More Than Words | (RE)FORMATION | Pastor Joaquin Pardo

Your words matter! This weekend Pastor Joaquin Pardo continued our (RE)FORMATION series with a message about Jesus’ words on marriage, divorce, and integrity.Matthew 5:31-32“It has been said, ‘Anyone who divorces his wife must give her a certificate of divorce.’But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, makes her the victim of adultery, and anyone who marries a divorced woman commits adultery. 1) We are in it for the long run.Jesus addressed how people in His time twisted God’s intention for marriage, treating it casually rather than as a covenant. While culture often prioritizes personal happiness over commitment, God calls us to faithfulness that reflects His own love for us. Marriage isn’t just a contract—it’s a sacred promise.2) You don’t have to say all of that.Jesus challenged His followers to be people of integrity. A lack of integrity leads to deception. Instead of making empty promises, He called us to let our “yes” be yes and our “no” be no. We don’t need to manipulate or over-explain—our words should carry the weight of truth on their own. 3) Take Him at His word.Numbers 23:19 “God is not a man, that he should lie… Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?”Many of us struggle with trust because of past disappointments. Broken promises have shaped us. People have let us down. But God is different—He is faithful. He is a promise keeper. Ultimately, our ability to walk in faithfulness and integrity comes from trusting in God’s faithfulness. 2 Corinthians 1:20For no matter how many promises God has made, they are ‘Yes’ in Christ.Every promise of healing, every promise of provision, every promise of peace, every promise of salvation—all of it is YES in Christ!