Did you know that Jesus asked three times more questions than people asked Him? In this sermon series, we’re exploring some of the questions that God asked throughout Scripture.
Genesis 3 is known as the fall of humanity. Starting with verse 1, the Bible tells us that the serpent was craftier than any other creature God had made. He questioned the woman, asking if God had truly forbidden them from eating any tree in the garden. The woman clarified that they could eat from any tree except the one in the middle of the garden, and they were not to touch it, or they would die.
The serpent, in this context, represents Satan. Satan is real, dangerous, and takes various forms in Scripture, from a serpent to a dragon and even a roaring lion. He is referred to as the father of lies. His ultimate goal is to steal, kill, and destroy your life. He is not to be underestimated. Be vigilant, and do not allow him a foothold in your life or your family’s life.
In verse 4 of Genesis 3, the serpent tells the woman that she won’t die from eating the forbidden fruit. Instead, her eyes will open, and she will become like God, knowing good and evil. As she saw that the fruit was enticing and could make her wise, she took it and shared it with her husband.
The enemy’s strategy here is clear – he schemes, deceives, and makes sinful actions appear desirable. He divides us from God through lies. Notice that Eve had to believe the lie before she sinned. Temptation begins with deception, which leads to sin.
Satan tempts us with two primary lies, which he continues to use today.
He convinced Eve that she wouldn’t die, despite God’s warning. Many of us have felt the pull of this lie, thinking we can cross certain lines without facing dire consequences. But God has a plan for each of us, and sin can lead to disastrous results.
The serpent told Eve that eating the fruit would make her like God, knowing good and evil. In reality, God intended for us to share in creation with Him, walking side by side in a relationship. Yet, the enemy’s deception leads us to believe we can dethrone God and take His place. This lie continues to echo in today’s culture, urging us to follow our own hearts and be our own gods.
We are broken people due to the temptation of a lie, often a seemingly insignificant compromise. In Genesis 3:7, we see Adam and Eve’s realization of their nakedness, prompting them to sew fig leaves together to cover themselves. Their attempt to fix the problem themselves is something we still do today. We try to earn our way to redemption, but it’s a temporary solution that can never solve our real problem.
When Adam and Eve heard the Lord God walking in the garden, and they hid from His presence. Despite being created for a perfect relationship with God, they now chose to hide from Him, cowering in guilt, shame, and fear. That instinct to hide is still with us today.
Yet despite our sin, the Savior faithfully seeks us, offering grace, redemption, and forgiveness through the blood of Christ. As His followers, the enemy has no authority over our lives. His only power lies in deception, in convincing us that we are unworthy and tethered to our shame and guilt. The truth is that, in Him, we are free (John 8:36).
Statistics reveal the challenges faced by marriages today, with high divorce rates and an average marriage length of 8.2 years in the US. The enemy’s ultimate goal is to create a culture that is confused, disunified, and struggles with identity and purpose. However, there is hope.
In this sermon, Pastor David Doyle explores the foundations of a godly marriage based on biblical principles. Psalm 127:1 reminds us that unless the Lord builds the house, our labor is in vain. We live in a society that often seeks to redefine what God has already defined, but Jesus made it clear that He is the way, the truth, and the life. The enemy seeks to steal, kill, and destroy, particularly targeting homes and marriages.
Before delving deeper into what makes a godly marriage, David emphasized two essential points.
Genesis 2:18-24 highlights an important foundation of a godly marriage. A Christ-centered marriage places Jesus at the center, recognizing that no career, children, self-image, or affirmation from a spouse can fulfill us like Jesus does. Our spouse is not our savior; Jesus is. For those who desire marriage in the future, living a Christ-centered life today is crucial.
Mission-focused marriages reflect God’s intention for unity and purpose. God created mankind in His image, blessing them with a mission to fill the earth and subdue it. Jesus exemplified unity with the Father, and the enemy’s schemes aim to divide what God unites. It is essential to be together and united in marriage, working toward raising children who will positively impact the world.
Covenant-keeping is another vital aspect of a godly marriage. Marriage is based on a mutual commitment rooted in sacrificial love. It requires effort, time, and dedication, and pursuing one’s spouse is key to a thriving marriage. It takes two individuals submitted to Jesus, running in the same direction, remaining pure, pursuing one another, and fleeing from temptation.
Marriage matters to God, and it should matter to us as well. By establishing a firm foundation in Christ, maintaining unity, and honoring the covenant, we can build and nurture godly marriages that reflect His love and bring glory to His name.
We all come broken. Shame, guilt, sin, and obstacles in our circumstances can leave us feeling that we are insignificant messes. But it’s in those moments, in those things – that Christ provides the miracle. You may not have much, but whatever you have, you have enough to accomplish the kingdom mission God has for you. In our hands it is limited, insignificant, and impossible; in the hands of Jesus, it’s an instrument, supernatural and possible.
Listen as Pastor David Doyle preaches from John 6:1-13.
Paul encouraged Timothy to be faithful. God would soon move Paul off the scene and Timothy would take his place and continue to give spiritual leadership to the churches. It would not be an easy task, but Timothy would succeed with God’s direction and help. In chapter 4, we see Paul’s last words to Timothy and to the church. Paul looks at his life presently, his life past, and his life future. He knew the end was near. He doesn’t avoid the subject. He doesn’t say, I don’t want to talk about it. Shockingly, he is very plain about it. He doesn’t just know he is about to die, he knows how he is going to die. All of this is wrapped up in these final, few verses.
It is the gospel by which we are saved and the faith on which we stand. This Gospel has the power to change lives, to give hope to the hopeless, to restore marriages and relationships. To do the possible that seems impossible.
In the Old Testament, righteousness came by people behaving. The law could witness to God’s righteousness, but it could not provide for it. It was a temporary solution for a permanent fix that only Jesus can provide. His blood could only bridge the gap for. Christ’s birth, death, and resurrection mean that righteousness now comes through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe.
