Gender Dysphoria-What The Bible Says

Gender Dysphoria – What Does the Bible Say About It?

In today’s world, conversations around gender are complex and often deeply personal. For those seeking to understand these issues through the lens of Christian faith, a natural question arises: What does the Bible say about gender? The answer isn’t always simple, but the Bible does provide foundational principles that can guide thoughtful reflection.

1. Creation: Gender as Part of God’s Design

The Bible introduces gender in the very first chapter: “So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.” — Genesis 1:27 (NIV)

This verse highlights a few key points:
Gender—male and female—is part of God’s intentional design.
Both men and women are created in the image of God, which means they are equally valuable, dignified, and capable of reflecting God’s character.
Gender is not a mistake or afterthought; it’s woven into the creation story.

2. Equality and Distinction

While men and women are equally created in God’s image, the Bible also acknowledges differences between the sexes—biologically, relationally, and sometimes in roles. These distinctions are often emphasized in marriage and family contexts.

In Ephesians 5, Paul describes a model of mutual love and respect in marriage, using metaphors of Christ and the Church. Some interpret these verses to affirm complementary roles; others see them as cultural expressions not meant to be universally prescriptive.

It’s important to note: wherever differences are mentioned, the Bible consistently calls for love, humility, and service—not superiority or domination.

3. Jesus and Gender

Jesus’s life and teachings brought radical dignity to both men and women. In a time when women were often marginalized, Jesus:

Taught women directly (Luke 10:38–42),

Defended them publicly (John 8:1–11),

And included them in His ministry (Luke 8:1–3).

This shows that Jesus challenged gender norms that were unjust or oppressive, without discarding the idea of gender itself.

4. Paul’s Letters and Cultural Context

Some of Paul’s writings, like 1 Corinthians 11 or 1 Timothy 2, are often cited in discussions about gender roles in the church and home. These passages have been debated for centuries, with interpretations varying across denominations and cultures.

However, Galatians 3:28 offers a broad and unifying vision:

“There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”

This doesn’t erase gender but emphasizes unity and equality in Christ.

5. A Call to Love and Wisdom

While the Bible affirms that gender is real and meaningful, it also calls Christians to approach all people with compassion, humility, and grace. In an age where gender identity and expression are sensitive and evolving topics, the church is invited to listen well, love deeply, and speak truth with kindness.

6. Gender Dysphoria and Transgender Identity: A Compassionate Conversation

As conversations around gender deepen, many people—inside and outside the church—are grappling with questions of gender dysphoria and transgender identity. These topics are emotionally charged and often personal, so it’s essential for Christians to approach them with both theological clarity and pastoral sensitivity.

What is Gender Dysphoria?

Gender dysphoria is a psychological term describing the distress someone may feel when their gender identity (how they experience or perceive their gender) does not align with their biological sex. Some people with gender dysphoria may identify as transgender, meaning they adopt a gender identity different from their biological sex.

What Does the Bible Say?

The Bible does not specifically address modern terms like “transgender” or “gender dysphoria,” but it does speak to the nature of humanity, the reality of suffering, and the hope of restoration.

At its core, Scripture affirms that we are embodied souls—created with purpose by God (Psalm 139:13–14). Our bodies are part of that design, and there is an intrinsic connection between body and identity in the biblical view of humanity (Genesis 1:27, 2:7).

However, the Bible also acknowledges that we live in a fallen world where brokenness affects every part of our being—including our sense of self. Just as some people experience physical, emotional, or psychological pain, others may experience deep inner conflict related to gender. Scripture doesn’t minimize this kind of suffering, but meets it with the compassionate heart of Christ.

7. How Should Christians Respond?

With Compassion and Truth, Not Condemnation. It is wrong and not helpful to affirm those who are confused about their gender. If you were born a male, God also gave you a male mind, soul and spirit. If you were born a female, He gave you a female mind, soul and spirit. No amount of hormone therapy or mutilating surgery can change that. Instead a gentle compassionate truthful conversation that will help guide them back to the reality of their gender will be quite helpful. Jesus consistently moved toward people with compassion, not away from them. When someone wrestles with gender identity, the first response should not be judgment, but love. Listening to someone’s story with empathy can go a long way toward building trust and offering hope.

With Truth, Not Dismissal
Compassion doesn’t mean abandoning biblical truth. Christians believe that our bodies matter—and that gender, as designed by God, is meaningful. That said, each person’s experience is unique, and many are navigating these questions with sincerity, not rebellion. It’s important to affirm God’s design while also walking gently with those who are hurting or confused.

With Patience and Wisdom
For some, the path through gender dysphoria may include counseling, prayer, and discipleship rooted in the hope of Christ. Others may make different choices, and the church must wrestle with how to remain a place of welcome while staying faithful to biblical convictions. This tension isn’t easy, but love compels us to stay in it.

Hope and Redemption for All People

Ultimately, the Christian gospel is good news for every person—cisgender, transgender, or questioning. It tells us that our identity is not ultimately found in our feelings, our bodies, or our social labels, but in being beloved children of God through Jesus Christ.

“Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” — Matthew 11:28

For those experiencing gender dysphoria, and for the families and churches walking with them, the message of Jesus offers hope: that in Him, there is grace for the present, healing for the broken, and a future where all things will be made new.

Final Thoughts

The Bible teaches that there are only two genders, male and female and that gender is part of God’s good creation—reflecting both equality and distinction. At the same time, the story of Scripture emphasizes love, justice, and redemption for all people, regardless of gender.

As Christians engage with questions about gender today, we’re called not just to ask what is true, but also how do we walk in love as we live out that truth. If you or anyone you know is struggling with gender dysphoria

A very helpful resource about gender dysphoria and many other topics is the Allen Jackson Podcast.

Jesus and Politics – Did Jesus Talk About Political Issues?

Did Jesus Christ Ever Talk About Political Issues?

The life and teachings of Jesus Christ have inspired countless people around the world for over two millennia. Known for his messages of love, forgiveness, and the Kingdom of God, Jesus’ words and actions have shaped the moral and spiritual compass of millions. But when it comes to the question of whether Jesus ever spoke about political issues, the answer isn’t as straightforward as we might hope. To understand this more deeply, we need to explore the context of Jesus’ time, his teachings, and how they intersect with the political realities of the Roman Empire.

The Political Context of Jesus’ Time

During the time of Jesus, Judea was a province of the Roman Empire. The people of Israel lived under Roman rule, and the political environment was tense. Roman governors, such as Pontius Pilate, ruled over the region, while Jewish leaders, particularly the Pharisees and Sadducees, had varying degrees of authority in religious matters. There was widespread discontent with Roman occupation, and many Jews were waiting for the arrival of a Messiah who would deliver them from this oppression.

It’s essential to understand that when we talk about “politics” in Jesus’ time, it wasn’t the same as modern-day politics. However, the Romans controlled the land, and political issues were deeply intertwined with social, religious, and economic life. Some groups, like the Zealots, advocated for armed rebellion against the Romans, while others, like the Pharisees, focused on religious purity and adherence to Jewish law.

Did Jesus Take a Stance on Political Issues?

On the surface, it might seem that Jesus avoided political engagement altogether. He didn’t rally against Roman rule or take up arms against the Empire, and he often appeared to distance himself from the political dynamics of his day. In fact, when asked directly about political matters, Jesus sometimes deflected or reframed the question in ways that shifted the focus away from earthly politics to spiritual principles.

However, this doesn’t mean that Jesus was apolitical. Instead, his approach to political issues was often indirect, prioritizing the Kingdom of God over the kingdoms of the world. Let’s explore some of the key moments where Jesus’ words and actions had political implications.

1. The Question About Taxes: “Give to Caesar What Is Caesar’s” (Matthew 22:15-22)

One of the most famous exchanges in the New Testament concerning politics occurs when Jesus is asked whether it is lawful to pay taxes to the Roman emperor. The question was designed to trap Jesus, as a “yes” would make him appear to support Roman occupation, while a “no” could lead to accusations of sedition.

Jesus famously responds, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” (Matthew 22:21)

This response is a masterclass in navigating political questions. Jesus doesn’t outright reject Roman authority or endorse it. Instead, he acknowledges the reality of earthly rule while directing people’s ultimate allegiance to God. By drawing this distinction, Jesus points to a higher spiritual kingdom that transcends political structures.

This passage has often been interpreted as suggesting that while Christians should respect political authority, their primary loyalty lies with God. In essence, Jesus presents a vision of civic responsibility without endorsing political involvement as an ultimate goal.

2. Jesus and the Zealots

The Zealots were a political movement that sought to overthrow Roman rule by force. Some scholars believe that Simon the Zealot, one of Jesus’ disciples, may have been associated with this group. Despite this, Jesus never endorsed violent revolution. Instead, he preached nonviolence, love for enemies, and peace. For instance, in Matthew 5:44, he says, “But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”

In the face of political oppression, Jesus offered a radically different response from groups like the Zealots. His message was not about earthly rebellion but about the radical transformation of the heart and mind. Rather than challenging the political structures directly, he focused on personal and societal change through love and justice.

3. The Kingdom of God: A Political Vision of a Different Kind

While Jesus didn’t engage in partisan politics, his teachings often had political overtones. The phrase “Kingdom of God” (or “Kingdom of Heaven”) is central to his message, and it offered an alternative vision of society. The Kingdom of God, as Jesus described it, wasn’t about political power in the conventional sense. It wasn’t about controlling territory or overthrowing governments; rather, it was about God’s reign of justice, mercy, and peace. Jesus’ Kingdom was one that upended conventional social and political hierarchies, where the poor, the meek, and the marginalized would be exalted.

In Luke 4:18-19, Jesus reads from the scroll of the prophet Isaiah, announcing his mission: “He has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free.” This mission sounds deeply political in its focus on justice for the oppressed and marginalized, but Jesus’ approach was spiritual and relational, seeking to transform individuals and communities through love and the message of God’s Kingdom.

4. Jesus and the Temple: Challenging Religious and Political Power

Jesus’ actions in the Temple also had political implications. In what is known as the “Cleansing of the Temple” (Matthew 21:12-13), Jesus drove out the money changers and those selling animals for sacrifice. This act was a protest against the corruption and commercialization of religious practice, which had significant political undertones. The temple was not only a religious center but also a place where political power intersected with religious authority.

By overturning tables and driving out merchants, Jesus demonstrated a challenge to the status quo of both religious and political elites. His actions symbolized a rejection of systems that exploited the poor and marginalized, pointing to a Kingdom of God that was radically different from the systems of power that existed in his time.

Conclusion: Jesus and Politics – A Radical Reorientation

While Jesus didn’t engage in political activism in the way we might expect from modern leaders, his teachings and actions were deeply political in their implications. His vision of the Kingdom of God was a direct challenge to the prevailing power structures, not through rebellion or armed conflict, but through radical love, justice, and mercy. Jesus’ message redefined power and authority, shifting the focus from worldly dominion to spiritual transformation.

In a world that often seeks to divide politics and religion, Jesus reminds us that true power lies not in political dominance, but in the Kingdom of God — a Kingdom that seeks justice, mercy, and peace for all people. Whether or not Jesus directly addressed political issues, his life and teachings continue to inspire us to engage with the world in ways that reflect God’s love and justice. When society looses its moral compass, it’s a sign that it’s time to put God back in to our lives

A very good resource called the Allen Jackson Podcast, untangles political and biblical issues and explains how what we think are political issues are actually spiritual issues. You’ll find videos covering many societal issues and how to
overcome them.

Jesus And The Woman At The Well

John chapter four records one of the most remarkable stories in the Bible. It’s the story of the Samaritan woman and her encounter with the Messiah. And there is quite a lot we can glean from this experience. Here are just a couple of the lessons we can take home from the story of Jesus and the woman at the well.

Jesus and the woman at the well

Accidentally on purpose

The woman at the well had no idea that this day would be a different day. When she went towards the well to fetch water, she had no idea that she would meet a man that would change her life completely. Maybe she thought she would meet some shepherds who were watering their animals. She was completely flabbergasted to find a Jew who was actually interested in her. And not only that, this Jew was actually the Messiah. It sounds like the time Saul went to look for the lost donkeys only to encounter the prophet who had been waiting for him to anoint him as king.

And that is how God often blesses his people. The story about Jesus and the woman at the well is a good example about how you are going about your mundane duties and then almost accidentally, you meet with your miracle. But it is not actually accidentally because God in his foreknowledge had already planned on blessing you all along. So we can call it accidentally on purpose. As Paul put it, all things work together for good.

Don’t judge

During and before the time of Jesus, Samaritans and Jews didn’t hang out. Jews believed they were the chosen ones by God and it was considered a sin to mingle with Samaritans or any other non-Jew for that matter. But on this fateful day, things were about to change for a simple Samaritan woman. Jesus sent away his disciples to look for food because he knew how judgmental they would be. It looks pretty strange that all the 12 of them had to go to fetch a simple meal. This was a job for only 1 or two of them but he needed all of them gone before he began witnessing to the Samaritan. When the disciples returned from their food hunting expedition, scripture says they were surprised to find him talking to the woman (John 4:27).

The story of Jesus and the woman at the well should be a reminder to all of us never to be judgmental about anyone. However sinful we think someone is; God still loves them just as much as he loves you. In fact, he loves sinners so much that he would rather leave the proverbial 99 that are not lost and go find the one that is lost. God may hate sin but he sure loves sinners.

He knows your name

When the Samaritan woman started talking with Jesus, she thought it would be one of the many casual conversations you can have with a stranger. Halfway through the conversation, she figured she was talking to a prophet and by the time they were done talking, she realized he was actually the Messiah. The Samaritan woman had led quite a sinful life – moving from one man to the next and she was now on her sixth. Chances are when she saw Jesus she thought she had found husband number 7. But she knew her life was an open book to him. She knew all about it. That was more than just an eye opener for her. It was her turning point.

God knows us by name. Scripture says he has inscribed us on the palm of his hands (Isaiah 49:16). He knows our hidden thoughts, he sees our unspoken words and he understands our deepest sighs. Nothing we do really takes him by surprise for he knows us better than we know our self. If you think about it, you would probably have very few friends if all your friends really knew everything about you. But even though God knows everything about you, he still loves you and wants to have a relationship with you. There is no greater expression of love than this.

God has no favorites

The Samaritan woman became the first evangelist in Samaria. She went around Samaria telling everyone that would listen to her about her encounter with the Messiah. Humanly speaking, she was the least qualified person for the job. All her neighbors knew the kind of life she lived. But in the eyes of God, she was equal to the task. When he saw her at the well that day, he didn’t see a sinful Samaritan that was beyond redemption. On the contrary, he saw a woman that had a heart for ministry and was just looking for some love and acceptance. She was looking for this love and affection in all the wrong places but finally found it at the well. The scripture remains silent on what happened afterward but we can safely infer that she managed to help most of the Samaritans to believe in the Messiah.

The best part about this story is the way God doesn’t play favorites. In two different scriptures, we are told that God is no respecter of persons (Acts 10:34, Romans 2:11). Repetition creates emphasis. God repeats this in scripture to show us that he means business with this. He does not play favorites. He can use anyone for the work of ministry. And he doesn’t go picking the ones that look good in the eyes of man – he doesn’t call the qualified but he qualifies the called.

Tomorrow Is A Better Day With Jesus

The reason the Samaritan woman was moving from one husband to the next is that she was looking for something that she wasn’t really finding in her husbands. Although she couldn’t place her finger on it, deep down in her heart, she felt an emptiness that she was desperately trying to fill. And one day, she got an answer to her desire. Her answer was not in men as she had originally thought but in God. As Blaise Pascal put it, “there is a God-shaped vacuum in everyone and no one but God can fill it.”

The story of Jesus and the woman at the well teaches us that even though the Samaritan woman had a bad history, she ended up with a good future. It almost like God was saying, “Your yesterday might have been messed up, but your tomorrow is better.” In the same way, we can continue believing that our tomorrow will be better than our today and our past. And the best part is, God doesn’t reference our past when he wants to bless our future. This is why he encourages us to forget our past and concentrate on our future for he is doing a new thing (Isaiah 43:19)!

Did Jesus Ever Claim To Be God?

What Does Scripture Say?

The modern day spiritual philosophy is trying to reduce Jesus to one of the great teachers or prophets. There is no doubt that Jesus was a great teacher – even non-believes agree. But, He was more than just a great teacher? Jesus was and is actually God.

Above all, Jesus is the son of God according to scripture. John 3:16 even calls him God’s unique son. Certainly, this is one of the best proofs that Jesus is God. In addition, every father knows that their sons will be just like them. For instance, the race of a father determines the race of their son. And Jesus was not shy to call God his father.
Incidently, that is not the only reason why Christians believe that Jesus is God. Here are a couple of good reasons why we believe that Jesus is not only Lord but God.

1. The virgin birth of Jesus

There are many “saviors”, teachers and prophets across the different religions in the world but of all those notable individuals, none was born of a virgin. Only Jesus was. When prophet Isiah prophesied the virgin birth of the Messiah, he said;

“Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.” Isaiah 7:14

The prophet said the baby that was to be born of a virgin would be called Immanuel. The name Immanuel literally means, “God with us.” In other words, the baby would not be an ordinary baby but God incarnated in the flesh. The birth had to be of a virgin – because God cannot be the product of a human seed.

2. The Incarnation

jesus virgin birth

The doctrine of incarnation can be a bit confusing but the simplest explanation is this – God came in the flesh in order to save mankind in the flesh. Ever since God gave man dominion on earth in Genesis 1, anything that happens on earth needs the involvement of man. This is why the devil is actively looking to recruit man for the work he is trying to do on earth. If God had come in spirit form, he wouldn’t have the authority to save man because any spirit on earth must have a body or they would be here illegally.

3. Prophetic Confirmation

In addition, long before Jesus’s birth, the prophets not only talked about his birth but also about his deity. Prophet Isaiah prophesied that even though Jesus would be born of a woman, he would still be God.

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6

The prophet Isiah ascribed the name “mighty God” to Jesus. Obviously, the prophet was talking about Jesus being God. Most people are okay with refereeing to him as a prince of peace but the thought of Jesus as God makes some people uncomfortable. Therefore, the question to such people should be – are you willing to accept the entire truth of the Bible, or only some convenient portions of it.

Scripture Context vs. Jewish Society

If you think about the context of Isaiah 9:6, prophet Isiah came from the monotheistic Jewish society. Above all, it would be too radical for anyone that believed there was only one God to claim that a baby would one day be born who would be called, “mighty God.” But the prophet made the statement anyway because he was convinced that God would one day be incarnate.

4. Jesus’s Ministry

Certainly, the earthly ministry of Jesus is one of the best proofs that he was God. Right from his birth all through his death and resurrection, his life showed evidence that he is God. For instance, in Mathew 2, the wise men from the east travel all the way to come to worship him (Mathew 2:11). It is clear from the scriptures that no one else apart from God was to be worshiped. Even the Jesus worshiped by angels angels worship Jesus. In fact, God made it very clear in the Torah that Israel was not to bow down her knee to any other God except Yahweh. The fact that the magi came to worship baby Jesus is evidence that they recognized him as God.

5. Jesus Accepted Worship

When Jesus was fully grown he accepted worship from people. In contrast, every other prophet in the scriptures would not permit anyone to worship him. For instance, when he calmed the storm that was threatening to capsize their boat, scripture says that the disciples worshipped him.

And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, ‘Truly you are the Son of God.’” Mathew 14:33

Therefore, if Jesus wasn’t God, he would have stopped them and warned them from worshipping him. But he allowed his disciples to worship him. And there are lots of other scriptural illustrations of other people that worshipped him.

5. Jesus said so

Jesus openly laid claim to his divinity. For instance, in John 8:58, he ruffled some feathers when he proclaimed that he was older than father Abraham. The people were so indignant at this confession that they tried to stone him. See, by saying that he was alive during Abraham’s time, Jesus was saying that his life didn’t really begin when Mary gave birth to him. This is impossible humanly speaking. But the words he used to make this claim make it even more interesting;

“‘I tell you the truth,’ Jesus answered, ‘before Abraham was born, I am!’

abraham with jesus In other words, by using the term I Am, he was making himself equal to God. God introduced himself to Moses as “I Am.” This is probably why they wanted to stone him because to the best of their knowledge, it was blasphemous to claim equality with God.

Blasphemy???

Another illustration is found in John 10:30 where Jesus openly said that he was one with God. Again, this almost got him stoned. When Jesus asked them why they wanted to stone him and yet he had proven his deity through many miracles, they gave him an interesting answer;

‘We are not stoning you for any of these,’ replied the Jews, ‘but for blasphemy, because you, a mere man, claim to be God.’” John 10:33

In other words, they recognized that when he said he was one with God, he was actually saying that he was God.

Conclusion

In conclusion, these are some of the main reasons why Jesus is the son of God. As you go through the bible, you will most likely come across even more reasons. Only Jesus raised himself from the dead. There were lots of people that were raised from the dead. That is to say, for the other people, someone else had to raise them from the dead. Jesus raised himself from the dead. (Phil. 3:10). Therefore, Jesus is not just another teacher or prophet – he is indeed God.

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The Church and It’s True Meaning

God’s True Church

What is the church? In Mathew 18:20, Jesus taught that God is anywhere where two or three saints gather in his name. In other words, the church is not the building where Christians gather for worship. The church is a community of believers. Many other scriptures reinforce this definition. For instance, Paul talks of the church of Galatia (Galatians 1:1-2). In this scripture, Mathew referred to the local churches found in the region of Galatia. A local church refers to a localized community of believers as opposed to the broader global church which comprises of all saints on the face of the earth.

The best illustration of the global church is given in the book of Corinthians the true church where Paul says, For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink (1 Corinthians 12:13). From this scripture, we can infer that any follower of Christ is a member of the universal church. This is irrespective of denomination, race, gender, age or any other societal stratification factors. We are all one body.

What The Church is Not

the church For most people, the word church means a building where Christians gather for worship. And this was the notion that the Samaritan woman in John 4 had. She believed that the only place to worship God was at the temple in Jerusalem.
“Sir,” the woman said, “I can see that you are a prophet. 20 Our ancestors worshiped on this mountain, but you Jews claim that the place where we must worship is in Jerusalem.”
…Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks.
John 4:19, 23

To her, the church was a building. And this might have been true in the Old Covenant. But as Jesus let her know, the definition changed in the New Testament. In the Old Testament times, the temple was regarded as the house of God. God hid His presence in the Holy of Holies, and only a designated high priest could access it. But under the new covenant, the temple of God is no longer the building but rather the heart of man. God now lives in the heart of the believer.

This is why the scriptures say, “Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God?” 1 Cor. 6:19
In other words, you do not need to go to a church building for you to access God’s presence. You have his spirit dwelling in you and can, therefore, access him anywhere anytime. One of the many benefits of belonging to the true church is escaping the eternal punishment of God’s wrath.

This is not to mean that congregational or church worship is not essential. Therefore you wouldn’t be a strong Christian without being part of a congregation. As we have already seen, the church is a community of believers. So in as much as you have God’s spirit in you, you need to be connected to other believers to make up the church.