Why God Has Rules And Laws

How would you live if there were no rules? Rules can keep us safe and rules can help us to get along peacefully with each other. One of the first places where we run into rules is in the Bible (Genesis 2:15-17).

When considering marriage, it is essential that the foundation (the rules) of their home be first established.

“Can two walk together, except they be agreed?” (Amos 3:3)

Christian Principles and Practices

A Christian home is established by Christian principles and practices.

Of course, what may be agreed to in the beginning does not necessarily ensure either party will remain true to those promises.

There are those who argue that “by law” I have “the right” to divorce my spouse on a “no fault grounds,” but for the Christian man or woman of God therein lies the potential dilemma. Your right depends on whose authority you are operating under. (The Law of the Land or The Law of God)

Love and Authority

A lasting marriage hinges on the foundation of two principles; Love and Authority.

Love is essential in any marriage but that is just one component necessary to sustain a successful marriage. There’s another component that is equally as important and should be mutually agreed to before a marriage ever takes place, it’s called authority. It is this issue of authority many married couples struggle with when they become angry with each other, the element of love is then often placed in the backseat. Without authority, the environment of conflict has room to grow, which allows room for hatred to infiltrate both the heart and the home.

So when we don’t respect those in positions of authority (Police, Judges, God, etc.) or those God has placed in positions of authority (Mothers, Fathers, Husbands, Pastors, etc..) problems may occur.

Authority:

For Christians, true love is centered around possessing and demonstrating God’s Love, and God is to be our authority on all things. To have a lasting marriage is more than just saying “I’m in love” or boasting about how great a lover you may think you are or how much income you bring to the table. The purpose of getting married is far more reaching than just having a clear conscious to be intimate with someone we desire. A Christian marriage means you are willing to make a commitment (for better or worse) and accept certain responsibilities. The commitment is not just to our spouse, but one made to God and before God.

It is this aspect of their “stated” commitment (made before God) that reminds the couple that their behavior towards one another should always be one that would be found acceptable under the authority of God.

You’re Not The Boss Of Me – Oh Really?

To be subject means to submit your will to someone. It does not mean you are forced to do something against your will. The first example of this is found in Gen 3:3, 6. Eve was subject to God but she was not “forced” to obey God.

We all have rights and privileges, but not everyone has equal rights (equal privileges). God is sovereign, it is God who decides which rights (or privileges) if any, each of us is given. God knows what is best for us, therefore, God’s decisions are just but they are not based on equal rights.

The Woman God Created:

1. The woman was created: For him (the man)- (1Cor 11:9),
2. The woman was created: To help Him (the man)- (Gen 2:18)
3. The woman was created: To submit to her husband (the man) in everything (Eph 5:24); and
4. The woman was created: So he (the man) shall rule over thee (the woman). (Gen 3:16)

It is easy to accept God’s authority when it agrees with our own interest. It is far more challenging to accept God’s authority when we feel it is not fair or prevents us from obtaining something we strongly desire.

The fact remains, whoever is, or was appointed, to be in charge is the one to be listened to.

All things are either God Arranged or God Allowed.

God’s Arrangement

Everything is subject to the authority of God Almighty!

1. Christ is subject to ….…….the authority of God,
2. Man is subject to …………..the authority of Christ,
3. The woman is subject to.. the authority of the man,
4. The wife is subject to ……the authority of her husband,
5. Children are subject to ….the authority of their parents; and
6. Saints are subject to ……..the authority of those who have rule over them (pastors, etc.)

All Christians, claiming to be subject to God, must go to a source where God instructs, and that source is the Bible.

We know obedience is essential for ORDER and SALVATION. By doing things according to God’s Word we know that we are pleasing God.

Matthew 7:21 (NASB) — he who does the will of My Father in heaven

Luke 9:35 (KJV) — This is my beloved Son: hear him.

John 3:36 (NASB) — he who does not obey the Son will not see life.

John 17:20 (KJV) — “which shall believe on me through their word (The Apostles)”

Since all of God’s word is authoritative (Psalm 119:160 HCSB), and the Bible is the word of God, any teaching that is different from the Bible is in error, wrong, and false.

The Purpose of Order – Is To Rule & Govern

God and Man:

Gen 1:26 — God said, Let us make man … and let them have dominion… over all the earth

Heb 9:27 — And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:

Acts 17:31 — Because he [God] hath appointed a day, in the which he [God] will judge the world in righteousness by that man [Jesus] whom he [God] hath ordained;

Man and Woman

1Cor 11:3 – But I would have you know, that the head (authority) of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God.

1Cor 11:9 – Neither was the man created for the woman; but the woman for the man.

Parent and Children:

Eph 6:1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.

Eph 6:2 Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;)

Col 3:20 Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord.

Husband and Wife:

Gen 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.

Eph 5:22 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.

Eph 5:23 For the husband is the head of the wife,

Eph 5:24 Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything.

Eph 5:33 Nevertheless let every one of you in particular (husband) so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.

1Pe 3:5 For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands:

1Pe 3:1 Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives;

*Note: Peter makes an important distinction – these wives were not simple-minded women but extraordinary women. They were extraordinary because they were “holy women” who submitted to their husbands, not necessarily because he was so good, but because they “trusted in God” (they submitted themselves to God) thereby accepting their placement and role as assigned them by God.

We also must accept the fact that as Christians we are to adhere to the law of God and not incorporate laws under a different legal system, in order to sidestep the part of God’s laws we don’t like. In many countries, upon on reaching a certain age, it is legal to have a sexual relationship outside of marriage, as well as same-sex marriages, but under God, it is “unlawful.” The authority under which you submit to may be both legal and sinful.

As A Woman of God

As women of God, we are given clear distinctive direction in our acceptable character development God expects from us in scripture as we grow in Christ! So easy is it to boast in our God-given talents and abilities, but to leave our attitudes and intentions at an immature level.

To avoid becoming self-righteous and vain in our lifestyles, we must first realize we must be the “light of Christ” first that we desire in a future life mate or husband. Too many of us are quick to point the finger of judgment at a man for not living up to “our ideals” of Christian manhood when we are yet “undone” in our own lives and thinking patterns.

Shortcuts to the “meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.” In NO way am I discounting God’s mandate for a husband to love a wife “as Christ loved the church.” However, we are going to give an account for our obedience to the Lord, not our husband’s.

Proverbs 21:19 says “It is better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and angry woman.” Are we contentious and angry women? Are we so aware of others’ faults, that we have yet to examine ourselves and be willing to apply God’s corrective words from the Holy Bible to correct our own lives? Contentious and angry are opposite emotions from being meek and quiet.

Are we the women whose main intentions are to glorify God or the women who choose to use God to glorify and draw attention to ourselves? God knows our hearts, and “by our words, we will be justified or condemned.” (Matthew 12:37) We must also be mindful also that “marriage is honorable and the bed undefiled, but whoremongerers and adulteresses God will judge.”(Hebrews 13:4)

There are women who are still seductresses, expecting the deep respect a dedicated woman of God deserves after initiating and/or committing fornication with a man to win him over.

To summarize, women are just as accountable as men to live as Christ has enabled us to trust and obey Him in All things. We must be a willing vessel demonstrating the character of Christ, especially if we desire a husband who lives for God. (1Peter 3:4) should come right after, “which is in the sight of God of great price.)

The Role of the Wife in a Christian Marriage

Marriage is a covenant relationship ordained by God himself! “Marriage is honorable in all, and the bed undefiled, but whoremongerers and adulterers God will judge.” (Hebrews 13:4). Then why are so many in the family of God unable to resolve marital conflicts? The key for some may be in the word “honorable.”

Where there is self-ambition and strife, there is no room for honor. Marriage between a man and a woman is supposed to be a representation of Christ’s relationship to the church. Honor must come from both parties, husband and wife to one another. Of course, two different people from different backgrounds and families will have disagreements. We are to seek peace and go after it or “ensue it.” Verses 8 and 9 tell us to have compassion, encourage one another, and not to “render evil for evil.” The bible says, “Submitting one to another in the fear of God,” and then “Wives submit to your own husbands as unto the Lord.”- (Ephesians 5:21-22).

It goes on to say, verse 23, the “husband is the head of the wife, as Christ is the head of the church,” and “husbands are to love their wives as Christ loved the church and gave himself for it.” Also, husbands must not abuse the wives but nourish and cherish their bodies as their own, loving the wife as himself. The wife is to “reverence her husband,” meaning regard and treat him with deep respect.

What if a husband is seen as not “obeying the Word?” The wife is instructed to be in subjection to him that he may be won by the godly conduct (conversation) of the wife coupled with fear.” Fear meaning reverence once again. – (1Peter 3:1-6).

The feminist worldly view has infiltrated the church, causing wives not to even consider this approach, which is demonstrating the rejection of God’s word. Even if physical abuse is involved, in I Corinthians chapter 7, a wife that “departs” is told to “remain unmarried and to be reconciled to her husband.” That supports God’s strong stance against strife and divorce.

Pick Your Counseling Partner Wisely

Marital counseling can be beneficial in times of disagreement and should be from an experienced married unbiased minister/counselor who sits to listen equally to both husband and wife. After all, as the word of God says, “the blind cannot lead the blind.”

An unmarried person who does not have a history of maintaining a successful Bible-based marriage themselves is virtually inadequate for the job of mediating between two married people. Beyond praying for the couple, they should limit any involvement directing them to someone qualified. Generally, it is the counseling setting that the true intent or motive of the heart comes forth.

Both Husband And Wife Would Need To Be Counseled Together

“Homewreckers” and “busybodies” focus on using one person who complains to them about the mate. The mate is not heard so the complainer gets the negative boost and support they are seeking to end the marriage. This should be avoided by married struggling couples at all costs!

So much more could be said, but ladies in Christ, we have a guide for our place in marriage to be “helpmeets,” “heirs together according to the grace of life” and a loving witness by our chaste godly lifestyle to our husbands for which we will one day give an account to God for. The answer is plain and simple, marital success lies in our commitment to obey direction from God’s word.

MONEY!!!

Women enjoy having the opportunity to make their OWN money.

Money often has a way of changing our perspective on how we handle our personal matters.

*This Section Is Under Construction, We Will Be Back Soon. Thanks

The Role of the Husband in a Christian Marriage

I certainly do not claim to be an expert on marriage, but I do know that a husband should love his wife in such a way that she feels whole, beautiful, and treasured. Marriage roles may be distinctly different. However, neither is better or more important than the other. Mutual love, honor, and respect make for a great marriage.

I also know that although you may plan for many bright and enjoyable moments with your spouse, sooner or later a thunderstorm will come your way and encompass your home. If the foundation of the home is not solid your home will begin to crumble. How prepared you are to weather a stormy situation will reflect on the future happiness and durability of your marriage.

Since most men want to be a good provider and leader I encourage the husband especially to implement what I call the 5 P’s, Prior Preparation Prevents Poor Performance, after all it is usually the man who customarily ask for the hand of the woman in marriage.

One of the most important questions that a Christian man of God should ask himself is this; “Is the love I have for my wife conditional” (of course this applies to either spouse)? A soul-searching answer to that question is particularly important because it encapsulates the “what if?” “Christian couples” enter into a promissory life-time commitment, therefore any potentially hurtful situations or disagreeable matters should be fully discussed first prior to marriage.

A Wife Is Not The Husband’s Personal Pet or Slave

Husbands are not to expect their wives to be slaves that exist merely to do the man’s bidding. In fact, this same passage says, “And husbands should love their wives like that. They should love their wives as they love their own bodies. The man who loves his wife loves himself, because no one ever hates his own body, but feeds and takes care of it. And that is what Christ does for the church ” (Ephesians 5:28-29 ERV).

The marriage roles of a husband and wife are designed to complement each other.

Each spouse is equal in value yet have distinct marriage roles. In 1 Corinthians 11:3, God describes the design and order we are to follow.

The husband is to “provide leadership” which extends from two important words, provider, and leader but that his leadership is to be done in such a way that is not domineering but one that cherishes their wives. Jesus never led the church out of dominance, but from a servant leadership position.

Being a follower of Jesus Christ changes a person. It changes the believer’s priorities and focus, it changes the way in which the believer relates to others, it changes everything about how the believer lives. Therefore, the believing husband should have distinct characteristics evident in his marriage which reflect characteristics that come from his relationship with Christ.

A Husband Should Be the Provider

Now, there may be circumstances in which the husband is unable to provide for his wife and family, but as a general principle, the husband should provide for his wife, “But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever” (1 Timothy 5:8 ESV). The husband should not carry out this duty grudgingly, but out of love for his wife and family and out of gratefulness to God.

The Bible tells us that the woman is the weaker vessel (1Peter 3:7) and tells husbands to love their wives in a very special way, “Husbands, love your wives the same as Christ loved the church and gave his life for it” (Ephesians 5:25 ERV). This passage tells us that husbands are to be self-sacrificing and forgiving of their wives.

The Husband Should Tell His Wife He Loves Her

The husband should make sure he lets his wife know she is loved, “Her children say good things about her. Her husband brags about her and says, There are many good women, but you are the best.” (Proverbs 31:28 ERV).

Too often, we husbands do not tell our wives how much they mean to us. We know how we feel about them in our hearts, but we do not express it to them enough. Often, men do not like to share their feelings because of some misguided man-code, or the simple fact that we are uncomfortable expressing emotions. Nevertheless, we need to tell our wives how much we love them and how important they are to us. It is the right thing to do, and she will love you even more for doing it.

Wives can submit to their husbands more easily when husbands love their wives with the self-sacrificing love that Christ exemplified on earth. Likewise, husbands more naturally show love and affection toward their wives when the husbands feel respected and valued.

Marriage roles may be distinctly different. However, neither is better or more important than the other. Mutual love, honor, and respect make for a great marriage.

The LGBQT Community and Marriage

*This Section Is Under Construction, We Will Be Back Soon. Thanks