The Family is Defined and Ordained by God as the Foundational Institution of Humanity
This blog post is Part 10 of a series entitled, "Orthodoxy" by Pastor Jeffrey Dean Smith of Donelson First in Nashville, TN.
Message Date: March 19, 2023
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A new study by three MIT scholars has found that false news spreads more rapidly and encourages greater support than the truth.
Sinan Aral, a professor at the MIT Sloan School of Management says: “Untruths spread significantly farther, faster, deeper, and more broadly than the truth, in all categories of information, and in many cases by an order of magnitude.”
At MIT.edu, Professor Aral explained that: “False news stories are 70 percent more likely to be retweeted than are true stories. It also takes true stories about six times as long to reach 1,500 people as it does for false stories to reach the same number of people. False information has a cascade depth that is 10-20 times greater than actual true facts.” (Sinan Aral, a professor at the MIT Sloan School of Management)
To conduct this study, the researchers tracked roughly 126,000 cascades of news stories spreading on social media, which were cumulatively tweeted over 4.5 million times by about 3 million people, over the course of 9 years. When asked, “Why do false stories and news spread more quickly than the truth?” Professor Aral responded:
“People want new and exciting and feel good more than people want the truth.”
Well... today’s truth is that there is nothing “feel good” about the assault on the sanctity of humanity like the one which we are experiencing today in America.
And in Part 10 of the Orthodoxy series, we are going to land squarely on Scripture that sets the record straight on what truth is and what truth can do in our lives when, rather than ignoring it, we embrace it!
I also want to make this clear...
As I begin each week of study and prayer, I do not approach each message with an agenda. Not whatsoever!
I begin my time of study each week praying that God will lead me as I prepare my thoughts.
I say this because this week, God is leading us right into the hard! Today we will discuss some things that are potentially extremely difficult. Some of this biblical content today is hard to hear. It may make you feel uncomfortable. And, what I will share today is not on the side of popularity. Truth is often hard to hear and even more difficult, for some, to receive. Each week, I pray that Scripture will lead me as I study these Foundational Principles of Orthodoxy. And today, once again, we will let Scripture do the leading!
Orthodoxy = the foundational truths that define the Christian faith
“Any ideological or revolutionary state must always alienate the young from the pre-revolutionary parents if it hopes to survive into future generations. He alone, who owns the youth, gains the future.” Any idea who spoke such words? Reichsparteitag in 1935
Well, these words delivered in a speech at the “Rally for Freedom,” or the (Reich-spar-tie-da) in Nuremberg, Germany in September of 1935, were spoken by Adolph Hitler.
Such words are eerily similar to those recently spoken by an extremely powerful politician serving and living in Washington DC, who said this:
“We have to break through the idea that kids belong to their parents or that kids belong to their families and recognize that kids belong to whole communities. And in order for our children to belong to whole communities, it’s necessary that they be indoctrinated with certain core beliefs and the world and in general the sexuality they choose to embrace.”
Today the National Department of Education is setting the agenda for what our kids are learning. And what they are learning should scare us all!
The Comprehensive Sexuality Education Curriculum has been introduced in our public, and some private, schools nationwide!
The Comprehensive Sexuality Education Curriculum teaches:
• Students as young as 4 learn how to master••••
• Second-grade students learn the act of master•••• can be performed with a partner.
• Middle school students learn that any sexual act is normal and is to be enjoyed.
• Boys will be educated to properly wear a con•••
• Girls will be educated to properly place a con•••
• Images will be provided of various people experiencing sex••• pleasure National Pulse/CSE/2020
In a partnership with Planned Parenthood, 50 start-up clinics have been opened in public schools offering middle and high school students access to free birth control and abortion counseling. And, get this, schools offering these on-campus clinics to our children are NOT required to inform a parent when a student accesses these clinics!
Additionally, there is presently legislation before the US House of Representatives to deny funding to any school which receives federal funds if they do not accept the full spectrum of gender and LGBTQ rights.
Why do I begin here? Well, I know some of you do not have children. I know some of you have children who are already grown and out of the house. But Church, make no mistake, whether your children or someone else’s:
Today’s children are tomorrow's leaders. Today’s children are tomorrow's parents. Today’s children are tomorrow's teachers. Today’s children are tomorrow's pastors.
This is why Orthodoxy is so important. This is why the Church must pursue the knowledge of Orthodoxy. This is why the Church must desire the study of Orthodoxy. This is why the Church must teach the foundational principles of Orthodoxy. This is why the Church must embrace the scriptural definition of Orthodoxy. This is why the Church must proclaim fearlessly, unabashedly, passionately, unapologetically, fearlessly, and compassionately the truths of Orthodoxy. Because... if we do not, who will?
Jesus was not neutral. Jesus was not gender-neutral. As a matter of fact, Jesus had strong, very strong, words when referencing the penalty for misleading our children!
Matthew 18:5-6
The family, as defined and ordained by God as the foundational institution of humanity, is under attack.
It has been under the attack of the enemy since Satan slithered his way onto the scene of humanity at the beginning of time. Two weeks ago, we discussed Orthodoxy Foundational Principle #4: All of Humanity is Created in the Image of God for the Purpose of Bringing God Glory
As a recap of Part 8, we dissected these 4 truths about our purpose: My purpose is to bring God the glory:
1. When I realize He doesn’t need me.
2. When I realize He delights in me.
3. When I allow Him to define my purpose.
4. When I live as He created me to live.
I recall this message from two weeks ago as a reminder for you to keep these 4 truths before you as we move on to Foundational Principle #5: The family is defined and ordained by God as the foundational institution of humanity.
Now, there is so very much I could say about the family. If you were with us two years ago, then you probably can recall an extremely powerful and robust series we walked through the Family Strong Series.
To fully understand the foundational institution of humanity, the pinnacle of God’s creation, man, we once again must travel back to Genesis – the origin of humanity.
Genesis 1:26-28
Humanity - - the pinnacle of God’s creation.
We then read the details of God’s creation of man and woman: Genesis 2:7 + Genesis 2:20b-24
In these few verses, God tells us so much about how He created us to live.
I want you to understand with extreme clarity what I mean with the use of these 2 words: “defined” & “ordained.”
To define /English/ = a definite statement of specification
To ordain /English/ = a holy decree
1. God defined and ordained the family when He created: Humanity as man.
Many people today find it to be offensive and politically incorrect to reference humanity as man. Some too state that referencing humanity as “man” or “mankind’ is insensitive and demoralizing to women.
However, I would claim that: To define humanity as anything or anyone other than man or mankind is Orthodoxy heresy. You see there is a theological issue at stake when we define humanity as something or someone other than what God intended... and what God clearly states throughout the Bible.
Genesis 5:1-2
In Genesis 2, God uses this same Hebrew word for mankind on 8 different occasions, but He does so when referring to the distinction from man to woman: Genesis 2:22, Genesis 2:23, Genesis 2:25, Genesis 3:8, Genesis 3:9, Genesis 3:12, Genesis 3:20
No, in none of these verses do we read the use of the word “mankind.” However, when you take a look at the Hebrew in each of these passages, you find the same Hebrew word each time:
Man + Mankind /Hebrew/ = Adam
Did you know this? So this was God’s intention to reference a male human being AND the human race as “man.”
Why? This was God’s plan from the beginning to establish “man” in a position of authority on planet Earth.
Therefore, it makes perfect sense as to Satan’s move in doing what he did in the way in which he did at the onset of temptation at the beginning of time. And thus, and this is an extremely important Church... we see that the battle over gender really began in the Garden of Eden.
Genesis 3:1-6a
Do you notice whom Satan first approaches with this act of defiance against the Holy God? His temptation is strategically directed at Eve, the woman.
You see, what happened at this moment in time set into motion a genocide against the sanctity of God’s holy plan for man and woman leadership, and the role of both the male and female genders.
We know that all God created, He states in Genesis 1:31 “is good.” Satan knew that if he could get humanity to turn on God, to disobey God, and, to sin, he could then begin to have his way of causing a pornification of God’s plan for humanity, the family, and specifically the gender roles of God’s greatest creation.
This is also why we see that, when God came looking for Adam and Eve after they sinned, He first approached Adam rather than Eve, to again, re-establish the proper role of leadership between man and woman!
Again... this is so important Church:
When Satan approached Eve, rather than Adam, Satan introduced a role reversal between the gender institution of man and woman.
Ever since, there has been an ever-increasing culture of confusion over genders and, specifically, the roles of men and women in the home, with relationships, and throughout society.
And now look at, yet another, more recent manifestation of this great confusion among humanity. This is an official statement recently given by the US Department of Education on genders distributed across the nation throughout what I am confident is now the greatest mission field in America... our nation’s public elementary, middle, and high schools:
We are working towards a society where anyone and everyone can choose the pronouns that feel best for their own identity, whether they identify as a man, woman, agender, or fluid between the binary. These words appear in the LGBTQ Family + Gender Diversity – Teaching Guide for Elementary Grades
This guide was delivered to all publicly funded elementary schools throughout America in 2022. Read the language used in this guide to all states concerning parental notification as to what our kids are being taught and the culture under which these teachings are protected:
Parental involvement is not required when providing definitions to students, teaching about LGBTQ family and gender diversity, celebrating Pride Month, and reading books with LGBTQ characters/plots/subplots or speaking about LGBTQ persons outside the context of health education. Department of Education/Gender Pronouns Guide/Student Services/2022
In a newly published 18-page booklet distributed at the beginning of this school year to schoolteachers in the US, this guide was included as a reference for those educating our children in America’s public schools.
Let me be clear:
When society removes gender names and replaces them with pronouns, this is a direct attack against our Creator, Orthodoxy, and God’s definition of and ordination over humanity. Genesis 1:27
Nowhere in scripture does God muddy the waters on the gender or the sexuality by which I or anyone has been created. Nowhere!
Our children are confused because we are allowing the messaging to encourage their confusion.
Orthodoxy is the only guide that will lead humanity in the right and holy and ordained direction.
Now... and I must say this and then move on...
For the child who struggles with his or her sexuality...We are to listen! We are to love! We are to help him or her get the help needed to work through this very tender struggle. And for those born with multiple sex organs, of course, this is a tender area that must be navigated with the intention of protecting a child and his/her mental stability.
But make no mistake: Everything we are to do, we are to do through the lens of Orthodoxy.
95% of children who struggled during their adolescent years with gender dysphoria later in life identified and chose their biological sex. (thecut.com/What’s Missing From the Conversation/2022)
And the opposite story is also true:
Do you know what demographic of people presently holds the highest suicide rate in America? Any idea? It isn’t to those dealing with drugs or PTSD or those rehabilitating into the real world post their time serving behind bars. The highest suicide rate is of those who have body-altering surgery. (thenewatlantis.com/Executive Summary, Sexuality and Gender/2021)
The suicide rate is almost 50% – almost half of those going through these life-altering surgeries are ending their lives within 24 months of having said surgery! Why? Any action, procedure, or surgery that alters one’s body with the intention to change gender cannot and will not fix what is truly in need of repair.
Legislatively, we are so thankful that Tennessee joins 2 other states who, just this month, passed a law that takes effect on July 1 and bans all forms of gender-transforming treatment on children under the age of 18. And similar bills are progressing in 22 other states. As the Church, what is our response to those who are struggling and who are confused?
Our response should always be this: Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7
We help those who are struggling with this or any hurt, and we do so through... Compassion. Grace. Love. Empathy. Truth!
You and I are not an “it,” a “they,” a “their,” or a “zie.”
Humanity, as defined and ordained by God, is not: Theykind. Itkind. Themkind. Uskind.
Humanity is mankind.
This is why a return to Genesis is foundationally critical to the Principles of Orthodoxy.
Without a clear understanding of God as our Creator, and how I am created as male or female in the image of Him, it is almost impossible to land on the right side of truth when confronted with these extremely challenging and often confusing messages permeating our culture.
Romans 1:21-25
If you are struggling with any of these issues, please, please, please know that, as the pastor of Donelson First, we are here for you.
The MIT study I referenced earlier revealed that it is often much easier to place trust in the lies permeating culture rather than the truth, as in this case, of God’s Word. If this is where you find yourself today, know this: There is NO condemnation here. We want to offer help to those who have bought into the lies.
We too offer compassion to those who are struggling with any issue.
But again... we do so allowing Orthodoxy to lead our way... not emotion... not confusion... and not compromise.
2. God defined and ordained the family when He created: Man to not live alone.
There is only one thing God declared “not good” throughout the Creation story. Only one thing!
Genesis 2:18
God did not want man to be alone. This is why he created a woman. Genesis 2:20b
God did not create man to live in isolation. We have been created to live in community and in unity with one another. And this unity comes to its fullest expression in marriage between a man and a woman.
Genesis 2:24
Now, this verse does not mean that every man will marry a woman and every woman will marry a man. There are some who will never marry. And that is another topic altogether I will reserve for a future discussion for us as a church. The important biblical application to be noted here is that God ONLY defines and ordains the marriage bed as a unity between a male and a female.
There are several really important words here I do not want us to miss!
As we often discuss, examining both the Hebrew and Greek text can help us to better capture the authenticity of God’s heart and intention on a particular matter.
In this case, a closer look at the Hebrew will help us to understand how serious and special, and holy is such a union between a male and a female.
Read this passage again with me: Genesis 2:23-24
Bone /Hebrew/ : esem = a stronger bone
The Hebrew word “bone” does not merely mean “bone.” It means a stronger or strengthened bone! When the 2 become 1, they become a stronger “one!”
So then the obvious is also true:
Man is strongest when united as one with a woman.
Flesh /Hebrew/ : basar = a complete and a whole being
This Hebrew word is stating that the man, with the union of a woman, now becomes a “whole being.” This word helps us understand that such a male could NEVER become a “stronger” nor a “complete and a whole being” without uniting with a female.
Ladies! You’ve been right all along. We ARE stronger with you than we are without you!
But seriously... God paints a beautiful picture for us when describing the unity of a male and a female. Now, we could look at many, many scriptures in both the Old and New Testaments that portray a stark contrast to those who engage in a same-sex unity. For time’s sake today, I will mention one:
Romans 1:26-27
Consider these Hebrew words in contrast to the ones we just examined from Genesis 2:
Over /Greek /: paradidomi = delivered to prison
Shameful /Greek /: atimia = a disgraceful act
Lusts /Greek/: pathos = sexual passion
There is never, ever a time in Scripture when God speaks of male-to-male and female-to-female union with affirming words. Ever.
So, then why is it so difficult for some, even some in the Church, and even some possibly listening today, to believe God’s Word on this? Well, look at what Paul wrote as to the reason God gave humans over to a “prison to indulge in a disgraceful sexual act:” Romans 1:21-22
I want to highlight 2 important Greek words: “foolish” and “fools”
Foolish /Greek /: asynetos = to lose sense; become dull
Fools /Greek / moraine = to become saltless; tasteless; flavorless
To lose one’s sense means that one no longer has the capacity to see and smell and taste - - one has essentially gone “numb” and become dull to what is right.
To no longer be “salt” to the world means that one no longer has the capacity to “add flavor to” a flavorless world. You see Paul is saying that: One who has become numb to what is right and one who no longer helps add flavor to a flavorless world is susceptible to affirming acts that are sexually impure.
I think of all the privileges I have as a pastor - - the very many intimate and joyous conversations and situations and moments I share with people who invite me into their, often extremely tender and private areas of their lives...
None is more special, intimate, and holy than officiating a wedding - - standing in unity with a man and woman as Genesis 2:24 describes, when the 2 become 1.
This union is such a holy and reverent union. It too is a union, as you know, that is under tremendous attack today.
I too think that another reason that so many, even many in the Church, struggle with believing that same-sex marriage is wrong is because of the emotional attachment we place on wanting to be happy and wanting loved ones in our lives to be happy.
I mean... I know I have friends in my life who are in same-sex relationships. Friends whom I love dearly. And yes, I want them to be happy!
I have gay friends who recently asked me to officiate their wedding. I had to decline. One of my friend’s very next statements was, “Do you not want me to be happy? I think God wants us all to be happy, isn’t this true Jeffrey?” I do want them to be happy. However, I first must be loyal to the pursuit of honoring the holiness of God’s plan for marriage above the pursuit of a friend’s desire to find happiness.
Scripture never affirms happiness as something which supersedes holiness.
3. God defined and ordained the family when He created: Woman as the suitable helper.
Go back to Genesis 2:20b-22
Notice, in this same verse where God states that it is not good for man to be alone, He offers the solution to man’s loneliness!
It is NOT fishing. It is NOT SportsCenter. And it is NOT anything unholy. God’s remedy to man’s loneliness? A “suitable helper!” Also notice this:
God’s remedy for man’s loneliness is clear: The man does not get to decide the remedy. God did not ask the man, “What or who do want as a partner? And secondly... Another man is not suitable as the remedy.
Who was the “suitable helper” to remedy the man’s loneliness: A woman!
There are 2 Hebrew words translated from one word used in this passage. It’s the word “helper.”
Both of these Hebrew translations provide us vital evidence to better comprehend the creation of Eve as the first woman AND her role and distinction as a female in this world.
helper /Hebrew/ : ezer = ideal partner
The second Hebrew word translated here for “helper” is the word:
helper /Hebrew/ : kenegdow = according to the opposite of him Church...
this cannot be any clearer for us!
God’s remedy for Adam’s loneliness was an ideal partner who was the opposite of him.
This is proof that a man can never be an ideal partner for a man and a woman can never be an ideal partner for a woman because neither are the opposite of one another. And this is why we began 10 weeks ago with this statement:
When I believe wrong, I live wrong.
Church, this is exactly where so many people who follow the Lord, who worship the Lord, who believe in the Lord, and who say, “I love the Lord!” find themselves today...
... on the wrong side of truth.
Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. John 8:32
Truth is not always easy to hear. This is why, remember...
As a Christian, I am:
1. A truth seeker.
2. A truth protector.
As the Church, let us continue to do be and do exactly this!
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Jeffrey Dean Smith is a husband, father to Bailey & Brynnan, author, and the Senior Pastor at Donelson First in Nashville, TN. If you are in Music City, meet Jeffrey and enjoy iced tea on the front lawn each Sunday at 10:30a.