On Sunday (2.14.10), I gave a gentle warning regarding the prominence of our heart (a.k.a feelings) in regard to how we live our lives. Jesus would not have bought into the ridiculous “listen to your heart” counsel that is rampant today. As an example of how this heart-over-head mentality has taken root, I cited the core concept from the book: The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman. I took issue with the general thesis of the book that goes something like this: If a spouse learns to act on the “love language” of their marriage partner then their “love-tank” will be full. When each person in the relationship focuses on speaking the “love language” of …

Read the full entry

The roles we play throughout life are governed by certain actions we take and rules we follow. When swimming each participant knows that they are to stay in their “swim-lane.” Drivers have to stay on their side of the road. Pilots sit in the cockpit while passengers sit in the back. The role we play determines the actions and guidelines we follow. The same is true in the family. This week we will consider the role of the wife and what are the actions and guidelines that God wants for her. This morning’s teaching focuses on 1 Peter 3:1-6. MP3 download.

 

 audio [46:19m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download
 Teaching Guide: Download

Read the full entry

What words describe the mental picture you get when you hear the word, “husband.” I bet whatever words surfaced in your mind are directly connected with either your experience as a husband or a model of a husband you know. When God says “husband” what do you think He pictures? Hey, life is tough enough without having to try and figure out how to be a husband from a vague notion or a contemporary image. Today, we will explore the role of the husband and try to clean up some bad thinking on a critical subject. This morning’s teaching focuses on 1 Peter 3:1-7. MP3 download.

 

 audio [47:33m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download
 Teaching Guide: Download

Read the full entry

Speaking on CNN’s “Late Edition”, Republican Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger expressed disappointment at Proposition 8’s passage.

“It is unfortunate,” Schwarzenegger said. “But it is not the end because I think this will go back into the courts. … It’s the same as in the 1948 case when blacks and whites were not allowed to marry.
This falls into the same category.”

So, this woman (see video below) is a bigot harboring a racist viewpoint? How about you? Are you promoting racial inequality in the same way that “blacks and whites” were hindered from being able to not marry in the 1940’s? Why or why not?

Read the full entry

While many were focused on the big prize of the Presidential election, there was a pivotal vote on a referendum called “Proposition 8″ in California. Proposition 8 is a amendment to the Constitution of California that would define marriage exclusively between a man and a woman.

What does this mean? Since California voters have approved the amendment, this effectively outlaws some 18,000 same-sex marriage that have taken place over the last 4 1/2 months. The voters have overturned the California State Supreme Court decision that gave gay couples the right to marry.

The passage of Proposition 8 represents a crushing political defeat for gay rights activists. They had hoped public opinion on the contentious issue had shifted enough …

Read the full entry

Kirk Cameron (Growing Pains and Way of the Master), tells of his commitment to only kiss his wife even if he is acting!

In a day of weak morals and wimpy men, this story is refreshing!

Read the full entry

A recent GraceTalk question reads…

How did people populate with the children of Adam and Eve? Did they marry brother/sister? If so, how is it explained that God would never tolerate inter-family relationships? Also, If God knows everything before it happens, did He not know Adam and Eve were going to sin?

We have two different questions here; so, I will tackle the first one here and the second one in a follow-up post within the next week or two. I apologize in advance for the length of this post, but this question defies a quick, simple answer.

The question starts with a premise that God would never tolerate inter-family relationships [I'll assume that the questioner means "intra-family"]. As we

…

Read the full entry

The Doctrine of God: Week 18
Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine, by Wayne Grudem.
Chapter 14, God in Three Persons:  The Trinity (How can God be three persons, yet one God?)

This week we conclude our discusion of the doctrine of the Trinity by considering the distinctions of the three persons of the Trinity and the consequences to incorrect understanding on this issue.

 

 audio [48:23m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Read the full entry

In this series we are examining the mid-life calling to rescue the Children of Israel who are being held as slaves in Egypt.  In the process of communicating to Moses, we see his “what if” world develop.  What do I mean by Moses’ “What If” world?  Have you ever been in a situation in which you know how you should act, but find yourself negotiating your options?  For example, “I know I should tell this person that they are wrong in how they are acting, but What if they get upset with me?  Or, “I know I shouldn’t let my friend talk badly about others, but what if I don’t listen . . . who else will they be able …

 

 audio [43:17m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Read the full entry

The Grace Fellowship Leadership Team answers your questions.

Q1 (2:39): How can you tell the difference between God’s will for my life and my will that I think is God’s will?

Q2 (10:10): What is the most effective way to witness to people that do not believe or “buy-into” II Tim. 3:16? Currently, I try to support why the Bible is infallible and reaffirms itself (i.e. the Old Testament supporting the New Testament, many authors over a long period of time that confirms the author, etc.). Now with the new thoughts regarding the Gnostic Book and the Di Vinci code, etc., more and more people don’t know the facts, etc.

Q3 (15:55): Husbands are to …

 

 Audio [00:49:46m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download
 Slides: Download

Read the full entry