“Do you think Christmas will ever feel the same?”This was the question my husband asked me recently. I knew exactly why he was asking…because it hasn’t been the same for three years…since our granddaughter, Annika, went to heaven. I thought for a minute and replied, “No sweetie, I don’t think it will ever feel the same. How can it? Our lives are not the same and will never be the same. But that do...  Read More

Is the Old Testament really important?  Are the major and minor prophets even worth reading?  What about all the stories throughout the historical books that constantly point to Israel's failure to live up to the standard God had set forth?    The answer to each of those questions should be a resounding… YES.  This semester our students have been studying through the Old Testament and with many of...  Read More

I have been reminded lately, through a number of conversations and situations around our congregation, of the reality of suffering that many of us are walking through. Interestingly, Peter tells those who follow Christ not to “be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you” (1 Peter 4:12), and so perhaps various experiences of pain we find ourselves in are to be expected. In light of that ...  Read More

Further ResourcesOne of my “go-to” resource places is the website https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/. Below are a number of articles and videos I came across on that site while prepping this sermon series that you may find helpful in the area of homosexuality. https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/sam-allberry-on-ministering-to-same-sex-attracted-friends/ https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/b...  Read More

The Sin of SodomOutside of Leviticus, the other primary reference to homosexual activity in the OT is found in Genesis 19. In this chapter we find Lot, the nephew of Abraham, dwelling in Sodom, which is about to be destroyed by the Lord because of its wickedness. Some angels, who apparently look like regular men (v.5), come to warn Lot. After some men in the town see the angels come into Lot’s hou...  Read More

Sexuality ResourcesBelow are the books I used in preparing for this sermon series. I have categorized and provided a brief description of each:First, a stand-alone book that covers a variety of issues around sexuality, marriage, and family in a very thorough way is God, Marriage, and Family by Andreas Kostenberger.Next, two books that provide a good overview of what the Bible says about sex in gen...  Read More