What the Bible Says About New Beginnings in Christ
Let’s be honest—no one makes it through life without baggage. Every one of us has a past. Some of us carry the weight of wrong decisions, broken relationships, deep regrets, or seasons we’d rather forget. Maybe your past is marked by addiction, failure, shame, or simply drifting far from God. Whatever your story looks like, you’re not alone—and more importantly, your story isn’t over.
Here’s the good news: God specializes in new beginnings.
The Bible isn’t a book of perfect people; it’s the story of a perfect God who redeems imperfect people. Abraham lied. Moses murdered. David committed adultery. Peter denied Jesus. Paul persecuted Christians. And yet every one of them was transformed by the grace of God and used for His glory.
That same grace is available to you. Jesus didn’t come to condemn your past—He came to redeem your life and offer you a brand-new start. The message of the Gospel is not “try harder” or “be better,” but “come to Me, all you who are heavy laden and I will give you rest.”
You Are a New Creation
The Apostle Paul sums it up beautifully in 2 Corinthians 5:17:
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”
Let that sink in: you are a new creation. That means the old labels no longer apply. Your past doesn’t get to define your identity. In Christ, your story gets rewritten. God doesn’t just clean you up—He completely transforms you from the inside out.
For many, this moment of transformation is sudden and undeniable. One minute you’re consumed by the world—chasing image, pleasure, and temporary fixes—and the next, you’re face-to-face with the overwhelming love of Christ. That’s what happened to me. I spent years looking for truth in all the wrong places: from New Age counterfeit spirituality to a life built around image, status, and self.
But in the middle of my brokenness, Jesus met me with a love I didn’t even know I needed. The moment I called out to Him, everything changed. It was as if the weight I had carried for years finally lifted.
A New Heart and a New Spirit
God promises not just a new beginning, but a whole new nature:
“I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.” (Ezekiel 36:26)
This isn’t about behavior modification—it’s about heart transformation. During my time in the New Age, I believed I could heal and improve myself through things like positive thinking, life coaching, and spiritual techniques. But none of it brought true freedom or lasting peace. What I needed wasn’t another method or mindset shift—it was the truth found in Jesus Christ. When I opened the Bible, I discovered that Christianity isn’t about climbing a ladder to reach God—it’s about a loving God who came down to rescue us through Jesus. He didn’t just tidy up my broken life—He made me completely new.
Your Past Is Not Too Great for God’s Grace
One of the enemy’s favorite tactics is shame. He whispers, “You’ll never change. You’re too far gone. God could never use someone like you.” But the cross silences that lie. The blood of Jesus covers every sin, every failure, every regret.
Isaiah 1:18 says:
“Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.”
No matter how deep the pit, God’s arm is not too short to save. I’ve lived that truth. I went from spiritual deception and emotional darkness—even suicidal thoughts—to complete restoration in Christ. And it wasn’t because I fixed myself. It was because He rescued me. His love met me in the most hopeless moment of my life.
God Is Doing a New Thing
God doesn’t just rescue us from our past—He invites us into a future:
“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?” (Isaiah 43:18–19)
When you surrender your life to Jesus, you’re not just forgiven—you’re empowered. God fills you with His Holy Spirit to walk in freedom, purpose, and peace. That’s not just theory—it’s reality. I’ve seen God rewrite my story in ways I could never have imagined, and I now have a mission to share that hope with others.
Walking in the Newness of Life
Romans 6:4 says:
“Just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.”
This new life is marked by daily surrender and daily grace. It’s not about perfection—it’s about progress, walking hand-in-hand with a God who loves you too much to leave you as you are. He gives you a new identity, a new heart, and a new reason to live.
Conclusion: God’s Not Done With You
So you have a past? Who doesn’t? But in Jesus, you also have a future. The past may explain you, but it doesn’t define you—not anymore.
When Jesus says, “Behold, I make all things new” (Revelation 21:5), He means it. I’ve lived it. And if He can do it for me, He can absolutely do it for you.
“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this [present] darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) places.” ~ Ephesians 6:12
In the 1800s, an old Baptist pastor was preparing his Sunday sermon on a Saturday afternoon.After several hours of study, he grew tired and went for a walk to stretch his legs. While wandering through town, he saw a young boy carrying a birdcage in one hand and a stick in the other. Inside the cage were a dozen little field birds. The boy was jabbing the birds through the bars with the stick. The birds shrieked, feathers flew, and the boy laughed.
The pastor approached the boy and asked, “Son, why are you tormenting those birds?”
The boy replied, “Sir, I love to hear them shriek. I love to see their feathers fly. It is so much fun.”
“What will you do when you are finished having your fun?” the pastor asked.
The boy smiled broadly. “Oh sir, that’s the best part. I will bring them home, take them out of the cage one by one, pluck their feathers, and feed them to my cat.”
The pastor’s heart was broken. “Son, let me have those birds,” he said.
“No, these are my birds. I caught them myself. You can get your own birds. You can catch some in the field.”
“But I want those birds.”
“Why? They don’t even sing. They aren’t canaries, you know. They are just ordinary field birds.”
“Please, son. I’ll buy them from you. How much do you want?”
The pastor took out his wallet and opened it up. The boy saw an opportunity. “How much money do you have, sir?”
The pastor counted two hundred dollars, which was a significant amount of money in those days. “What a coincidence,” the boy said. “They cost exactly two hundred dollars, cage included.”
Knowing he was being taken advantage of, the pastor handed over all his money. The next day, he recounted this story to his congregation. He said, “I took that cage out into the field, opened the door, and backed away. One by one, the birds hopped to the open door. One by one, they spread their wings and began to fly. As they flew to freedom, they sang the same song: ‘Redeemed, Redeemed, Redeemed.’”
The Message of Redemption
You might wonder, what does this story have to do with us? The tale of the birdcage mirrors our relationship with God. Just as the birds were tormented by the boy, we too can feel trapped, harassed, and tormented by the enemy—Satan, who delights in our suffering and captivity to sin, addiction, and depression. The enemy Satan uses people who are willing to do his bidding. The Lord said he was a liar and murderer from the beginning, who comes to kill, steal, and destroy everything good in people’s lives. People are being tormented by the enemy and are hurting by present methods used to oppress the people. Satan torments with feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, fear, depression, and suicidal thoughts.
The old Baptist pastor symbolizes God, who intervenes to set us free. Just as the pastor bought the birds at a great cost, God paid the ultimate price for our freedom through Jesus Christ. Jesus came to set the captives free and to break the chains that bind us, whether they are chains of sin, addiction, or despair.
When the pastor let the birds go, they flew away one by one, just like how God sets us free from being trapped by the things of this world and sin. The birds’ joyful song of “Redeemed, Redeemed, Redeemed” illustrates the happiness and freedom we feel when we accept God’s rescue—His redemption through Jesus Christ. This story beautifully shows how God’s love and grace change us, freeing us from sin’s chains so we can live freely and praise Him.
Understanding Our Condition
All of us have done wrong and fallen short of God’s standards. Sin is not just about major wrongdoings but also includes knowing what is right and failing to do it. It encompasses acts like lying, stealing, unforgiveness, hatred, jealousy, anger, sexual immorality, idolatry, addictions, pornography, drugs, and wanting to live separately from God. These wrongdoings separate us from a holy and righteous God.
God judges the heart, including our thoughts, words, deeds, and motives. While people can pretend to have a holy exterior and act pious, God sees through our facades and knows our true nature. It’s not about religion, where you have to do things to be accepted by God. It’s about a relationship with God who is near and accessible. Our good works cannot save us; they are like filthy rags in comparison to God’s purity, you cannot buy salvation. The Bible states that the wages of sin is death—eternal separation from God in hell, a fate none of us would wish upon anyone.
The Sacrifice of Jesus
Jesus Christ paid the price for our sins on the cross so we can be restored to God, our heavenly Father. There needed to be a sacrifice, and God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, Jesus, who was sinless, to take our place. It’s like a mother giving away her newborn baby or you giving away your only child to pay someone else’s debt, someone who couldn’t care less about you or love you back. God was willing to do that for you and me.
Jesus Christ was crucified, with nails driven through His hands and feet and a crown of thorns pressed onto His head. He was whipped until His skin was torn off, becoming unrecognizable. As He hung on that cross, He did it for your sins. He took our sins upon Himself, including the very sins that have destroyed our lives. He was destroyed for those sins on that cross. He bled and died for our sins, which were buried with Him in the grave. Three days later, Jesus Christ was raised from the dead. Jesus is alive!
The Call to Salvation
This message is for everyone. Regardless of your wealth, status, sexual orientation or religious background, Jesus invites you to turn from sin and accept His gift of salvation. No amount of money, social standing, or religious observance can save you. It’s not about comparing yourself to others; the only comparison that matters is with God, and we all fall short, we all have sinned. God doesn’t want our religion; He wants a relationship with us. We are created with a God-shaped vacuum that nothing else can fill. He said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.”
A Prayer of Salvation
If you feel the call in your heart, don’t wait. Embrace this good news today and pray:
“Dear God, thank you for loving me. I confess that I have sinned against you. I believe that Jesus, Your Son, died on the cross to pay for my sins. I believe that Jesus was raised from the dead. I ask that you forgive all my sins. I confess that Jesus is my Lord and Savior. Thank you for Your gift of eternal life! I pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.”
Remember, it’s not the prayer that saves you; it’s the heartfelt belief and confession, turning away from sin, and choosing to trust in Jesus for a righteous life. Now is the time for salvation. Turn from darkness to light, from sin to salvation, and follow Jesus.
What Next?
Download the free guideon the 7 Things To Do After Getting Saved:
Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; Who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes, And clever in their own sight! ~ Isaiah 5:20-24
The connection between rejecting God’s revealed truth and the widespread moral and spiritual failures within the Church is profound. This issue goes beyond cases of abuse or leadership compromise; it strikes at the heart of how the Church perceives and proclaims the authority of God.
The Importance of God’s Design for Marriage
Marriage is not merely a social construct; it is a sacred institution established by God to symbolize the relationship between Christ and His Church (Ephesians 5:31–32). This covenant reflects God’s character, His faithfulness, and His love for humanity. When leaders reject or distort God’s design for marriage, they are not only undermining biblical teaching—they are denying the authority of the Creator Himself.
When a leader aligns with ideologies that contradict God’s revealed pattern for life and sexuality, they are no longer serving the God they are ordained to represent. By accepting cultural redefinitions of marriage and affirming practices contrary to Scripture, they openly reject God’s authority over creation and dismiss His character as good, wise, and loving.
The Assumption:
• If God’s design for marriage is no longer ‘good,’ then God Himself cannot be good, but that is a lie. Psalm 145:9 states, “The Lord is good to all, and his mercy is over all that he has made.”
• If God’s definition of marriage is labeled ‘offensive’ or ‘homophobic,’ then God is cast as a dictator rather than a loving Creator, but that is a lie. John 3:16 states, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”
• If God’s Word is dismissed as irrelevant in modern society, the Church does not lose its foundation or witness, as this claim is a lie. The gates of hell will not prevail against the true Church, which is not confined to manmade denominations but is the community of faithful believers (Matthew 16:18). Scripture, such as Hebrews 4:12, affirms that God’s Word is alive, active, and transformative, reaching the depths of human nature and exposing truth.
When Church leaders publicly reject the biblical definition of marriage, they reject Christ Himself. This is not a small error; it is a profound act of betrayal. Leadership in the Church requires not just personal faith but a commitment to defend and proclaim the truth of God’s Word, no matter the cultural pressures.
The Connection to Abuse and Cover-Ups
This rejection of God’s authority is deeply connected to the Church’s failure to address abuse. The same leaders who abandon biblical teaching on marriage and sexuality are often the ones who prioritize institutional reputation over justice and truth. Both failures stem from a desire to appease societal trends or maintain power rather than honor God and protect His flock.
The many abuse cases demonstrates the disastrous consequences of this approach. When leaders fail to bring sin into the light, they betray victims, misrepresent Christ, and erode trust in the Church. The attempt to cover up abuse is not merely a failure of human judgment—it is a rejection of the gospel’s call to repentance, justice, and restoration.
Cultural Capitulation Harms the Gospel
The broader cultural capitulation to ideologies around marriage, gender, and sexuality has only deepened the Church’s crisis. By aligning itself with these movements, the Church sends a message that God’s Word is outdated or incorrect. This not only leads Christians astray but gives secular ideologies the power to infiltrate and reshape the Church’s teaching.
For instance, under compromised leadership:
• Children are taught unbiblical ideologies in schools, often endorsed by Church policies.
• Faithful Christians are ostracized for upholding Scripture, losing jobs and reputations.
• Sinful behaviors are affirmed, leaving many under the false impression that they are in right standing with God.
These failures have eternal consequences. Scripture warns that those who live unrepentantly in sin will not inherit the kingdom of God (1 Corinthians 6:9). Leaders who affirm sin or fail to call for repentance are complicit in leading others away from salvation.
Rejecting Christ Through Compromise
The rejection of God’s design for marriage is not a mere doctrinal misstep; it is a rejection of Christ Himself. The Archbishop of Canterbury, and leaders like him, disqualify themselves from spiritual leadership by their blatant denial of foundational truths.
The Bible makes clear that leaders will be judged more strictly by God because their actions and words influence others, they have a big responsibility. They’re supposed to guide others toward God and live as good examples. If they lead people the wrong way, they’re held accountable for that (James 3:1). Matthew 7:15–20 warns us to watch out for leaders who seem good on the outside but don’t actually live in a way that honors God. Jesus says you can tell who they really are by their “fruit.”
If a leader’s actions show compromise, dishonesty and cause spiritual harm, they’re not following Jesus faithfully. In fact, they’re going against Him, no matter what they claim. This kind of behavior is “anti-Christ,” opposing what Jesus stands for. When the fruit of leadership is compromise, deceit and confusion, it is evidence of a failure to remain faithful to Christ.
In short: Leaders have a heavy responsibility to lead well. If their actions don’t match their words and they cause harm instead of helping, again, it shows they aren’t being faithful to Christ. That’s why we need to be careful and pay attention to what kind of “fruit” their leadership produces.
This is not a minor issue. Leaders who reject biblical truth about marriage, sexuality, or holiness cannot effectively shepherd God’s people. They have aligned themselves with a worldview that is “at enmity with God” (James 4:4).
A Call to Repentance and Reform
The solution to these intertwined issues—abuse cover-ups and doctrinal compromise—lies in repentance and a return to biblical faithfulness. The Church must:
1. Appoint leaders who are born-again, Spirit-filled, and uncompromising in their commitment to Scripture.
2. Hold leaders accountable to God’s standards, not human traditions or cultural pressures.
3. Confront sin openly and pursue justice for victims, trusting in God’s power to restore and heal.
The Church must reject the temptation to conform to societal ideologies and instead boldly proclaim the truth of the gospel. As Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:31–32).
True freedom—freedom from sin, deception, and spiritual harm—comes only through faithfulness to Christ. Leaders who reject this truth and lead others astray bring judgment upon themselves and harm the Church’s witness.
Let us pray for a revival of truth and faithfulness within the Church. May God raise up leaders who will honor His Word, protect His people, and restore the Church’s commitment to the gospel. Only through His grace can the Church be cleansed and renewed.
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***Based on CEO Andrea Williams article at Christian Concern / Photo by Lil Artsy at Pexels
The “Armor of God” is a powerful metaphor that helps us Christians prepare for spiritual battles. Found in Ephesians 6:10-18, the apostle Paul describes this armor as a vital tool to withstand evil forces in our lives. This passage reminds us that our struggle is not merely against human opposition but against the unseen spiritual powers of darkness. In this article, we’ll break down each piece of the armor and explain how you can apply them in your daily life.
1. The Belt of Truth
“Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist.” (Eph 6:14)
The belt was essential for Roman soldiers because it held their armor together. In the same way, truth is foundational for Christians. To put on the belt of truth, we must live in honesty, integrity, and align ourselves with God’s truth found in Scripture. It means rejecting lies and deception, both from the world and from the enemy.
Application: Daily, remind yourself of God’s truth, whether it’s reading Scripture, speaking the truth to others, or being truthful in your actions. Know that standing firm in truth keeps your spiritual life intact.
Prayer: “Lord, wrap me in Your truth and help me to discern and speak the truth in every situation. Let Your truth be the foundation of my life, guiding me in all my decisions, in Jesus’s name I pray.”
2. The Breastplate of Righteousness
”…with the breastplate of righteousness in place.” (Eph 6:14)
The breastplate protects the heart and other vital organs. Righteousness—right standing with God through faith in Christ—guards our hearts from attacks like guilt and condemnation. It’s important to understand that this righteousness is not our own but is given to us through Christ.
Application: Live righteously by following God’s commands and trusting in His forgiveness. When you are attacked by guilt or shame, remember that your righteousness comes from Christ, not from your performance.
Prayer: “Heavenly Father, protect my heart with the breastplate of righteousness. Let my life reflect Your righteousness, and guard me from any attacks that seek to lead me into sin or despair, in Jesus’s name I pray.”
3. The Shoes of the Gospel of Peace
”…with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.” (Eph 6:15)
Roman soldiers wore sturdy shoes to keep their footing in battle. As Christians, the gospel gives us peace and readiness to face trials. The good news of Christ’s work on the cross enables us to stand firm in difficult situations and to share that peace with others.
Application: Reflect on the peace you have with God through Christ. Share this peace with those around you, knowing that it keeps you steady even when the world feels chaotic.
Prayer: “Lord, equip me with the shoes of the gospel of peace. Help me to walk in Your peace wherever I go, and use me to spread Your good news to those in need of Your saving grace, in Jesus’s name I pray.”
4. The Shield of Faith
“In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.” (Eph 6:16)
The shield is vital for deflecting attacks. Faith in God is our shield—it blocks and extinguishes the “flaming arrows” of doubt, fear, and temptation that the enemy launches at us. A strong faith will help us trust in God’s promises when life’s circumstances feel overwhelming.
Application: Strengthen your faith daily by trusting God’s promises. When you feel attacked by negative thoughts or fears, use Scripture and prayer to remind yourself of God’s faithfulness.
Prayer: “Father, strengthen my faith so that I can extinguish every fiery dart the enemy sends my way. Help me to trust in You completely, knowing that my faith in You is my greatest defence, in Jesus’s name I pray.”
5. The Helmet of Salvation
“Take the helmet of salvation…” (Eph 6:17)
The helmet protects the head, the center of our thoughts. Salvation through Jesus Christ guards our minds against doubt, confusion, and discouragement. Our assurance of salvation gives us confidence and hope in difficult times.
Application: Keep your thoughts focused on the assurance of your salvation. When your mind is filled with worries or negative thoughts, replace them with the truth of your eternal security in Christ.
Prayer: “Lord, protect my mind with the helmet of salvation. Keep my thoughts focused on You and remind me of the assurance of my salvation in Christ Jesus. Let Your saving grace guide my mind and decisions, in Jesus’s name I pray.”
6. The Sword of the Spirit
”…and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” (Eph 6:17)
The sword is the only offensive weapon mentioned in the armor of God. It represents the Word of God—Scripture—which is alive and powerful. Just as Jesus used Scripture to combat Satan’s temptations, we must rely on the Word of God in our battles.
Application: Memorize and meditate on Scripture regularly. When you face temptation, confusion, or spiritual attacks, use the truth of God’s Word to stand against the enemy.
Prayer: “Father, I take up the sword of the Spirit, which is Your Word. Teach me to wield it with wisdom and power against the enemy’s lies and attacks. Let Your Word be alive and active in my life, in Jesus’s name I pray.”
7. Prayer in the Spirit
“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.” (Eph 6:18)
Prayer is not a piece of armor, but it is essential in spiritual warfare. By praying in the Spirit, we invite God’s strength and guidance into every situation we face. Continuous, Spirit-led prayer ensures that we stay connected to God and vigilant against the enemy’s schemes.
Application: Cultivate a habit of prayer throughout your day. Whether you’re thanking God, asking for guidance, or praying for others, keep communication with God open and ongoing.
Conclusion
To “put on the whole armor of God” is to intentionally live out our faith every day. This armor equips us for the spiritual battles we face and helps us stand firm in the face of opposition. Each piece of the armor—truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, the Word of God, and prayer—is a powerful tool in God’s hands. By putting on this armor daily, we stand strong in His power and resist the attacks of the enemy.
May we always be vigilant, prepared, and clothed in God’s armor as we walk through life in His strength.
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*** Prayers by Vlad Savchuk / Photo by Timeline Photos
One of the most common and important questions that every Christian hears is, “can I be gay and a Christian?” I believe this is a question that our generation so desperately wants to know the truth about. BUT…
Many people answer this question from a judgmental place void of love. In this video I answer this question full of love but full of the truth. Why? It is time for Christians to engage the questions of our culture and world to provide answers that nobody else fully understands or knows.
Whether you identify as a member of the LGBTQ community, a Christian or somewhere in between this video will challenge, encourage and bless you.
My desire is that you would encounter the real Jesus as you watch this video and that the truth set you free. – Sincerely, Ross Johnston. The transcript from the video can be found below…
Ross Johnston was born via artificial insemination and brought up in a LGBTQ household, Ross’s personal testimony can be found here: Testimony.
The below transcript is from Ross Johnston’s video, can I be gay and Christian:
I’m gay, and I’m a Christian—or I’m a Christian, but I’m struggling with same-sex attraction, and I don’t know how to get free. You see, here’s the truth: these are the top two questions that I get on all of my social media platforms every single day, and I truly believe these are questions of a generation—questions that are desperate for answers that are full of the truth and full of love.
So, in today’s video, we’re going to dive right into these. Now, please, before you keep watching this video, I want to say a few things to really explain and express my heart, because here’s the truth: so many times, when people talk about this topic, it comes from a place of hate and a place of judgment, and I want my heart posture to be so clear to every single person watching, whether you call yourself a Christian or you don’t.
Here are the few things that I want to lay as a foundation before we talk about and answer these questions.
Number one: I was born by artificial insemination. I grew up in a lesbian household. My mom is still currently living in that community. Why do I bring this up? So many people will say, when I share what I’m going to share today (and this will come from Christians and non-Christians), that what I’m saying is hateful, it’s not loving, etc., etc.
Here is the reality: my entire life, even up until this point, I have lived among, and all of my mom’s friends are a part of, the LGBTQ community. So many people in that community are kind, are loving, forgiving, and are amazing people. So, I want you to know that my heart posture—whatever side, wherever your beliefs are right now—I just want you to know one thing: my heart is to share the truth through the lens of love. Because here’s the second thing I want to say: I am simply asking for the next 10 to 15 minutes of your attention, whatever you call yourself, whatever you identify as, whatever your spiritual beliefs are. Because here’s what I’m believing for: that if we can actually engage these hard and challenging questions of our generation, could it actually lead to breakthrough? Could it actually lead to salvation? Could it actually lead to healing? Could it actually lead to people living the life that they are designed for?
And here’s my other desire: I am not here to Bible-bash you and just throw scripture verses at you. No. Do I believe in the Bible? 100%. Do I believe it’s the Word of God? 100%. But even if you don’t believe that, I’m going to share things today that I believe actually have the power for you to receive destiny, for you to receive hope, joy, and a purpose—maybe for the first time in your life.
And here’s the third thing—and I think this is funny, but it’s the truth—so many times, people forget that sex was not our idea. It was not man’s idea; it was God’s idea. He created it from the beginning of time, before sin, before almost anything else besides creation. And here’s why this is important: God created sex for procreation and for pleasure. So, I think we have to redefine sex in our minds as Christians and as people of the world. The truth is, sex is God’s design so that His purposes would become reality on the earth.
Because what is the first thing that He told man to do? ‘Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and govern it.’ And you can’t do that without sex. And here’s the last thing I want to say before we dive into this video. Thank you for listening to these. What I want you to know is, at the end of this video, I’m going to share something called the Good News. Now, you might have heard it, you might not have heard it, but here’s why I want you to stay till the end: because I’m actually going to share the real truth on what can actually set you free, save you, bring you healing, and bring you into the design for your life.
So, let’s dive into this.
Alright, so the first question that I want to answer today is: can you be gay and be a Christian? And here’s what I’m going to do: I’m going to explain, out of the Word of God, out of the Bible, out of the Scriptures, what is the truth. Now, here’s what I want to say: I know there are some people watching; they might not even believe in the Bible. Maybe you’ve never read the Bible, maybe you’ve never had an experience with God, or an experience with Jesus, an experience with the Holy Spirit. Just please listen, because here is the truth: there’s one thing that’s clear from scholars, who are Christians and not, that the Bible is indeed a real document that has been confirmed and that has been proven and tested to be completely real.
And so, this is what the Bible begs the question: if this document, which has been proven to be real, is the truth, then what is the responsibility and the action that is placed on my life?”
And so, here’s the first thing I want to start with: this is literally the first page of the entire Bible. It is Genesis 1:27, and here are verses 26 and 27. Here’s what I want to read: if you have your Bible, just go with me real quick.
Then God said, “Let us make human beings in our image, to be like us. They will reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, the livestock, all the wild animals, and the small animals along the ground.”
Now check this out: so God created human beings in His own image. In the image of God, He created them; male and female, He created them. Then God blessed them and said, “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the Earth and govern it.”
A few things: It was God’s desire to create you and me. You were formed in your mother’s womb by God. He loved you, He chose you, and He knew you before the foundations of the Earth. Whether your parents wanted you or whether any other person had any say in how you came to this Earth, God knew you, created you, and formed you in your mother’s womb.
Now here’s the second thing we see from right here: that God created us, every person, in His image. That’s amazing. The third thing we see is that He created male and female—two genders and only two genders. It’s literally that simple. But here’s the next thing He said: “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the Earth and govern it.” As I said earlier, God’s design is for sex to actually take place on the Earth so that His purposes can become a reality through us.
Now here’s the second thing: I want to go to another scripture. I want to go to Genesis chapter 2, so just go to the next page with me, and I want to read verses 21 through 24.
So the Lord caused the man, Adam, to fall into a deep sleep. While the man slept, the Lord God took out one of the man’s ribs and closed up the opening. Then the Lord God made a woman from the rib and brought her to the man. At last, the man exclaimed, “This one is bone from my bone and flesh from my flesh. She will be called woman because she was taken from the man.” This explains why a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.
So from the beginning, from creation, we see God’s design: for male and female, men and women, to become united as one through the covenant and context of marriage.
So here are a few more scriptures I want to dive into, but you need to understand the context of what’s going on here. Moses was called by God to lead the Israelites, the people of God, out of bondage and slavery in Egypt to the promised land. When he did this, he gave them what we know as the Old Testament or the Old Covenant law, which is basically ways they should live their lives to honor God.
In the Book of Leviticus, which, to be honest, a lot of people don’t like reading because it’s just a bunch of laws and can be a little bit boring, but there’s so much to be found here. In Leviticus 18 and chapter 20, there are two things that are said that are very valuable.
Number one: Leviticus 18:22 says, “Do not practice homosexuality; having sex with another man as with a woman is a detestable sin.”
Now, I want you to go with me just to the next chapter, chapter 20, and then go with me to verse 13. It says, “If a man practices homosexuality, having sex with another man as with a woman, both have committed a detestable act.”
Now here’s the thing that’s super clear about this: God is making it really clear. Now please stay with me past this—even if you do not agree—God is making it clear that living and performing homosexual acts is not His design and goes against how He created you and me to be.
Why does this matter? I like to say it like this: if you don’t walk in the design of God, you can’t walk in the blessing of God. If something is designed a certain way and you try to use it in a way that it’s not designed for, it’s going to cause issues and going to cause problems.
Because so many people will say, “Well, Jesus never talked about homosexuality. He never said it was a sin; He never spoke ill against it.” Well, I want you to go with me to Matthew chapter 19. These are the exact words of Jesus, now we are in the new testament, and this is what Jesus says. Some Pharisees—religious people—came to Him. Isn’t that interesting? And they said, “Should a man be allowed to divorce his wife for just any reason?” So, what is Jesus responding to? He’s responding to marriage. And this is what He says:
“Haven’t you read the Scriptures?” Jesus replied. “They record that from the beginning, God made them male and female.”
So, what is He doing here? He’s affirming the two genders, and He’s affirming creation. And He said, “This explains why a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one. Since they are no longer two, but one, let no one split apart what God has joined together.”
So, did Jesus say the word “homosexuality”? No. But you have to understand, once again, the context of this Scripture. He’s talking to religious leaders; He’s talking to Pharisees. They knew the Old Testament law—the Scriptures that I just talked about right before this—like the back of their hand. They knew the traditions; they knew the customs. So, they already knew that the design of God was not to live a homosexual life.
And so, Jesus is saying right here, He’s affirming what we just read in those previous Scriptures, and He’s basically saying that man and woman should come together as one, and that no one should separate that. This is amazing.
But here’s the last place I want to go. Now, listen, I know many YouTube channels are super scripted, super edited—we’re just raw and real. I want you to go with me to Romans chapter 1, and I’m flipping there live with you right now because I want to read this Scripture, and I believe this is a powerful Scripture. I want you to just go with me real quick to verse 18. We’re going to read about four verses. Just stay with me for a second.
Here’s what it says:
“But God shows His anger from heaven against all sinful, wicked people who suppress the truth by their wickedness. They know the truth about God because He has made it obvious to them. For ever since the world—listen to this—ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see His invisible qualities, His eternal power and divine nature. So, they have no excuse for not knowing God.”
Wherever you’re at on your faith journey… If you just simply step outside, or wherever you’re watching this video, and you look up, you look to the side, and you see nature, you see creation—you know there’s a Designer. You know there’s a God. This is incredible. This is the foundation God is using. And here’s what else Paul said, the one who wrote the Book of Romans:
“Yes, they knew God, but they wouldn’t worship Him as God or even give Him thanks. And they began to think up foolish ideas of what God was like.”
Now listen to this verse right here, verse 23:
“And instead of worshiping—giving attention, affection, and honor (that’s what worship means)—to the glorious, ever-living God, they worshiped idols made to look like mere people.”
What is God trying to say here? That as human beings, before we know who God truly is and we know our full identity, we worship—or we place all our value on—the creation instead of the Creator. And then, here’s where it goes on to say right here, this is the key verse:
“So God abandoned them to do whatever shameful things their hearts desired. As a result, they did vile and degrading things with each other’s bodies. They traded the truth about God for a lie.”
And here’s what I think is so, so powerful—verse 26:
“That is why God abandoned them to their shameful desires. Even the women turned against the natural way to have sex and instead indulged in sex with each other. And the men, instead of having normal sexual relations with women, burned with lust for each other. Men did shameful things with other men, and as a result of this, they suffered within themselves the penalty they deserved.”
Now, here are a few things I want to make as closing remarks. I want to make three points.
Number one: You also have to understand that in all of the Bible, all of the Scripture right here, there is not one man or woman who actually affirmed or encouraged living a homosexual lifestyle.
But here’s another thing you need to know: orthopraxy and orthodoxy, I’m going to break that down in simple english, non-churchy terms. What it means is, from the beginning of the New Testament Church—which was about 2,000 years ago—there was never a belief or practice allowed in the church in regards to homosexuality. This is a new concept, a new belief system that has been affirmed only in the last few decades here on earth. So for close to 17, 18, 1900 years, no Christian, no church, would actually come out and say that we affirm homosexuality and that we allow that practice among those who call themselves Christians.
So here’s what I want to say: wherever you’re at on this journey, it is clear through the Scriptures, it is clear through everything—through the lens of the world, through the lens of the first church—that homosexuality is not the design of God. But I want you to know that if you don’t call yourself a Christian or you live in the LGBTQ lifestyle at the moment, please stick with me because I’m going to share something so powerful—real-life experiences to back this up.
Now, before I share those experiences, I want to answer the second question because so many people will DM me on a regular basis, saying, “Ross, I’m a Christian, I love Jesus, I want to know God, but I have same-sex attraction and I don’t know how to get free.” Well, here’s the first thing I want to ask you: Do you want to get free? And if the answer is yes, then listen to the rest of this.
Here’s the first scripture I want to talk about—this is so, so powerful, and this even answers the question, “Ross, I was born gay. Ross, I was born with these attractions. Ross, I was born with X, Y, and Z.” Listen to the words of Jesus here. Once again, it’s another religious leader, a religious person, coming to Him and asking Him this. And this is what he said:
This religious leader asked Him, “We all know that God has sent you to teach us. Your miraculous signs are evidence that God is with you.” Look at the words of Jesus here. He replies, “I tell you the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot see the kingdom of God.”
“What do you mean? Can I go into my mother’s womb and be born again?” Jesus said, “I assure you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit.”
Regardless of what you believe you were born with, when you come to Jesus, you become born again. What does “born again” mean? “Born again” means not born naturally, but born of the Spirit. The Holy Spirit—the Spirit of God—comes and lives inside of you, so you now have access and relationship with God through His Spirit. So any desire, anything that doesn’t line up with this design—any struggle, any temptation, whatever the case may be—you become born again. That is no longer who you are.
But the Scriptures take it even further. I’m going to bounce around here real quick to 2 Corinthians chapter 5, one of the most powerful scriptures that I’ve read in a while—5:17. This is what it says:
“This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun.”
And that word used in the Scriptures here, not in English, actually means a new creature or a new prototype. When you come to Jesus, you literally become a brand new person. This is incredible—new emotions, new thoughts, new desires, new affections, new pursuits. Why? Because the power of God is to save those who believe. But not only does He save you, He gives you His Spirit. You become born again, and you become a new creation.
But here’s where else I want to go—just go with me a few books back to Romans chapter 5. This is an incredible scripture, and here’s what I want to read: it’s Romans chapter 5, verse 10. “For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of His Son while we were still His enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of His Son.”
Why does that matter? The word “saved” used here in the Greek is actually the word “sōzō.” It means to be completely free—emotionally, spiritually, physically, and mentally. Friends, what is the Bible trying to say? What is God trying to speak to you right now? When you become a Christian, when you surrender your life to Jesus, you literally get completely set free in every area of your life. You become brand new. Friend, this is not too good to be true—this is good, and it truly is true.
Now listen, if you’re still watching this video, there’s still something more powerful I want to share with you, and I want to say thank you for staying with me until this point. I believe the Spirit of God is beginning to speak to you, to heal you, to set you free. Yes, the Spirit of God—the Holy Spirit—can set you free through watching a video, through hearing the Word of God. And here’s where I want to go next.
I want to share this one scripture that just came to mind: Galatians 2:20. Paul said, “It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.” Friend, when you become a Christian, you don’t just change—you actually die to your old self. You don’t just change a little bit; you become born again. Why does this matter? If you just change, you can easily change back. But if you die, you can never go back. And this is great news!
So, if you have desires, or thoughts, or things that are plaguing you or tempting you, I want you to know that those are no longer your thoughts if you’re a born-again believer in Jesus. Paul said that any thought that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, you must take it captive and tear it down. So, when you get thoughts—this isn’t even just about same-sex attraction; this is about anything in our lives—any thought that is not in alignment with the will and design of God, you need to become aware of it. You need to say, “That’s not who I am.” You declare out loud your identity and who you are as a son or daughter of God, based on all the scriptures we just talked about, and watch that thing flee from your life.
But here’s the last point I want to make. I want to talk about baptism. You might be thinking, “Listen, Ross, I already know what baptism is—I get it.” No, no, no. Baptism is not just a cute Christian moment where you go under some water. Listen, this revelation shifted my life and freed me from a nine-year addiction to pornography. Did you hear that? A nine-year addiction I had, and I was completely set free by that first revelation I gave you, and what I’m going to share with you right now is truly life-changing. This is what it is—Romans 6. I want to read about eight verses here, so just stick with me. This is verse one:
“Well then, should we keep on sinning so that God can show us more and more of His wonderful grace? Of course not! Since we have died to sin, how can we continue to live in it? Or have you forgotten that when we were joined with Christ Jesus in baptism, we joined Him in His death? For we didn’t just change—nope—it says we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we may also live new lives.”
Now pay attention here: since we have been united with Him in His death, we will also be raised to life as He was. We know that our old sinful selves were crucified with Christ so that sin might lose its power in our lives. We are no longer slaves to sin, for when we died with Christ, we were set free from the power of sin.
Friends, when you get baptized in water, you are joining Jesus in His death and in His resurrection. It is not just about getting dipped in some water and making a public confession of your faith—no, friend, the old you, the old self, is buried, never to be seen again, in baptism. And then you are raised to completely new life, just like when Jesus was raised from the dead.
When this revelation hits your heart, I believe the Holy Spirit is saying a few things right now:
Some of you have been baptized before, but you didn’t understand this fully. I encourage you—go get re-baptized. Because when you get re-baptized with this revelation, it shifts everything.
If you’ve never been baptized, you need to do this immediately. This is powerful. You need to die to your old self, be raised, and join Jesus in His death and resurrection, becoming a completely new creation—set free from any temptation and any sin in your life.
Now, here’s where I want to begin to wrap things up, but just stick with me for a few more minutes. There are a few testimonies that I think are going to absolutely wreck your heart in the best way possible, and I just want to share these because they are truly transformative.
These are really good friends of mine who I know personally, and they love sharing their testimonies because the Word of God says that we overcome the devil, or the enemy, by the blood of the Lamb (the blood of Jesus), the word of our testimony, and not loving our lives unto death. So, receive this for your life—receive this for your child, for a friend, a family member, a coworker, whoever it is.
The first one is my friend Samuel. I’ll put all their Instagram handles down below so you can go follow them. Samuel used to be a former gay stripper. Yes, you heard that right—a gay stripper, living the club life, living a homosexual lifestyle. He encountered the presence of Jesus and now is completely saved, preaching the gospel, and leading many out of the LGBTQ community. This is powerful. What Samuel experienced is not just about changing behavior—it’s about transformation, it’s about dying to the old self and rising anew with Christ.
The second story is about my friend Joshua. He was in the adult entertainment industry for multiple years, and then he had an encounter with Jesus. He was suicidal; he wanted to give up on his life. He had the money, he had the fame, he had everything the world told him he wanted, but he was never satisfied. He met Jesus, and now he travels across America preaching the gospel.
The third story is about my friend Ellie, who I just met recently. She was living in a same-sex relationship with another woman for multiple years. She walked into a worship service, and she felt the presence of God. She said, “I…” And in that very moment, she actually broke up with her girlfriend. She repented, came to Jesus, and said, “Jesus, I want you more than anything—more than anything my flesh may tell me, more than anything the world may tell me.” And she gave her life to Jesus.
The last one is my friend Grazana. She literally would speak at Pride festivals and was living a homosexual lifestyle for multiple years. She came to a gathering that she did not want to be at. She felt the presence of God, heard the gospel, gave her life to Jesus, and is now in Bible College pursuing God.
The testimonies that I just released can be yours. Just receive them by faith that God is saving those—it’s Isaiah 61—out of the most hopeless, godless, and darkest situations, that they may rebuild the ancient ruins.
And here’s the last thing that I want to share today, and I promise this—the video will be finished. Please share this video with as many people as you can and encourage them. But I want you to know right now that there is hope for you. There is destiny. You can have life, you can be healed, and you can be saved. The Bible makes it clear that if you would confess with your mouth and believe—believe in your heart—that Jesus is Lord and rose from the dead, you will be saved.
But before we do that, I want you to know the quick 60-second story that transformed my life. When God created Adam and Eve, the first two people, the Bible says in Genesis that they walked in the garden with God—no separation. But then, one day, they disobeyed God because God gives us free will and free choice to live life how we want. And because they chose to go against God, it separated man and God. Why? Not because God hated them or hates you, but because He is holy, and He can’t have a relationship with someone who is not holy like Himself.
So what did God do? He sent His son, Jesus, to this earth. Jesus was just like you and me, friend—real body, real emotion, real pain—He went through life. But the Bible says He was tempted in every way, but never sinned, never disobeyed God. He was perfect. And one day, He was hung on a cross—real nails went through His hands, and real blood came out of His body. The Bible says He was beaten beyond recognition. He became the sacrifice for your sins and mine, for the disobedience in our lives.
And when Jesus died on that cross, friend, He forgave us of our sins. He forgave us of all the trespasses and all the disobedience in our lives. He cleansed us, He washed us, and He gave us access back to God. But not only that, He rose from the dead on the third day, signifying that you and I can now be raised to new life when we surrender our life to Jesus. We get free by His blood because we cannot be forgiven on our own merit. We cannot be forgiven by our own works because we are human—we are not perfect; we are flawed. But God sent Jesus to become that perfect sacrifice for you and me.
So here’s what I want to do: If you want to surrender your life to Jesus, if you want to know who God really is, if you want to walk in the identity as a son or daughter of God that you were created for from the beginning of time, I simply want you to say this prayer of faith with me out loud.
Just say, “Jesus, I give you my life. I believe you are the Son of God. You died on the cross, shed your blood, and broke your body for me. I repent, and I turn from all my sins and all my mistakes. From this day forward, I make you my Lord, and I receive you into my heart.”
Say this last thing: “Holy Spirit, fill me now. Holy Spirit, fill me with power. In Jesus’ name.”
If you prayed that prayer, please comment below or send me a message. I want to talk to you, I want to pray with you, and I want to share some next steps with you.
Secondly, if you enjoyed this video—if it encouraged you, if you learned something from it, if you felt breakthrough or healing—would you share this with two to three friends? I believe this video will reach the generation for the glory of Jesus. And make sure you subscribe to the channel down below.
I love you guys, and I’ll see you soon.
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The video below is Scott’s testimony of how the Lord met with him and transferred him into the Kingdom of his beloved Son, Jesus. This message is a timely word for those of the LGBTQ community who are struggling with their Identity. There isn’t a hole deep enough where God’s love isn’t able to reach. 👇
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*** Transcript of Ross Johnston YouTube video can I be gay and Christian- website: http://www.rossjohnston.co / Photo by Kampus Productions at Pexels
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