Blog Archives

"THE MYTH OF OWNERSHIP"

2/28/2016

Exodus 20:15; Malachi 3:8-10

When someone deliberately takes something that belongs to you, there is a feeling of utter violation.
We have warped ideas about the things we own.
Part of human nature is the desire to get something for nothing.

Ways we steal
1. Stealing from your employer is probably the most common kind of theft. (Ephesians. 6:5-7)
2. Stealing from big, faceless corporations
3. Stealing from your own children
4. Stealing other people's ideas or reputations
5. People even rob God
a. God is “due” our worship.
b. by withholding our tithe

Stewardship- Everything comes from God. (I Chronicles 29:11-14)
We don't really own anything.
Warning: Don't get too attached to the things we call our own.

Robber: What's yours is mine, I'll take it.
Miser: What's mine is mine, I'll keep it.
Child of God: What's mine is God's, I'll use it.

"THE MYTH OF NO CONSEQUENCES

2/21/2016

Exodus 20:14; Matthew 5:27-28

I. Cultural myths about sexuality
Myth #1 Sex is merely a physical act.
This reduces humans to being mere animals. (I Corinthians 6:15-18)

Many people have believed the lie that there are no consequences for this sin.

Myth #2 Our passions must be fulfilled at any cost.
Both adultery and fornication run rampant in our world today.

Myth #3 Sex is dirty.
What attaches a sense of guilt, or “dirtiness” is its misuse.

II. God's truth regarding sexuality
1. Sex is to be completely restricted to the marriage relationship.
God gave His commandments because He loves us and wants to spare us from the worst kind of pain.

2. Forgiveness is always possible.

"THE MYTH ABOUT HUMAN LIFE"

2/14/2016

Exodus 20:13; Matthew 5:21-22

Myth: Human life has no greater value than any other kind of life.
Ancient culture: Human life was viewed by the powerful as a renewable resource.
God introduces the idea that human life has built-in value.
We are unique from all other forms of life.

1. There has been a literal devaluing of human life.
Being anti-abortion and pro-capital punishment are both sanctity of life issues.
Suicide is self-murder. But it is not a sin which cannot be forgiven.
If a person is dying, you preserve the sanctity of life and help that person to manage their pain with dignity and honor.

2. Human life has been devalued in a figurative way.
The violence done to a person when angry words are spoken is also irreversible.
The command to not murder is a command for us to cherish human life.

"THE MYTH OF SELF-IMPORTANCE"

2/7/2016

Exodus 20:12

Myth: What is most important in life is me.
Obedience and respect for parents cannot be a forced thing.
You can teach children the concept of respect and submission to authority.

Ephesians 6 – to lay the full burden of this commandment solely upon children is to miss something crucial.

How do we honor our parents?
1. younger children – if you cross this line, then you've gone too far.
2. older children – obeying even when you don't have to.
3. adult children – showing respect is the key.

Warnings
1. Don't let the mistakes of your parents ruin your life.
2. Do not make idols of your parents.
The healthiest family creates the environment where children are safe, secure and dependent, but grow up to be a able to leave home.