The Deterioration of Marriage

            What a privilege it is to be married. I can say this now (finally!) but it was not always certain whether or not I would actually “tie the knot.” I was 32 years old before entering into the sacred covenant—which, to many, was late in life. I even spent several years doubting that I even wanted to do such a thing. But I can certainly say, now, I am glad it has worked out like it has. It is definitely not easy, but it is a good life. I think a good marriage is a blessing from God and I believe we, as humans, were created to be in relationship. We are meant to share life with someone else. Even going back to the beginning of the Bible, in the book of Genesis, we find this. In Genesis 2:18, after God created Adam, we are told that God said, “…It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him” (ESV). And for those who know the story, Eve was created—Adam’s life partner.

            I personally think it is significant that God created them male and female and gave them the task of going forth and multiplying, populating the earth. In this, along with other biblical passages, it seems very clear that marriage is between one man and one woman for one lifetime. In fact, it appears to be so clear, to me, from a plain reading of the Bible that much of the cultural debate about homosexual “marriage” might be derived from a purely secular reasoning or worldview but certainly cannot be legitimized from an historic, orthodox Christian understanding of marriage. And for those who claim to be Christian and supporters of gay “marriage,” the burden of proof is upon their shoulders as to how such can be supported. The Bible certainly does not endorse it, nor does the tradition of the Church. But the June 2015 ruling by the Supreme Court, legitimizing same sex unions in America, has drastically affected marriage. The implications of the ruling are still somewhat unknown, but one thing is sure—for Americans, the idea of marriage will be greatly affected. And for conservative, evangelical Christians, I think it safe to say the Supreme Court ruling will greatly undermine, even hinder us as we attempt to put forth the Bible’s teaching on marriage.

            But this is not the only factor eroding marriage during our time. The explosion of the Ashley Madison story in the last couple weeks has made one thing perfectly clear—heterosexuals are responsible for the deterioration of marriage as well. The fact there are a presumed 38 million users of the Ashley Madison website is astonishing. And many are professing Christians. As much as I think the legalizing of homosexual “marriage” will greatly undermine and hinder, even confuse people as to the sacredness of marriage, so will the Ashley Madison incident. It has been reported by several Christian outlets that up to 400 pastors and church leaders will resign because of adultery and as a result of the Ashley Madison leak. And this is heartbreaking. May we never forget Bible verses such as Exodus 20:14, which states, “You shall not commit adultery” (ESV) and Proverbs 6: 32 that notes, “He who commits adultery lacks sense; he who does it destroys himself” (ESV).

            As we move on in the 21^st century I think it is important for conservative, evangelical Christians to pay close attention to how we have spoken where the Bible speaks concerning homosexuality and with its cultural legitimization have bemoaned the deterioration of marriage. We must be consistent. In reality, all sexual sin should be called out and wept over. As much as we resist the homosexual lifestyle, because of our understanding of what the Bible teaches, we should be just as prone to speak up against adultery, fornication, and others. Many people, at some point in their life, fall into some type of sexual sin. But we shouldn’t gang up on one form to the neglect of others. In all instances we need to speak where the Bible speaks and tell people of the forgiveness and grace that comes through Jesus Christ.  

            In a day when the sacredness of marriage seems to be deteriorating may we, the Church, be an example to all. May our marriages mean something to us personally. May we live in such a way that everyone knows our marriages matter. And may we be consistent in speaking with the Scriptures to every cultural variance that attempts to erode the sacred covenant.

Waiting on the Lord

          Patience is one thing a lot of people do not have. In today’s world we have grown so accustomed to having things “on demand” that if we cannot have what we want when we want it, we get upset. Think of all the instant gratifications we have: meals that can be cooked in three minutes; movie rentals in seconds by the click of a remote control; instant knowledge, on any topic, simply by using the internet—the list could go on. In America, in the 21^st century, we are a “now!” people. But this is somewhat problematic. A life lived for the Lord Jesus Christ is not one that caters to our “on demand” tendencies. In fact, it is quite the opposite. As Christians we often find ourselves waiting—waiting on the Lord.

The story of Joseph, from the book of Genesis, speaks directly to this. For those who know the story, Joseph’s brothers sold him into slavery, he ended up in prison after being lied about by Potiphar’s wife, and ultimately Joseph interpreted dreams for Pharaoh, resulting in his release from prison and rise to number two in command of all of Egypt. It is said that from the time Joseph was sold into slavery until his being promoted to number two in Egypt was thirteen years. Think about that—thirteen years! For this length of time Joseph was in the proverbial “valley” of slavery and prison before being elevated by Pharaoh. But yet, God was with Joseph and blessed him through it all. Even though Joseph was in some bad circumstances, God allowed him to be in the best possible situations during those circumstances. To read this account, check chapters 37, 39 and 40 in Genesis. But what is also remarkable is that Joseph, through it all, remained faithful to the Lord.

During his trials God was grooming Joseph for his future endeavors. Managing Potiphar’s household and involvement in administrative work while in prison certainly prepared him to be over the gathering of food throughout Egypt during the seven bountiful years and distribution of food during the seven years of famine. Joseph himself acknowledged this, as he revealed himself to his brothers when they came to Egypt in search of food. In Genesis 45:4-5 Joseph is noted as stating, “…I am your brother, Joseph, whom you sold into Egypt. And now do not be distressed or angry with yourselves because you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life” (ESV). And in Genesis 45:7 he spoke, “And God sent me before you to preserve for you a remnant on earth, and to keep alive for you many survivors” (ESV).

Waiting is never easy—even waiting on the Lord. But the truth is He has not forgotten you. God knows exactly where you are. He knows your circumstances and the trials you face each day. He even knows the desires of your heart. While in the midst of waiting, do not give up—remain faithful to the Lord. Joseph did. In God’s time He pulled Joseph out of prison and into the high ranks of Egypt. And He will fulfill his plan for you, too.

Famed Southern Baptist evangelist Junior Hill is noted for the following statement: “Waiting may sometimes be unpleasant, it is seldom unprofitable and a delay is always better than a disaster.” I agree. Be encouraged, wherever you are, by the truth that God is “delaying” you in order to prevent disaster in your life. And rest in His sovereignty. He knows best.

Revival: Being Willing To Listen

            To be revived in the Lord is to have your affection for Jesus renewed or refreshed. Those who have been Christian for at least a few years have most likely experienced the up and down of the journey of faith. Most of us have spurts where we are up on our Bible study, prayer, fellowship, and desire to serve the Lord. During these times it seems we cannot get enough of our religion and it even becomes difficult for us to understand how others do not feel the same way. In many Christian circles this is called being on “fire”—and rightly so because a person’s love for the Lord burns hot.  

            But we also have spells where we lull. And as difficult as it is for us to understand, at times, how some people are not on “fire” for the Lord, when we go through our down times it is just as difficult for us to comprehend how we got in such a rut. Apathy rules during those times. And when this takes root, it is hard to break. But most of us have been set free, at some point in our journey—and often multiple times—from such a chain as apathy and have seen afresh the beauty of Jesus. The best feeling in the world, a sense of elation accompanies such a reviving. There is nothing better than a rekindled love for the Savior, for the one who shed his blood on the cross as a sacrifice for our sin.

            If you have experienced such a reviving in the past, can you remember how good you felt when you repented of your sin and turned again to the Lord? Would you not want to experience such joy again? The key to revival, at least in my opinion, is a willingness on our part to listen. Who might we listen to, some might say—the preacher, the music minister? Well, sort of. Though these men might be instruments God uses, I’m referring to listening to God. Are you willing to do such a thing?

            The Bible is very clear that Christians have the Holy Spirit of God residing within them. For example, in Romans 8:9, we read, “…And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ” (NIV).  In addition, in Ephesians 1:13 Paul is noted as saying, “And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory” (NIV). And in 1 Corinthians 2:14, the Scriptures state, “The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them because they are spiritually discerned” (NIV).  It is by the Spirit of God that indwells the saved person that God the Father communicates with His children.

            The primary way in which God communicates with us is by the Bible. As we read the inspired word of God we get a glimpse of who He is, what He likes and dislikes, and what He desires of us. The Spirit that indwells us makes the truth of Scripture clear to us. At the point something is made clear, it can be rightly understood on our part. But God communicates in a secondary way. And this is through the Holy Spirit. Again, for such communication to take place, a person must be born-again, with the Holy Spirit indwelling them. But such communication does not involve revelation of new truth, or revealing some type of new end-time scenario that is not mentioned in the Bible.

            The secondary way of communication involves more of a personal, day-to-day guidance from God, through the Holy Spirit. The Bible undergirds such communication. For example, we know that in the Bible, especially in the New Testament, there are several places that speak of repentance. For the believer, on a day-to-day basis, God might communicate with you, through the indwelling Holy Spirit, that you need to repent of a certain sin that is in your life. Such communication does not reveal new truth outside of the Bible, but reinforces biblical principles, of which we all are to live by. Also, I believe God communicates in such a way, with us, to direct our daily steps. Perhaps God wants us to take part in a certain ministry, help a certain person, etc. Through the Holy Spirit, God communicates with His children. We often describe this with such terminology as, “God laid such and such on my heart.”

            In Acts 20:22, while Paul was giving his farewell address to the Ephesian Elders, he gives us a little insight into this. Paul stated these words: “And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there…” (NIV). Paul was “compelled by the Spirit” to go to Jerusalem. In layman’s terms, he felt God was moving on him to go to Jerusalem. In our day, we might say God laid it on our heart to go to Jerusalem. However one thinks of it, God spoke and Paul listened.

            And that brings me to my point. When God speaks, are you willing to listen? We often talk about revival—we say we want it desperately—but are we willing to listen to God when He speaks to us? Are we willing to turn from the sins in our lives when He tells us to? Are we willing to listen to what He has to say about the future of our ministry? For true revival to take place, I believe it starts with us. But more importantly, we have to be willing to listen to God. I hope you are. I know that I am.