Sermon Video: God Hates Divorce - Malachi 2:13-16

We all know that God "is love", even those who rarely, if ever, attend church seem to know that, but does God "hate" too?  The Word of God makes it clear that there are things which God hates, primarily things connected to idolatry, false testimony and violence among his people, but included within that list is something generally accepted by society: divorce.  The prophet Malachi declares that the LORD has said, "I hate divorce", a statement of God's response to the dissolution of marriages that leaves little wiggle room to those who value the authority of the scriptures.

Why does God hate divorce?  Malachi lists several reasons: (1) It is the breaking of a vow witnessed by God, (2) it is a rejection of the design of God as our Creator that two would become one in marriage, (3) it has a negative affect upon our responsibility to raise up "godly offspring", and (4) it puts the vulnerable party, usually women and children, into danger by depriving them of support and protection.

The Church is not unfamiliar with divorce, we have seen ample evidence that the people of God, when society allows them to do so, are willing to utilize divorce at rates nearly equal to those of their non-believing countrymen.  What ought we to do in response?  First, we must follow Malachi's example and warn our fellow Christians of the emotional and spiritual consequences of divorce, then we must help those who have made the mistake of seeking divorce to find forgiveness, as well as helping those who have been harmed by divorce to find reconciliation and healing.

To watch the video, click on the link below:

Sex and Marriage?

The role of sexuality in the life of those who follow God is a horribly misunderstood topic.  We've twisted it around and screwed it up to no end.  That being said, such a knot cannot be unraveled all at once, let me simply pull on one strand a bit and try to help...

What's the purpose of sex?  To those who engage in sex outside of the covenant of marriage, it is an act of pleasure that often tries to be the glue holding a relationship together.  It is an act of hope that is far too often placed in the wrong person.  It becomes damaged by bad experiences and ends up being something it was never intended to be.  Sex should not be a bargaining chip, nor a tool for getting one's way, it should not be bought or sold, nor should be be withheld or forced.  We, as a society, have morphed sex almost beyond recognition.

Sex within a marriage is an entirely different thing.  It is not the glue holding the relationship together, nor is it simply for pleasure.  The bond that holds the marriage together is honor, integrity, and a promise made in love before God, family, and friends.  Now, sex is pleasurable in a marriage, it is intended to be, but it also so much more.  It is a celebration of the union that exists between two people, of the molding of two separate lives into one, of the submission of two independent wills into one common goal of being a mutually beneficially partnership.

  If all of that sounds a little too idealistic to you, good, it should be.  God created the institution of marriage, and made sexuality as a part of it, for a very good reason.  We're not complete when we're alone.  We all feel it, we all know that the joys and sorrows of this life should be shared with another who is designed to compliment you.  A marriage works best when strengths and weaknesses are balanced out by the spouse, when needs and dreams are worked at together and not in competition.

Is sex a good thing?  Absolutely, all of God's creation was good in the beginning.  Has it been wrecked by sinful man?  Without a doubt, but we can begin to reclaim sex by supporting marriage.  Those who find themselves in the midst of divorce or failed relationships can begin again; you can reclaim your honor and integrity by saving your most intimate feelings for someone who is willing to publicly commit to you.  It may be idealistic, but it's also the truth.

Sermon Video: "I will sing in the shadow of your wings"- Psalm 63

In this psalm David expresses his joy and confidence which come from the love and protection of the Lord.  Despite wandering around in the desert, David knew that God was with him in the no matter what.  If the doubts came in the night, God was there.  That absolute confidence in God's Word allowed David to proclaim his ability to sing out in the shadow of God's protective wings in defiance of his enemies.  We too, with the guarantee of the Holy Spirit can rejoice in our confidence in the promises of God.

To watch the video, click on the link below:
Sermon Video

Sermon Video "O Come, O Come Immanuel!" - Isaiah 7:14, 9:2,6-8

How long would you wait for something you wanted? The prophet Isaiah tells the people of Israel, God's covenant people, that the promises to Abraham and David will be fulfilled. Little did they know that they would have to wait 700 years for the virgin Isaiah spoke of, Mary, to hear from the angel announcing the coming of the Messiah. In addition, Isaiah tells us that the one to come will be a light in our darkness, will institute a government of justice and righteousness, will establish the throne of David, and will save all of us from our sins.


To watch the video, click on the link below:
Sermon Video

The Value of Persevering - James 1:12

There's something about persevering under difficulties that gets God's attention. The Bible has plenty of examples of men and women who stood up against life's difficulties AND remained true to their faith. Abraham, Joseph, Moses, David, Ruth, Hannah, Daniel, Elijah, Sarah, Peter, Paul, etc. It's actually one of the most prevelant themes of those believers in God whose stories we know about from the Bible. In James 1:12, we're told that those who persevere under trial will be "blessed" and "receive the crown of life"; much likes Jesus' list of the downtrodden "blessed" from the Sermon on the Mount.
Anybody can be commited to a cause when its convenient, even easy, but who really is willing to say, "I trust God, no matter what." In "Forrest Gump", Lt. Dan rages into the storm, defying God to do his worst; Forrest reasoned that Dan made his peace with God in that he let go of his bitterness and anger (at his "unfair" loss). What do we need to do in order to stand our ground under trial? Pray? Certainly, that's a must even in good times. Read the Bible? Sure, knowing what God has done for others, and what God has promised to you is always a big help. Talk to someone you can trust? Yes, share you're burden with another Christian, let him/her know that you're having a rough time, be honest.
Are we supposed to be happy all of the time? Put on a happy face? No, just remain true to God, even if you have to yell into the storm, stay true.

Joshua 21:45 "Not one of all the LORD's good promises..."

This verse struck me the other day as I read it; "Not one of all the LORD's good promises to the house of Israel failed; every one was fulfilled." If only you or I could say that about anyone or anything else. Even when we fully intend to keep our promises, to fulfill our obligations, we don't always have the ability to do it. When I think over the past eight years of my marriage to Nicole, the times that I wasn't able to do what she needed (even though I wanted to), have been the things that have caused me the most grief. If only I could do everything that I need to do. Thanks be to God that we worship a God who does keep his promises. And not just typical promises, but "good promises"; promises to be our Protector, Comforter, Guide. When God promises to do something, we don't have to worry about whether or not he can, and because he is God, we don't have to worry about whether or not he will. The next time somebody or something in your life lets you down, take a moment to consider that God has never broken a promise to you.