the scarlet thread: part 1 (Genesis 3)

Hi, I’m Justin…one of the pastors here at South Ridge Church.  On a Sunday morning you’ll likely find me hiding in the A/V booth, or maybe on stage behind a guitar.  Or maybe looking for more coffee.   Mmmmmmmm coffee.

But I digress.

I’m beginning this little blog for a number of reasons.  One is that it gives me more of an opportunity to interact with you.  And you’re totally worth interacting with!  Another is that it gives you a little bit of insight into my life, as well as what’s happening here at South Ridge.

And just in case you didn’t know, we’re beginning a new series this week called “The Scarlet Thread”.  *you should have read that with a deep James Earl Jones voice*  — THE SCARLET THREAD

Anyway, I’m really looking forward to this series for a lot of reasons.  But there’s one reason that stands above all others.

I hurt.

I hurt because I’ve lost family members I love.

I hurt because I’ve lost relationships with people I love.

I hurt because I’ve seen marriages fail for countless reasons.

I hurt.

And something tells me I’m not alone.  You may be hurting too.  You’re hurting but you’re afraid to tell your small group.  Why be vulnerable?  You’re hurting but you’re afraid to talk with your ministry leader.  Why be open?  You’re hurting but you’re afraid to tell your spouse.  Why be a burden?

It’s my hope that as we dive into this series you’re willing and able to wrestle through those hurts.  Confess them.  Pray for healing.

Now, you may be wondering, “What does this have to do with ‘The Scarlet Thread’?”  Good question.

This Sunday morning we’re beginning this series with a good look at Genesis 3.  Have you read Genesis 3 recently?  No?  Well, take a quick opportunity to do that.

Ever wonder why we experience suffering?  Ever wonder why we experience pain?  Ever wonder why we experience hurt?  Read Genesis 3.  The answers are right there.

But there’s something else that happens in Genesis 3.  Something you may miss the first time through.  It comes in Genesis 3:21.  Here’s what it says:

And the LORD God made clothing from animal skins for Adam and his wife.

Did you catch that?

No?

Right there is the first recorded sacrifice in history. Adam sinned.  Eve did, too.  And God himself provided a sacrifice.  The scarlet thread begins.  The story of Jesus begins.  Right there, in Genesis 3.

There’s much more to this story.  MUCH more.  But for now, take a short opportunity to think through the following:

1. What hurts have you been experiencing?  What’s been holding you back from sharing them with others?
2. What is one thing you learned from reading Genesis 3?
3. Who are you going to share that with?

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Questions or comments?  Feel free to let me know in the comment section below.