Incredible Courage
It isn’t often that you are lucky enough to see courage in action. Usually you hear about it after the courageous act is over and often not until it has become a part of history. Sunday at Salisbury was an exception. Before our very eyes we saw men and women willing to courageously declare their intentions to confront their personal brokenness.
The topic at hand was our sexuality. Together we confronted how perverted our culture has become when sex is considered. Nearly anything goes and what was shocking yesterday is often accepted today. We know that we are not immune from this collapse. It is happening all around us and we often willingly participate.
Sunday was a time for people to recommit themselves to purity. To stand up and declare their intentions to “battle on” and claim victory in the gospel of Jesus Christ even in the area of our sexualtiy. That’s where the courage was required. The call wasn’t to say “I need to pray more” or “I need to be more patient.” It was… “I intend to see my sexuality honor Jesus in every way!” It took guts to meet me in the aisle to be affirmed as a fellow struggler before a house full of church family. And many of you answered that call. AWESOME. There just is no other way to say it.
Now, one more challenge. You’ve taken a first step, just don’t stop there. Learn to apply the faithfulness of God and be encouraged by the faithfulness of community to access that “set-apart sexuality.” To make it all God’s, you will need lots of support. Get in the Word and into encouraging, honest relationships. Refuse to allow this issue to settle back into what it was before.
July 17, 2009 at 3:17 pm
This really was an amazing service for those of us who have found the need to “battle on” and claim victory in our own marriage and sexuality for the sake of purity. For those of us who have been there in those shoes and had to ask God for courage and strength in our own lives, we knew how hard it was for those dear brothers and sisters to meet Pastor Scott there in the front. We were also so very proud of them.
Some of those that stepped forward that Sunday have been doing just what Pastor Scott challenged them to do. They have stepped out of their comfort zone and have been seeking out support and accountability partners. Some have been seeking out small groups for help. It is so encouraging to see Christians banding together to help each other in the battle for purity.
There is no shame in seeking encouragement and support. God knows we cannot fight the battle without help and encouragement from other Christians who have been down there in the trenches and found God’s grace and redemption.
If you need support, Pastor Scott can direct you to someone who has been there and found healing. If you are willing to mentor others and share your story of hope and grace, let Pastor Scott know that as well.
There are small groups in our church that you can plug into, and there may be more to plug into this fall. The good news is you do not have to do this on your own. May God give us all the courage to make purity a priority!
July 30, 2009 at 3:46 pm
Loved this sermon! Needed this sermon! Appreciate this sermon!
July 7, 2010 at 7:39 pm
Dear Scott,
We are close neigbors and friends of your Mom ane Dad’s at Northlake in Florida. I’m trying to get on your e-mail list and am having trouble getting through. Could yiu please send us all the news that is going out for Max? We also are calling Sandy and others to keep abresat daily of the news. We so appreciate the call from Beth on Monday. Our prayers are with you all constantly.
We must all keep remembering that nothing is too big for our God to handle.
In His Love,
Jerry and Naomi Wagenknecht