Sardis
Today, as we take a look at the Book of Revelation and explore its intriguing epistles, we find ourselves at the threshold of the letter to Sardis. However, before embarking on this captivating journey, let us momentarily divert our attention to a topic of great relevance today - motherhood. Today marks the celebration of Mother's Day!
Reflecting upon my own experiences, I can affirm that parenthood is a transformative voyage, brimming with profound joy and, at times, paradoxical sensations. Today, I would like to shed light on an aspect of motherhood that is often overlooked but holds equal importance. Our wise friend, Rod, once cautioned me before the arrival of our first child, sharing these words of wisdom: "Mark, the path of a mother is extraordinary, beyond your complete understanding. Thus, as a father, it becomes your responsibility to contribute in ways that alleviate her burdens. Changing diapers may appear trivial, yet it symbolizes shared accountability."
And so, standing here today, six years later, having changed diapers every single day, I find it to be a humbling experience that has tested my resilience on occasion. The myriad bodily fluids I have encountered often triggered discomfort within me. Nevertheless, I have come to perceive them as symbols of life and growth. Yes, they may be unpleasant, yet they possess an oddly captivating beauty that mirrors the enigmatic essence of parenthood.
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The Village Church’s sermon podcast is more than just a weekly message. It is an invitation into the great and ongoing story of God’s work in the world. Pastors Eric, Mark, Susan, Daniel, and other leaders open the Scriptures not as a collection of abstract ideas but as the living, breathing witness to God’s kingdom breaking into our midst. Each episode is a call—not merely to listen, but to take part, to step forward into the life of faith with renewed vision and purpose.
Week by week, the pastors and leaders explore the deep rhythms of Christian discipleship—prayer, fasting, generosity—not as isolated duties but as part of a larger, richer, and more beautiful whole. They unpack these ancient practices in light of Jesus himself, the one in whom heaven and earth have come together. But they also turn their attention to the realities of everyday life—relationships, finances, the struggles and joys of being human—demonstrating how the gospel is not merely about what we believe but about how we live as God's renewed people in the present age.
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