Fort Worth Presbyterian Church

Each Sunday Bryan and I are blessed to attend Fort Worth PCA. During my year of attendance, I have come to appreciate more and more elements of the church. For starters, I love their commitment to strong families and raising children to know of Christ and His salvation. Also, the emphasis on accountability (from the pastor to each member) is a biblical practice I have rarely seen in other churches. And they have a deep desire to reach out to the community, which they make good by participating in several outreach ministries targeting the local neighborhoods and schools.

Of course, being in a new church takes time to get know everyone and get plugged in. Bryan sings in the choir and helps visit the sick in the hospitals. I attend the women's Bible study group each Wednesday. We both are members of the Denton's small group. Currently, we are in the Inquirers Sunday school class--for those interested in church membership. Hopefully, (as soon as we get those forms completed!), we'll be volunteers for the nursery!

Finally, we do admire and appreciate our pastor, Darwin Jordan (great name for a creationist, eh?). His compassion for people is remarkable; his love of the Scriptures is exemplary; and his commitment to spiritual growth is encouraging. Each week, his sermons challenge me and bring to light new aspects of God and His Word I'd not considered--that says a LOT because I have grown up in the church and made a living in Christian curriculum!!!

During the last few weeks, Darwin has preached on 1 Corinthians 10:12-13 primarily. I realized through his teaching that I have mostly heard this passage in regards to persecution rather than temptation. Understanding this verse in light of the Corinthians' situation--they felt so spiritual that they were above temptation--brought new insights. Paul is saying that they (and we) have no excuse to give in to temptation. Any temptation you face is common to all people; your case is not an exception. I immediately related:

"Well, I couldn't tell her the truth! She's not ready for the truth. I didn't have any other options but to tell a little white one."

"It's not really gossip. I just like to connect, have relationships with people. To do that, I need to know what's going on."

"I had to get angry; he made me angry. What did you expect?"

"I need to make this compromise because I'm trying to build a relationship with her. She'll think I'm weird if I don't . . . or maybe be mad at me; then, poof, my witness is gone."

"No one will know that I've done this. It's not hurting anyone. It's no big deal."

Those excuses don't fly. Whatever situation we find ourselves in not a "special" ordeal. All temptation is common to everyone. But the great part of the verse doesn't end with this--it's realizing that God is always faithful to provide a way of escape. We don't have to give in! God is right there with the alternative, wise choice. Now, if we could just learn to have that careful, hearing heart! What's the solution? Jesus said, Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation.

Sorry for the sermon; I got carried away. I've just loved Darwin's lessons so much these few weeks . . . .