God’s Design and God’s Grace: A Call to Truth and Love

Speaking Truth with a Heart of Love

Friends, today we’re stepping into some challenging waters—drag shows and homosexuality—topics that stir up strong feelings in our world. As followers of Christ, we can’t dodge these conversations. God’s Word has something to say, and it’s our job to listen and share it, not with anger or judgmentalism, but with the same heart Jesus showed: firm in truth, overflowing with love. Think of the boldness of a preacher like Billy Sunday, but softened by the Savior’s call to the lost. That’s where we’ll stand today

Drag Shows: A Step Away from God’s Plan

Let’s start with what scripture says about gender and identity. In Deuteronomy 22:5, we read, "A woman must not wear men’s clothing, nor a man wear women’s clothing, for the LORD your God detests anyone who does this." God set up a beautiful order when He made us male and female, and this verse reminds us He cares about that distinction. Drag shows—where men dress as women or women as men—move away from that design. They’re often billed as fun or creative expression, and we get that appeal in today’s culture. But God sees it differently. He’s not cheering; He’s grieved when we blur the lines He drew.

Now, this isn’t about attacking anyone. People in drag shows aren’t the enemy—they’re folks God loves, folks He made. Our role isn’t to point fingers but to point to Him, to invite them back to the joy of living as He intended. Sin’s real, and this is sin—but so is God’s grace.

Homosexuality: Clear Words, Open Arms

On homosexuality, the Bible speaks plainly too. Leviticus 18:22 calls it "detestable" to lie with someone of the same sex. Romans 1:26-27 describes it as "unnatural," a sign of turning from God. And 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 lists it among sins that keep us from God’s kingdom. These aren’t fuzzy verses—they’re straightforward. God designed intimacy for a man and woman in marriage, and stepping outside that is stepping outside His will.

But don’t miss the hope here. That same Corinthians passage doesn’t end in doom—it says, "And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ." God doesn’t just name the sin; He offers a way out. Homosexuality isn’t who you are—it’s something you can turn from, and Jesus is waiting with open arms. No one’s too far gone for His love.

Our Response: Truth and Tenderness Together

So, what do we do with this as a church? We hold fast to what God says—no waffling, no watering it down. Drag shows and homosexuality don’t fit with His plan, and we can’t pretend they do. But we also don’t stop at saying “no.” We say “yes” to something better—God’s forgiveness, His healing, His purpose for every life. We’re not here to condemn the world but to call it home.

Imagine Jesus sitting with sinners—not winking at their choices, but loving them enough to say, “Come, follow me.” That’s our model. To the drag performer, the person wrestling with same-sex attraction, we say: You’re not beyond reach. God sees you, loves you, and has something greater for you. And to us in the pews: Let’s be the kind of people who make that love real—truth on our lips, welcome in our hearts.

Call to Action: Live the Gospel

Here’s the challenge, church: Live out this balance. Speak God’s truth boldly, like Billy Sunday thundering from the pulpit, but do it with the gentleness of Christ. If you’re caught in these struggles yourself, don’t hide—bring it to Jesus. He’s not mad at you; He’s ready to lift you up. And for all of us, let’s be a light—a place where people find hope, not hate, and where God’s way shines bright.

The Cross Says It All

Drag shows and homosexuality miss God’s mark—scripture’s clear on that. But the cross is clearer still. It’s where God’s holiness meets His mercy, where sin gets called out and sinners get called in. Let’s stand there together, proclaiming a truth that saves and a love that never quits. 

Amen.

DMMc 6-18-2025