Uncomfy Studies: Introduction

Before You Read

“Make room for us in your hearts. We have wronged no one, we have corrupted no one, we have exploited no one. I do not say this to condemn you; I have said before that you have such a place in our hearts that we would live or die with you. I have spoken to you with great frankness; I take great pride in you. I am greatly encouraged; in all our troubles my joy knows no bounds. [...]
Even if I caused you sorrow by my letter, I do not regret it. Though I did regret it- I see that my letter hurt you, but only for a little while- yet now I am happy, not because you were made sorry, but because your sorrow led you to repentance. For you became sorrowful as God intended and so were not harmed in any way by us.
Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. See what this godly sorrow has produced in you: what earnestness, what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what alarm, what longing, what concern, what readiness to see justice done.
At every point you have proved yourselves to be innocent in this matter. So even though I wrote to you, it was neither on account of the one who did the wrong nor on account of the injured party, but rather that before God you could see for yourselves how devoted to us you are. By all this we are encouraged.”
(2 Corinthians 7:2-4,8-13b)

Read before the message: I wanted to find some way to start each segment of this message series and when I came across this passage written by Paul, I decided it is perfect. I am so eager to start my first-ever message series! This is one that has been on my heart to write for many years now, and I am grateful that God has been providing me with the knowledge and experience to write these accordingly.
However, I have some warnings, some requests, and some information I want to pass on before you start reading any of the Uncomfy Studies:

1. You will get uncomfortable. That’s… kinda the whole point. I will be addressing topics seen as controversial and highly debatable, both among the Church and the secular world. My reason for this is not to spark debate, to claim a “right side” in any of the debates, or condemn any one side. Sometimes discomfort is necessary to grow and learn. I can tell you now, this is why I am doing a Sociology degree.

2. The goal with these is to increase knowledge of a subject, not state an opinion or sway. You will notice with this series, I use relevant Scripture more often than my opinion or personal experiences. This is because my goal with this is to provide you with Biblical facts about these subjects- things that as believers, we acknowledge as concrete and certain- that you can then use and apply in your own spiritual journeys to grow in understanding and love for those around you.

3. Enter the message in prayer and with an open heart. If you’re closed off and unwilling to hear uncomfortable things, you’ll get offended. Keeping Notes 1 and 2 in mind, enter with prayer and allow God to show you HIS Truths on these hotly debated topics.

4. Read the messages all the way through. Please, please, please…. I am begging you, read the messages all the way through. Don’t stop reading just because something makes you upset or uncomfortable, or you don’t agree. It is understandable if you need to step away to process, but do try to finish the message.

5. Test it. Test me and my messages against Scripture. Review the Scriptures I chose, analyze my words. I ask that with every message I write, but especially with these.