Westside Christian Fellowship

If you want to stay up on the latest audio messages from Westside Christian Fellowship, don’t forget to subscribe to this podcast on iTunes. Tweet Complete Sermon Notes Flatline Faith – Awake From Death   Rev. 3:1-6   INTRO: A Survey of the Seven Ephesus [like this church] was also dead, but Christ noted their service, their straight-forward theology, & their ability to point out error, but they had left their first love. This always leads to a hard heart. The same sun that once melt the wax now hardens the clay. Whereas Sardis is numb to the things of God – they have become dead and defiled. Ephesus Christians like to tell everyone else to repent, but fail to see their own need. Sardis Christians don’t want to repent because they enjoy sin – they don’t want to cleanse their defiled garments.   A Poem that may apply: “I would like to buy three dollars worth of God, please. Not enough to explode my soul or disturb my sleep, but just enough to equal a cup of warm milk, or a snooze in the sunshine…I want ecstasy, not transformation. I want the warmth of the womb, not a new birth. I want a pound of the eternal in a paper sack. I would like to buy three dollars worth of God, please” (Wilbur Reese). _________________________________________   Read the entire passage on the screen – follow along – note what STANDS OUT.   Rev. 3:1, “And to the angel of the church in Sardis write, ‘These things says He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars: Isaiah 11:2, “The Spirit of the LORD will rest on him — the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of power, the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD.” Seven angelic beings. Completion – the 7 churches may represent all facets of church experience.   1…“I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead. “I know you exist but you’re dead. You have an add on FB, but you’re dead. You have a sign in front, you even started a school…You pack them in…Members show up when it’s convenient…You even serve at WCF, but…   You barely have a pulse – you need spiritual resuscitation. _______   2 Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die, for I have not found your works perfect before God. 3 Remember therefore how you have received and heard; hold fast and repent. Be Watchful and note [call out] what is ready to die. And Strengthen what remains – lift your spiritual muscles. How do you resurrect dead faith? A dying prayer life? Dry worship life? How do you become alive in Christ?   1st – do you truly know Him?    2nd . . . Strengthen AND fight…In the Bible, watching is moving – not “watching” TV. _______  

If you want to stay up on the latest audio messages from Westside Christian Fellowship, don’t forget to subscribe to this podcast on iTunes. Tweet Complete Sermon Notes The Jezebel Seduction Rev. 2:18-29   INTRO: A Survey of the Seven Rev. 2:18 “And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write, ‘These things says the Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and His feet like fine brass: He is the Son of God.   JW.org: We follow the teachings and example of Jesus Christ and honor him as our Savior and as the Son of God. (Matthew 20:28;Acts 5:31) Thus, we are Christians. (Acts 11:26) However, we have learned from the Bible that Jesus is not Almighty God and that there is no Scriptural basis for the Trinity doctrine.—John 14:28.   There is one God (Deuteronomy 6:4;

If you want to stay up on the latest audio messages from Westside Christian Fellowship, don’t forget to subscribe to this podcast on iTunes. Tweet Complete Sermon Notes The Compromising, Silent Church Rev. 2:12-17 IF JESUS VISITED: What would He say about our worship and the depth of our prayer? Fortunately, we have a gauge to measure the spiritual condition of our churches and our lives.   RECAP: Unteachable, Unloving – Know it all…to..Perseverance thru Persecution. Now it’s Compromise and Silence – THE MR. ROGERS CHURCH: 1] When you compromise in the area of sin, you’re often silent about it. 2] Or, it can be a lack of boldness. 3] Or, it’s simply easier. ONE REASON WHY MANY PARENTS DON’T DRAW A HARD LINE – it’s easier not to “rock-the-boat.”   Like a thermostat, the Pulpit affects the spiritual temp. of the church. The silent church allows false teaching – the pulpit may not be dead but it will be misled. Pastors of these churches are cheerleaders but never coaches. They encourage but rarely convict. What if God’s Word remains silent? What if worship lyrics and preaching remain silent? What if police departments just handed out candy? ________________________________________ Rev. 2:12 “And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write, ‘These things says He who has the sharp two-edged sword: *Let it cut out the compromise. JESUS ENCOURAGES: 13 “I know your works, and where you dwell, where Satan’s throne is. And you hold fast to My name, and did not deny My faith even in the days in which Antipas was My faithful martyr, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells. They were holding to the faith even in the face of martyrdom – so this is not necessarily a lukewarm church. A martyr is a witness. It was the center of political power and worship – the devil felt at home – he was clearly ruling and reigning. Satan’s Throne: Temples to Zeus (huge altar for him), Apollo, and many others were there including the god of healing – the snake symbol is still used today in the medical world – they allowed snakes to crawl on bodies for healing. ________________________________________ JESUS THEN CONVICTS: “Mr Rogers, you’re a nice guys – you feed the homeless and paint homes for people…14 But I have a few things against you, because you have there those who hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit sexual immorality.” [READ NUMBERS 22 thru 24.] Breakdown – The Doctrine of Balaam. There is a very troubling trend toward moral compromise in the evangelical church. I’ve witnessed soft porn images on Christian websites, questionable movie clips during PowerPoint sermons, and youth pastors talk about their favorite sexually charged…   He put “a stumbling block…” … an obstacle to progress before them. “You have there those who hold to.” Error was allowed: “Well, at least they are coming to church. Who am I to say anything?”

If you want to stay up on the latest audio messages from Westside Christian Fellowship, don’t forget to subscribe to this podcast on iTunes. Tweet Complete Sermon Notes Persecution, Purity, and Power A SURVEY OF THE SEVEN Series – pt. 3   INTRO: Series and What the Spirit says to the churches: “Lord, I want to hear – I’m open; I’m teachable – speak to me.” The Persecuted Church – Rev. 2:8 “And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write, ‘These things says the First and the Last, who was dead, and came to life: 9 “I know your works, tribulation, and poverty (but you are rich); and I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.   A reminder of the resurrection – who was dead, and came to life. HEADLINE: “Cremated remains unearthed in China are the Buddha’s, inscription says.” Why were these “works” different then the church in Ephesus? Impoverished financially but not spiritually. POVERTY is not a gauge for spirituality – Paul said, “I know how to be thankful in all…” God blesses, but may also withdraw. However, poverty can be the result of sin and bad choices. _____________________ What is a synagogue of Satan – saying they are Jews but are not?  “I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.” Romans 2:29 “but he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the Spirit, not in the letter; whose praise is not from men but from God.” To blaspheme GOD is to speak with contempt about Him or to be defiantly irreverent toward Him – To disregard…He is beneath our consideration. Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit is to attribute God’s work to the work of Satan. Or failing to heed His convictions. THEY ARE DECEIVERS: “For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers [servants] transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works” (II Corinthians 11:13-15 KJV). ___________________________ 10 Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. 11 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death.”’ Offered a prophetic word as well as comfort – do not fear / suffer. Without this, they may have become discouraged – Where are you God? David Ravenhill’s book – “He hates mommies and daddies.”

If you want to stay up on the latest audio messages from Westside Christian Fellowship, don’t forget to subscribe to this podcast on iTunes. Tweet Complete Sermon Notes The Living Dead A SURVEY OF THE SEVEN Series   1. Dead spiritually – lack salvation 2. Dying spiritually – The Frozen Chosen.   1:12 Then I turned to see the voice that spoke with me. And having turned I saw seven golden lampstands [churches], 13 and in the midst of the seven lampstands One like the Son of Man, clothed with a garment down to the feet and girded about the chest with a golden band. 14 His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and His eyes like a flame of fire; 15 His feet were like fine brass, as if refined in a furnace, and His voice as the sound of many waters; 16 He had in His right hand seven stars [messengers], out of His mouth went a sharp two-edged sword, and His countenance was like the sun shining in its strength. [CONTEXT is in verse 20.]   How do you describe God? Snow, fire, brass, many waters. Lamps light the way — churches light the way. A sword goes out of his mouth – the word of God pierces like a double-edged sword – it hurts before it helps (5 of 7 churches).   NOTE: I believe that all of us can fall into these 5 conditions –   17 And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead. But He laid His right hand on me, saying to me, “Do not be afraid; I am the First and the Last. 18 I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death. 19 Write the things which you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which will take place after this.   KEYS: locking and unlocking — ULTIMATE power and authority.   “Hades” in the N.T and “Sheol”  in the Old Testament – place of the dead. “Gehenna” – final place – valley of fire and death.   Death does NOT have the final say. _________________________________________ SHIFT GEAR: A.W. Tozer said, “A Christian will make spiritual progress exactly in proportion to his ability to criticize himself.” This type of CHURCH/PERSON often has the courage to speak God’s truth but not the humility that allows God’s truth to speak to them.   Rev. 2:1 “To the angel of the church of Ephesus write, ‘These things says He who holds the seven stars in His right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands: 2 “I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars; 3 and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name’s sake and have not become weary. 4 Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. 5 Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent.”   I know your works. Nevertheless… WORKS DO NOT TRUMP LOVE. Outward works must FLOW from inward love. Workers labor and are patient; they hate evil.

If you want to stay up on the latest audio messages from Westside Christian Fellowship, don’t forget to subscribe to this podcast on iTunes. Tweet Complete Sermon Notes Full Throttle – A SURVEY OF THE SEVEN   Introduction: many views on Revelation.   Part of the mystery centers around disciples always being ready – the Word spoke to them, and it speaks to us today.   Revelation Literal / Figurative? Bowls, trumpets, beasts, lambs, locust, a bottomless pit, a 1000 year reign, a chained devil, John eats a book, 666… No credible one takes everything literally.   When was it written?    Where?    Why?      ⇩ Rev. 1 NKJV The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants—things which must shortly take place. And He sent and signified it by His angel to His servant John, 2 who bore witness to the word of God, and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, to all things that he saw. 3 Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near.   Does it mean prophecy is going to begin shortly and its ongoing effects, or are the prophecies going to be fulfilled soon? A progressive fulfillment vs. immediate. “Past” or “future” – Local vs. Worldwide. Obviously to prepare them: persecution was/is going to be Full Throttle. Greeting the Seven Churches – 4 John, to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace to you and peace from Him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven Spirits who are before His throne, 5 and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler over the kings of the earth. More than 7 – they represent 5 areas of concern and 2 areas of praise. If you want to know what Jesus thinks about church – here you go.   To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood, 6 and has made us kings and priests to His God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.   This is the Gospel – loves us enough to tell us the truth. It’s important to reinforce our faith in order to live Full Throttle.   7 Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, even they who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. Even so, Amen. 8 “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End,” says the Lord, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.”   A lot of old testament imagery. Isaiah 19:1, “A prophecy against Egypt: See, the LORD rides on a swift cloud and is coming to Egypt. The idols of Egypt tremble before him, and the hearts of the Egyptians melt with fear.” Vision of the Son of Man9 I, John, both your brother and companion in the tribula...

If you want to stay up on the latest audio messages from Westside Christian Fellowship, don’t forget to subscribe to this podcast on iTunes. Tweet Complete Sermon Notes The Need For Another Reformation   Reform (footings), Renew, Restore, Revive … TRUTH 500 yr. Celebration – going back to truth.   Psalm 119:160 The sum of your word is truth, and every one of your righteous rules endures forever. John 17:17 Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. Slogan: Times change, truth does not.   John 1:14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 8:31-32 If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.   Even in Rev. 2 and 3 the churches needed reformation, but it begins within.   ~Apostolic era ~Church Fathers era ~Approx. 391 Christianity becomes official religion of Empire. Ideally – separate but interwoven.   In 1384, John Wycliffe, the morning star of the reformation, died of a stroke in England — then John Hus (goose) – then William Tyndale (“a plough-boy would know more of the Scriptures than [the church].”) — then Luther.   The true church is Christ’s Church built 2000 years ago that holds to His teachings – not perfectly, but they tighten their grip when needed.   Key for us today too:   1. Sola scriptura: “Scripture alone” – 2 Tim. 3:16 KJV All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.   GotQuestions.org: a New Testament book was truly inspired by the Holy Spirit if: 1) The author was an apostle or had a close connection with an apostle. 2) The book was accepted by the body of Christ at large. 3) The book contains consistency of doctrine and orthodox teaching? 4) The book bears evidence of high moral and spiritual values that would reflect a work of the Holy Spirit? Again, it is crucial to remember that the church did not determine the canon. No early church council decided on the canon. It was God, and God alone, who determined which books belonged in the Bible. It was simply a matter of God’s imparting to His followers what He had already decided. The human process of collecting the books of the Bible was flawed, but God, in His sovereignty, and despite our ignorance and stubbornness, brought the early church to the recognition of the books He had inspired. Fox News Debate   2. Sola fide: “faith alone” – Romans 5:1 KJV – Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Ephesians 2:8 KJV For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: [it is] the gift of God… Faith has shoes called ‘works’…   3.

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If you want to stay up on the latest audio messages from Westside Christian Fellowship, don’t forget to subscribe to this podcast on iTunes. Tweet Complete Sermon Notes The LGBT Agenda – 10 Things You Need to Know   Fox News – Lighthouse Faith with Lauren Green at FoxNews.com – https://radio.foxnews.com/2017/10/20/what-does-the-bible-say-about-homosexuality/ ——————————— At critical times in history, the pulpit needs to be the voice of truth.   The Agenda vs. The Individual – God loves the individual.   Hypothetically speaking, let’s say that it is wrong. How would God go about telling us?   Progressive Revelation is not biblical.   1. Tolerance “tolerates” differences; love embraces regardless of differences. In 2016 — God’s Scandalous Love on Youtube.   Christ doesn’t tolerate – He loves.   SCREEN 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 “Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up…” A Reality Check on Both Sides – “…does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth…” “… bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” When this resembles your character, then you can speak the truth in love (c.f. Ephesians 4:15).   2. Challenging those with whom we disagree is often a characteristic of love, not hate. When doctors and therapists challenge lifestyles that are high risk, they are doing it in the best interest of their clients. The reason it’s being labeled hate speech is to silence the messenger.   Christ challenges us because He loves us.   SCREEN James 5:19-20 Brethren, if anyone among you wanders from the truth, and someone turns him back, let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins. Galatians 6:1 encourages those who live by the Spirit to go to those caught in sin and restore that person gently. But be careful that we do not fall into the same sin.   3. The Creator made His plan obvious.   Christ said… since the beginning of creation, God created them male and female in order that they would be joined together and become one flesh – to be fruitful and to multiply.   4.  The exception proves that there is a rule. Exceptions do not negate the rule. 1 Corinthians 7:2 is very clear that each man should have his own wife and each woman her own husband.   Christ – “Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate” (Mark 10:9).   5. There is no Scriptural support for homosexuality or gay marriage. Zero!   Christ used the word porneia and never validated sex outside of marriage.  

If you want to stay up on the latest audio messages from Westside Christian Fellowship, don’t forget to subscribe to this podcast on iTunes. Tweet Complete Sermon Notes The Big Three: Sex, Finances, Communication   “Our marriage is very sick. The cause would be neglect, and inviting toxic things into the marriage such as anger, abuse, pornography, selfishness, pride, and arrogance [all tied together]…It’s been a very slow and sad death – we’ve been on life support for many years. This illness affects so many others than just the 2 of us, yet, we both know the cure! If  we would allow God to breathe His word, His plan, and His way back into the marriage we could avoid the tragic death of our marriage!”   All 3 are destructive when driven by selfishness – Sex: is a good thing.   Main Bulk of Sermon SCREEN: 1 Corinthians 7:4 [NIV], “The wife does not have authority over her own body but yields it to her husband. In the same way, the husband does not have authority over his own body but yields it to his wife.”   It’s an act of giving not receiving. Why fornication and adultery are wrong. It’s a God-given desire – BUT when we deny our spouse it can devour.   Pornography is adultery – Matthew 5:28 [NIV], “But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”   Are you opening the door in your home – Harvey Weinstein –   No longer attracted to your spouse – arguments increase, as does discord.   This affects the other two areas as well – financial irresponsibility and communication breakdown.   ENCOURAGEMENT: Temptation is also an opportunity to do what is right.   The flesh is never satisfied! Those who have a problem in this area, also have problems in other areas: SCREEN: Jeremiah 5:7-9 [NKJV], “…‘Your children have forsaken Me And sworn by those that are not gods. When I had fed them to the full, Then they committed adultery And assembled themselves by troops in the harlots’ houses. They were like well-fed lusty stallions; Every one neighed after his neighbor’s wife. Shall I not punish them for these things?’ says the Lord…”.   SCREEN: Romans 1:24-25 [NKJV], “In the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the creator, who is blessed forever.” When the desire is conceived, sin is born – an exchange takes place.   “I need to do better”is a mental exercise,but victory comes in the application:   Expose & Repent – “You know, I’ve been struggling in this area.”   Prov. 28:13 [NIV], “Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.” James 5:16, “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”   – Dietrich Bonhoeffer – “One act of obedience is better than a 100 sermons.”  

If you want to stay up on the latest audio messages from Westside Christian Fellowship, don’t forget to subscribe to this podcast on iTunes. Tweet Complete Sermon Notes Parenting – Is It Controlled Chaos? In a chaotic and confusing world, let’s get grounded…microwave VS. crockpot. 1. Psalms 127:3, “Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, The fruit of the womb a reward.” *ESV unless otherwise noted. A gift from the Lord in a Society that puts a low value on children – PRACTICAL APPLICATION: focus on the blessing not the difficulties. 2. 2 Tim. 3:15, “And how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.” To make someone familiar with the scriptures and the application – church is supplemental education. The more you know the Scriptures, the more you know Christ – the more your kids know… PRACTICAL APPLICATION: pick one point for the week and teach on it [WCF is supplemental]. Throwing vs using scripture. 3. Matthew 6:34 (NASB), “So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” To allow one’s mind to dwell on difficulty or troubles. Prov. 12:25, “Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, But a good word makes it glad.” Will your post build…, will it encourage, will it unify and already divided nation?   SIMPLIFYING CHILDHOOD MAY PROTECT AGAINST MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES By Raised Good – Parenting by Nature: http://raisedgood.com/extraordinary-things-happen-when-we-simplify-childhood/   “Kids were off building forts, making bows and arrows, collecting bruises and bloody knees and having the time of their lives. They were immersed in childhood.”   Early in his career, Kim Payne volunteered in refugee camps where children were dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder. He describes them as, “jumpy, nervous, and hyper-vigilant, wary of anything novel or new.” Years later Payne ran a private practice in England, where he recognized many affluent English children were displaying the same behavioural tendencies as the children living in war zones half a world away. Why would these children living perfectly safe lives show similar symptoms? Payne explains that although they were physically safe, mentally they were also living in a war zone of sorts, “Privy to their parents’ fears, drives, ambitions, and the very fast pace of their lives, the children were busy trying to construct their own boundaries…” Too much stuff, too many choices,

If you want to stay up on the latest audio messages from Westside Christian Fellowship, don’t forget to subscribe to this podcast on iTunes. Tweet

If you want to stay up on the latest audio messages from Westside Christian Fellowship, don’t forget to subscribe to this podcast on iTunes. Tweet

If you want to stay up on the latest audio messages from Westside Christian Fellowship, don’t forget to subscribe to this podcast on iTunes. Tweet Complete Sermon Notes THE BLESSED MARRIAGE Pt. 2 Don’t Tell Me What To Do! Intro: My challenge – some going well; some abandoning, some in turmoil. Encourage the broken … He will rebuild but there are cracks. Hunger is often a sign of health – are you hungry for a healthy marriage? Revelation 3:2 – “Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die, for I have not found your works perfect before God.” DO DIFFICULT THINGS   Don’t Tell Me What To Do! is in our DNA SCREEN: GENESIS 2:21 And the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall on Adam, and he slept; and He took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh in its place. 22 Then the rib which the Lord God had taken from man He made into a woman, and He brought her to the man. 23 And Adam said: “This is now bone of my bones And flesh of my flesh; She shall be called Woman, Because she was taken out of Man.” 24 Therefore a man shall leave [“forsake dependence upon,” and “let go from”] his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh. Men do NOT have one less rib than women Some say, “See, the Bible is wrong!” No – they grow back.

If you want to stay up on the latest audio messages from Westside Christian Fellowship, don’t forget to subscribe to this podcast on iTunes. Tweet Complete Sermon Notes THE BLESSED MARRIAGE Pt. 1 The 1 Thing Guaranteed to End All Marriages ___________________________ Applicable to ALL – Turn to Ephesians 5:25 BLESSED – A blessing was a public declaration of a favored status with God…In all cases, the blessing served as a guide and motivation to pursue a course of life within the blessing. BAKERS EVANGELICAL DICTIONARY. What are we declaring to the public? Are you Positioning yourself to receive from God? A Blessed Marriage does not come without a fight. WHAT IS MARRIAGE: Baker’s Evangelical Dictionary: An intimate and complementing union between a man and a woman in which the two become one physically, in the whole of life. The purpose of marriage is to reflect the relationship of the Godhead… Although the fall has marred the divine purpose and function of marriage, this definition reflects the God-ordained ideal for marriage from the beginning….The relational aspect of God’s image is reflected in the bringing together of male and female in “one flesh” ( Gen 1:27 ; 2:21-24 ). ~ Why is it under attack? Marriage creates life in the image of God – it’s a reflection. ___________________________ The One Thing Guaranteed to End All Marriages – Focus on the Family article: Meg Wallace What A hard heart Is Not… A soft heart “produces fruit in keeping with repentance” – it doesn’t go back to the old self. A soft heart is teachable and not defensive. A soft heart is forgiving and gracious. A soft heart puts others first.   Selfish – you take out the trash, you do the laundry, you get a job, you…you…you.   I kind of like it when they are gone – I don’t have to be around the kids as much – I’m free to do “what I want!” A soft heart doesn’t compare or excuse. A soft heart doesn’t demand that others change first.   If you don’t humble yourself today and ask God to soften your heart, there’s not much hope – I’m not being negative, I’m being real. Many say, “I’m not going to come and hear someone tell me I’m wrong!”