In this episode, Chris Rivers, Jim Taylor, and Vernon Rutland discuss the process of recovery through the re:gen ministry at Grace Church and explore how this played a role in Vernon’s story. Share, listen and then discuss the application, key ideas, and scripture references in a one on one conversation or with a group of men. Episode # 10 Study Questions: https://bit.ly/3yrF8G8 KEY POINTS Vernon went through a period where he was struggling in many different areas of his life. There was conflict in his marriage, tension at work, and an overall feeling of isolation. During this time, Vernon engaged in an extramarital affair.  He tried, in his own efforts, to keep it all together. However, as guilt for his actions and the pressure he was feeling continued to mount, he decided to come clean with his wife. Vernon’s wife asked him to move out and he quickly felt his world come crashing down around him. Vernon and his family had been members at Grace for 3 years when this situation took place. He was a member of a community group and had begun working through some of the Men’s Roundtable studies. While Vernon admits he was participating on a surface level and not really plugged in, he was surprised by the outpouring of love and support by his community group leader and other godly men in his life. They did not condone his sin, but rallied around him and spoke hard truths he needed to hear. Vernon made the decision to attend a re:gen recovery group at Grace Church. These groups are based on the 12-step recovery process and incorporate the Biblical concepts and language behind these ideas. Vernon originally did not want to go and entered the room on the first night with skepticism.  As he continued in the process, he became aware of his brokenness. He began to see sins of pride and self-reliance in his life and realized his need for true dependence on God. Re:gen served as a catalyst for healing and gave Vernon the tools to recognize and address his sin.  It changed his outlook on how much he needed God and allowed him to be fully known and loved by other broken Christians like himself.  Vernon was able to gain accountability and move away from the isolation that characterized his life. Through hard work and a commitment to the process, Vernon saw God redeem his marriage and his family.  He gained a new perspective regarding his need for God and saw his faith strengthened. SCRIPTURE REFERENCES But when the teachers of religious law who were Pharisees saw him eating with tax collectors and other sinners, they asked his disciples, “Why does he eat with such scum?” When Jesus heard this, he told them, “ Healthy people don’t need a doctor-sick people do. I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners.” Mark 2:16-17 For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. Hebrews 4:12 RESOURCES MENTIONED: Men’s Roundtable: This teaching can be found by visiting: gracechurchsc.org/mrt Learn more about the re:gen ministry at Grace Church by visiting: https://gracechurchsc.org/regen 100 Common Struggles mention: resources.gracechurchsc.org/articles/over-100-common-struggles-personal-assessment Have questions? [email protected]