2/8/10
Welcome to 5 Questions With..... 
Today's guest is Gary Thomas. Gary Thomas is a writer and founder of the Center for Evangelical Spirituality. He is the author of several books including Sacred Marriage, Sacred Pathways, Holy Available, Sacred Parenting, and the Gold Medallion Award-winning Authentic Faith. Gary speaks at approximately 50 churches, denominational meetings and ministry gatherings every year, teaching at seminars designed to equip Christians to grow in their faith. These seminars vary from one-evening sessions to a week long or weekend format and address the essential elements of Christian spirituality from an evangelical perspective.
And now without further delay, on to the questions:
Hi Gary,
Question 1: What one word would describe your current relationship with God?
Son.
Question 2: What was the catalyst for you to begin teaching about marriage?
It was my own experience. I couldn't find any other books that looked at the spiritual challenge of marriage, but I found myself being tested and tried as a married man in ways I'd never been tried as a single man - and I saw the benefits of having my sin exposed, learning to serve and other aspects of marital life. After living it for 15 years, as a writer it was natural for me to want to explore it on paper - and so I did.
Question 3: How do you balance teaching, writing and family?
When I had a "job," I wrote in the mornings, before anyone else was up, and on weekends, when the kids napped. By the time they were older, writing and teaching became my occupation, so it fit into the work week. As far as traveling goes, when the kids were younger, I let my wife have veto power over every speaking invitation. We talked about the balance between needing the income, the ministry opportunity, and the time away from home. It wasn't, and isn't, easy - in fact, trying to balance them has likely been one of the greatest stresses in my life.
Question 4: Sacred Marriage, Sacred parenting; it seems that much of your teaching is about letting God change you, rather than those around you. How big of a problem is self-centeredness in our relationships with God and others?
I think self-centeredness is the BIGGEST problem. When you read Scripture and the Christian classics, it's clear that humility is the chief virtue, and pride the chief sin. Thankfully, marriage and parenting both represent some of the most effective arenas in all of human experience to grow in selflessness, which the ancients would have called humility.
Question 5: If you could only have 5 minutes to impact a couple with truth about Christian marriage, what would you tell them?
Feelings fade; it's a scientific certainty. Marriage will pinch your feet, point out your weaknesses, raise little irritations - embrace these soul-scouring aspects of marriage instead of fighting them, and learn to appreciate your spouse as a sibling in Christ instead of resenting them for being used by God to point them out. And finally, never, ever forget you're married to God's son or God's daughter. When you truly believe that God is your father-in-law as well as your father, your marriage will never be the same; that's where worship (honoring God) and marriage (loving your spouse) come together.
Thanks you so much Gary.
There you have it. I would encourage you to check out Gary's website. There you will find an extensive bio, free resources and videos to view.
Also a special thank you to my colleague, Stanley Groothof, who introduced me to Gary Thomas and who really set this interview up for me.
To see past 5 Question guests, check out the rotating interview links on the sidebar.
2/7/10
When I 1st saw the signs around town, back in October, I looked with interest at the premise: A weekend marriage event with Gary Thomas, author of Scared Marriage.
A local congregation, Telkwa CRC, was bringing Gary up for a Sacred Marriage event and my wife and I were stoked. It sounded awesome and we wanted all of our friends and acquaintances to check it out.
We went with some friends and Sarah and I were greatly impacted by this event. Gary uses humour and hard hitting truth to break through the veneer of self righteousness that so many of us hate to admit we struggle with. I know in my own life, I found it easier to blame my spouse for things when in reality, the finger should have been pointed at me.
To me the true test of a conference or event is how it impacts you 2-3 months after the event. Well my wife and I are still going back to the things Gary shared. having seen God restore our own marriage, we were excited to share what we learned with others. Gary's book has become THE marriage book we recommend.
However, I think if you can get to a marriage event with Gary Thomas you should go. He brings the book to life and you will find your marriage and your relationship with the Lord strengthened. Check out Gary's schedule and to find an event near you. Or better yet, have your church invite Gary to speak.
A local congregation, Telkwa CRC, was bringing Gary up for a Sacred Marriage event and my wife and I were stoked. It sounded awesome and we wanted all of our friends and acquaintances to check it out.
We went with some friends and Sarah and I were greatly impacted by this event. Gary uses humour and hard hitting truth to break through the veneer of self righteousness that so many of us hate to admit we struggle with. I know in my own life, I found it easier to blame my spouse for things when in reality, the finger should have been pointed at me.
To me the true test of a conference or event is how it impacts you 2-3 months after the event. Well my wife and I are still going back to the things Gary shared. having seen God restore our own marriage, we were excited to share what we learned with others. Gary's book has become THE marriage book we recommend.
However, I think if you can get to a marriage event with Gary Thomas you should go. He brings the book to life and you will find your marriage and your relationship with the Lord strengthened. Check out Gary's schedule and to find an event near you. Or better yet, have your church invite Gary to speak.
2/6/10
So today I changed the blog style/layout. It was 2 years ago I launched this little blog with the encouragement of my wife and a few friends. I thought I would acknowledge the 2nd birthday of the blog by making some cosmetic changes.
The one thing that won't change is the content. Devotionals, ministry links, interviews; it's all still here. As well as a passion for Jesus Christ.
I am finding more and more that 1 Cor. 2:2 is my desire, "For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified."
So what do you think?
The one thing that won't change is the content. Devotionals, ministry links, interviews; it's all still here. As well as a passion for Jesus Christ.
I am finding more and more that 1 Cor. 2:2 is my desire, "For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified."
So what do you think?
Once in a while a book comes along that not only speaks to you, but it says exactly what you would say if you could articulate it as well as the author did.Sacred Marriage is that kind of book. The book starts with the question:
What if God designed marriage to make us holy instead of happy?
Yes it's that kind of book. My wife and I found that this book took everything you've ever read in a marriage book and flipped it on it's ear. It is challenging. You can't come away from this book without feeling the need to get your perspective straight.If you want to strengthen your marriage and more importantly, your relationship with the Lord, then this is the book for you. Gary Thomas, the author of this marriage classic, takes you on a journey in Sacred Marriage. He peels away the desire to change your spouse and get's to the core of the issue....self-centeredness. Dig in and discover how God wants to make you holy!
Read how to turn marital struggles into spiritual and personal appreciation. Learn to love your spouse with a stronger sense of purpose. Transform a “tired” marriage into a relationship filled with awe and respect. Your life will never be the same.
If you have never read this book then I want to encourage you to pick up a copy today at your local Christian bookstore. Sacred Marriage is published by Zondervan.
2/4/10
I want to take a moment to highlight Setting Captives Free. This ministry seeks to help those struggling with addictions like porn, overeating, etc via Bible studies and online mentoring.
You will also find links to internet filters and a host of other resources. Setting Captives Free is a non-denominational ministry which teaches the biblical principles of freedom in Jesus Christ.
I am high on this ministry because at a time when things were darkest in my life, God used this ministry to help me through my own struggle with porn. I even worked as an online mentor with them for as couple years after finding my freedom in Christ.
If you or someone you know is struggling then I would encourage you to check out SCF today.
You will also find links to internet filters and a host of other resources. Setting Captives Free is a non-denominational ministry which teaches the biblical principles of freedom in Jesus Christ.
I am high on this ministry because at a time when things were darkest in my life, God used this ministry to help me through my own struggle with porn. I even worked as an online mentor with them for as couple years after finding my freedom in Christ.
If you or someone you know is struggling then I would encourage you to check out SCF today.
2/2/10
"Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6)
That was the first Scripture I memorized as a new Christian. My Mom had given me a plaque with that verse on it right after I made a commitment to Christ and I kept it for years on my dresser.
It is a verse I go back to again and again. I have been around the world these last 16 years, from Russia to Tn, Croatia to Canada and all parts in between. In all of that, I have tried to never make a move without seeking God first.
Even now, as I sit in the frozen north of BC, I am only here because God called us to come. We sought Him and His will for our next steps and both of us felt the Lord saying Smithers. So here we are.
Now, as I seek to pastor Main Street Christian Fellowship on a weekly basis, I have to go back to this verse again. Starting a church was His idea. He gave Sarah and I the vision for this new group to launch. Now, 16 months in, I find I still need to seek Him daily for fresh vision, fresh revelation. As our group grows, as new challenges crop up, I have to go back to the Father and seek Him and allow Him to guide the next steps. Where do we go from here? What lies ahead for our fellowship? God knows and it is He who will provide the answers.
Oh, but what an adventure it is!
That was the first Scripture I memorized as a new Christian. My Mom had given me a plaque with that verse on it right after I made a commitment to Christ and I kept it for years on my dresser.
It is a verse I go back to again and again. I have been around the world these last 16 years, from Russia to Tn, Croatia to Canada and all parts in between. In all of that, I have tried to never make a move without seeking God first.
Even now, as I sit in the frozen north of BC, I am only here because God called us to come. We sought Him and His will for our next steps and both of us felt the Lord saying Smithers. So here we are.
Now, as I seek to pastor Main Street Christian Fellowship on a weekly basis, I have to go back to this verse again. Starting a church was His idea. He gave Sarah and I the vision for this new group to launch. Now, 16 months in, I find I still need to seek Him daily for fresh vision, fresh revelation. As our group grows, as new challenges crop up, I have to go back to the Father and seek Him and allow Him to guide the next steps. Where do we go from here? What lies ahead for our fellowship? God knows and it is He who will provide the answers.
Oh, but what an adventure it is!
2/1/10
This past week, as I laid in bed listening to my wife's breath rise and fall rhythmically in sleep, as I listened to Caleb's soft gentle cooing as he rolled to his side and as I thought of Hanna sleeping gently in the next room, a verse came to my mind:
"I'm not saying this because I'm in any need. I've learned to be content in whatever situation I'm in. I know how to live in poverty or prosperity. No matter what the situation, I've learned the secret of how to live when I'm full or when I'm hungry, when I have too much or when I have too little. I can do everything through Christ who strengthens me." (Philippians 4:11-13)
One definition of content as found in Webster's Dictionary is, "not disturbed; having a mind at peace". I think that is an awesome definition. This week I am content.
Sure, life is hectic. There are stresses at work, normal stresses with a new baby and all kinds of financial hurdles ahead, both seen and unseen. However, I am content. There are uncertainties about tomorrow, things can change in an instant, but I am content.
As the Scripture above said, "Ive learned the secret." The secret is in Romans 8:1 and Galatians 2:20. In Romans 8:1 it says, "There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." Did you see it? It's the word IN! Being in Christ Jesus is the secret. Galatians 2:20 says it even more fully, "I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."
My identity is in Jesus Christ. It is for that reason and that reason only, that I can be content in both good times and bad. When I walk in my identity, as a new creation in Christ Jesus, I am living in victory even in the bad times...because I have the peace that passes all understanding.
I know what it's like to have a mind that is not at rest, to have the inner turmoil and doubt, fear and insecurity that comes when I am not at peace. I don't want to go back there. I want to live out of my new identity.
Are you content?
"I'm not saying this because I'm in any need. I've learned to be content in whatever situation I'm in. I know how to live in poverty or prosperity. No matter what the situation, I've learned the secret of how to live when I'm full or when I'm hungry, when I have too much or when I have too little. I can do everything through Christ who strengthens me." (Philippians 4:11-13)
One definition of content as found in Webster's Dictionary is, "not disturbed; having a mind at peace". I think that is an awesome definition. This week I am content.
Sure, life is hectic. There are stresses at work, normal stresses with a new baby and all kinds of financial hurdles ahead, both seen and unseen. However, I am content. There are uncertainties about tomorrow, things can change in an instant, but I am content.
As the Scripture above said, "Ive learned the secret." The secret is in Romans 8:1 and Galatians 2:20. In Romans 8:1 it says, "There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." Did you see it? It's the word IN! Being in Christ Jesus is the secret. Galatians 2:20 says it even more fully, "I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."
My identity is in Jesus Christ. It is for that reason and that reason only, that I can be content in both good times and bad. When I walk in my identity, as a new creation in Christ Jesus, I am living in victory even in the bad times...because I have the peace that passes all understanding.
I know what it's like to have a mind that is not at rest, to have the inner turmoil and doubt, fear and insecurity that comes when I am not at peace. I don't want to go back there. I want to live out of my new identity.
Are you content?
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