We are created for relationships.

Humans are made in the image of God who is a tri-unity—whose very nature consists in reciprocal love and communication among the Persons of the Trinity. This model provides a solution to the age-old opposition between collectivism and individualism. Over against collectivism, the Trinity implies the dignity and uniqueness of individual persons. Over against radical individualism, the Trinity implies that relationships are not created by sheer choice but are built into the very essence of human nature. We are not atomistic individuals but are created for relationships.

We are created for a new society—the church. 

In Redemption, believers are called to form an actual society—the church—that demonstrates to the world a balanced interplay of the One and the Many, of unity and individuality. In John 17:11 Jesus prays for the disciples He is about to leave behind, asking the Father “that they may be one, even as we are one.”

Jesus is saying that the communion of Persons within the Trinity is the model for the communion of believers within the church. It teaches us how to foster richly diverse individuality within ontologically real relationships “The Church as a whole is an icon of God the Trinity, reproducing on earth the mystery of unity in diversity,” writes Orthodox bishop Timothy Ware. “Human beings are called to reproduce on earth the mystery of mutual love that the Trinity lives in heaven.” And as we learn to practice unity-in-diversity within the church, we can bring that same balance to all our social relationships—our families, schools, workshops, and neighborhoods.

Nancy Pearcy. Total Truth, pp. 132, 133

This fall we’ll look at what the Bible says about gender identity issues, especially as they relate to manhood and womanhood. Brad will preach a series of sermons on the topic, which will be followed by a short, interactive series in our Family Bible Class led by the Lawrence’s and the Payne’s. 

We are excited to announce that Andrew Franseen, pastor of Grace Bible Church, and Andy Naselli, member of Grace Bible Church and Research Manager for D.A. Carson, will help kick off the series for us with a special seminar Saturday, August 27th from 9:30am-12:30pm.

Manhood and Womanhood is not finally about sorting our roles in the world and the church. The issue is important because the nature of God is important. We are created to reflect his image, and the way we view gender roles reveals the way we view God. Andrew and Andy will help us think through The Relationship of the Trinity to Manhood and Womanhood. 

The following is a tentative schedule:

9:30-9:45 Welcome and Introductions 

9:45-10:25 Session 1: The Tri-Unity of God (Franseen)

10:35-11:35 Session 2: How Does the Trinity Inform How Husbands & Wives Should Relate to Each Other? (Naselli)

11:45-12:20 Session 3: What the Trinity Means for Life in Our World, Our Homes, & Our Churches (Franseen)

12:20-12:30 Q&A

Please pray for Andrew and Andy as they prepare to serve us in this significant way on a special day.