The question of a Christian being single and what the Bible says about believers never marrying is often misunderstood. We will consider this subject from God’s Word.
Married, single, seek wisdom, distractions, fruitfulness, productive
Psalm 84:11, 119:9-10; Proverbs 31:30; Matthew 6:33; 1 Corinthians 7:7,34; James 1:5; Ruth 1:16, 3:10, 4:17; Luke 1:76-77,79; 2 Peter 1:5-8
God has special concern for those who are left alone, many times calling attention to extending compassion to widows and orphans. Care for widows can be seen throughout the Old and New Testaments, attesting to the ongoing concern that widows not be neglected. The Apostle Paul received revelation regarding the proper care for those who are truly widows – instructions that are appropriate for us today.
Widows, mistreat, justice, remember the poor, honor, devotion, qualifications
Exodus 22:22-23; Deuteronomy 24:17-21; Psalm 68:5; Isaiah 1:17; Mark 12:40; Galatians 2:9-10; James 1:27; 1 Timothy 5:3-16
Today, it seems that the general population leans towards a youth-centric view to life, and when you’re too old, the elderly is sent away to live the remainder of their days locked away from the rest of society. But God speaks highly of the elderly. Today we will consider some of what God says: 1) about the elderly, 2) to the elderly, and 3) to those who care for the elderly
Elderly, aged, children’s children, pride, valuable, righteous ones, honor
Psalm 92:14; Proverbs 17:6; Psalm 37:25, 55:22, 71:9,24-28; Isaiah 40:28-31, 46:4; John 16:33; Luke 1:37; 2 Corinthians 4:14-16; Exodus 20:12; Leviticus 19:32; Proverbs 23:22, 30:17; 1 Peter 5:5; 1 Timothy 5:1-2,8
God is the One Who instituted marriage. He recognized that man needed a helper in the form of woman. He told Adam and Eve to be fruitful and multiply and to have children. Today, more than ever, God’s design for the family is under attack by the Adversary, but God has much to say about the husband-wife relationship. Let us consider some of what He says about wives who are called prudent and virtuous.
Husband, wife, helpmeet, virtuous, wisdom, prudent
Psalm 128:1-4; Proverbs 5:18-19, 12:4a, 14:1, 19:14, 31:10-31; Ecclesiastes 9:9
Many families are finding it difficult to cope in these times. Marriages are strained or breaking apart. Godly parenting skills are giving way to cultural customs, most of which are ungodly. God speaks of practices that nurture strong marriages and relationships within the family unit. We will consider a few verses to help us understand what He says about these matters
Husbands, wives, children, grandchildren, reverence, kindness, gentleness, inheritance
Psalm 103:17, 127:3-5; Proverbs 22:6, 23:22; 1 Corinthians 7:3-4; Ephesians 4:32, 5:21,33, 6:1-4; Colossians 3:18-21; 1 Timothy 5:8; 1 Peter 3:7
Many people want to change the world and they enter into causes to correct injustices, bring about environmental change, and even insist there be approvals of behaviors God speaks against. But real change in the world and the life of a person that is based on God’s cause takes place within the heart.
Change, witnesses, preaching, gospel, walking in love, everlasting life
Acts 1:8; Matthew 5:15-16; Mark 16:15-20; John 13:33-34; 1 John 4:16-17, 5:4-5; Hebrews 11:32-40; John 3:16-18
The people of Bible times practiced mourning customs and rituals. While these may seem unusual to us, they were intended to show one’s humility before God, especially in the most difficult times. Mourning was understandable, but the people were encouraged by praising God for His mercy and lovingkindness. We, too, can run to Him for the comfort our hearts need.
Mourning, grieving, encouragement, comfort, declarations
Ezekiel 27:30-31; 2 Samuel 13:19; Jeremiah 41:5; 1 Chronicles 10:12; Genesis 35:8; Psalm 6:6; 2 Samuel 3:31-32; 1 Samuel 30:1-8; Psalm 145:1-9, 36:5-10; Ecclesiastes 3:1,4,5b,6,7; Romans 12:15
Sorrow is a natural emotion that pours out of the human heart. It is an understandable response to loss. Our wonderful Heavenly Father understands the mental pain that arises when we need something we had actually possessed. He is an expert at restoring His people.
Sorrow, pain, broken heart, joy, rest
Matthew 19:16-21; John 16:17-22; 1 Samuel 1:1-20; Psalm 13:2, 69:29; Proverbs 15:13, 17:22, 18:4; Psalm 116:1-19
We are in a spiritual fight! In Ephesians 6 we learn that we are to be strong in the Lord and in the power of his might. We are to put on the whole armor of God and stand against the strategies of the Devil. How do we do this and what are our options according to God’s Word?
The Spiritual Light and Darkness page addresses how we can resist the Devil and put him in his place by using the rights and abilities given to us by our Heavenly Father. We do not have to be ignorant of the devices of the Devil. But rather, knowing what motivates him and how he operates helps us resist him with the power we have within.