The "S" Word

I have been studying and meditating on the topic of sin this week for a lesson I am teaching in my Home Group. Sunday morning sermons, fellowship with Christian brothers, and popular Christian books neglect the topic of sin greatly. Sin is either not talked about or it is equated with only a list of "don'ts". Here are some summarizing thoughts on sin:

1. Sin is not just doing something we shouldn't. That is the sin of commission. There is also the sin of omission - not doing something we should. Incidentally this was Adam's first sin and as sons of Adam men are prone to the sin of passivity.

2. Sin separates. It separates us from God. It separates us from others. It even separated (or broke) creation.

3. There is "fruit" sin and "root" sin. Understanding the difference is huge. Looking at porn is a fruit sin. That which motivates you to look at porn is the root sin. The root sin must be repented of or you will just be putting a band-aid on a broken bone.

4. Sin is not "out there". Sin is in your heart. Separatists will tell you to avoid certain people or places as if you might "catch" fornication like a cold. Should women dress modestly? Absolutely. But it is the wickedness in your heart that causes you to sin.

New Church Plant

The Rooted Church is a new church plant that will start regular services this Sunday. Here is an excerpt from their blog:

The idea of starting a new church began in a coffee shop in West Fort Worth in 2007. Having lived in the city and worked in ministry for years, the Ostermanns had a deep appreciation for both the beauty and the brokenness that courses through the people of Fort Worth. Nick had never dreamed of planting a church in one of the most church-saturated regions of the country, but over time was compelled by the centrality of Jesus and the cross, the growth and strategic value of Fort Worth, and the unique and wonderful culture of the city. He was soon assessed and trained as a church planter by Acts 29, a church planting network. With a vision to display the greatness of God and the power of the gospel to make broken people whole, others began to gather around the idea of making Fort Worth an even better city.

In July 2008, with help from CityView Church in Keller and The Village Church in Highland Village, the first church plant meeting was held in borrowed space in downtown, where the vision of The Rooted Church was shared with a few interested people. Building the church on God, the gospel, and the city from the beginning, this group continued to meet in smaller weekly communities in order to share meals, share life, and to think seriously about how to continue the mission of Jesus in Fort Worth. Soon they started gathering once a month to sing, pray, and learn together.

In early 2009 we'll officially commit to one another in order to live out the vision of The Rooted Church. We'll continue our weekly communities and will start meeting together weekly on Sundays in downtown. So we're a pretty simple group of people: fighting to be centered on God, to be transformed by the gospel, and to love the people of our city.

Check them out at therootedchurch.com

Full Contact Theology

fullcontacttheology.com is up and running...well kind of. The website is still in the works along with the blog. We haven't nailed down an opening Sunday night at the Ginger Man quite yet.

The blog is fullcontacttheology.blogspot.com. We will have regular articles and thoughts posted with the intention of facilating good discussion through the comments. Remember: this is full contact theology. Ask the tough questions, disagree with gusto, and be ready to back up your thoughts.