@timkellernyc People’s lack of love for nonbelievers in this comment section is the most compelling reason for atheists to find irrelevance in Christianity. How can we claim Christianity is loving when we do not love? Stop being the reason atheists find christianity repulse.
Any pastor who filters his theology through a political agenda will be hindered when reading the Word of God. They will find what their political agenda wants to say, not what God is trying to say.
@Ian_Rinken Romans 8:28 - “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” (ESV)
"Philosophy really is the foundation for all that we do, whether in biblical studies, language studies, hermeneutics, etc. Philosophy really is unavoidable."
—Brian Huffling
In order to be God, you must be Spaceless, Timeless, Immaterial, and Personal (among other things). Humanity can only fulfill one of the above qualities (personal).
If the God who created you and sacrificed himself for you wanted you to refrain from certain sexual behaviors, would you obey Him? Probably there are several people reading this right now who would say: "NO." Your god isn’t Jesus...it's your own personal sexual gratification.