Sundae Sunday

We live in a society that is focused on “self entitlement”. We want what we think we deserve and we want it NOW! Churches, businesses, and families are in trouble because they are being taught to be self focused. Last Sunday morning, our studies took us back to the book of joy; Philippians. We had the benefit of studying the humility and the humanity of Jesus Christ.
Paul writes in Philippians 2:5 “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus”. The word “mind” actually means “attitude." It is speaking of the attitude Paul told them about in Philippians 2:3-4 as well as 2:6-8. Paul is encouraging these believers to the have the attitude of humility as well as giving them the greatest example of humility in the Person of Jesus Christ. This is how humility is demonstrated; (Philippians 2:5-8)
1) He left Heaven’s glories
2) Made Himself of no reputation
3) He came as a servant
4) He came in the likeness of man
5) He humbled Himself
6) He became obedient unto death
7) He became obedient unto death...even the death of the cross
What a God-What a Savior!
You ask where does joy fit into these passages; Hebrews 12:3-4 “Looking unto Jesus the Author and Finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God”.
If you have been in the church for a while these verses are nothing, new, but, if you have been a Child of God for years; I wonder if this truth has lost its wonder on you?
One day the famous evangelist Gyspy Smith was asked what had caused his faith to remain so vibrant, his response was this, “I never lost the wonder of it all.” My question for you is simply this; “Have you lost the wonder of it all”?
In a few short weeks I am flying home to conduct a wedding between my sister and her fiancé. I cannot believe that day has come so fast but nevertheless it is here. When I think about someone getting married I think about Chuck Swindoll’s story about a lady who wanted to marry four different men in her lifetime. First, she wanted to marry a banker. Second, a movie star. Next, a clergyman. And finally, a funeral director. When asked why, she answered, “One for the money, two for the show, three to get ready, and four to go”.
Marriage is a scary thing not because of the life time commitment that it signifies, but because of the adopted mindset that marriage is only a legal document that can easily be broken. Scriptures clearly condemn such behavior, “for this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh” Eph. 5:31. Life Skill International claims that 50% of non believers experience divorce, but around 53% of believers experience divorce. I believe the reason to be that many have bought into one of the five great “myths”;
The five great “myths” concerning marriage are;
1) “The for me myth” is when they base everything on their needs neglecting the needs of their partner.
2) “The marriage is easier myth” they believe that once they say “I do” they will never again encounter any personal problems.
3) “The no effort marriage myth” they believe that to have an effective marriage that there is no effort needed it just comes natural to them.
4) “The happiness marriage myth” they believe in the “happy ever after” mindset. They believe that marriage is the solution to every problem that they may face in their life.
5) “The lost love marriage myth” they have accepted the truth that Hollywood sells and that is love is based on a feeling.
What lie have you fallen into, what trap has your enemy set up for you, that you have allowed yourself to believe in? I believe Satan’s main target is the Christian marriage, if he can destroy your marriage he is succeeding.
How do you have a lasting marriage?
Paul tells us Ephesians 5:22-33“Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing. Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church: For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church. Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.”
Love needs to be directed towards one person…
Love needs to be demonstrated by love into action…
If your marriage is going to last, make sure it is rooted in the Word of God. Allow Jesus Christ to be the foundation on which your marriage is built.

I believe that one of the best ways to keep a marriage in tune with God is to be a member of a local church. Let me say that just “any church” is not going to help you grow. You need to find a church where the Word of God is taught as the final authority in one’s life. I invite you to come and meet with us this Sunday morning, a place where, through the music and preaching, the goal is to bring glory, praise, and honor to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. This Sunday morning our worship service will begin at 9:30, we invite you to come to join us. This Sunday is unique in that immediately following the service will be having sundaes. I guess we could call it a Sunday sundae!!!

Lastly as promised, the upcoming event at the church this week is…our annual VBS program. Please check the Chronicle for the time and the events that we promise will excite you over the next couple of days.

Pastor Paul