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i know He is able: July 2006

Tuesday, July 25, 2006

GOD's WORD on Divorce

Think about this: Marriage is a living illustration of what our relationship with God can be like. This precious gift was given to mankind before sin entered the world in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 2:18-25). God intended that marriage would enhance both the man and the woman. It was His intention that the two individuals would become one just as the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are One. "Let Us make man in Our image" (Genesis 1:26) was His desire.

On the other hand "divorce" is the destruction of this beautiful gift God has given us, so we must not take divorce lightly. As Christians we must do all we can to exhaust every possible source of help before contemplating the destruction of this gift from God.

Having said this, let me be clear:
God will not bless sin. If you are in an abusive relationship, you need to get out and get help. Don’t allow yourself to be manipulated, intimidated, or cajoled into believing this is God’s will. It is not! God’s intention is for healthy individuals to join their lives together in order to bring God glory through their loving kindness toward each other, and that they might produce godly offspring who will learn to love Him.

(By the way, contrary to what modern entertainment is saying, sex is not for recreation – but for bonding in this intimate relationship that is to last all your life. This is why God reserves this sharing experience for the marriage relationship only.)


Below are some Bible texts for you to prayerfully study…
As you study these texts, ask yourself to be truly honest in your heart. Is it God’s will that I stay in this relationship? Is it safe? Is this home a place where angels can enjoy? Is there anything I can do to make this relationship more like what God would want it to be? Am I looking for a way out? Am I genuinely wanting God to transform me to be more like Jesus, or do I just want out?
There are worse things than divorce. God hates divorce, but He also hates having His kids destroyed emotionally, physically, or spiritually. He does not take it lightly when someone abuses His child. Divorce is a LAST resort. Don’t wait until there is no other option before getting help from a godly Christian Minister to counsel you or refer you to a Godly counselor.

Gen 2: 21-25 Foundational to this discussion is the fact that God made us for long-term commitment ("cleaving") in relationships.

Deut 22:19 They shall fine him a hundred shekels of silver and give them to the girl's father, because this man has given an Israelite virgin a bad name. She shall continue to be his wife; he must not divorce her as long as he lives. (NIV)

Deut 22:29 he shall pay the girl's father fifty shekels of silver. He must marry the girl, for he has violated her. He can never divorce her as long as he lives. (NIV)

Deut 24:1 If a man marries a woman who becomes displeasing to him because he finds something indecent about her, and he writes her a certificate of divorce, gives it to her and sends her from his house, (NIV)

Deut 24:3 and her second husband dislikes her and writes her a certificate of divorce, gives it to her and sends her from his house, or if he dies, (NIV)

Isa 50:1 This is what the LORD says: "Where is your mother's certificate of divorce with which I sent her away? Or to which of my creditors did I sell you? Because of your sins you were sold; because of your transgressions your mother was sent away. (NIV)

Jer 3:8 I gave faithless Israel her certificate of divorce and sent her away because of all her adulteries. Yet I saw that her unfaithful sister Judah had no fear; she also went out and committed adultery. (NIV)

Mal 2:16 "I hate divorce," says the LORD God of Israel, "and I hate a man's covering himself with violence as well as with his garment," says the LORD Almighty. So guard yourself in your spirit, and do not break faith. (NIV)

Matt 1:19 Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. (NIV)

Matt 5:31 "It has been said, `Anyone who divorces his wife must give her a certificate of divorce.' (NIV)

Matt 19:3 Some Pharisees came to him to test him. They asked, "Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any and every reason?" (NIV)

Matt 19:7,8 "Why then," they asked, "did Moses command that a man give his wife a certificate of divorce and send her away?" Jesus replied, "Moses permitted you to divorce your wives because your hearts were hard. But it was not this way from the beginning. (NIV)

Mark 10:2 Some Pharisees came and tested him by asking, "Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?" (NIV)

Mark 10:4 They said, "Moses permitted a man to write a certificate of divorce and send her away." (NIV)

1 Cor 7:11,12 But if she does, she must remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband. And a husband must not divorce his wife. To the rest I say this (I, not the Lord): If any brother has a wife who is not a believer and she is willing to live with him, he must not divorce her. And if a woman has a husband who is not a believer and he is willing to live with her, she must not divorce him. (NIV)

1 Cor 7:27 Are you married? Do not seek a divorce. Are you unmarried? Do not look for a wife. (NIV)

If you have a friend that you wish you could help save their marriage, I ask you to be instant in prayer and slow to speak. Speak only as GOD gives you inspiration. Remember that there is danger here in that hearts are confused, searching for love and if you do become involved, as GOD to guard your own heart as well as those that you counsel. I believe it would be wise to follow GOD's example, HE sent them out two by two (where two are more are gathered in HIS name, there HE is in the midst of them... there is safety in numbers). What a wonderful ministry a Christian couple could have among their friends!

Any trained counselor will tell you, you can’t help anyone who doesn’t want help. And it is extremely difficult to save a marriage when a third party is working overtime to destroy it. Nevertheless, I believe there are seven positive things you can do when the fabric of your friends’ marriage is ripping apart.

1. Pray for them.
Prayer is a compassionate tool given by God to aid hurting people. Scripture commands prayer for one another and testifies to prayer’s power (Eph. 6:18, Jas. 5:16). Prayer for hurting friends is not a last resort. It is a first resort. If the marriage is to be saved, it must be placed in larger hands than yours. Prayer enlists God’s aid in the battle to save the marriage. It also helps remind you that your knowledge and skills are limited.

2. Don’t abandon them.
It is easier to avoid people who are doing something you disagree with than to stand by them and spend time with them. People in pain need friends who love them. (I long to see more happy Christian couples serving their brothers and sisters in a friendship praying ministry) In 1 Thess. 5:14, Paul encourages his readers to “encourage the timid, (and) help the weak.” The issues that push marriages into trouble usually take years to accumulate. Healing the broken places take time. Getting involved will probably be costly. Make it your intention before getting heavily involved to stick with hurting people for as long as it takes. Remember, there is no quick fix.

3. Don’t take sides.
Divorcing people often look for recruits to join their side of the imminent divorce battle. If you intend to help, stay neutral to both parties. Focus your attention on trying to help save the marriage instead of being lured by one side to throw rocks at the other. Everyone has a long litany of “who did what to whom,” and “who is really to blame here.” Always rem3mber that your view of a collapsing marriage is from the outside, not the inside.

4. Try to get both of your friends to see a Godly Christian counselor.
There are Christian Marriage counselors that have been trained to call upon GOD and apply skills that you probably do not possess. They know how to stay neutral. Only recommend counselors who have a good track record of saving marriages. They are literally the paramedics for dying marriages. If the marriage is salvageable, they will have the best chance at saving it. You can even offer to go with your friends and pay for their appointment to show your concern. (Unfortunately this profession is full of those that are not trained, and even some perverts have been guilty of using this as a means of preying on their clients) Ask a Godly minister to help you to know who to reccomend.

5. Be available and listen with love.
Let your friends know you are available to listen any time they want to talk. Listen to them, supply Kleenex, and be willing to drink buckets of coffee. Hurting people need the physical presence of caring people when their lives appear to be unraveling. Listen more than you talk. Be sensitive to God’s leading in these conversations.

6. Don’t gossip about them to other friends.
Gossip is often the natural pastime for those who stand on the sidelines when other people’s lives are crumbling. Never break a confidence that has been entrusted to you. One of the greatest dangers is to brag that “we are trying to help Bill and Janet put their marriage back together.” Become a silent helper rather than a play-by-play commentator on the demise of someone else’s marriage.

7. Don’t play God.
God can save marriages that the whole world deems hopeless. I don’t believe He calls those who help to be heralds predicting the final outcome of the process, however. Too many well-meaning Christians make spiritual statements about what they think God will or will not do. Scripture provides guidance, but it must always be shared gently and from a loving heart. Don’t use harsh exhortations as a spiritual club to beat them up. Always let the Holy Spirit do the convicting. That is not your job.

Jeremiah 29:11 is a verse of hope that has comforted many individuals experiencing the tragedy of divorce:
“For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’”

Monday, July 24, 2006

Dear GOD, can YOU save my marriage?

Some friends have asked that I work on a study on the Christian aspects of marriage, broken marriage, and family.

I have been praying about this and I believe that GOD would like for us all to study GOD's principles and make them a part of our lives. First. let us think about what GOD has to say to those that are married. Can they have a holy marriage? In our day, it seems like all sorts of things come in to cause strife, and destroy the home, too many marriages end in divorce. Is there any solution?

Yes there is a solution--God's solution. God made us and knows all about us. He ordained marriage, performed the first wedding, and His rules for marriage really work. He knows he answers! Don't give up! He can save your marriage. It isn't too late. You've tried everything else; why not give God a chance? Here are His rules. Follow them and save your home.

1. Establish your own private home.

"Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh." Genesis 2:24.

Comment: God's rule is specific. A married couple must leave father and mother and establish their own home, even if finances require that it be a one-room apartment. Husband and wife should decide together on such policies as these. Then she should inform her relatives and he, his. They must remain firm no matter who opposes. Thousands of divorces would be avoided if this rule were carefully followed.

2. Continue your courtship.

"Above all hold unfailing your love for one another, since love covers a multitude of sins." 1 Peter 4:8, RSV. "Her husband ... praiseth her." Proverbs 31:28. "She that is married careth ... how she may please her husband." 1 Corinthians 7:34. "Be kindly affectioned one to another ... in honour preferring one another." Romans 12:10.

Comment: Continue (or perhaps revive) the courtesies of courtship in your married life. Successful marriages do not just happen; they must be developed. Don't take each other for granted, or the monotony that results will destroy your marriage. Keep love growing by expressing love for one another or it will die, and you will drift apart. Love and happiness are not found by seeking them for yourself, but rather by giving them to others. So spend as much time as possible doing things together if you would get along well. Learn to greet each other with enthusiasm. Relax, visit, shop, sightsee, eat together. Don't overlook the little courtesies, encouragements, and affectionate acts. Surprise each other with little gifts or favors. Try to "outlove" each other. Do not take more out of marriage than you put into it. Divorce itself is not the greatest destroyer of marriage, but rather, lack of love. Given a chance, love always wins.

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3. Remember that God joined you together in marriage.

"For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife. ... Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder." Matthew 19:5, 6.

Comment: "Has love almost disappeared from your home? The devil (that notorious home-breaker) is responsible for this. Don't forget that God Himself joined you together in marriage, and He intends for you to stay together and be happy. He will bring happiness and love into your lives if you will obey His divine rules (commandments). "With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26. Don't despair. God, who places love in the heart of a missionary for a leprous savage, can easily give you love for each other if you will let Him.

4. Guard your thoughts—do not let your senses trap you.

"For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he." Proverbs 23:7. "Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife." Exodus 20:17. "Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life." Proverbs 4:23. "Whatsoever things are true, ... honest, ... just, ... pure, ... lovely, ... of good report; ... think on these things." Philippians 4:8.

Comment: The wrong kind of thinking will destroy your marriage. The devil will trap you with thoughts like these: "Our marriage was a mistake." "She does not understand me." "I can't take much more of this." "We can always divorce if necessary." "I'll go home to mother." "He smiled at that woman." Stop thinking thoughts like these or your marriage is gone, because your thoughts and senses govern your actions. Avoid seeing, saying, reading, or hearing anything that (or associating with anyone who) suggests impurity or unfaithfulness. Thoughts uncontrolled are like an automobile in neutral on a hill. Anything can happen, and the result is always disaster.

5. Never retire for the night angry with each other.

"Let not the sun go down upon your wrath." Ephesians 4:26. "Confess your faults one to another." James 5:16. "Forgetting those things which are behind." Philippians 3:13. "Be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you." Ephesians 4:32.

Comment: To remain angry and upset over hurts and grievances (big or little) is exceedingly dangerous. Unless quickly solved, even little problems become set in your mind as convictions and attitudes adversely affecting your whole philosophy of life. This is why God says to let anger cool before retiring at night. Be big enough to forgive and to say with sincerity, "I'm sorry." After all, no one is perfect; and you are both on the same team, so be sportsmanlike enough to honestly admit a mistake when you make it. Besides, making up is a very pleasant experience, with unusual powers to draw marriage partners closer together. God suggests it! It works!

6. Keep Christ in the center of your home.

"Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it." Psalm 127:1. "In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." Proverbs 3:6. "And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:7.

Comment: This is the greatest rule. It really covers all the others. Put Christ first! The real secret of true happiness in the home is not diplomacy, strategy, and untiring effort to overcome problems, but rather, union with Christ. Hearts filled with Christ's love can never be very far apart. With Christ in the home, marriage will be successful. The gospel is the cure for all marriages that are filled with hatred, bitterness, and disappointment. It prevents thousands of divorces by miraculously restoring love and happiness. It will save your marriage, too, if you are willing.

7. Pray together.

"Pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." Matthew 26:41. "Pray one for another." James 5:16. "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally." James 1:5.

Comment: Pray aloud for each other! This is a wonderful rule that succeeds beyond the wildest dream. Kneel before God and ask Him for true love for one another, for forgiveness, for strength, for wisdom—for the solution to problems. God has given a personal guarantee that He will answer. The praying person is not automatically cured of all of his faults, but he will have a heart that wants to do right. No family ever breaks up while sincerely praying together for God's help.

8. Agree that divorce is not the answer.

"What therefore God has joined together, let not man put asunder." Matthew 19:6. "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 19:9. "The woman which hath an husband is bound by the law to her husband so long as he liveth." Romans 7:2.

Comment: The Bible is so clear. The ties of marriage are meant to be indissoluble and indestructible. Divorce is permissible only in the case of adultery. But even then it is not demanded, only permitted. Forgiveness is always better than divorce, even in the case of a moral fall. Marriage is for life. God so ordained it when He performed the first wedding in Eden. Thoughts of divorce as a solution will destroy any marriage. This is one reason Jesus ruled it out. Divorce is always destructive and almost never a solution to the problem. Instead, it creates much greater problems, so it should never be considered. Torn, frustrated, unhappy, twisted lives almost inevitably follow divorce; and even success in life itself is often thwarted. God instituted marriage to guard people's purity and happiness, to provide for their social needs, and to elevate their physical, mental, and moral nature. Its vows are among the most solemn and binding obligations that human beings can assume. To lightly set them aside results in removing one's self from God's favor and blessing.

9. Keep the family circle closed tightly.

"Thou shalt not commit adultery." Exodus 20:14.
"The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her. ... She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life." Proverbs 31:11, 12.
"The Lord hath been witness between thee and the wife of thy youth, against whom thou hast dealt treacherously." Malachi 2:14.
"Keep thee from the evil woman. ... Lust not after her beauty in thine heart; neither let her take thee with her eyelids. ... Can a man take fire in his bosom, and his clothes not be burned? ... So he that goeth in to his neighbour's wife; whosoever toucheth her shall not be innocent." Proverbs 6:24-19.

Comment: I have come to believe tha family intimacies must never be shared with others—not even with parents. As I study this I have come to believe that this is a GOD given rule or principle. Therefore is a great sin and a tragedy to break this God-given rule. A third person to sympathize or listen to complaints while at first may seem to draw us closer to GOD, it is a tool of the devil to estrange the hearts of husband and wife. Solve your home problems privately. No one else (except your minister or marriage counselor) should ever be involved. It is never too late to observe GOD's rules. We should always be truthful with each other, and never keep secrets from each other. It may not be wise to tell all that is to be known at one sitting, but when a subject comes up between you, be honest, tell all that he or she asks. GOD will guide you and will bless you for it. (Some things GOD would have us wait until the other is ready to hear, understand and ,if need be, to forgive. Do not force this or run ahead of GOD or behind GOD, keep reading HIS WORD and talking to HIM and asking for guidance , and a willing heart to accept it when HE gives it)
Tell no jokes at the expense of your spouse's feelings. Vigorously defend each other, and strictly exclude all intruders. And as for adultery (in spite of what some marriage counselors say), it always hurts you and everyone else involved. God, who knows our mind, body, and emotional structure (and knows what helps or hurts us) says, "Thou shalt not." And when He says, "Don't," we had better not. Those who ignore His rule will pay the supreme penalty. So if flirtations have begun, break them off at once, or shadows may settle over your life that cannot be lifted.

10. God describes love; make it your daily goal to measure up.

"Love is forbearing and kind. Love knows no jealousy. Love does not brag; is not conceited. She is not unmannerly, nor selfish, nor irritable, nor mindful of wrongs. She does not rejoice in injustice, but joyfully sides with the truth. She can overlook faults. She is full of trust, full of hope, full of endurance."
1 Corinthians 13:4-7, Weymouth. (this whole chapter is good to read often, try reading it from many different Bible translations, you'll be blessed)

Comment: Please reread the above Scripture passage carefully. This is God's true description of love. How do you measure up? Love is not a sentimental impulse, but a holy principle that involves every phase and action of life. With true love, your marriage cannot fail. Without it, it cannot succeed.

11. Remember that criticism and nagging destroy love.

"Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them." Colossians 3:19. "It is better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and an angry woman." Proverbs 21:19. "A continual dropping in a very rainy day and a contentious woman are alike." Proverbs 27:15. "Why beholdest thou the mote [splinter] that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam [whole board] that is in thine own eye?" Matthew 7:3. "Love ... looks for a way of being constructive." 1 Corinthians 13:4, Phillips.

Comment: Stop criticizing, nagging, and faultfinding. Your husband or wife may lack much, but nagging will not help. Don't expect perfection, or bitterness will result. Overlook faults, and hunt for the good things. Don't try to reform, control, or compel your partner—you will destroy love. Only God can change people. A sense of humor, a cheerful heart, kindness, patience, and affection will banish two-thirds of your marriage problems. Try to make your spouse happy rather than good, and the good will take care of itself. Over the last two years I have come to believe that the secret of a successful marriage lies not in having the right partner, but rather in being the right partner.

12. Do not overdo in anything; be temperate.

"Every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things." 1 Corinthians 9:25.
"Love ... does not pursue selfish advantage." 1 Corinthians 13:5, Phillips.
"Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God." 1 Corinthians 10:31.
"I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection." 1 Corinthians 9:27.
"If any would not work, neither should he eat." 2 Thessalonians 3:10.
"Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled." Hebrews 13:4.
"Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin." Romans 6:12, 13.

Comment: Overdoing will ruin your marriage. So will underdoing. (not easy is it, but pray that GOD give you the wisdom to know what to do, think about it this way...your spouse is your primary mission field) Work, love, rest, exercise, play, worship, meals, and social contacts must be carefully balanced in your marriage, or something will snap. Overwork and the lack of sleep, proper food, or exercise make a person critical, intolerant, and negative. Constant overeating is a great evil that strengthens the lower nature and dulls the conscience (believe me, I know what i am talking about.)

Be aware also that sexual abuses destroy a love for holy things and weaken vitality. Marriage gives no license to sexual excesses. Degrading, twisted, or intemperate sex acts destroy love and respect for one another. A temperate sex life is recommended by the Bible (1 Corinthians 7:3-7). Social contacts with others are absolutely essential. True happiness cannot be found in isolation. We must learn to laugh and enjoy wholesome, good times. To be overly serious is dangerous. Overdoing or underdoing in anything weakens the mind, body, conscience, and the ability to love and respect one another. Do not let intemperance wreck your marriage.

13. Respect each other's personal rights and privacies.

"Love is forbearing. ... Love knows no jealousy. ... She is not unmannerly, nor selfish. ... She does not rejoice in injustice. ... She is full of trust." 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, Weymouth.
"Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another." Romans 12:10.

Comment: Each spouse has a God-given right to certain personal privacies without explanation. Do not tamper with each other's wallets or purses, personal mail, and other private property unless given permission. The right to privacy and quietude when preoccupied should be respected. Your husband or wife even has a right to be wrong part of the time and is entitled to an "off-day" without being given the third degree. Marriage partners do not own each other and should never try to force personality changes. Only God can make such changes, and we shall all answer personally to Him on this matter (Romans 14:12). Perfect confidence and trust in one another—no checking up on each other—is absolutely essential for happiness. Spend less time trying to "figure out" your spouse and more time trying to please her or him. I have learned that this works wonders.

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14. Be clean, modest, orderly, and dutiful.

"In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel." 1 Timothy 2:9.
"She ... works with willing hands." "She rises while it is yet night and provides food for her household." "She looks well to the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness." Proverbs 31:13, 15, 27, RSV.*
"Be ye clean." Isaiah 52:11.
"Let all things be done decently and in order." 1 Corinthians 14:40. "If any provide not ... for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel." 1 Timothy 5:8.
"Be not slothful." Hebrews 6:12.

Comment: Laziness, disorder, dirt, and slovenliness are the devil's weapons to destroy your respect and affection for one another, and thus ruin your marriage. Neat, modest attire and clean, well-groomed bodies are essential for both husband and wife. The meals should be wholesome, attractive, and served on time. The home should be clean and orderly, because this brings peace, calmness, and satisfaction to all. A lazy, shiftless husband who does not provide for his household is a curse to his family and an insult to God. Carelessness in some of these seemingly small matters is destroying homes by the thousands.

15. Determine to speak softly and kindly.

"A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger." Proverbs 15:1.
"Live joyfully with the wife whom thou lovest." Ecclesiastes 9:9.
"When I became a man, I put away childish things." 1 Corinthians 13:11.

Comment: Force yourself to speak softly and kindly to your spouse. Silence, when one is attacked, is often the best method to cool wrath. Decisions made when angry, tired, or discouraged are unreliable anyway, so it's best to relax and let anger cool. And when you do speak, let it always be quietly and lovingly. Harsh, angry words crush your spouse's desire to please you.

16. Be reasonable in money matters.
"It [love] is not possessive. ... Love has good manners and does not pursue selfish advantage." 1 Corinthians 13:4, 5, Phillips.
"God loveth a cheerful giver." 2 Corinthians 9:7.

Comment: All possessions and income in marriage should be "ours," not "yours" and "mine." Wives who do not work outside the home should receive a regular amount for groceries, clothing, and other budgeted items. It should be cheerfully provided instead of grudgingly released under protest. Wife and husband both should have small, equal sums (whenever possible) to spend as desired without giving account. A miserly husband usually angers his wife into being a spender, just as a wasteful husband makes a wife stingy. Showing confidence in your companion's managing ability will usually make him or her more businesslike.

17. Talk things over and counsel together freely.

"It [love] is neither anxious to impress nor does it cherish inflated ideas of its own importance. ... It is not touchy." 1 Corinthians 13:4, 5, Phillips.
"He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul." Proverbs 15:32.
"Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? there is more hope of a fool than of him." Proverbs 26:12.

Comment: Few things will strengthen your marriage more than counseling together on all major decisions. Changing a job or purchasing a home, an automobile, a boat, furniture, clothing (major items at least), and all other items that require money involve both husband and wife; and the opinions of both should be considered. Talking things over together will avoid many blunders that could ruin your marriage. If, after much discussion and earnest prayer, opinions still differ, the wife should submit to her husband's decision. Scripture is clear on this. (See Ephesians 5:22-24).

18. Are you praying that your home will be a place where the angels of heaven feel comfortable?
"For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways." Psalms 91:11
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