Restart // Relationships // Marriage: A Profound Mystery / A Gospel Issue

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Restart // Relationships // Marriage: A Profound Mystery / A Gospel Issue

August 27, 2023 • Ephesians 5:15–33

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The Bible presents a narrative of love that reveals the fundamental nature of our universe as one based on

relationships. It begins by stating that God is the creator of the heavens and the earth (Genesis 1:1), and that

He designed a joyful garden for a couple named Adam and Eve. The story concludes with the promise of a

new heaven and a new earth (Revelation 21:1) where Jesus and his bride will find their eternal home. Marriage,

far from being a human creation, is showcased in the Bible as a divine revelation and precious gift.

The Book Of Common Prayer begins the wedding ceremony this way:

Dearly beloved, we are gathered together here in the sight of God, and in the face of this Congregation,

to ioin together this Man, and this woman in holy Matrimony, which is an honourable estate, instituted of

God in the time of mans innocency, signifying into vs the mystical union that is betwixt Christ and his

Church: which holy estate Christ adorned, and beautified with his presence, and first miracle that he

wrought in Cana of Galilee, and is commended of St Paul to be honourable among all men, and therefore

is not by any to be enterprized, nor taken in hand inadvisedly, lightly, or wantonly, to satisfy mens

carnal lusts, and appetites, like brute beasts that have no understanding; but reverently, discreetly,

advisedly, soberly, and in the fear of God, duly considering the causes for which Matrimony was

ordeined.

(The Book of Common Prayer from the Original Manuscript: Attached to the Act of Uniformity of 1662. Eyre &

Spottiswoode), 1892, p. 294.)

Today we are told that a God-centered vision of marriage is mistaken, even oppressive. Marriage used to be a

public institution for the common good, and now it is a private arrangement for the satisfaction of the

individuals. Marriage used to be about us, but now it is about me. Genesis reveals something different as the

Bible begins to explain the meaning of marriage, showing both glory and brokenness. All our personal stories with both our glory and our shame, started in the garden of Eden. Don’t hide from God because of guilt,

shame, or failure because as we embrace the brokenness of life, we begin the journey back to God and

healing. The gospel means that every marriage can RESTART.

Restart // Resolve to Reach the World

October 1, 2023 • 3 John 5–8

The local church serves as God's strategy to reach the world. One of its primary objectives is to proclaim the message of the gospel. It's important to acknowledge that the local church is our foundation, our launching pad for reaching out to the world. Sending people out in a manner worthy of our God is a great joy and privilege for the local church. However, it is not an easy task. It requires dedication, sacrifice, and a deep understanding of the needs of those we are trying to reach. What we celebrate tells us a lot about what is truly important to us. We do everything for the sake of the name of Jesus. We want people to hear his gospel, so we give everything in his service. Our resolve is intrinsically tied to glorifying the name of Jesus. As believers, we understand that the ultimate goal is to bring glory to God and make his name known. It's time to RESTART and RESOLVE TO REACH THE WORLD.

Restart // Resolve to Follow Jesus

October 8, 2023 • 1 Peter 2:1–12

The Christian life is not simply a one-time decision. It is daily dying to self to follow the one who has given us eternal life. As followers of Christ, we are born anew through the transformative grace of God. God's Word is the nourishment our souls require, essential for our spiritual growth and development. We must resolve to seek this nourishment daily, to feed our souls, and to grow stronger in our faith. On this journey of faith, remember we are not solitary travelers. We are living stones, each one unique yet unified, joining together as the Church. The church is the body of Christ, interconnected, interdependent, working in harmony to bring glory to God. As a holy priesthood, we are summoned to worship God in spirit and truth, and to fully embrace our identity as God's chosen people. This means leading lives that mirror His holiness, radiate His love, and serve as His ambassadors. Keep in mind that we are sojourners and exiles in this world. Our true citizenship lies in heaven, and this world is temporary. God's grace means that we can RESTART, and as his people, we must daily RESOLVE TO FOLLOW.

Restart // Resolve // The Resolve To Stand

September 24, 2023 • Ephesians 6:10–24

In these challenging times, trials and tribulations can test our resolve, making our walk with God feel like an uphill climb. Yet, we are not alone on this journey. The Lord is with us, and He has equipped us with the necessary armor for this spiritual battle. As the letter to the Ephesians comes to a close, Paul writes, "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his might—so that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil." These words are not merely a call to resistance, but a rallying cry for us to stand firm in our faith, to hold our ground against the adversities we face. Remember, we are not just spectators but active participants in this spiritual battle. We are called to stand firm, to hold our ground, and to fight the good fight of faith. It’s time to RESTART OUR RESOLVE TO STAND.