CLA+

It's normal for young couples to have issues with adjustment when they first get married. Dr. Gary Chapman recommends that couples set aside time each week to bring issues out in the open. This presents each of them with the opportunity to bring up one thing that's bothering them, and commit themselves to focus on solving that one particular issue.

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This chapter discusses the sudden

and unexpected return of Christ, urging believers to live in

readiness. We are to be vigilant, embodying faith, hope and love

as we await the day of the Lord. The final exhortations encourage

Christians to encourage one another, respect their leaders, and

maintain a spirit of joy and prayer

On today’s program, Gateway Church has named a new senior pastor. The appointment comes a year after child sexual abuse accusations surfaced against founding pastor Robert Morris. We’ll have details.

And, the Department of Justice is suing a city in Idaho for discriminating against Christ the Redeemer Church—a church plant of Doug Wilson’s Christ Church. The church has been seeking a permit to meet in an old bank building—a request the city has denied. We’ll take a look.

Plus, Gereld Duane Rollins—who sued SBC legend Paul Pressler for sexual abuse—has died. His lawsuit sparked a Southern Baptist abuse reckoning.

But first, Fuller Seminary reaffirms its stance on biblical sexuality. The board of Fuller, a leading evangelical seminary voted to affirm its long-standing stance on biblical marriage and human sexuality during its May meeting. But an email to supporters May 22 caused confusion. The email defined the biblical and historical understanding of biblical sexuality as “a union between a man and a woman and sexual intimacy within the context of that union.” But in the same email, the seminary’s president also acknowledged that some “faithful” Christian denominations “have come to affirm other covenantal forms of relationship,” an unusual stance for an evangelical seminary.

The producer for today’s program is Jeff McIntosh. We get database and other technical support from Stephen DuBarry, Rod Pitzer, and Casey Sudduth. Writers who contributed to today’s program include Bob Smietana, Kim Roberts, and Laura Erlanson.

A special thanks to Baptist Press for contributing material for this week’s podcast.

Until next time, may God bless you.

San Fruttuoso Abbey is nestled in a cove off Italy’s northwest coast. Accessible only by boat or foot, it’s a secluded gem. But even more treasure hides in its bay. As divers venture into the sea and descend fifty feet down, the figure of a man starts coming into view. This is Christ of the Abyss, the world’s first underwater statue, placed in 1954. The bronze figure depicts Jesus in the depths, His hands raised to heaven.

The depths. Maybe you’ve experienced them. “I sink in the miry depths,” Psalm 69 says, “I am worn out calling for help” (vv. 2–3). Mocked by his foes and estranged from his family (vv. 4, 7–12), the psalmist found no comfort in others (v. 20) and feared his misery would “swallow” him up (v. 15). Whether it’s sin or sadness that takes us there, the depths are life’s moments of dark despair.

Thankfully, this isn’t the last word on the depths. For while they’re cold and lonely, there is One who can be found in them (139:8). And He will rescue us from their chill waters. “I will exalt you, Lord, for you lifted me out of the depths” (30:1).

As that sculpture reminds us, when we’re sinking under the world’s weight, we’re not alone. Jesus by the Spirit is there in the depths, His hands raised high—ready to meet us and lift us out in time.

Sermon Overview
Scripture Passage: 1 Peter 3:13-16

In the 1st Century, Christians were accused of subversion, of being an economic threat, and of condemning others. Their accounts are a clear warning of the days ahead for Christians of the 21st Century. In 1 Peter, we are instructed to be real, to be ready, and to be bright lights in a dark world.

1 Peter 3:13-14 says, “And who is he who will harm you if you become followers of what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed…”

There are six things we need to remember if we want to shine in these dark days.

First, we must enthrone Christ as Lord: “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts…” (1 Peter 3:15). Often we hear people say they’ve accepted Jesus as their Savior, but we cannot have what He gives unless we accept Him as Lord. Adrian Rogers says, “You’re not saved by the plan of salvation; you’re saved by the man of salvation and His name is Jesus.”

Second, we must be ready with an answer: “...always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you...” (1 Peter 3:15). If we have truly been saved, there will be something about us that is unexplainable; we must be ready to give a defense for our faith.

Third, we must practice genuine humility: “...with meekness and fear…” (1 Peter 3:15). Meekness is not weakness, it is strength under control. In this context, fear is not trembling at what is happening around us; it speaks of holy reverence for Almighty God.

We must also live a superior lifestyle: “...having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed” (1 Peter 3:16). We are called to be wise in our conduct and speech. We must also display genuine love. Our logic and our lifestyle have to go together—a full mind wedded with a loving heart.

Finally, we must always hold onto hope; Jesus has met the deepest needs of our hearts, therefore we have hope.

Apply it to your life
These are the greatest days of evangelism in the history of the Christian church. In light of the current climate of this world, we should go out with banners unfurled and be bright lights in a dark world.

See behind the scenes of Joni's portrait of depression here.

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There are two ways to respond to negative anger - explosion or implosion. Those who might deplore explosive anger fail to understand that implosive anger is just as destructive.

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Today on Bold Steps, Pastor Mark Jobe shows us how to protect the heart of our relationships as we continue a message called, You Shall Not Commit Adultery. He’ll lead us through 6 things to do if you are struggling: Submit to God, Resist the devil, Draw near to God, Repent from your actions and attitudes and Humble yourself before the Lord. Practical help and a challenge in our series on the Ten Commandments called, Rock Solid Living.

Bold Steps Gift: LIES GIRLS BELIEVE: AND THE TRUTH THAT SETS THEM FREE

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