Greetings,
This was a quick turn around and I am honored to have an opportunity to reach out to you again regarding the Word of God and to provide you with another chance to consider giving Christ a try. Due to the length and the importance of God's message, this will be in two parts.
On February 14, 2015, we celebrated Valentine's Day. Maybe some of you were alone, with a significant other, your child or other family member or person you care about deeply. My wife and I spent time together by going to dinner, to a place called Society Fair, in Alexandria, VA, and then to the Kennedy Center, in Washington DC. We saw an amazing performance by a jazz singer, Kurt Ellington. This guy and his band was truly amazing. But, that is not what made the day special. The time we spent together, the way we held hands, and the conversations we had, that was awesome.
As my bestfriend, she has been everything, she has shown me the importance of "Oneness", Gen 2:24 "For this reason a man shall leave his father and his mother, and be joined to his wife; and they shall become one flesh." Watching her as she enjoyed the show, I took a few moments to thank God for the blessing of having her in my life. I then began to think about what I heard on the Christian radio station about marriage. The author Gary Chapman was speaking about the problems of marriage today and how so many people are getting divorced or getting married to people, they never got a chance to know. Initially, the message was uncomfortable, because I considered my past life. Unfortunately, I have made my share of mistakes and many of them happened because Christ was absent or I turned my back on Him. I must admit, that I am glad that I went through those painful parts of my life. I believe today, that although I may have been disobedient at times, but I wholeheartedly believe that it prepared me for the wonderful marriage I have today.
Ladies and gentlemen, my wife and I have had an opportunity to meet and learn about relationships and marriage from some amazing people. One specific couple has been married for more than 70 years. Every couple we met that took the time share their success, they all explained that without Christ leading the way, the marriage will not work. I don't care what Oprah, Steve Harvey, or Dr. Phil, has told you about relationships or marriage, if Jesus Christ was not part of the discussion, the information was useless. Please read the scriptures below and see the comments afterwards.
Book: Genesis
Author: The author of the Book ofGenesis is not identified. Traditionally, the author has always assumed to have been Moses. There is no conclusive reason to deny the Mosaic authorship of Genesis.
The Book of Genesis doesnot state when it was written. The date of authorship is likely between 1440 and 1400 B.C., between the time Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt and his death.
Purpose of Writing: The Book of Genesis has sometimes been called the "seed-plot" of the entire Bible. Most of the major doctrines in the Bible are introduced in "seed" form in the Book of Genesis. Along with the fall of man, God's promise of salvation or redemption is recorded (Genesis 3:15). The doctrines of creation, imputation of sin, justification, atonement, depravity, wrath, grace, sovereignty, responsibility, and many more are all addressed in this book of origins called Genesis.
Gen 2:18 Then the Lord God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.”
Matthew Henry Commentary: 2:18; Power over the creatures was given to man, and as a proof of this he named them all. It also shows his insight into the works of God. But though he was Lord of the creatures, yet nothing in this world was a help meet for man.
Gen 2:23-25 The Creation of Woman: The man said, "This is now bone of my bones, And flesh of my flesh; She shall be called Woman, Because she was taken out of Man." For this reason a man shall leave his father and his mother, and be joined to his wife; and they shall become one flesh. And the man and his wife were both naked and were not ashamed.
Matthew Henry Commentary: Gen 2:23-25; God caused deep sleep to fall on Adam; while he knows no sin, God will take care that he shall feel no pain. God, as her Father, brought the woman to the man, as his second self, and a help meet for him. That wife, who is of God's making by special grace, and of God's bringing by special providence, is likely to prove a help meet for a man. See what need there is, both of prudence and prayer in the choice of this relation, which is so near and so lasting. That had need to be well done, which is to be done for life. Our first parents needed no clothes for covering against cold or heat, for neither could hurt them: they needed none for ornament.
Book: Ephesians
Author: Paul
Time: Around 60 A.D. Somesources say that it was written around the same time as Paul’s letter to the Colossians, since it’s similar in style and purpose.
To whom was it written: Ephesians is primarily written to Gentile (non-Jewish) followers of Christ—most likely the church in Ephesus. (Unlike some of Paul’s other letters, it doesn’t begin with individual greetings. For this reason, there is debate about whether it was specifically intended for the church in Ephesus, or if it was meant to be circulated more widely.)
Why was it written: Paul wrote this letter to encourage Gentile believers, and to make it clear that Jews and Gentiles have been brought together as part of one body in Christ. Paul is also concerned that his audience be made aware of the moral laws they may have been lax in following (or that they were unaware of).
Ephesians 5: Walk in Love
1 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. 2 And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. 3 But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints. 4 Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving. 5 For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous ( that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. 6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. 7 Therefore do not become partners with them; 8 for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light 9 (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), 10 and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. 11 Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. 12 For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret. 13 But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, 14 for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says, 15 Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. 18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, 19 addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, 20 giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, 21 submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.
Let's consider what we just read. 1st we understand that God created a "help meet" for man. For more several thousand years (or far more than time we can understand), humans in every corner of the globe has recognized that woman is the only piece of the puzzle which completes man, regarding human conception. No matter how we feel, and how much people would like times to change, and we care about the feelings and desires of those we love, God's Word will never change. In any event, my point is that we consider the importance of relationships, you and your spouse were designed to have a relationship with Christ. Secondly, the two of you were designed to have a friendship like no other. Consider the way God and Adam walked through "the coolness of the garden", imagine the talks they had. Adam had no idea what he was seeing, nor did he understand how became to exist. Imagine having such a deep discussion with your wife.
Think of the effect you could have on your relationship with your wife. My wife once told me that in order to have a better sexual relationship with your spouse, fourplay begins the moment you wake up next to each other. It begins with a "Good morning, my love!" It could begin with fixing her tea or kissing her goodbye as she or I leave for work each day.
Not only do I desire to out love my help meet each day, but I think about Ephesians 5:1-22, how having a right relationship with Christ, prohibits me from straying the path of marriage and righteousness. Consider how many times you missed out on an opportunity to spend quality time with your spouse and you went to hang out with your friends. As an example, I have friends who routinely ask me to hang out with them and the fellas. Even more, they want to travel to places like Rio, Vegas, or Dominican Republic with just the guys. To me, that is ludicrous, why leave my fine wife at home, to go to an exotic location and hang with a bunch of guys.
Christ desires that we as Christians keep away from anything that would cause us to stumble or stray from Him. (1 Corinthians 10:31-33; Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. Give no offense either to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God; just as I also please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit but the profit of the many, so that they may be saved.) So in your marriage consider the environment and relationship between you and your wife. Reconsider where God is in the relationship.
We will continue next week with part 2. May God richly bless you.
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