When people asked, "what caused your marriage to fail?", four answers surface:
communication problems
sexual incompatibility
in laws
financial issues
The leading factor? financial issues
80% of couples divorcing before 30 cited financial problems as THE primary cause of the divorce. (are additional things as well, but this = primary)
Therefore, continuation of the Marriage and Family Series.
This week - "Finances and Christian Marriage"
Next week - "Biblical principles of Finance"
Steps to Strengthening and Improving your marriage in the arena of money and finances.
The point today is NOT how to improve your finances. It is how to improve your marriage by means of your finances.
(Obvious extension --- if improve your marriage it will naturally improve your home/family)
Step #1. Make Jesus LORD of your finances. Matt. 6:24, 33
1st - make Him LORD of your Life, then be sure that includes your $$$.
Observation by Martin Luther - "3 conversions necessary for a believer - conversion of the heart, conversion of the mind, conversion of the purse!!" This is very difficult to accomplish because finances are a very personal issue.
#2. Learn what God has to say about finances.
ie: Biblical principles of acquiring, spending, saving, investing, giving
There are thousands of verses in the Bible about money. Only the Kingdom of God has more verses about it.
Survey: Americans who own a Bible (in their household) - 88%
Americans who consider themselves knowledgeable about the Bible - 82%
Americans who can name the 1st. 5 books of the Bible - 43%
POINT???
A) this = (important) moral issue
therefore:
B) Bible has given us a lot of information
C) bottom line is NOT $$ in the bank, = better marriage, better witness, better peace, better harmony - "well done"
#3. Talk about finances with one another
when asked, "what caused marriage to fail?" - answer = financial issues
BUT, when asked "what would make relationship successful?" - answer = communicate
Best time to talk about this - before the wedding. (and almost nobody does it)
Next best time - NOW!!
This is not always easy because is VERY personal and potentially volatile!
#4. Recognize your spouse's legitimate views on money. (a different view is not necessarily a wrong view)
Some books dealing with money: "Four Money Languages" - Dr. Kenneth Doyle, Financial Psychologist - U. of MN
"Five Money Personalities" - Scott & Bethany Palmer
Point: Money means different things to different people!!
examples: significance - (proves I'm somebody"
security - (protects my future)
enjoyment/pleasure - (satisfies my hungers)
love/affection - (makes people love me)
Simplify: SPENDERS and SAVERS. Which is legitimate? Which is needed? Which is healthy?
Answer = BOTH!!
Simple formula = Save Some - Spend Some - Share Some
#5. Approach financial issues as partners (equals)
One may MAKE more
One may have more interest, savvy, ability to handle
BUT, one should NOT have more say, more control
"God's plan for marriage = 1) Companionship and 2) PARTNERSHIP
Therefore, Share - the money, burden, strain, responsibility, goals, harvests, abundance
Point = share all liabilities AND Assets
share all decisions on liabilities and assets.
Luke 11:17
#6. Agree to live within your means.
2 parts to this:
A) "live within your means" - if you spend more than you make??, if you don't save some??, if you borrow more than can pay? - NOT living within your means! We are notorious about living above means.
Average American = $225,000 debt and less than $500 savings.
B) "Agree to Live" - examples: Spendthrift vs. tightwad
Additional: C) Agree to give - IF not giving, then NOT practicing Christian financial principles!!
#7. Create a Positive Christian financial legacy
Doesn't mean leave behind money, inheritance
Means leave a model, trail, teaching - something your kids and grandkids and great-grandkids can see and understand and embrace and practice and, therefore, AVOID some of your struggles!!!
Point of all this is NOT to improve your bank account.
It is to improve your marriage, family, home
Beauty of it is that you CAN HAVE BOTH!!! So, next week - "Biblical Principles of Finance"
Luke 16:10-13 - Choose!!!!
Monday, June 23, 2014
Friday, June 20, 2014
Marriage and Family - Core Doctrines
Materials for Marriage and Family - good but need to be built on solid foundation of Scripture (Systematic Theology). These are the doctrines on which the teachings of Marriage and Family rest.
BASIC CORE ISSUES:
I. Creation and Design -
A. We are created and designed
B. Marriage and family are created and designed.
AND,
C. function BEST when practiced according to that Design!! (example: your plan for marriage vs. His intent. - we don't know as much as we think we do. He DOES!!)
II. Sin - "if marriage and family designed .... why do they fail so??
Answer: = Sin - which = acting contrary to God's will, intent, design
Example: #1 effect of Sin = Alienation - schism, break in harmony
POINT - understanding Christian Marriage and Family at superficial levels is practical and helpful
BUT, when you grasp CORE DOCTRINES on which they were built, much more effective!
So, today = 3 core doctrines (that affect your marriage and family)
The Doctrine of:
#I. The Indwelling Holy Spirit
#II. Sanctification
#III. Redemptive Suffering
First: Definition/Description of these Doctrines.
#I. The Indwelling of the Holy Spirit
ie: when you receive Christ, His Holy Spirit comes to dwell, reside within
John 14:16-17 1 Cor. 6:19
How? What manner? = mystery - Col. 1:27
But, regardless of what you feel, sense, are aware of,
He is WITH you in a very PERSONAL and POWERFUL way!
#II. Sanctification = the ongoing process of becoming what you were created to be and saved to be!
3 tenses of salvation: Justification - when accept Christ, placed in a right relationship with Him
Sanctification - present - process of making you holy
Glorification - future
#III. Redemptive Suffering - ie: Christ suffered for you and your benefit (immensely, eternally,) from His sacrifice. 1 Pet. 2:24, 3:18
Now, simple application of these core doctrines to your marriage and family life.
I. The Indwelling - the Holy Spirit indwells you TO
1) reveal (show) - God's will for yr. life
- your behavior (what I am) - John 16:8 - so can turn to what should be
2) enable - you to do His will - instead of "couldn't" do that, = "won't" do that!
3) effect change - in you, your thinking, your philosophy, etc.
Better Person => better Partner => better Parent
II. Sanctification - the process is:
1) Gradual - immediate change only happens occasionally
2) continual - ie. you have not arrived - therefore, should NOT stop!! - as long as you live, should improve
3) a cooperative effort - 2 Pet. 1:2-4 - His part
2 Pet. 1:5-8 - Your part
III. Redemptive Suffering = as Christ sacrificed, suffered to MAED (make an Eternal difference) - so can you!! Eph. 5:25-29 Can do for other people.
We can't sacrifice all things all the time, (have physical, emotional, relational needs),
However, most could improve on sacrificing OWN SELFISH DESIRES.
1 Pet. 2:20-21 - doesn't mean He wants us to suffer.
BUT, He wants us to achieve, accomplish, effect - sometimes we're called to bear unjust load for the benefit of spouse, family, others..
Marriage & Family Books & materials
D O C T R I N A L S T U D I E S
SCRIPTURE
JESUS CHRIST - 1 Cor. 3:11
On one hand, nothing wrong with starting at the top and working way down. But note where that will ultimately lead you!! - To Christ
BASIC CORE ISSUES:
I. Creation and Design -
A. We are created and designed
B. Marriage and family are created and designed.
AND,
C. function BEST when practiced according to that Design!! (example: your plan for marriage vs. His intent. - we don't know as much as we think we do. He DOES!!)
II. Sin - "if marriage and family designed .... why do they fail so??
Answer: = Sin - which = acting contrary to God's will, intent, design
Example: #1 effect of Sin = Alienation - schism, break in harmony
POINT - understanding Christian Marriage and Family at superficial levels is practical and helpful
BUT, when you grasp CORE DOCTRINES on which they were built, much more effective!
So, today = 3 core doctrines (that affect your marriage and family)
The Doctrine of:
#I. The Indwelling Holy Spirit
#II. Sanctification
#III. Redemptive Suffering
First: Definition/Description of these Doctrines.
#I. The Indwelling of the Holy Spirit
ie: when you receive Christ, His Holy Spirit comes to dwell, reside within
John 14:16-17 1 Cor. 6:19
How? What manner? = mystery - Col. 1:27
But, regardless of what you feel, sense, are aware of,
He is WITH you in a very PERSONAL and POWERFUL way!
#II. Sanctification = the ongoing process of becoming what you were created to be and saved to be!
3 tenses of salvation: Justification - when accept Christ, placed in a right relationship with Him
Sanctification - present - process of making you holy
Glorification - future
#III. Redemptive Suffering - ie: Christ suffered for you and your benefit (immensely, eternally,) from His sacrifice. 1 Pet. 2:24, 3:18
Now, simple application of these core doctrines to your marriage and family life.
I. The Indwelling - the Holy Spirit indwells you TO
1) reveal (show) - God's will for yr. life
- your behavior (what I am) - John 16:8 - so can turn to what should be
2) enable - you to do His will - instead of "couldn't" do that, = "won't" do that!
3) effect change - in you, your thinking, your philosophy, etc.
Better Person => better Partner => better Parent
II. Sanctification - the process is:
1) Gradual - immediate change only happens occasionally
2) continual - ie. you have not arrived - therefore, should NOT stop!! - as long as you live, should improve
3) a cooperative effort - 2 Pet. 1:2-4 - His part
2 Pet. 1:5-8 - Your part
III. Redemptive Suffering = as Christ sacrificed, suffered to MAED (make an Eternal difference) - so can you!! Eph. 5:25-29 Can do for other people.
We can't sacrifice all things all the time, (have physical, emotional, relational needs),
However, most could improve on sacrificing OWN SELFISH DESIRES.
1 Pet. 2:20-21 - doesn't mean He wants us to suffer.
BUT, He wants us to achieve, accomplish, effect - sometimes we're called to bear unjust load for the benefit of spouse, family, others..
Marriage & Family Books & materials
D O C T R I N A L S T U D I E S
SCRIPTURE
JESUS CHRIST - 1 Cor. 3:11
On one hand, nothing wrong with starting at the top and working way down. But note where that will ultimately lead you!! - To Christ
Monday, June 2, 2014
Marriage and Sin - Effects & Results
Gen. 1:31 - Marriage good in first 2 chapters.
Then, Gen. 3:1-24 - 'The Fall"
1) Marriage = designed - has divine Designer (God)
2) Marriage = designed to produce/ bring about ... companionship (way beyond friendship), partnership, courtship, "Godly offspring", melding, staying lifelong (some purposes marriage designed for)
Question: IF it is so designed, why not Producing more????
Quote from acquaintance years ago, "problem is not with the institution, the problem is us!!"
BUT, what about us???? Biblical Answer = SIN
Definition of sin = any attitude or action contrary to God's will, desire, design for us. - Commission or Omission.
First instance of sin (in human race) - Gen. 3
Results? Consequences?
#1. Alienation
#2. Perpetuation
Prior to the fall, everything was in harmony.
I. Alienated from:
a) God - "hid selves"
b) Nature/Creation - "thorns and thistles"
c) One Another - "fig leaves, covered "selves"
d) Themselves (self) - ashamed of nakedness, battle/struggle within
II. Perpetuation of this flawed nature - Rom. 3:23 - "all have sinned"
So, now any marriage involves 2 seriously flawed people.
Any family consists of seriously flawed people!
How much does this sin principle/presence affect your marriage? family?
Answer: A lot!! Too much!!!
Is there a remedy? Can the harmony (unity, tranquility) be restored?
Answer = Yes ---- BUT!! It can never be restored without Jesus Christ in life as Savior and LORD!
On one hand, the Christian is Positionally restored at salvation.
However, we still live amidst the presence, power, pervasiveness of Sin
Example: Present/Future Salvation - Present/Future Kingdom
So, 1) Sin still exists
2) we still tend toward it
3) it still has Negative consequences!! - Gal. 6:7-8
So, what can I do to better my marriage and family - in light of Sin?
Can't eliminate sin, it's presence, it's effects..
Some things to consider that WILL make a difference!
#1. Recognition and Admission ie: R & A
A) Your need for reconciliation - To God, through Christ
B) Your degree of imperfection - 1 John 1:8
C) Your spouse, kids etc. suffer from the same malady
#2. Submission (ie: a yielding, surrendering)
A) to God/Christ - as BOTH Savior AND Lord!!
Therefore:
B) to His Revealed Will (His Word)
C) to Your role within in the family - ie: male/female, husband/wife/ father/mother, etc.
This is NOT a one time surrender!!
#3. Instruction and Correction - primarily from Scripture, but also books, DVDs, speakers on marriage
can't do Right if don't know right!!!!
#4. Discipline - (continual application)
The battle doesn't end when you accept Christ. The process doesn't end.
#5. Apology - which = admission of wrong and request for forgiveness - there is tremendous power in apology.
#6. Forgiveness - Let it go!!! - Col. 3:13 - sometimes before and without a request!!!
#7. Support - Eph. 5:25-27 - "build up" - Prov. 14:1
When we come to a point or recognition of the power of sin in life, then can begin to move up the other steps listed.
Then, Gen. 3:1-24 - 'The Fall"
1) Marriage = designed - has divine Designer (God)
2) Marriage = designed to produce/ bring about ... companionship (way beyond friendship), partnership, courtship, "Godly offspring", melding, staying lifelong (some purposes marriage designed for)
Question: IF it is so designed, why not Producing more????
Quote from acquaintance years ago, "problem is not with the institution, the problem is us!!"
BUT, what about us???? Biblical Answer = SIN
Definition of sin = any attitude or action contrary to God's will, desire, design for us. - Commission or Omission.
First instance of sin (in human race) - Gen. 3
Results? Consequences?
#1. Alienation
#2. Perpetuation
Prior to the fall, everything was in harmony.
I. Alienated from:
a) God - "hid selves"
b) Nature/Creation - "thorns and thistles"
c) One Another - "fig leaves, covered "selves"
d) Themselves (self) - ashamed of nakedness, battle/struggle within
II. Perpetuation of this flawed nature - Rom. 3:23 - "all have sinned"
So, now any marriage involves 2 seriously flawed people.
Any family consists of seriously flawed people!
How much does this sin principle/presence affect your marriage? family?
Answer: A lot!! Too much!!!
Is there a remedy? Can the harmony (unity, tranquility) be restored?
Answer = Yes ---- BUT!! It can never be restored without Jesus Christ in life as Savior and LORD!
On one hand, the Christian is Positionally restored at salvation.
However, we still live amidst the presence, power, pervasiveness of Sin
Example: Present/Future Salvation - Present/Future Kingdom
So, 1) Sin still exists
2) we still tend toward it
3) it still has Negative consequences!! - Gal. 6:7-8
So, what can I do to better my marriage and family - in light of Sin?
Can't eliminate sin, it's presence, it's effects..
Some things to consider that WILL make a difference!
#1. Recognition and Admission ie: R & A
A) Your need for reconciliation - To God, through Christ
B) Your degree of imperfection - 1 John 1:8
C) Your spouse, kids etc. suffer from the same malady
#2. Submission (ie: a yielding, surrendering)
A) to God/Christ - as BOTH Savior AND Lord!!
Therefore:
B) to His Revealed Will (His Word)
C) to Your role within in the family - ie: male/female, husband/wife/ father/mother, etc.
This is NOT a one time surrender!!
#3. Instruction and Correction - primarily from Scripture, but also books, DVDs, speakers on marriage
can't do Right if don't know right!!!!
#4. Discipline - (continual application)
The battle doesn't end when you accept Christ. The process doesn't end.
#5. Apology - which = admission of wrong and request for forgiveness - there is tremendous power in apology.
#6. Forgiveness - Let it go!!! - Col. 3:13 - sometimes before and without a request!!!
#7. Support - Eph. 5:25-27 - "build up" - Prov. 14:1
When we come to a point or recognition of the power of sin in life, then can begin to move up the other steps listed.
Monday, May 26, 2014
Marriage - God's Design
Last week - "Marriage is designed" - not accidental, incidental, cultural invention
IF designed, Then there's a purpose!! ie: designed to achieve, accomplish, bring about an intended outcome.
Review:
So, WHAT is Marriage designed to eventuate? deliver?
#1. Provide Companionship. "not alone" - no friendship is comparable to what God is trying to accomplish in marriage.
#2. establish a Partnership - "help mete" - plus " - working together in life and against life - "subdue, rule, have dominion"
#3. provide Courtship - (romance, passion, LOVE) - "this is bone of my bone"
#4. effect Completion (compliment, Add to, Round out) Doesn't mean you are incomplete if not married. But means, the Union is incomplete without Both male and female.
#5. create a Couple - a pair, a mating pair. Gen. 4:1 (KJV - "knew") - intimacy, need, enjoyment
Doesn't mean this can't take place outside of marriage. Obviously, it does.
BUT, that's not God's design. His design is within marriage, with commitment
What else is Marriage designed to effect??
#6. Procreation - ie: babies!!! Gen. 1:28 (creation out of His creation)
Doesn't mean can't do this outside of marriage, BUT, God's design is within marriage!!!
Procreation is far more than just having kids.
#7. Child raising - nurture, development within confines of home and marriage.
This is more than perpetuation of species - Mal. 2:16
Doesn't mean incomplete without kids, doesn't mean singles cannot nurture, develop, etc.
However, IF there are kids, God's plan is the best plan - nuture, etc. within marriage. God is preparing a Kingdom of Godly people - Eternal people
#8. Melding Together - Gen. 2:24 - 2==>1
Doesn't mean individuality is erased. But "knit together", so.....
#9. Staying Together - Matt. 19:4-6
Old English = "put asunder". Mal. 2:16
Doesn't mean no place for divorce. Doesn't mean God hates divorcees. God understands divorce perfectly, but that's NOT His design or desire. Jer. 3:6-8
#10. Glorifying God. ie: make Him know, reveal Him, manifest Him
Point = people should encounter God in a Christian marriage.
Eph. 5:31-32 - Christ & church = model for marriage! Marriage is to reflect/display Christ & church
Question:
if marriage designed for this, why isn't it producing more of it?
Answer: SIN (next week). Nothing wrong with the institution - wrong with the people in the institution
Note: we tend to ask "is my spouse providing this for me?"
We ought to ask "am I providing this for my spouse?"
Before marriage can deliver what it is designed to do, you must ...
A. Submit to the design
B. Submit to the designer
IF designed, Then there's a purpose!! ie: designed to achieve, accomplish, bring about an intended outcome.
Review:
So, WHAT is Marriage designed to eventuate? deliver?
#1. Provide Companionship. "not alone" - no friendship is comparable to what God is trying to accomplish in marriage.
#2. establish a Partnership - "help mete" - plus " - working together in life and against life - "subdue, rule, have dominion"
#3. provide Courtship - (romance, passion, LOVE) - "this is bone of my bone"
#4. effect Completion (compliment, Add to, Round out) Doesn't mean you are incomplete if not married. But means, the Union is incomplete without Both male and female.
#5. create a Couple - a pair, a mating pair. Gen. 4:1 (KJV - "knew") - intimacy, need, enjoyment
Doesn't mean this can't take place outside of marriage. Obviously, it does.
BUT, that's not God's design. His design is within marriage, with commitment
What else is Marriage designed to effect??
#6. Procreation - ie: babies!!! Gen. 1:28 (creation out of His creation)
Doesn't mean can't do this outside of marriage, BUT, God's design is within marriage!!!
Procreation is far more than just having kids.
#7. Child raising - nurture, development within confines of home and marriage.
This is more than perpetuation of species - Mal. 2:16
Doesn't mean incomplete without kids, doesn't mean singles cannot nurture, develop, etc.
However, IF there are kids, God's plan is the best plan - nuture, etc. within marriage. God is preparing a Kingdom of Godly people - Eternal people
#8. Melding Together - Gen. 2:24 - 2==>1
Doesn't mean individuality is erased. But "knit together", so.....
#9. Staying Together - Matt. 19:4-6
Old English = "put asunder". Mal. 2:16
Doesn't mean no place for divorce. Doesn't mean God hates divorcees. God understands divorce perfectly, but that's NOT His design or desire. Jer. 3:6-8
#10. Glorifying God. ie: make Him know, reveal Him, manifest Him
Point = people should encounter God in a Christian marriage.
Eph. 5:31-32 - Christ & church = model for marriage! Marriage is to reflect/display Christ & church
Question:
if marriage designed for this, why isn't it producing more of it?
Answer: SIN (next week). Nothing wrong with the institution - wrong with the people in the institution
Note: we tend to ask "is my spouse providing this for me?"
We ought to ask "am I providing this for my spouse?"
Before marriage can deliver what it is designed to do, you must ...
A. Submit to the design
B. Submit to the designer
Monday, May 19, 2014
Family Series - Marriage
Design, Purpose, Function
Christians believe:
#1. in the Bible we find God's guidelines for marriage and family
#2. When followed, practiced - marriage and family "work" better
Underlying this idea are some basic Biblical doctrines/teachings:
ie:
1) Creation - we are not a cosmic accident, but intentional creation. God not only created us, but designed us!!
2) Design - we are: intricantly, specifically, intentionally planned and formed and put together
for a:
3) Purpose - for a reason: to best achieve and accomplish
4) Function - we are to operate accordingly - if we wish to achieve maximum performance and benefits..
We believe this to be true of 1) His people and 2) His institutions (organizations)
examples: A. the church B. marriage/family
Remember, believing God's Word about these things puts us in the minority.
BUT, how to KNOW His design? purpose? function?
(Answer = another basic doctrine) - Revelation: general and specific
He has chosen to make many things known to us about Himself, His creation. Not all things, but many things.
So, based on these doctrines,
Marriage - it's design, function, purpose
Gen. 1:20-25 Gen. 2:20-24
What is Marriage designed to do?
To:
#1. Provide companionship - Gen. 2:18 "alone"- yet, more than friends!
#2. Establish a partnership (pair up against life) - Gen. 2:18 "helpmeet" - you are created in image of God - not one of the animals. Gen. 1:26-28 - "rule and subdue"
Gen. 2:15 - "dress and keep garden"
#3. Provide courtship, romance - Gen. 2:23 = excitement
Song of Solomon 1:1-2, 7:10
Compare Eph. 5:25 Rev. 19:7, 21:2
This is more than friendship, companionship. = exclusive love relationship.
Found in analogy between Christ and His church - He loves the church pursuantly, extravagantly
#4. Complement one another ( a man and a woman) - supplement, complete one another
Doesn't mean that you are incomplete without a spouse.
It does mean that the union (institution, organization, alliance, association, firm) IS incomplete without Male and Female - has to have both to complete and to work
We are created/designed - 1) different from one another
2) beneficial to one another
3) dependent on one another (marriage doesn't work, can't work with one!)
Cannot have a complete marriage, complete union without man & woman.
#5. Couple (a man & woman) ie:
A.) to pair up - two people in exclusive relationship
B.) couple up/MATE - sexual intimacy .... for:
sexual needs - 1 Cor. 7 sexual enjoyment - Song of Solomon
These are things that marriage is designed to do. However, marriage doesn't assure you of all of these. Won't happen unless two people make it work!!
Christians believe:
#1. in the Bible we find God's guidelines for marriage and family
#2. When followed, practiced - marriage and family "work" better
Underlying this idea are some basic Biblical doctrines/teachings:
ie:
1) Creation - we are not a cosmic accident, but intentional creation. God not only created us, but designed us!!
2) Design - we are: intricantly, specifically, intentionally planned and formed and put together
for a:
3) Purpose - for a reason: to best achieve and accomplish
4) Function - we are to operate accordingly - if we wish to achieve maximum performance and benefits..
We believe this to be true of 1) His people and 2) His institutions (organizations)
examples: A. the church B. marriage/family
Remember, believing God's Word about these things puts us in the minority.
BUT, how to KNOW His design? purpose? function?
(Answer = another basic doctrine) - Revelation: general and specific
He has chosen to make many things known to us about Himself, His creation. Not all things, but many things.
So, based on these doctrines,
Marriage - it's design, function, purpose
Gen. 1:20-25 Gen. 2:20-24
What is Marriage designed to do?
To:
#1. Provide companionship - Gen. 2:18 "alone"- yet, more than friends!
#2. Establish a partnership (pair up against life) - Gen. 2:18 "helpmeet" - you are created in image of God - not one of the animals. Gen. 1:26-28 - "rule and subdue"
Gen. 2:15 - "dress and keep garden"
#3. Provide courtship, romance - Gen. 2:23 = excitement
Song of Solomon 1:1-2, 7:10
Compare Eph. 5:25 Rev. 19:7, 21:2
This is more than friendship, companionship. = exclusive love relationship.
Found in analogy between Christ and His church - He loves the church pursuantly, extravagantly
#4. Complement one another ( a man and a woman) - supplement, complete one another
Doesn't mean that you are incomplete without a spouse.
It does mean that the union (institution, organization, alliance, association, firm) IS incomplete without Male and Female - has to have both to complete and to work
We are created/designed - 1) different from one another
2) beneficial to one another
3) dependent on one another (marriage doesn't work, can't work with one!)
Cannot have a complete marriage, complete union without man & woman.
#5. Couple (a man & woman) ie:
A.) to pair up - two people in exclusive relationship
B.) couple up/MATE - sexual intimacy .... for:
sexual needs - 1 Cor. 7 sexual enjoyment - Song of Solomon
These are things that marriage is designed to do. However, marriage doesn't assure you of all of these. Won't happen unless two people make it work!!
Monday, May 12, 2014
Family Series - 25th. Year
Began with "Butterflies & Buffaloes" in 1989.
Why continue with this series?
Because:
#1. Family is important - to God and His Kingdom, to society, to US. According to polls taken in Money Magazine regarding the American Dream, 2 questions raised:
"Rate the most important elements of the American Dream."
#1 answer = "having a happy home life" - 97.8%
If you miss that, you have missed the Dream.
"What is the greatest obstacle to achieving the American Dream?
#1 answer - "catastrophic illness in the family"
(typical of many polls)
So, why continue with the family series?
Because:
#1. Family is important
#2. Instruction is needed - clearly, the desire for something is no assurance that it will happen.
Example: stats/polls show a breakdown of marriage/family. (ex.= divorce in USA is at "highest level of marital failure in the History of mankind - of any culture, any period of time.
#3. We need to be reminded. --> we are human - we forget what we learned.
So, we begin the 25th. year, because it is not enough to desire/want this, need additional things.
Prov. 14:1 - "builds" - implies Work - doesn't just happen because you want it.
Need knowledge, application, discipline, reminding - 2 Tim. 3:16-17 - God's Word is useful for every day.
Not just for Sunday morning, Sunday School, etc.
2 Pet. 1:12
Why continue with this series?
Because:
#1. Family is important - to God and His Kingdom, to society, to US. According to polls taken in Money Magazine regarding the American Dream, 2 questions raised:
"Rate the most important elements of the American Dream."
#1 answer = "having a happy home life" - 97.8%
If you miss that, you have missed the Dream.
"What is the greatest obstacle to achieving the American Dream?
#1 answer - "catastrophic illness in the family"
(typical of many polls)
So, why continue with the family series?
Because:
#1. Family is important
#2. Instruction is needed - clearly, the desire for something is no assurance that it will happen.
Example: stats/polls show a breakdown of marriage/family. (ex.= divorce in USA is at "highest level of marital failure in the History of mankind - of any culture, any period of time.
#3. We need to be reminded. --> we are human - we forget what we learned.
So, we begin the 25th. year, because it is not enough to desire/want this, need additional things.
Prov. 14:1 - "builds" - implies Work - doesn't just happen because you want it.
Need knowledge, application, discipline, reminding - 2 Tim. 3:16-17 - God's Word is useful for every day.
Not just for Sunday morning, Sunday School, etc.
2 Pet. 1:12
Sunday, May 4, 2014
The Parable of the Persistent Widow
Luke 18:1-8
The Point: Vs. 1 - "Always Pray & Not Give Up"
The Context: (begins in Luke 17:20 - must know the setting before can apply the teaching) = 2nd. Coming, Establishment of Kingdom.
Before His Coming (prior to His return and establishing the Kingdom) - EXPECT
1) injustice, unrighteousness, turmoil, unbelief
2) delay
3) doubts - (caused by the turmoil and the delay)
But also Expect ... His Return/Sudden Judgment and a setting right of all things!!
Illustration: Noah - Luke 17:26-27
Lot - Luke 17:28-30
So, in Spite of the situation, circumstances, appearances - believers should "A.P.and N.G.Up" (always pray and not give up)
Compare: Rev. 19:11 with Rev. 6:9-11
or,
2 Pet. 3:3-4, 8-11
Anybody serious about following the Lord will go through these times. Going to have to fight, fight, fight upstream and not give up.
Three Questions by Way of Application:
#1. Is this true of prayer in general? ( should a.p. & n.g.u)
Answer: Yes!! Luke 11:5-13 - text following the Lord's Prayer
Application = Luke 11:9
God does not get annoyed by persistence. - He sees, hears, cares. unlike the unrighteous judge
God doesn't avoid petitions - He will respond - unlike the annoyed neighbor
AS a Righteous judge, AS a Loving Father
He is delighted by persistence because He's the one to whom we should go!!
Question #2: What about "Quickly"?? - Luke 18:8
Some suggestions: A) suddenly - as in His Return
B) quickly - according to His time frame - relative term - ( 2 Pet. 3:8-11 Rev. 3:11 )
On one hand, neither answer is satisfactory.
However, must remember: 1) Prayer Remains a mystery. (example: if God is omniscient, omnipotent, why pray??0
Must also remember 2) Prayer is a mystery but = a mystery with a Promise!!
James 5:16 (b)
There is no promise that the answer will be what we want, or that it will happen when we want, just promises that it will make a difference!!
Question #3: (posed by Jesus) - Luke 18:8 (b) - in spite of situation, appearances, delay, doubts, will He find perseverance?
Isa. 62:6-7 (after the exile) - Context = Restoration of Israel and Jerusalem.
Point = "Always Pray and Not Give Up"
Promises: He cares and He responds. He wants us to come persistently, knowing He will make it right.
The Point: Vs. 1 - "Always Pray & Not Give Up"
The Context: (begins in Luke 17:20 - must know the setting before can apply the teaching) = 2nd. Coming, Establishment of Kingdom.
Before His Coming (prior to His return and establishing the Kingdom) - EXPECT
1) injustice, unrighteousness, turmoil, unbelief
2) delay
3) doubts - (caused by the turmoil and the delay)
But also Expect ... His Return/Sudden Judgment and a setting right of all things!!
Illustration: Noah - Luke 17:26-27
Lot - Luke 17:28-30
So, in Spite of the situation, circumstances, appearances - believers should "A.P.and N.G.Up" (always pray and not give up)
Compare: Rev. 19:11 with Rev. 6:9-11
or,
2 Pet. 3:3-4, 8-11
Anybody serious about following the Lord will go through these times. Going to have to fight, fight, fight upstream and not give up.
Three Questions by Way of Application:
#1. Is this true of prayer in general? ( should a.p. & n.g.u)
Answer: Yes!! Luke 11:5-13 - text following the Lord's Prayer
Application = Luke 11:9
God does not get annoyed by persistence. - He sees, hears, cares. unlike the unrighteous judge
God doesn't avoid petitions - He will respond - unlike the annoyed neighbor
AS a Righteous judge, AS a Loving Father
He is delighted by persistence because He's the one to whom we should go!!
Question #2: What about "Quickly"?? - Luke 18:8
Some suggestions: A) suddenly - as in His Return
B) quickly - according to His time frame - relative term - ( 2 Pet. 3:8-11 Rev. 3:11 )
On one hand, neither answer is satisfactory.
However, must remember: 1) Prayer Remains a mystery. (example: if God is omniscient, omnipotent, why pray??0
Must also remember 2) Prayer is a mystery but = a mystery with a Promise!!
James 5:16 (b)
There is no promise that the answer will be what we want, or that it will happen when we want, just promises that it will make a difference!!
Question #3: (posed by Jesus) - Luke 18:8 (b) - in spite of situation, appearances, delay, doubts, will He find perseverance?
Isa. 62:6-7 (after the exile) - Context = Restoration of Israel and Jerusalem.
Point = "Always Pray and Not Give Up"
Promises: He cares and He responds. He wants us to come persistently, knowing He will make it right.
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