From Pastor Josh Laxton
Rules of Engagement
The Bible teaches that in the beginning, God created Adam and Eve as male and female and placed them in the Garden of Eden. As a couple, Adam and Eve were the first family, and this first God-created family unit was perfect until sin entered the world.
Humanity and the family unit were shattered by sin. In Genesis, we see how Adam and Eve sinned, and their children, Cain and Abel, also sinned. Cain, out of jealousy, killed his brother Abel. From there on out, the Bible recounts story after story of humanity facing real-life situations–good and bad.
Because of humanity's and our sin, we know that we fall far short of God's expectations. But we have the Bible to teach and guide us on how we are to live according to God's standards through the power of the Holy Spirit. Through the death of Jesus Christ on the cross and His resurrection, God has forgiven our sins, and Jesus' blood cleanses us from sin. By God's grace, we are saved by faith.
Today, as believers, we live in a culture where marriage, the family, sexuality and gender are marred by sin, and our Biblical beliefs about them are often under attack. To quote Pastor Josh, "As believers, we are not called to lower God's standard to become more relevant to the world or to lower His standard to accommodate our sinful desires; we should seek to understand and uphold God's holy standards, fall deeper in love with Jesus, live under His authority, be filled and empowered by the Holy Spirit, and be quick to confess our sin when we fall short."
Psalm 103:17-18 states, "But the steadfast love of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him, and His righteousness to children's children, to those who keep His covenant and remember to do His commandments." May we walk so that we "do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." (Romans 12:2)
Introductory Comments
Marriage and Family
KEY BIBLE VERSES
Genesis 1:26-28; 2:15-25; 3:1-20; Exodus 20:12; Deuteronomy 6:4-9; Joshua 24:15; 1 Samuel 1:26-28; Psalms 51:5; 78:1-8; 127; 128; 139:13-16; Proverbs 1:8; 5:15-20; 6:20-22; 12:4; 13:24; 14:1; 17:6; 18:22; 22:6,15; 23:13-14; 24:3; 29:15,17; 31:10-31; Ecclesiastes 4:9-12; 9:9; Malachi 2:14-16; Matthew 5:31-32; 18:2-5; 19:3-9; Mark 10:6-12; Romans 1:18-32; 1 Corinthians 7:1-16; Ephesians 5:21-33; 6:1-4; Colossians 3:18-21; 1 Timothy 5:8,14; 2 Timothy 1:3-5; Titus 2:3-5; Hebrews 13:4; 1 Peter 3:1-7.
Singleness
Marriage
Three Views of Marriage
Marriage is God's Idea
Marriage defined - Marriage is a covenant relationship created by God between a man and a woman so that they can work harmoniously together to cultivate a family that reflects the glory of God and His kingdom on earth.
We believe God created and designed marriage to be a covenantal, sexual, procreative and lifelong union between one man and one woman for a lifetime or “until death do us part.”
What About Divorce?
How to Love Your Wife as Christ Loved the Church
Family
God has ordained the family as the foundational institution of human society. It is composed of persons related to one another by marriage, blood or adoption. Children are fearfully and wonderfully made and are, from the moment of conception, a blessing from the Lord. Parents are to model a life devoted to Christ as they seek to raise their children under the authority of Christ by teaching them Biblical truth.
How to Make Your Family Work
Sexuality and Gender
Three ways churches engage in gender/sexuality discussion.
Three kinds of responses.
Sexuality
KEY BIBLE VERSES
Genesis 1:26-28; 2:15-25; 3:1-24; Exodus 20:14; 20:17; Leviticus 18:22; 20:13; Deuteronomy 5:18, 21; 22:5; Judges 19:22; 2 Samuel 11:1-12:15; Job 31:1; Psalms 51:1-19; Proverbs 5:1-23; 6:20-35; 7:1-27; Isaiah 59:1; Malachi 2:14; Matthew 5:27–30; 19:4-6, 8-9, 12; Acts 15:20, 29; Romans 1:26–27; 1:32; 1 Corinthians 6:9–11, 18-20; 7:1-7; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 5:24; Ephesians 4:15, 20–24; 5:31–32; Colossians 3:5; 1 Thessalonians 4:3-8; 1 Timothy 1:9–10, 15; 2 Timothy 2:22; Titus 2:11-12; Hebrews 13:4; James 1:14–15; 1 Peter 2:11; Jude 7
We believe God's will for His people is to be sexually pure inside and outside of marriage. We also believe Christians who are tempted by sexual sins can, in the power of the Holy Spirit, walk in Christ's victory.
Clarifying Points
Gender
KEY BIBLE VERSES
Genesis 1:26-28; 2:15-25; 3:1-24; Exodus 20:14; 20:17; Leviticus 18:22; 20:13; Deuteronomy 5:18, 21; 22:5; Judges 19:22; 2 Samuel 11:1-12:15; Job 31:1; Psalms 51:1-19; Proverbs 5:1-23; 6:20-35; 7:1-27; Isaiah 59:1; Malachi 2:14; Matthew 5:27–30; 19:4-6, 8-9, 12; Acts 15:20, 29; Romans 1:26–27; 1:32; 1 Corinthians 6:9–11, 18-20; 7:1-7; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 5:24; Ephesians 4:15, 20–24; 5:31–32; Colossians 3:5; 1 Thessalonians 4:3-8; 1 Timothy 1:9–10, 15; 2 Timothy 2:22; Titus 2:11-12; Hebrews 13:4; James 1:14–15; 1 Peter 2:11; Jude 7
Terms to Know
Gender
God created humanity in His image with two gender classifications—male and female. The biological classifications are part of God's creational design and are meant to bring about human flourishing as human beings reflect God's glory in all spheres of life. The gift of gender is thus part of the goodness of God's creation.
Ten Final Thoughts:
In a dark world, we, as believers, can be beacons of light, helping others see and know God. We can reflect God's glory and demonstrate His love for the world.
Consider ways you can encourage, strengthen and uplift your family or marriage this week. Ideas might include planning a picnic, sharing a Bible story or something you learned in the Bible, helping with a particular need, cooking a meal, making cookies or doing something fun. Make plans to do something that is uplifting, fun and upbeat. Listen and pray that God will open the door for great conversation as you share about Jesus with your family.
Lord, the topics for this week are significantly important as I live life within our culture. Let me humbly and courageously stand up for what the Bible teaches, and let me do it in a way that lets others know that God loves us while he hates our sin. May I show others, by my lifestyle, how wonderful it is to live under the sovereignty of Your precepts and commandments, no matter what the world teaches or condones. Give me wisdom and discernment as I live each day serving You and others for Your glory. Especially let me share my faith with neighbors and nations who do not yet know you, so that they will come to salvation in King Jesus as their Lord and Savior through the power of the Holy Spirit.
» July 22-23
TED —THEOLOGICAL EDUCATIONAL DISCOURSES | The Church // Christian Discipleship | Senior Executive Director of Leadership Development Tom Horvath & Executive Pastor to the Senior Pastor Derwin Anderson
» July 30
FAMILY DAY|What Does A Church Look Like? | Executive Pastor to the Senior Pastor Derwin Anderson
» July 22-23
TED —THEOLOGICAL EDUCATIONAL DISCOURSES | The Church // Christian Discipleship | Senior Executive Director of Leadership Development Tom Horvath & Executive Pastor to the Senior Pastor Derwin Anderson
» July 30
FAMILY DAY|What Does A Church Look Like? | Executive Pastor to the Senior Pastor Derwin Anderson
Saturday, July 22 at 6:30 p.m.
Make lasting memories with your middle and high school students and get to know their ministry leaders at this epic party with fun, food, and friends!
Saturday, July 22 at 9 a.m.
Do you like to make greeting cards? Do you love crocheting or knitting? Help us share the joy of Christmas by creating beautiful gifts for women at risk of human trafficking, all while connecting with other creative friends around the church.
Sunday, July 30 at 10 a.m.
On this special weekend, we will forgo our usual service times and come together for one corporate worship gathering. Join your church family to celebrate baptism and enjoy games, food trucks, and indoor fun for all ages!!
Thursday, August 3, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Friday, August 4 from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Learn to ignite transformation everywhere you go at this two-day satellite event, featuring world-renowned leaders like Craig Groeschel and Patrick Lencioni. Register by July 22 to save $20 on registration, and join us at Northland's Longwood campus to take your leadership skills to the next level.