The church of Christ on McDermott Road

Ever since Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit, there has been tension, conflict, and struggle within marriage. Sometimes we try to domineer, grabbing the steering wheel of leadership. Other times, we abdicate our leadership responsibilities, leaving no one at the wheel. Unfortunately, cultural gender stereotypes only make the matter worse. What role does God really expect us to fulfill in marriage and family? (Scripture: Ephesians 5:22-33)

There are two biological sexes, male and female. However, some individuals experience incongruity between their biological sex and their internal sense of gender. In other words, they report feeling they are trapped in the wrong body. In our culture, it has become widely accepted that a person’s internal sense, their psychology, should take precedent over their biology. However, this modern ideology around sex and gender has left many feeling confused and disappointed. In our current environment, the church has a unique opportunity to offer both truth and love to a community of people looking for answers.

Stopping to get directions can be difficult and embarrassing, because it requires us to admit we need help and we don’t know everything. But God never intended for mothers, fathers, husbands, wives, and children to travel this road alone. Generations must be learning from,  mentoring, encouraging, and teaching one another. Don’t be embarrassed to ask for advice, it might provide exactly the course correction you need. (Scripture: Titus 2:1-8)

Same sex attraction and same sex behavior are nothing new, this was fairly common even in the ancient world. However, what is new is the idea of “sexual orientation” and an identity built around sexual orientation. In our overly-sexualized world, the Gospel not only offers an alternative standard for sexual behavior, but also freedom from the idea that we must be defined by our desires. The church should be a place where people who experience same sex attraction can find love, hope, family, and a better narrative by which to live their lives.

Though kids are the ones who typically ask, “Are We There Yet?” even adults get tired, impatient, and exasperated. Sometimes we grow tired because we are pursuing too many goals, we are trying to be and do too much. Paul’s words to the Thessalonians can help us simplify our lives, focus on what matters, and experience peace. (Scripture 1 Thessalonians 4:9-12)

Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."

John 8:12 ESV

Paul said, “Be angry and do not sin” but this shouldn’t be seen as justification for all of our anger. In fact, in the same passage, he has a lot more to say about anger. He tells Christians to put away all of our angry words. When we put on the new self in Christ, we have to adopt a way of speaking that is kind, tenderhearted, and forgiving. We do this because of what Jesus has done for us. In other words, the Gospel transforms the way we get angry, the way we speak when we’re angry, and how readily we forgive those who have wronged us. (Scripture: Ephesians 4:25-32)

Nearly everyone has been affected, in one way or another, by divorce. It can be devastating not only for the couple who divorces, but also for their children, parents, and others. Jesus sheds light on why divorce is so tragic and why marriage was always intended by God to be a life-long arrangement. There are many ways the church can help save marriages, but the church also needs to help people pick up the pieces when divorce occurs.