Monthly Newsletter
March 2025
Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it.
Psalm 127:1
From beginning to end of the Bible it is clear that God loves the family! He is the source, the designer, the model, the blesser, and the definer of what it is! Family seems to be God’s way to teach people humility, joy and sacrifice! Humility because it is not all about us, Joy because solitary fulfillment is an illusive and impossible goal and sacrifice because that is what it takes to make it all it can be. Family is an amazing thing! Family is a wonderful thing! Family is a God-glorifying thing!
No wonder then, that the enemy would go to such great lengths to attempt to destroy it. Satan uses everything from deceptive priorities to heinous violence to attack the family. He has used selfish lust, self-centered desires and even the murderous industry of abortion to destroy the family! Satan has attempted to redefine the family through the LGBT movement or he has sought to outright destroy it through the over-indulgent selfishness of a society apart from God! As culture has moved on, Satan has attempted new ways (old methods with new vehicles) such as idolizing the family. This is where the family, absent God, becomes the determiner of priorities and goals. We have seen the resurgence of old lies being reproduced through new methods. The old lies of sexual freedom, liberation from imaginary oppressors, and moral ambiguity are just the old lies of lust, pride and idolatry. And please don’t for one second think that Satan is done. There will be new ways that he brings his insidious attacks in the future. As long as God is working, Satan will be attacking.
All of that to say this... isn’t it interesting and rather telling that the thing Satan hates so much is a thing God loves and holds so highly? A general rule of thumb is that if there is something that is being vehemently attacked, then that must be something that God is mightily using! In fact, a biblical understanding of the Devil is that he only reacts in defensive posture. Meaning, that he would prefer to leave things alone and undisturbed and in ignorant false bliss. But when God makes an advancement into his territory, he reacts out of fear. When we understand that Jesus coming into this world was in reality, God picking a fight with the devil on Hell’s turf, we see things more clearly and act more boldly.
During our recent series on the family, I have seen this in amazing ways. People taking ownership of their roles and marriages being more solidified under Christ. Children being better equipped to face and oppose the satanic agenda of our day. I am so excited for what I see happening in the families in our church! This is so important because strong Christians make strong families, and strong families make strong churches!
As we continue seeing people come to committed relationships with Jesus and families reignited with passion and purpose for God, let’s covenant to continue being a place that facilitates that!
Let me encourage us all to continue honor God with our families! Continue upholding God’s design, definition and duty for the family. Continue to pray for, disciple and minister to each other and the families. Continue to reach out to individuals and families with the Gospel.
Continue to become more and more like a family in the Church as well! Because not everyone has the families that others have. So let the church be the place to equip and supplement! Let the Body of Christ be the place where families are strengthened and find refuge, and where families are formed through friendships and service! In all these things let us continue to act like brothers and sisters in Christ so that others may see our “family” and want to have God as their Father!
Your Brother in the Lord,
Pastor Brandon
Psalm 127:1
From beginning to end of the Bible it is clear that God loves the family! He is the source, the designer, the model, the blesser, and the definer of what it is! Family seems to be God’s way to teach people humility, joy and sacrifice! Humility because it is not all about us, Joy because solitary fulfillment is an illusive and impossible goal and sacrifice because that is what it takes to make it all it can be. Family is an amazing thing! Family is a wonderful thing! Family is a God-glorifying thing!
No wonder then, that the enemy would go to such great lengths to attempt to destroy it. Satan uses everything from deceptive priorities to heinous violence to attack the family. He has used selfish lust, self-centered desires and even the murderous industry of abortion to destroy the family! Satan has attempted to redefine the family through the LGBT movement or he has sought to outright destroy it through the over-indulgent selfishness of a society apart from God! As culture has moved on, Satan has attempted new ways (old methods with new vehicles) such as idolizing the family. This is where the family, absent God, becomes the determiner of priorities and goals. We have seen the resurgence of old lies being reproduced through new methods. The old lies of sexual freedom, liberation from imaginary oppressors, and moral ambiguity are just the old lies of lust, pride and idolatry. And please don’t for one second think that Satan is done. There will be new ways that he brings his insidious attacks in the future. As long as God is working, Satan will be attacking.
All of that to say this... isn’t it interesting and rather telling that the thing Satan hates so much is a thing God loves and holds so highly? A general rule of thumb is that if there is something that is being vehemently attacked, then that must be something that God is mightily using! In fact, a biblical understanding of the Devil is that he only reacts in defensive posture. Meaning, that he would prefer to leave things alone and undisturbed and in ignorant false bliss. But when God makes an advancement into his territory, he reacts out of fear. When we understand that Jesus coming into this world was in reality, God picking a fight with the devil on Hell’s turf, we see things more clearly and act more boldly.
During our recent series on the family, I have seen this in amazing ways. People taking ownership of their roles and marriages being more solidified under Christ. Children being better equipped to face and oppose the satanic agenda of our day. I am so excited for what I see happening in the families in our church! This is so important because strong Christians make strong families, and strong families make strong churches!
As we continue seeing people come to committed relationships with Jesus and families reignited with passion and purpose for God, let’s covenant to continue being a place that facilitates that!
Let me encourage us all to continue honor God with our families! Continue upholding God’s design, definition and duty for the family. Continue to pray for, disciple and minister to each other and the families. Continue to reach out to individuals and families with the Gospel.
Continue to become more and more like a family in the Church as well! Because not everyone has the families that others have. So let the church be the place to equip and supplement! Let the Body of Christ be the place where families are strengthened and find refuge, and where families are formed through friendships and service! In all these things let us continue to act like brothers and sisters in Christ so that others may see our “family” and want to have God as their Father!
Your Brother in the Lord,
Pastor Brandon
