OUR MISSION: To guide those far from God into the new start found in Jesus Christ.

...are there necessary sins? Psalms 139:23-24 Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

small clip from the 2008 movie... “Doubt”

Proverbs 6:16 & 19 “There are six things the L ORD hates — no, seven things he detests:” vs.19 “a false witness who pours out lies, a person who sows discord in a family.” (NLT) GOSSIP...are there necessary sins? "When we're talking about a situation with somebody who's neither part of the problem nor part of the solution, then we are probably gossiping.” - Rick Warren

Proverbs 18:8 & 26:22 “The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to the inmost parts.” The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly (KJV) GOSSIP...are there necessary sins? Why has gossip made the short list of things that God hates? First Reason Every time we talk about someone else in a negative light, we are actually talking about one of God’s children Hebrew word לָהַם [ lâham ] Its common meaning embraces all these words Burn; Desire; Greed; Thirst There's something disgustingly enjoyable about participating in the destructive sin of gossip

Proverbs 18:8 & 26:22 “The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to the inmost parts.” The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly (KJV) GOSSIP...are there necessary sins? Why has gossip made the short list of things that God hates? Second Reason Ultimately gossip is a reflection of the darkness in our heart

Ephesians 4:29 “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” GOSSIP...are there necessary sins? How do we overcome the sin of gossip? Question One Is my conversation helpful or hurtful?

Proverbs 16:27-28 “Scoundrels create trouble; their words are a destructive blaze. A troublemaker plants seeds of strife; gossip separates the best of friends.” (NLT) GOSSIP...are there necessary sins? How do we overcome the sin of gossip? Question One Is my conversation helpful or hurtful? The complaint sandwich The prayer meeting If it’s true... it’s not fair game

Proverbs 11:12-13 “It is foolish to belittle one’s neighbour; a sensible person keeps quiet. A gossip goes around telling secrets, but those who are trustworthy can keep a confidence.” (NLT) GOSSIP...are there necessary sins? How do we overcome the sin of gossip? Question Two Am I making private matters public? Social Media protect others protect myself

Proverbs 25:9-10 “When arguing with your neighbour, don’t betray another person’s secret. Others may accuse you of gossip, and you will never regain your good reputation.” GOSSIP...are there necessary sins? How do we overcome the sin of gossip? Question Two Am I making private matters public? Social Media protect others protect myself

Proverbs 25:21-23 “If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the L ORD will reward you. Like a north wind that brings unexpected rain is a sly tongue – which provokes a horrified look.” Romans 12:21 “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” GOSSIP...are there necessary sins? How do we overcome the sin of gossip? Question Three Am I permitting others to gossip? 3 way to stop a gossipy conversation The loving choice The direct choice The attitude choice

GOSSIP...are there necessary sins? How do we overcome the sin of gossip? Does that mean I can never talk about anyone? A couple of good guidelines Constructive conversation Everyone involved in the conversation has to be there to help

GOSSIP...are there necessary sins? Your words matter Matthew 12:36-37 “But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”

GOSSIP...are there necessary sins? Your words matter Proverbs 18:21 “The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” Words are powerful What is Christianity? Gospel Old English word for God Spell God’s unquestionable truth Good News

OUR MISSION: To guide those far from God into the new start found in Jesus Christ.