Category: CHRISTIAN LIFE

I. God originated Marriage
God’s plan for Marriage is ONE Man, ONE Woman
Adam stated it Genesis 2:24 That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.
Christ affirmed it Matthew 19:5 and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh’
Paul restated it Ephesians 5:31 For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.
II. Different Marriage Customs
Thru-out history many different customs
The further away from God, the more obnoxious they became
POLYGAMY – one husband, many wives
POLYANDRY – one wife, many husbands
MULTIPLE or GROUP MARRIGES
III. God’s Plan, one husband, one wife
Adam was alone, not only alone but lonely
How many PETS would Adam have needed to fill this void?
God chose for him, just the right mate, one who would be his equal,
his help mate, one who could share his joy.
IV. What Happened? Why are marriages failing? 1 out of 3.
Those are the statics, and it even affects Christians.
How many marriages are just dead, meaningless, unsuccessful.
Attempts at just living together.
V. Four major causes for marriage failures: (in alphabetical order)
FINICIAL
Not having a proper understanding concerning the handling of money
Excessive installment buying, Extravagant spending
Partners, everything above board
Husband, Wife knowing everything about investments, expenses etc
IN-LAWS
Criticisms of and by In-Laws
Living too close and often with them
A mate comes first. Someone you want to spend time with,
be with as much as possible a Pal
Share secrets with
SEXUAL
Lack of Common courtesies
No open expressions of love
Love is a relationship, more than sex, but does include sex.
Don’t let it be a dirty word in your marriage 1 Corinthians 7:3-5,
Hebrews 13:4
It is not a tool to gain an advantage over one another
SPIRITUAL
No prayer life
No attendance to worship services
Lack of family devotions i.e. just praying at meal time.
Put Christ first in all things
He ordained marriage, not as a competitor but as one who will draw you closer
It’s His will that your marriage succeeds.

⇛ continue reading Marriage Failures Part 2

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Men – Boys, this is for you. A look at special commands for MALES!
Women seem to be more interested in spiritual things than men.
Men seem to be content in where they are, spiritually.
ADAM vs EVE Genesis 3:5-6
Adam was content with his relationship with God.
Eve apparently wanted more.
Some directions for Men
1 Corinthians 7:17-24 Serve where you are, be content.
Don’t try to be something you are not.
Don’t think being a Christian entitles you to favors from this world.
1 Corinthians 11:3 Man is head of the house.
1 Timothy 2:13-14 Man was formed first.
1 Timothy 3:4-5 Rule over your house.
Rules for Marriage
1 Corinthians 7:2-5 Every man has his own wife
Husband, render due benevolence
Marriage is a two way street, but each mate has their own responsibilities.
HUSBANDS
Ephesians 5:25,28-29, 30,33
Colossians 3:19
1 Peter 3:7
FATHERS – 2 commands
Ephesians 6:4 Correct them, don’t punish them
Teach them about God and godly things.
Colossians 3:21 Build, don’t destroy
SOME GUILD LINES
1 Corinthians 11:4-14 Hair styles
2 Corinthians 9:6-7 Support God’s work
Titus 2:2 Aged Men
Titus 2:6-8 Young Men
1 Timothy 2:8 Remember to Pray, always.
O MAN OF GOD
1 Timothy 6:11-16 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession; That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ: Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen.

MEN – Are you WHAT God wants? Are you WHERE God wants you?
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Most little girls dream of a handsome prince charming coming on his white steed and sweeping them off their feet and whisking them away to live happily ever. Either because of Cinderella or perhaps the story grew because of dreams.
June has developed as the wedding month, why June? There are many legends and customs. Here is one: The goddess Juno (for whom June is named) was the protector of women in all aspects of life, but especially in marriage and childbearing.
There are many customs connected with weddings. Even in the Bible, we see development of weddings.
Genesis 2:23-25 ADAM and Eve First mention of WIFE Genesis 3:6 HUSBAND
Genesis 24:57-67 … First Ceremony
Genesis 27:21 … First wedding feast
What exactly does WEDDING mean? And what does all the pomp and ceremony mean?
Origin of Wedding … (as a word) … The WED was the purchase money (or equivalent) which the Groom gave to the Bride’s father, either before or after she became his wife.
Three basic types of marriage:
Marriage by capture (usually force)
Marriage by purchase
Marriage by Love
Religion and Marriage never really came together until after the COUNCIL OF TRENT … a valid catholic wedding had to consist of two or three witness’s and be preformed by a priest.
Prior to this time (around 1500) weddings consisted of two people deciding to live together.
Usually, it was the decision of the man.
SOME OF THE CUSTOMES THAT DEVELOPED AND STILL REMAIN:
The ENGAGEMENT … the time between betrothal and the wedding, is not today what was.
One ancient custom among common people was the breaking of a piece of gold or silver, one half to the girl and the other keep by the man, thus sealing their vow of marriage. In ancient Ireland, a man gave his girl a bracelet of woven human (his) hair (pity the poor bald man). The engagement ring can be traced back to 4 BC. Engraved in one found was the Greek word equivalent to HONEY.
The WEDDING RING … also traced back to ancient Egypt, symbolizes a tie for eternity. It was made out of every conceivable type of material, varying in sizes, many times to large to be worn. (Hebrews did not wear ornamental jewelry). It symbolizes for the woman … subjugation. For the man … bondage.
The very finger the ring is worn on has a lot of symbolism. The left hand symbolizes Subjection…The right hand symbolizes Power, Authority. The finger chosen is thought to have a nerve or vein that runs directly to the seat of love, the heart. It \was chosen because it is guarded on both sides by other fingers and it is the finger least used.
The WEDDING SHOES … also a symbol of authority. The bride’s father gave the groom one of his shoes which meant the authority for the bride passed from father to husband. His first act was to tap his bride’s head. The shoe is illustrated in the story of Ruth.
RICE AT WEDDINGS … symbol of fertility or productiveness. Fruit, Nuts, Wheat, Barly have also been used. Even cooked Rice (still wet) has been used. Among primitive tribes, throwing rice was done to ward off the demons … Rice was also offered to keep the soul of the Groom from leaving the Bride … The bride has also been beaned by rice cakes.
The WEDDING CAKE … a carry over from eating of special foods and the wedding feast … it’s size and shape is traced back to Northern England where many small cakes were prepared and then stacked. The Groom was to try to kiss the bride over the stack and a successful completion (not knocking any part of the stack over) meant a long and happy life together … A French baker saw a problem and developed the idea of cementing the cakes together with frosting … Hence the wedding cake.
The HONEYMOON … a remanent of the days when the Groom had to capture his wife and literally hid out with her to avoid her family or tribe. The word comes from Northern Europe where the young married couple drank a kind of wine made from honey for the firth month of their marriage … thus, the Honey Month became the Honeymoon. It symbolizes the period of sweetness and delight.
For more about WEDDING PRACTICES AROUND THE WORLD
Continue Some Day Part 2

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Read Ephesians 5:1-10 (vs 8 For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:)
John 8:12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
Matthew 5:14-16 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
What is known about light?
It’s cheerful
It radiates warmth
It drives away the darkness
It reveals the things around it
It draws attention to itself
Matthew 5:14 … a city … ever notice how cheerful a city all light up appears and how warm that city appears?
John 8:12 The Lord Jesus drives away the darkness
Matthew 5:15 Reveals things … Gives light to all in the house
Matthew 5:16 Draws attention to self … that others may see
Matthew 5:14 What kind of a light are you?
Flash bulb, Flare, Flashlight, Light Bulb

Flash bulb Type … What is known about them?
They give off a very bright light … very briefly
Everyone knows when one goes off
They usually only shine when something is happening
How does this fit into what we know about light?
Cheerful? … Not always Warm? … Hot or a brief moment
Drive away darkness? … very briefly Reveal things? … very briefly
Draws attention? … O yes However NOT the type of light to stay around!
Some Christians are like Flash Flash bulbs … Only time they show up is when something is happening, they never stay around very long.

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During the 60’s and 70’s American was bombarded with INS!
Love-ins, Sit-Ins, Hate-Ins, Stand-Ins, Drive-Ins… Just so many protests!

IT’S A MUD-IN

Everyone wants to be IN … in the group.
Well, God is the originator of the IN group, and He says today, there are only two groups …
1 Corinthians 15:22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.
WE were all born in Adam.
Thru Adam, Sin entered into the world and has passed unto all born of a man and a woman. Romans 5:12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:
When we Believe (Death, Burial, Resurrection) and (Confess Jesus as Lord) and are saved, then:
Thru Christ, a new life became available, an eternal life.
2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
A new position in Christ
Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
Romans 8:10 And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.

Anyone Anywhere Anytime can live a successful Christ life.
The Secret: Allow Christ to live it for you!

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John 11:16 Then said Thomas, which is called Didymus, unto his fellow disciples, Let us also go, that we may die with him..
Bethany was about 2 miles from Jerusalem (John 11:18). The Jews there were trying to kill Jesus (John 10:28,31). Thomas spoke a devoted soldier, ready to follow his leader into the jaws of danger, even death. Thomas was speaking in the natural, but his words were wiser than even he knew. In a very real way, these words are true for everyone who desires to be a disciple of Christ.

What’s the total meaning behind the death of Christ? Many, many Christians never comprehend the real meaning, the real power in the death, burial and resurrection of the Saviour, otherwise their lives would be different.

Christ died for SIN, once (Romans 6:10) and now He’s ALIVE. Because of this, we who believe, are dead to SIN. (Galatians 2:20) I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
We are alive, to live for God (Romans 6:11).

The difference between the Blood of Christ and the blood of animals … (Hebrews 9:12-14).
Animal blood covered sin …. Christ blood cleansed sin, washed it away …
When God saved you, He did not merely overlook your SIN, He removed it!
Psalm 103:12 As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.
When God saved you, He forgave you, completely and finally … you will never beheld guilty for SIN again. (SIN is what you are (born a sinner, rebellion against God. SINS are what you do.)
God washed away, removed your sin with the Blood Of Christ.
He has justified you (Romans 5:8-9),
He has declared you righteous (Romans 5:18-21).
God, sending His own Son, in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for SIN, condemned SIN in the flesh (Romans 8:3). Got that … God condemned the flesh, then put His Son in the flesh and killed the flesh … Why?
2 Corinthians 5:21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

Has it really hit you? God has condemned the house (your body) that you live in. It cannot live with God. You were at odds with God, in fact you were His enemy! (If you are not saved, YOU still are!)
Romans 5:10 For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.

Thomas said “Let us also go, that we may die with him.”.

Have you every said “Oh, if only I could start over again?”.
You can! By believing the Gospel.
(1 Corinthians 15:1-4) and confessing the Lord Jesus (Romans 10:9-13).
When you do, (2 Corinthians 5:17) Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. You are a new creation.

You may say “I’ve done that, but I’ve sinned since then!”.
Christ died for all your sins, Past present and future.
The Believers life is one in which we must die daily with Christ, Day by day, moment by moment (Romans 8:36) As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. (Psalm 44:22) Yea, for thy sake are we killed all the day long; we are counted as sheep for the slaughter. (Jeremiah 12:3) But thou, O LORD, knowest me: thou hast seen me, and tried mine heart toward thee: pull them out like sheep for the slaughter, and prepare them for the day of slaughter.
John the Baptist said (John 3:30) He must increase, but I must decrease.
This should be our daily experience, more of Him, less of us! This is what the world should see in our life.
The Lord wants to work in all areas of your life.
(Galatians 2:20) I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

Let us also go, that we may die with him.

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Defined as: a person who is not Jewish.

From Adam to Noah, some 1600 plus years, there is no distinction between the peoples.
After the Flood, Noah’s decedents were instructed to spread out and repopulate the earth Genesis 9:1.
As they multiplied, Nations were formed, Genesis 10:5, but they were all of one speech and one language, Genesis 11:1. They turned their backs on God and they build a city and tower to make a name for themselves: Genesis 11:1-4. So, God scattered them and confounded their language Genesis 11:7-8. Still no Jews. Then God chose one man, Abram a Hebrew, Genesis 12:1-3, and gave him many promises. After many years Abram was renamed Abraham, Genesis 17:5, and Sarai became Sarah Genesis 17:15. Again years passed and they had a son, Isaac Genesis 21:3. Still no Jew. Isaac took Rebekah to wife Genesis 24:67. They had twin boys, Esau and Jacob Genesis 25:26. Esau married, had sons who became the nation Edom Genesis 36:1. (Not Jews). Jacob married and fathered 12 sons Genesis 35:22. Jacob is renamed (by God) Israel Genesis 32:28. The twelve sons of Jacob (Israel) go into Egypt and under the leadership of Joseph prosper and multiply becoming a nation. 400 years later they are slaves of Egypt. God sends Moses to take them out and lead them to the promise land Genesis 12:7. But just when did they become Jews?
NOTE: The English term Jew originates in the Biblical Hebrew word Yehudi, meaning “from the Kingdom of Judah”.
The first mention of JEW is in 2 Kings 16:6. It would appear, as they occupied the promise land and grew as a nation, the descendants of Abram, a Hebrew, started to call themselves JEWS. The promises God gave to Abram were passed unto Isaac and then to Jacob and his 12 sons who became the nation of Israel, JEWS. Now, anyone descending from any of the twelve tribes (sons of Israel) are called Jews. The rest of the people of the world are Gentiles.
One can follow to Jews all thru history by reading the Bible. From Genesis to Acts, chapter 12, when God shuts the door to Salvation to the Nation of Israel, and opens the door of salvation to the Gentiles, who are spread all over the earth Genesis 11:7-8. This includes Europe, Asia, and the Americas. But as the gentiles traveled, they took with them their false gods and false religious practices. Remember the Tower of Babel Genesis 11:1-4? These towers, pyramids are still being discovered in many parts of the earth.
Why did God exclude the Gentiles until He called Saul (Paul) to go to them with the Gospel? The answer is found in Romans 1:18-32. But now, the door of salvation is open to every individual, Jew and Gentile. Romans 1:13-17.

For more about who are Jews, See God of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob
For more about the tower, See Tower of Babel

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Marriage Success
Things to remember about Marriage:
Marriage is life’s biggest relationship and should be the longest and closest.
Become and expert on your mate. What makes them happy.
Talk over your relationship. Face life together. Remember your vows.
Seek help from others when problems arise.
Keep the Lord center in your marriage.

God has a divine order for EVERYTHING, including the Home.
Christ is head
Ephesians 1:22 And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,
He is over all
Ephesians 4:6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
Man is head of the Family
Ephesians 5:23 For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.
Woman is to be the backbone of the family, loved by her husband
Ephesians 5:25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;
Children are part of the family, obey parents
Ephesians 6:1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.
Marriage Success includes:
FINICIAL… Partners in everything. Everything above the board.
IN-LAWS… Your mate comes first.
SEXUAL… Be lovers. Remember, love is more than sex, but sex is important. Given by God.
SPIRITUAL… Put Christ first. It’s His will for marriage to succeed.
Four things married couples ought to be:
Partners, Pals, Lovers, Christians
Believers in the death, burial and resurrection of Christ, and that He is God

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Bowling is like Life:
Everyone has just so many frames to get the best score possible.
Some get good frames but mostly we get bad ones.
Why are some better than others?
— PRACTICE— PRACTICE— PRACTICE
To succeed as a Believer, we must PRACTICE.

Paul compares the life of a Believer to a runner.

1 Corinthians 9:24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.
Paul rebukes the Believers in Galatia.
Galatians 5:7 You were running a good race. Who cut in on you to keep you from obeying the truth?
Paul reminds to keep trying. Practice!
Philippians 3:14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
And to believing Jews (applies to all believers).
Hebrews 12:1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
Paul, knowing his ministry is coming to an end, reminds Timothy:
2 Timothy 4:7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
And reminds him (and us) the results of practicing a good life.
2 Timothy 4:8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

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The perfect motherwould first of all be the good wife. 1 Peter 3 Peter gives the qualities of a Good wife and writes of Sarah, who called Abraham, lord.
Ephesians 5:22-24 Paul gives instructions for wives. The perfect mother must be a good wife.
The perfect mother would respect (love) her in-laws. Ruth the example.
Ruth 1:15-17
The perfect mothershould desire to have and love children (how many mothers are only biological moms). Rachel desired to be a mother Genesis 30:1 She pleaded “give me children or else I die”. Genesis 30:22 And God remembered Rachel, and God hearkened to her, and opened her womb.
The perfect mother would give her children to God and pray for them.
1 Samuel 1:27-28 For this child I prayed; and the LORD hath given me my petition which I asked of him: Therefore also I have lent him to the LORD; as long as he liveth he shall be lent to the LORD. And he worshipped the LORD there.
The perfect motherwould teach her child about God. Give them something, someone to believe in.Paul was impressed with Lois and Eunice who gave their child faith. 2 Timothy 1:5 When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also.
The perfect motherwould desire the best for her child. The mother of James and John Matthew 20:20-21. Then came to him the mother of Zebedees children with her sons, worshipping him, and desiring a certain thing of him. And he said unto her, What wilt thou? She saith unto him, Grant that these my two sons may sit, the one on thy right hand, and the other on the left, in thy kingdom.
The perfect mother would believe God. Luke 1:27-38 Mary, the mother of our Lord, she believed the impossible, she believed God.
How about it Mom? Are YOU The Perfect Mother?
Are you ….. A good wife?
Do you ….. desire children, really want them?
Have you ….. given the ones you have to God?
Do you ….. pray for, with them?
Are you ….. teaching them God’s word?
Are you ….. giving them a real faith … someone, something to believe in.
Do you ….. desire the best for them?
Are you ….. going to God for them?
MOM ….. do you believe in God? The death Burial and Resurrection of Christ?

Dad, replace mother with father, Are YOU The Perfect Father?

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