Category: Marriage
Subject: Marriage
Is It Lawful?
In Mark 10, the Pharisees came to Jesus for the purpose of testing Him. Their motivations were impure, but they asked a question of him that is especially important to us today. “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?” (10:2). Matthew records the question in this way, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for just any reason?” (19:3).
The Patternists: What is the “therefore” there for?
A question I often ask in Bible class, “What is the ‘therefore’ there for?” When you see the word in the Bible, it typically serves to connect a truth with a proper response. In effect, “This is so, therefore do that.”
Such events in scripture help to flesh out the proper response of a child of God to circumstances, scenarios, provocations and blessings. Let me give you a few examples from scripture.
Continue reading “The Patternists: What is the “therefore” there for?”
Husbands and Wives
“Wives, submit to your own husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives and do not be bitter toward them” (Colossians 3:18-19).
Paul’s instructions are in keeping with his teaching in Ephesians 5, highlighting the importance of submission on the part of the wife, and love on the part of the husband (cf. Ephesians 5:22,25).
The difference in instructions is not because of any inequality, either perceived or actual. In fact, Paul establishes the equal worth of all humans in Galatians 3:28, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”
The difference in instructions comes because of the position of each in the marriage relationship. To illustrate, consider that an employer has a different position, (and therefore authority), in a company than his employees. As such his responsibilities and actions are influenced by his position. This does not mean that he has more human value. Remember our founding fathers’ words, “All men are created equal.”
The wife is to submit because God gave the headship in the home to the husband (cf. Ephesians 5:23). The husband is to love the wife (seek her welfare) because to exercise authority without that limitation leads to despotism. Consider how destructively a man might wield his authority in the home if he harbors bitterness in his heart toward his wife.
As always, God’s way brings harmony and blessings.
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Sermon: The Reforms of Nehemiah
The three reforms that Nehemiah enacted, as recorded in Nehemiah 13, serve to instruct when applications are made for us today.
An Excellent Wife (Or Husband)
“An excellent wife is the crown of her husband, but she who causes shame is like rottenness in his bones” (Proverbs 12:4).
The book of Proverbs was written by a father desiring to share wisdom with his son. In this case, what is good for the goose is good for the gander. We can as easily state that an excellent husband is a true blessing, but a husband that causes shame is like a cancer to his wife.
This truth is why it is so important to choose carefully the one who will be your companion for life. Jesus said, “So then they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate” (Matthew 19:6).
Marriage is a lifetime commitment. No man or woman has the right to renege on that commitment. The decision to marry has an impact not only on the rest of your life, but on your eternal destiny. When choosing, it is important to marry one who will help you to reach heaven. Be sure that no other person in your life will have a greater impact upon your standing with God.
It is possible to overcome a bad choice. However, it is not easy. There will always be regret and difficulty if your life companion is an obstacle rather than a blessing.
Choose wisely and well!
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Sermon: God Hates Divorce / God Loves the Home
A two part lesson. Part one: God Hates Divorce (preached in the morning). Part two: God Loves the Home (preached in the evening. Note: Only the last 14 minutes of the evening lesson were recorded).
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Audio 1 (God Hates Divorce)
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Audio 2 (God Loves the Home)
- Facebook Live Video of Sermon (1 – God Hates Divorce)
- Facebook Live Video of Sermon (2 – God Loves the Home)
Sermon: Hagar – Sarai’s Handmaid
There are numerous lessons to learn from the Genesis narrative that includes Hagar, Sarai’s handmaid. We learn from the sins committed, as well as gaining hope regarding God’s provision for the outcast.
Sermon: The Benefits of a Moral LIfe
Regardless of the consequences, we must live a moral life. However, God intends for our lives, lived well, to bring us benefits. We are better if we are sober, monogamous, and compliant with authority.
Sermon: The Controversy Over Marriage, Divorce & Remarriage
Lesson 5 of 5 in Lectureship Series: Controversy Among the People of God.
Speaker: Josh Cox
This lesson examines God’s law on Marriage (One man, one woman, for a lifetime), and notes the problems that come from man’s emotionalism and willfulness.
Sermon: The Christian’s Responsibility in the Home
The Christian has the responsibility to be morally upright, to be Christ centered, to fill his or her appointed role, and to love fully for a home to be what Christ wants it to be.
Cultural Newspeak
In George Orwell’s classic novel 1984 , the government sought to limit freedoms, and influence thought, by introducing a variation of English called “Newspeak.” The idea was for the government to establish words with specific meanings, and to eliminate words that contained thoughts that were possibly antagonistic to the government’s purposes.
I find it interesting in our day that something similar is occurring. Definitions of words are being changed as a means of promoting new ideas and values while at the same time discouraging values that society no longer considers acceptable. Since those unacceptable values are often held by Christians, those who hold their faith dear are being marginalized by society. Let me supply a few examples:
When Should You Have Sex?
Today it is typical for couples in a monogamous relationship to engage in sexual activity as a part of that relationship. This has been so for some time, and it has even led to a change in the meaning of words. For example, no longer is a person single until he is married. He is single until he is in a monogamous relationship. Commitment is not seen in the positive answer to the question, “Will you marry me?”, but in the question, “Do you want to live with me?” A person is considered to be a cheater, not if they have had an extramarital affair, but if they have committed fornication with a person other than their “partner.” The list goes on and on.
To illustrate, I recently did an internet search of the question, “When should I have sex?” Though many sites cautioned against quick “hookups”, the reality is that many, especially in their 20’s, have sexual relations within the first couple of dates. In the advice I found online, the idea of limiting sex to a marital relationship was completely absent.
Keep Your Wedding Vows!
When a man and woman say “I Do”, and agree to the marriage covenant, the vows they make to one another are also made to God. The obligations are serious, and to break the vows is treacherous.
Sermon: Responsibilities in the Covenant of Marriage
Sermon by Josh Cox.
Beginning in Matthew 9, the lesson discusses some of the responsibilities of husbands and wives as revealed in scripture. Responsibilities that the world has largely forgotten.
