Genesis

The idea that we have seasons of life came from a discussion with some good friends. We were talking about the ups and downs of the Christian life, especially as it concerned time spent developing our personal relationship with Christ. My good friend talked about the winter season of her life when that relationship time is hard. For her it was a matter of recognizing the season and working through it to change. I appreciated that idea a lot and thought, in connection to the new sermon series, to draw it out some. My experience (note the emphasis, please) in the Christian life has also been one of ups and downs. And my experience is that the downs are mostly self-inflicted. As much as I'd like to be honest Lucy, I seem to relate more to troubled Edmund who fills himself on stuff he knows isn't good for him putiing himself in the wrong place...again. The reminder that God's grace in Jesus can thaw my winter and draw me back into the warmth of a true relationship with him is so important. And for me, having people to speak and show that reminder is crucial. Come, Springtime. Come, Lord Jesus. -Joel

I’ve arrived at some clarity on a matter I wish I would have communicated better this last Sunday.

Jesus has some very strong teaching on divorce, and remarriage. As was referenced in the message and on the previous post.

There are two extreme reactions that I have seen with those teachings. 1)We can become modern day Pharisees and let legalism and judgment drive us. 2) We can put this teaching next to God’s grace and say all is forgiven in such a way that we don’t recognize the sin.

The clarity I have found is in the balance. It is not fair to make a blanket statement that remarriage is a sin. If only God can break a one flesh union then we have to believe if it is his will to do so, he can. That is what God’s grace is sufficient is all about. What is impossible with man, is possible with God. Jesus says in Revelation that he makes all things new. He often encountered people and they left not only forgiven, but changed. From that day forward who they were no longer affected who they were to become. A born again experience, the old is drowned and the new is born. (Prime Example: The apostle Paul)

Now, this is a fine line to walk. This is not a teaching that says to do as you please. This is not a blanket statement that says all remarriage is in God’s will. It is simply saying, if God desires to do so and to bless a new marriage and a new union that is well within his will and grace to do so. I have seen this in people. One example: A first marriage that was not healthy. A first marriage that was not Godly. I have seen years later that person being led, by God, to a new relationship. In many ways, a healing relationship. We have to know we have the God of second chances.

The truth is this goes much deeper than second marriage. God has a design for us. A desire for us, as he created us. A plan for marriage, for relationships, for our lives. It is broken in every way. We have broken it in every way. I pray this helps us all to see the grace, not the judgment. But like Paul says in Romans, do not take this as license to do as we please. “Should we sin all the more, because Grace abounds?” We need to be in constant repentance and seeking what God desires of us.

I apologize if an incomplete teaching on Sunday has caused old wounds to be re-opened. My prayer is that we will be a place to find grace and healing, not a place to be judged.

But, let us be honest about our mistakes, humble in our confession and thankful for God’s grace. For without it, every one of us is lost.

I love you all!

Pastor Ben

This was a particularly challenging message. Today we talked about Sex, Homosexuality and Divorce.

A couple of key points: We must call a sin a sin. As hard as it is, especially because of those we love and care about, and the choices that we've made when we look objectively at Scripture we see that Homosexuality, Divorce, and Remarriage are all sins. Jesus is brutally clear on the last two. Look at Luke 16 and at Matthew 19.

Yet, are they unforgivable sins? No. But, we must call them what they are. We must seek decisions based on God's will. We must know that grace abounds.

I don't have all of the answers, but it is clear that this is a hard one to digest. To put into practice, to weigh against the things we take as norm in our culture. Romans 2: We must be careful not to stand in judgement or view one sin worse than another. We are all sinners. We are all in need of a savior.

Church is a place for sinners. Not perfect people. It is where we seek and worship a God who forgives. But we must still call a sin a sin. And Grace, Grace.

John Piper has an interesting article on this, follow the link here and here for a link to more of his research on this topic. It is the most exhaustive work I have found on the topic. At least on the internet.

Also, thanks to anonymous II for the link to the LCMS research on this. It is worth the read.

Follow the link here...
http://www.lcms.org/graphics/assets/media/CTCR/Divorce_Remarriage1.pdf

So, what do you think? What challenges you? What do you agree or disagree with?

Here's a quick peak at our next series. "The Lion is on the Move" We will be encouraging everyone to read the book as a family. The series will talk about the depth of C.S. Lewis's images and focus a lot on the true story behind the story. Joel will be kicking the series off for us starting November 27th.

They are doing a similar thing in the Senior High youth. If you get a chance you must see what they have done down there for decoration. it is amazing.

Quick synopsis. Coveting prevails in our culture. We see it manifested in everything from advertising to chldren's play. Coveting is at the core all about me. My needs, my want, my fulfillment, even if it is at the cost of others. It turns people into objects and objects into idols. Yet, when it is fully realized and that which we desire is achieved, it is empty. The feeling of contentment is short lived and fleeting. So, what are we to do. The direct opposite of coveting (all about me) is servanthood (all about you). We see that clearly in the life and death of Jesus. Yet, do we really know what it is to live this way. Here was the challenge, for at least this week, work especially hard at seeing the world around you. Open your eyes to see the needs of those you pass by, work next to, live in the same house with. And this is the real challenge. Pray: pray whenever you encounter anyone, pray that God would open a door, show you what He may be desiring of you, pray for their needs and not your own. And let's see what happens. To God be the glory. ben

The real challenge I'd like to give to us is to be a people that lives this command. I pray we are able to speak the truth in love. Be a community of accountability, depth and character. That we would be obedient in our walk and passionate in our pursuit. Some things that would be interesting blog discussion that we didn't get into today except for a little bit at the 9:30... Is it O.K. to lie to protect another person? What do we do with the passage where a prostitute hides some Israelite spies and God rewards her for it? What do we do with the passages that talk about God using or sending lying spirits? The other thing that I would be interested in hearing your thoughts on is why lying is so prevelant in our lives? What is it that drives us to be so dishonest, even with the littlest things? And why is it so hard to tell people the truth in love? ben