But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God. -John 3:21, NIV Graphic pictures of compromising behavior seems to be almost needed to convince some pastors and Christians that a spouse is violating their … Continue reading “On hundreds of messages exchanged”
Category: Sin
Nancy Ortberg shares her side re:Bill Hybels allegations
For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open. -Luke 8:17, NIV Today, Nancy Ortberg–who worked at Willow Creek Church as staff as well as a Board member of the Willow Creek Association for nine years–dropped a bomb of a … Continue reading “Nancy Ortberg shares her side re:Bill Hybels allegations”
Rev Bill Hybels resigns from Willow Creek Church. Storm not over.
***Update to my posts (here and here) on the Willow Creek Church and founder Rev. Bill Hybels situation where Hybels was accused of sexually inappropriate behavior*** Rev. Bill Hybels officially resigned last night from being the lead pastor at the megachurch he founded, Willow Creek Church. Here is a link to the official statement from … Continue reading “Rev Bill Hybels resigns from Willow Creek Church. Storm not over.”
Forgiveness is powerless to change historical facts!
It still feels strange for me to even speak about how my first marriage ended. I feel internal pressure and accusation as if speaking the facts means I have not forgiven her or am bitter. That’s a lie, by the way. But it is a hard one to shake growing up amidst a Christian subculture … Continue reading “Forgiveness is powerless to change historical facts!”
Cheater-Speak: “A friend.”
Faithful Spouse: Who is he then? Cheater: A friend. Can’t I have friends? This is a common cheater ploy. They attempt to minimize the nature of their relationship with the affair partner. He (or she) is presented as “a friend.” Then they might go on the offense accusing the faithful spouse … Continue reading “Cheater-Speak: “A friend.””
On curing a bad case of “The If-Onlys”
If only… …I had lost that weight. …landed that well-paying job. …spent more time at home than working. …initiated sex more. …wore sexier underwear. …was a better listener. If only…if only…if only… When you are stuck in “the if onlys,” you are stuck in trying to control something that is outside of your control–namely, the … Continue reading “On curing a bad case of “The If-Onlys””
Is enough ever enough?
Are you not to judge those inside [the church]? God will judge those outside. “Expel the wicked person from among you.” -I Corinthians 5:12b-13, NIV Is enough ever enough to stop enabling cheaters in the church? I am so thankful for God’s extravagant mercy and grace. It is what made the way for me to have … Continue reading “Is enough ever enough?”
Adultery situations make pastors uncomfortable!
He gives justice to the oppressed and food to the hungry. The Lord frees the prisoners. The Lord opens the eyes of the blind. The Lord lifts up those who are weighed down. The Lord loves the godly. -Psalm 146:7-8, NLT Pastors are not marriage therapists. We are pastors. Our area of training and focus deals with rightly handling Scripture. We provide emotional … Continue reading “Adultery situations make pastors uncomfortable!”
Used tissue.
“I felt like a used piece of tissue paper. Just thrown away in the trash.” – Vineyard pastor The quote might not be exact. However, I will never forget the idea. This brave pastoral spouse shared to a young Vineyard Church about her experience of being sexually assaulted. She vividly described how she felt the … Continue reading “Used tissue.”
John Ortberg Re:Willow Creek Church Leadership and Bill Hybels Matter
Former leader at Willow Creek Church and one of the parties referring the disturbing allegations to leadership, John Ortberg, speaks out on his blog regarding the investigation of those allegations (link here). Please read Ortberg’s entire statement as I believe it is well-written and makes important points about how the church ought to better handle … Continue reading “John Ortberg Re:Willow Creek Church Leadership and Bill Hybels Matter”