#CapVaca13

by | Sep 13, 2013 | Personal

Here’s a few shots from what we think was one of our best family vacations yet: New Orleans, LA; Santa Rosa, FL; Franklin, TN; St. Louis, MO.
Preparing for Sunday – Matthew 5:31-32

Preparing for Sunday – Matthew 5:31-32

by | Sep 27, 2012 | Featured Articles, Marriage and Family, Pastoral Ministry, Preaching

Carefully Think Read Matthew 5:31-32 Where did this instruction originally come from in the Old Testament? What is the connection between 5:31-32 to 5:27-30? What is the connection between 5:31-32 and 5:17-20? Is Jesus contradicting what was said in the OT by his statement in 5:32? Why or why not? Who are the various parties that Jesus indicates are guilty of sin in 5:32? Why would divorce and remarriage except on the grounds of immorality cause someone to commit adultery? Prayerfully Meditate Divorce is a prevalent and painful subject in our society. What are some of the modern day challenges with what Jesus says about divorce in 5:31-32? Why are they so challenging? What is Jesus saying about marriage in these verses? Why would immorality be legitimate grounds for divorce? Read 1 Corinthians 7:10-24. What grounds for divorce does Paul give? Read Matthew 19:1-9. What are the similarities and differences to 5:31-32? In light of the above passages and considerations, what elements would make for a stronger marriage? If you or someone you know has pursued divorce for unbiblical reasons, how could you helpfully serve them? How could you help a person who has legitimate grounds for divorce think through their heart attitudes and approach to the situation? Intentionally Act Has God put anyone on your heart in thinking through these issues? Pray for them to have a heart for God and a desire to obey His word. Plan a time to talk with them about what God’s word says on the issue. Do you and your spouse need to talk through what would make for a stronger marriage...
Preparing for Sunday – A Gospel-Saturated Mother

Preparing for Sunday – A Gospel-Saturated Mother

by | May 10, 2012 | Marriage and Family, Pastoral Ministry, Preaching

Carefully Think Read through the following passages and list everything you find that Scripture emphasizes as a woman’s and/or a mother’s priorities:   Titus 2:1-5, 1 Timothy 5:14; 1 Peter 3:1-6; Ephesians 5:18-24; Proverbs 31:10-31; 1 Timothy 2:8-15 For every item you listed as a priority, list what you find to be modern challenges to these priorities. Prayerfully Meditate How should a husband see these priorities and serve his wife in helping her achieve them? How could a single man use these priorities when praying about who to date/court/marry? How could a single woman without children use these priorities to serve other women, pray about her own situation, challenge her own heart’s desires? If your mother was not driven by these priorities, how could they assist you now in thinking biblically about motherhood? How could they help you in praying for and helping other mothers around you within the church? For those who are mothers, which one appears most critical for you to apply now? For those whose children are grown, how could you use these priorities in helping younger mothers or women before marriage and children? Intentionally Act Were any sinful tendencies revealed to you about your involvement in your home that you need to confess to God? For mothers, list out the actions that would be most appropriate for you to take in bringing your life in line with Scripture. Use this list for prayer. Use it in conversation with a godly older mother for input on how to apply them. Begin taking steps not to implement this list in your life. For those who are not mothers...