This week's sermon focused on the powerful message of family found within the book of 1 Timothy, specifically chapters 5 and 6. It's a message not just for church members, but for anyone seeking deeper connection and spiritual growth.
At Riverwood, we believe in fostering a community that reflects the love and support of a true family. We strive to create an environment where everyone feels welcome, regardless of their stage of faith. This includes practical support, such as our volunteer opportunities with the Northeast Iowa Food Bank (second Tuesday of each month – sign up details available on our website and in the church handout). We also celebrate the joys of our community, such as the recent births of Oliver, Sonnet, Amelia Renee, and Elizabeth. We extend our prayers to Chris and Kaylee during this time.
Our commitment to family extends beyond our church walls. We partner with Compassion International, an organization that provides vital support to children around the world. You can contribute through the connection card or the QR code provided.
1 Timothy emphasizes the importance of loving and caring for all members of the church family. Paul's use of familial language – fathers, brothers, mothers, sisters – isn't merely symbolic; it's a call to action. We should strive to mirror healthy family dynamics within our church community: kindness, care, support, trust, and laughter. The New Testament is replete with "one another" commands – love one another, serve one another, honor one another, bear one another's burdens – approximately 50 in total.
This extends to all ages and stages of life. Paul's instructions to Timothy regarding interactions with older and younger members highlight the importance of mutual respect and appropriate boundaries. Viewing women as sisters, mothers, and fellow members of God's family is crucial for fostering healthy relationships within the church and in marriages.
The sermon also addressed the difficult topic of lust, pornography, and infidelity. It's a pervasive issue, affecting both men and women, and often leaving individuals feeling isolated and ashamed. Statistics from the Barna Group highlight the alarming rise in pornography use, even among Christians. The sermon emphasized the importance of seeking help, confessing struggles, and finding freedom through God's grace. Pornography's harmful consequences – emotional, mental, physical, and relational – cannot be ignored. It's connected to the sex slavery industry and causes significant damage to individuals, families, and communities.
1 Timothy also speaks to the church's responsibility to care for vulnerable widows. This extends beyond simply providing financial support; it's about offering genuine love, compassion, and practical assistance. The church should be a haven for those who are marginalized and vulnerable, recognizing that vulnerability manifests differently across various societies and circumstances. This includes widows, single mothers, immigrants, and economically struggling families. Caring for the least among us is caring for Christ.
The sermon also addressed the issue of servitude, clarifying the distinction between indentured servitude (voluntary, temporary, with upfront payment) and chattel slavery. While Paul's instructions to slaves were given within the context of indentured servitude, the principle of honoring those in authority remains relevant. It's a call to love and serve one another, regardless of social standing, ultimately serving Christ.
The sermon concluded with a time of communion, a powerful reminder of Jesus' sacrifice and resurrection. Communion is a weekly practice at Riverwood, open to all followers of Jesus. It's a time to reflect on our identity in Christ and to renew our commitment to living out our faith. The sermon concluded with prayers for guidance, strength, and the grace to love one another as Christ loved us. We prayed for those struggling with lust and other challenges, asking for God's healing and restoration. We prayed for the courage to confess our struggles, to seek help, and to experience the freedom that comes from walking in God's grace. We prayed for Riverwood to be a church that truly reflects the love and compassion of Jesus Christ.
