So, what role do single persons have in God's plan for the family and the values it must display? What does God have to say about it in His word? Are you currently living a single's life? Maybe you are a widow or widower, or maybe you never wanted to or been married. Maybe you have experienced or are currently experiencing divorce. Maybe you had to move back in with your parents. What is our responsibility and purpose in our family and God's family? It is very easy to focus on the needs of self, which is defined as being selfish. But for singles that follow Jesus Christ, they can become selfless. God made all of us in His image, so whether we are married or single, we have very important roles in our own family and in God's Family. This weekend at Friendship, we will be exploring the next area the Holy Spirit of God wants us to study in our Family Values series, and that is the "Role of Singles and Young Adults". If you are single, then you MUST be here, and if you know single people, make sure you disciple them and get them here!
The Role of Singles and Young Adults
July 2, 2023 • Associate Pastor Ben Sorbello
The Role of Children
July 30, 2023 • Jen Barshinger
Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these" (Matthew 19:14). If Jesus said this, why have we decided that children are an inconvenience, that they prevent us from living life to the fullest, or that they are distracting and rambunctious and therefore should not be allowed in the church service? In that very story in the gospels, it was His own disciples who took these worldly attitudes, even rebuking those who brought their children to Jesus. You can imagine that they probably thought they were saving Jesus from the headache of "dealing with them", but Jesus' response shows us that children aren't a headache at all, and that we must become like them in our faith and trust of Jesus. This week at Friendship, we'll finish up the Family Values series by talking about "The Role of Children". The children will be with us in the service, but adults need to hear this as well. It is our responsibility to train our children to fulfill the role God has given them in the family. We must foster a culture of obedience and trust, while also remembering that part of their role is to observe and learn from us. If that isn't a sobering thought that makes you as an adult want to draw closer to Jesus, I don't know what will! We hope to see you this weekend!
The Role of the Wife
July 23, 2023 • JessicaHarbold
Proverbs 18:22 tells us, "He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the Lord". So why do men, even Christian men, use ridiculous phrases like "the old ball & chain"? And why do women, even Christian women, put their husbands down and joke about "training" them to do as they are told? The short answer is "sin", but I think we can all see that there are some wicked ideas we have regarding the opposite sex that have been deeply engrained in our hearts and minds over many generations. In ancient times, women were treated more like property than human beings. They were devalued, abused, and discarded, and the Bible was even used to justify this behavior in many cases. Men, is this still how you see them today? Reflect and ask God to show you any errors. Women, is this how you see yourselves? Reflect and ask God to show you that your true identity is in Him. This week at Friendship, we continue our Family Values series with a look at the Role of the Wife/Woman in God's picture of the family. Join us to learn about God's plan for them in the home, outside the home, in society, in the Church, and as children of God!
The Role of the Church
July 16, 2023 • Pastor Logan Ames
This week we'll talk about why the Church has a role in God's picture of the family, and how we are responsible for loving and encouraging the family in both grace AND truth. I am excited for this one and look forward to having you all with us.