Ep 1106 | 'I Was Living a Double Life:' Breaking Free from LGBTQ Sin | Guest: Richard Matthews
Relatable with Allie Beth Stuckey
Deep Dive
Why did Richard Matthews start viewing pornography at a young age and what were the consequences?
Richard started viewing pornography around age 10 or 11 because he was bullied and called 'gay,' which made him curious about what it meant. This curiosity led him to explore the internet, where he found pornography. The consequences included a deep addiction, feelings of shame, and a skewed relationship with the Lord.
Why did Richard feel alienated even within the LGBTQ community?
Richard felt alienated in the LGBTQ community because he saw it as cliquish, judgmental, and focused on partying and sex as measures of worth. This did not align with his deeper spiritual and emotional needs.
What was Richard's pivotal moment that led to his transformation and deliverance from pornography?
In January 2023, Richard prayed to the Lord, asking if being gay and Christian was true. He felt a strong conviction to seek Jesus, and by March, his desires for pornography had significantly diminished. He then went through a deliverance process, which he describes as a miraculous transformation in his bedroom.
Why does Richard believe that one cannot be both actively gay and a Christian?
Richard believes that one cannot be both actively gay and a Christian because God is a God of covenant, and being in a covenant with Him means total surrender and faithfulness. Compromising one's sexuality with faith is a form of idolatry, as it places something above God.
How does Richard respond to criticism that he still seems gay or that he was never gay?
Richard responds by maintaining an unoffendable heart, likening himself to a corpse that has died with Christ. He focuses on being a new creation in Christ and emphasizes that his new identity is in Christ, not in how others perceive him.
Why does Richard believe that the Holy Spirit is crucial in sharing the gospel with the LGBTQ community?
Richard believes that the Holy Spirit is crucial because it leads people to repentance through kindness and conviction, not through human wisdom or pride. The Holy Spirit guides what to say and when to say it, ensuring that the message is delivered in a way that ministers to the heart.
What does Richard say about the root of LGBTQ identity struggles?
Richard says that the root of LGBTQ identity struggles is a disconnect and unbelief in the goodness of God. The sexuality is a leaf on the tree, but the root is the unbelief in God's love and plan for one's life.
What advice does Richard give to those who are skeptical about the possibility of being free from LGBTQ identity?
Richard advises that one should seek Jesus and allow the Lord to give them a new heart and spirit. He emphasizes that deliverance and transformation come from a deep, personal relationship with Christ, not from behavior modification or human efforts.
- Richard's difficult childhood, including bullying and family issues
- His early exposure to pornography and subsequent addiction
- The collapse of his church and its impact on his faith
- His career in the performing arts and its ultimate lack of fulfillment
Shownotes Transcript