Normal

When people think of "normal" they think of what most people are doing. If that is the case, we would be in trouble. Did you know that it used to be "normal" for people to think the earth was in center of the universe? Or, that high heels were worn by Persian Cavalry and European men. In the 1880s, if you need dentures, you would be getting teeth from the deceased. No, thank you! And, for the teens, before 2004 it was "normal" for teens to not have a cell phone.

"Normal" as a word came to the English language in the 17th century. It means "...made according to a carpenter's square, forming a right angle." So, "normal" is a standard to measure against. 

As believers we also have a standard to live by. God's Word. 

In 2 Samuel chapter two, we looked at a few ways that David ignored the standard; the "normal".

1. He was not where he should have been (2 Samuel 11:1). There is often danger when we are in a place where we should not be.

2. He allowed his thoughts to take him captive (2 Samuel 11:2-3). What are we going to do when we are faced with temptation? Remembering God's "normal" (standard) is important. Proverbs 4:23 reminds us to keep you heart vigilant. Matthew 5:28 reminds us that having lust in our thoughts puts us in the same category as adultery.

3. He acted out his desires even though they were against God's standard (2 Samuel 11:4). Exodus 20:14, 17 make God's standard very clear.

4. He tried covering up his sin that impacted other people, including murder (2 Samuel 11:5-15). We all know murder is sin (Exodus 20:13), but Jesus said hate in your heart is the same thing (Matthew 5:21-22).

5. He did not follow God's standard for marriage (2 Samuel 11:27). God had warned kings prior about wives (Deuteronomy 17:17). 

Fortunately, David is not only an example of what it looks like to miss the standard. He is a good example of humility is seeking God's face when confronted with his own sin (Psalm 51).

When we want to be "normal" make sure we understand to follow God's standard, not what the world tells us is okay.

- Have you helped your family set up guidelines to help keep the focus on God's standards?

- What standards have we been getting from the world that contradict the good that God has in store in our life?

- Like David, we can get our walk with God back on track. He is faithful, and just, and full of grace and mercy, and will forgive us when we turn from Him and desire to walk with Him again.

Upcoming Dates

September 30 - Hot Topics

October 7, 14 - Youth Baptism Class for those interested in baptism. We will meet at MidTown at 5:30pm those two nights. October 25 will be the date of our next baptism.

October TBD - Neewollah

November 1 - Rake and Run following church. Pizza provided. Please bring your own rake/blower. We will return to Calvary by 4pm

November 14 - Flag Football. 8am-3pm at Rockford Baptist Church. More details to come

December 30 - Night Shift. More details to come

January 15-17, 2027 - Lake Effect is January 15-17, not February. This is our winter camp that we will be running with a couple other churches. Signups will be coming later this Fall and through Calvary.

June 7-12, 2027 - The mission trip is June 7-12, not the 14-19. Bridge United: Go South will be held at Somerset Beach Campgrounds. Registration will be open as of October 1. Early bird discounts will be available through December 31, 2026, and then the price will go up every couple of months until the mission trip. This is for 6-12th grade. We will be serving local communities in a variety of ways.

August 1-8, 2027 - Mission trip with CBM "Sampler" to visit church planters around the U.S. This is for Juniors, Seniors and those out of high school. More details to come.