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Coming Sunday's Teaching
AM: Can you be a Christian and Gay?
On the surface, it's a simple question, with a very simple answer, and one that has been given by the church for 2000 years pretty consistently. NO. The two are mutually exclusive. But then you start to ask some questions around that. Questions like "Is that really what the Bible teaches, or are we just reading our own homophobia back into the Bible," or "But what if a person is gay, and doesn't have a choice about it," or, "But what do we do with people who struggle with this, can they be open about it, or do they have to ‘pretend.'" We begin to realize pretty quickly that this is not an open and shut case, and to give simplistic ‘rehearsed' answers actually damages people, and damages the church's witness.
And so this Sunday we are going to have a frank, honest discussion about the issue, to look carefully at the Bible's teaching, and think through some of its implications for us as a community that seeks to be like Jesus in this world.
PM: "No More Little Secrets"
...breaking the cycles of childhood sexual abuse (Dave G & Jo Briffa - Westside Christian Church/Bravehearts)
There is a seedy side to our world, and more often than not it is being driven, controlled, and perpetuated by men. It destroys kid's lives and dehumanises women. It devours marriages and families. Are we realistic in thinking that men who follow Jesus could challenge - or even change - this terrible situation?
We'll listen to Jo Briffa's story, and hear what the Bible has to say about voiceless one who live in fear of others. There will be ample time to talk with Jo and Dave afterward at YAK Cafe.
Please Note: Some have asked why we're even opening up this issue in a Sunday service. First: the sad reality is that sexual abuse is about as common in church communities as it is in the community in general. Second: the church must speak and act against abuse of all types. We have all seen and heard evasive Christian leaders in the press, and it hurts the Gospel every time. Third: we need to communicate to our church family that we are firm in our commitment that Redlands CRC should be a safe place for kids, and that we want to be a haven of healing for those who have been hurt.
One parent asked, ‘will it be suitable for our kids and teens to hear'? Let me say: I really appreciate that question being asked! And I can only answer with a resounding ‘yes!' Your children will neither hear nor see anything more than what might be on a 6:00pm news report - and probably substantially less. We are very conscious of the reality that Redlands CRC is a family church, and Sunday night that will still most certainly be the case.
I have heard Jo Briffa speak, and I have a full manuscript of what she will say. Jo addresses the subject matter warmly and sensitively. Your children will not be compromised in any way. What they will hear is how the church family is called to be a healing community of hope - and that is a very positive and worthwhile message for all of us.
If you still have questions, feel free to ask dave@redlandscrc.org.au
Dave