Weekly Newsletter November 17

In 2005, I sat in for a day at a workshop for pastors to learn about a week-long program for men recovering from sex-based addictions. Some of the men there were convicted sex offenders. Perhaps all of them. I didn’t know. At lunchtime, I sat at a small square table with three other men I had never met before. My heart raced as my nerves tensed. 

Our meal was served and no one knew how to start a conversation until the bravest among us became honest. “Well I guess I’ll start. I’m here because I need help. I’m just getting out of prison for sex crimes, and I’ve got to live a better life.”

That prompted the next guy to get honest. “I’m here because I’m getting married in a few months and I’m addicted to pornography. I don’t want to ruin my marriage before it begins.”

The third guy admitted also to having been in prison for a sex crime. And then there was me. Now, when guys start telling stories, we are tempted to “out-do” the story just told. But I couldn’t do that, nor did I want to. Nervously I said, “I’m a pastor, and I’m here to learn about this program. You guys are tremendously brave to be here and say those things. I admire you.”

It was one of those experiences when I was keenly aware of my own tendencies to judge others. I remembered Jesus “eating with tax collectors and other sinners.” I’m not patting myself on the back because it wasn’t easy for me to sit there. After that introduction broke the ice, our conversation turned to much less personal matters as we learned about each other. We’re all men, facing the same temptations and truths, humbled by life, and now seeking to faithfully follow Jesus. Lunch ended and we returned to our meetings. Even now, I pray for those men that God has and continues to transform their lives.

Jesus changes lives. That’s the good news we have to share. Because of Jesus, we can bravely face the consequences of our sins, experience God's life-changing love, and follow his ways. Whatever your situation, God loves you and wants you to be free from the chains that bind you. Jesus came to free us so that we can live a joyful, abundant, and purpose-filled life now and forever.

If you or someone you know is caught in an addiction of any kind, seek help. Confess it to Jesus and trust him. If you don’t know how to do that, please ask me or anyone at Christ the Cornerstone.



My most awkward lunch meeting powerfully reminded me how good the news about Jesus really is. Keep sharing it wherever you go!

Dear Heavenly Father,
Nothing is hidden from you, yet when you look at us, you see a child created by you and greatly love, valuable, and full of purpose. Each of us is given a life worth living well. Forgive us all our sins. Teach us your ways. Move us to tell others about your mercy and power. We ask this with the authority of the name of Jesus. Amen.

Roger Frederick
Lead Pastor

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