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Fast Uncompromising Discussions.Re: Suicide
http://overcomersonline.com/FUDforum2/index.php?t=rview&goto=13188&th=1050#msg_13188
On the other hand, our responsibility to the living kinda dictates that we hold a 'strong' opinion against suicide (so as not to encourage it!).
My opinion is that it isn't an unpardonable sin.
Also, what you said about the idea of "un-confessed sin" at the time of death and comparing that to the sin of suicide... there isn't much difference. All of us would jockey hard for those who have sinned, to confess it all before death, but we probably would take the position that dying with un-confessed sin would't necessarily be the final arbiter in determining one's eternal state. Just like suicide, though, we preach hard against having un-confessed sin to the living!
Blessings,
William
]]>william2020-03-07T21:19:22-00:00Suicide
http://overcomersonline.com/FUDforum2/index.php?t=rview&goto=13187&th=1050#msg_13187
I don't see why suicide is any different than any other sin. Are we to believe that entering eternity with an unconfessed sin may be grounds for being put out. There are multitudes of xians who will enter eternity with unconfessed sin. ]]>Mark L2020-03-07T20:29:11-00:00The Problem of Suicide
http://overcomersonline.com/FUDforum2/index.php?t=rview&goto=13186&th=1049#msg_13186
The Problem of Suicide
Before 1700 it was called self-murder.
1. It is the destruction of ones own life for personal reasons
2. An individual takes his own life because it is the traditional manner in which the culture he lives in demands it. Eg Japanese
3. Souti in India. The wife throws herself on her husbands funeral prior. She does this to break karma and return in her next life as a man.
There is a close connection between suicide and suicidal behavior. Auto racing,tight ripe walking mountain climbing stunt flying alcohol and drug addiction. These people aren't intentionally trying to kill themselves but the high death rate indicates they expect to die that way. Suicide or suicide threats have been described as a cry for help by psychologists. Bro. Freeman thinks is a more a cry for attention than a cry for help. Many more try to do it than actually succeed. It is the 11th cause of death in America. Nevada has the highest rate. Mississippi and South Carolina have the lowest rate probably because they are agricultural states.
Causes for suicide? loneliness, bankruptcy emotional depression, self punishment for sin, revenge,broken marriages, incurable disease,pain,complexities of life, fear
The bible says nothing about what happens to a suicide but God is perfectly just and righteous in all he does. He will do what is right and just in light of eternity. When we get on the other side we will understand what God id was perfectly right and just.
Can God forgive a suicide? Don't know. We just have to leave it in Gods hands. Both Saul and Judas were suicides but both were reprobates.
Highest rates of Suicides
- older persons
- males
- white rather than coloured
- single or divorced
- urban rather than rural
- upper social classes
- protestants
- during periods of economic difficulty
- peacetime not wartime
- more women than men attempt it
- more men succeed at it
- many doctors commit suicide
A spirit of suicide can just lie dormant until the right situation comes along and then manifest. Itself. Psychiatrists have a high rate because they pick up spirits from their patients. Executives businessmen.
Italy has the lowest rate in the world. They are more content. Father runs the family They have low delinquency divorce suicide rates. Israel has the 2nd lowest rate as suicide was always an abomination to a Jew. Quotes and statistics are deceiving as many suicides are reported as accidents and many try and don't succeed.
In Ex. 20 the 2nd commandment says thou shalt not kill. The two in the bible who did it did it out of remorse as they were out of fellowship with God. Trials don't justify suicide eg Job.
A christian believer wouldn't do it because
1. a life is a sacred trust in the scriptures. We are not to treat it lightly.
2. The biblical view that the believers body is the temple of the HS. 1Cor. 6
3. Our body doesn't belong to us. It was bought by God Rom. 12/1
Suicide is a cop out and inexcusable for xian
]]>Mark L2020-03-07T20:14:33-00:00The biblical View of the Funeral
http://overcomersonline.com/FUDforum2/index.php?t=rview&goto=13185&th=1049#msg_13185
The biblical View of the Funeral
Why study this? Today funerals are mostly motivated by commercialism and are full of unscriptural and pagan practices. These unscriptural ideas and practices are difficult to eradicate because at time of death most people are too overwrought to do anything but follow along.
The process of Grief This usually process lasts about 3-6 mon.
1. The initial emotional shock at the news of the death
2. A period of emotional insensitivity. Usually lasts through the funeral with the person not really relating to anything and only the words getting through.
3. The struggle with the reality of death
4. The flood of emotion and grief. This ought to be allowed to be expressed at this time. If it doesn't end there they probably need deliverance.
5. The transitional period where on starts to get over the grief and look at other things in life.
6. They select memories usually of a pleasant time.
7. The acceptance of the loss and a return to a normal life pattern.
Determinants as to how people go through Grief.
1. Culture. People from different counties process grief differently
2. Manner of death.
-You would not minister to someone who lost a 90 yr old mother the same way to a couple who lost a 9 mon. old baby.
- A suicide death has a twofold process of grief. The death of the person and the way he died.
3. The relationship to the dead person. How close a relative were they.
Atypical or unusual grief process
1. Anticipatory Grief. The death was expected with person already having grieved before it occurred. Often they are over the real grief before the person dies.
2. Delayed Grief .
- responsibility falls on one person to take of the funeral so they don't grieve until later
- afraid to show grief as it would show a lack of christian faith.
- some think it is not masculine to grieve
- It not acceptable for certain classes to show emotion. Eg upper classes. The result here is usually deep depression.
3. Prolonged Grief. 3-6 mon. is normal.
4. Distorted grief reaction. A person who does ot accept the death and does things to keep the memory alive. Regular pilgrimages to the cemetery special pictures with alight over it and talks to it. Etc.
Symptoms of Distortion
- over-activity- keeping busy to keep from thinking.
- taking on the characteristics or symptons of the person that died (maybe demonic)
- marked change in attitude toward relatives
- hostility toward a certain person (doctor/pastor etc)
- withdrawal from society
- dispossession getting rid of everything to punish them self. Eg trying to join the loved one not wanting to kill them self so they make their own life miserable.
- addiction to drugs alcohol etc.
- deep depression
- calling up the dead at seances
Ethical problems in connection with American funerals
1. Cultural conventionality. People because of custom are expected to do certain things in certain situations. Eg dress the same, act a certain way. People are not allowed to be themselves and are subject to criticism if they step out of the mould
2. Unrealistic and unscriptural concepts of death
- trying to cover over the reality of death by embalming cosmetics flowers silk lined caskets etc.
- new vocabulary. Never mention death or dead but departed. Coffin is a casket, hearse is a coach,undertaker is a funeral director, funeral is a service of memory
3. Commercialism and Exhibitionism resulting in:
- commercial minded profit seeking undertakers.
- desire of social approval by lavish display
- guilt feelings or cover up for lack of feelings when they were alive
Early xians regarded embalming and showing of the dead as pagan. Laws don't require embalming. Funeral directors argue that displaying the dead is a comfort given the survivors when they see the life like remains. It gives them a final memory picture that helps them emotionally and psychologically.
Is Cremation christian?
The bible shows it is unscriptural as the biblical method was always burial in a tomb or in the ground. Gen. 3/19, Deut 34/5-8. Gen. 23 (Sarah) John 11 (Lazarus) It was also the method of Jesus burial. The method of xian baptism is based on the method of xian burial. Rom.6 In both Judaism and Christianity respect was maintained for the body as belonging to the Lord. 1Cor.6/9-20, Rom. 12/1, Rom. 6/13 god is interested in the body.
The modern Jewish attitude
A body should be cleansed by washing and dressed in a white homemade shroud and placed in a plain wooden casket. The casket is not to retard the natural decomposition of the body. No public viewiing of the body. No embalming or cosmetics as they are regarded as mutilation of the body. Cremation is regarded as the ultimate total desecration by the Jews. They quote Gen.3/19
To embalm and use cosmetics is denial of death. The bible says dust to dust. Cremation is a heathen custom that came out of ancient Rome and modern India. Ashes are usually place in an urn and sometimes brought home and place on a shelf and possibly looke at as an alter. In Israel even the creation of ones enemies was a crime. It is evidence of Gods judgment on transgressors. Josh. 7/15,25 The purpose was to totally wipe out their memory from the earth. Generally capital punishment in Israel was by stoning. It is symbolic of eternal fire in Hell. All through history cremation has been used by the world as an expression of total contempt for Christ and Christians by the world.
What is the scriptural attitude toward the dead body?
At death the body has served its divinely intended purpose. That of housing the personality of the individual. The corpse is not the person but just the shell to be used in this life. Nevertheless because the remains are the outward visible sign of the personality the remains are to be treated with respect and destroyed by cremation or embalming. Although death is the ultimate divine curse for sin it cannot be beautified or minimized. The dead should be disposed of with quiet respectability.
]]>Mark L2020-03-07T20:13:00-00:00Re: The Christian and Death
http://overcomersonline.com/FUDforum2/index.php?t=rview&goto=13182&th=1049#msg_13182
Mercy Killing or Euthanasia
This only has reference to terminal illness. The ethical question is: Is it justified? The answer is no. An individual has the right to die with dignity. Mercy killing is a violation of the commandment "thou shalt not kill" 1Sam. 31/1-5, 11Sam.1/1-16
Jobs wife said to cure God and die. Job treated that as foolishness. Only God has the right to terminate life. That is also why we shouldn't try to sustain it. The alternative to terminal illness is divine healing. So why not tell the person immediately they are dying. The clinical answer is some never hear you. They hear what they want to hear. It may work against any hope of recovery. They say some will just give up and die. As opposed to telling the truth what the seminaries teach is to answer the patients question with a question. What did the doctor tell you.
Biblical Philosophy
The answer for a xian is the patient should be told yes you are dying. If lost he gets a chance to be saved . If he is saved he can get ready to die. As a xian you should be led by the HS on how to tell someone they are dying. Its not necessary to run over the hospital authorities. Ask leading questions to get them concerned about spiritual things. Under the xian philosophy there are alternatives that doctors don't have. Praying for healing for eg. If someone is lost it gives them a chance to be saved. According to the word no deception is permissible.
Question: How long are doctors morally obligated to try to sustain life in a terminal case?
1. Clinical attitude
- The Hippocratic oath requires them to preserve life wherever possible. They take that to mean they have to sustain it. The question is does God give them the right to sustain life by artificial means. The answer is of course not.
- The personal basis for the clinical basis is pride. To a doctor death is personal defeat
2. Christian biblical ethical attitude
doctors by refusing patients the right to die are usurping divine prerogatives as only God has the right to say when a person will die.
Scriptural attitude toward death
The tragic nature of death should never minimized or misrepresented. The bible confronts us with the reality and certainty of death. Rom. 5/12 Death comes because of sin.
Sinners need to be confronted with:
- the certainty of death
- judgment following death
- he had better be prepared
Genuine xians who have been taught know where their loved one is. Even though death is tragic the tragedy is overcome by the resurrection. 1Thess. 4/13-18 You don't have to happy to see them go but you can be happy to know where they are.
Phil.1/21-24, 11Cor. 5/8
]]>Mark L2020-02-29T19:32:13-00:00The Christian and Death
http://overcomersonline.com/FUDforum2/index.php?t=rview&goto=13181&th=1049#msg_13181
The Christian and Death
Problems concerning terminal illness
Question: Should the patient be told the true nature and seriousness of his condition?
The medical authorities say no. Many people pass away in a coma never realizing how serious it is. They insist it is their right alone to inform the patient not Christians , the families or especially the ministers.
Clinical Philosophy.
The seminaries teach clinical philosophy. You are told as a xian minister you will obey the medical authorities. As a minister before you say anything there are facts you should know
- what is the diagnosis
- what has the doctor told the patient
- should he even be told anything
- if he is told anything it should be on a clinical basis only. Not scriptural or biblical. In other words tell them only what the doctor said to say.
They rationalize it all this way. The diagnosis that the patient is dying while of high probability is not absolute certainty. They say the process of illness shows that such a diagnosis has to be assimilated by the patient. What they mean is they don't want you to rush in and say it. It is called the knowledge process in terminal cases.
The knowledge process
- He must accept the knowledge of his illness
- the knowledge of its seriousness he can be told he is seriously sick but never that he is dying
- knowledge concerning the length of their life.
- then told they are facing death
It is often an experiment to see how long they can live. There is quite often no moment of death. They are not aware of it because of the drugs.
A human being has the right to die with dignity. There is no valid reason to sustain life where death will occur soon anyway. Medical science sees death as a personal enemy to be opposed at all costs.
Question: Where does medical science get the idea it has the right to perpetuate mere physical life without regard to the life being lived. The medical authorities should consider the patients wishes as well as the families. The medical authorities have a contempt for other opinions. The doctor needs to b e informed of the xian patients set of values and that is Phil. 1/21. Medical science is guilty of usurping divine prerogatives and robbing the human being of his choice to die a natural death. They are trying to postpone it at least temporarily. The issue is not about saving a life but in maintaining a vegetable state.
]]>Mark L2020-02-29T18:51:20-00:00The Social Responsibility of the Church
http://overcomersonline.com/FUDforum2/index.php?t=rview&goto=13179&th=1049#msg_13179
The Social Responsibility of the Church
Different views
1. The monastic concept - You withdraw from the world and escape from sinful society. Our only responsibility is to escape to a monetary
2. Social gospel - It identifies the kingdom of God with social improvement. Eg educate the masses, clear slums, solve racial problems etc.
3. Biblical view We must distinguish between the mission and the purpose of the church and the social responsibility of the xian as an individual in society.
Jesus was an ethical teacher but never gave a program of improvement to the church. Matt 5, James 2/17-18 he is speaking to individuals not organizations. 1 John. 3/17-18
The mission and purpose of the church is Luke 10/1-20, Matt. 10 Matt. 28, Mark 16
Acts 6 was not social work. It was xians feeding and caring for their bro/sis in a temporary situation. In no other place in the NT was this done.
The churches responsibility is not social work. The church today gets involved because it has not other purpose or anointing or mission. It needs programs ot keep people interested. The task of the church is to educate its people on the principles of living a xian life. In a sinful world and then sending them out to live in it.
The church today confuses:
The kingdom of Israel & the kingdom of God
with
the church and society.
]]>Mark L2020-02-26T17:13:42-00:00Responsibility to the State
http://overcomersonline.com/FUDforum2/index.php?t=rview&goto=13178&th=1049#msg_13178
Answer: God alone is our protection. Ps. 91,Ps. 34/7
The state won't protect us. It will persecute us if we don't conform to what they are. They owe us what they give us. Rom. 13/3-4 We pay our taxes to pay for garbage removal eg.
Acts 5/28-29,40-42 We are to obey the state on everything except where it contradicts the revealed will of God. We owe total submission in everything but limited obedience.
Capital Punishment
Gen.9/6, Rom. 13/3-4
God has given the state the authority to wield the sword but not the xian. Its the same as in the army. God grants the stae the right to an army and to capital punishment
Jury Service
A xian would decline because of conscience and obedience to the word.
1 Cor. 5/12-13 We are not to judge those outside the church.
1 Cor. 6/1-9 We are not permitted to defend ourselves let alone defending one party against another. Let unregenerate pass judgment on things in the world.
For jury service you have to swear an oath. James 5, Matt. 5
Conscription:
Universal conscription was unheard of until 1800.they used to hire mercenary armies. Conscription started with Napoleon. This began the persecution of religious groups who believed in non resistance.
Revolutionary war and the war of 1812 no conscription
The civil war some conscription on both sides
WW1 brought universal conscription with conscientious objectors allowed to do farm work etc. Those who wouldn't went to prison or detention camps
WW 2 Universal conscription with more provision for conscientious objectors]]>Mark L2020-02-26T16:57:15-00:00Politics and Voting
http://overcomersonline.com/FUDforum2/index.php?t=rview&goto=13177&th=1049#msg_13177
Politics and Voting
Petitions
Why be concerned with things beneath when we are supposed to have our affections on things above. The scriptures condemn petitions because they are motivated by a spirit of criticism against the gov't. Also influenced by a spirit of rebellion.
Jude 8-9 Satan wanted Moses body to do something like enshrine it so people could come and touch it and get yrs out of purgatory or get blessed or something. Michael the chief warrior prince wouldn't even speak against him.
1 Peter 2/11-17, Rom. 13/1-7, Titus 3/1-2 A xian is not to be concerned with who is ruling. A dictator a president or whoever but with obedience. Ezra 4.
The Samaritans sent a petition to the king with the result the work on the temple was stopped. The Jews petitioned Pilate to crucify Jesus. The roman system from 600 BC was republican right up to 100 BC. This is what the American system is based on. In 100 BC Julius Caesar became dictator and nota word in the bible says anything except to submit to it.
Israel was completely free with god as their king. There were only their spiritual obligations. As long as they trusted the Lord no nation could ever defeat them. It was only when they sinned that god sold them into slavery to Babylon Assyria Persia etc. In all the OT God never said resist. He just said submit to the punishment. Jer. 27
Should a Xian enter Politics?
The early church had no participation. A xian can't identify himself with a lodge society fraternal society or political parties or clubs. 11 Cor. 6/14-18 It is a contradiction to be involved with anything that the kingdom of this world is involved in.
Should a xian enter politics? What methods would be used in campaigning? Mud slinging criticism railing accusations. These are the worlds ways. A person would never get in using xian methods of love and speaking only that which edifies.
A xians first loyalty is to Christ not the gov't. To represent god he couldn't properly represent his constituents. The question is can a person be a xian in office serving God first obeying the word and his conscience? He would also be representing sodomites murders etc. To use xian methods a man could never get elected and stay there.
Question: Wouldn't a man have a good influence for God if he took high office?
Jesus twice refused high office. John 6/14-15 To participate in the system is to defend it. Adopt its creed follow its methods promote its aims and programs. You also have to take the oath. The conclusion is 11 cor. 6/14-18
Voting Why vote?
You're generally electing an unregenerate. Like voting in the church it promotes strife discord and division rather than striving for harmony. Some say we have a democratic right to vote. But Rom 13 doesn't give us the right to vote Gods man out of office. Most xians take a superficial attitude toward voting. Why should we take an interest in the world system. Dan.4/17, Rom. 3, Is 10/5-14
For God to give us the right to vote and in that way select his leader is foolishness. It subjects Gods will to the people. A good case can be made from scripture on the argument that the practice of electing and removing leaders by voting petition and impeachment is directly contrary to the revealed will of God.
The people according to the scriptures are to completely subject themselves to their leader. 1 Peter 2/13-14 The people are told to respect honor and obey their leaders and never speak against them. The best form of gov't is an enlightened monarchy. All the worlds system is diametrically opposed to the kingdom of God.
An overcomer will:
- obey states laws but not make them
- obey leader but not appoint them.
- honor rulers but not fellowship with themselves
- fear and respect authorities but not criticism or remove them.]]>Mark L2020-02-25T17:16:07-00:00Separation of Church and state
http://overcomersonline.com/FUDforum2/index.php?t=rview&goto=13176&th=1049#msg_13176
Separation of Church and state
both the state and the church are ordained by God and are clearly distinguished as separate in function. Heb. 11/10,13, Matt. 22/21, John 18/36 the limit of our relationship to the state is obedience. History has shown the utter failure of trying to wed the church and state.
- Constantine tired it and that is when the church lost the HS.
- The Catholic church in the middle ages
- Calvin in Geneva
- Zwingli in Switzerland
- Cromwell and the Puritans in England
- William Penn in Pennsylvania
You can't bring the NT to the unregenerate. The anti-christ will be the only one who will wed the church and state successfully.
Views on Separation
1. Absolute separation- eg Russianism no rights to the church. A secular state without religion
2. Union. Some monarchies world council of churches etc.
3. Compromise view. Using tax money to support certain aspects of religion
4. Separation of church and state. Not Christianity and the state. In the sense it is denied the right to exist.
Separation of Church and State
1. The North American practice of petitions by the church or xians against the gov't is unscriptural
2. Employment of xians in gov't or politics was grounds for excommunication in the early church.
3. Xians in uniform killing and using violence for a kingdom of the world is a contradiction and unscriptural.
]]>Mark L2020-02-24T17:50:34-00:00Non resistance
http://overcomersonline.com/FUDforum2/index.php?t=rview&goto=13175&th=1049#msg_13175
Non Resistance in History
There re 4 historical steps in the attitude of Christendom toward non resistance in history.
1. the first 300 yrs. Non resistance was practiced in all relationships and wouldn't even go to court.
2. 400-1095 AD. The just war! They would only fight just wars.
- it had to have a just cause like where life or property was threatened.
- it had to have a just intention. To restore peace or vindicate justice
- it had to have just conduct. Carried out in a spirit of love. An attitude of love toward prisoners wounded noncombatants.
- it had to be carried out by a king or prince . If the people did it anarchy would result
- you had to fight without an attitude of retaliation. You just fought to win.
3. 1095-1291 The holy wars
Wars were fought to liberate the holy land from the pagans. God was supposed to be on their side yet they didn't always liberate it.
4. 1300 now.
Divinely ordained wars for freedom. The enemy is always wrong and inspired by the devil. The American revolutionary war was in direct violation of Rom. 13. In the American civil war both sides thought they had God on their side.
WW1, WW2 Korean war Vietnam.
Luke 4/5-6 All the kingdoms of the world belong to Satan.
New Testament Non Resistance
The church went downhill with the arrival of Emperor Constantine 306 AD. The non christian historian Harnack records in his books 3 reasons for NT non resistance. Although he did it critically.
- They believed the NT condemned on principle the xian being involved in war and violence
- The officers would often order the common soldiers to execute captured soldiers etc
- The unconditional military oath to give allegiance to the flag. You have to obey orders regardless of morality
(pages 176-187 in deeper life book)
Jesus Attitude Toward the State
1. He recognized the state and its legitimate functions.
Matt. 22/15 the right to collect taxes
Luke13/31-33 he obeyed the command to leave
2. He recognized the leaders authority was from above. John 19/8-11
3. He recognized there were two kingdoms and his wasn't to be confused with the worlds. John 18/33-36
4. His teachings on non resistance were to be limited to his disciples
Matt. 5/38-48 with 5/1
Arguments (with answers) Against Non Resistance
1. Rom 13/1-7 to obey the gov't we have to go to war fight and kill when ordered to.
Answer: it follows Rom 12/17-21 also Matt 5
2. Matt.22/21 You have to give Caesar what is Caesars eg obedience
Answer: the second half says obey god too. But he is talking there about taxes
3. Jesus in cleansing the temple used violence John 2/13-16
Answer: It doesn't say he was using the whip on people. He had to get the animals out too. But this was an angry God putting sinners out of his temple because they were blaspheming it. God does many things we can't like take revenge Rom. 12
4. Two swords Luke 22/35-38
Answer: Two swords would have insufficient to defend themselves. It couldn't have been for defense as it contradicted his teaching on non resistance. He couldn't have meant literal swords as he healed the one who got hurt. Luke 22/47-51, Matt. 26/51-54
He didn't need swords because he could ask for angels. If he was talking about literal swords then why vs 54? The successful use of force would defeat his purpose in coming into the world to die.
John 18/36
His disciples in Acts and the epistles didn't take him literally. Only misguided Christians do.
]]>Mark L2020-02-24T17:48:55-00:00Religious and non religious pacifism
http://overcomersonline.com/FUDforum2/index.php?t=rview&goto=13174&th=1049#msg_13174
Religious and non religious pacifism
Non religious pacifism
1. International peace plans. Many plans have been advocated to abolish war. They are all humanistic and obviously didn't work.
- league of nations was established after WW1 was a world court designed to settle disputes between nations without resorting to war.
-The United Nations established after WW2 for the same reason with the same result. Its a place where nations send their representatives to justify why they are fighting and planning wars. A political arena. Its just a tool for the anti-Christ in the last days. Many pacifists aren't consistent as they oppose war until their country or some interest of theirs is involved in it.
2. Political Pacifists (Gandhi in India)
He sought to overthrow British rule in India by non violent means. He refused to obey authority spoke out politically against British rule and encouraged others to do the same.
3. Social pacifists (race relations)
Egs would be Martin Luther King and the NACCP
the use of non violent means to force society labour capitalists institutional churches and govt to change their views or practices and give in to the pacifists demands.
Sit-ins boycotts strikes public marches demonstrations picketing civil disobedience.
Martin Luther King had the means to do it and it worked but it isn't NT. The purpose of the pacifist is to achieve his own ends
4. The individual or personal pacifist. Eg conscientious objector.
In time of war he refused to fight because of conscientious scruples against killing He may refuse to fight as their is no sense in defending a political system that he doesn't agree with or that will change in a few years. Eg Vietnam.
Religious Pacifism
They condone or advocate non violent resistance
1. Quakers eg William Penn Pennsylvania
He based his colony on pacifism as a basis for gov't. His idea was to get as many pacifist in gov't as possible and their would be no need for police. Quakers today are generally pacifists
2. Liberal Catholic and protestant denominations. Many priests and clergyman are in the front ranks of demonstration. Pacifist clergyman are found in all denominations. Gandhi was the ideal of religious pacifists. Pacifism is one of the main doctrines of the social gospel. The liberal view is that man is basically good but when that was proved wrong they went to Neo-orthodoxy which teaches man is basically bad.
]]>Mark L2020-02-23T20:54:30-00:00Christian Responsibilities to Government
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Christian Responsibilities to Government
Obedience to Gov't and Authority
(For a full study of this listen to Romans tapes # 734 #735)
1.We must obey all gov't and authority good or bad. Rom. 13
2. All authority is raised up by God. Rom. 13/1-7
3. Rulers are accountable to God alone. David would not touch Saul and killed the man who killed Saul.
4. The principle of authority must be maintained.
- to maintain law and order or else there will be chaos
- to restrain sin
- to punish the nations
5. Pray for our Gov't
New Testament Non-Resistance
The NT attitude toward the state
1. It is a divinely ordained institution for the administration of law order and justice with aid of force in a sinful society.
2. The outlook of the NT is non political. It doesn't speak of how the state should run its affairs.
3.The NT shows there are two separate kingdoms. Gods and the worlds. The xian is not in any sense to part of the worlds kingdom. We are in it but not of it. The xian has an obligation to pray for it and obey its laws.
4. God who commands our obedience to the state is the one who sets our limits on what our obedience should be.
- obedience applies only in matters which regard society s a whole. Eg law and order, taxation, respect for authority. Etc
- in matters of faith and morals uncompromising obedience to the word is required and disobedience to authority.
Definitions and distinctions between Pacifism and NT Non-resistance
Pacifism is opposition to war between nations as a means of settling disputes and advocates universal peace among nations. It includes non-violent coercion like trade embargo as a means of attaining their ends. Social political and personality.
Their motives vary with some believing it to achieve their ends. Christian pacifists motive is love. Pacifism unlike xian non-resistance is a form of humanism where human welfare is the highest good. Pacifism is not grounded in the word as Jesus predicted wars would continue until he comes.
Non-resistance is a personal attitude toward all we meet. We're not conscientious objectors we are conscientious abstainers. Pacifism primarily takes the attitude of abolition of war but they usually use non violent resistance.
Non-resistance is the abstention from use of force or violence by xians in the attainment of ones goals in all his relationships personal social governmental or religious. Non-resistance rejects all forms of coercion even the non violent ones. Any kind of resistance is anti-christ. Eg petition sit-ins demonstrations, picketing, boycott non payment of taxes.
]]>Mark L2020-02-23T20:45:02-00:00Re: Printable Copy of Ethics Notes
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https://www.openoffice.org/download/]]>Mark L2020-02-18T17:06:40-00:00Printable Copy of Ethics Notes
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]]>Mark L2020-02-18T17:03:44-00:00The Economic Order and the Morality of Usury and Interest.
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The Economic Order and the Morality of Usury and Interest.
The state regulates the amount of interest that can be charged. The legal term usury has reference to excessive illegal interest.
OT View
The Jew was forbidden to take interest from a fellow jew but allowed to take interest from a gentile. Deut.23/19-20. This principle was for Israel only and not other nations. Ps. 15 A description of a righteous man. Vs 5
Jer. 15/10 He is wondering why he is in a trial
Prov. 28/8 Neh. 5/3-13
There is something morally wrong with taking interest from a brother.
NT View
There is no direct teaching in the NT on interest but it does go far beyond that in its dealings with all a Christians possessions as well as how they relate to all men including your enemies. Matt. 25/14-28 Luke 19/12-25Luke 6/30-35. Jesus never had to deal with interest as he went further and dwelt with possessions. We are to lend whatever and whenever a need exists expecting nothing in return. Sometimes instead of giving you should show them what the scriptures say about working and eating. Everything we have belongs to God as we are just stewards. A christian will not only take interst but also forgive the debt if necessary Matt.18/21-35
1. The NT principles apply to a Xians day to day relationships and not to society's use of money.
2.since the economic order has been ordained by god then the use of money in business and banking for the purpose of profit is not forbidden.
3. both the OT & NT have reference to consumer loans on a person to person basis not business loans. However the conduct of a Xian is not always the way of the world.
The NT suggests certain principles
1. That a Xian would avoid involvement in credit and interest or money lending business.
Why? Because of Jesus teaching on the giving of our possessions. Because of the many problems that arise in credit. Eg foreclosure,court litigation,garnishees, and lending money for sinful purposes
2. The study of interest in both OT & NT would indicate a Xian should not charge interest. Money or income should be earned for goods and services rendered. Money for a Xian should be a medium of exchange. It should not be used to get more money.
3. Should a Xian who has money on hand in the bank allow the bank to pay him interest? Overcomers will not so concerned about money that they will have that much in the bank. If he does have it he will realize he is only a steward of Gods possessions. A Xian should not save money in the bank for the purpose of getting a return. The bank is a convenience as are checks.
The NT principle is: lend expecting nothing in return and set your affections on things above.
]]>Mark L2020-02-18T17:00:22-00:00The Economic Order and the Morality of Gambling
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The Economic Order and the Morality of Gambling
1. It is one of the largest sources of income for the gov't. state controlled lotteries,race tracks, casinos, church bingo, stock market.
2. It is a moral crime. God ordained work and labor.
a. It perverts the biblical concept of working for a living
b. It is legalized robbery. It takes advantage of weak sinful humanity in getting something for nothing Prov. 13/11
c. It perverts moral character. It teaches the exploitation of ones neighbor. For someone to win someone has to lose.
d. It undermines the moral fiber of society. Gambling is one aspect of an evil trinity always found together - gambling liquor prostitution. Gambling contributes to charity eg. Hospitals charities boy scouts YMCA etc. Society then looks the other way to liquor and prostitution. Why bite the hand that feeds you.
3. It teaches a double standard of morality. Its illegal for individuals but legal for the state.
4.It is usually run by crime syndicates. Its rotten to the core. The odds are stacked against winning. Even state lotteries. The delusion that revenue from organized gambling helps the state pay its bills makes it easy to overlook the other things.
Conclusion:
1. It is morally indecent for a gov't to finance itself on the moral weaknesses of its citizens.
2. The entire history of gambling proves it produces nothing more than poverty crime apolitical corruption and a demoralized society.
3. Playing the stock market is another way of gambling. Getting something without honest labor for it.
]]>Mark L2020-02-18T16:59:04-00:00Christian Responsibility in our Economic System
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What is the Christians responsibility in the economic system in which we live?
We are expected to be faithful disciples
1. Faithful by our conduct. Matt. 5/13-15
Our values are to be different from the world. Matt.6/15-34 5/40-45 We will show respect for our employers and unlike the world will not loaf strike or criticize them. We will be reliable and give an honest days work. We do that as we are really serving Jesus and not our employer. Titus 2/9, Col.3 22-25, Luke 3/12-14
2. Faithful by our attitude.
By our attitude we are to be an example to the world of the dignity of work as a God ordained activity. Work was ordained by God in the Garden. Gen. 2/15, Ex. 20/9, 2 Thess. 3/10
work is not the curse. The curse is the hindrances.Gen. 3/17-19 Our attitude should be one of enthusiasm as we are really working for the Lord.Prov. 6/6-11, 20/4, 18/9, 31. Have the attitude that we won't waste our employers time.
3. Faithful by our choice of vocation
It should be one with biblical standards. A vocation with a purpose and doesn't waste time or resources. Not overly secular or worldly. Night clubs tobacco farms teaching gold lessons etc.
We must recover the biblical concept of vocation and calling
1. Because it has been ordained by God all work has a measure of dignity in it if it meets 2 conditions
- it renders a real and necessary service to society
-if it glorifies God
2. The meaning and purpose of work has been distorted by our materialistic society. distorted by the idea one works to make money and buy things to live well.
- earn money - acquire goods - attain status
3.The dignity of work as God intended can only be maintained if:
- we as workers experience an inherent value in everything we do.
- if we recognize who our employer really is
How do we recover the biblical concept of work and calling
We must first see it is a mistake that work is not christian unless it is in some formal religious context. This robs the christian of the basic concept of his calling. Which is to live the christian life in the sphere of employment where God has called us. To be a disciple where he is.
Through the catholic church the concept of layman and clergy came into use.
- layman secular work
- clergy full time religious work
Paul did both at the same time
Every christian is called unto full time christian service. Eph. 4/1 There is only one call and that is the call to discipleship 1 Cor.7/17-24.
If we are called with one calling why does God give us scripture like Eph. 4/11 and 1 Cor.122/28? Within the call to full time discipleship we all receive charismatic gifts to function in the body. Some are give ministry office gifts to bring the body to perfection Eph.6/5-9, Col.22-24
We need to eliminate from our vocabulary and thinking the ecclesiastical distinctions between clergy and laity.
1 Peter 5/1-3 is the only place where the word clergy is used.
1 Peter 2/9 is the only place where the word laity is used.
It is used in the NT as a designation to the whole body including 5f ministry.
All the previous discussion defines what christian vocation is. All work is christian if there is a christian in it. Adm was called as a gardener Paul as tent maker David as a shepherd
Conclusions:
1. In all probability god has us in the right place now to complete our discipline and training.
2. He wants to use me where I am right now and mature me there.
3. He has an endtime ministry for every overcomer if that overcomer will allow god to do it in his own time and way.
4 When we rebel against circumstances or cry out to the Lord to move us out of them or try to change circumstances for the better he doesn't answer as won't move us out of his will.
5. stop pleading for a change and ask him why I'm there and what he wants me to do in those circumstances
Definition of Christian Vocation
1. Christian vocation will be a worthwhile job meeting the essential needs of society
2. It must be a job over which a man can pray and be used in it.
3.It ought to be work that has a sense of purpose
4. It ought to be work where the best of my God give talents can be utilized
5.It ought to be a vocation where the limitations are where God intended them to be. Some people make their job their God.
]]>Mark L2020-02-17T22:14:35-00:00How are Christians to View Possessions
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How are Christians to View Possessions
To maintain a scriptural attitude toward them means:
1. To have no affection for them Col.3/1 The faith message is designed to deliver us from the spirit of this world that possessions bank deposits insurances etc are the basis for material security. Insurance for eg for can only comfort
2. Don't seek possessions seek the kingdom. Matt. 6/33 Which will be abundantly manifested Mark 10
3. Avoid covetousness at all cost or it will cost it us everything (the kingdom) Eph.5/3-5, Luke 12/1-15, Col.3/5, 1 Cor. 6/9
4. Don't let possessions possess us. Share what we have. James 2
5. Keep a scriptural perspective toward them. Job1/21, 1 Tim.6/7, You can't take them with you.
Ways to use our possessions
1. To meet the essential needs of life. Matt.6/11 Jesus & the apostles had a money bag. They had to eat and sleep.
2. To minister to the needs of others. John 13/29
3. To pay taxes to the gov't for their support Rom.13/7, Matt. 22/17
4. To support the Lords work. 1 Cor.16/1-2 Cor.9, Gal. 6/6-8
5. We are to hold and use material possessions for physical and mental well being. John 2 Mark 6/30-31, Luke 5/27-31
]]>Mark L2020-02-17T21:19:17-00:00What is the Best form of Gov't?
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In both OT & NT the ideal was a theocracy. There is no ideal economic system as all gov'ts are sinful and under the curse. For the first 3 centuries xians wouldn't go into the army or work for the gov't. According to 1 Tim we are to prayfor peaceful gov't that will allow us to meet and worship in peace.
The Xians attitude toward these systems.
1. We have to realize that the only perfect system is that which will be realized when gods kingdom is on the earth.
2. all economic systems are sinful because society is sinful.
3. Every economic system is of this world system and scripturaly we are to judge it in principle and practise. Some more than others.
4. Three things have historically destroyed gov'ts. - drunkeness low morality high taxes
5. all the world systems belong to the gentile powers of Dan.2. All will ultimately be overthrown by the kingdom of God.
6. all systems are under the control of Satan.Luke4/6-8, John 18/33-36
Weakness of the capitalistic system.
1. It permits a great amount of inequality. The top 1% have over 50% of the income and wealth in the US.
2. It subordinates the meeting of human need to the economic advantage of those who have money and power eg. Drug and medical profession. Growing rich off peoples needs (Mark here: The golden rule? He that has the gold rules!)
3. People can become victims of mass unemployment. In many cultures the family unit is self sustaining.
4.Capitalism places emphasis on position and the accumulation of possessions s standards of success.
5. It is a system which has largely robed labour of its dignity. ie: mass production and materialism. Work is no longer seen as a vocation or a service to fulfill to fellow man. Just a job that pays to buy what I want. No concern for doing a good job.
The weakness of the Socialistic system is share and share alike. God doesn't give to all equally. Parable of the talents
The scriptural view of Economics
1. OT View
- God is the owner of all things. Ps. 24/1
- man is the steward of Gods possessions. Gen. 1 with 28-29 Gen.2/8-9, Mal. 3/8-11
- Materialism is condemned. Is. 5/8, Amos 6/1, 3/6
The OT view is that they were to have honesty and accuracy in all their dealings with others Prov. 28/8, Job 1/21
2. NT View
Money and possessions are not evil in themselves. Whether they are is dependant on 3 essential factors.
- Our attitude toward them. Any affection.
Zacheus Luke 19 vs rich young ruler Matt. 19 Jesus dealt with each differently because their attitude was different.
- Our use of our possessions. Luke 16 we are to use them wisely
- whether we seek excessive accumulations as security or ends in themselves Luke 12/13-21
Jesus attitude toward possessions
- riches and possessions can be a deception of the devil to give a false sense of security. In Luke 12/6-20 he mentions himself 11 times and God not once
- Security is not in seeking security but seeking the kingdom Matt. 6/33
- It is extremely difficult to be rich and spiritual too. Matt. 19/16-24
riches generally create class divisions in society which is carried over into the church. James 2/1-9. It tends to break down fellowship and unity in the church.
Question? How can the rich avoid condemnation from God and class distinctions?
- By recognizing the ground is level at the foot of the cross James 1/9-11
- Let the rich rejoice in being brought low and bearing the stigma of being a Xian and using your riches for Gods glory 1m Tim. 6/17-19
- Desire to have God and others approve and accept you because of your good name and character and not because of what your wealth and position give you. Prov. 22/12
]]>Mark L2020-02-16T19:15:32-00:00The Nature of the Economic Order
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The major factors involved would be tools, equipment,property,land,labor,capital,natural resources,and finances.
What is the function or purpose of the economic order.
1. To provide the individual and community with goods and resources necessary to sustain life and well being including rest and recreation.
2. For the christian it is also to provide a sphere of service to God and his fellow man. The Bible shows the christian has the responsibility to use the worlds systems for spiritual ends Titus2/12, 1Cor.7/20-22
Modern Economic Ideologies and Philosophies
1. Capitalism Private ownership of property. All systems have some private ownership. There is no such thing as pure capitalism ie: don't pay your taxes you lose your house. Ownership is conditional on obeying the rules
2. Regulated capitalism Something between capitalism ans socialism. This involves increasing the gov't control of private property. This is not bad in some ways as we need rules to regulate or the result is chaos. eg. Canada/US
3. Socialism Allows private ownership with major industry and public institutions run by the gov't. eg England
4. Fascism Private ownership is permitted with strict gov't controls. Ridgid control of industry all public property in the interest of a small group. Eg Spain
5. Communism Maximum state control with little or no private ownership. The philosophy is that wealth and property belong to the society and the state exists for the welfare of the people.
Russia is not communistic. It is Russianism. There could never exist either pure communism or pure Capitalism. Russianism is part communism fascism socialism and capitalism. To understand it you have to know Karl Marx. His economic philosophy is based on a philosophic idea of history and how all life moves. He called it a "Dialetical pattern of Thesis". Thesis and antithesis will become synthesis.
- thesis primitive or pure communism when man first evolved
- antithesis the opposite. In this case capitalism
- synthesis eventually it will all come out Neo-communism or Russianism
These three terms can apply to anything. This theory is as these two systems interac the people will up and form a new system and do away with the state gov't and control etc. The goal is no gov't and no control. A Utopian society of the people. This happens when the synthesis occurs. Marx knew it couldn't happen by itself so he started the communist party.
]]>Mark L2020-02-15T22:24:51-00:00Re: Biblical View of Divorce
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Views of divorce and Remarriage
1. Permitted only on grounds of fornication
2. Permitted by Jesus for fornication but the question of remarriage is left open
3. No grounds given by Jesus for divorce
4. No rules taught by Jesus concerning divorce and remarriage. He just states the ideal of Gen. 2. Those who hold this view then say as sinful flesh we can't always hold to this ideal
5. Roman Catholic view. Adultery gives the innocent party the right to seperate but because of Gen 2 no divorce or remarriage is permitted. Fornication matt. 5,19 means adultery.
In RC doctrine an annulment can be granted for several reasons
- Pauline privilege 1 Cor. 7/15 no salvation outside the RC church
- an annulment can be granted if the marriage is performed by civil courts. The law in the US won't allow them to do this.
- If the marriage is not consummated
- Marriage to a habitual criminal
- One partner converting to Protestantism
- One parent educating their children as protestants
- No civil divorce is recognized by the RC church
6. Betrothal view. There are no grounds for divorce after marriage. Jesus in Matt.5,19 has reference to betrothed couples and not married. They base this on Matt 1/18-20 Since they were betrothed not married they were able to divorce.
In the near east & Israel when a couple engaged to be married they were legally bound together as if actually married. They are taking a near eastern custom and superimposing on the text what they want to believe
Annulment
Does an annulment constitute divorce? What is a legal annulment?
It is a decision by the court that a marriage was invalid from the start for legal or moral reasons. In effect the court rules the marriage never took place.
Legal grounds for Annulment
1. child seduction under legal age for marriage
2. duress forcing marriage by physical threat or blackmail
3. Fraud eg bigamy
4. concealing by fraud eg. Pregnancy by another man,drug addiction,venereal disease
The question to ask about annulment is: has a scriptural marriage taken place? In cases like those above a scriptural marriage hasn't taken place. An eg of that would be a man concealing a past marriage marries a Xian women. So adultery is being committed even though one party is innocent. An annulment can be granted as scriptural grounds are violated.
Ministers views of Remarriage.
Some ministers will perform a remarriage if:
1. The grounds for divorce was fornication and it is the innocent party seeking to remarry
2. If it between Christians
3. Some will marry non-Christians
4. Some will marry any couple in a legal position to remarry
5. some will not remarry any divorced person for any reason. The law separated them let the law remarry them. A ministers calling isn't to marry but to teach.
6. Some will remarry if one lost a partner to death provided both are christian and not divorced.
Matt. 5/32 No divorce except for fornication. Marrying a divorcee is adultery.
Matt. 19/1-9 No divorce except for fornication. Remarriage is adultery
Mark 10/11-12 Remarriage is adultery
Luke 16/18 Divorce and remarriage is adultery. Even a single person marrying a divorcee.
Rom. 7/1-3 As long as both parties are alive the one flesh relationship applies.
1 Cor. 7/ the wife is not to leave her husband. The husband is not send away his wife. If they are unequally yoked then don't leave. If an unbeliever leaves let them go.
]]>Mark L2020-02-15T20:58:47-00:00Biblical View of Divorce
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Biblical View of Divorce
OT View
Ex. 20/14, Deut. 22/22, Lev. 21/19-20,
the penalty in the OT for adultery was death. Lev. 19/29, Lev. 18/22-23
Gen.2/24 with Matt. 19/3-9 This is Gods intended attitude in marriage
Mal. 2/13-16 They were divorcing their wives and marrying young ones.
2. Deut.24/1-4 this is used by some Christians as the basis for not claiming reconciliation instead 1 Cor. 7/10-11
Ezra 3/1-10 17-19 they were told to put away their gentile wives
Deut 24/1 is OT law we are not under. It also permitted divorce which is prohibited in the NT. Almost every aspect of OT law was to make the Jews a separate and holy clean people. The object in Deut.24/14 was moral purity. Moses permitted divorce but the NT doesn't. God permitted what he didn't approve. In Matt 19 Jesus states you become one flesh with your mate. Remarriage is adultery because the one flesh relationship prevails.
NT attitude toward divorce
Matt. 5/32,Matt.19/1-9, 1Cor. 7/1-40, Luke 16/8, Rom. 7/1-3, Mark 10/11-12
Fornication gr. - pornia (Heb. Sama means the same thing)
1. illicit sexual relations between unmarried persons
2. prostitution
3. general sexual impurity for married & unmarried
Adultery Ge, norcia - illicit sexual relations between married persons
Jesus was the only man prophet or otherwise who gave permission and a reason for divorce. Moses gave it as a concession because they had such hard hearts.
Matt. 15/19, Gal.5/19
Acts 15/19-20,29 was a letter written to all gentiles married and unmarried so a fornicator can be married or unmarried.
The general use of the term fornication as it was addressed to he whole church
1 Cor. 6/13-18, 10/8 Col. 3.5, 1 Thess4/3, 11 Cor. 12/21, Gal. 5/19,
1 Cor. 7/2 addressed to the unmarried
1 cor. 5/1 addressed to the married
Conclusion : fornication can be by both married and unmarrid
OT spiritual fornication
2 Chronicles 21/11 Ezek. 16/28-29,23/5
Israel is Gods wife
Thou shalt not commit adultery he is talking to all Israel not just the married
1Cor.5/1 and the 7th commandment are exceptions but generally adultery is between married people and fornication is sexual impurity between man and women
Conclusion : Matt 5/32
]]>Mark L2020-02-06T23:50:11-00:00Marriage Divorce and Remarriage
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Marriage Divorce and Remarriage
Reasons for Study
1. Widespread divorce
2. scriptural sanctions against divorce
3. the complexities of the problem
Marriage
1. Legal definition the process by which the legal relationship of husband and wife is constituted by mutual contract
2. biblical definition the process by which man and women by mutual consent unite for the purpose of permanently living together , in love in order to establish and maintain a home and family.
Question What is the responsibility of the church in performing the marriage ceremony?
It is the state not the church (bible) that requires a licence ceremony and a state approved individual officiating. The state in requiring these things is not wrong because it holds sin in check.
Ruth 4. No ceremony they just posted a notice they were going to be married.
Marriage is a commitment to the biblical definition not a ceremony although there is nothing wrong with it. There are no biblical grounds for an elaborate church wedding. John 2 a wedding feast but not in the church. There is not a wedding in the bible in church or synagogue.
There shouldn't be occult forms of superstition in the ceremony. For the first 300 yrs the church did ot regard the marriage as the responsibility of the church. It was the states responsibility. In the 13th century the catholic church made it cannon law that a priest had to officiate then the protestants picked it up.
Are non-christians really married in Gods sight?
See the biblical definition of marriage. Luke 16/18 he was talking ot his disciples as well as the pharisees and unbelievers. Among other things he said anyone who divorces & remarries commits adultery. So both Christians and unbelievers are married in Gods sight.
Matt. 19/1-9 speaking to all as he says anyone
Gen. 4/17 Cain had a wife
Matt. 27/7-19 Pilate had a wife
Divorce causes a breakdown in the family structure. It causes a breakdown in morals and society so God is concerned that people don't believe in divorce. For a man to be in 5f ministry he must not be remarried as he then has more than one wife. One wife not one at a time. Titus 1/6
Basic causes for divorce
1. The dating game and going steady learning to play the field
2. The 20th century freedom women have political and economic
3 The use of contraceptives no children so nothing to stop you from separating
4. Many marriages are based on such things as physical attraction pregnancy custom
5. Immaturity teenage marriage
6. The ease of getting a divorce
7. The long run trend in America of the breakup of the family and home
8. Tensions arising through personality interaction
a. Finances not how much but who controls and spends it. The wife works because they won't live within their income. Can't take care of the home properly.
Who should manage the finances? The head of the house with man making major decisions with his wife.
b. The almost universal attempt to remould ones partner after marriage. Christians who marry unbelievers to convert them after marriage
c. Religious nonaffinity eg protestant /catholic.
9. sexual non-compatibility
10. in-law interference
Children:
- treat your inlaws as persons and not enemies to be overcome or endured. Many people get married expecting trouble
- If problems arise react in love as christian would
- Always be willing to momentarily place yourself in the other persons shoes. We will find that parents love their children. We may find it is parental concern not meddling
- No house is big enough for parents and children. Gen 2 teaches cleave and leave.
Parents:
- Don't become a stereotypical in law
- Recognize a big enough mature enough & grownup enough to resolve his own marriage. Keep your nose out of it.
- In serious disputes never take sides. It will divide the marriage just pray with or for them.
How to reduce tension
1. At the beginning understand the biblical roles
2. Surrender non-essential peculiarities that cause tension
3. reserve a sense of humour which often breaks the tension
4.In serious matters there are 6 priciples
- don't argue
- don't withdraw with hurt feeling
- don't retaliate
- engage in calm discussion
- pray together
- determine to solve the problem yourself without outside help
]]>Mark L2020-02-06T23:09:13-00:00Re: Biblical roles of Husband and Wife
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A Christian Attitude toward Courtship and Marriage
You can't establish rules only principles of conduct.
1. principle be not conformed to this world
2. principle parental responsibility. In both NT & OT parents are admonished to bring up children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Christian parents should never hesitate to ask questions where are you going? Who with? How long? It is worse to be too permissive than too strict.
Should teenagers date? Alternatives to Dating.
1. Teenagers youth activities like in other countries. Hiking, biking, picnics, campfires, bowling, Up to 18 yrs outings should be supervised. It is good for teenager groups to have an adult giving interested oversight. Pairing off shouldn't be allowed. Parents should teach their children the right way to act. Girls should dress modestly. Boys should honor women. Titus 2/1-8 1 Tim.3/4,11-12 11 Tim.2/22
2. mature Youth - 18-19 yrs eg. Two cuples meeting for fun in homes with proper supervision. They are too young to get married at this age. You become an adult at 20.
3. Single Adults there is nothing wrong with 2 young adults enjoying each others company socially. Adults don't need supervision but should act with propriety and common sense.
Going steady in teenage yrs inhibits personality development. You don't develope friendships and relationships with others.
Common Excuses for Dating and Going Steady
1. Everyone is doing it. They will think I am strange. The answer is Christians don't do what everyone else is doing,.
2. I'm not going to marry them so why shouldn't I enjoy them now. The answer is a relationship always begins on the first date.
3. I can witness to them. (a non christian) The answer is a non christian will always pull you down to their level. eg. Samson/Deliah
4. How else will I find the right husband/wife. This indicates a lack of faith and knowledge in Gods word.
The Christian should prayerfully seek the divine providential direction of God in selecting a partner for life. Most people base their decision on feeling and emotion. God should be consulted when choosing a companion for life.
Engagement and Marriage should be between mature adults. God never intended teenagers to take on the responsibility of dating and marriage. An adolescent is not mature.
Four Kinds of Maturity
1. Physical Males need to be ready for work and responsibility. Women need to be ready to bear children.
2. Emotional -
- Self-controlled Prov. 16/22
- One who has made the transition from I to thou.
- One who is able to work with others ie. A married partner
- The man has to be old enough to leave home and cleave to a wife
- The women has to be able to give living submission
- One who can love another for their sake
3. Spiritually Mature
The husband should be spiritually mature enough to take spiritual leadership and headship in the home. Women should be spiritually mature enough to give submission and bring up children.
4. Intellectually Mature
The husband should be old enough and experienced enough to handle finances and direct the family affairs. The women should be old enough to know how to cook sew etc.
Why do Teenage marriages fail?
1. Because it hinders normal development- mentally & spiritually
2. they have to give up adolescence and take on maturity.
3.The man has to go to work. Generally no skills in labor- money problems result
4. Sexual bliss soon evaporates and babies come along.
5. The husband ends going back to the dating game.
Notes on Marriage
1. Marriage should be between Christians
2. Christians should not marry church members
3. Charismatics ought to marry charismatics
4. to those still wedded to their denominations. They should marry in their denominations.
5. There should be christian love between partners or else the Lord for it.
6. What if a christian gets pregnant before marriage? They should marry.
7. What if premarital sex doesn't result in pregnancy? Deut. 22/28-29 If they are that intimate they should get married. If a man really loves his wife to be then he will not request her to debase herself to have sex when God has ordained it for marriage.
8. The marriage has to be based on love and christian principles.
9. A women should show her submissive attitude and willingness to be submissive in marriage (in a biblical way). How does a man know if the willingness is there? 1. By her attitude in the home to her parents 2.by looking at who has the leadership in courtship
10. A man and women should love each other. This is the only basis for biblical marriage. Titus 2, Eph. 5 Gen. 24/63-67 Ruth and Boaz, Elkanah and Hannah Love is an inner emotion of the spirit.
11. Marriage should be between couples who know each other reasonably well
12. The principle of parental respect should be observed. It's our choice who we marry but it should be with parental consent. What if parents aren't saved? Should I respect their opinions? No! We have the final choice.
13. The church should concur on the marriage and help discern Gods will in the matter]]>Mark L2020-01-30T16:37:13-00:00