Needs of the Single People in the Congregation

Driving home: If we see a need, we must be very careful that in responding to that need pragmatically rather than biblically, we do not create a greater need down the road.

This story illustrates the danger of pragmatic solutions to problems. Importing rabbits to control prickly pear led to a greater problem of rabbit overpopulation, showing how non-biblical responses to needs can create worse issues.

I've used the illustration before, but it is said that in certain parts of Australia, they had a tremendous ecological problem. It was the problem of the proliferation of prickly pear. And it was very difficult to raise crops in certain areas because the prickly pear was just multiplying itself profusely and choking out other plant life. Well, some keen observer noticed that a certain type of hare, rabbit, ate the prickly pear.

4:28 - 4:56 Read in full sermon

The point: Avoid all matchmaking efforts.

Martin references the character Yenta from 'Fiddler on the Roof' to illustrate the cultural role of a matchmaker, contrasting it with the undesirable practice of matchmaking within Trinity Church.

Some of you have heard with great pleasure the musical score of the classic, really, some have said American opera, Fiddler on the Roof. And you remember that one of the well-known hymns, one of the well-known songs,

14:58 - 15:15 Read in full sermon

Driving home: They do not want in their singleness to develop an... independence that is contrary to the general biblical principle and that would militate against their really taking their place as a submissive wife should marriage b…

Martin recounts his shock at the older mean age of a congregation in Ireland compared to Trinity Baptist Church, highlighting how unusually young Trinity is and the implications for singles who may lack exposure to mature Christian family life.

A second need that many of our singles have because we are such a young congregation. Now, let me share with you how this came home with me so forcefully. Did I mention it when I gave the report about the recent trip to the UK? See, I don't know what I've said to who, where, when, and what, because I have mentioned this.

21:11 - 21:30 Read in full sermon

In this part of the sermon: The discussion continues, focusing on how to provide a natural framework for singles to interact comfortably, breaking down initial awkwardness. Mike contributes biblical…

Martin uses the analogy of awkward teenage parties where boys and girls stand on opposite sides, to illustrate the natural tension and awkwardness that can exist between single men and women, which needs to be broken down in natural settings.

I think I used the illustration with the singles the night we met with them. It's like some of us can remember the first social, activity we were ever involved in, which involved fellas and girls. It was with many of us. Maybe it was a party or something when we were in our early teens.

27:45 - 28:02 Read in full sermon