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Jesus Story: “A Terrible Lie”
Pastor Andrew Schmidt begins a sermon series called, “Jesus Story”. This series will take us through scripture with the help of The Jesus Storybook Bible by Sally Lloyd-Jones. This children’s Bible tells the Story in a beautiful way for both children and adults. This week we read the story “A Terrible Lie”, which covers the story of the Fall found in Genesis. Andrew uses this story to teach on the story of the Fall and the impact it had on both God’s children and creation itself. Ultimately this shows us how, as the Jesus Storybook Bible says, “every story whispers His name”, even from the very first book of the Bible.
Sermon begins at about 40 minutes (we had Baptisms this morning before the Sermon)
Audio:
You can listen to the sermon below, or you can subscribe to our Celebrators Podcast wherever you listen.
Things To Remember:
God created everything good in the beginning (Genesis chapter 1)
He gave Adam and Eve a command to eat from any trees in the garden except just one.
Humans are still tempted today the same way Eve (and Adam) were in the garden:
To not trust God's word (Genesis 3:1)
To think of God as more strict than He really is (compare Genesis 2:15-17 with 3:2-3)
To believe that God is holding back on us, that we will miss out on something if we trust and obey him (Genesis 3:4-6)
To hide in shame and/or blame others when we are in the wrong. (Genesis 3:7, 12-13)
To hide from God or act as if He isn't there, even though that's not possible. (Genesis 3:7-10)
The result is that humanity is cursed:
with pain and in our relationships (Genesis 3:16)
in our work & in nature itself(Genesis 3:17-19)
and ultimately in death (Genesis 3:19)
But God didn't leave things that way:
Something had to die in humanity's place as a temporary covering (Genesis 3:21)
Jesus died in our place as covering for what we did wrong in a way that defeats evil. (Genesis 3:15, Galatians 3:13)
Not to all who receive him and call upon his name he gives the right to become children of God. (John 1:12)
The whole creation is eagerly awaiting revelation of the children of God when Christ returns. (Romans 8:19-21)
Until then the birth pains of creation are increasing. (Genesis 8:22)
We can see this in the statistics of natural disasters.
And we should be ready for what is to come by receiving Jesus and following Him. (Luke 21:10-11, 25-28, 34-36)
Other Links and References:
Learn more about The Jesus Storybook Bible
Purchase The Jesus Storybook Bible
The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis
Jesus Story: The Beginning: A Perfect Home
Pastor Andrew Schmidt begins a sermon series called, “Jesus Story”. This series will take us through scripture with the help of The Jesus Storybook Bible by Sally Lloyd-Jones. This children’s Bible tells the Story in a beautiful way for both children and adults. This week we read the story “The Beginning: A Perfect Home”, which covers the story of creation found in Genesis. Andrew uses this story to teach on the Creation story and shows us how, as the Jesus Storybook Bible says, “every story whispers His name”, even from the very first book of the Bible.
Sermon begins at about 30 minutes
Audio:
You can listen to the sermon below, or you can subscribe to our Celebrators Podcast wherever you listen.
Things To Remember:
“There are lots of stories in the Bible, but all the stories are telling one Big Story. The Story of how God loves his children and comes to rescue them.” ~The Jesus Story Bible
“It takes the whole Bible to tell this Story. And at the center of the Story, there is a baby. Every Story in the Bible whispers his name. He is like the missing pieces in a puzzle - the piece that makes all the other pieces fit together, and suddenly you can see a beautiful picture.” ~The Story Bible
Genesis 1:1-25 there is repetition and pattern:
"And God said...and it was so."
"And God saw that is was good"
Day 1 Light
Day 4 Sun, Moon, & Stars
Day 2 Waters & Sky
Day 5 Fish & Birds
Day 3 Dry Land
Day 6 Animals & Humans
Genesis 1:26-30 (uniqueness of humans)
Genesis 1:31-2:3 (It is finished)
John 1:1-3 (In the beginning, Creation)
John 1:4-17 a pattern like Genesis 1
Part 1 The Word & light (Genesis/creation)
Part 4 The Word & glory (Exodus/tabernacle)
Part 2 John testifies
Part 5 John’s testimony
Part 3 Receiving Him? (become children)
Part 6 We receive Him (grace upon grace)
literal Greek ends without a finish "has made known..."
John 19:30 Jesus on the cross says "It is finished"
Jesus brings new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 6:15)
To all who receive Jesus he gives the right to be called children of God and part of his new creation.
Other Links and References:
The Bible Project Podcast Episode 273: In the Beginning John 1
Biblical Critical Theory: How the Bible's Unfolding Story Makes Sense of Modern Life and Culture by Christopher Watkins: Chapter 2: Creation
Learn more about The Jesus Storybook Bible
Purchase The Jesus Storybook Bible
Let’s Go: Be Shepherds
Pastor Andrew Schmidt concludes our sermon series at Celebrate called “Let’s Go”. This series is based on the book of Acts. The message is: LET'S GO strengthen and encourage people! This week’s focus is Acts 20:25-38 (Instructions to elders) . See sermon notes and resources linked below.
Sermon begins at about 27 minutes
Audio:
You can listen to the sermon below, or you can subscribe to our Celebrators Podcast wherever you listen.
Things To Remember:
Scripture References:
Other Links and References:
Maps
Find Jennie’s Google Maps Presentation of Paul’s 2nd Missionary Journey HERE.
(You may have to be logged into your Google Maps account to see it.)
Let’s Go: Encourage
Pastor Andrew Schmidt continues our sermon series at Celebrate called “Let’s Go”. This series is based on the book of Acts. The message is: LET'S GO strengthen and encourage people! This week’s focus is Acts 19:23-20:3 (riot & aftermath). See sermon notes and resources linked below.
During this series, Andrew also highlights Baptism.
Sermon begins at about 21 minutes
Audio:
You can listen to the sermon below, or you can subscribe to our Celebrators Podcast wherever you listen.
Things To Remember:
Scripture References:
Other Links and References:
Maps
Find Jennie’s Google Maps Presentation of Paul’s 2nd Missionary Journey HERE.
(You may have to be logged into your Google Maps account to see it.)
Let’s Go: Drive out Evil
Pastor Andrew Schmidt continues our sermon series at Celebrate called “Let’s Go”. This series is based on the book of Acts. The message is: LET'S GO strengthen and encourage people! This week’s focus is Let’s Go: Drive out Evil Acts 19:13-22 (responses to idolatry). See sermon notes and resources linked below.
This sermon series also highlights people who are going in our own communities. This week’s interview was with representatives of the Abaco Team. You can see this interview here.
Sermon begins at about 20 minutes
Audio:
You can listen to the sermon below, or you can subscribe to our Celebrators Podcast wherever you listen.
Things To Remember:
Paul continued to go in the name of Jesus to bring the name of Jesus (Acts 19-20).
As he did he had a wide variety of traveling companions who also were intentionally going in the name of Jesus.
There was pressure (economic, cultural, communal, spiritual, to reputations) in Ephesus to not put Jesus first (Acts 19:24-28). Having others around was good for Paul to make a wise decision in the midst of pressure.
Paul went from place to place and he "encouraged" people in their faith (Acts 20:1-3). He is able to encourage because he had people with him to encourage him.
We need to travel in life with people who help us intentionally keep the Lord our top priority.
This will help us deal with the pressure of life that can beat us down and cause us to look to others things more than the Lord.
This will also help us encourage others in their faith, because are with people who will encourage us in ours.
Let’s Go…
…with others who are contagious with Jesus…
…to resist pressure & encourage people in their faith.
Scripture References:
Other Links and References:
Maps
Find Jennie’s Google Maps Presentation of Paul’s 2nd Missionary Journey HERE.
(You may have to be logged into your Google Maps account to see it.)
Let’s Go: Supernaturally
Pastor Andrew Schmidt continues our sermon series at Celebrate called “Let’s Go”. This series is based on the book of Acts. The message is: LET'S GO strengthen and encourage people! This week’s focus is Let’s Go: Supernaturally Acts 19:1-12 (Holy Spirit power). See sermon notes and resources linked below.
This sermon series also highlights people who are going in our own communities. This week’s interview was with the Judd Nelson and Jamie Ball. You can see this interview here.
Sermon begins at about 32 minutes
Audio:
You can listen to the sermon below, or you can subscribe to our Celebrators Podcast wherever you listen.
Things To Remember:
Paul stayed in Ephesus for two years so that all the Jews and Greeks who lived in the province of Asia heard the word of the Lord (Acts 19:10) AND the word of the Lord spread widely and grew in power (Acts 19:20).
How was the word of the Lord heard by all in a region?
How did the word of the Lord spread widely and grow in power?
Paul and other followers committed to gathering daily (even at the most inconvenient time) to hear from and grow in Jesus.
To grow in spiritual power and authority we make our goal to know Jesus personally (Acts 19:15) and to hold Jesus' name in high regard (Acts 19:17).
The goal of evil powers is to prevent us from doing the above two things. But Paul and his companions did them. As a result the world of the Lord was heard by all, spread widely and grew in power.
Scripture References:
Other Links and References:
Maps
Find Jennie’s Google Maps Presentation of Paul’s 2nd Missionary Journey HERE.
(You may have to be logged into your Google Maps account to see it.)
Let’s Go: Stay in the City
Pastor Andrew Schmidt continues our sermon series at Celebrate called “Let’s Go”. This series is based on the book of Acts. The message is: LET'S GO strengthen and encourage people! This week’s focus is Acts 18:1-17 (Paul in Corinth). See sermon notes and resources linked below.
This sermon series also highlights people who are going in our own communities. This week’s interview was with the Fopma family. You can see this interview here.
This video is the sermon only. It was uploaded later due to a sound issue in our livestream. To see the full service, go here.
Audio:
You can listen to the sermon below, or you can subscribe to our Celebrators Podcast wherever you listen.
Things To Remember:
Scripture References:
Other Links and References:
Maps
Find Jennie’s Google Maps Presentation of Paul’s 2nd Missionary Journey HERE.
(You may have to be logged into your Google Maps account to see it.)
Let’s Go: Eagerly Examine
Pastor Andrew Schmidt continues our sermon series at Celebrate called “Let’s Go”. This series is based on the book of Acts. The message is: LET'S GO strengthen and encourage people! This week’s focus is Acts 17:1-15 (Thess/Bereans & Scripture), and how we are called to eagerly examine God’s word. See sermon notes and resources linked below.
This sermon series also highlights people who are going in our own communities. This week’s interview was with the Bender family. You can see this interview here.
sermon begins at about 29 minutes.
Audio:
You can listen to the sermon below, or you can subscribe to our Celebrators Podcast wherever you listen.
Things To Remember:
Paul and Silas continue to go through Macedonia to proclaim the gospel. Traveling about 95 miles from Philippi to Thessalonica and then about 35 miles from Thessalonica to Berea.
The time of ministry is meant to be compared. In both Thessalonica (vs. 4) and Berea (vs. 12) many Greeks and quite a few prominent women were persuaded by Paul's message and believed. But only some of the Thessalonian Jews were persuaded compared to the many Berean Jews who believed.
Acts 17:11 clearly and explicitly contrasts the character and actions of the Berean Jews from those of the Thessalonian Jews (which can be seen in more detail from the previous verses).
Thessalonian Jews
Jealous
Rejected Jesus as Messiah
Appeal to human authority
Scripture once a week
Someone else teaching
Berean Jews
Noble (well-pleased)
Received Jesus as Messiah
Appealed to Scripture as authority
Scripture every day
Examining for themselves
Which list above is more true of you?
Let's Go...
examine the Scriptures...
...and eagerly receive Jesus.
Scripture References:
Other Links and References:
Maps
Find Jennie’s Google Maps Presentation of Paul’s 2nd Missionary Journey HERE.
(You may have to be logged into your Google Maps account to see it.)
Let’s Go: Help
Pastor Andrew Schmidt continues a new sermon series at Celebrate called “Let’s Go”. This series is based on the book of Acts. The message will be LET'S GO strengthen and encourage people! This week’s focus is Acts 16:6 -10 (Vision from Macedonia), and how we are called to go and HELP others.
During the sermon, we watched a video that was brought to us by our Ukrainian brothers and sisters. It detailed how Celebrate’s support has impacted the refugees in Ukraine. We were all moved and grateful to see this video!
This sermon series also highlights people who are going in our own communities. This week’s interview was with Jackie McLain. You can see her interview here.
Audio:
You can listen to the sermon below, or you can subscribe to our Celebrators Podcast wherever you listen.
Things To Remember:
The books of Acts has stories of believers going to spread the word of good news about Jesus.
Acts 16:6-10 shows Paul and his companions going from place to place with the same aim.
Maps can help us see the extent to which Paul and companions were willing to go for the sake of the gospel.
Acts 16:9 indicates that they were going to help.
They tried to do this in Asia and Bithynia, but were prevented from doing so. The concluded after seeing a vision that they were being called by God to Macedonia.
There are many ways we can "go help where God has called us".
In this passage the specific way they did this was to preach the gospel.
The phrase "preach the gospel" is one word in Greek; the same where from which we get "evangelize".
Evangelize = bring glad tidings, share good news
When we are excited about something we look forward to communicating it with others.
So in summary this passage is saying:
Let's Go...
...help and evangelize...
where God has called us!
Scripture References:
Other Links and References:
Find Jennie’s Google Maps Presentation of Paul’s 2nd Missionary Journey HERE. (You may have to be logged into your Google Maps account to see it.)
Let’s Go: Strengthen
Pastor Andrew Schmidt begins a new sermon series at Celebrate called “Let’s Go”. This series is based on the book of Acts. The message will be LET'S GO strengthen and encourage people! This week’s focus is from Acts 15:36 - 16:5 (Paul, Silas, Timothy), and how we are called to go and STRENGTHEN others.
This sermon series also highlights people who are going in our own communities. This week’s interview was with Michael and Jacque Moats. You can see their interview here.
Sermon begins at about 23 Minutes
Audio:
You can listen to the sermon below, or you can subscribe to our Celebrators Podcast wherever you listen.
Things To Remember:
In Acts disciples of Jesus go to places share the gospel
Acts 11:19-30
Nameless disciples go share the gospel in Antioch and a great number of people believe and turn to the Lord.
When Jerusalem church leaders hear about Antioch they send Barnabbas to go to Antioch where he encourages the disciples to remain true to the Lord with all their heart.
Then Barnabas decides to go get Saul in Tarsus and Saul decides to go back to Antioch with him where strengthens a great number of believers by teaching God's Word.
Acts 13:1-3
The leaders are gathering in God's Presence through worship, prayer and fasting when they receive a message to set apart Saul and Barnabbas to go spread the gospel.
Acts 14:21-22
Saul and Barnabbas go to Cryprus and Galatia sharing the good news, then they go back to those places where they have founded "strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith.
Acts 15:30-35
The Jerusalem sends Judas and Silas to go to Antioch with an encouraging message for Gentile believers.
Through prophecy Judas a Silas encourage and strengthen the believers.
Then are sent to go back to Jerusalem with the blessing of peace from the Antioch church.
Acts 15:36-41
Paul and Silas decide to go back through Syria and Cilicia to Galatia strengthening the churches.
Acts 16:1-5
Paul and Silas go through Galatia taking Timothy with them and "the churches were strengthened in the faith and grew daily in numbers."
Encourage = Parakaleo (used over 100 times in the New Testament)
Para = come to the side of, come close to
Kaleo = to call
Parakaleo -> translated as: encourage, comfort, console, exhort, beg, urge, plead, appeal
(with a stronger force than normal: urge)
Parakaleo — Parakletos
Parakaletos is the word used by Jesus to describe the Holy Spirit in John 14 and 16 (translated Advocate or Helper or Comforter or Counselor)
Summary:
Let’s Go…
…strengthen and encourage others…
…in their faith in Jesus with Holy Spirit’s help!
Scripture References:
Other Sermon Notes and References:
Kingdom Hospitality: The Good Samaritan
Pastor Andrew dives into the Kingdom Hospitality series. We learn from the Lord of Hosts, Jesus, as teaches the parable of the Good Samaritan from Luke 10:25-37
Sermon begins at about 31 Minutes
Audio:
You can listen to the sermon below, or you can subscribe to our Celebrators Podcast wherever you listen.
Things To Remember:
This week we learn about receiving and giving hospitality from Jesus (the LORD of hosts) through the story of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37).
There are two things that help us better understand the points Jesus was making with this story.
First, the story is framed by a conversation Jesus has with an expert in the law. Two times the lawyer as Jesus a question. Each time responds to the question with a question and then gives his answer after the lawyer answers.
Lawyer Q1: “...what must I do to inherit eternal life?”
Jesus Q2: “What is written in the law? How do you read it?”
Lawyer A2: “Love the Lord your God and your neighbor”
Jesus A1: “Do this and you will live”
Lawyer Q3: “And who is my neighbor?”
Jesus Q4: “Which of the three was a neighbor?”
Lawyer A4: “The one who had mercy on him.”
Jesus A3: “Go and do likewise”
Kingdom Hospitality: You become a neighbor to others
The lawyers question is about what qualities in other determine who he has to love as a neighbor. Jesus' response through the use of the Good Samaritan story is that he should focus on the qualities/actions of himself to become a neighbor to others.
Second, there is a pattern in the story of seven scenes that compares and contrasts the characters in the story and provides the main point through the climax in the middle.
1. (Robbers) Injure/Steal Money
2. (Priest) Sees & does nothing
3. (Levite) Sees & does nothing
4. (Samaritan) Sees & takes pity
5. (Samaritan) Treats Wounds
6. (Samaritan) Transports
7. (Samaritan) Cares/Gives Money
Kingdom Hospitality: Does Something
The contrasts show that
1) A Samaritan (the outsider who the lawyer would never consider a neighbor), becomes a neighbor through loving actions
2) Becoming a neighbor occurs through seeing and doing something out of compassion.
Reflections Questions:
When is the last time you have done something for a neighbor?
When is the last time you have become a neighbor to someone?
Scripture References:
Other Sermon Notes and References:
Many of these insights were gained through the book Jesus through Middle Eastern Eyes by Kenneth Bailey
Kingdom Hospitality: The Banquet
Pastor Andrew dives into the Kingdom Hospitality series. We learn from the Lord of Hosts, Jesus, as teaches the parable of the banquet in Luke 14.
Sermon begins at about 50 Minutes
Audio:
You can listen to the sermon below, or you can subscribe to our Celebrators Podcast wherever you listen.
Things To Remember:
Kingdom Hospitality in review - some things we have learned from the LORD of hosts about giving and receiving hospitality.
Kingdom Hospitality: Jesus receives hospitality
Kingdom Hospitality: Jesus receives outsiders
Kingdom Hospitality: focus on listening not anxiety
Kingdom Hospitality: focus on loving not analyzing
Kingdom Hospitality: welcomes people even when inconvenients (speaks to people)
Kingdom Hospitality: gives thanks for what we have to offer
Kingdom Hospitality: asks God to bless what we have to offer
Kingdom Hospitality: intentionally and directly, gently & humbly enters other people’s stories
Kingdom Hospitality: isn’t just for people we are comfortable with
In the midst of a conversation about who will share in the messianic banquet in the coming age Jesus tells a story (Luke 14:16-23).
The host of the banquet prepares everything and says to the many who are invited "Come for everything is now ready." (Luke 14:16-17)
In the same we are invited into God's kingdom or in another way of life (filled with God) and it has all been paid for by Jesus.
Kingdom Hospitality: costs us nothing
But in the story those invited make excuses based on possessions, work, & relationships (Luke 14:18-20).
In the same way, it is easy for these things to take priority over God and prevent us from receiving the invitation into the life God offers us.
The host extends the invitation to many outsiders and the story ends with the listener being invited to consider whether they are accepting the invitation of the life God offers (Luke 14:24).
Jesus goes on to say that to be his disciple we must give him top priority and not let other things or relationships compete (Luke 14:25-34)
Kingdom Hospitality: costs us everything
We are invited to receive the life God offers. The question is do we want it? Will we prioritize God in a way to receive what he offers.
Scripture References:
Other Sermon Notes and References:
Kingdom Hospitality: Jesus Feeds the 5000
Pastor Andrew dives into the Kingdom Hospitality series. We learn from the Lord of Hosts, Jesus, as He feeds the 5000.
Sermon begins at about 23 Minutes
Audio:
You can listen to the sermon below, or you can subscribe to our Celebrators Podcast wherever you listen.
Things To Remember:
Scripture References:
Other Sermon Notes and References:
Kingdom Hospitality: Focus on Loving Not Analyzing
Pastor Andrew dives into the Kingdom Hospitality series. This week our focus is on loving, not analyzing. We learn from the Lord of Hosts, Jesus, as He encounters Mary and Martha, and as he interacts with a Pharisee named Simon as a woman washes His feet with her tears.
Sermon begins at about 30 Minutes
Audio:
You can listen to the sermon below, or you can subscribe to our Celebrators Podcast wherever you listen.
Things To Remember:
Romans 12:9 &13 "Be Devoted to One Another" & "Practice Hospitality"
Giving and Receiving Hospitality in Jesus’ Name: Learning from the LORD of HOSTS
Luke 10:38-42
Jesus receives hospitality
Jesus receives outsiders (those often overlooked or excluded)
Kingdom Hospitality: focus on listening not anxiety
Luke 7:36-50
Jesus receives hospitality
Jesus receives outsiders (those often overlooked or excluded)
Jesus receives 'insiders' (even when they don't see clearly)
Kingdom Hospitality: focus on loving not analyzing
Let's Practice Hospitality with another so that we show it better to others
Kingdom Hospitality: focus on Jesus
Scripture References:
Other Sermon Notes and References:
Easter Sunday 2023
Pastor Andrew preaches an Easter Sunday message over John 21:1-22, challenging us to think about Jesus’ question to Peter, “Do you love me?”. This series begins a new sermon series, “Kingdom Hospitality”, which we will dive into fully next week.
Sermon begins at about 22 Minutes
Audio:
You can listen to the sermon below, or you can subscribe to our Celebrators Podcast wherever you listen.
Things To Remember:
For notes on this Sunday’s message, please email jennie@celebratechurch.com
Scripture References:
Other Sermon Notes and References:
Brokenness And Suffering: Innocence Protected
Pastor Andrew continues the sermon series titled “Brokenness and Suffering”. In this series, Andrew focuses on how Jesus suffered for us. He then addresses an aspect of human sexuality, and the suffering and brokenness that comes with sexual immorality. See the notes below for more.
Sermon begins at about 18 minutes
Audio:
You can listen to the sermon below, or you can subscribe to our Celebrators Podcast wherever you listen.
Things To Remember:
For notes on this Sunday’s message, please email jennie@celebratechurch.com
Scripture References:
Other Sermon Notes and References:
Brokenness And Suffering: Man and Woman
Pastor Andrew continues the sermon series titled “Brokenness and Suffering”. In this series, Andrew focuses on how Jesus suffered for us. He then addresses an aspect of human sexuality, and the suffering and brokenness that comes with sexual immorality. See the notes below for more.
Sermon begins at about 26 minutes
Audio:
You can listen to the sermon below, or you can subscribe to our Celebrators Podcast wherever you listen.
Things To Remember:
For notes on this Sunday’s message, please email jennie@celebratechurch.com
Scripture References:
Other Sermon Notes and References:
Brokenness And Suffering: Lifelong Covenant
Pastor Andrew continues the sermon series titled “Brokenness and Suffering”. In this series, Andrew focuses on how Jesus suffered for us. He then addresses an aspect of human sexuality, and the suffering and brokenness that comes with sexual immorality. See the notes below for more.
Sermon begins at about 25 minutes
Audio:
You can listen to the sermon below, or you can subscribe to our Celebrators Podcast wherever you listen.
Things To Remember:
Jesus suffered by being betrayed by those closest to him (Judas, Peter, the other disciples).
In Matthew 19:4-6 we Jesus referencing Genesis 1 & 2 and reinforcing that marriage was two persons becoming 'one flesh' which is biblically understood as a lifelong covenant.
Biblical Ideal for Human Sexuality: Lifelong Covenant
Challenge #1: Divorce
“Divorcing a spouse in a legal way just because you’re not happy in your marriage or because you want to marry someone else is following a law but failing to love.” (Bill Gaultiere paraphrase of Matthew 5:32 in Jesus Greatest Teaching)
Jesus discourages a focus on rationale for divorce and encourages God's ideal of marriage being a lifelong covenant.
Biblically being 'in love' is not the requirement for being married, rather the covenant relationship is a place to learn to love.
God hates divorce, but he does not hate divorced people. He hates the pain divorce causes (not just for the two going through divorce but maybe especially for the children involved).
Hard heartedness in marriage can lead to the broken heartedness of divorce.
Jesus' words should not be used to trap people into staying married especially in the case of abuse or sexual unfaithfulness (or when one person is living as if divorced).
Sometimes divorce is the best option forward and we should walk compassionately with those who are divorced.
Challenge #2: Cohabitation
After hearing how seriously Jesus took divorce the disciples responded, "It is better not to marry" (Matthew 19:10).
After experiencing so much divorce many in our generation also says "It is better not to marry". But unlike the disciples they are still seeking the "one flesh" experience of living together and/or sleeping together just without (or before) making the lifelong covenant.
Often people think of living together as a natural step to take before marriage. However:
Those who cohabitate before marriage are less likely to marry.
Those who cohabitate before marriage and do get married are more likely to get divorced.
Those who cohabitate before marriage often develop long term trust issues.
Reasons for living together: Financial, Convenience, Not ready for marriage yet, Trouble finding a venue for wedding
We are encouraged to prioritize trusting Jesus' direction of joining together as one flesh through the covenant of marriage over the conveniences or false securities of cohabitating first.
Conclusion:
Jesus' response to continue calling us "friend" even as we betray him with choosing our own way over his way. (Matthew 26:10)
Our response is to have a conversation with Jesus about areas in life in which we feel stuck or ashamed asking him to help us see things the way he does.
Scripture References:
Matthew 19:4-6 Genesis 1 & 2 Matthew 5:32 Matthew 19:10 Matthew 26:10
Other Sermon Notes and References:
Brokenness And Suffering: Male & Female
Pastor Andrew continues the sermon series titled “Brokenness and Suffering”. In this series, Andrew focuses on how Jesus suffered for us. He then addresses an aspect of human sexuality, and the suffering and brokenness that comes with sexual immorality. See the notes below for more.
Audio:
You can listen to the sermon below, or you can subscribe to our Celebrators Podcast wherever you listen.
Things To Remember:
Jesus suffered by being misunderstood and misrepresented when he was on trial before the Sanhedrin.
In Matthew 19:4 Jesus applies to Genesis 1 to say
we are created
we are created in God's image
we are created male and female
Biblical Ideal for Human Sexuality: Male and female
God created us as male and female; man and women (Genesis 2:7, 21-23)
Challenge: Trans* & Gender confusion
When talking with people about these issues we should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry (James 1:19-20)
We should seek to understand others we will likely misunderstand and misrepresent.
We want to be a safe place for people to process.
Biological sex: male or female
Two options based on (reproductive) body parts, chromosomes, type of hormones released
Gender: is the psychological, social or cultural aspects of being male or female
Trans*
An umbrella term for when your gender identity (the internal sense of self one has of being male/female/neither/both) doesn't match their biological sex.
Scripture teaches that God created us male or female and that we should affirm the gender to which he created us:
Genesis 5:1, Deuteronomy 22:5, 1 Corinthians 2:1-16
The Bible does not give us prescriptions for gender role (what likes, affinities, etc).
Most of what we associate with masculine or feminine are based on cultural gender stereotypes which do not equate to biblical directives.
Where do we get our identity:
From others: what they say, approve us, exect, affirm
From ourselves: what we feel even though we are broken people
From our Creator: in whose image we are made and who loves us
Challenge: Self hatred and/or gender hatred
We can hate ourselves (and subconsciously our genders) when we don't feel like we measure up as a man or woman.
Misogyny is the hatred of women/feminine
Misandry is the hatred of men/masculine
To be a true man or true woman is to be who God created you to be and we live into that by listening to and obeying Jesus.
Conclusion:
Jesus' response when he was being misunderstood, accused, slandered, mocked, and bullied was to say that he was God's Son because that is who God said He was.
Our response is to get our identity from our Creator who made us (Psalm 139:13-16) and chooses us and loves us.
Scripture References:
Matthew 19:4 Genesis 2:7, 21-23 Genesis 5:1, Deuteronomy 22:5, 1 Corinthians 2:1-16 Psalm 139:13-16
Other Sermon Notes and References:
Brokenness And Suffering: Singleness
Pastor Andrew continues the sermon series titled “Brokenness and Suffering”. In this series, Andrew focuses on how Jesus suffered for us. He then addresses an aspect of human sexuality, and the suffering and brokenness that comes with sexual immorality. This week, we are reminded that Jesus suffered by being abandoned. See the notes below for more.
Sermon begins at about 19 minutes.
Audio:
You can listen to the sermon below, or you can subscribe to our Celebrators Podcast wherever you listen.
Things To Remember:
Jesus suffered by being abandoned by his disciples/friends and then by God the Father when he was on the cross taking the punishment for our sins.
In Matthew 19:4-6 Jesus appealed to Genesis 1 & 2, to explain and confirm God's ideal for marriage and sexuality.
In Matthew 19:11-12 Jesus explains that not everyone is called to be married and offers an alternative.
Biblical Ideal for Human Sexuality: Celibate singleness
Those who are unmarried should commit to sexual abstinence.
Remaining single is promoted in the Bible and is not an inferior option to marriage.
Challenge: Romantic idolatry
The Bible says that God is love [agape: self-giving love that wills the good of the other]
Our world often promotes that love [eros: romantic, passionate, sexual love] is god.
1 Corinthians 7:25-40 talks about prioritizing our devotion to God. A case is made that it can be easier to be devoted to God when we are single.
Challenge: Isolation
Singleness can be lonely and isolating.
It should be noted that marriage, too, can be lonely or isolating. Marriage or romantic relationships are not the automatic fix.
Prioritizing God and finding healthy intimate friendships are encouraged for those who are single and married alike.
Mark 10:28-30 promises that those who give up relationships for the sake of the gospel will receive relationships in the spiritual family of God. We are to be the family of God to one another.
Conclusion:
Our response is to prioritize God above all relationships and to live as the family of God regardless of our status as single or married.
Jesus' response to us is that he was willing to be abandoned for our sake to make a way and as a guarantee that he will never leave us or forsake us. (Hebrews 13:5, Matthew 28:20)
Scripture References:
Matthew 19:4-6 Genesis 1 & 2 Matthew 19:11-12 Mark 10:28-30 Hebrews 13:5 Matthew 28:20