On The Table - Candlewood Church

ON THE TABLE: What does God want for married couples and singles?

September 29, 2024 • Pastor Glenn Garvin • Matthew 19:3–12

It was a typical day when I met up with Robin for lunch. As I parked my car and walked towards the restaurant, something caught my eye. An elderly couple was shuffling down the sidewalk, holding hands. I took a mental picture and thought, “I can’t wait to grow old with my best friend, Robin.” Despite the multiple marriage failures in my family’s past, I am determined to do things right. I believe that following God’s way is the key to achieving a lifelong commitment to each other. What is God’s vision for marriage or singleness? Jesus, who lived as a single man in a predominantly married culture, taught us about relationships with God and one another. This week, let’s explore what God wants from our relationships.

ON THE TABLE: Why does God care about sex?

September 22, 2024 • Pastor Glenn Garvin • 1 Corinthians 6:11

First of all, can we just admit it, God has been given a bad rap when it comes to the discussion of SEX! Let’s just state some facts. Sex in the Bible is a very common topic. And not just about the good of sex and the rules of sex, but also it tells stories about how sex is used and abused. The Bible doesn't shy away; it talks openly about sex in such detail that would shock most Christians. God created sex and declared it to be “good.” Jesus himself reiterated the positive vision for sex found in Genesis. So, what’s the problem? Or better yet, why does God even care about sex? It’s an on the table topic, so let’s find out together!

ON THE TABLE: Good God and Suffering?

September 15, 2024 • Pastor Glenn Garvin • Genesis 50:20

Our world is full of tragedy and suffering, often highlighted by the media. Recently, we have experience massive forest fires and tremendous losses of people's homes. I see suffering played out even on our freeways. I used to get angry at traffic slowing down for accidents, but now I see it as a collective pause where we all hope it’s not someone we love. These moments make us more aware of our fragility and to be grateful for what we have. We recognize that life includes grief and loss. The real issue is reconciling this suffering with the idea of a just and perfect God. If God is always good, why is there suffering? Let's put it on the table and talk about it this Sunday.

ON THE TABLE: Is there only one way to God?

September 8, 2024 • Pastor Glenn Garvin • John 14:6

The plurality of passionate opinions! As humans living in an age of options, it has become a part of our ethos, our culture, to have plurality instead of just the plain standard or stock anything. Henry Ford’s Model A in 1903 came in one color: black. Later, the Model T came in four colors, blue, red, grey and green, then in 1926 he added brown. Long before Burger King’s “have it your way,” campaign in 1974 people have wanted to customize our foods, fashions, faces and homes. Unfortunately, we’ve come to believe we can customize or choose our options when it comes to faith, religion and truth. This Sunday we dig into the question, “Is there really only one way to God?”

On The Table "Can I trust the Bible?"

September 1, 2024 • Pastor Glenn Garvin • Hebrews 4:12

There is an interesting phenomenon taking place. The global pandemic shut down large public gatherings, leaving us uncertain if events like sports, concerts, and rallies would ever return. Four years later, people are flocking back. Why? It’s more than entertainment; it’s about belonging. People seek connection and a sense of not being alone. At the core, it’s a search for their own story and how it relates to others. What is your story? Let’s explore how our stories connect with God’s story. The Bible, can I trust it?