Sermon Video: Celibacy or Marriage? - 1 Corinthians 7:8-11

Is a life of celibacy make one closer to God than a life which includes marital sex?  Is Celibacy a spiritually superior choice?  The Apostle Paul had the opportunity to make that claim in his first letter to the church at Corinth when he addressed the topics of celibacy and marriage, but Paul did not make any such claim.  Why not?  Because as a Jew and a Christian, Paul understood that God's creation was "good" prior to the Fall, that there is no moral distinction between the physical and the spiritual.  This Judeo-Christian worldview contrasts with the Platonic dualism of Greek philosophy which envisioned the physical realm as the source of evil and the spiritual as the source of good.  As such, that dualism led toward viewing asceticism (self-denial) as a potential solution, thus supposedly elevating the spiritual by denying the physical.  This viewpoint was absorbed with the rest of Greek philosophy by the Church, resulting in a new non-biblical, and even anti-biblical viewpoint regarding virginity, sex, and marriage which eventually led to the monastic movement and many centuries later, to priestly celibacy. 
In the end, the embracing of celibacy as holier than marital sex by portions of the Church has led to a variety of non-biblical attitudes, including the association of "dirty" with sex, and the view that marital sex ought not be a pleasurable aspect of the "one flesh" union of marriage, but rather simply a means to procreation, a sort of necessary evil.  The Church has much to be thankful for to Greek philosophy, the inclusion of spiritual/physical dualism is not one of them.  God created humanity as male and female with a sexual capacity and desire, God created marriage, both of which must be inherently good, not evil.  Is celibacy superior to marriage?  Not at all.

To watch the video, click on the link below:

Saved in spite of, not because of, their church

Last night was the first of three classes I'm giving on What Every Christian Should Know About: World Religions (You can watch the video, read materials here: World Religions class ) During that discussion, we talked about two religious groups that are associated with, but not a part of, traditional Christianity: Jehovah's Witnesses and Mormons.  It was my conclusion, and I believe a fair and accurate one, that the theological differences  between these two groups and traditional Christianity (as typified by the Nicene Creed, as both of them are non-trinitarian) prevents them from being considered a part of the Church/Christianity.  It should be understood that such statements, whether coming from a simple local pastor like myself or an official body like the Southern Baptist Convention, the UMC General Assembly, or the Vatican (to name a few), are pronouncements directed at the official organization and its stated beliefs.  Such assertions ought not, and cannot, in a blanket way apply to individuals belonging to those groups anymore than they could speak on behalf of an American Baptist, Lutheran, or Presbyterian.  What applies to the whole does not automatically apply to its parts.  The reason why is very simple: Not everyone in any given church believes what that church officially believes.  I know, shocking, right?  Each church has people who rebel against official teachings, those who mistakenly believe things other than what their church officially believes , and those who are simply ignorant on the issues.

Which brings me to the point that prompted this post: The further that a church is from the heart of the Gospel, the more likely it will be that those who are a part of it who are/will be saved (however many that might be), were/will be saved in spite of not because of that church.  This could be true at a local church under the sway of a false teacher or faltering under a culture of apathy or pride, in a denomination which has forsaken its Gospel roots, or with groups that like the Jehovah's Witnesses or Mormons who seem Christian to the general public despite their rejection of that which is affirmed by the Church as a whole.  God, and God alone, will judge the living and the dead.  He alone knows what level of belief and understanding (about who Jesus is, how redemption works, etc.) is necessary for salvation, what level of mistaken ideas can be present and yet the Spirit will still regenerate and indwell that person.  It does not seem radical to me to recognize that there are people in even the most theologically correct church/denomination who are unsaved due to an unrepentant heart (they have not heard the Gospel though it was preached to them), and at the same time, that there are people in some of the worst examples of theologically warped churches (even cults) who despite being exposed to false ideas about Jesus or salvation, have been called by the Spirit of God, have repented of their sins, and have been saved by his grace.  Far better, of course, for a church to be working with the Gospel than against it, far better to dwell in truth, than to see dimly through falsehood.  Far better to be a part of a church where the Biblical Gospel is preached and affirmed, than one where it can barely be glimpsed.

In the end, God will judge hearts and welcome those into his kingdom whom he has called, and he isn't asking us for our opinion on the matter.  As a people called to witness to the Gospel, we can only weigh statements and pronouncements whether from individuals or churches, judge them according to the Scriptures, and seek to promote truth and counter falsehood wherever it be found.  May the whole Church of Christ be a benefit not a hindrance to the Gospel.

Sermon Video: Marriage and Temptation - 1 Corinthians 7:3-7

In 1 Corinthians 7:3-7, the Apostle Paul delves into a topic that most people would rather not talk about, or at least would be embarrassed discussing in public: sex within marriage.  While most people know that the Bible forbids sex outside of marriage in both the Old Testament and the New, the Word of God at the same time encourages sex within marriage as a blessing from God.  Far from elevating celibacy as holier than marital sex, Paul commends regular sexual activity between husbands and wives as the natural God-honoring consequence of their union as "one flesh".  To deny this within a marriage may lead to frustration, temptation, and eventually sexual immorality.  The hallmark of this passage of Scripture is the idea of a mutually beneficial sexual relationship within marriage.  The idea of dominance or selfishness is nowhere to be found, rather a servant's heart of putting your spouse's needs first is emphasized, which ought to result in both the husband and the wife being respected within the marriage.  Why does God care about what happens sexually in a marriage?  What kind of loving Father would not concern himself with such an important facet of the foundation institution of society?

To watch the video, click on the link below:

When a church fails to protect the innocent...

Tennessee pastor apologizes for 'sexual incident' with teen - Article on CNN

Having read this story, plus much of the linked material, including the teen's own account of what happened, it seems certain that there is ample blame to go around beginning with the church in Texas which failed to have adequate procedures in place to prevent an adult from being alone with a child/teen, failed to report the incident to the police, failed to protect the victim by giving the youth pastor a "going away" celebration, and reportedly even sought to rehire him years later...There is also blame for the Memphis church who, although reportedly made aware of Andy Savage's past before hiring him, made the mistake of equating God's forgiveness (available to all those who sincerely seek it in Christ), with the ability of a minister to continue in the ministry having committed such a sin (and in this case, crime too).  Such a breach of trust cannot simply be forgiven and then moved on from. * Note, as of 1/12/18, Andy Savage has been placed on leave by Hightpoint Church pending an investigation. *
And while it is true that God can utilize former drug dealers, murderers, etc. once the Holy Spirit has transformed them, by sharing how God changed their wicked hearts, saying that someone would make a good inspirational speaker because they have been redeemed, is not the same thing as saying that he/she would make a good pastor.  This job is a sacred trust, one that requires safeguards, one that abhors cover-ups, and one that must put the sheep before the shepherds, the congregation before the church.
As pastors, we live in a glass house, and while we cannot expect to be perfect, we cannot allow ourselves to become immoral, for one serious breach of trust (whether financially, sexually, or otherwise) can, and likely should, end a career.

What should you do?

1. Make sure that your church has policies in place to ensure the safety of children and others, and that they're following them.
2. Reject the temptation to downplay and hush up allegations (at a church, school, or other organization), insisting that anything that may be a crime be reported to the police immediately.
3. Pray for your pastor and church staff, they like you are but forgiven sinners who need to say no to temptations.

Sermon Video: Christianity and Sex - 1 Corinthians 7:1-2

As an introduction to the next seven sermons from 1 Corinthians 7 that focus upon the topics of marriage, sex, and celibacy, this message looks at the nature of sex in relation to the creation of humanity by God as male in female with the inherent capacity and need for sexual fulfillment.  The Church has struggled with this issue in its history, from promoting the false piety of celibacy above marriage, to allowing lax standards in relation to sexual immorality, but despite that failure, the function and purpose of sex remains ordained by God within marriage, a blessing of joy and union for those who embrace the Law of God reflected in our nature.

To watch the video, click on the link below: