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.

People in Bible times, as we do today, experienced the pain of sorrow and grief. They also wept and mourned (inwardly and outwardly) at the loss of someone important to them. In Part 1, we provide an introduction to the subjects of sorrow, grief, weeping, and mourning in Bible times.

Sorrow, grief, weeping, mourning, mental pain, our enemy, comfort

Proverbs 25:20; John 10:10; 1 Peter 5:8; 1 John 1:5, 4:7-9,16; Hebrews 2:14-15; Psalm 72:13-14; Ezekiel 33:11a; Ephesians 1:7; 2 Corinthians 1:3-5.

In Part 2 of Processing Death in Bible Times, we will consider how people viewed death in light of the resurrection. We also explore what a typical burial looked like in Bible times.

Death, burial, customs, grave, resurrection

Luke 7:11-16; John 11:24; Hosea 13:14; Psalm 16:8-11, 116:15; Ezekiel 18:32; John 8:44; Matthew 22:23, 29-32; Luke 14:12-14; John 5:29; Acts 17:31, 24:15; Romans 6:5; 1 Corinthians 15:12, 35-49

How did people in Bible times respond to death? In this session, we will consider how people responded to imminent death. We will also consider their first response upon the death of a loved one.

Death, pain, emotions, weeping

1 Kings 17:8-16; Genesis 21:8-19; 2 Samuel 18:31-33; Mark 5:35-42; Luke 19:411-42; Hebrews 5:7; John 11:11-44.

Is sickness associated with sin? Is it punishment for sin? Did believers seek help from physicians in Bible times? We consider these questions and more in this session.

Sin, sickness, pains, remedies

Numbers 21:4-9; Psalm 107:17-21; Mark 5:25-34; 9:17-27; John 9:1-7; Isaiah 52:13, 53:3-5.