational doctrines are being […]