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The Marriage Mirror

Reflecting God’s Love

Relationships often feel fragile and fleeting, but there’s a profound truth about marriage that we may have overlooked. Marriage isn’t just about personal fulfillment or societal expectations—it’s meant to be a living, breathing reflection of something far greater.

Imagine looking into a mirror. What do you see? Your own reflection, of course. But what if marriage was designed to be a mirror that reflects not just ourselves, but the very character of God? This idea, rooted in biblical wisdom, invites us to see marriage in a whole new light.

The apostle Paul, in his letter to the Ephesians, presents a powerful picture of marriage. He describes it as an illustration of the relationship between Christ and the church. Just as Christ loves the church selflessly and sacrificially, husbands are called to love their wives. And just as the church respects and submits to Christ, wives are encouraged to respect their husbands. This mutual love and respect creates a beautiful dance of unity and purpose.

But why is this reflection so important? In a world where people are hungry for authentic love and lasting commitment, a marriage that mirrors God’s character can be a beacon of hope. It shows people a glimpse of the divine—of unconditional love, unwavering faithfulness, and grace in action.

So, what are some key aspects of marriage that can reflect God’s nature?

Friendship: At its core, marriage is about deep friendship. God created us as relational beings, mirroring His own triune nature. Jesus even calls His followers friends. In marriage, this means investing time and emotional energy into your spouse. It’s about playing together, making memories, listening deeply, and serving each other joyfully. Ask yourself: Am I truly best friends with my spouse?Fruitfulness: The first command given to Adam and Eve was to “be fruitful and multiply.” This isn’t just about having children (though that can be part of it). It’s about leaving a godly legacy, whether through raising children, adoption, mentoring, or serving others together. How is your marriage bearing fruit and making a positive impact on the world around you?Faithfulness: In a culture of contracts and easy exits, marriage is meant to be a covenant—an unconditional commitment to stay faithful no matter what. This mirrors God’s unwavering faithfulness to His people. It’s about being “all in,” even when times get tough. How can you demonstrate rock-solid commitment in your relationship today?Forgiveness: Perhaps the most powerful way marriage can reflect God is through forgiveness. We’re all imperfect, and living in close relationship means we’ll inevitably hurt each other. Forgiveness isn’t about forgetting, but about giving up the right to get even. It’s a choice to extend the same grace God has shown us. Is there a hurt you need to let go of in your marriage?

The math of marriage, as quirky as it sounds, goes like this: 2 people + 4 life = 1-derful. It’s about two individuals coming together to form a new, unified whole. This doesn’t mean losing your individuality, but rather finding a shared purpose and life together that nothing should come between.

However, like any mirror, our marriages can become distorted or clouded. Sin, selfishness, and unforgiveness can build walls that block our ability to reflect God’s love clearly. The good news is that we have the power to remove these veils. When we turn to God and allow His Spirit to work in us, we can once again become clear reflections of His glory.

This process of becoming more like Christ, both individually and as a couple, is ongoing. It requires intentionality, humility, and a willingness to look honestly at ourselves in the mirror of God’s word. As we do, we find that our marriages don’t just survive—they thrive, becoming vibrant testimonies of God’s transforming love.

So, how can we practically apply these truths to our marriages? Here are a few suggestions:

Prioritize quality time together. Develop shared hobbies, have regular date nights, and create spaces for deep conversation.Serve others as a couple. Find ways to use your unique gifts and passions to make a difference in your community.Pray together daily. This simple act can profoundly deepen your spiritual and emotional intimacy.Practice quick forgiveness. Don’t let the sun go down on your anger. Address hurts promptly and extend grace freely.Regularly renew your commitment. Take time to verbalize and celebrate your dedication to each other.Seek God individually and as a couple. As you each grow closer to God, you’ll naturally grow closer to each other.

Remember, a strong marriage isn’t built overnight. It’s forged through daily choices to love, forgive, and grow together. Each day presents new opportunities to polish the mirror of your relationship, allowing God’s love to shine more brightly through you.

As you reflect on your own marriage (or future marriage), consider: What do people see when they look at your relationship? Do they catch a glimpse of God’s unconditional love, unwavering faithfulness, and transforming grace? Or has the mirror become clouded by hurt, resentment, or neglect?

The beautiful truth is that no matter where your marriage stands today, there’s always hope for renewal and restoration. By turning to God and committing to reflect His love more clearly, you can build a marriage that not only goes the distance but also points others to the ultimate source of love and life.

So, take a moment today to look in the mirror of your marriage. What do you see? And more importantly, what does God see? May your reflection grow ever clearer, becoming a beacon of hope and love in a world that desperately needs it.

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Dare to Do It Differently

Finding True Love: The Right Way to the Right One

In our search for love and companionship, we often find ourselves asking, “Who is the right one for me?” It’s a question that has plagued humanity for generations, and in today’s fast-paced, interconnected world, it seems more relevant than ever. But what if we’re approaching this question all wrong? What if the key to finding the right person isn’t about looking out, but first looking up and in?

Let’s explore three common misconceptions about finding “the one” and how we can shift our perspective to align with God’s plan for our relationships.

The Happiness Myth

Many of us believe that the right person will make us happy. We search for someone who will complete us, fill our emotional voids, and bring constant joy to our lives. But here’s the truth: no human being can be the source of our lasting happiness.

The Bible tells us in Ephesians 5:25-27, “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless.”

This passage reveals that God’s intention for marriage isn’t primarily about making us happy, but about making us holy. When we place the burden of our happiness on another person, we set ourselves and our relationships up for disappointment and frustration.

The Wholeness Illusion

Another common belief is that the right person will make us whole. We think that once we find our “other half,” we’ll finally feel complete. But this idea contradicts what the Bible teaches us about our identity in Christ.

Colossians 2:10 states, “So you also are complete through your union with Christ, who is the head over every ruler and authority.” We are already made whole through our relationship with Jesus. Expecting another person to complete us is not only unrealistic but also places an unfair burden on them.

The Passion Pursuit

Many of us are on a quest for that spark, that undeniable chemistry that we believe signifies we’ve found “the one.” While attraction and passion are important aspects of a romantic relationship, they shouldn’t be the foundation.

Studies show that intense romantic feelings typically last between six weeks and 18 months. What happens when the initial excitement fades? A relationship built solely on passion is like a house built on sand – it won’t withstand the storms of life.

So, if these aren’t the right ways to find the right one, what is?

The Recipe for a Lasting Relationship

Imagine you’re baking a cake. You have a beautiful picture of the finished product, but without following the recipe step by step, you’ll probably just end up with a mess. The same principle applies to relationships.

Many people try to skip steps or rush the process, focusing on the physical or emotional aspects before building a solid foundation. But just like baking, there’s a proper order to building a healthy relationship:

Spiritual: Start by cultivating your relationship with God. Become the person He’s calling you to be.Social: Surround yourself with supportive, wise friends who can offer guidance and accountability.Personal: Get to know the other person deeply, beyond surface-level attractions.Emotional: Allow feelings to develop naturally as you build trust and intimacy.Physical: Save physical intimacy for the right time, within the context of a lifelong marriage commitment.

1 Corinthians 3:10-11 reminds us of the importance of building on a solid foundation: By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as a wise builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should build with care. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.

Becoming the Right One

Instead of focusing all our energy on finding the right person, what if we redirected that effort towards becoming the right person? This shift in perspective can transform not only our approach to relationships but our entire lives.

Psalm 37:4 offers a beautiful promise: “Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” When we prioritize our relationship with God, He shapes our desires and leads us toward the relationships that align with His will for our lives.

This doesn’t mean the journey will be easy or free from challenges. Relationships require work, compromise, and forgiveness. But when two people who are secure in their identity in Christ come together, it creates a beautiful foundation for a lasting, God-centered relationship.

A Word of Encouragement

If you’re single, use this time to focus on your spiritual growth and becoming the person God is calling you to be. Don’t rush the process or try to force a relationship before its time.

If you’re in a relationship or married, remember that your partner cannot fulfill needs that only God can meet. Release them from that impossible expectation and turn to God as your ultimate source of love, security, and fulfillment.

And if you feel like you’ve made mistakes in your past relationships, take heart. A broken thing can become a blessed thing when you let God rebuild it. It’s never too late to start following His blueprint for love and relationships.

In conclusion, the journey to finding “the right one” isn’t about discovering a perfect person who will make us happy, whole, or passionate. It’s about becoming the right person ourselves – rooted in Christ, surrounded by community, and ready to build a relationship on the solid foundation of faith. When we align our hearts with God’s, we open ourselves to experiencing love in its purest, most fulfilling form – the kind of love that reflects His own heart for us.

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Navigating the Highway of Love: Avoiding Relational Blowouts

Life’s journey can often feel like a high-speed drive down a busy highway. We’re zooming along, focused on our destination, when suddenly – BAM! – a relational blowout occurs, leaving us stranded and wondering what went wrong. Just as a tire blowout can derail our travel plans, a breakdown in our most important relationships, especially marriage, can throw our entire lives off course.

So how do we prevent these relational blowouts? Let’s explore some vital maintenance tips for keeping our relationships running smoothly.

The Causes of Marital Blowouts

Poor Maintenance: In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to neglect the regular upkeep our relationships need. We’re often guilty of hydroplaning through life, skimming over the surface of our connections without diving deep. Quick text messages and emoji-filled conversations have replaced meaningful face-to-face time. We’ve forgotten that you can’t build a strong foundation on abbreviations and shortcuts – relationships require full-length, unrushed interactions.Road Hazards: External factors can suddenly appear in our path, threatening to damage our relationships. Unexpected financial struggles, overinvolved in-laws, or unhealthy friendships can all act as obstacles we must navigate carefully.Unskilled Drivers: While we need training and a license to operate a vehicle, there’s no such requirement for marriage. Many of us enter into relationships without the proper communication skills or conflict resolution techniques. We may be unknowingly replicating unhealthy patterns we observed in our families growing up.

The Bible reminds us in Proverbs 24:3, “By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established.” Building a strong marriage requires intentional effort, wisdom, and understanding. It’s not about luck or chance – it’s about the work we put in and the skills we develop.

Mastering the Art of Communication

Clear, effective communication is the engine that drives a healthy relationship. Here are some key strategies to improve your relational communication:

Express Positive Thoughts: Don’t just think it – say it! Affirmation and appreciation are like high-octane fuel for your relationship. As 1 Thessalonians 5:11 encourages, “So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.”Choose the Right Timing: Timing is crucial in communication. Avoid initiating important conversations when your partner is tired, stressed, or distracted. Choose a moment when you both can give the discussion your full attention.Think Before Speaking: Proverbs 29:11 wisely states, “A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards.” Take time to process your thoughts and choose your words carefully.Listen More Than You Talk: James 1:19 advises, “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” Active listening involves more than just hearing words – it means paying attention to tone, body language, and the emotions behind the message.Keep It Positive: Even when addressing difficult topics, strive to maintain a constructive tone. Proverbs 16:21 reminds us, “The wise are known for their understanding, and pleasant words are persuasive.”Practice “Wreckless” Forgiveness: Every relationship requires generous doses of forgiveness. As Colossians 3:13 instructs, “Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.”

The Power of Encouragement

One of the quickest ways to revitalize a relationship is through consistent encouragement. Romans 12:10 challenges us to “Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.” This means actively looking for opportunities to build up your partner, both in private and in public.

Remember, it’s not just about the quantity of words exchanged, but the quality. A few sincere words of appreciation can have a more significant impact than hours of small talk. Make it a habit to express gratitude, admiration, and love regularly.

Navigating Conflict

Conflict is inevitable in any relationship, but it doesn’t have to lead to a blowout. When disagreements arise, remember these principles:

Address issues promptly, but at an appropriate time.Focus on the problem, not the person.Use “I” statements to express your feelings without blaming.Listen to understand, not just to respond.Seek solutions together, rather than trying to “win” the argument.End discussions by affirming your commitment to the relationship and your faith in God’s ability to help you overcome challenges.

The Ultimate Example of Love

As we strive to improve our relationships, we have the perfect model to follow. Ephesians 5:2 encourages us to “Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.”

Christ’s sacrificial love sets the standard for how we should love others. It’s a love that puts others first, forgives freely, and perseveres through difficulties. When we align our relationships with this divine example, we create a strong foundation that can withstand the pressures and challenges of life.

Celebrating Love

While the term “blowout” often carries negative connotations, there’s another meaning worth considering – a joyous celebration. When we commit to nurturing our relationships with intentional care, open communication, and Christ-like love, we create the potential for a different kind of blowout – one that celebrates the beauty and strength of our connections.

So, as you navigate the highway of life, remember to perform regular maintenance on your relationships. Choose your words wisely, listen attentively, forgive generously, and love sacrificially. By doing so, you’ll be well-equipped to avoid relational blowouts and instead enjoy the journey with those you hold dear.

Let’s dare to love as Christ loved us – selflessly, unconditionally, and with unwavering commitment. In doing so, we not only enrich our own lives but also become a powerful testimony to the transformative power of God’s love in action.

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Getting the Most From Your Bible

The Power of God’s Word: Unlocking the Treasures of the Bible

Our world is filled with constant distractions and fleeting information, but there’s one book that stands the test of time – the Bible. How can we truly harness its power and apply its timeless wisdom to our lives? Let’s explore how to get the most out of God’s Word and why it’s vital for our spiritual growth.

Why We Need the Bible

The Bible isn’t just another book to take up space on our shelves; it’s a direct line to knowing God intimately. As 1 John 5:13 reminds us, “I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.” Through its pages, we discover not only who God is but also how we can have a relationship with Him that lasts forever.

In an era of “fake news” and shifting cultural norms, the Bible stands unchanged as a beacon of truth. Jesus prayed, “Sanctify them by the truth; Your Word is truth” (John 17:17). When we’re unsure about what’s right or true, we can always turn to God’s Word for guidance.

The Bible is our ultimate life manual. Psalm 16:11 beautifully expresses this: “You make known to me the path of life; You will fill me with joy in Your presence, with eternal pleasures at Your right hand.” God’s Word lights our path, showing us how to live meaningful lives in line with His will.

Lastly, the Bible is our source of spiritual strength. God declares in Jeremiah 23:29, “Is not my word like fire, and like a hammer that breaks a rock in pieces?” When we feel weak or overwhelmed, the power of God’s Word can break through our hardest struggles and ignite our spirits with renewed strength.

How to Approach the Bible: B.I.B.L.E.

To benefit the most from the Bible, we need to approach it with the right attitude and actions. Let’s break it down using the acronym B.I.B.L.E.:

B – Believe It Completely: Trust in the Bible’s authenticity and divine inspiration. As 2 Peter 1:20-21 states, “No prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation of things. For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.”

I – Invest in It Fully: Make reading and studying the Bible a priority in your life. Choose a consistent time, place, and a plan for your daily time with God. I recommend the morning hours, as Psalm 143:8 suggests: “Let the morning bring me word of Your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in You. Show me the way I should go, for to You I entrust my life.”

B – Build on It: Don’t just read the Bible; apply what it says to your life. Jesus emphasized this in Luke 11:28, saying, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.”

L – Live It Out: Allow God’s Word to transform you from the inside out to make you more like Jesus. As 2 Corinthians 3:18 describes, “And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.”

E – Examine It Through: Don’t just take someone else’s word for it – study the Bible for yourself. The Bereans set a great example, as Acts 17:11 shows us: “Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.”

Applying God’s Word: The A.P.P.L.Y. Method

To help us put God’s Word into practice, we can use the A.P.P.L.Y. method:

A – Admit my Sin: As you read, ask yourself if there’s any sin you need to confess and turn away from.

P – Promise to Claim: Look for God’s promises and claim them for your life. Remember Jesus’ words in John 14:14: “You may ask me for anything in My Name, and I will do it.”

P – Pattern to Follow: Identify positive examples in Scripture that you can put into practice in your own life.

L – Lesson to Learn: Seek out the truths and principles God wants you to understand and live by.

Y – Yield in Gratitude: Always find something to thank God for in His Word.

Let’s practice applying this method to Philippians 2:14: “Do everything without grumbling or arguing.” We might ask ourselves: Where am I most likely to complain? How can I cultivate a more positive attitude? What would it look like to approach my tasks with gratitude instead of grumbling?

The Challenge: Immersing Ourselves in God’s Word

In our digital age, it’s easy to spend countless hours scrolling through social media or binge-watching TV shows. But what if we invested that same time and energy into God’s Word? Imagine the transformation that could take place in our lives if we prioritized Scripture as much as we do our smartphones.

Here’s a challenge: Commit to reading through the entire New Testament in the next 90 days. It may seem like a big commitment, but with consistency and dedication, it’s entirely achievable. This immersion in God’s Word will deepen your understanding, strengthen your faith, and equip you to face life’s challenges with biblical wisdom.

Additionally, consider joining a Connection Group or Bible study to discuss and apply what you’re learning. As Proverbs 27:17 says, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” Studying God’s Word in community can provide accountability, encouragement, and fresh perspectives.

Remember, the goal isn’t just to read the Bible, but to allow it to read us – to penetrate our hearts, challenge our assumptions, and shape our character. As we commit to regularly engaging with God’s Word, we’ll find ourselves being transformed more and more into the image of Christ.

Our world often feels chaotic and uncertain, but the Bible offers an unshakable foundation. It’s not just a book of ancient history or moral guidelines; it’s the living, active Word of God that has the power to change our lives from the inside out. So let’s take up the challenge to dive deep into Scripture, allowing its truth to permeate every aspect of our lives. As we do, we’ll discover the incredible treasures God has in store for us in His Word.

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Attitudes that Elevate your Connection with the Bible

The Power of God’s Word: Transforming Lives Through Scripture

In a culture filled with distractions and fleeting information, there’s one book that stands the test of time, offering wisdom, guidance, and life-changing power: the Bible. Still, many of us approach this sacred text with hesitation, confusion, or even apathy. What if we could unlock its life-changing potential and experience real joy, peace, and strength for living? Let’s explore how we can develop the right heart attitudes to approach the Bible and allow it to revolutionize our lives.

We Don’t Just Read It, We Need It

Imagine a group of people so hungry for God’s word that they stood for hours, listening attentively as it was read aloud. This scene from Nehemiah 8:1-18 shows us the attitude we should develop – a deep, insatiable craving for spiritual nourishment. Just as newborn babies eagerly desire milk, we should approach the Bible with excitement and anticipation, recognizing our desperate need for its life-giving truths.

God speaks to us through His Word. If you’ve ever felt distant from God or wished He would speak to you, the solution is simple but profound: Open the Bible. It’s through these pages that we hear His voice clearly and receive direction for our lives.

It’s Not a Pressure, It’s a Treasure

When we truly grasp the value of the Bible, our perspective shifts. The Bible isn’t just another item to check off of our to-do list; it’s a precious treasure waiting to be discovered. Like miners who unearth massive gold nuggets after years of digging, we can continually find new insights and revelations in God’s word, no matter how long we’ve been studying it.

Psalm 12:6 reminds us that “the words of the Lord are flawless, like silver purified in a crucible, like gold refined seven times.” Each time we open the Bible, we have the opportunity to uncover priceless gems of wisdom and truth.

Don’t Just Scan It, Understand It

It’s not enough to just read the words on the page; we must seek to comprehend their meaning and apply them to our lives. God gave us the Bible so we could know Him intimately, not just know about Him. When we approach the Bible with a desire to truly understand, we open ourselves up to life-changing revelations.

However, be careful not to get caught up in trivial details or simply surface-level knowledge. The story of the Prince of Granada serves as a sobering reminder: after 33 years of reading the Bible in prison, all he gleaned was trivia. Don’t let the transformative power of God’s Word pass you by while you focus on inconsequential facts.

Let It Move You

True engagement with the Bible goes beyond intellectual understanding – it should touch our hearts and stir our emotions. When the Israelites heard God’s word in Nehemiah’s time, they wept as conviction settled in their hearts. They recognized their shortcomings and felt the weight of their sin.

But the story doesn’t end there. The leaders encouraged the people to rejoice, reminding them that the joy of the Lord is their strength. This beautiful progression from conviction to celebration mirrors our own journey with Christ. We acknowledge our sin, receive forgiveness, and experience the overwhelming joy of redemption.

Don’t Just Talk It, Walk It

Knowledge without action is futile. James 1:22 exhorts us to be “doers of the word, and not hearers only.” When we encounter truth in Scripture, our response should be immediate obedience. In Nehemiah’s account, the people heard about the Festival of Booths and promptly set out to observe it, building temporary shelters as a reminder of God’s faithfulness.

Living out God’s word doesn’t always require grand gestures. Sometimes, it’s as simple as showing patience to a difficult coworker, expressing gratitude more frequently, or reaching out to someone who’s lonely. These small acts of obedience can have a profound impact on our lives and the lives of those around us.

Don’t Hesitate to Celebrate

Engaging with God’s Word should be a joyful experience. The Israelites celebrated for seven days as they immersed themselves in Scripture, reminded every day of God’s presence and provision in their lives. When we regularly spend time in the Bible, we can experience this ongoing celebration, recognizing God’s faithfulness and goodness in our own lives.

One practical way to cultivate this celebratory attitude is to share what you’re learning with others. When we’re excited about something, it naturally flows out in our conversations. Talk about what God is showing you through His Word, and watch as your enthusiasm spreads to those around you.

The Bible: A Life-Changing Book for All Time

Unlike other books that may receive mixed reviews, the Bible stands alone in its power to transform lives. It tells the greatest story ever told – how God sent His Son to earth, and though we rejected and crucified Him, He rose again, defeating death and sin to offer us salvation and eternal life.

Not everyone responds to this good news in the same way. Some dismiss it, while others embrace it and experience radical life change. The question is, what will you do with the Bible? Will you approach it with an open heart, ready to receive its life-giving message?

One of my favorite verses is found in John 1:11-12 where it says of Jesus, “He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” The same invitation is extended to us today through the pages of Scripture.

As you consider your own relationship with the Bible, challenge yourself to embrace it with a new attitude. Treasure it as the priceless gift it is. Approach it with eagerness and anticipation. Allow its truths to penetrate your heart and change you from the inside out. And as you do, you’ll begin to experience the incredible power that comes from engaging with God’s living Word.

Open the book. Let its words wash over you. And watch as your life is transformed by the timeless, powerful truths contained in its pages. The adventure of a lifetime awaits – are you ready to dive in?

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Who is Jesus?

Doctors warn that a steady onslaught of loud noise, particularly through earbuds, is damaging the hearing of a generation wired for sound, although they may not realize it for years. More than 1 billion young people are at risk of hearing loss because of personal audio devices, such as smartphones, and damaging levels of sound at entertainment venues like electronic dance music festivals, where noise levels can top 120 decibels for hours, according to the World Health Organization.

“Probably the largest cause [of hearing damage] is young people using smartphones,” says Dr. Sreekant Cherukuri, an ear, nose, and throat specialist. Hearing loss among today’s teens is about 30 percent higher than in the 1980s and 1990s, Cherukuri estimates.

“You (once) had a Walkman with two AA batteries and headphones that went over your ears,” he told NBC News. “At high volume, the sound was so distorted and the battery life was poor. Nowadays, we have smartphones that are extremely complex computers with high-level fidelity.”

The damage happens when sound travels from the earbud deep inside your ear to the cochlea, where some 20,000 hair cells transmit the sound to the brain. But if the sound is too loud, and listened to for too long, it can damage those hair cells, or worse, cause them to die off. Permanent damage can happen in minutes, experts say.

Physical hearing loss is a serious situation, but spiritual hearing loss is devastating. Will anyone in the wired generation be able to hear the voice of God amidst the constant barrage of noise?

With all the noises, and all the voices in the world, we have to discern and determine who and what we are going to listen to. We are a culture that wants to be heard. From youtubers, social media influencers, tik tokers, the news media, politicians, lifestyle bloggers telling us about their lives to preachers who seem to yell a lot. We are constantly trying to get our message across. We live in a loud world. Everyone’s got something to say.

But are we hearing the voice that matters the most? There is one Word above all words. 

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. John 1:1

1. Jesus is God (1-3)

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 All things were created through him, and apart from him not one thing was created that has been created.

He was there in the beginning with God because He is God. He was responsible for creation. And He holds creation together.

Jesus and God are one and the same. His very nature is God. It’s the Triune God. Both are true, with God, and is God.

I can trust Jesus even when I don’t fully understand Him.

2. Jesus is Life

In him was life, and that life was the light of men. 5 That light shines in the darkness, and yet the darkness did not overcome it.

6 There was a man sent from God whose name was John. 7 He came as a witness to testify about the light, so that all might believe through him. 8 He was not the light, but he came to testify about the light. 9 The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world.

10 He was in the world, and the world was created through him, and yet the world did not recognize him. 11 He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. 12 But to all who did receive him, he gave them the right to be children of God, to those who believe in his name, 13 who were born, not of natural descent, or of the will of the flesh, or of the will of man, but of God.

Who is the world?

It’s all of humanity that is set against God. You look around and see the darkness in the world. The hopelessness and the hostility toward God. It’s amazing how people cannot understand the truth of God’s word. 

The other day, a Twitter user was banned from Twitter for quoting Romans 6:33, For the wages of sin is death, implying that he wanted sinners to die. They didn’t understand this basic Bible truth that sin kills. More and more, our culture is not only biblically illiterate, but biblically opposed.

We aren’t all God’s children. We are all created by God, but children are only the ones who trust Jesus to have a relationship with the Father.

Recognize you’re a child of God.

3. Jesus is Here.

The Word became flesh and dwelt among us. We observed his glory, the glory as the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. 15 (John testified concerning him and exclaimed, “This was the one of whom I said, ‘The one coming after me ranks ahead of me, because he existed before me.’”)

The truth of the incarnation! He tabernacled among us. He pitched His tent here with us. In Old Testament, God’s presence was tangible in the tabernacle. In the New Testament, He was present through Jesus.

Now, He is present though His Holy Spirit in our lives.

An atheist and a Christian were engaged in an intense public debate. On the blackboard behind the podium the atheist printed in large capital letters, “GOD IS NOWHERE.” When the Christian rose to offer his rebuttal, he rubbed out the W at the beginning of where and added that letter to the preceding word no. Then the statement read, “GOD IS NOW HERE.”

Our bodies are like tents that we live in here on earth. 2 Corinthians 5:1

God’s presence is with us through Jesus.

God became flesh and lived among us.

16 Indeed, we have all received grace upon grace from his fullness, 17 for the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 18 No one has ever seen God. The one and only Son, who is himself God and is at the Father’s side—he has revealed him.

Jesus Christ is the Son of the living God. He is God in the flesh; the one to establish God’s reign and rule; the one to heal the sick, give sight to the blind, bring freedom to the prisoners and proclaim Good News to the poor; the Lamb of God who came to take away the sins of the world.

Jesus was predicted through the Prophets and prepared for through John the Baptist.

Jesus is not a reflection of the current mood or the projection of our own desires. He is our Lord and God. He is the Father’s Son, Savior of the world, and substitute for our sins—more loving, more holy, and more wonderfully terrifying than we ever thought possible.

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Jesus’ Photo Album

Intro to the Gospel of John

The Gospel of John is like a family photo album, with clear unfiltered pictures of some big events in Jesus’ life. The stress and compulsion of John is to show that Jesus Christ is the very revelation of God Himself. 

You could call it the Gospel of Belief! John wants us to know, “Believing is seeing!”

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

The reason John wrote the book is so that you will believe in Jesus. He tells us in…

But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name. John 20:31

John wrote this Gospel so that the Holy Spirit could produce faith in the hearts of those who could not have an earthly, eyewitness experience like his own.

You can tell what John emphasizes by the uses of the following words:Light is used 22 timesWorld is used 76 timesLife is used 38 timesLove is used 46 timesWitness is used 22 timesBelieve is used 98 times!The Gospel of John was written to:Help you believeChange what you believeStrengthen your beliefsEmpower your beliefOutline of the Gospel of JohnIn the Beginning – The Prelude (John 1:1-18)In the Crowds – Book of Signs (John 1:18-12:50)

The miracles of Jesus were not just demonstrations of power, but signs of Jesus’ person and authority. John chooses certain signs out of many to accomplish his purpose.

John records eight miracles of Jesus, six of which are given only by him. He chooses select examples that show that Jesus is the Son of God. John says that Jesus’ miracles were not done to amaze people. They were performed as signs of His deity and godly powers (John 2:23). These miracles are: the water turned into wine (2:1–11); the healing of the nobleman’s son (4:46–54); the healing of the man at the pool (5:1–9); the healing of the man born blind (9:1–7); the raising of Lazarus (11:1f); and the second miraculous catch of fish (21:1–6).

7 “I Am’s” – Jesus said, I Am…The Bread of LifeThe Light of the worldThe Door or GateThe Good ShepherdThe Resurrection and the LifeThe Way, Truth, and the LifeThe True Vine

John is The Gospel of ‘I Am,’ of God Himself. The words “I Am” are extremely important to Jewish history. It is the great name of God revealed to Moses at the burning bush (Ex. 3:13–15

3. In the Upper Room. (John 13-17)

Jesus’ ministry with his disciples.

4. In the Darkness (John 18-19)

Half of the Gospel is in the last week of Jesus’ life, the Passion week

5. Out of the Tomb (John 20-21)

John was one of Jesus’ disciples whose life was changed. Jesus called him a “Son of Thunder.” He was a fisherman. 

This is a personal book. John called himself, “the disciple Jesus loved.”

In the New Testament: Matthew and Mark are mentioned 5 times each, Luke is mentioned 3 times, and John is mentioned 35 times!

John was present when Jesus prayed in the garden of Gethsemane and was probably the only disciple at the crucifixion.

He rushed to the tomb, even beating Peter there.

He wrote the Gospel of John, the letters of 1, 2, 3 John, and Revelation. Even though he was exiled to the Island of Patmos, John was also the only apostle who wasn’t killed for his faith. 

This Gospel was extremely personal for John, and it can be personal for you and me!

An important question to ask yourself is, “Do I believe?” Not simply to believe Jesus existed or exists. But have you trusted in Jesus for your forgiveness?

If John was the only book of the Bible you had, you would have enough. It is the simple Gospel. John used the simplest language and the purest Greek possible. The Gospel serves as a first reader for many students of Greek. 

Here is a Gospel so simple a child can understand and  even quote many of its verses. I remember as a boy in Vacation Bible School being expected to memorize verses from John. But it is also a Gospel so profound and mysterious that its hidden meanings challenge the sharpest students of Scripture.

The powerful message of the Good News of Jesus leads to either acceptance or rejection. John was written to introduce people to Jesus as 100% God and 100% man. 

It was written to Gentiles and to the Jewish community, for both believers and unbelievers.

An Atheist Says Keeping Your Beliefs to Yourself is Wrong

Atheist Angel Eduardo argues that keeping our beliefs to ourselves, while avoiding confrontation and promoting harmony, is actually harmful and immoral. Beliefs are the “engines of our actions. They’re foundational to how we think and behave, and they have consequences.” He admits when atheists tell Christians and people of other religions to keep their beliefs to themselves, they don’t truly grasp what they are asking:

We rarely think about this from the perspective of the believer. For them, every encounter is of paramount importance. They are truly convinced that you are in danger and that they possess the keys to salvation. … Their proselytizing is a moral act, even when we consider it a nuisance. However misguided or wrong they might be, their actions are motivated by a desire to make our lives (and afterlives) better. … It’s hard to imagine how the consciences of the ethically devout are burdened by every skeptic they’ve failed to convert. … How much worse would that guilt be if they’d instead been unwilling to try?

Eduardo wants atheists and skeptics to be more understanding:

Imagine us atheists indifferently watching the religious waste their lives believing nonsense. What would it say about us if we didn’t try to talk them out of it, to help them save what little time they have left on this mortal coil, because we’ve chosen to keep our beliefs—or unbelief—to ourselves? Sure, we’re being polite in the moment. We’re exercising tolerance, in our own myopic way. We are living and letting live, but at what cost? Not one I’m willing to pay.

Wherever you are, you can get closer to Jesus as you study the Gospel of John.

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The Secret is in the Soil

The condition of the soil determines what will grow there. The same thing is true for us! As people, the condition of our hearts really determines how much we will grow spiritually. As your pastor, I am very concerned about your spiritual growth. We need to be growing deeper roots and wider at the same time!

God’s goal for your life spiritually is that you are growing to be more and more like Jesus!

Has there ever been a time in your life when you were closer to Jesus than you are right now?

Mark 4:1-103 Stagnant States of the Heart1. The Sealed Heart

Then Jesus said to them, “If you can’t understand the meaning of this parable, how will you understand all the other parables? The farmer plants seed by taking God’s word to others. The seed that fell on the footpath represents those who hear the message, only to have Satan come at once and take it away. Mark 4:13-15

2. The Shallow Heart

The seed on the rocky soil represents those who hear the message and immediately receive it with joy. But since they don’t have deep roots, they don’t last long. They fall away as soon as they have problems or are persecuted for believing God’s word. Mark 4:16-17

3. The Strangled Heart

The seed that fell among the thorns represents others who hear God’s word, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the worries of this life, the lure of wealth, and the desire for other things, so no fruit is produced. Mark 4:18-19

3 Big Weeds that Strangle your Heart·      Doubts.·      Desires.·      Deceit.The Soft Heart.

And the seed that fell on good soil represents those who hear and accept God’s word and produce a harvest of thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times as much as had been planted!” Mark 4:20

Healthy Roots always lead to Godly Fruit!

So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. Galatians 6:9

The stronger the winds blow, the deeper the roots grow!!!

Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness. Colossians 2:7

Growing Deep ROOTSRead God’s WordObey God’s WordOpen your heart to fellowship.Take time to pray.Share your faith! 

“I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart.” Ezekiel 36:26

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Refresh Your Life

Singer John Charles Thomas, at age sixty-six, wrote to syndicated columnist Abigail Van Buren: “I am presently completing the second year of a three-year survey on the hospitality or lack of it in churches. To date, of the 195 churches I have visited, I was spoken to in only one by someone other than an official greeter and that was to ask me to move my feet.”

1 Corinthians 16:17-20

I was glad when Stephanas, Fortunatus and Achaicus arrived, because they have supplied what was lacking from you. 18 For they refreshed my spirit and yours also. Such men deserve recognition. 19 The churches in the province of Asia send you greetings. Aquila and Priscilla greet you warmly in the Lord, and so does the church that meets at their house. 20 All the brothers and sisters here send you greetings. Greet one another with a holy kiss.

Stephanus

Note what is said about this lay servant and his household.

They were the first converts of Achaia, which was the large province of which Corinth was a part. Imagine the courage it took to be the first to step forward for Christ, especially in a culture that had become a cesspool of immorality, injustice, and worldliness.

Addicted to Service!!!

They not only ministered to others, they were addicted to meeting the needs of believers. In verse 15, the word addicted (etaxan) means they devoted themselves, appointed themselves, diligently gave themselves to meeting the day-to-day needs of the believers.

Fortunas and Achaicus

Fortunate was a name often taken on by former slaves. Now he would have been more like a voluntary employee. But Paul encourages the believers to submit to him. This shows the radical freeing and status-raising power of the gospel to equalize: the ground is level at the foot of the cross! 

They had been faithful in their duty as appointed by the church, and had actually gone above and beyond, sharing even more.

They had refreshed his spirit just as they would refresh the spirit of the Corinthians by being faithful to their charge.

They serve as shining examples of what believers should be. Such faithful believers are to be acknowledged.

Aquila and Priscilla

Two former leaders of the Corinthian church, Aquila was Jewish with his wife Priscilla.

What the Roman emperor Claudius meant for evil turned out for good for Priscilla and Aquila. They were living in Rome in 49 when Claudius expelled all the Jews because of a riot over a certain “Chrestus,” probably an allusion to Jewish arguments over Christ. Jewish Christians like Priscilla and Aquila were also forced to leave.

So they moved to Corinth, where they set up their tentmaking business. When Paul got there, Priscilla and Aquila opened their home to him and invited him to work with them. The trio later worked and ministered together in Ephesus, which may be where Priscilla and Aquila “risked their necks” for Paul, possibly when he “fought with beasts at Ephesus.” Priscilla is sometimes pictured with two lions who refuse to attack her. They also discipled Apollos to follow Jesus.

When Claudius died in 55, Priscilla and Aquila returned to Rome and again hosted a church in their home.

Churches of Asia, the church in the house, all the brothers and sisters!

The Corinthian Christians weren’t the only church on the globe: not superior, not better, not super-spiritual. The church was a part of the whole, one among many, and the others were now sending their greetings. They were all the followers of the Lord Jesus, and they belonged to the body of the Lord as much as the Corinthian church did.

This is a picture of the unity of the church! This is how it should be.

Leadership flows out of service. You want to lead, learn to serve. Grab a broom! Not a title! See a need and meet a need!

This reinforces our strategy of raising up leaders from within! 

They travelled and started churches. They were networked but independent. All of these friends were community and family!

Holy Kiss

Straight-A students get compliments. Good athletes receive cheers. But average people don’t expect such attention. They just tend to blend in with the woodwork. Everybody needs affirmation of his or her intrinsic worth—a person created in God’s image and loved by him. People need to be noticed. They need pats on the back, smiles, hugs. It’s how we tell each other, “Hey, you’re not alone!”

POWER OF TOUCH FOR NBA TEAMS

Dr. Dacher Keltner, a professor of psychology and the scientific adviser for Pixar’s Inside Out, claims that human touch is “the foundation of human relationships.” He explains, “Skin to skin, parent to child, touch is the social language of our social life … The foundation of all human relationship is touch. There are four years of touch exchanged between mother and baby …”

Keltner was one of the co-authors for a study that looked at “celebratory touches” of pro basketball players, including “fist bumps, high-fives, chest bumps, leaping shoulder bumps, chest punches, head slaps, head grabs, low fives, high tens, full hugs, half hugs, and team huddles.” The researchers discovered that teams whose players touched each other a lot did better than those teams whose players didn’t. The conclusion was that touch lowers stress, builds morale, and produces triumphs.

Where do we get new energy?People who Supply your needs

Maybe you need faith, maybe you need discipline, maybe you need passion, maybe you need generosity. Get around those people. What resources do you need? Who do you know?

As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. Proverbs 27:17

People who Refresh your spirit

Leaders in the church can become bitter and negative because they deal constantly with problems. It is rare and precious when leaders can keep their eyes fixed on the good and positive work of God in the church. Paul was encouraged, and he wanted the Corinthian believers to be encouraged too.

You need people who refresh you! Balcony people who are applauding you!

A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed. Proverbs 11:25

1 Corinthians 16:21-22

21 I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand. 22 If anyone does not love the Lord, let that person be cursed! Come, Lord!

Cursed without the Lord – anathema! Outrage against those who are pretenders who were not really following the Lord. 

Paul was convinced that most people in the Corinthian church believed the gospel, but he knew that every church also contains deceivers and liars. He declared that the Lord curses even people in the church if they do not love him.

Not everyone in the church is there because they love the Lord!

Paul’s harshest words, like Jesus’, were to the legalists who put following the law above God’s call to love.

Maranatha means: Even so, Come Quickly Lord! Come oh Lord!

This world isn’t our home. We eagerly await the day when Jesus splits open the sky.

1 Corinthians 16:23-24

23 The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you.

24 My love to all of you in Christ Jesus. Amen.

There is staggering importance of love for Jesus. The most important attitude believers should have for each other is love. Paul left no doubt that his love for the Corinthians was strong and sincere. To confirm his love for them, he added Amen, meaning, “may it be so.”

We need to use our homes like they did.

We all have homes. Connection Groups!!! God gave us our homes to be used in ministry!

Long before the church had pulpits and baptistries, she had kitchens and dinner tables. Even a casual reading of the New Testament shows the house as the primary tool of the church. The primary gathering place of the church was the home. Consider the genius of God’s plan. The first generation of Christians was a tinderbox of contrasting cultures and backgrounds. At least fifteen different nationalities heard Peter’s sermon on the Day of Pentecost. Jews stood next to Gentiles. Men worshiped with women. Slaves and masters alike sought after Christ. Can people of such different backgrounds and cultures get along with each other?

We wonder the same thing today. Can different races live in peace with each other? Can Democrats find common ground with Republicans? Can different people get along?

The early church did—without the help of church buildings or seminaries. They did it through the clearest of messages (the Cross) and the simplest of tools (the home).

Not everyone can serve in another country, lead a disaster relief effort, or volunteer at the down at a soup kitchen. But who can’t be hospitable? Do you have a front door? A table? Chairs? Bread and meat for sandwiches? Congratulations! You just qualified to serve in the oldest of ministries: hospitality.

Something holy happens around a dinner table that will never happen in a sanctuary. In a church worship center you see the backs of heads. Around the table you see the expressions on faces. In the worship center one person speaks; around the table everyone has a voice. Church services are on the clock. Around the table there is time to talk.

Hospitality opens the door to uncommon community. It’s no accident that hospitality and hospital come from the same Latin word, they both lead to the same result: healing. When you open your door to someone, you are sending this message: “You matter to me and to God.” You may think you are saying, “Come over for a visit.” But what your guest hears is, “I’m worth the effort.”

We’ve learned about what unity, and worship, and eternity should look like for us.

These believers were struggling, but God had answers. God showed them the answers. We all struggle. Tell God and others what you struggle with and God can get those answers to you.

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Dinner for Two

Do you ever wonder, why should or would you get married? Some people get married because they think it will make them happy. Some people get married because they’re lonely. You can be single and lonely, but it is even worse to be married and lonely. And a lot of people are lonely in their marriages. Almost a third of married people say they feel lonely. Some people want to get married because they think, I can have sex anytime I want! And some people want to get married because they feel like that’s what they are expected to do. But notice, all of these reasons are about personal fulfillment. They’re about me, not about the other person.

It turns out that marriage is not a man-made idea, but it is God’s idea! God came up with the concept of marriage, so we have to learn to do it God’s way. Any other way is bound to fail!

We’re going to look at the picture of a good meal, or a dinner date to talk through the process of growing a healthy, godly, and lasting marriage.

The Appetizer (Friendship)

Friendship is a reciprocal relationship made up of Faithfulness, Respect, Intimacy (into-me-see and openness), Encouragement, Niceness (not mean), and Dependability. 

A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend that sticks closer than a brother. Proverbs 18:24

“For this cause a man shall leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave to his wife; and they shall become one flesh.”  Genesis 2:24

The Main Course (Celebrate your Differences)

Jesus said, “Haven’t you read the Scriptures?” Jesus replied. “They record that from the beginning ‘God made them male and female.’” And he said, “‘This explains why a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.’ Since they are no longer two but one, let no one split apart what God has joined together.” Matthew 19:4-6

Instead of competing with each other, we’ve got to learn to complete each other. 

If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Ecclesiastes 4:10

The Dessert (Romance)

“Let your mate’s affection fill you at all times with delight.” Proverbs 5:19 (RSV)

If we had more courting in our marriages, we would have fewer marriages in court!

Enjoy life with your wife, whom you love, all the days of this meaningless life that God has given you under the sun–all your meaningless days. For this is your lot in life and in your toilsome labor under the sun. Ecclesiastes 9:9

Do not deprive each other except perhaps by mutual consent and for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer. Then come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control. 1 Corinthians 7:5

Seal your marriage in Christ.

If we didn’t have Jesus in the center of our marriage, we wouldn’t be married today. Some people think we have it all together. But, God has kept us together when we thought we couldn’t go on. When we couldn’t make it with our own love and strength, His love and His strength carried us through and kept us glued together. Marriage is hard work and there are times that ours has been completely broken! Jesus is the superglue that keeps a marriage together. 

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