SENIOR RECOGNITION SUNDAY. Today's sermon is the fourth in our “CREDO” sermon series exploring the fundamental beliefs of our Christian faith. Today's service also recognizes and is led by some of our graduating seniors offering testimonies, a drama and music. The sermon is delivered by Steve Brooks our Sr. High Youth Pastor.
Billie Jean Bauer lost her 20 year old son as a result of a traffic accident in 1996. Her son Christopher Cook and friends were visiting San Francisco California and was riding in a taxi cab late one night. Reuben was driving the other vehicle that collided
with the taxi resulting in the death of her young son and another young man. Billie Jean met Reuben for the first time in the San Francisco jail in 2001.
Almost 15 years since her son's death she would meet Reuben in person once again.
In a world where sexual indulgence seems to be the accepted norm, what does it mean to be a man? What does it mean to be a woman? Those are not the first questions that come to mind when thinking about the sexual challenges facing individuals today. Most Christians focus on controlling what seems to be out-of-control sexual behaviors that the rest of society has given up on. But the core challenges are more than what meets the eye. The most important sexual challenges go much deeper.
The concept of biblical counseling is a topic of much debate. While some may want to limit it to merely prescribing Scriptures to help people get better, biblical counseling is far more extensive and engaging.
Everyone wants to be liked. However, what often begins as a good desire to be liked or to please can degenerated into allowing the opinions and evaluations of others to determine who we are and how we relate. Learning how to recognize how much power the opinions of others have over us is vital to living primarily to please God, not others.
Judgment is a part of living in a world with other people who are constantly evaluating everything about who you are and what you do. The key to handling the judgment of others well is learning to evaluate their comments in the light of God's ultimate evaluation of who we are and how we relate.
People consistently make judgments about things, ideas, and other people all the time. The question is whether or not they are being judgmental in the process. Understanding the difference between a judgmental attitude that leads to pride and a healthy discernment that leads to wisdom is essential for a maturing Christian.
The accusation of being judgmental is thrown around a lot in today's culture. Having an opposing opinion is not being judgmental. Imposing your opinion on others is. There is a clear difference between being judgmental and being discerning. Wise discernment doesn't dismiss or demean others who hold to different values, but neither does it compromise sound biblical values just because they are unpopular.
Rejection is never pain-free. If it is, then you've steeled yourself to never allow anyone to really get close to you. However, honestly facing the pain of rejection from others--especially those you care about--can lead you to see more clearly whose opinion matters the most to you.
Forgiveness is a necessity for any meaningful relationship to last for more than a day. The reason is because we are so poor at loving well. Forgiving those who hurt us for the pain that we can't forget is part of the ongoing gift of grace in relationships. But forgiveness is not just a verbal proclamation; it's an on-going process of restoration.
Controlling relationships are always disconcerting and chaotic. That's what controllers do--they uses chaos and confusion to maintain the power over others. It takes help to get away from the controller long enough to talk about the issues involved and to establish a plan for addressing the issues in a way that provides a reasonable level of safety for all involved.
Being in a relationship with a person who is controlling is not only frustrating but counterproductive. Sometimes those people are not able or willing to see or admit that their control is sabotaging the relationship. Understanding your impact on others you are in relationship with is vital for exposing and dealing with control issues.
Boundaries in a relationship can be easily misunderstood and even misused. Understanding the difference between healthy boundaries and selfishly demanding one's rights can lead to mutual love and respect in any relationship.
Many couples affirm that their spouse is their best friend. While a part of that is wonderful, are we asking our spouses to bear too much? Even more importantly, is it loving to tell our spouse everything? What does a loving relationship really require? Sometimes it's better for a man to have another man to talk with rather than overwhelm his wife with his struggles. Most women agree that they need another woman or two with whom they can share their secrets and the struggles that just are not
Salem Media, our partners, and affiliates use cookies and similar technologies to enhance your browsing experience, analyze site traffic, personalize site content, and deliver relevant video recommendations. By using this website and continuing to navigate, you consent to our use of such technologies and the sharing of video viewing activity with third-party partners in accordance with the Video Privacy Protection Act and other privacy laws.Privacy Policy
