‘God is not just 98% good – he is 100% good. Tell yourself this often!’ were the memorable words spoken at the very beginning of Satisfaction Guaranteed, the first-ever joint conference held by Living Out and True Freedom Trust, attended by about 200 people on 11 June in London.
The aim of the conference was firstly to equip and encourage Christians experiencing same-sex attraction to seek satisfaction in Jesus Christ. Jonathan Berry, through Psalm 16, showed that our God delights to satisfy us and so the wise way to live is devoted to pursuing him. Jonathan equipped the conference to explore the Psalms and to drink deeply from the words of hope they have to offer.
Stick to the Bible and care
The second aim of the day was to encourage the wider church to stick to biblical teaching and to provide good pastoral care for those who experience same-sex temptations. A clear and biblically sound position on homosexuality was held consistently throughout the sessions, but with humility and grace rather than brash arrogance. Questions asked from the floor, and the responses given, were measured against what the Bible has to say.
Walking alongside
The sessions were not designed solely for those with same-sex attractions, but also to equip people to walk alongside and minister to same-sex attracted Christians. Ed Shaw gave an inspiring vision for close and loving community within our churches. This gave a glimpse as to just how much this might transform struggles with same-sex attraction, sin-gleness and celibacy from a private burden to a shared opportunity to fix our eyes on Jesus.
The church shouldn’t be content with halfhearted attempts at ministering to same-sex attracted friends. The church should show that Jesus Christ satisfies every need – whatever our sexuality.
