FOUR THINGS THAT MAKE A CHRISTIAN CRASH

 

FOUR THINGS THAT MAKE A CHRISTIAN CRASH

            In 1929 and 2008, economic experts everywhere claimed to know precisely what they were doing, yet not a single person could fix the series of mistakes that crashed the world's economy. After these financial crises, many were rightfully furious--at the fraudulent bankers, who systematically destroyed the world economy for their gain; at the Wall Street brokers who received bailouts and little to no jail time, while millions lost everything.

            To avoid future financial catastrophes, a library in Edinburgh, Scotland, has compiled a collection of sensible economic literature that aims to educate the next generation of economists. The Library of Mistakes contains over 2,000 books, such as "Crash of the Titans, The Crunch, Debt Shock, Too Big to Fail, and The Manipulators—all relating to economics and finance.

            According to the library's curators, the Library of Mistakes served as a perfect example of how, according to the library's curators, "smart people keep doing stupid things." The library's curators argue that the only way to build a strong economy is to learn from our mistakes.      Ultimately, the Library of Mistakes encourages self-reflection and the study of History. In the words of George Santayana, "for those who do not remember the past are condemned to repeat it." And given the turbulent state of the world today, such advice could be timely."[1]

            God has written the historical sections of the Bible for this very reason--so that we would learn not to repeat the mistakes of others. The clear message is, "don't let this happen to you." In Chapter ten, the apostle Paul pulls out four pages from ancient Israel's History and warns the Corinthian believers not to repeat the mistakes committed by their forefathers. I will share "Four Things That Make A Christian Crash." I Corinthians 10:1-14

 

ANCIENT ISRAEL'S HISTORY

            After 430 years of hardship in the land of Egypt, as promised, God delivered the Israelites from their slavery. Under the able leadership of Moses, Aron, Miriam, and Joshua, over 600,000 Israelites and a multitude of non-Israelites left Egypt for a land flowing with milk and honey, the land of Canaan. (Ex 12: 27-41). In his final sermon in Deuteronomy, Moses calls the Israelites to remember God's dealings with them in the wilderness. Duet 8:2.

            Centuries later, Paul calls out the Corinthian believers, especially those from the Jewish faith, to learn lessons from their common History. You might be saying, why should I know about Israel’s History? By being the followers of Christ, we have become the children of Abraham. We have inherited the exact promises of blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience. We become a part of their shared story; therefore, we must pay attention to it. 

            The Apostle Paul encourages the Corinthian believers as to why God has deliberately left those dark chapters of Israel's History. Vs. 6, "These things happened as a warning to us so that we would not crave evil things as they did." He summarizes those evil things into 4 categories.

 

I. IDOLATRY IS FORBIDDEN. Vs.7

            Vs.7, "Do not be idolaters, as some of them were; as it is written: "The people sat down to eat and drink and got up to indulge in revelry." NIV Or "Do not serve or worship idols." The theme of worshiping idols or Idolatry seems to be a reoccurring one in I Corinthians.

            Paul was referring here to an incident that happened precisely two months after the Israelites left Egypt. They camped at Mount Sinai, and Moses had gone up to the top of the mountain to receive instructions from God.

            When people saw it took too long, they pressured Aaron saying, "make us some gods who can lead us." Aaron made a golden calf. The Israelites shouted, "O Israel, these are the gods who brought you out of the land of Egypt. Exodus 32:4

             Ex 32:6, "The people got up early the next morning to sacrifice burnt offerings and peace offerings. After this, they celebrated with feasting and drinking, and they indulged in pagan revelry." In worshipping the calf, they violated the first two of the ten commandments.

            Before He commanded them not to have any other gods or make for themselves any idol of any kind and not bow down to them or worship them, He established a truth. "I am the Lord your God, who rescued you from the land of Egypt, the place of your slavery." Ex 20:1-5.

            God wanted Israelites to know in absolute terms it was Him and no one who else delivered them from 430 years of slavery.  He wanted to continue to be their God and lead them on in their journey to the promised land. On the contrary, what did the Israelites do?

            They told Aaron it was Moses who led them out of Egypt, and in the future, they wanted some gods (not the almighty God Jehovah) to lead them on. That angered God very much. As you read through History, we see how God swiftly dealt with Israelite's Idolatry.

            Recalling these blatant violations and God's firm dealings with the Israelites, Paul warned the Corinthian believers, again and again, to flee from idolatry. You may say to me I am neither like the Israelites nor the Corinthians. I don't eat meat offered to idols, let alone serving and worshipping them. That may be true, but idolatry doesn't have to do with just bowing to idols. What does modern-day idolatry look like? How does then this fleeing from idolatry apply to me?  Modern-day idols come in all forms. What is it that takes most of our time, attention, and resources? In addition to deliberately worshipping man-made objects, Idolatry is equated with greed. Paul, writing to Ephesians, explains how greed amounts to Idolatry. Ephesians 5:5, "You can be sure that no immoral, impure, or greedy person will inherit the Kingdom of Christ and of God. For a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world." What is greed?

            It is an intense and selfish desire for something, especially wealth, power, or food. Greed often is the driving force behind many politicians and those who want to become famous and successful. If you are driven by greed, you are an idolator; hence, you must flee from greed.

            What happens if you don't overcome greed? You will shipwreck your life. I Timothy 6:10, "For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows."

 

II. FLEE FROM SEXUAL IMMORALITY

            Vs.8 "And we must not engage in sexual immorality as some of them did, causing 23,000 of them to die in one day." Here Paul was referring to a specific incident in Numbers 25:1-3

 While the Israelites were camped at Acacia Grove, some of the men defiled themselves by having sexual relations with local Moabite women.

            These women invited them to attend sacrifices to their gods, so the Israelites feasted with them and worshiped the gods of Moab. In this way, Israel joined in the worship of Baal of Peor, causing the Lord's anger to blaze against his people."  What is sexual immorality?

            Sexual immorality is having sex before and outside of marriage. Is sex between two legally married men and women, okay?  No! It amounts to sexual immorality; hence it is a Sin. If you want to avoid a crash, exercise self-control and flee from all forms of sexual immorality.

III DO NOT PUT THE LORD TO TEST

            Vs.9, "Nor should we put Christ to the test, as some of them did and then died from snakebites." Paul uses the example of the complaining of Israel against the Lord for bringing them out of Egypt, for which the Lord punished them severely, and many died of snake bites (Nu 21:6).  At another time, Israelites complained against Moses, "Give us water to drink. Moses replied, why are you complaining against me? And why are you testing the Lord."

            In the end, Moses struck the rock in anger, and water came out. Moses named that place Massah, which means "test." Ex 17:7. It seemed testing the Lord became a pattern in Israelites lives. By saying "we," Paul includes himself in cautioning the Corinthians against complaining and testing the Lord to see what he will do. We, too, are capable of testing the Lord.  

 

IV. DON'T BE A SULLEN GRUMBLER

             Vs. 10, "And don't grumble as some of them did, and then were destroyed by the angel of death." This incident is recorded in Num. 16:3–41. At one point, the sons of Korah incited a rebellion against Moses and Aaron's leadership. The earth was opened up and swallowed people.      Then the whole community of Israel began to murmur against Moses, saying, you have killed the Lord's people. The Lord took up the case of his servants Moses and Aaron and sent a plague that killed 14,700 people. So, think for yourself, is it worth grumbling?

            Who is a grumbler? A grumbler is someone who is given to excessive complaints and fretting and whining. There are some people no matter what they always grumble about something or someone. Did you ever meet a grumbler? They are not pleasant people to be around. God hates murmuring and complaining! He does not take it lightly. Numbers 11:1-5

            Grumbling often comes from discontentment. You are discontent about your current situation, and you complain and grumble. James 5:9, "Don't grumble about each other, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. For look—the Judge is standing at the door!

            We must take these lessons from Israel's History to heart to avoid a crash. No doubt, you and I, at times, will be tempted to serve and worship the idols we set ourselves, to test the Lord, to be given to sexual immorality, and to grumble. Temptation is not sin but yielding to it is a sin. Be encouraged. Christ was tempted in the same ways you and I are being tempted yet remained sinless. He understands us when we are tempted and sends help on our way. Amen!

             

 

 

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[1] Adapted from: Deborah Chu, “How the Great Recession Inspired Edinburgh’s Library of Mistakes,” Culture Trip (12-18-17); Staff, “Library of Mistakes,” Atlas Obscura (Accessed 5/27/21); Douglas Fraser, “The Library of Mistakes,” BBC (2-16-19)

What Builds A Church?

 

WHAT BUILDS A CHURCH?

            Following the devastation of New Orleans caused by Hurricane Katrina, Fred Luter surveyed the damage from a helicopter. Luter, the pastor of the 7,000-plus member Franklin Avenue Baptist Church, strained to catch sight of his church building from the aircraft's window. The stench from the water-soaked houses and sludge-covered vehicles drifted 500 feet in the air.

            Finally, Luter spied his Church and began to weep as the helicopter circled it twice. Several other ministers who were with him sought to comfort him, putting their hands around his shoulders. He chose not to fly over his nearby home. The weeping pastor shared; life is like a vapor on this side of eternity. What you have today could be gone tomorrow. You can't put your trust in earthly things. It's tough. I've got 19 years of my life invested there."[1]

            Then, looking beyond the tragedy, Luter spoke with courage and determination. "But we're going to rebuild. We're going to rebuild. "As per the determination to rebuild the Church, "FABC is currently still growing. In December 2018, the congregation moved into a brand new 3,500 seat sanctuary with separate children and youth worship services." [2]

            This story raises a few questions. What is a church? Is it a structural building or a community of sinners saved by grace and set apart for God? Church buildings are built and can be destroyed, but what truly makes a local church strong? It is not bricks and mortar as in a physical structure, but precepts upon precepts of God learned and applied by Christians.

            I believe that is the case with FABC or any church that has survived this Global Pandemic. After dealing with critical relational issues, the Apostle Paul addresses questions regarding liberties in the Church. In the process, he reminded the Corinthian believers of what is involved in building their congregation. WHAT BUILDS A CHURCH? I Corinthians 8:1-13

 

Background: Before we explore our passage, it would be helpful to refresh our memory regarding the beginnings and the make-up of the Corinthian Church. By the end of the 2^nd century, Corinth had become one of the wealthiest cities in the world. Paul believed that Corinth was a strategic city of influence, with a significant Jewish population. (Acts 18:4).

            Corinth was one of the most wicked cities of ancient times. Degradation, immorality, and heathen customs abounded. Many religions were represented, even a temple that offered a thousand sacred prostitutes. People worshipped pleasure more than living by godly principles. In that context, a Church was born due to the Apostle Paul's 18 months of intense labor.

            The Corinthian Church was made up of converts from the Jewish faith, Greek and Roman backgrounds. Some of the Corinthians had a colorful past.  Some had been male prostitutes, some practiced homosexuality, and others worshipped idols, robbed, cheated, and committed adultery. You could only imagine what a task it was for Paul to lead them on the right path.

            While addressing critical issues of concern, Paul laid down specific codes of conduct for these believers of diverse religious beliefs and behavioral backgrounds. Paul shares how individual rights might offend weak believers and what builds up all believers in this passage.

 

I. FOOD SACRIFICED TO IDOLS (4-6)

            Vs.4-6, "So, what about eating meat that has been offered to idols? Well, we all know that an idol is not really a god and that there is only one God. 5 There may be so-called gods both in heaven and on earth, and some people actually worship many gods and many lords.

            6 But we know that there is only one God, the Father, who created everything, and we live for him. And there is only one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom God made everything and through whom we have been given life." The question here was, what about eating food offered to idols? In one way, they may have been asking, "why can't we eat meat offered to idols"?

            To understand the context of this question, the Greeks and Romans were polytheistic (worshipping many gods) and polydemonistic (believing in many evil spirits). They believed that the evil spirits would try to invade human beings by attaching themselves to food before it was eaten. So, they would offer it to the idols to purify it and drive away evil spirits.  Like in India.

            Such decontaminated food was offered to the gods as a sacrifice. The unburnt food on the altar was served at wicked pagan festivals, and the leftover was sold in the market. After conversion, believers resented eating such food bought out of markets because it reminded sensitive Gentile believers of their previous pagan lives and the demonic worship.

            Paul was aware of their knowledge on matters regarding idols and food offered to them. So, he begins his argument by agreeing with believers who knew "idols were nothing, so food offered to idols was not defiled." What are the idols that millions worship?

            According to Paul, an idol is not a god. He further notes in verse five, "There may be so-called gods both in heaven and on earth, and some people actually worship many gods and many lords." Where did Paul get this understanding? Perhaps by reading Psalm 115:4-8.

            "Their idols are merely things of silver and gold, shaped by human hands. They have mouths but cannot speak and eyes but cannot see. They have ears but cannot hear, and noses but cannot smell. They have hands but cannot feel, and feet but cannot walk, and throats but cannot make a sound. 8 And those who make idols are just like them, as are all who trust in them."

            Repeatedly for this and other reasons, God condemned idolatry. When people worship idols, unknowingly, they are worshipping demons. (Psalm 106:36-38, 2 Chron 11:15). Later in the letter, Paul urges believers to flee from idolatry by equating the food offered to idols to demons, not to God. (I Cor 10:19). Understanding these and other scriptures brought clarity towards idolatry and gave me a compassionate approach towards idol worshipers.

            After exposing the myths and false understanding of idols, he appeals to their collective knowledge of the supremacy of the God of creation. If you have any doubts regarding who created and sustains everything, listen to verse six, "But we know that there is only one God, the Father, who created everything, and we live for him. And there is only one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom God made everything and through whom we have been given life."

Verses seven to ten explain the proper way of dealing with our liberties.

 

II WHAT ABOUT MY RIGHTS? (7-10)

            It looked like those from a Jewish background believed that idols were nothing but demons; hence, eating food offered to idols would not affect them. In contrast, others from Greco-Roman believed differently and were reluctant to eat meat sacrificed to idols.             Apparently, some Christians were going into the temple and eating food offered to the idols. They encouraged other Christians to do the same or at least in danger of doing so. Vs. 10, "For if others see you with your "superior knowledge" eating in the temple of an idol, won't they be encouraged to violate their conscience by eating food that has been offered to an idol"?

            In the Corinthian Church, it would seem that some believers were asserting and defending their right to eat food offered to idols in the temple while others were uncertain. What do Christians in our country argue about these days? We may not be fighting over food offered to idols. We may be fighting over asserting our rights and so-called freedoms.

            For example, the right to bear arms, women's reproductive rights, gay marriage, wearing masks and vaccinations, immigration, etc. The proponents and opponents of these rights and others may have valid arguments to support their case. However, several Churches and families have been split over these issues. Is it worth asserting our rights or preserve a relationship? Paul discusses how he dealt with his rights as a model of how we should exercise our rights.

 

III. WHAT BUILDS A CHURCH?

            Paul challenges the notion of "knowledge." We sometimes tend to think we know all we need to know to answer specific questions. If knowing becomes everything, some people end up as know-it-alls who treat others as know-nothings. Actual knowledge isn't that insensitive.   Paul dedicated a whole chapter to deal with love, but he highlighted a few aspects of love here. Vs.1, "But while knowledge makes us feel important, it is love that strengthens the church." "But knowledge puffs up while love builds up." (NIV) He draws a contrast between knowledge that makes people arrogant and a compassionate love that builds people up.

            Loving God and one another is not optional but a direct command we Christians must follow. Consider these scriptures: Matt 22:37-39, "Jesus replied, "You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: 'Love your neighbor as yourself."

            John 19:34, "So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other." I John 4:7-12, "Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God. Dear friends, since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each other. 12 No one has ever seen God. But if we love each other, God lives in us, and his love is brought to full expression in us." Building on this premise, Paul urged the Corinthians to love God because God would know them through their love. I Cor 8:3. Knowledge puffs up, but love builds people up.

            Paul's freedom to eat meat would offend a weak believer; he was ready to give up his right. If Paul was willing to give up his freedom not to offend a brother, how about you and me? When we love others, our freedom should be less important to us than strengthening the faith of our fellow believers. What builds Hope church and any other church is LOVE. Amen!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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[1] https://www.preachingtoday.com/illustrations/2005/october/16175.html

[2] https://www.franklinabc.com/about/our-pastor

FINDING COMMON GROUND

 

FINDING COMMON GROUND

            The 2020 elections have been highly polarized. They have exposed and further widened the already existing gap among various groups of people in this country. How could politicians get anything done in this highly divided country? That is about politics. How about our religious and cultural views? How conflicting are they? How could the Church effectively share the Good News in a country with several religions and opinions on any matter?

            In our Pastor's small group, we had a passionate discussion on human rights. Though we had varied opinions on what they are, we agreed with what our founders said in the declaration of independence, "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."[1]

            As American citizens, we are passionate about pursuing and protecting these rights. But as citizens of the Kingdom and followers of Christ, how do we understand human rights? According to scriptures, what rights do we have? Are we to hold on to them rigidly and fight for them, or may we sometimes be called to give them up for the sake of the Gospel?

            Last week we looked at Paul's willingness to give up his right to eat meat. The first fifteen verses in chapter nine list his fundamental rights as a believer and an apostle. After explaining how he gave them up voluntarily, he described how he related to everyone.

            It looked like some believers in the Corinthian Church challenged Paul's credibility and authority as an apostle. To counter that challenge, he posed fifteen questions to his challengers. He silenced the accusers by asserting, he was a free man like everyone else, that he was an apostle who had indeed seen Jesus our Lord. Then he lists out his fundamental rights.

I. PAUL GIVES UP HIS BASIC RIGHTS (I Cor 9:1-15)

            He argued that he was entitled to food, drink, housing, and taking a believing wife along, like other apostles and brothers like Peter. He asserted his right to support from the Corinthians because he preached the Gospel to them.  Vs.14, "In the same way, the Lord ordered that those who preach the Good News should be supported by those who benefit from it."

            This is one of the reasons why at Hope Church, we take supporting our missionaries and our Pastor or visiting speakers seriously. We can live without all the extra comforts in the Church, but we never want to withhold our support to those out there spreading the Gospel.

            My mother was a great example of supporting, visiting pastors, missionaries, and evangelists. She kept a box with extra money from her salary and gave it to whoever dropped by our house to pray. In YWAM, our family experienced the generosity of many believers worldwide. Some supported us from their hard earnings and savings.

            Supporting those who preach the Gospel is not just a good idea but was ordered by God. When we are generous towards missionaries and evangelists, God will be gracious towards us. Paul reminded them about this fundamental right. He also said that he never used that right or any other rights in Corinth except receiving support from other churches. Col 4:15-17

            I Cor 9:15-16 "Yet I have never used any of these rights. And I am not writing this to suggest that I want to start now. In fact, I would rather die than lose my right to boast about preaching without charge. 16 Yet preaching the Good News is not something I can boast about. I am compelled by God to do it. How terrible for me if I didn't preach the Good News!

            Though he had all the rights, Paul never demanded his rights. He was willing to let go of all of them except his right to preach the Good News without charge. To an extent, he cried out how terrible it was for him if he didn't preach it. What is your view of the Good News?

II. THE GOOD NEWS STEWARDS

            Vs. 17-18, "If I were doing this on my own initiative, I would deserve payment. But I have no choice, for God has given me this sacred trust. (Stewardship entrusted to me, NASB). 18 What then is my pay? It is the opportunity to preach the Good News without charging anyone. That's why I never demand my rights when I preach the Good News."

            Paul saw himself as a steward of the Good News. God entrusted to him this sacred trust. While writing to Ephesians and Colossians, he affirms this God-given responsibility. Ephesians 3:2-3 "by the way that you know, God gave me the special responsibility of extending his grace to you Gentiles. 3 As I briefly wrote earlier, God himself revealed his mysterious plan to me."

            Colossians 1:25, "God has given me the responsibility of serving his church by proclaiming his entire message to you." We see three action verbs here, and they are, extending, proclaiming, and serving, partly describing Paul's job as a steward of the Good News.  

            What is stewardship? "It is the careful and responsible management of something entrusted to one's care, stewardship of natural resources."[2] Other words for steward are waiter attendant (like the flight attendant), administrator, etc. So as a steward or administrator, what was Paul given to administer, discharge, distribute or give to others? It was the Good News.

            How do you define Good News? First, the bad news, we all are sinners and need a savior. When we die without repenting of our sins, we will suffer in hell forever. The Good news is that God loved us very much, and he did not want us to go to hell, so he sent Jesus into this world.

            Jesus preached the message of repentance. He healed the sick, fed the hungry, and delivered people bound by Satan. He died on the cross for our sins and rose again on the third day. Whoever believes in Jesus will live forever in heaven with God. That is Good News.

            Is the Good News meant to keep it for ourselves or share it with others? Along with Paul and other disciples, we too have become Good News Stewards. How are we to give this Good News away to others? We are to give it freely without charging anything for it.

            In the eighties, I used to sing this song passionately "God forgave my sins in Jesus' name I've been born again in Jesus' name And in Jesus' name I come to you. To share His love as He told me to. He said, freely, freely you have received, Freely freely give. Go in My name, and because you believe, Others will know that I live." Matthew 10:5-8

            Paul recognized he was the worst of sinners, undeserving of God's mercy, yet Jesus met him on the Road of Damascus and opened his blind eyes so that he could see the Light of salvation. Jesus commissioned him to go to the Gentiles to open their blind eyes so that they may turn from darkness to Light and from the power of Satan to God. Acts 26:18

            Sharing the good news with others is not like a blind man leading another blind man, but a healed blind man opening the eyes of others who are blinded by Satan so that they may see the Light. Paul was grateful that Christ had saved him. God compelled him to share the Good News with others without charge. His only reward was the opportunity to share it with others.

            Paul went to great lengths and took dangerous risks to share the Good News with others. Even though Paul was a free man, he considered himself a slave to all people. With the hope that he would bring many people to saving faith in Christ Jesus our Lord. Is that our hope too?

            The late Leonard Ravenhill noted, "Could a mariner sit idle if he heard the drowning cry? Could a doctor sit in comfort and just let his patients die? Could a fireman sit idle, let men burn, and give no hand? Can you sit at ease in Zion with the world around you damned? You may be convicted by the Holy Spirit and asking me, "I want to be like Paul and share the Good News with others, but how do I do it? I am glad you ask me. Here is how we can do it. 

III. FINDING COMMON GROUND

            Vs.22, "When I am with those who are weak, I share their weakness, for I want to bring the weak to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some. I do everything to spread the Good News and share in its blessings."

            Paul tried to find common ground with everyone and did all he could do to save some. Finding common ground with others in our society is not always easy, but it is worth trying. It is like Congress and the Senate trying to pass bipartisan bills. In most situations, members would vote according to party lines. But when they can find common ground and pass bills of national interests, we all can share in its blessings. Similarly, sharing the Good News with others.

            Finding common ground doesn't mean compromising our faith but finding common interests and building from there. For example, Jesus meeting the Samaritan woman at the well. Both Jesus and the woman had one thing in common; they needed water. Jesus was thirsty and needed a cup of water. The woman came to get a pail of water from the well. Finding common ground, Jesus ultimately led the woman to acknowledge her more profound need for a savior. She came for a pail of water; He gave her the wellspring of living water.

            Here are a few pointers that might help us find common ground. 1. In our first encounter with people, please don't rush to share the whole Gospel with them. They may not be ready yet to receive the fantastic news you are so eager to share with them. Be patient with them.

            2. Be aware that every person you meet is made in the image of God and of infinite worth. 3. Be interested in others. Learn to ask good questions; for example, what has it been like living through the pandemic or change of job? Tell me a bit about your journey etc. 4. Be a good listener. 5. Meet them where they are at and gently lead them where they need to go. That is what Christ has done for us. Let us go out and find common ground to share the Good News. Amen!

 

                 

  

           

 

 

 

  

 

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[1] https://billofrightsinstitute.org/primary-sources/declaration-of-independence

[2] https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stewardship

The Ministry of Singlehood

                                              THE MINISTRY OF SINGLEHOOD

            Kate Bolick wrote an article for The Atlantic magazine looking at attitudes towards single women like her. She noted that many single women still long for marriage and have a fear of lifelong singleness. She says that she experienced "panicked exhaustion" around the age of 36. (She was 39 at the time of the article). She felt an intense need to marry immediately, even if it meant settling for a less than desirable or "qualified" man.

            She interviewed several single women in their early 20s. When she asked them if they wanted to get married and, if so, at what age? They all answered "yes" and wanted to be married by the age of 27 or 28. She reminded them of her age (39) and suggested that they could still be single at that age. She asked, "Does that freak you out?" She reports, "again they nodded." Then one young woman whispered, "I don't think I can bear doing this for that long."

            This interview captures the pain and honesty around singleness—for both men and women. But it also highlights the need for a better way to think about singleness, the high view of singleness found in the Bible."[1] "Once upon a time in America, marriage was the norm for adults of a certain age. But now, for the first time since 1976, the number of single people outnumber married people: About 50.2 percent or 124.6 million American adults are single—in 1950, that number sat around 22 percent."[2] A lot of people in this country are single.       

            Last week we focused on marriages and married couples. Today we will be focusing on singles. If you are single for whatever reason, you are very welcome here. We love our singles as much as we value and love married couples, families, and children at Hope Church. Singles are not overlooked here. They matter and have a lot to contribute to the Ministry of Hope Church, perhaps more than married couples. I title this message "The Ministry of Singlehood."

            The Apostle Paul took a firm stand when addressing marriage, married couples, and divorce. He said, Vs.10, "a command that comes not from me, but from the Lord." But when addressing young women who were not yet married or singles, he was a bit softer. Vs. 25, "I do not have a command from the Lord for them. But the Lord in his mercy has given me wisdom that can be trusted, and I will share it with you." Keep that in mind as we explore this passage.

 

I. WHAT ABOUT VIRGINS AND MARRIAGE?

             Remember, Paul was addressing a question regarding the young women who were not yet married. The question may have gone something like this, is it better to remain single or married? Or whether married or single, how are we to live our lives? Paul answered tactfully, Vs. 26, "Because of the present crisis, I think it is best to remain as you are." What did he mean?

            The present crisis here was probably a reference to the pressures of the Christian life in an immoral and particularly hostile environment. Paul may have foreseen the impending persecution that the Roman government would soon bring upon Christians. (2 Tim 3:12).

            Vs. 28, "But if you do get married, it is not a sin. And if a young woman gets married, it is not a sin. However, those who get married at this time will have troubles, and I am trying to spare you those problems." Paul gave this practical advice because being unmarried would mean less suffering and more freedom to spend one's life for the cause of Christ.

            Many people naively think that marriage will solve all their problems. Here are some problems that marriage won't solve:1. Loneliness. 2. Sexual temptations. 3. One's emotional deepest needs. 4. Life's difficulties. As wonderful as marriage is, marriage doesn't automatically solve every problem.

            Whether married or single, we must be content with our situation and focus on Jesus Christ, not on our loved ones, to help address our problems.  In verses 29-31, Paul urges Christians to live for the Lord, whether married, widowed, divorced, or single.

 

II.THE CLOCK IS TICKING! (Vs. 29-31)

            Vs.29-31, "I do want to point out, friends, that time is of the essence. There is no time to waste, so don't complicate your lives unnecessarily. Keep it simple—in marriage, grief, joy, whatever. Even in ordinary things—your daily routines of shopping, and so on. Deal as sparingly as possible with the things the world thrusts on you. This world as you see it is fading away."

            Eugene Peterson captured the essence of these verses and put them in contemporary language. The apostle explains that the time for doing the Lord's work is short and perhaps coming to an end. This is not necessarily a reference to the second coming of Christ, for Paul may have been anticipating persecutions and possible curtailment of freedom of religion.

            In light of what was to come, Paul urged Christians to live in freedom from the entanglements of marriage, material positions, and beyond sadness and joy that life may bring upon them. In other words, "Live for the Lord, in all matters of life," What does this mean for us?

            Just like during Paul's times, Christians in many places are facing persecution. As the scripture suggests, "the world and its desires soon pass away." It is becoming harder and harder for Christians to live by, practice, and propagate their faith in this hostile environment.

            The window to preach the gospel is rapidly closing down. The clock is ticking for the return of our Lord Jesus Christ. In light of that, how are we to live our lives today? What should be our priorities? Are we to live selfishly to please ourselves or to please our Lord? After addressing the married, the Apostle Paul highlights the benefits of singles and unmarried ones.

 

III. THE MINISTRY OF SINGLEHOOD. (Vs. 32-35) 

            Are the singles missing out in life? Are they free of complications and having the best of their time? It depends on who you ask and how you approach Singlehood. Some might see it as a curse, but the scriptures place a higher view. Paul sees Singlehood as a Gift from the Lord.

            Vs7, "But I wish everyone were single, just as I am. Yet each person has a special gift from God, of one kind or another." Paul was not jealous of married people; instead, he recognized either you are married or single, see it as a special gift from God.

            When he said, He was in the same line of thinking as Jesus. While addressing a concern on divorce, Jesus responded to his disciples, who said, "If this is the case, it is better not to marry." "Not everyone can accept this statement," Jesus said. Only those whom God helps… some chose not to marry for the sake of the Kingdom of heaven." Matthew 19:11-12

            The essence of this scripture is that many are called to marry and have a family in life. But to some, God gives a unique gift of Singlehood and extra help to remain single.  They choose not to marry for the sake of the Kingdom. May God bless such individuals. 

             I view Singlehood as an opportunity for ministry directed unto the Lord and his people. Singles have time, capacity, and fewer encumberments to do ministry more than the married couples. That was what the Apostle Paul alluded to in these verses. I read from (The Message).

               32-35 "I want you to live as free of complications as possible. When you're unmarried, you're free to concentrate on simply pleasing the Master. Marriage involves you in all the nuts and bolts of domestic life and in wanting to please your spouse, leading to so many more demands on your attention. The time and energy that married people spend on caring for and nurturing each other, the unmarried can spend in becoming whole and holy instruments of God. I'm trying to be helpful and make it as easy as possible for you, not make things harder. All I want is for you to be able to develop a way of life in which you can spend plenty of time together with the Master without a lot of distractions." There is nothing more I can explain here. All I want to say is that the benefits outweigh the challenges of Singlehood for the singles.

            Here are some of Singlehood's benefits. First, the essence of time. You have more time to serve the Lord and the people of God through hospitality and other acts of service. Second, you are free from the challenges and responsibilities of married couples. Third, you can be focused on pleasing the Lord. Fourth you can be devoted to the Lord and in body and spirit.

            Let me give you a biblical and real-time example of Singlehood. Anna, the prophetess! Anna was the daughter of Phanuel from the tribe of Asher. Her husband died after seven years of marriage, and she remained as a widow to the age of eighty-four. One wonders how did Anna manage to stay single? Anna lived in a different realm of reality. The temple of God became her dwelling place, and she sustained herself worshipping God with fasting and prayer. Her expectation of the Messiah probably gave strength and hope in her Singlehood. Anna praised God when she finally saw baby Jesus in the temple. Lk 2:36-38

            Wilma and I have a dear friend and an intercessor who lives on Cape Cod.  She is a messianic Jew. She is single and has never been married. I asked her if she had any words of encouragement for singles. Here is her testimony: "Although I've had ten proposals of marriage. I'm still single. One can serve the Lord Jesus, free of distractions when single, have more creativity, more energy to do His service, using the gifts He's entrusted to each person. 

            I like to serve the Body of Christ thru singing, writing books, and discipling. I can be accessible in the evenings to disciple people.  I would probably be at home if I were married, cooking dinner for my husband and the kids. There is also more creativity in being single.  I just cut my 3rd vocal CD of old hymns. Being single has responsibilities, though. We still have to pay the bills, cook food, do laundry, etc." Anna and Genie saw Singlehood as a Ministry.

            If you are single for whatever reason, don't lose hope. See it as a special gift from God. You have a ministry of Singlehood. Use your skills and talents in serving the Lord. Amen!

 

 

 

 

              

 

 

 

 

 

           

           

             

             

 

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[1] Source: Adapted from Christina S. Hitchcock, The Significance of Singleness (Baker Books, 2018), pages 4-5

https://www.wnycstudios.org/podcasts/takeaway/segments/more-half-americans-are-single[2]