Embracing Unity and Truth in God's Design
Summary
In today's gathering, we celebrated the enduring love and commitment of Dr. and Mrs. Pilkington, who have been married for 72 years, and welcomed back Ms. Norma Johnson after a period of illness. These moments remind us of the importance of community and the joy of shared experiences. As we continue our worship, we reflect on the goodness of God and the gifts He bestows upon us, recognizing that every good and perfect gift comes from Him. Our time together is not just about fulfilling a religious obligation but about communing as the body of Christ, honoring God, and preparing to live out His love in the world.
We delved into the foundational truths of our faith, beginning with the creation narrative in Genesis, where God made man and woman in His image. This divine design is not just a historical account but a blueprint for understanding our identity and purpose. In a world that often distorts these truths, we are called to stand firm on the foundation of Scripture, recognizing the distinct and complementary roles of men and women as part of God's perfect creation.
The discussion touched on the challenges and distortions that sin has introduced into our understanding of gender and relationships. We acknowledged the societal pressures and misconceptions that can lead us away from God's original intent. However, as followers of Christ, we are called to live by the truth of Scripture, which sometimes demands stringent adherence to God's design, even when it contradicts cultural norms.
We emphasized the importance of love and truth in our interactions, understanding that true love requires us to share the truth of God's Word, even when it is difficult. Our role is not to judge or condemn but to live out the truth in love, inviting others to experience the transformative power of God's grace.
As we concluded, we were reminded that in Christ, there is neither Jew nor Gentile, slave nor free, male nor female, for we are all one in Him. This unity in Christ transcends societal distinctions and invites everyone to partake in the promise of salvation. We are encouraged to embrace our identity as biblical men and women, living out our faith with integrity and love.
Key Takeaways:
1. Community and Celebration: Celebrating milestones like anniversaries and welcoming back those who have been absent due to illness are vital aspects of our community life. These moments remind us of the importance of shared experiences and the joy of being part of a loving and supportive community. [00:00]
2. Foundation of Creation: The creation narrative in Genesis provides a foundational understanding of our identity as men and women made in God's image. This divine design is not just historical but a blueprint for understanding our purpose and roles in the world. [37:12]
3. Challenges of Sin: Sin has distorted our understanding of gender and relationships, leading to societal pressures and misconceptions. As followers of Christ, we are called to stand firm on the truth of Scripture, recognizing the distinct and complementary roles of men and women. [44:36]
4. Love and Truth: True love requires us to share the truth of God's Word, even when it is difficult. Our role is not to judge or condemn but to live out the truth in love, inviting others to experience the transformative power of God's grace. [57:21]
5. Unity in Christ: In Christ, societal distinctions are transcended, and we are all one in Him. This unity invites everyone to partake in the promise of salvation, encouraging us to embrace our identity as biblical men and women, living out our faith with integrity and love. [01:11:13]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:30] - Celebrating Milestones
- [02:15] - Opening Prayer
- [03:45] - Genesis and Creation
- [07:30] - The Importance of Silence
- [10:00] - Purpose of Gathering
- [12:00] - Sharing the Good News
- [15:00] - Laying the Foundation
- [20:00] - Biblical Manhood and Womanhood
- [25:00] - The Role of Scripture
- [30:00] - Distortions of Sin
- [35:00] - Love Requires Truth
- [40:00] - Unity in Christ
- [45:00] - Invitation to Salvation
- [50:00] - Closing Thoughts
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Genesis 1:26-27
2. Matthew 19:4-6
3. Galatians 3:26-29
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Observation Questions:
1. According to Genesis 1:26-27, what does it mean to be created in the image of God? How does this relate to the roles of men and women as discussed in the sermon? [37:12]
2. In Matthew 19:4-6, Jesus refers to the creation of male and female. How does this passage support the sermon’s emphasis on the distinct and complementary roles of men and women? [44:36]
3. The sermon mentioned societal pressures and misconceptions about gender roles. What are some examples of these pressures mentioned in the sermon? [44:36]
4. How does Galatians 3:26-29 emphasize unity in Christ, and how was this unity described in the sermon? [01:11:13]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the creation narrative in Genesis provide a foundation for understanding our identity and purpose as men and women? What implications does this have for our daily lives? [37:12]
2. The sermon discussed the distortions introduced by sin into our understanding of gender and relationships. How can believers stand firm on the truth of Scripture in the face of these distortions? [44:36]
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that true love requires sharing the truth of God's Word, even when it is difficult? How can this be applied in our interactions with others? [57:21]
4. How does the concept of unity in Christ, as mentioned in Galatians 3:26-29, challenge societal distinctions and encourage believers to embrace their identity in Christ? [01:11:13]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you celebrated a milestone or welcomed someone back into your community. How did this experience reinforce the importance of shared experiences and community support? [00:00]
2. How can you personally stand firm on the foundation of Scripture when faced with societal pressures that contradict biblical teachings on gender and relationships? [44:36]
3. Consider a situation where sharing the truth of God's Word was challenging. How did you approach it, and what did you learn from the experience? How can you apply this learning in future interactions? [57:21]
4. In what ways can you actively promote unity in Christ within your community, transcending societal distinctions and embracing the promise of salvation for all? [01:11:13]
5. Identify one area in your life where you feel societal pressures to conform to cultural norms that contradict biblical teachings. What steps can you take to align your actions with Scripture? [44:36]
6. How can you cultivate a deeper understanding of your identity as a biblical man or woman, and what practical steps can you take to live out your faith with integrity and love? [01:11:13]
7. Reflect on the sermon’s emphasis on love and truth. How can you balance these two aspects in your daily interactions, ensuring that you are both loving and truthful in your relationships? [57:21]
Devotional
Day 1: Celebrating Community and Shared Experiences
In a world that often emphasizes individual achievement, the celebration of community milestones, such as anniversaries and the return of loved ones after illness, serves as a powerful reminder of the joy and strength found in shared experiences. These moments are not just personal victories but communal celebrations that bind us together in love and support. They remind us of the importance of being present for one another, sharing in both joys and sorrows, and building a community that reflects the love of Christ. As we gather to celebrate these milestones, we are reminded of the enduring love and commitment that can be cultivated within a supportive community. [00:00]
"Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." (Hebrews 10:23-25, ESV)
Reflection: Who in your community can you reach out to today to celebrate or support, and how can you make that connection meaningful?
Day 2: Understanding Our Divine Design
The creation narrative in Genesis is more than a historical account; it is a profound revelation of our identity and purpose as beings made in the image of God. This divine design provides a blueprint for understanding the distinct and complementary roles of men and women in the world. In a society that often distorts these truths, it is crucial to return to the foundational understanding of our creation to grasp our true identity and purpose. By embracing this divine design, we can live out our roles with clarity and intention, reflecting God's image in our daily lives. [37:12]
"So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. And God blessed them. And God said to them, 'Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.'" (Genesis 1:27-28, ESV)
Reflection: How does understanding that you are made in God's image influence your view of your identity and purpose today?
Day 3: Standing Firm Against the Distortions of Sin
Sin has introduced distortions into our understanding of gender and relationships, leading to societal pressures and misconceptions that can pull us away from God's original intent. As followers of Christ, we are called to stand firm on the truth of Scripture, recognizing the distinct and complementary roles of men and women as part of God's perfect creation. This requires a commitment to living by biblical principles, even when they contradict cultural norms. By doing so, we can navigate the challenges of sin with grace and truth, upholding God's design in our lives. [44:36]
"For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them." (Romans 1:18-19, ESV)
Reflection: What societal pressures or misconceptions are you facing that challenge your understanding of God's design, and how can you stand firm in the truth of Scripture today?
Day 4: Living Out Love and Truth
True love requires us to share the truth of God's Word, even when it is difficult. Our role is not to judge or condemn but to live out the truth in love, inviting others to experience the transformative power of God's grace. This balance of love and truth is essential in our interactions, as it reflects the heart of Christ and His desire for all to come to know Him. By living out this truth in love, we can be a beacon of hope and grace to those around us, drawing them closer to the heart of God. [57:21]
"Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth. By this we shall know that we are of the truth and reassure our heart before him." (1 John 3:18-19, ESV)
Reflection: Who in your life needs to hear the truth of God's Word spoken in love, and how can you approach them with grace and compassion today?
Day 5: Embracing Unity in Christ
In Christ, societal distinctions are transcended, and we are all one in Him. This unity invites everyone to partake in the promise of salvation, encouraging us to embrace our identity as biblical men and women, living out our faith with integrity and love. By recognizing our oneness in Christ, we can break down barriers and build bridges of understanding and acceptance, reflecting the inclusive love of God. This unity is a powerful testimony to the world of the transformative power of the Gospel and the hope it brings to all who believe. [01:11:13]
"There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's offspring, heirs according to promise." (Galatians 3:28-29, ESV)
Reflection: How can you actively promote unity in your community today, breaking down barriers and building bridges of understanding and acceptance?
Quotes
"Father, you're an amazing God, and we just so many times forget how good you really are. I pray today as we worship that we realize that goodness, that we relish that in our lives, and know, as scripture tells us, every good and perfect gift comes from you. And God, help us to know that you love us more than we can ever imagine. And we see that love in your son, Jesus. God, I pray today as we worship, as we remember his death, barren resurrection, as we sing, as we fellowship, as we open your word, God, that we realize all of that ties us to the cross, and it ties us to his resurrection that gives us life." [00:14:46] (35 seconds)
"And man, it takes us right to our whole idea and our mission of being here to share the good news and transform lives. What we do here is in some ways part of our preparation for being able to go do that and do that well as we commune together and as we share and as we study and as we talk about important things that help guide our lives. And so as we take that sharing the good news, transforming lives, how seriously do we take that? Is that the mantra of what we do in everything? We talked about gifts a few weeks ago. Do we use our gift, our calling in what we are called to be in this world? Is that part of us sharing the good news and transforming lives?" [00:37:44] (39 seconds)
"And hopefully as we lay that foundation, as we start looking toward the future, again, we've got this five -year plan going and kind of building on that. There's still some things that we're working through, but we need a foundation to stand on. And as I've shared with you before, and I just can't get this image out of my head, Andy Baker came to it and did a meeting and said, this book, this is our foundation. This is what we will stand on. This is the only thing we can stand on. If we stand on anything else and our foundation crumbles. So this is our foundation. And so today I'm going to hit what some would be, or some would call a lightning rod topic in our society." [00:38:29] (42 seconds)
"And so we're going to jump into it and just say, let's just lay it out. We're going to talk about biblical manhood and womanhood. Let me tell you what I'm not going to do. Husbands, I'm not going to tell you how to be a husband because I don't know how to do that well yet. Wives, I'm not going to tell you how to be a good wife. I have zero clue how to tell you how to do that. I'm not going to tell you that you have to be married. So you'll hear some of this pointing to the idea of God creating man and woman for each other. And if you're single, then I don't want you to feel left out of this." [00:39:42] (34 seconds)
"And then there are some basic guidelines that go to that, that hopefully will take us into some of us that might be uncomfortable territory. And some of us you'll say, why are you even talking about this? Or why do you feel the need to hit this? And then I'm going to close this, I hope in a way that will make sense as we, as we unpack it all, because I'm going to unpack a few things today. And I want you to, I want you to hear hopefully what I'm, what I'm trying to say rather than what you think I'm saying. Okay. And I know that's hard because we all, we all take things that we hear and we process them in a different way. So I want you to really listen to me today." [00:41:13] (39 seconds)
"And know that what I'm telling you today and what I want to share with you is, is, is not me making judgment on people. This is me telling you what I believe scripture says about who we are, what image we're made in, and what that means for us in this world. This is me telling you what I believe scripture says about who we are. Oh my God. Thank you. And if you want to read further about this I want to recommend two books to you Rubel Shelley wrote a book called a male and female. He created them. I think something of that nature That is an excellent book. It's about this thick. It's very scholarly It has a whole lot of history and different things in it But it's a very good read if you want to understand someone who has really looked at this from all different angles And come down on a biblical view of manhood and womanhood." [00:45:16] (47 seconds)
"And if we are to share the truth we share it in how we share it in love love requires truth But we also need to concede that that truth sometimes will hold very stringent demands. You can look at your own life and you can probably see that practice in play in your life Because there are things that we all want to do That that we have these desires to that that are part of us that we want to be involved in things that we know that aren't right But there's something about the love of God that compels us to live by a stringent demand Rather than to give in to our wants and our own desires, right?" [00:45:33] (42 seconds)
"And so when we start looking at things that might have a difficult Content to them. We need to do it from a perspective that makes us see what God is trying to tell us And I'm I I don't shy away from this Um, and I've I've looked at it. I will be honest I I have tried to read it from another perspective and come to a different conclusion Just because that's I like to read I like to see those of you who are in class wednesday night Um as I We were we were talking about esther. Yes, i'm going to embarrass her really in just a minute Um, I said i'm going to ask some questions Um, and I made a statement about the book of esther Uh, and I thought miss barbara broadway was going to come up and take the microphone off of my head Uh, and take the microphone and and make it right What I failed to say when I said it was is it possible because I said I was going to make some statements And so i've tried to look at things from different perspectives. I've tried to see the other side I I have i've looked hard But i'm convinced there is no place in scripture Anywhere. I mean we can twist it. We can take it out of context We can do a lot of things But scripture tells us that god made men And god made women And and and and that that's not up for negotiation That's not up for oh, but I feel oh, but this no You know, I feel like sinning as well I mean We we we get into those modes and so our feelings can never trump what god's word says And so as we think about who we are in this life and in this world And yes, I will tell you that people struggle in different ways in different areas That doesn't negate the fact that god said in the beginning He created male and he created female And that is an important distinction because it's not just that he created male when he created female He created them how in his image And not just in his image as the father but in our image as the father the son and the holy spirit This is our image and there are things through scripture that leads you to believe that qualities of of this divine godhead" [00:46:42] (146 seconds)
"And there are scriptures that will give us perspective about what it means to be a man and what it means to be a woman. And the reality is, are there varying degrees of that? Absolutely. But I think sometimes what we need to think about what the world defines as a macho man is maybe not necessarily what God has defined as a macho man and what the world has defined as a woman and the way she feels and the way she's supposed to interact may not be the way God has designed it. And so we need to come back to scripture and realize that God had a clear design in mind when he had this creation. Because in all of creation, if you read the accounts, at the end of every day, God said it was good. At the end of the sixth day, after he made man, he said it was very good. And so we are created in the image of God as male and female." [00:50:04] (62 seconds)
"Because when Eve and Adam and Eve decided to live independently of God and know good and evil just like God by eating of the fruit, sin came into being and has been distorting ever since. And so we get to John chapter, I believe it's chapter 8, when Jesus calls the disciples, or the disciples, the Pharisees, that their father, the devil, is a liar. He is, in essence, he is the liar of all liars. And so anything that we hear outside of the God -ordained, he created male, he created female, is Satan lying to us because sin has distorted the world." [00:54:31] (39 seconds)
"And that's not, I'm not coming down to say that people cannot come back into this, this recreated back into the image of God. Because when we are sinful people, our baptism and our connection with God through his death, to his death, burial, and resurrection in the waters of baptism is what recreates us. We're raised to walk in newness of life. So any sin that is present in us at that point is washed away. And then that blood continues to wash us away." [00:55:09] (32 seconds)
"And the best place that any of us can be in finding that is on our knees in prayer every single day. We can mess it up, and we will. King David. King David, he wasn't a sinner. He was a sinner because he did one or two things. He did one or two things wrong because he was a sinner. And when we do those wrong things, it's because we're a sinner and we hope that we are recreated in the image of God as His men and His women to live in this world as His ambassadors. And then he prays, create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a right spirit within me. And so when we have done those things that just aren't right and we've acted in ways that are inappropriate and we've done this or that, when we've not been what we need to be, we know that we can come back to God and we can be renewed." [00:57:27] (58 seconds)
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