December 2008 Newsletter from our Pastor

“Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them. Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.” Colossians 3:18-20

That simple formula would transform the world…if it was followed. And maybe it was at one time. But mankind has chosen to go a different way. God’s plan is not being lived out in relationships today. The results have been devastating!

A comic strip said a lot about the world’s view of marriage:
One character said, “You know, it’s odd - but now that I’m actually engaged I’m starting to feel nervous about getting married!”
The other character replied, “I know what you’re thinking. It’s only natural to be nervous! Marriage is a big commitment. Seven or eight years can be a long time!”

That little example is more sad than it is funny. Too many marriages have not gone the distance. Too many relationships lack a firm foundation in Jesus Christ.

The Apostle Paul wrote in Philippians 2 about relationships where people would have the same mind and the same love (‘being in full accord and of one mind’). Each person would look not only to their own interests, but also to the interests of others. Ultimately, they would be trying to live like Jesus Christ as they served each other. The Bible is filled with such ‘formulas’ for successful relationships.

A recent movie has done a good job making that point. Kirk Cameron plays the part of Captain Caleb Holt in the movie, Fireproof. He lives by the firefighter’s adage: Never leave your partner behind. Yet he and his wife Catherine prepare to enter divorce proceedings.

There is an unconfirmed rumor that your staid, unemotional, even-keeled, unaffected pastor shed a tear or two during the movie. This is not an admission, but merely a ‘rumor report.’

But if it did happen, it may happen again! Redeemer will be showing the movie on January 25th, at 5:00 p.m. This is an opportunity for you and your family to be encouraged. It is also a great chance for you to invite someone you know would benefit from this show. Please reach out to others!

A follow-up Bible study based on the movie will begin on February 8th, at 5:00 p.m. The study will run for six weeks from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. Plan to come….and invite others.