THE EXTRAORDINARY SHEPHERD

One of the most famous – if not the famous verse of scripture in Christendom is Psalm 23 which opens with the statement, “The Lord is my Shepherd…” This text has gained so much popularity because of the intensity of the declarations which were carefully constructed by the psalmist in his prayer. But in this article I am much interested in the opening statement. I would however relate this scripture to the fourteen year service of the patriarch Jacob for his desired bride – Rachel.

MARRIAGE – A MUST OR A NECESSITY

I am without doubts that marriage is one of the most deliberated issues among the many relevant life issues. Very often the question is asked, “Is marriage obligatory or optional?” or “Is it the will of God for me to marry?” or “Am I incomplete without marriage?” and etc. etc. questions. As a personal devotion to enlighten the world on this very essential subject I will biblically teach you whether marriage is a must or not. I trust God to bless you even as you spend quality time reading. 

To begin with, in the beginning God created male and female (Gen. 1:27). He did not create husband and wife. The original intent of God was to make man in His own image and likeness to take responsibility for all the earth (Gen. 1:28-30). So God created man according to His original intent, male and female He did create them (Gen. 1:27). Both male and female are in the image of God, and are to take responsibility for their independent lives, and most importantly to fulfill the assignment God has given them. This clears the doubt on incompleteness when unmarried.

ORIGIN OF MARRIAGE

 

The creation of mankind was completed in the chapter one of the book of Genesis. Yet the writer in the chapter two elaborates on creation in entirety, not leaving to confusion what he began previously on the creation of man. In the chapter two we see something which seems contradictory to what was began in the chapter one. For this reason some people have concluded that there were two different creations i.e. chapters one and two. And others have generally out of lack of revelation established that the creation story is a myth. But there is only one creation story as far as the Scriptures is concerned, i.e. Genesis chapter one, of which the chapter two explicates.

7 THINGS TO LOOK OUT FOR WHEN CHOOSING A SPOUSE (PLUS 1 BONUS) [PART 2]

Click here to read Part 1

"Let marriage be held in honor among all..." (Heb. 13:4, ESV) The Holy Word of God teaches that marriage should be held in honour among all. So, among all things marriage should be esteemed highly and respectably. It is imperative that one takes the who to marry issue very crucial in order to avoid future disdain upon a marriage. Therefore the spouse you choose should be one you can forever honour.

Here we go,

DIVORCE! - WHAT GOD SAYS ABOUT IT

 

Lately I was asked about what my beliefs were regarding divorce. Pretty interesting. I did not know what to say because I do not have any beliefs concerning divorce. So I only spoke the mind of God as I opened my Bible to share from it.

The only foundation from which divorce evolves is marriage. Without first marrying, the word and action - divorce would not exist. Therefore divorce begins with marriage.

7 THINGS MARRIAGE IS NOT (PLUS 1 BONUS) [PART 2]

Click HERE to read Part 1
 Here we Go;

1. Marriage is not a must, It's necessary
2. Marriage is not a generator of happiness, we don't marry because we want to be happy 
3. Marriage is not an institution of man, precisely the church or the court or family 
4. Marriage is not a promise; It's a vow - a vow to God
5. Marriage is not a ring
6. Marriage is not meant to be between same gender/sex i.e. male and male or female and female
7. Marriage is not the foundation of human society. God created only one man, Adam with all the responsibilities committed to him. 

BONUS: Learn to stay chaste until you marry, for sexual immorality has great consequences on marriage. Most marital problems are because either one of the couple or both have a history of immorality.

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7 THINGS TO LOOK OUT FOR WHEN CHOOSING A SPOUSE (PLUS 1 BONUS) [PART 1]

Click here to read Part 2

"Find a good spouse, you find a good life — and even more: the favor of God!" (Prov. 18:22 The message Bible)

It is a good thing to marry, - marry the opposite sex, but the decision to choose your spouse solely depends on you. The Scripture above is one of the popular Scriptures on marriage, godly marriage, yet it makes it clear that the decision to choose our spouses is our responsibility, not God's.

Here, I will help you with some things to look out for in a person you would want to marry;

1. You have to look for someone who loves the presence of God more than your presence.
2. You have look for a person who is not moved by emotions/feelings. (Prov. 15:18; 29:11)
3. You must search for a person who is able to anticipate your need and make an effort to provide for you.
4. You have to look for a person who is competent enough to leave mother and father to build a family with you alone. (Gen. 2:24; Matt. 19:5; Eph. 5:31)
5. You ought to look for a person with a vision. (Prov. 29:18; Hos. 4:6)
6. You should look out for someone who is not jealous, precisely an over possessive person. (Prov. 6:34; 27:4)
7. You should look for a person who knows your "ungood" side but still wants to be with you. (Gen. 24. Eliezer found Rebekah, Isaac's wife at the well.)

BONUS: Choose someone who has chosen to understand you , and, whom you have also chosen to understand.

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7 THINGS MARRIAGE IS NOT (PLUS 1 BONUS) [PART 1]

 

Marriage is the deliberate disassociation from ones family to cleave to another of the opposite gender/sex; thus male to female or  female to male to be precise, to become one flesh and an entirely new family.

Here we go;

1. Marriage is not the answer to promiscuity
2. Marriage is not a prison
3. Marriage is not the way to honour
4. Marriage is not obligatorily designed for procreation
5. Marriage is not the solution to loneliness
6. Marriage is not the joining of two families; it is the creation a third family
7. Marriage is not a curse

BONUS: The purpose of marriage is companionship, it is not meant to enslave anyone. 

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