The Perfect Marriage?

This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the Church. Ephesians 5:32

Everyone loves a good wedding. Music, dancing, decorations and free food! Whether really know the couple or not, it's a time to remind us that love is something worth celebrating. Weddings are great! It's marriage we have a hard time with.

While idea of marriage my not hold the same value it once did. Where "til' death do us part" and "waiting for the wedding night" can seem like old fashioned traditions. God still holds very close to His marriage vows with His church, even when she's off looking for other husbands.

The world sees as an irrelevant and hypocritical institution, but God sees a beautiful bride that deserves another chance...and another...and another...

All over the Bible we get glimpses of God's heart breaking for his wavering wife. She wants to do as she pleases with whom ever she pleases and still get all the blessings promised in the sacred Covenant/Vows when she comes home to him. Do you really think the Lord of heaven and earth likes playing the fool?

"Wives submit to your husbands" will always be one of those verses we like to pretend isn't there, but it is. And don't think it's a one way street. Husbands have it even harder I think. I'm supposed to love my wife in an eternally heroic and supernaturally patient way EVERYDAY! Ephesians 5:24 Not even Popeye can do this on his own.

There is no commandment that isn't laced with unconditional love. And in this simple command God is trying to reveal a great mystery. Can you see it?

Whether you are married, dating, single, widowed, divorced or undecided there is a great life waiting for those who will follow the Good Husband. How? By being the best bride we can be. Are you willing to walk down the aisle this week?

Your in mutual submission,
Popeye and Olive Oyl

The Perfect Family?

His unchanging plan has always been to adopt us into His own family by bringing us to Himself through Jesus Christ.
And this gave Him great pleasure. Ephesians 1:5

Pamela always wanted have a family like the Huxtables when she grew up. How can you not? Cute kids, big house, fresh romance, lot's of laughs and loads of cash! I hope I'm providing her at least some of what she had in mind, but I know we fall short in more ways than one.

God's unchanging plan to bring Himself pleasure was to have a family that loved Him no matter what. He never expected plastic perfection, all He wanted was something true and real that the world could see as an example of unconditional love. Through this the world can see there is something to this Jesus thing.

The church is a family that's completely dysfunctional without Him, and if we are honest, even with Him. But rather than moan and groan like "Bill" in the middle of this picture, our Father uses our gross imperfections to help us grow together into the people He created us to be. It's too bad so many Christians think church is just an inconvenient, optional add-on to our faith. How many times have I heard people say "I believe in Jesus, but I don't need to go to church". It's like saying, "God your great, but your wife is an ugly @#$&". Do you think God takes this personal?

We know there is no perfect church out there, but great things can happen when messed up people get together and start a family for Jesus...

Have a great week,
Brandon and Pamela @ www.freedomhouse.org.uk

Tuesday Telegram: Stepping In...

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage;
do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9

We had an amazing time of worship this Sunday. We sang our hearts out, prayed for each other, and were challenged by the Word to find and cherish God's vision for our lives. We even saw a young man sincerely give his life to Jesus. What more could we ask for in a Sunday morning meeting? Sometimes alot.

Even when change brings good things our way, we can still be very anxious about the loose ends. Our minds can wrestle with all the differences. "It's not like it was" "I pictured it a little different" "What will happen if..." "I think I'll just wait and see if I like this..." These are just some of the honest thoughts we can all feel whenever we are challenged to take a step into the unknown.

Joshua and his people were not forced into the Promise Land by an opposing army, selfish ambition, or even lack of food. They could've stayed right where they were. Some of them did. But it was faith in God's promise that moved their feet forward into a rushing river with GIANTS on the other side. Talk about anxiety!

As for Freedomhouse, we want to cherish the vision God gave us and encourage anyone who would like to come along with us. The people at the Beacon have been such a great blessing for the last 3 years we cant wait to see what the Lord will do as we begin to take steps forward together. Yes, it means a bit of learning how to dance. Some stepping on toes, some awkward turns, but in the end...exciting!

Remember, if God is leading people our way to be saved and delivered we must be doing something right. So let's continue to do what Joshua and his friends did in those anxious days. Keep stepping in...and stepping in...and stepping into the vision and promise God gave to His beloved people.

With Love and Thanks,
Brandon and Pamela
www.freedomhouse.org.uk

PS: Sorry for Tuesday delivery, but my brain was as mushy as a fishcake yesterday;)

Remember the Future

Do this in memory of me...Luke 22:19

A simple, unchanging command was given to twelve anxious disciples one evening. Their Rabbi had spoken of many changes awaiting them. He said one would betray, another would deny and the rest will flee. He also predicted their capital city would fall, everyone will hate them, and the real kicker...He was leaving!

It seemed like the end. Too much to handle all at once. A nervous tension was beginning to take over. But this Rabbi knew something they didn't. He knew future...

This week let's remember who holds our future. There is nothing to worry about as long as Jesus is leading. We've been speaking about changes and seasons lately, but we also need to be thankfully aware that our God will never change. Ever.

In light of the changes occurring at Freedomhouse, I'd also like to assure you that we aren't changing what God has called us to do. To build in Camden, to welcome all people, to worship, pray and share Jesus in an open, personal way...this stuff is here to stay! No matter where we meet and what time it happens to be.

As for our Sunday Gatherings, the Beacon has basically asked us to determine the vision and direction for the services. I (Brandon) will still be doing most of the preaching. Musical worship will be lead by either Andy, Steve, Myself or Erina. Sunday and tithes & offerings will still go to the Freedomhouse bank account. The Beacon is not charging us rent but we will find ways for it to be a mutual blessing.

This decision was reached after much prayer and counsel. Pamela and I had every one of you in mind when deciding what to do. There is now more opportunity than ever for all of you to get involved and be a part of what God is doing through Freedomhouse. This week I encourage you to take part in as much as you can while Pastor Carl is here. He is coming here for you.

After our first service @ the Beacon there is another Freedom Team Meeting/Luncheon for those of you committed to finding your role in planting this church and preparing for the future...We'd love for you to be there.

Here's to all the changes ahead. Led by the One who never does.

Sincerely,

Brandon and Pamela
www.freedomhouse.org.uk
How to get to the Beacon. Click here.