Rev. Eric Landry - May 23, 2021
Ephesians 4:1-16
This week, we’ll conclude our topical sermon series (Male & Female: In The Image of God for the Purpose of God), by looking again at the church. Who is called to do what in the church? The officers of the church are given tasks and responsibilities of leadership, but in order for the church to properly work—in order for you to grow up in Christ—there are roles and responsibilities for all of God’s people. Join us this week as we consider the body of Christ that builds itself up in love.
From Series: "Male & Female: In the image of God for the purpose of God"
Some of the most challenging cultural flashpoints facing the church today are around the questions of gender and sexuality: What is a man? What is a woman? How should men and women interact? What is marriage? How do we address transgenderism and homosexuality? What is the role of men and women in the church, in the home, and in society? The Bible’s story of humanity—from our creation in Paradise, to our fall into sin, to our redemption in Christ, to the consummation of all things and the eternal state—is foundational to any kind of response to the issues in our culture that seem bewildering at first glance. Men and women were created with a purpose. Sin has affected not just our souls, but also our bodies and our minds. The work of Jesus Christ has introduced a new kind of community that transcends cultural norms. The Kingdom of God—an already present reality that is yet to come in its fullness—changes forever the relationships we take for granted. Like many of you, I have Christian friends and family who struggle with their gender identity and sexuality. I know many more who struggle to faithfully perform the duties of husband and wife. Our broader Reformed community has been rocked in recent years by misogynism. There is great concern that our young people are being catechized more by the culture than by what Scripture teaches them about their bodies. I have recently had conversations with single women in our church who wonder why the single men don’t seem interested in settling down and raising a Christian family. I say all of this so you know this isn’t an issue of “us” versus “them.” We all need to be brought back into conformity with the Word of God. My prayer is that this sermon series—in addition to the other steps our church has taken and will continue to take—will be one means that God will use to bring us to maturity of faith.