WEEK 5

One Forever

When the New Testament describes what it means to be a Christian, it uses a phrase that is everywhere in Paul's letters but almost nowhere in our churches. Overwhelmingly, when the Bible wants to describe being a Christian, it says that we are in Christ.
But what does it mean to be in Christ? And how does this important biblical idea help us understand what God has done for us through Jesus, and what it means to be a Christian?
This short book by Rory Shiner sparkles with clarity, wit and biblical wisdom on this vital and much-neglected topic.

Gay Girl, Good God: The Story of Who I Was, and Who God Has Always Been

"In stunningly beautiful prose and poetry, Jackie Hill Perry invites us into her story of redemption, finding God and his grace in the midst of gender confusion and homosexuality. She bravely invites us into her transformation at an important cultural moment, showing us both how to fight our own temptations and also how to think about identity. Courageous yet compassionate, bold without being brash, she has provided the church with the gift of seeing and worshiping the Savior who not only saves but also transforms." 

Is God Anti-Gay? 

Is it ok to be gay and Christian? Does the Bible really say that homosexuality is wrong? Is sexual orientation fundamental to identity? Author and speaker Sam Allberry has expanded and restructured his best-selling book, which draws on his own experience as a believer who experiences same-sex attraction. As well as exploring Bible passages that talk directly about homosexuality, this new edition frames the whole discussion with Jesus' general teaching on sex and marriage, as well as what Jesus teaches about finding ultimate satisfaction and happiness. It also challenges the current culture narrative, which inextricably ties sexuality to personal identity, and he shows that the gospel is good news for everyone, whatever their sexual orientation. This sensitive exploration of the Bible's teaching on sexuality has been written to help both Christians and non-Christians struggling with the Bible's teaching on this issue, whether they experience same-sex attraction themselves or not. 

Transgender: Christian Compassion, Convictions and Wisdom For Today's Big Issues

The Western world has been undergoing a paradigm shift in attitudes to gender over the past few decades. A key issue is that of the nature and implications of transgender identity. This short book presents a starting point for Christians who want to engage compassionately and wisely on this issue. 


The Plausibility Problem: The Church and Same-Sex Attraction

It's all very well to say that the Bible is clear when it talks about homosexuality. But is it realistic? Isn't it unrealistic and unfair to those who struggle with this issue? Doesn't it condemn them to loneliness, a lack of fulfilment and the loss of basic human satisfactions like sex and marriage? Is what the church teaches a plausible way of life?


Ed Shaw experiences same-sex attraction, and yet he is committed to what the Bible says and what the church has always taught about marriage and sex. In this honest book, he shares his pain in dealing with these issues - but, at the same time, shows us that obedience to Jesus is ultimately the only way to experience life to the full.


He shows that the Bible's teaching seems unreasonable not because of its difficulties, but because of missteps that the church has often taken in its understanding of the Christian life. We have been shaped by the world around us, and urgently need to re-examine the values that drive our discipleship. Only by doing this in the light of the Bible, can we make sense of its call on the lives of those who are attracted to their own sex.


We have so often made Jesus' way sound like a bad deal. Only by reclaiming the reality of gospel discipleship, can we truly see and appreciate that life in Christ is the best way for any human life to be lived - whomever we are attracted to 

The Gender Revolution: A Biblical, Biological and Compassionate Response

No topic has generated as much heat in our culture wars, or as much pain and confusion in the lives of the real people affected, as our society’s transgender revolution. The Gender Revolution offers a much-needed blend of clarity, conviction and compassion. It provides a road map for Christians wishing to engage with their neighbours and a pathway to freedom and hope for those grappling with these issues on a personal level.