Bringing Sexy Back
This Sunday, we conclude the three-week series "Marriage Doesn't Suck" at Reflect Church. It has been a fun and fruitful series. I've already heard of many "Christ-revealing moments" that are leading to a more Christ-reflecting marriage. Don't miss this Sunday, as we bring it all home, and talk about the fruit of a husband's loving pursuit and wife's respectful response: ONENESS.Specifically, how oneness is expressed and cultivated through emotional and physical intimacy. A husband who is pursuing his wife's heart will WANT to talk to his wife on a deep level; a wife who is responding to her husband will WANT to have sex with him. In the Garden, the natural byproduct of marital oneness is being "naked and unashamed." However, many marriages are "clothed and ashamed." But there is good news: the gospel brings sexy back.
So, invite someone this Sunday, as we'll have "real talk" about God's design for marriage. If you missed the last two Sundays, watch the video(s) by clicking the links below:
Week 1: LOVE & RESPECT
Week 2: PURSUE & RESPOND
Also, WEDNESDAYS at 7:00pm, Pastor Timothy and Tara are opening their home (8981 Arborview Drive, 95758) to discuss the principles of Love & Respect and Pursuit & Response. Childcare is available, so please text Timothy at 916-715-8015 if you are coming.
This Sunday, we're bringing sexy back...because God designed marriage to be a fruitful vine. The Good news is that marriage doesn't suck, and the gospel has the power to redeem and rescue marriages.
In Christ,
Timothy Stewart
Lead Pastor, Reflect Church
(916) 715-8015
timothy@reflectchurch.com
DISCLAIMER: The Bible talks openly and frankly about sex in the context of marriage. God created marriage to flourish "naked and unashamed." It was sin that drove Adam and Eve to cover up and hide. The Gospel is the power of God to redeem His original design for sex, and to make it even better! In Proverbs and Song of Songs, the Word of God talks about sex openly, but in a respectful and tasteful manner, out of reverence for God. It is with that tone and spirit, Pastor Timothy and Tara will speak about sex this Sunday. However, some of the conversation may be inappropriate for pre-teens. Therefore, we trust parents will prayerfully consider whether it is appropriate for their pre-teens/teens to attend. We believe it may be a great opportunity to openly talk with your children about what God has to say about sex. They already hear what the world has to say, why not take the time to hear what God has to say about the issue?
The Bond of Trust
Trust is the glue of life.According to Stephen R. Covey, "It's the most essential ingredient in effective communication. It's the foundational principle that holds all relationships."
In Patrick Lencioni's book, "Five Dysfunctions of a Team" he establishes trust as the fundamental ingredient and foundation to a healthy team. Without trust, no relationship will survive; nonetheless, thrive.
According to Lencioni, the absence of trust in a team (or any relationship) is destructive because where there is no trust there is no courage to be vulnerable. The strength of a team (and marriage) is collaborative synergy. Synergy is the cooperative action of two or more people--a team is more than the sum of its members. However, there is no oneness, no synergy without trust and the willingness to be vulnerable with one another.
Its been said, "An abusive relationship is one in which one person is afraid to express his or her feelings and opinions." Lencioni affirms this, and in a team dynamic such "abuse" is demonstrated in constant politicking--performing and pretending, not saying or doing what you think, but acting in a manner to curtsy favor or "keep the peace." In the absence of trust, abuse is a possibility.
From the beginning, the Enemy of God has purposed to exploit the fragility of marriage relationships, by driving a wedge of division between spouses, and dissolving any bond of trust. In the Garden of Eden, Satan succeded at sowing seeds of doubt in Adam and Eve. Their distrust of God's good and loving will fractured not only their relationship with God, but their relationship with each other. They immediately resorted to hiding from God and each other, covering their imperfections and frailties with fig leaves; followed by accusation and blameshifting. The bond of trust disintegrated quickly, and so did their relationship.
In the midst of their brokenness, God heralded good news--a way to restore trust, restore faith in God and each other--he preached the gospel and promised a coming Savior. He then removed their coverings made by human effort and covered their nakedness with "garments of skin and clothed them" after atoning for their sin with a sacrifice--foreshadowing the atoning sacrifice of Christ; the grace that would cover our sins--reconciling us to God, and opening the door for reconciliation of human relationships through the power of the gospel.