What Makes A Marriage Christian?

Many people in the western world regard marriage as a secular institution subject to the whelms of society and culture. Many followers of Jesus Christ insist marriage is a divine/sacred institution subject to the guidance of God as stated in the Scriptures. As soon as we Christians make such a statement all kind of questions usually follow. Who did Cain marry? Is it okay to have more than one wife? Did Jesus support divorce? Was the Apostle Paul really a chauvinist? If marriage predates Christianity…why bother perusing a Christian marriage? I can assure you I have no intention of tackling such questions here. Instead I wish to explore some basic Bible teachings that when applied to a marriage union results in a “Christian Marriage.”

I should say from the outset I do believe marriage is between a man and a woman, and God performed the first wedding in the Garden of Eden when He united Adam and Eve. Marriage is his idea. One man to one woman for the remainder of their lives walking in the basic marriage principles God gave them is key (Gen. 2:21-25).  Also, the Bible records what happened historically regarding marriages (the good, the bad, and the ugly); some marriages are exemplary while others are not. These biblical occurrences are not automatically authoritative; the examples should not be understood as endorsements or prescription for us today. The Scriptures simply record the facts of what actually happened. The principles and teachings of Scripture on marriage are the key focuses; as we adopt these and obey God's guidance our marriages will become Christian in character. Yes, it is possible for two Christians to be married to each other and their marriage not be Christian in character. God’s Word and Christian principles must mark the union to make it Christian. So, what does this involve directly? 

A CHRISTIAN MARRIAGE ACCEPTS JESUS CHRIST AS LORD AND SAVIOR

Acts 4:12, Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

John 15:5,  I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

Just as God’s program for marriage involves His plan and principles, it also involves His Person. As we have before indicated, it necessitates Him being at the center of the marriage. Before you can know God’s Enduring Plan for Marriage that can make your marriage and family life meaningful, you must meet some basic requirements:

A.  YOU MUST BECOME A CHRISTIAN.

      1.  Recognize That You Too Are a Sinner.

Romans 3:23,  For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

Romans 6:23, For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

      2.  Be Born Again Through Faith in Christ.

John 3:14-18,  And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: [15] That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.

    [16] For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. [17] For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

    [18] He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

  

      3.  Believe the Resurrected Savior and Ask Him to Save You Today.

Romans 10:9-13, That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. [10] For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. [11] For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. [12] For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. [13] For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

The book of Genesis which introduces God’s plan can only be understood and acted upon by real believers.  The book of Ephesians, which discusses God’s plan for Married life, is also written directly to believers. If you’re not a believer, there is little hope that you can make your marriage and family anything near what God intends it to be.

B.  YOU MUST CHOOSE FULFILLMENT THROUGH CHRIST.

John 10:10, The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

We receive life the moment we accept Christ as our Savior. After we are saved, we soon discover that there are various degrees of enjoyment in this new spiritual life. The more we turn ourselves and our relationships over to Christ and the control of the Holy Spirit, the more we enjoy the life which has been given to us. We not only have eternal life, but we have a more abundant fulfilling enjoyable and satisfying life experience. The same principle is true of our relationships when Christ is at the center.

                                                                                                         

     1.  God Offers Total Fulfillment and Strength Through Christ.

Galatians 2:20,  I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.   

Philip. 4:13,  I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

Christ adds the blessing when He is at the center of the matter and His will is faithfully pursued and obey in the lives of His subjects. We cannot merely try to use God to fix our marriages and then discard Him when we’ve reached our goals. God will faithfully strengthen you and your mate as you pursue His will; this is true for everything He wants you to do.  What He commands, He will enable us for and afford the necessary grace.

     2.  Unbelievers Cannot Realize This Abundance and Fulfillment on Their Own.

Now I’m not saying that nonbelievers can’t have meaningful relationships. They can—but only up to a point.

         A.  Unbelievers Will Never Know Total Relationship Fulfillment.

An individual can find total fulfillment only in a relationship with God!

         B.  No Marriage Can Be Totally Fulfilling Without THE AUTHOR of Fulfillment!

A marriage can find fulfillment only if its definition is designed and authored by God Himself. So, apart from knowing Jesus Christ, we can’t expect a marriage or family to be fulfilled, because God is the One who created man, invented marriage and the family, and wrote the book on how marriage is to function.

     3.  Focus on Christ and His Kingdom as Your Number One Priority!

Matthew 6:33, But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

         A.  Put God First in Your Life.     

         B.  Put God’s Righteous Character First. 

         C.  Trust God With the Needs in Your Marriage.

You nor your mate is the most important person in your marriage! God is! Make Him first and bring your marriage under His authority and blessing.

John 12:32, And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.

C.  YOU MUST GIVE YOUR MARRIAGE TO THE LORD.

Ps 127:1-2, Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.  2,  It is vain for you to rise up early (Useless Anxiety), to sit up late (Fruitless Worry), to eat the bread of sorrows (Worthless Self Pity): for so he giveth his beloved sleep. (Rest and Dependence on God)

Our efforts without the Lord are described as “vain,” “useless,” “produces nothing.”  No matter what your skills, your strengths, your determination may be-all will be in vain unless God is truly The Builder.  We must become dependent on Him for life, for health, for strength, for practical wisdom, for a disposition to continue to build our homes, and for success in it. Without Him our efforts and work might be destroyed by spiritual fires, by a tempests, by an earthquake, or by an attack of our enemies!  For a promising and prosperous result, we must depend entirely on God.

     1.  The Lord Can “Build” and Develop Your Marriage With Certainty.

   

                 A.  Our Marriage Will Be Built or Rebuilt

Prov 24:3-4,  Through wisdom is an house builded; and by understanding it is established:  4,  And by knowledge shall the chambers be filled with all precious and pleasant riches.

The word “builded” in Prov. 24:3 has the idea of “Restoring”.  Its the concept of rebuilding something so that it flourishes.  Its the same idea as when God took Adams rib and rebuilt it into Eve.  The point is this: Any marriage can be restored or rebuilt! It is never to late for God but this will require some real wisdom! (Swindoll)

                 B.  Our Marriage Will Be Established or Reestablished

Establish means “to set in order, to place in an erect or upright position” something that is falling or twisted.  This will requires some true understanding.

                 C.  “Build” Implies Progress, Growth, Positive Development, and Change!

     2.  The Lord Can “Keep” and Protect Your Marriage With Certainty.

Psalm 127:1,  Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.

We have all been through the gates to the Post and witnessed first hand the efforts of securing and keeping the posts safe. Keep means basically the same in this verse.

                 A.  Our Marriage Will Be Kept and Guarded

The meaning of “Keep” is to hedge about, to protect, and to attend to.  God will preserve, propitiate the relationship that is committed to Him throughout your lives.

                 B.  Our Marriage Will Be Filled and Fulfilling

The idea conveyed here is that of “overflowing” real Fulfillment, Abundance and complete Satisfaction.  To realize this will require knowledge.

In summary this is what we have to look forward to when we follow God’s Plan; this is what His Program will afford!  You would have to be mentally blind to not see this as a excellent deal!

What I am saying here should serve as a great motivation to bring our marriages to the Lord.  This is like knowing the promising outcome even before we turn our relationships over to Him.  Anyone who truly cares about the welfare of their marriage would enthusiastically buy into this!  What God can potentially do in our relationships ought to be extremely inviting to us all!

Prov 24:3-4, Through wisdom is an house builded; and by understanding it is established:  4,  And by knowledge shall the chambers be filled with all precious and pleasant riches.

                  C. “Kept” Implies Security, Safety, Protection, Preciousness, and Value.

A CHRISTIAN MARRIAGE SUBMITS TO THE SPIRIT’S CONTROL  

Ephes. 5:18, And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;

There’s more to having a meaningful and fulfilled marriage and family than just being a believer in Jesus Christ.   There is the need to walk daily in the power and counsel of the Holy Spirit of God!

A.  EACH MARRIED PARTNER SHOULD WALK IN THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.

    1.  Who Is in Charge of You and Your Marriage?   Eph 5:18

Although Eph. 5:18, is often quoted in support of anti-drinking efforts, the underlying issue goes deeper than whether or not to drink alcohol. The more important concern is, what -- or who -- is going to be in control of your life? Either the Holy Spirit is, or something else is. And whatever else it may be, it's a poor substitute. Being filled with alcohol can make you lose control and do stupid things. Being filled with the Holy Spirit gives you self-control (Gal 5:23) and helps you worship God and serve others.

     2.  Constantly Live Under the Influence of the Holy Spirit.   Eph 5:18

The words "be filled" are a command for all believers, yet believers do not manufacture it -- God fills believers with his Spirit when they profess faith in Jesus Christ as Savior. Paul was suggesting that the believers in Ephesus needed to "continually be filled"; Since they already were indwelt by the Spirit they needed to be continually filled with the Spirit, that is keep on living like that.  The words are also in the present tense, indicating constant replenishment with the Spirit -- believers are not "once-and-for-all" filled but rather are continually being filled with the Spirit as they continue to walk with God.

     3.  Who is the Primary Influence in Your Life and Marriage?   Eph 5:19-21

We must learn to live UNDER THE INFLUENCE of the Holy Spirit each day and especially at home!

The effects of alcohol are obvious. What happens when we are under the influence of the Holy Spirit? In these verses, Paul lists three by-products of the Spirit's influence in our lives: speaking, singing, giving thanks, and submitting.

          A.  We Develop a Servant’s Heart.  Eph 5:19

When the Holy Spirit controls us, we speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs.

           B.  We Develop a Joyful Heart.  Eph 5:19

We  sing and make music in our hearts to the Lord.

           C.  We Develop a Thankful Heart.  Eph 5:20

And we "[give] thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." Paul did not intend to suggest that we only discuss religious matters, but that whatever we do or say should be permeated with an attitude of thankfulness to God and encouragement toward each other. Instead of whining and complaining -- which our culture has raised to an art form -- we are to focus on the goodness of God and his mercies toward us. Which is more characteristic of your words and attitudes?

            D.  We Develop a Submissive Heart.  Eph 5:21

This is the last participial phrase flowing out of being filled with the Spirit and functions to introduce verses 22-33. People often misunderstand the concept of submitting to another person. It does not mean becoming totally passive. Christ submitted his will to the Father, and we honor Christ by following his example. When we submit to God, we become more willing to obey his command to submit to others, that is, to subordinate our rights to theirs. In Paul's day, women, children, and slaves were to submit to the head of the family -- slaves would submit until they were freed, male children until they grew up, and women and girls their whole lives. Paul emphasized the equality of all believers in Christ (Gal 3:28), but he counseled all believers to submit to one another by choice. This kind of mutual submission preserves order and harmony. (MacDonald)

Submission provides evidence that we have Spirit-controlled relationships, and it requires the Holy Spirit's guidance and restraint (4:2-3). In the church, the believers should be willing to learn from, serve, give to, or be corrected by others in the fellowship. Such submission can allow growth both individually and corporately as the believers seek to follow Christ. Our motives should be "reverence" (literally, "fear") for Christ. We should not treat one another rightly just because it is expected or because we will be well regarded but because one day we must give account to Christ of how we have lived.

Submission: this verse acts as a hinge between the preceding verses that deal with wisdom and living under the influence of the Holy Spirit, and the following verses, which consider the relationships between husbands and wives and Christ and the church. In 5:21, Paul says that the one who is filled with the Spirit not only reflects God's goodness in speech and attitudes but also manifests it in willingness to submit to others out of reverence for Christ.Submission often has unpleasant implications for modern Christians, perhaps because this principle has been abused in the past and has been used to justify overbearing and self-serving behavior. But Jesus was willing to submit to the will of his Father and to the agonies of the cross. "Submission" is not a bad word. How do you respond to the idea of submitting to others? Are you willing to place the interests and desires of others ahead of your own in Jesus' name? (Source Unknown)

QUOTE: “The best thing a woman can do for her husband is to make it easy for him to do the will of God.”-- Elisabeth Elliot Gren

     4.   Feed Your Spouse With the Delicious Fruit of the Spirit in Your Life.

Galatians 5:22-23, But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, [23] Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

         A.  The Fruit of the Spirit is One Super Multi-Fruit.

Have you ever heard of a multi-vitamin?  Well here is a multi-fruit!   In Gal. 5:25, Paul mentioned the fact that the Christian lives in the Spirit, that is, he derives his spiritual life from the indwelling Spirit of Christ.  This same spiritual life is the motivating force producing “the fruit of the Spirit.” The word fruit is singular, which shows that all of the elements of character spoken of in these verses are in perfect unity, oneness, and agreement making for a well-rounded and complete Christian life.

QUOTE: “The word fruit, being singular, as usual in Paul’s writings, tends to emphasize the unity and coherence of the life in the Spirit as opposed to the disorganization and instability of life under the dictates of the flesh. It is possible, also, that the singular may be intended to point to the person of Christ, in whom all these things are seen in their perfection. The Spirit seeks to produce these by reproducing Christ in the believer (Gal. 4:19). Passages like Rom 13:14 suggest that the moral problems of redeemed men and women can be solved by the adequacy of Christ when he is appropriated by faith.” --The Wycliffe Bible Commentary

Expect the Multi-fruit of the Spirit to construct you into a well-rounded believer. We are all familiar with people who had great potential, ability, and skills, but their weaknesses and lack of discipline greatly hindered them or literally destroyed them.  Certainly a well-balanced, symmetrical and well-arranged character is something to be desired.  It is true that we all have our own strengths, naturally given to us by God through our parents, but God offers additional strengths through the activity of the Holy Spirit.  This is necessary though we have certain qualities genetically, we also have weaknesses.  The Holy Spirit can amplify our strengths and improve our weaknesses and limit their impact on our lives.  The end result is a well-rounded believer living an effective Christian life unhampered by his own inherent weaknesses, frailties, flaws, and in-capabilities.  Instead of the person being an excessive talker with a harsh disposition, or mouth of the south who frequently says what comes to mind, they can be tempered by the Spirit through the fruit of temperance, meekness, and gentleness.  Instead of the individual being limited by or even ignoring God’s stated will by their paralyzing fears, they can be released by the power of the Spirit to boldly execute God’s plan by the qualities of faith, meekness, peace, and goodness.    

         B.  The Fruit of the Spirit is One Manifested Fruit.

The difference between the “works of the flesh” and “the fruit of the Spirit” is that the products of the flesh are plural, whereas the product of the Spirit is singular. Although Paul does not mention the truth here, there is also a contrast between the degrees to which “the works” and “the fruit” are produced. A given person may habitually practice only one or two, or perhaps a half dozen, of the sins Paul mentions in verses Gal. 5:19-21. But it would be practically impossible for one person to be habitually active in all of these sins. “The fruit of the Spirit,” on the other hand, is always produced completely in every believer, no matter how faintly evidenced its various manifestations may be.  Yes, in greater percentages in some areas, but still all characteristics are evident.

         C.  Remember Fruit is For Eating Not Displaying.

We must Remember That this Fruit Is Produced to Be Eaten, Not to Be Admired and Put on Display. People around us are starving for love, joy, peace, and all the other graces of the Spirit. When they find them in our lives, they know that we have something they lack.

We do not bear fruit for our own consumption; we bear fruit that others might be fed and helped, and that Christ might be glorified. The flesh may manufacture "results" that bring praise to us, but the flesh cannot bear fruit that brings glory to God. It takes patience, an atmosphere of the Spirit, walking in the light, the seed of the Word of God, and a sincere desire to honor Christ.  In short, the secret is the Holy Spirit. He alone can give us that freedom from sin and self. He enables us to fulfill the law of love, to overcome the flesh, and to bear fruit.  Will you yield to Him and let Him work?

B.  WHY DON’T EVERY CHRISTIAN HAVE A SUCCESSFUL MARRIAGE?

There are many Christians who know and love the Lord who are not living according to His moral, marital, or familial laws. Why?

      1.  Because They Are Not Filled with the Spirit.

It’s one thing to possess the Spirit of God and another to be filled by Him.

Ephes. 5:18,  And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;

In other words, every Christian possesses the Spirit but is not always controlled by, or filled with, the Spirit.

But, how do we do this?    

         

            A.  Confess and Put Away All Known Sin.  1Jn. 1:5-9.

            B.  Yield Yourself Completely to His Control.  Rom. 12:1-2.

            C.  Let the Words of Christ Dwell In You Richly.  Col. 3:16; Eph. 5:19-21

            D.  Be Emptied of Selfishness.   Gal. 2:20

      2.  Because Carnality Can Only Cause More Discord and Disharmony.

1 Cor. 3:1-4,  And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. [2] I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able. [3] For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men? [4] For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal?

Spiritual immaturity and carnality is the primary reason that Christians fail in their marriages.  They may no even divorce each other but they are extremely unhappy.  And when we’re not controlled by the Spirit of God, our family life will manifest that– “envying, and strife, and divisions.” A carnal believer is going to have discord in his family because he has discord between himself and God. So, to be a believer is the starting point; but being controlled with the Spirit is what brings results.

C.  WHY DON’T COUNSELORS, BOOKS, AND SEMINARS SAVE MORE MARRIAGES?

We’re drowning in a sea of information on marriage today: marriage seminars, marriage conferences, marriage encounters, marriage books, and marriage counselors.

     1.  Turning to Therapists, Techniques, and Tools is Not Enough.

People think the first thing to do when they have a marital problem is to see a counselor, psychiatrist, or analyst, buy a supply of books, go to a seminar, listen to tapes, or fill out charts. I don’t want to oversimplify this, but if you’re not filled with the Spirit, you can do all those things, but none of them will matter.

     2. Turning to Biblical Instruction Without Wise and Thoughtful Application is FUTILE.

          A.  Strenuously Avoid the Mechanical Approach to Problem Solving.

Here we discover that a ‘mechanical’ or an instant ‘magic formula’ approach will only prove to be frustrating and unfulfilling----you must become the proper mate in your marriage by complete dependence on God!

          B.  Use the Right Spiritual Materials for Godly Instructions as a Must.   

              1.  The Word of God.

When we choose God’s Word as the primary tool of instruction for our marriages we have the right materials for building the best relationship.  But the right materials must still be wisely used or we will still have frustration and become disillusioned with God.

              2.  The Wisdom of God.                                                                              

Prov 24:3-4, Through wisdom is an house builded; and by understanding it is established:  4,  And by knowledge shall the chambers be filled with all precious and pleasant riches.

          C.  Thoughtfully and Wisely Apply God’s Word to Your Marriage.

The  Thoughtful  Application of the Word of God Is Necessary to Attain the Desired outcome and atmosphere in your marriage.

Prov 24:3-4, Through wisdom is an house builded; and by understanding it is established:  4,  And by knowledge shall the chambers be filled with all precious and pleasant riches.

               1.  There Are No Magic Formulas and Quick Solutions!

Again it is vitally important that you understand that I don’t have a bag full of “ magic formulas”  that you can take an pour on your relationship to make it better.  But, if you will take theses principles and apply them with wisdom then your marriage will improve because you have become the kind of husband or wife you should be!

                2.  There Are Wise Steps That We Can Take.  Prov 24:3-4

God is saying here in this verse that we need three essential skills, “SPECIAL INGREDIENTS,”  to become the proper mate God designed me to be, and they are: Wisdom, Knowledge, and Understanding.

                     A.  Be Sure to Use WISDOM and Discernment.

Wisdom is seeing with discernment.  It’s having a broad perspective.  The term stress accuracy, the ability to sense that which is beneath the surface.  You will need this vital skill to rebuild or build your marriage!

                     B.  Be Sure that You Respond With UNDERSTANDING.

Understanding is responding with insight.  This is a must to see your married established.  As I view things with discernment (from God’s perspective), I am better equipped to respond with insight, not to take it personally or feel the need to fight back.   You will need this vital skill to set your marriage in order!

                     C.  Be Sure to Pursue KNOWLEDGE and Truth.

Knowledge is learning with perception.  It includes having a teachable spirit, a willingness to hear, a desire to discover.  Knowledge includes taking the time and going to the trouble to learn.  Growing, healthy mates are in constant pursuit of truth. (Swindoll)

     D.  Choose an Attitude of Dependence on the Lord as an Imperative!

Prov 2:6,  For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.   (These come ONLY from the LORD, not a convenience Store!)

THE ONLY SOURCE OF TRUE WISDOM, UNDERSTANDING AND KNOWLEDGE IS THE LORD!

When we combine these verses they teach the following: (Swindoll)

“By means of Wisdom--the skill to see with discernment, maintaining a broad view of life---a house is built, restored so that those within it don’t simply exist, they flourish, they reach their potential. 

By means of Understanding---the ability to respond with insight, gaining a full awareness of situations that results in an insightful  response rather than a surface reaction----one brings order and upright condition back to a marriage and home.

By means of Knowledge---the willingness to learn with perception, becoming acquainted with the facts and grasping their significance so that ignorance is dispelled and truth is continually pursued---one causes each life to be filled to overflowing with riches that can never be destroyed, like memories, positive attitudes, mutual respect, and a depth of character.”

Now you see its not a mechanical quick fix, its a spiritual process in which we become the proper mate through dependence on God!  Therefore depend on him to supply these needed skills to build your marriage!

     3.  Turn to The Spirit of God That He Might Transform You and Your Marriage.

On the other hand, if you’re filled with the Spirit, He’ll control your relationships.

           A.  Good Books May Help.

Now counseling, books, and seminars can be helpful in giving you practical hints on how being filled with the Spirit should work itself out in your relationships.

           B.  God’s Spirit Builds Relationships.

But the epitome of the Christian life is to be filled and controlled by the Holy Spirit. Only when that happens will our marriages and families be what God intended in the first place. That is what Paul is saying in the passage beginning in Ephesians 5:18.

CONCLUSION: 

Way back in the beginning God spelled it out. As early as the second chapter of Genesis, He made it clear that marriage is a total commitment of the total person for total life.  Anything less is not a Christian marriage. Anything less can easily fail. But when man and wife come together, committed to God and committed to communicating the full meaning of their lives to each other, they cannot help but succeed.

This is Sooo Unfair!

1 Peter 3

Injustice is so much a part of life that we can become numb to the pains of others. Usually we do not spot injustices until they slam hard into our circumstances. Unkind, inconsiderate, or unreasonable demands at the office or at home are just a few ways it may rear its ugly head. It does not matter what the forum is, we seem to be acutely astute at detecting when someone is not following the rules or behaving according to our principles of equality and justice. Anger and fear are fairly common responses to unfairness. With this being the case, we typically protest moaning, “This is sooooo not fair!” when it happens to us. Then many of us will undertake personal efforts to level the playing field for ourselves….

The interesting thing is the Bible addresses these types of concerns in a remarkable but surprising way. Peter demonstrates that a submissive attitude is the correct approach for handling difficult relationships; this trust in God’s justice enables believers to behave in a conciliatory manner even when life is most unfair. That is correct…good and godly people are not promised “perfect” relationships, nor are we exempt from interpersonal problems. In fact, a Christ-focused lifestyle almost guarantees some difficulty in our various personal and professional interactions.  Specifically, the Apostle Peter applies the submissive-conciliatory strategy to marriage, interactions with fellow believers, and even to a society that is rather hostile to the Christian Faith. Beloved, it is through a submissive approach that we truly embrace the hope of blessing in our Lord.  The key is not to fight “fire with fire” when we encounter unfair treatment from various individuals, but rather pursue the path of peace to persevere while doing what is truly good. We can overcome hate with love, not with more hate. We can overcome fear with our trust in the equitable nature of Almighty God. Beloved, the results will be a clear conscience, great privilege, and blessing for the faithful believer.

Marriage can certainly present its own share of challenges to be sure; misunderstandings, interpersonal conflicts, chronic mistreatment, poor communication, and being unequally yoked to name a few. Yet, there is hope for wives dealing with an unsaved or wayward husband and for husbands searching for a promising way to relate to his wife.  The wife is to submit herself to her husband and live in a pure and respectful manner towards him while emphasizing authentic trust in God. By doing so she is refusing to give in to a fear of man. Employing this strategy requires stressing internal and enduring beauty over external fading attraction. In this light, God greatly values a “meek and quiet spirit” in a wife. Her influence with her husband is powerful because he can see that God is real to her and she is deeply rooted in Christ! Such women live in the same manner as Sarah who respected her husband, Abraham, exercising a personal trust in God. Such confidence in the Lord frees her of fearful living.  W. MacDonald said it well,

“They should do good and let nothing terrify them. This means that a Christian wife should fill her God-appointed role as an obedient helpmate, and not be terrified even if she must suffer the unreasonable conduct of an unbelieving husband, except, of course, when it becomes violent or life-threatening.”—Believer's Bible Commentary

Husbands should live with their wives in a manner that demonstrates their submission to God also.  The key is to love and spend time treating his wife with understanding and special consideration. This leads to exchanges in which his wife is characteristically loved, honored and respected as the “weaker vessel.” She is cherished as a partner in Christ—an equal in spiritual matters and a qualified sharer of the “grace of life.”  When a husband conducts himself in this manner with his wife, his prayer life is strengthened and unhindered. Dear husband, your wife needs attention and affection that communicates how much you value her as a special gift from God.

The fellowship of believers is positively influenced by a mutually sustained atmosphere of courtesy, compassion, and goodwill. While the opportunity to retaliate will present itself, we must not seize such occasions. Retaliation is not an option for the child of God who has been wronged or mistreated. Instead believers must choose the path of peace with zeal and resist all temptations to get even.  Believers are encouraged to do this by two wonderful facts. First, is the truth that we are called to inherit a blessing, and secondly, is God’s watchful care over the righteous. These realities give rise to hope, facilitate peace, and enable us Christians to continue to do good regardless of the mistreatment or unfair circumstances we incur.  Generally speaking people will not mistreat each other for good behavior; we find reason to hope in this principle.

The reality, however, remains that there are times when the world around us makes no sense at all. Good is persecuted and evil is praised. Believers have for centuries suffered for righteousness sake and will continue to experience such hostilities.  Beloved, it is painful how much the world outside of Jesus misunderstands us. Still the question remains, how do we cope with such prospects?  The first thing to do is understand how suffering for righteousness sake is a high privilege. Discomfort for Christ’s sake is not only acceptable but probable. Therefore, fearful and troubled hearts have no place.  Instead the Lord alone is to be set apart in the believer’s heart as the One to be respected above all else.  Christians should prepare themselves to speak clearly about their hope in Jesus Christ and give a defense for their faith in a meek and respectful manner. This enables us to continue with a good conscience and a lifestyle pleasing to Christ.  It is actually the will of God for good Christians to suffer for doing well instead of for committing evil. While believers suffering because of their Christian Faith may seem foreign to us here in the USA, I assure you it is not so in many places in the modern world. This counsel is especially meaningful and relevant to our brothers and sisters in Christ trying to survive religious persecution.

If this seems unreasonable consider the example of our great Savior! Our Lord Jesus illustrated this kind of submission when he gave Himself as the atoning, substitutionary, reconciling, all-sufficient sacrifice for sin to bring us sinners to God. The Lord Jesus did not deserve to be treated the way He was, yet He submitted to it as the Father's will and for the cause of our redemption. This same Christ is now raised, ascended, exalted in heaven, and reigning at the Father’s right hand.  His sufferings resulted in glory and blessing! The same is true for saints who endure the pains of an unfair world with a good conscience in pursuit of righteousness.

The Lord Jesus, by the Holy Spirit, also endured harshness in the days of Noah while the ark was being prepared. It was Christ Who empowered Noah to continue to do good and right in the face of cruel mocking, ridicule, and opposition.  Beloved, the result was eight precious souls saved through the flood while the rest of the entire world perished in the great deluge-judgment.  Believers must likewise continue to do right and sustain a good conscience no matter what consequences lay ahead.  The result will be blessing and honor for persistence in righteousness in the face of unfairness and mistreatment.  As God dealt with wicked humanity in Noah’s day, He will do so in the future; therefore, leave the matter of justice to Him. God knows how to handle such matters with proven expertise; do not fret when you are mistreated, disrespected, disadvantaged, or rejected. Yes, these are painful experiences, but take comfort in the Lord’s justice. Concentrate on doing well within marriage, relationships with other believers, and even towards a society that is hostile towards Christ and His people. God is fully aware of all that transpires in the believer’s experiences; our responsibility is to trust Him to be God. We do not need to fight fire with fire; there is no need to retaliate. It only provokes escalation and difficulty. The Lord Jesus really can handle the matter for you in His perfect timing.  

What Is A Christian Marriage? I

Is There Any Hope for the Institution of "Marriage"?  Some experts are saying that marriage as we now know it is on the way out. As divorce rates remain alarming, many people, in and out of the church, are growing doubtful about marriage. Even for seemingly "perfectly matched" couples, marriage has become more of a risk and curse instead of a blessing (H. N. Wright).

The problem is not the institution of marriage, but our view of Marriage and Family has greatly departed from God’s original plan. Our generation is actually watching the death of marriage from a biblical and traditional perspective.  But, God’s Enduring Plan for Married Life still shines like a beacon of hope to every couple and single alike. The preservation of the institution of Marriage can only be realized in our culture as we submit to God’s enduring plan.  It’s time for Christian marriages and families to demonstrate a way of living that is rewarding, meaningful, fulfilling, and pleasing to our Lord. God’s Plan for couples should be evident to the world as it looks at Christian marriages and families.  As we realize God’s plan in our lives we supply hope to the many others who need direction, counsel, and hope (MacDonald & MacDonald).

What is Marriage? Marriage is an exclusive relationship in which a man and a woman commit themselves to each other in covenant for life, and on the basis of this solemn vow become “one flesh” physically (Gen. 2:24; Mal. 2:14; Matt. 19:4-6). Christian Marriage involves two Christians--a male and female, a Covenant of Commitment to each other, physical consummation of the union, and commitment to God’s plan for marriage. Marriage is a gift from God, and it was not just for convenience, nor was it brought about by any culture. It is wonderfully the Creators idea and He gave instructions to us His creatures for the administration of marriage.

Many of the problems couples face in marriage persist because of ignorance, lack of diligence, or a failure to adhere to God’s basic spiritual principles of marriage. There are five major changes taking place in the institution of marriage today:

·        A decline in understanding between marriage partners.

·        Acceptance of the new morality, which is replacing Judeo-Christian values.

·        The spread of secular humanistic philosophy, which rivals Christian truth.

·        The loss of determination to stay married.

·        The development of unrealistic marriage expectations. (H. N. Wright)

LESSON:

I.         FIVE CHANGES PLAGUING MARRIAGES.

A.     Decline of Understanding and Lack of Communication Go Together. Many couples today lack the kind of communication skills that produce the understanding necessary for a marriage to grow strong, or even exist.

1.      Learn to Talk to Achieve Understanding. Understanding in a marriage does not mean that there are no differences. It does mean that you and your mate are able to talk about the differences and come to an understanding of each other's views. Mutual submission enables a couple to practice this form of communication (Eph. 5:21; 1Pet. 5:5). You are able to accept the fact that your partner was raised in a different fashion and because of that will react differently than you. Just because something was done in a certain manner in your home when you were growing up does not mean that it has to be done that same way in your new home. (H. N. Wright)

2.      Learn to Talk To Adjust to Each Other.

                                                   i.      Two people who love one another but are unable to understand each other suffer pain—a continual biting pain in their relationship. Understanding may not come easily, but a willingness to share views, to see the "other side of the question," to talk things out can help a husband and wife adjust and adapt to their honest differences of opinion.

                                                 ii.      ILLUSTRATION:  Someone has likened this adjustment to two porcupines who lived in Alaska. When the deep and heavy snows came they felt the cold and began to draw close together. However, when they drew close they began to stick one another with their quills. When they drew apart they felt the cold once again. In order to keep warm they had to learn how to adjust to one another. (H. N. Wright)

B.     Acceptance of the New Morality, which is Replacing Judeo-Christian Values. 

1.      Moral refers to ideas of right and wrong behavior along with good and bad motives.  The ‘old morality’ was based on the Bible and the Ten Commandments. However, the new morality rejects this absolute standard for relativism, situation ethics, and whatever makes you happy. Remember, Paul warned Timothy of the perils of deceivers and false doctrines and dangerous philosophies (2Tim. 3:1, 6-9, 13; Col. 2:8).

2.      I believe the “new morality” is negatively affecting the American family. In fact this supposed “new morality” has led to a serious breakdown in traditional Judeo-Christian morality.  People are rejecting the Bible-based standards of moral behavior and wholly embracing the culture based standards.

3.      Because the culture based standard of morality relaxes sensual prohibitions and eliminates sexual taboos, society is now suffering the consequences. In fact this ethical shift has resulted in a tremendous increase in sexually transmitted diseases (STD), illegitimate births, and abortions.  No-fault divorces create millions of single-parent families that have inherent difficulties.  Single mothers entered the workforce by the millions and latchkey kids have become a national concern.  Homosexual behavior, palimony, family violence, date rape, pornography, sexual harassment, drugs and alcohol addictions, alternative family lifestyles are some of the additional problems resulting from the disintegration of traditional morality. (H. N. Wright)

C.     The Spread of Secular Humanistic Philosophy, which Rivals Christian Truth. 

1.      What is secular humanism.  A good working definition of secular humanism can be found in Webster’s Dictionary, “a system of doctrines and practices that reject any form of religious faith and worship.” 

                                                   i.      The term secular humanists has been used to identify those who would remove religious influence from the institutions of American society—government, courts, education, economics, and media.

                                                 ii.      In addition others describe humanists thusly, “In their self-definition God does not exist, and it is a destructive illusion to believe in him.  They promote a way of life that systematically excludes God and all religion in the traditional sense.”

                                                iii.      It is “an anti-Christian system of thought that influences every decision and most of a person’s actions.  It is anti-God, anti-moral, anti-self restraint, and anti-American.”—Tim LaHaye

2.      We must not confuse humanism for humanitarianism.  It is interesting to note that humanist masquerade as humanitarians, but their belief is actually anti-human and they are the number one enemy of the traditional family.

                                                   i.      A true humanitarian will promote human welfare and social reform, but secular humanism inspires destructive relativistic value systems.  They firmly reject monogamous marriage as instituted by God. They fervently encourage easy divorces, remarriage, serial polygamy, rejection of biblical authority, situation ethics, hedonism, and extremes forms of women’s liberation, legalizing abortion, and the elimination of marriage.  This is a literal portrayal of life in the last days as Paul described it (2Tim. 3:1-5).  People are lovers of themselves and lovers of pleasure!

                                                 ii.      There are four basic convictions that distinguish secular humanism from Christian humanism, “confidence in God and Christ; supernatural world-view; the power of Christ acting through the church; and incarnational humanitarianism.” 

                                                iii.      Francis Schaeffer insisted that the conflict is between the Judeo-Christian view of God with absolute values of right and wrong and a humanistic system “with only personal, arbitrary, relative values.”  The current conflict between Christianity and humanism is the age-old struggle between God and Satan, right and wrong, darkness verses light, sin against righteousness.

                                               iv.      God is the ultimate Final Reality.  He is the infinite personal God who is truly there.  To the God of the Bible things are not neutral.  There are definitely absolutes; there is right and wrong in the world.  He authored the Ten Commandments!

3.      Since secular Humanists control the media, it would be helpful to beware of their impact.  Has television viewing had a negative influence on the American family?  How does it contribute to the violence in American culture? The impact of television on the American family is a net negative.  Since television programming is largely influenced by secular humanism, it is a moral descent from filth, smut, and innuendo to depravity.  

                                                   i.      It is their aim to destroy the country’s moral fiber and with it the traditional family.  They manipulate this communication tool to control the way people think and over exposure to secular input is “dangerous.” 

                                                 ii.      Many parents use the television as a babysitting method, but this exposes the children to sex, profanity, and violence.  This is one of the leading causes of aggressive behavior in preschool children according to the National Institute of Mental Health.  In addition the violence viewed on television is being carried out in the homes, schools, and streets of the nation.  Generally, young people are desensitized to violence; this is presently a cultural reality in America. (H. N. Wright)

D.     Lack of Determination to Stay Married Is Seen Today on Every Hand.

1.      Quitting on the Marriage is Alarmingly Common and Pervasive. To have had more than one husband or wife is not considered at all unusual.  As one woman filled out an application for a new job, she came to the question, "Married or Single?" Her answer: "Between marriages."

2.      Impatience is a Massive Character Flaw Among Modern Couples. Many enter marriage with the attitude that if they do not get along they can break the relationship and try again. Many people are too impatient with their marriages. They do not want to live "happily ever after." They want to live "happily right away" and when this does not happen, they bail out. A grand helping of ‘patience’ would do the average marriage a lot of good and help the couple endure to finally experience fulfillment God’s way (Js. 1:2-7; 5:7-11; Rom. 5:1-5).

E.     Too Many Young Couples Enter Marriage Blinded by Unrealistic Expectations.

1.      Young Couples Want Romance All the Time. They believe the relationship should be characterized by a high level of continuous romantic love. As one young adult said: "I wanted marriage to fulfill all my desires. I needed security, someone to take care of me, intellectual stimulation, economic security immediately—but it just wasn't like that!"

2.      Young Couples Want a Cinderella “Magic.” People are looking for something "magical" to happen in marriage.  But magic doesn't make a marriage work: hard work does. When there are positive results in a relationship, it is because of two people working together one step at a time.

3.      Married Couples Need to Return to God’s Enduring Plan for Marriage. This brings us back to the potential of hope, fulfillment, and happiness.  What then is a Christian marriage?

F.      Why should we be concerned about changes in the family? Every one of us should be concerned about changes in the family because the family does not exist in a vacuum.  It is interrelated with four other basic institutions of society: religious, economic, governmental, and educational institutions.  Changes in the family will dramatically affect the others.(H. N. Wright)

II.      A CHRISTIAN MARRIAGE ACCEPTS GOD’S PLAN FOR MARRIAGE.  

 When God joined the first couple in marriage, He also gave them a plan for fulfillment and happiness.  This same plan is very much applicable to us today (Gen. 2:18-25).

A.     Married Life Is God’s Idea. Genesis 2:18, And the Lord God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.  (See also Gen. 2:21-23) Marriage is not an institution of human origin, in fact it was God’s idea and design even from the very beginning. Since He created this institution, it would be wise to follow His plan and design for the couple.  Social engineers and sociologists may have some valuable insights on rare occasions, but we desperately need to get back to THE authority on marriage and family life– the Lord God himself.  What did God have in mind when He designed and created marriage?

1.      God Created Marriage For the Purpose of Procreation.

                                                   i.      One basic purpose is procreation—to bring children into the world. God created man in His own image for this expressed purpose.

                                                 ii.      Genesis 1:28,  And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.   (See also Psalm 127:3-5; Prov. 22:6).

                                                iii.      But there is much more to marriage than the procreation, care for and training of children.

2.      God Created Marriage For the Purpose of Companionship.  Genesis 2:18

                                                   i.      God created marriage for companionship.  Loneliness was the first thing God's declared “not good.” Loneliness and isolation are not a part of God’s purpose for the human experience.  God made man to live with others, and the first "other" was woman– his wife.

                                                 ii.      This is the primary obligation of marriage that underlines all other obligations and purposes for marriage—companionship. When a couple takes their marriage vows, whether they realize it or not, they are vowing to provide companionship for one another for the rest of their lives; that is what their vows amount to.

                                                iii.      Notice a couple does not vow to receive companionship, but to provide it for one another. Marriage itself is an act of love in which one person vows to meet another’s need for life unconditionally. This means that when a husband or wife complains, “I am not getting what I want out of marriage,” he or she or he is making a ridiculous statement. But the truth is you did not enter marriage in order to get something for yourself, but to provide companionship unconditionally for your spouse. You made a vow to give intimate company to your spouse whether you get anything in return or not.  As an act of love marriage is a commitment to giving and not getting and demanding! (H. N. Wright)

3.      God Created Marriage For the Purpose of Completion (Genesis 2:18). God also created marriage for completeness. The woman was to be ... “an help meet for him” (Gen. 2:18).

                                                   i.      Completion Through a Help Meet. The term “help meet” does not mean “identical to” or even “similar to.” It means “corresponding to.”

1.       Corresponding is the Idea. The woman was created to be a complement or counterpart, suitable for the man.  The idea of a “help meet” carries no implication of inferiority, but means the wife is the completer of the man.  Eve was Adam’s other half!   Thus,  the woman’s purpose to be a companion and helper to the man is clearly established.

2.       ILLUSTRATION:  If you tear a one hundred dollar bill in half, the two pieces are not identical, but they belong together. The features on each half are quite different but clearly related to a larger design than either depicts alone.

Along the edges that mark the torn sides, the two halves are most different and most corresponding because each of those edges complements every in and out of the other. In marriage,  male and female personalities, strengths, peculiarities, as well as bodies, are to correspond and complete one another in the same way. Franklin's image is on the one the hundred dollar bill. God's is on the man and woman in marriage. (H. N. Wright)

3.       Completion is the Goal. Therefore, the woman assists man in making his life (and hers, too) complete. She fills up the empty places. She shares his life with him, draws him out of himself and into a wider area of contact through the involvement they have with one another. She is one who can enter into responsible companionship. The partners in a marriage relationship are actually fulfilling God's purpose of completeness to life.

                                                 ii.      Completion Through Communication. The companionship and completeness that God intended for marriage grow out of communication as two people share each day and the meaning of their lives.

1.       QUOTE:  Dwight Small says, "The heart of marriage is its communication system. . . . But no couple begins marriage with highly developed communication. It is not something they bring into marriage ready made but something to be continually cultivated through all of the experiences of their shared life."

2.       Satisfying companionship and a sense of completeness develop as husband and wife learn to communicate with openness and understanding. (H. N. Wright)

B.     Married Life Is God’s Plan.  Gen. 2:24-25

1.      God Presented a Four Part Plan for a Fulfilling Marriage.

a.       God Gave His Plan for Married Life in the Garden of Eden With Adam and Eve.  Gen. 2:24-25

                                                        i.      “Leave.”  Vs. 24  — Severance: Separation from the old family.

                                                       ii.      “Cleave.”   Vs. 24   — Permanence: Cementing two individuals together.

                                                     iii.      “One Flesh.”   Vs. 24   — Unity: Sex, Physical Union of Husband and Wife.

                                                     iv.      “Not Ashamed.”  Vs. 25  — Intimacy: Open, transparent, Intimacy, and Vulnerability in the relationship.

b.       The Fall of Man and Sin in the World Does Not Alter this Basic Plan. Yes, sin did throw every part of God’s creation into chaos and disorder– this includes marriage (Gen. 3:12).  God had to adjust the plan to maintain order in the home.  This is where the two distinct roles of the husband and wife within marriage can from. The roles were introduced for the purpose of securing order, but the plan and goals of marriage remain the same.

                                                        i.      Genesis 3:16,  Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee.

                                                       ii.      Bear also in mind that there is no idea of inferiority or superiority nor dictatorship and enslavement!  The idea is order, authority, and responsibility.

c.       God’s Plan is Timeless and Enduring for Every Generation, and Certainly for Us Today! Gen. 2:24 is repeated several times in the New Testament for the Christian to observe and obey today. 

                      1.  The Lord Jesus Restated Its Significance to Christian Marriages. Matthew 19:5-6, 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? [6] Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.

Mark 10:8, And they twain shall be one flesh: so then they are no more twain, but one flesh.

  

                      2.  The Apostle Paul Also Re-Issued These Principles for Christian Marriages. 1 Cor. 6:16, What? know ye not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body? for two, saith he, shall be one flesh. 

Ephes. 5:31, For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh.

  

We will spend some time exploring the depth of meaning for this divine plan for a fulfilling marriage.  There are related truths and principles that we will share as they are clearly implied in these verses.  The thing we need to realize at this point is that there is hope for a Christian couple, single, or family to survive the social chaos around us and literally thrive in the plan and grace of God in our lives.

   2.  Do not Look to Our Society for The Answers for Married Life.

Society is only contributing to the confusion.  But how do you go about trying improving married life? It will do little good to look to society for help. Society struggles with the crisis but continues to become hopelessly entangled in its own web of conflicting values and ideas. Society seeks answers but only provides more and more questions.

          A.  Our Society and Culture is Witnessing Some Extremely Serious Problems. 

Our view of Marriage and Family have greatly departed from God’s original plan. Our generation is watching the death of marriage and the family as we know it. Our society has produced a number of answers, but no real positive results or developments.

                 1.  The Contributing Factors.

Among the many factors contributing to its destruction are immorality, adultery, fornication, homosexuality, abortion, sterilization, women’s liberation, delinquency, and sexual rebellion. All those things are like strands in a cord that is strangling the Christian home.  This is what society gave us, I really do not want them instructing or guiding me in anything!

                 2.  The Confusion of Society.

There are many opinions about the restructuring of the family. Some sociologists say marriages need to change. They say we need “open marriages” or “non-marriages” and that it really does not matter whether marriages continue as they have in the past. People are groping, without any base of authority, to try to find out how to make meaningful relationships in a disintegrating society.  Clearly, there is little or no hope in turning to mere human beings to fix the problems facing our culture.  Man can only recognize that we have a problem, and study the damaging effects on the culture, while speculating on the long term effects.  But we are powerless to do anything in our own wisdom and strength. (H. N. Wright)

          B.  God Offers Proof That His Plan Works Through Faithful Christians Who Take His Plan Seriously. The Preservation of Marriage and Family can be realized in our culture as we submit to God’s enduring plan. 

                 1.  Christians Have a Great Opportunity to Impact Our Culture.

It’s time for Christians to reiterate the divine pattern. Our marriages and families should demonstrate a way of living that is rewarding, meaningful, and fulfilling. That divine pattern should be evident to the world as it looks at Christian marriages and families.

                 2.  Christians Marriages Are Failing Instead of Effecting Positive Changes.

Unfortunately, the world’s problem of divorce has also become a problem of the church. But God has the divine standard that can make marriage and the family what they ought to be.  In His plan is hope, promise, and wonderful potential for the faithful adherents.

          C.   Marriage and Family Issues are a Priority With God and the Bible.

It we do not preserve the marriages and family, society will crumble. The family is the basic building block of society. When it goes, everything goes.  Clearly God is interested in this as a matter of priority and not as a secondary issue. The ability to pass on meaningful advice to the next generation is lost when there is no communication, family order, and discipline. Every society becomes an end in itself, and those who are richest, strongest, loudest, influential, and most vocal will dominate stirring the culture into further chaos.  It is time for believers to look to the Lord and His Enduring Plan for married life.

We must Return to the Lord’s Plan and Design for the Help of Our Marriages and the Preservation of Our Culture.  God’s Plan Is over 6, 000 Years Old, but it Still Holds out the Light of Hope and Fulfillment in this Age Darkened by Family Confusion and Social Corrosion.