Christian Marriages Can Serve God Powerfully
by Living His "Together Way"
Marriages can be dynamic building blocks of the church. But, only if a husband and wife learn their primary role of helping the other be able to do whatever God asks. To start with, there is the assignment of God to be a dedicated, helpful spouse. Then, there is the assignment to be a good parent, if there are children.
In this day and age it is easy to be overwhelmed by the complexities of life and the marriage gets too little attention. Therefore, the church in all of its forms of leaders, programs, services, and friendships must help each couple buck the hedonistic culture in which we live and, instead, develop a kingdom culture based on the priorities of the Bible.
>>> Insecure marital relationships must be helped by friends close enough to spot the vulnerability. There is also need for marriage classes and sometimes professional counseling. Church environments must be developed, helped along by sermon exhortations, where honesty and confession of shortcomings and sins are expected.
>>> All marriages must learn enjoyment in the marital and family relationship rather than rely on expensive secular recreation for the basis of relationship. This will keep the need for such recreation low so that there is time for ministry. >>> Once marriages are strong in the Lord and in the marital relationship, a culture of service needs to be developed. This should be the expectation of the marriage by Christian friends, Christian family members, and the church the couple attends. Whenever possible, this servant mentality should be in place by the time the families oldest child becomes 3 years old. |
Spouses know best because of amount of time spent together and challenges faced jointly how their husband or wife needs to grow in the Lord as well as in skills for the various responsibilities he or she faces. Yet, spouses are hesitant to "rock the boat" and all too seldom risk helping each other with shortcomings and sinfulness. Thus, the devil is able to stunt the contribution of the marriage to the work of God in a sinful and hurting world. Under-functioning marriages really hold back the strength of the church.
Spouses definitely should study our Togethers of Scripture and practice the deeper love that flows through obeying Scripture.
Spouses definitely should study our Togethers of Scripture and practice the deeper love that flows through obeying Scripture.
Just wait to see what happens when married as well as divorced
acquaintances hear about humble and self-sacrificial love
shown in these marriages. It will get others wishing for something
similar in their marriage and hopefully let them know that Jesus
must be in the middle of their marital relationship.
John 13;35
"By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
acquaintances hear about humble and self-sacrificial love
shown in these marriages. It will get others wishing for something
similar in their marriage and hopefully let them know that Jesus
must be in the middle of their marital relationship.
John 13;35
"By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
Don't miss these sections at our other website: ChristiansTogether.org
Being Married
finding long-term meaning and stability in the relationship
battling unfaithfulness
growing in Christ together
enjoying each other
Tackling Life
preventing or resolving conflict
succeeding in a job
maintaining and growing in purity
Ideas for ministries by marriages: (just to get you started thinking of other ideas)
>> Visit regularly a home-bound handicapped or elderly person who is lonely.
>> Take care of the children of a single parent at a regular time each week to allow that mother or father time for chores and/or a social life. |
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If you are concerned about the same things we are, we invite you to join our Advisory Team. This means that we will occasionally send you emails asking your thoughts about an issue we are thinking through. If you would like to be a part of our team, please email Dick Wulf at Dick@Wulf.com and let him know of your willingness to help.
__________________________________________________________________________________
If you are concerned about the same things we are, we invite you to join our Advisory Team. This means that we will occasionally send you emails asking your thoughts about an issue we are thinking through. If you would like to be a part of our team, please email Dick Wulf at Dick@Wulf.com and let him know of your willingness to help.
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Copyright 2012 Dick Wulf, Colorado, USA