And He answered and said unto them,
“What did Moses command you?”
And they said, “Moses suffered to write a bill of divorcement, and to put her away.” And Jesus answered and said unto them,
“For the hardness of your heart he wrote you this precept. But from the beginning of the creation God made them male and female. For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and cleave to his wife; and they twain shall be one flesh: so then they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.”
And in the house His disciples asked Him again of the same matter. And He saith unto them,
“Whosoever shall put away his wife, and marry another, committeth adultery against her. And if a woman shall put away her husband, and be married to another, she committeth adultery.
Mark 10:3-12
Marriage
Bought and Paid For
Sometimes we purchase things without paying for them, except on credit. That is probably not the best way to buy things, but sometimes necessary to get what one needs.
Our topic for today does not anything to do with finances. It does have to deal with our bodies. Here is our Scripture text for today –
Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body. What? Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.
1 Corinthians 6:18-20
This letter of First Corinthians was written to a wayward, thought they were loving congregation who closed their eyes to those who were sexually immoral. In chapter 5 Paul mentions one in the church, a young man, is having sex with his father’s wife. The Corinthian Church was doing nothing about it. It was evidently well known to all the congregation.
Paul tells them if a man joins himself with a harlot, then he becomes one with her. The Apostle, then speaks those words, “You were bought with a price.” He tells us that we are not our own. Which means that as Christians this body we have is not ours to do with as we please. Being sexually immoral hurts your body and mind.
“What? Know you not that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit which is in you, which you have of God, and you are not your own?” Quite clearly the apostle Paul is speaking to people he saw was Christians. So Christian, how is your life with the Lord? Are you living outside of God’s direction? Are you living with someone outside of marriage, the only place where sex is beautiful, and sanctified by God.
As a Christian we have been purchased by God with the shed blood of Jesus Christ. He gave his life that we might be freed from sin. He did not give us freedom to sin. Sexual immorality is harmful to all who participate in it. You have no right to destroy your body, then your mind and soul.
Since we have been bought with the tremendous price of the blood of Jesus, then let us glorify God in our body and spirit which are God’s own possession.
God Of The Living
…And Jesus answering said unto them,
“Do ye not therefore err, because ye know not the Scriptures, neither the power of God? For when they shall rise from the dead, they neither marry, nor are given in marriage; but are as the angels which are in heaven. And as touching the dead, that they rise: have ye not read in the book of Moses, how in the bush God spake unto him, saying, ‘I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob?’ He is not the God of the dead, but the God of the living: ye therefore do greatly err.”
Mark 12:24-27
What God Has Joined Together
And it came to pass, that when Jesus had finished these sayings, He departed from Galilee, and came into the coasts of Judaea beyond Jordan; and great multitudes followed Him; and He healed them there. The Pharisees also came unto Him, tempting Him, and saying unto “Him, “Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife for every cause?” And He answered and said unto them,
“Have ye not read, that He which made them at the beginning made them male and female, and said, ‘For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh?’ Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.”
Matthew 19:1-6
God of the Living
Then came to Him certain of the Sadducees, which deny that there is any resurrection; and they asked Him, saying, “Master, Moses wrote unto us, ‘If any man’s brother die, having a wife, and he die without children, that his brother should take his wife, and raise up seed unto his brother.’ There were therefore seven brethren: and the first took a wife, and died without children. And the second took her to wife, and he died childless. And the third took her; and in like manner the seven also: and they left no children, and died. Last of all the woman died also. Therefore in the resurrection whose wife of them is she? For seven had her to wife.”
And Jesus answering said unto them,
“The children of this world marry, and are given in marriage: but they which shall be accounted worthy to obtain that world, and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry, nor are given in marriage: neither can they die any more: for they are equal unto the angels; and are the children of God, being the children of the resurrection. Now that the dead are raised, even Moses shewed at the bush, when he calleth the Lord the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. For He is not a God of the dead, but of the living: for all live unto Him.”
Then certain of the scribes answering said, “Master, Thou hast well said.” Luke 20:27-39
Those who do not believe in the resurrection asking a question of how marriage works for those who are in the resurrection. It may have been a sincere question, but not likely. Most likely they; the Sadducees; were trying to trick Jesus into error of His thoughts.
Something we can learn form Jesus’s words is that first of all one must be accounted worthy to obtain the world of those who will receive the resurrection of life. Secondly, Jesus says that those in the resurrection will be similar to the angels, and like the angels will never die, but are the children of God.
We are assured by the words of Jesus that there is a resurrection of the Just when He says that “He is the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. He is not a God of the dead, but of the living…”
Now, who are those who are counted worthy of this eternal life? Only those who believe that Jesus died on the cross for our sins, that He was buried, and that He rose from the dead, and is alive forevermore. Believe what He says, repent of your sins and be saved.
The Wedding is Ready
And Jesus answered and spake unto them again by parables, and said,
“The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king, which made a marriage for his son, and sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the wedding: and they would not come.
Again, he sent forth other servants, saying, ‘Tell them which are bidden, ‘Behold, I have prepared my dinner: my oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready: come unto the marriage.’ But they made light of it, and went their ways, one to his farm, another to his merchandise: and the remnant took his servants, and entreated them spitefully, and slew them. But when the king heard thereof, he was wroth: and he sent forth his armies, and destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city.
Then saith he to his servants, ‘The wedding is ready, but they which were bidden were not worthy. Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage.’ So those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together all as many as they found, both bad and good: and the wedding was furnished with guests. And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment: and he saith unto him, ‘Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment?’ And he was speechless.
Then said the king to the servants, ‘Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’
For many are called, but few are chosen.” Matthew 22:1-14
I share with you the writing thoughts of F. B. Meyer…
THE PENALTY OF SLIGHTING THE INVITATION
We have here a continuation of our Lord’s teaching on that last great day in the Temple. This day seems to have begun with Mat_21:23, and it continued to Mat_25:46. What wonder that His strength was prematurely exhausted, and that He succumbed so soon under the anguish of His cross!
In this parable He describes His union with His people under the symbolism of marriage. This must have suggested the allusions of Eph_5:23-32, where the Apostle tells us that Christ loved the Church as His bride; and of Rom_7:1-4, where He encourages us to believe that we may be married to Him who was raised from the dead. We can never forget Rev_21:2; Rev_21:9. Messenger after messenger was sent to the Hebrew people, but as they would not come, the Church was called from the highways and byways of the world to occupy the vacant space. But let us see to it that we are clothed in the spotless robe of His righteousness, in which alone we can stand in the searching light of eternity. FROM eSword
Be sure you are dressed for the Wedding with the garment of the Righteousness of Jesus Christ.
The Error of Not Knowing the Scriptures, Nor the Power of God
The same day came to Him the Sadducees, which say that there is no resurrection, and asked Him, saying, “Master, Moses said, ‘If a man die, having no children, his brother shall marry his wife, and raise up seed unto his brother.’ Now there were with us seven brethren: and the first, when he had married a wife, deceased, and, having no issue, left his wife unto his brother: likewise the second also, and the third, unto the seventh. And last of all the woman died also. Therefore in the resurrection whose wife shall she be of the seven? For they all had her.”
Jesus answered and said unto them,
“Ye do err, not knowing the Scriptures, nor the power of God. For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven. But as touching the resurrection of the dead, have ye not read that which was spoken unto you by God, saying, ‘I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob?’ God is not the God of the dead, but of the living.”
And when the multitude heard this, they were astonished at His doctrine. Matthew 22:23-33
Jesus Questioned on Marriage and Divorce
“The Pharisees also came unto Him, tempting Him, and saying unto Him, ‘Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife for every cause?’ And He answered and said unto them,
‘Have ye not read, that He which made them at the beginning made them male and female, and said, ‘For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh?’
Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.’
They say unto Him, ‘Why did Moses then command to give a writing of divorcement, and to put her away?’ He saith unto them,
‘Moses because of the hardness of your hearts suffered you to put away your wives: but from the beginning it was not so. And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery.’ ” Matthew 19:3-9
Words of Jesus; Son of God, God the Son – 081820
And He arose from thence, and cometh into the coasts of Judaea by the farther side of Jordan: and the people resort unto Him again; and, as He was wont, He taught them again. And the Pharisees came to Him, and asked Him, ‘Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife?’ tempting Him. And He answered and said unto them,
‘What did Moses command you?’
And they said, ‘Moses suffered to write a bill of divorcement, and to put her away.’ And Jesus answered and said unto them,
‘For the hardness of your heart he wrote you this precept. But from the beginning of the creation God made them male and female. For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and cleave to his wife; and they twain shall be one flesh: so then they are no more twain, but one flesh.
What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.’
And in the house His disciples asked Him again of the same matter. And He saith unto them,
‘Whosoever shall put away his wife, and marry another, committeth adultery against her. And if a woman shall put away her husband, and be married to another, she committeth adultery.’ ” Mark 10:1-12
Words Of Jesus; Son Of God, God The Son – 080520
“Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. And five of them were wise, and five were foolish.
They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.
While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight there was a cry made, ‘Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.’
Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said unto the wise, ‘Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out.’ But the wise answered, saying, ‘Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves.’ And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut.
Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, ‘Lord, Lord, open to us.’ But he answered and said, ‘Verily I say unto you, I know you not.’
Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of Man cometh.” Matthew 25:1-13 (KJB)
Words Of Jesus; Son Of God, God The Son – 080120
“The same day came to Him the Sadducees, which say that there is no resurrection, and asked Him, saying,
‘Master, Moses said, If a man die, having no children, his brother shall marry his wife, and raise up seed unto his brother. Now there were with us seven brethren: and the first, when he had married a wife, deceased, and, having no issue, left his wife unto his brother: likewise the second also, and the third, unto the seventh. And last of all the woman died also.
Therefore in the resurrection whose wife shall she be of the seven? For they all had her.’
Jesus answered and said unto them,
‘Ye do err, not knowing the Scriptures, nor the power of God. For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven. But as touching the resurrection of the dead, have ye not read that which was spoken unto you by God, saying, ‘I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? God is not the God of the dead, but of the living.’
And when the multitude heard this, they were astonished at His doctrine.” Matthew 22:23-33
Words Of Jesus; Son Of God, God The Son -072920
“And it came to pass, that when Jesus had finished these sayings, He departed from Galilee, and came into the coasts of Judaea beyond Jordan; and great multitudes followed Him; and He healed them there.
The Pharisees also came unto Him, tempting Him, and saying unto Him, ‘Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife for every cause?’ And He answered and said unto them,
‘Have ye not read, that He which made them at the beginning made them male and female, and said, ‘For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh?’ Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.’
They say unto Him, ‘Why did Moses then command to give a writing of divorcement, and to put her away?’
He saith unto them,
‘Moses because of the hardness of your hearts suffered you to put away your wives: but from the beginning it was not so. And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery.’
His disciples say unto Him, ‘If the case of the man be so with his wife, it is not good to marry.’ But He said unto them,
‘All men cannot receive this saying, save they to whom it is given. For there are some eunuchs, which were so born from their mother’s womb: and there are some eunuchs, which were made eunuchs of men: and there be eunuchs, which have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven’s sake. He that is able to receive it, let him receive it.’ ” Matthew 19:1-12
Jesus on Marriage, Divorce, and Remarriage
“Whosoever putteth away his wife, and marrieth another, committeth adultery: and whosoever marrieth her that is put away from her husband committeth adultery.” Luke 16:18 (KJB)
Most Christians know the words of Jesus on marriage, divorce, and remarriage, so I am not going to spend a lot of time explaining or demolishing what He said. We Christians of the United States of America have done that quite well.
I would like to remind you though, that John the Baptist went to prison for confronting the wicked Herod for marrying his brother Philip’s wife (Matthew 14:3-6; Luke 3:19). He eventually was beheaded because the adulterous wife called for it. Who am I, or who are we to question the word of Jesus concerning marriage?
Let me end this thought, and the truth of Jesus with the verse previous to this one –
“And it is easier for heaven and earth to pass, than one tittle of the law to fail.” Luke 16:17
Time is Short
“But this I say, brethren, the time is short: it remaineth, that both they that have wives be as though they had none; and they that weep, as though they wept not; and they that rejoice, as though they rejoiced not; and they that buy, as though they possessed not; and they that use this world, as not abusing it: for the fashion of this world passeth away.” 1 Corinthians 7:29-31 (KJB)
The apostle Paul has been dealing with marital relationship for Christian men and women. We get to these verses and he spells out how the Christian husband and wife ought to think and live for the honor and glory of God.
He says, “…the time is short”. As Christians we do not have; and neither does the non-christian; a very long time to live. Life is short. The apostle is telling us that we have a very short period of time to live for God, and be His witnesses in this wicked, dark, and dying world.
To the married he writes, “…be as though you had none…” and that is a wife; and is applicable to the wife to be as though she had no husband, as well. That does not mean forsaking one another, neither ignoring each other in bed, or in work. It deeply means that loving God, worshiping Him, witnessing for Him is the highest and best that a married couple can do.
To those who are weeping, and to those who are rejoicing: rejoicing in a marriage is good, but rejoicing in the relationship you have with God is far higher. Jesus said to His disciples when they came back rejoicing because they had power over demons,
“Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.” Luke 10:20
The grieved heart for the passing of a loved one or sorrow over a health condition leads to weeping many a time. We are human beings with weaknesses, and often overwhelmed by sin and the world. There is a time for weeping, but Paul is saying here that there is the matter of God, our relationship with Him and continued abiding fellowship with Him.
One final thing. This world and all that is in it; “…the fashion of this world…”; is passing away – it is perishing. Christian priority is to grow in love with the Lord Jesus Christ, live for Him. In living for Him you will live a holy life, set apart from the lust of the flesh for worldly things and pleasures. Live in such a way as the Spirit of God in you can draw others to Himself.
Jesus Christ died for your sins, was buried, and He rose again. He forever lives making intercession for us.
Christians in an Immoral Culture
“All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.” 1 Corinthians 6:12 (KJB)
Many of the Christians in Corinth seems to have been indifferent to the culture in which they lived. Sexual immorality was rampant in the city, and Christians were participating in the sin as well becoming more and more bound by their sinful actions; and thinking nothing of it.
It does the Christian of 2019 and every age to read the words of Paul in this chapter concerning these matters.
As Christians we are to live a life that honors, edifies, and glorifies the Holy and Righteous God who has purchased us through the blood of Jesus His Son. That is done through the Holy Spirit and the word of God; applying His teachings and commandments to our lives. We are not part of the evil world culture.
To yield to the temptation of the world is to be brought under the power of sin. There is gross sexual immorality in the Christian community. Eagerly participating in sexual intercourse before marriage; some after marriage who have no problem with sleeping with as many women or men as they can find. God is not pleased with this. He is not honored, He is not glorified; and neither is the Christian living such a licentious life a faithful witness for the Holiness of God.
Let me leave you this morning with the commentary of the Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown Commentary:
“1Co_6:12-20. Refutation of the antinomian defense of fornication as if it was lawful because meats are so.
All things are lawful unto me — These, which were Paul’s own words on a former occasion (to the Corinthians, compare 1Co_10:23, and Gal_5:23), were made a pretext for excusing the eating of meats offered to idols, and so of what was generally connected with idolatry (Act_15:29), “fornication” (perhaps in the letter of the Corinthians to Paul, 1Co_7:1). Paul’s remark had referred only to things indifferent: but they wished to treat fornication as such, on the ground that the existence of bodily appetites proved the lawfulness of their gratification.
me — Paul giving himself as a sample of Christians in general.
but I — whatever others do, I will not, etc.
lawful … brought under the power — The Greek words are from the same root, whence there is a play on the words: All things are in my power, but I will not be brought under the power of any of them (the “all things”). He who commits “fornication,” steps aside from his own legitimate power or liberty, and is “brought under the power” of an harlot (1Co_6:15; compare 1Co_7:4). The “power” ought to be in the hands of the believer, not in the things which he uses [Bengel]; else his liberty is forfeited; he ceases to be his own master (Joh_8:34-36; Gal_5:13; 1Pe_2:16; 2Pe_2:19). Unlawful things ruin thousands; “lawful” things (unlawfully used), ten thousands.” Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown Commentary 1 Corinthians 6:12-20
Be sure to read the whole chapter six. Let those of us who name the name of Christ Jesus live the name as well.
Just a Thought from December 30, 2008
There are many questions, and at times many accusations, and arguments over the issue of marriage. Biblically, marriage is between one man, and one woman “until death do we part”. The issue of same sex or homosexual marriage is playing a large part in that definition today.
As a Christian I take the Biblical view of marriage, and will until the Lord returns to take me home with Him. A question comes to my mind, however, “Why has marriage been so cheapened, so degraded?”, and I must answer that with this.
The divorce rate is around 50 percent. That sounds awful to me. Fifty percent of all marriages end in divorce. Is that what is meant by that statistic? If so, that is truly terrible, and a shame to be attached to something that God has ordained.
There is something that makes the matter even worse to me, and that is the divorce rate among those who profess to be “Christian”. It is at the same rate, and maybe even higher. It seems that many Christians have bought into the “Me” lie. They may not admit it, but live as though their living life is all about “Me”, and there is no surrender, no commitment, no loyalty to the spouse (husband or wife).
Let me ask this question, “Who has really cheapened marriage; those who have no commitment, or the issue of same sex marriage?” I dare say that had we Christians stood firm on faithful marriages, and committed ourselves to our own wife or husband, then there would not be the issue and debate of same sex marriage.
Here is the Biblical idea for marriage. “Wives, submit to your husbands as unto the Lord” (Ephesians 5:22); and “Husbands, love your wives as Christ loved the Church and gave Himself for her…” (Ephesians 5:25). When these are followed there will be happiness in the marriage, along with joy and peace.
Just my thoughts for today.
-Tim A. Blankenship
Living Brotherly Love
“Let brotherly love continue.
Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body. Marriage is honorable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge. Let your way of life be without covetousness; and be content with such things as you have: for He has said, ‘I will never leave you, nor forsake you.’ So that we may boldly say, ‘The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.’
Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their way of life.
Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever.
Be not carried about with different and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied with them.” Hebrews 13:1-9
REFERENCES: Genesis 18:3; 28:15; Matthew 25:36; 1 Corinthians 6:9; Ephesians 5:5; Revelation 22:14; Joshua 1:5; Romans 14:17; Colossians 2:4
The Protected Home
The Protected Home
ADULTERY (Matthew 5:27-28)
– An act against marriage, betrayal of trust, an addition to the oneness of marriage – (1 Corinthians 6:16-20).
FORNICATION (Matthew 5:31-32)
– The act of sexual immorality; probably before marriage.
THE LOOK (v. 28)
– with desire was to commit adultery by Jesus’s sermon.
THE PRICE OF SIN (Matthew 5:29-30)
– Is the sacrifice of the eye that offends too high to pay to deal with sin?
– Is the sacrifice of the hand that offends too high to make amends for sin?
-Think about this – Jesus laid down His life for our sin.
Job made a “Covenant” with his eyes: “I made a covenant with mine eyes; why then should I think upon a maid? Job 31:1 (KJV).
It is the Christian’s responsibility to deal with their own sin. A individual with no eye or eyes can and will still have lusts. The individual with no hand(s) can still touch what is supposed to be untouchable. It is a matter of the thought life that needs dealt with.
CAST INTO HELL (vv. 29-30)
– Sin will be dealt with harshly in judgment.
– Sin must be dealt with harshly now to avoid Hell.
– Jesus took the judgment that should be ours.
-Our trust and faith in Him justifies us; it is God’s decree.
WRITING OF DIVORCEMENT (v. 31)
– Deuteronomy 24:1-4 seems to be the Scripture to which Jesus is referring. The scribes and Pharisees were promoting a “No Fault” divorce; giving themselves and others an easy opportunity for sin. This is what Jesus condemns.
CAUSES HER TO COMMIT ADULTERY (v. 32)
– When the woman was forced to leave because of this “divorcement” decree; if it was not because of sexual sin against the marriage, then, he caused her to commit adultery when she married another, and the man she marries commits adultery as well.
PROTECTING THE HOME –
– Husbands cherish and love your wives. Quickly replace those lustful thoughts with thoughts of the Lord, His Word, even your wife and family.
-Wives be devoted solely to your husbands, honor and obey him.
– Men keep that look of love upon your wife, not other women.
– Women when you are devoted to your husband, no other man will come between you and your husband.
– Men and women; most of all stay true to God, His Word, and pray. Pray for wisdom, grace, discernment, and knowledge.
-Tim A. Blankenship
Unequal Yokes
Yokes are a farming tool from years past where the farmer or wagoneer even would place two animals; for a yoke it would most generally have been oxen. The cart, wagon, or plow was usually teamed with an equally powered pair of the animal. Consider this as we look at the following passage of Scripture.
“Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? And what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? Or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? For ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be My sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.” 2 Corinthians 6:14-18 (KJV)
The apostle Paul was writing to Christians in the city of Corinth. Professing Christians were joining together with non-believers, and were having complications due to their inabilities to get along, and do what was right.
We are living in an era of time where many Christians are saying things and doing things that align themselves more with the lost world – the unbelievers – and pulling away from God, and His word. In order to get along with the world that is usually what happens. It is the same as thinking you can take a clean bucket of water, and a bucket of mud, then thinking you can pour that water into the mud and make it come out clean. That cannot happen. What you end up with is muddy water.
We are dealing with Christian life and living. When it comes to building a business and teaming up with someone to enter enterprise all parties should have the same moral standards, and like heart for what they do. In marriage, the man and woman entering that lifetime commitment to one another should have a like passion and love for Christ; realizing Jesus Christ is central to their individual, and couple’s life together. There are going to be enough difficulties in partnerships in business, and in marriages without adding the spiritual aspect to the situation.
If we will follow the Lord’s direction spoken through the apostle, then there will be fewer problems, and more love and peace.
When you team an ox with a donkey you will have problems. The ox will be more consistent in pulling while the donkey may not be as reliable, and balk more often.
God has told us, “Come out from among them (the unbelievers), and be ye separate.” He has also said, “Touch not the unclean thing.” We are all unclean until we come to Christ. If you are outside of Christ, then come to Him today.
Catch the Foxes Which Hinder a Good Marriage
Song of Solomon 2:1-17,
“Take us the foxes, the little foxes, that spoil the vines: for our vines have tender grapes.” Song of Songs 2:15 (KJV) Also see John 10:10
With there being deceptions and lies concerning marriage and love in our society and culture it is needful, even necessary for the Church of Jesus Christ, and every individual Christian to stand firm on God’s definition of Marriage, and His meaning of love.
It is my conviction that the Home and Marriage is the beginning or the end of a Nation or a society of people. When marriages fail so will society and nations. “As goes the home/marriage; so goes the nation.”
There are hindrances to a good marriage. These can be the children, and the job, or career, school activities, failure to build your marriage and home upon the foundation of Christ and His word.
So what can be done to keep a marriage strong. Let us look at four ideas from Solomon’s Song of Songs;
- Be sure; even make it a habit to praise, and adore and admire one another verbally (vv. 1-3).
- Be sure to make yourself accountable to one another, and to another; who is not of the opposite sex; so as to maintain a holy lifestyle (vv. 4-7).
- Be sure to make time for one another… Have some alone time.. Go to the “clefts of the rock” and get away together (vv. 8-14)
- Be sure that within marriage you have a sense of belonging… “I am my beloveds, and he is mine”
- This is an addition to the original post… Make God the primary Person of your marriage.
You are not your own. You are bought with a price (1 Corinthians 6:20)
The death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ must be the bedrock of your marriage and home.
I was running short on time this morning so I wanted to share this with you.
Jesus in Genesis (6)
Genesis 24:1-67
“And Abraham was old, and well stricken in age: and the LORD had blessed Abraham in all things. And Abraham said unto his eldest servant of his house, that ruled over all that he had, Put, I pray thee, thy hand under my thigh: and I will make thee swear by the LORD, the God of heaven, and the God of the earth, that thou shalt not take a wife unto my son of the daughters of the Canaanites, among whom I dwell: but thou shalt go unto my country, and to my kindred, and take a wife unto my son Isaac. And the servant said unto him, Peradventure the woman will not be willing to follow me unto this land: must I needs bring thy son again unto the land from whence thou camest? And Abraham said unto him, Beware thou that thou bring not my son thither again. The LORD God of heaven, which took me from my father’s house, and from the land of my kindred, and which spake unto me, and that sware unto me, saying, Unto thy seed will I give this land; He shall send His angel before thee, and thou shalt take a wife unto my son from thence. And if the woman will not be willing to follow thee, then thou shalt be clear from this my oath: only bring not my son thither again. And the servant put his hand under the thigh of Abraham his master, and sware to him concerning that matter. Genesis 24:1-9 (KJV).
I will not post all 67 verses, but I will put the verse numbers for your reference to check out.
We have been LOOKING FOR JESUS in Genesis for several articles. I will do one more following this one, and then I am going to do a study in The Revelation of Jesus Christ; Lord willing.
There is a wedding which is going to be celebrated, in what I believe to be the not too distant future. Here in the Old Testament book of Genesis is a picture of the bringing together of the bride and the Bridegroom.
Jesus promised that after His ascension into Heaven He would send a Comforter. This comforter would guide into all truth. He would draw people to Jesus Christ.
In our text we have an unnamed servant of Abraham who is sent to find a bride for his son. It is amazing how the Holy Spirit inspired the writings of Scripture in the way He has here showing forth the glory of God, and His work bringing the lost to Jesus.
The servant went to the assigned place to seek a bride for Isaac. Rebekah was that chosen bride. This bride 1). “Believed a man she had never met before, 2). was asked to go to a land from which she was never to return, 3). was asked to marry a man whom she as yet had never seen.” M. R. DeHaan. The journey was about 600 miles on the back of a camel.
When the servant chose Rebekah it was then, a decision for her to make. The decision was one that could not wait (vv. 55-58). So Rebekah chose to go on a journey over hard country – a barren, dry and dangerous country.
When Rebekah saw Isaac for the first time he was coming from Lahairoi, which means, “The well of a Living One”. This is the first appearance of Isaac since the altar of Mount Moriah. Jesus will one day appear to take His bride who has been chosen by the Holy Spirit.
Let’s look at four of the characters in this text, and we will try and focus the picture on the One who is True.
First of all, look at the father. He loved Isaac and wanted a bride for him. He believed that God was faithful and would keep His promise and provide the bride. The bride could not be an outsider. The Father getting a bride for His Son, “No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day”. John 6:44 (KJV).
The next character we see in the text is the servant. He is a model servant. He does not go unsent (vv. 2-9), he goes where he is sent (vv. 4-10), he does nothing else, is prayerful and thankful (vv. 12-14, 26-27), he is wise to win (vv.17, 21), he speaks not of himself, but of his master’s riches, and Isaac’s heirship (vv. 34-36; Acts 1:8), he presents the true issue, and requires a clear decision (v. 49).
The work of the Spirit of God is the True: the antitype. “But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:” John 15:26 (KJV). “Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. 14 He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.” John 16:13-14 (KJV).
The third character is the chosen bride herself. She welcomed a stranger, whom she had never seen. This servant came to the well, seeking God’s direction, and Rebekah came and fulfilled the needs of this servants prayer (vv. 18-20, 24, 25). She accepted the servants invitation (vv. 55-58). The invitation was that she return to Canaan to be the wife of Isaac and receive the blessings of what he would inherit. Rebekah and the servant must have spoken much on the journey to meet the Bridegroom. She learned more about Isaac (v. 65) and more as she saw him and was getting nearer to him. She went over hard country in the care of the servant. This “Hard country” is the hardships, trials, and tribulations of living and growing in the Christian life. M. R. DeHaan said, “Rebekah was asked to believe a man she had never met before, to go to a land from which she was never to return, and to marry a man whom she as yet had never seen.”
The final character, but certainly not the least of the four is the son, in particular; his wedding. Weddings are most always a joyous event. It was for Isaac, and it was for Rebekah. When Rebekah came riding up on the camel with the servant she leaped off the camel. It does not say what she did when she leaped off the camel, but I just suppose that she ran to meet him, and their hearts became as one. In leaping off the camel Rebekah had left the last of her worldly possessions behind. Her journey is complete.
When Jesus and His Bride are joined together at last, they will never part, because it will be for all eternity.
The invitation is still extended. “And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” Rev 22:17 (KJV).
If we have “Eyes to see, and ears to hear” we can see quite clearly the picture the Master has painted for us. We can see Jesus’ death in Isaac at the altar, we see His resurrection and ascension in that Isaac came from the “Well of the Living One”. We can see the work of the Holy Spirit in Abraham’s servant as he sought a bride for Isaac.
God is so good He paints us such beautiful pictures to show us how He is working throughout all of time to draw us to Himself. The Antitype is even more beautiful.
“And a voice came out of the throne, saying, Praise our God, all ye His servants, and ye that fear Him, both small and great. And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth. Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to Him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and His wife hath made herself ready. And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints. And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God. And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.” Revelation 19:5-10 (KJV).
Christmas Day One Hundred and Eighteen
What do I want for Christmas today?
I want to always be in the heart and mind of prayer to the GOD Most High, for my family – my children, grandchildren; and as my wife and I prayed for our children’s spouses from the time they were babies crawling on the floor, or before; so too pray for our grand children to have born again, and godly Christian spouses who love God, and His Word.
Wisdom Speaks – Christmas Day One Hundred Sixty and Four
“Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth—
For your love is better than wine.
Because of the fragrance of your good ointments,
Your name is ointment poured forth;
Therefore the virgins love you.
Draw me away!” Song of Solomon 1:2 (NKJV)
Believing that the Song of Solomon is written to show a king’s love for His spouse before their marriage, and following the ceremony, and that Marriage is a portrait in type of God in Christ’s love for His Bride the Church…
What do I want for Christmas?
I want my Marriage, and my love for my wife Madge, to reflect the love of God in Christ to all people; and for people to know there is no better or greater love than the love the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit displayed on the cross of Calvary for all mankind.
Jesus Speaks – Christmas Day One Hundred Eighty and Four
It hath been said, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement: but I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.” Matthew 5:31-32 (KJV)
Today marks our halfway point to Christmas in this year – halfway since last Christmas (December 25). It is the last day of the first half. Just a note.
Marriage is an institution of God. He ordained that a man marry a woman, and cleave to her the entirety of his and her life. There are many words in our dictionaries and our vocabulary’s that are being voided by the PC people, and that we are being asked not to use. I have one I would like deleted; especially between a married man and woman; and that is the word D-I-V-O-R-C-E.
What do I want for Christmas?
I want marriage, between one man and one woman to be sacred again; for the man and the woman to take their vows seriously; for the man to train his heart and his eyes to desire only his wife, and no other, to be faithful to her, to cherish her, and value her even more than his own life; and that the word “Divorce” never be uttered between them of themselves.
Day Two Hundred Sixty and Eight
What do I want for Christmas?
I want my friends, and sister’s in law parents; Denny and Linda Ball to have a wonderful day celebrating their fiftieth Wedding Anniversary; On this day in 1966 Denny and Linda were united in marriage.
May the Lord give them many more years together.
And He answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that He which made them at the beginning made them male and female, and said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh? Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.” Matthew 19:4-6 (KJV)
The Fire and Hammer 