RECAP: HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS based on Colossians 3:18-4:1
One area that the enemy has really tried to attack is our homes. It is no secret that there is much brokenness in our world, especially in our country. Children have risen against parents, or parents against children. Physical and sexual violence is unfortunately very common, and our land is also among the highest of children in foster care. In the Hebrew language, the word for house and sanctuary were the same. In other words, a house is supposed to be a daily place of sanctuary, peace, and rest, surrounded by those who will support you the most. But unfortunately, in many households, the home is the greatest source of strife, angst, and unrest.
How can the script be flipped? How can the tide change?
Paul encountered similar dynamics in Colossae. But instead of investing in the Hellenistic Code, which stated that the husband/father/master was the greatest in the house, and everyone else took direction from them, Paul offered a different code grounded in Jesus. The code seems antiquated and certainly would receive pushback in today’s world. But what if we were to embody these six values? It would truly be radical, and maybe it can help correct where we as a nation have lost our way.
1) Submission. Today, submission is associated with inferiority and becoming a doormat. Sometimes it is abused, saying that a woman is to submit to a man, essentially stripping them of all worth, dignity, value, and essentially saying that a woman is created to serve a man. But that is how we interpret it today. But in Paul’s context, submission meant literally to “come under the mission of.” When one submits, they are choosing to embrace a mission and narrative that is far greater than themselves, a cause worth living and dying for. The one we should submit to first and foremost is Christ–to seek and save the lost. Then, we should submit to our spouse in the hope that together one can raise children in a house that chooses to follow the Lord. Submission is best done when it is in the same spirit as Christ, in a way that is fitting and consistent with Scripture.
2) Agape love. Men were charged to love their wives. But it is agape, the same type of love that Jesus demonstrated for us, that esteemed and valued us so greatly that he faced a cross to die for our sins. Likewise, men should love their wives, treat them with the highest value, and be willing to sacrifice themselves if it meant it advanced their welfare! It is not self-seeking or self-gratifying; this kind of love takes delight in seeing another thrive!
3) Obedience and Honor. Children were charged to be obedient. But this is not slavery or forced compliance; rather, obedience comes from a heart of love and honor. It is a recognition that a parent has their best interest at heart and wants to see the child far exceed their own opportunities in life. It is a choice to respect and love, to emphasize relationship over selfish desire. It is recognizing that parents are not baffoons as portrayed in popular media today, or an enemy or obstacle; rather, it is recognizing that parents want their child to become greater than them!
4) Encouragement. Parents are tasked with encouragement, with building up a child. Paul actually told the fathers to not embitter their children, literally to provoke to anger or sin. Even though modern culture wants us to believe that we can embitter our children through discipline, discipline is God’s great expression of love. Discipline serves the purpose to help a child become their best self as God created them! When we speak life and belief, motivated by a heart of love, we can push our children to be strong in the LORD. But if we constantly move the goal posts, or are quick to judge and diminish every mistake, we can embitter and destroy.
5) Sincere service. Even though slavery was wrong, Paul still wanted them to faithfully serve the master, even if the master was not looking, to set a higher standard and in time call attention to the institution to dismantle it. But serving with integrity and character will show the master that not only can this individual be trusted, but they should no longer be a slave. This could be applied today to our employment: can we serve our bosses and do the right thing always?
6) Right and fair. Masters have master Jesus over them; they should act in the same manner. Everything Jesus did was right and fair, for the betterment of people while being under the holy standard of God. Fairness can only be measured by God and not by human standards, for we change the rules to our benefit all the time! But if we seek to operate the same way as Jesus, the standard of mercy and grace, every person has the opportunity to thrive.
What if we tried these six things? Even though it may not be popular today, we will find life more at peace and rest and in community.
Questions for Reflection
1) Why is it challenging to submit to others? Can we submit to the greater mission of God?
2) What is the motivation behind our love?
3) Why is obedience difficult?
4) When was the last word of encouragement you spoke? Who can you encourage today?
5) Of the three–integrity, mercy, and righteousness–which one do you need to work the most on? How can you demonstrate it this week?
Upcoming Service
This Sunday, Pastor Ryan will be out of town. However, the Crestmen will be leading us in worship. Note: There will be a meal after the service. Also, the service will start with announcements at 10:55 to allow the Crestmen a whole hour to lead. We will also collect a free-will love offering for the Crestmen at the conclusion of the service.
Daily Bible Readings for November 8-14
November 8: Proverbs 7 From what should children guard their hearts?
November 9: Proverbs 31:10-31 How should a woman of God live?
November 10: Ephesians 5:22-33 How should a husband and wife treat each other, and why?
November 11: Ephesians 6:1-4 How should children and parents treat each other, and why?
November 12: 1 Peter 3:1-7 How should wives and husbands treat each other, and why?
November 13: Psalm 66 Why should we give praise to God?
November 14: Psalm 84 Why should we give praise to God?
This Week’s Events:
Sunday, November 13–Crestmen leading worship service & meal after service
Sunday, November 13–Instachoir practice immediately after service
Sunday, November 13–Chasing the Lions Bible Study at 4 pm at Lynne’s house (240 Ashby St, Dayton)
Monday, November 14–Pastoral Epistles Bible Study @ 7 pm
Upcoming Events:
Thursday, November 17–Leadership Team Mtg @ 7 pm
Sunday, November 20–Stewardship Sunday
Sunday, November 27–Hanging of the Greens
Announcements:
BIRTHDAYS NEEDED!
If you are a newer attendee at Beaver Creek, please call the office or leave in the offering plate your birth date so we do not miss anyone!
Beaver Creek Cares
Thank you for all who helped with Beaver Creek Cares. There are still a few shoeboxes that can be packed. If you would like to pack one, just find the empty boxes in the basement and bring back to the church at the latest Sunday morning!
Bible Study Opportunities!
The Chasing the Lion Bible Study will conclude on Sunday, November 13 @ 4 pm at Lynne’s House (240 Ashby St, Dayton)
Pastor Ryan will also continue the study on the books of 1 and 2 Timothy. Paul shared his heart with Timothy and gave him instructions for himself and the church after he was gone. Most of these letters are reflected even today. How can we live our faith? I encourage you to dig deeper into these two short books! We will meet on Mondays in the church library from 7 pm – 8 pm.
Take advantage of one of these two Bible studies today! If you would like to participate in the Timothy Bible study, please email Pastor Ryan or call the office.
Call for Worship Leaders and Children’s Story
We are still in need of both worship leaders and children’s storytellers. If you would like to serve, contact Alice Over (worship leading) or Tammy Stine (children’s story).
Call to Prayer
Let us continue to pray for our nation in the following ways:
1) National return to God
2) Repentance of personal sin
3) Repentance of corporate sin
4) Healing for the brokenness of relationships
5) Our leaders
6) Revival
7) Guidance for our congregation in the days ahead
Idea Box!
What do you want to see at Beaver Creek? What are some ideas you have for the long-term growth of our congregation? Any outrageous outreach ideas? Please either email Pastor Ryan or write them down and place them in the brown suggestion box in the narthex. Dream big!
Nursery
The Christian Education Team is looking for volunteers for the nursery during the Sunday School hour. If you are willing to help, even if it is just for a Sunday, please reach out to the Christian Education Team and let them know.
Four Ways to Give!
1) Mail your tithe into the church office
2) Drop it by the church office on Tuesday, Thursday or Friday, 9 am – 1 pm
3) Our online giving platform: https://beavercreekchurchva.churchcenter.com/giving
4) Drop off in the offering plate on Sunday!
Prayer Needs
Continue to Keep in Prayer our members in Skilled Care Facilities: Mary G Miller, Shirley Miller, Stanley Suter & Carolyn Wine
Sandy Bennington (comfort & strength)
Patsy Dastoli (health)
Elijah Tucker Dean (health)
Natalie Dodge (health)
John Fix (addiction)
Cindy Heatwole (health)
Bob Hess (health)
Tori Jackson (peace)
Mark Martin (health)
Barbara Meadows (health)
Alda Miller (health)
Betty Miller (health)
Mary G Miller (health)
Savannah Miller (health, daughter of John & Stephanie Miller)
Tami Plaugher (health)
Lottie Ritchie (health)
Ann Simmons (health)
Crystal Smith (health)
Whitmore family (various)
Mary Whitmore (health)
Shelvy Wittig (health)
Owen Wright (health)
Pastor Ryan Cooper
Beaver Creek Church