We rarely use the word “bearing” but the bible uses this word frequently. It is a word capable of capturing the whole work of Jesus Christ. That on the Cross he bore the weight of the world’s sin enduring all that was entailed in the Passion narrative. Church fathers use the term, “fellowship of the cross” as the shared burden of all believers to carry their own cross and that of others who suffer. If we are to grow in faith we too must share in the suffering and pain of this world.

It is said that both faith and obedience are only possible by our remembering and repeating. This was the gift and example of the Hebrew traditions and festivals. Remembering becomes a powerful thing in the present because the actions of God in the past are done by a living God who today makes me sure of what he has done. The past is gone but because something decisive happened for me on the Cross, the past lives into the present. It only requires a believing in our hearts. Because it is Christ who saves us, and not ourselves, remembering and repeating are crucial for staying alive in the faith. In my daily remembering of what Jesus Christ has done for me on the cross, I do not forget that God loved me from eternity and has not forgotten me.

How can we truly know God? Either I know about the God I seek from my own experience and insights (along with all the assumptions and meaning I place on history) that are entirely within myself… or I know about him based on his revelation of his own Son. We have to choose. If I say where God will be, I will always find a god who is agreeable and comfortable; one who my world view and preferences. But if it is God who says where he will be found, then it is almost certain to be a place that is not comfortable or easy. That place is the Cross of Christ. And when we draw near to the Cross we must do so in the way that the Sermon on the Mount requires. That doesn’t correspond with our preferences and is most often completely contrary. But this is the place where we find God… the Cross of Christ.

If you want a link to the book that Rob mentioned, you can find it here: http://amzn.to/2odZDVy

When a couple divorces, both partners and many of their friends, family and children die a little along with the marriage. Psychologists have listed divorce as the No. 1 stressor in life. In His Word, God openly states that He hates divorce. Divorce is costly, both economically and emotionally. Healing from a divorce is painful and may take place over a long period of time, perhaps years. Preventing divorce from becoming a possibility is hard work. Couples need to honor each other and not treat each other with contempt. Encouragement must replace criticism. Openness should be the norm, not defensiveness. And finally, a couple needs to be connected, instead of withdrawing from each other. A marriage can flourish providing these conditions take place.

Becoming parents is incredible, but it is also one of the greatest transition times of a marriage. Sometimes it causes some major areas of conflict. If money, housework, child care, extended family matters and free time weren't issues before parenthood, they certainly become issues. Fortunately, there are ways married people can prevent from being overwhelmed parents. Not becoming obsessed with parenting is one of the ways, along with attempting to stay healthy (get as much rest, exercise and correct eating as one can). Discerning how to spend our time is also key as is the ability to "get away." Finally, hurried parents need to know they can get help - from friends, extended family, the church, and of course, from our Heavenly Father, the one who best knows parenting.

In our culture, single people are a diverse group. Maybe they are single because they have lost a spouse through death or divorce. Some have never married, in which they may be totally comfortable, or maybe they long for a mate through marriage. For all these people, especially those who wrestle with their singleness, there is a role model in Jesus Christ, who was single His entire life. Those singles that are longing for intimacy can learn from Jesus, who had perfect intimacy with His Father. We can share in that intimacy, whether single or married. In fact, God is the only perfect source for intimacy.

Myths about marriage seem to die very hard. We take comfort in some of these myths because to do so may be easier to than to face reality in a marriage. However, embracing myths may damage a married union in the end. Three myths of marriage that can be harmful include "if it's right, it will be easy," "if you love me, you will change," and "all my needs should be met by my spouse." Our human condition and our desire for sincere relationship make us want us to believe these myths. However, what we really need is a life-transforming relationship with God. If we are first changed by the love of God, then with His help, marriages can also be transformed.

This Week, Heath Hollensbe, Aaron Stewart and Jill Hamilton discuss.

Falling in love—easy. Staying in love—well, that's another story, because it most definitely takes conscious effort. As this message asks: How different would our relationships—especially romantic relationships—be if we made love a verb? What would change in our communication with those with whom we fell in love? How would we want to serve the other person? Using as a base Philippians 2:3-8, we're led into an understanding that staying in love requires our having the same attitude of humility in relationship that Jesus had in his time on earth. And we're given practical ways to put the necessary effort into making lasting, loving relationship happen.

On this week's Podcast - Pastor Aaron, Pastor Mike and Heath Hollensbe discuss Sunday's sermon as well as answer the questions that you have texted in.

On this week's podcast, Aaron Stewart, Heath Hollensbe, and Mike Bates discuss the results of the TCI Survey and what this means for the "health" of our church.

For a copy of the survey, email: Sarah Brooksher at [email protected]

Mike, Jill and Heath discuss yesterdays message and what it means for us today.