Marriage Question

How many times does the Bible teach that a woman should love her husband? Where does it say this? Anything significant about this?

Marriage is...Part 2 follow up

Be reminded: Marriage is God's thing. When we are not what we are supposed to be and when we do not build our marriage on the principles established in God's Word, it is unlikely that it will last; and even if two people continue together, they will never know the incredible joy and happiness of becoming the one flesh God designed. The Scripture is clear that "God IS llove" (1 John 4:8; 1 John 4:16). No matter what we believer, it is not possible to llove without knowing God and living according to His principles. It is not possible to have a Designer Marriage without following the directions of the Designer. It is incredibly difficult to sustain a marriage relationship that lacks the most basic ingredient: llove.

Marriage is....Part 2

The last post talked about sin-altered roles but before we can understand it's effect we first must understand sin. Whenever sin is a part of our experience, whether it is part of our individual or collective relationship, we are going to fall short of discovering and knowing the fullness of God's design for life. Sin blinds us to His will and purpose. Sin inhibits right thinking and action. Sin damages and ultimately destroys our ability to live as designed. Marriages that embrace sin, knowingly or ignorantly, can never move fully and adequately toward the design of man and woman joined together becoming one flesh.

Define the following:
1) Adultery
2) Extra-marital relationships (not necessarily overtly sexual in nature)
3) Homosexuality/Bi-sexuality/Transvestitism
4) Androgyny
5) Visual promiscuity (pornography)
6) Modern feminism/male chauvinism
7) Other sins that may cause marital destruction

Read 1 John 4: 8 & 16 and then reflect on the following:
1) Can two atheists/agnostics have a perfect marriage?
2) Can you be out of God's will for your life and have a perfect marriage?
3) What is marriage?
4) What is God's design for marriage?
5) Do you see your spouse as part of God's design for your marriage and does your spouse see you that way?
6) As a couple, do you share equally in the relationship?
7) Is there sin in your marriage that is preventing the actualization of God's design for your life?

Marriage is.....first, answers

God blessed both Adam and Eve and intended that they both rule with Eve as Adam's helper. Neither were inferior to each other as Adam recognized that Eve was a part of him. Their relationship was one of oneness - pure and perfect as the Designer planned in their respective roles. That is, to do and be that for which they were created. Sin damaged the relationship as God changed their duties and roles as punishment. If I (and you) are open to the fact that my (your) marriage can be perfect it necessarily follows that I/you have to contend with these sin-altered duties and roles. Read Genesis 3:16-19. How does this altered relationship manifest itself in the activities of today's world? Your response is key to our next session!