Weekend in Review :: 02-17-08

There is definitely something unique about Great Oaks! I've never been in a church where we spent an entire morning talking about the negative influence of pornography. I've never been in a church where the pastor was allowed (and encouraged) to be this transparent about who he was in the past and who he is today. I love this place...

WORSHIP
Let the Praises Ring - Lincoln Brewster
Everlasting God - Todd Fields
Offering - Unknown
Dirty Little Secrets - All American Rejects
I Am Free - Jon Egan

MESSAGE
Series: Sexual Revolution
Message: Leashed
Speaker: Chris Genders

Notable Quotes..

• "We are going to get real this morning. It is going to be uncomfortable for me as the speaker, and it's going to be uncomfortable for you as the audience."
• "When we chase sex outside of God's will, we find ourselves leashed to a life of sin."
• "Pornography is pervasive in our culture today. It affects individuals, marriages, families, and churches."
• "I came clean to Karen about ten years ago after three years of marriage. I had been living a second-life ever since I was a teenager. I looked good on the outside, but the inside was a mess."
• "God calls us to present his daughter back to him without stain, wrinkle or blemish." [Towel illustration]
  
• "Porn is oppressive. It takes away your energy, your passion, your time. You become moody, irritable, and defensive. You are always on edge because you are afraid you will be 'found out.' This is no way to live!"
• "Porn isolates you from other people. You try to fix yourself but it is impossible. You need to have someone in your life regularly asking you the tough questions."
• "You've got to recognize where you struggle and establish safeguards to prevent you from crossing the line when you are tempted."
• "It is not a sin to be tempted. It's how you respond to temptation that matters."
• "I know there are going to be some very uncomfortable conversations between spouses and between parents and their teenagers. And I don't care! These conversations need to take place."
• "Remember that we are people of grace, forgiveness, and second-chances. Be patient when your loved one comes clean. They will need your unconditional love and acceptance as they walk along the road of recovery."