This book is an excellent guide for navigating the topic of LGBTQ inclusion in our churches according to the Bible, from a perspective that affirms, accepts, loves, and welcomes the LGBTQ community. I wrote this book, not to try to change the minds of evangelical Christians, but to present the scriptural basis held by those Christians who do not believe that homosexuality is a sin. Many of these “affirming Christians” hold the Bible as the highest authority in their lives. Thus, this book allows the world to see the how we “reconcile” being gay with Scripture. It’s not difficult. For decades, Christians have read the Bible through a lens that includes misinterpretations. Once we expose the research in this area and carefully lay out the various arguments, the condemnation of gay Christians crumbles.

For those who disagree with my premise, you’ll find this book to be written with great care to examine the Scripture from an educated and honest perspective. For those who hold that Scripture denies the LGBTQ community entry into God’s kingdom, this is the book to read and refute. Please have your red pen handy. You’ll find it to be written in kind and respectful tones. I do not like to argue or be involved in conflict, in general. Nonetheless, I recognize this to be an exceedingly controversial topic, and I appreciate the opportunity to present the affirming Christian’s side of the debate.

Feel free to engage with me via email IamIncludedinChrist@gmail.com.

For those of you who are unsure how you feel about this topic, this will help in your decision making process.

Available in print and e-book now at the LifeRich bookstore here: https://www.liferichpublishing.com/Bookstore/BookDetail.aspx?BookId=SKU-001248597

Available on Amazon in print and e-book/kindle versions here: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=cristy+perdue&i=digital-text&ref=nb_sb_noss_2

I discovered today (June 25, 2020) that Alexa provides an audio version of the book for anyone who has the $4.49 e-book! Just search your phone for an “alexa” app. The interface is very user-friendly, and the voice sounds almost human! I’m amazed by the quality of this app. Importantly, you can listen to the e-book with the phone screen off. Similarly, your alexa device will read your e-book to you as well.

A professional audible version will be available soon on Amazon and audible.com.

“And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in Him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, Who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.” Ephesians 1:13-14

Countless faithful gay Christians serve God wholeheartedly while holding the Bible as the highest authority in their lives. However, many are rejected from families and churches based on the commonly held premise, “homosexuality is a sin.” Included in Christ offers the scriptural basis held by those who believe that the premise is wrong. 

Many influential Christian leaders believe that someone within the LGBTQ community cannot be a Christian without renouncing their LGBTQ identity. But is that true? This book outlines every angle of the debate, including the Bible passages, as well as the idea that the entire Bible, beginning in Genesis, describes heterosexuality. It concludes with the clarification within Scripture that God does not condemn gay Christians but welcomes them into His kingdom.

God’s Word and His Church exemplify His plan for “one man, one woman” in the vast majority of Christian families. This book explores biblical exceptions to the idea that heterosexuality is His perfect plan for everyone. Additionally, the author presents the evidence that the phrase, “homosexuals will not inherit the kingdom of God,” was a mistranslation from the original Greek.

Included in Christ provides readers with the tools they need both to make decisions regarding their beliefs about the LGBTQ community as well as to engage in debate.

If you believe that homosexuality is a sin against God, please read this book with a red pen in hand. You’ll see the arguments from both viewpoints. If you agree with the author’s premise or are unsure of your stance, this book is an excellent guide for navigating this topic according to the Bible, from a perspective that affirms, accepts, loves, and welcomes the LGBTQ community.