Don't Settle, Church

Bradley and I recently met with a pastor/counselor to discuss the Biblical implications of ADOPTION and the churches role in it.  

The line of thinking went something like this....

Marriage is important to the church because it is meant to be an earthly representation of a supernatural relationship between Christ and his bride/the church. 

Adoption is important to the church because it is meant to be an earthly representation of a supernatural relationship between The Lord and his children / the church. 

We are all here on earth as a broken people surrounded by broken people.

There will be trouble.  Trouble will come.  

The church is called to bear one anothers' burdens.

We are family...supernaturally connected by the blood of Christ.

re: Marriage....we offer pre-marriage counseling.   We offer marriage counseling.  We offer seminars/webinars/ & retreats for couples.  We offer support.

When a marriage fails...and a divorce occurs...it is in some way/somehow/ somewhere due to sin and does not reflect what it was intended to.  

re: Adoption....we offer financial assistance.  We offer family counseling (but lack in the area of special needs that come with some adoptions.)  We offer support and encouragement (but lack in the area of special needs that come with some adoptions.)  We are learning as we go.  There is much to learn.  

When an adoption fails...and disruption occurs...it is in some way/somehow/somewhere due to sin and does not reflect what it was intended to.   

As believers...we are to behave as if we are inhabitants of the Kingdom...in the strength of the Lord.   We are to strive for that.  We are not to settle for what the world offers us.  

There will be a cost to pay.  The cost for the church is great.  

We have the resources.  

RESOURCE PAGE from The Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission is very, very, very good.