The Blueprint

Friday 10th February 2023

Relativism has entered every area of our lives. This is true in terms of how we approach family as well. We see throughout scripture how unideal families battle with the reality life presents. There is violence, abandonment, disregard, role confusion and myriads of challenges families have to contend with. The question is… how do you manage the tension between where you are, and the ideal? The options to resist, redefine or ridicule the ideal family as a concept, will not bring restoration to family but rather lead to further disillusionment.

Last Sunday I was made acutely aware of the pain and brokenness in our families and especially our marriages. Many people could deeply associate with me and my family’s gap between real and ideal. As well as the complexity of not letting go of the ideal – especially in marriage!

When the Apostle Paul refers to a blueprint for marriage, he looks past all the possible candidates found in the Bible and points to a surprising example of covenant love:

'Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. '

Ephesians 5:25-28 NIV

We see Christ as the prototype husband. He gives himself up for her. What a statement. The fulfilment of the husband is found in the fulfilment of the bride’s needs. That leads to a radiant bride!

We all can benefit on two levels from this truth: Firstly, we can be assured of Christs commitment to us to the end! Secondly, we can draw from this inspirational help for our own marriages, that of our children, and those in our communities. It means those of us not married – for which there are many reasons – can play an indirect role in marriages by upholding the only worthy blueprint for marriage found in scripture.

This coming Sunday, Ben Price will dive deeper in this beautiful expression of love. Do not miss the opportunity to invite friends and family!

Fuse Youth | Friday 10th February

HEY FUSE YOUTH… This week at FUSE Youth it is Real Talk #1. See you there!
7-9.30pm, $5

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Sunday Service | Relationship Goals

This Sunday we have a guest speaker, Christian comedian Ben Price who will bring you a fantastic message sprinkled with humour. Ben will be sharing about relationship goals, marriage, and family. If you can't make it, you can catch up on our YouTube channel.

>>>WATCH LIVE STREAM<<<

Kids Church | Sunday 12th February

This week at Kids Church…
2 to 4-year-olds | Mary and Martha | Luke 10: 38-42
5 to 12-year-olds | Love Your Enemies | Matthew 5:43-47

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Boys Brigade | Monday 13th February

Be part of the action Monday night. For over 20 years the Boys Brigade has advanced Christ’s Kingdom among boys.

ANCHORS | Grades 1 & 2: 6pm – 7.15pm
JUNIORS | Grades 3 – 6: 7pm – 8.30pm
SENIORS | Grades 7 to 18 years old: 7pm – 9.30pm

>>>CHECK OUT BOYS BRIGADE<<<

Baptism Class | Wednesday 15th February

Perhaps you are interested in getting baptised or would like to know more about what baptism is all about. If that is you, then we encourage you to sign up as soon as possible.