On Sunday evenings in March, we begin a short series called ‘Living in Babylon’.
March 27th
Working for the Man | Luke Addison | 20th March at 7pm
On Sunday evenings in March, we begin a short series called ‘Living in Babylon’.
March 22nd
Matthew 20: 1-16. Ephesians 6:5-9 Summary.
Useful and creative work predated the fall in the book of Genesis. Mankind was given the earth to steward. ‘Painful toil’ is a symptom of fallenness and a breaking of God’s original design for fruitfulness. Work is celebrated is scripture however both as a creative act, and a place for provision for human flourishing. In the New Testament the relationship of work, authority and the relationship between master and servant are important issues.
The ’protestant work ethic’ may be derived from Paul’s strong words about work (2 Thessalonians 3:10 ‘If a man will not work he shall not eat’ for example).
Questions for discussion
As Christians how do we bring our work into our discipleship? Do we celebrate the influence and fulfilment work brings? Do Churches over celebrate ‘Christian ministry vocations’ at the expense of the market work place?
When is work vocation or toil?
What work culture should we aspire to? What should make us as Christians distinctive in the workplace?
How do we relate to bosses, peers and those we employ or manage?
How much is work for our sake and fulfilment, how much simply to provide for
ourselves and others? Why are some people ‘workaholics’?
What does good work life balance look like for Christians? What are the tensions
between the demands of work and the demands of Church?
Sex & Relationships Part 2 | Nigel Savage | 13th of March at 7pm
On Sunday evenings in March, we begin a short series called ‘Living in Babylon’.
March 13th. Sex & Relationships .
Matthew 19:1-12 Ephesians 5:22-33. 1 Corinthians 6 & 7.
Summary
As Christians, we have a very high view of sex. We believe this good gift from God is both precious and powerful. We believe that sexual intercourse is ‘covenantal’ in expressing the unity of husband and wife and acting out an even greater covenant between Christ and his Church. We believe the boundaries scripture gives are ‘good news’, for protection and blessing. We also recognize this is as profoundly counter-cultural now as it was in the time of Christ. We are not seeking to judge anyone but to point to a way of life that offers still offers blessing and protection where there is so much pain around human sexuality.
Part 2. Further Questions on sexuality
1. Contemporary society has lots of questions about sex and gender. How much of human sexuality is to do with ‘biological hard wiring’ and how much ‘societal constructs? Is there an ‘original design’ that we have fallen away from, or an evolving understanding of human possibility in a post-industrial age?
2. How do we honor one another in our sexual differences? How do we balance ‘freedom’ and ‘not causing someone else to stumble? What do we understand by treating one another as brothers and sisters in Church?
3. What does sexual purity look like in C21 society? What answer would we give to the psalmist who says ‘how can a young person keep their way pure’?
4. Sex was a big part of pagan worship in the society around the people of God in Bible times. What is the relationship between sex and worship? Is there a sex god today, (not Tom Jones) – a fallen spiritual power around sexuality?
Living in Babylon: Sex & Relationships - Part 1 | Nigel Savage | 6th March 2022 at 7pm
On Sunday evenings in March, we begin a short series called ‘Living in Babylon’.
6th of March
Sex & Relationships .
Matthew 19:1-12 Ephesians 5:22-33. 1 Corinthians 6 & 7.
Summary
As Christians we have a very high view of sex. We believe this good gift from God is both precious and powerful. We believe that sexual intercourse is ‘covenantal’ in expressing the unity of husband and wife and acting our an even greater covenant between Christ and his Church. We believe the boundaries scripture gives are ‘good news’, for protection and blessing.
We also recognise this is as profoundly counter cultural now as it was in the time of Christ. We are not seeking to judge anyone but to point to a way of life that offers still offers blessing and protection where there is so much pain around human sexuality.
Questions for discussion
What words or phrases would you use to describe our western culture and society’s view of the place of sex? (e.g. ‘ People should have freedom of choice, provided no one gets hurt’, ‘We live in a sexually liberated world’ ‘There is a lot of pain and exploitation around sex’)
Do you think sexual expression needs boundaries? If so what should they be?
Christianity has celebrated marriage as a life-long partnership between two people
where sex is exclusively reserved for that relationship. Where does this understanding derive from in the Bible? What issues does this understanding raise for Christians living in contemporary society?
The central founder of Christianity (Jesus) and its chief theologian and church shaper (Paul) were both single men. How does today’s Church celebrate singleness? Are single people disadvantaged in Church life? What does it mean to be single and sexual?
How do you relate to the ‘high bar’ of teaching on marriage Jesus gives in Matthew
19? What does Jesus mean by ‘those who can accept this teaching should accept it’?
Do you think the traditional Christian view of marriage is good news or bad news?
Why?