faithhudson
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Sacred Head?
About Sacred Head?
A mysterious and organic union exists between a husband and wife, like the union that exists between Christ and his church. We want to clarify what this union means for men in particular and equip our body to lean into that mystery together. Men are called the “head” of the marriage. But this idea of headship has been misunderstood and misapplied too frequently in Christian marriages. In Ephesians 5:25, husbands are told to “love their wives as Christ loved the church.” This means that our theology of Christ’s love will be determinative of how a Christian wife is loved. Of course, husbands are not Christ, but even though we cannot duplicate it exactly, we are nonetheless commanded to imitate the love of Jesus and seek to be like Christ in his love.
Almost Home | Uganda Trip #11
(January 12)
I’m sitting with Stu and Mike in the Amsterdam airport during our six-hour layover here. I’m anxious to land at MSP at 4 pm on Saturday, see Carol, get cleaned up, try to stay up till 9 pm. I hope I get a good night’s sleep before gathering with you all at FCC on Sunday morning. I anticipate dosing in and out of consciousness on Sunday, watching football playoffs.
We ended our classes this week well. Our students were engaged and worked hard at grasping how to handle the interpretation and communication of Old Testament Narrative and Law. I found our work on the law most helpful as we sought to see the law in light of God’s character and how Christ fulfilled the law before we move on to application.
Application…that is often the struggle. I notice it in my small group when we go through the FCC sermon and conversation guide. We find it easy to make observations, but how does it apply today, or to put it another way, “So what?”. Most of the troubles we have in the church is not failing to know the Bible, it has to do with failing to appropriately apply the Bible. There are some really incredible leaders that we are working with who are sharing leadership with us, and they seem prepared to take over our function. Then it will be all theirs, as it should be. As a matter of fact, we have identified two men that we think could be sent to other countries.
The goal of an enduring movement of gospel-centered, Bible-saturated, African lead churches seems within reach. I look forward to our next trip in May. I also look forward to being back at FCC soon!
Larry Szyman
Pastor for Missional Life
Why Do I Do What I Do?
About Why Do I Do What I Do?
Why is it so hard to change? Why is it so hard to help other people change? The series explores human behavior, motivations, and the role of idols in our hearts. This sermon series delves into the complexities of human behavior, seeking to unravel the underlying motivations that drive our actions. This series examines the presence of idols in our hearts and the impact they have on our relationships and life direction. It guides listeners to envision a life free from idols, rooted in biblical truths and spiritual transformation.
Counting the Days and the Beautiful Body | Uganda Trip #11
(Wednesday, Jan 10)
Time for a little honesty here (not that I’ve lied in the past). Some of these trips are a bit more challenging than others-this is one of the more challenging ones. I can’t put a finger on it, but I’ve been very aware of how much time until I get to come back to Hudson (right now it’s 3 am local time, about 31 hours till we start our cross-country drive to an airport). Sleep is really strange, and I FaceTimed Carol and sent a few texts during this time frame.
There has been a lot of “this many days ‘til I go home” this trip. It means a few things. This travel can be difficult and sometimes I simply want life to be easier. I not only have 31 hours left, but approximately two years and thirty-one hours! This is the third course of nine that we will offer our Ugandan friends in the church. The plan is as follows:
May 2024–The Gospels (Mark)
Oct 2024–Poetry (Psalms and Proverbs)
Jan 2025–Epistles (Ephesians)
May 2025–Prophecy (Isaiah)
Oct 2025–Apocalyptic (Revelation)
Jan 2026–Summary-doing the ministry of the Word
I’m feeling pretty fresh right now at 3 am, the challenge is how will I feel at 8 am, when it is time to teach?
So, I struggle some. But it’s very important you hear the following: what I am doing is a privilege of the highest order. While some of these trips are difficult, I am joyfully committed to continuing them. I am not ripped off in what I am doing: multiple eight-hour flights and jet lag on a 65-year-old body is not fun, but I will, God willing do all the trips above.
To work with these (mostly) young pastors and church leaders, to hear their stories and see their hunger is a gift. To be able to help them be more effective as most of them have had zero formal training as they lead their flock is important. So, while I count the days until I get back to Hudson, it’s not too long before I start counting the days until I get back to Uganda!
I am keenly and gratefully aware of my partnership with you, FCC! First of all, you pay for my trips. Secondly, when I FaceTime Carol and she tells me about a leak in the dishwasher, I text one of FCC’s handymen and he responds that he will call Carol and get on it. I am far away, but I am far from alone. Thank you for supporting me as together we build up the church in Uganda.