MARRIAGE - NUGGET FOR SINGLES

BUCK – PASSING

My Beloved, Don’t blame the Lord That His proven double-edged sword Appears too blunt for your sorrow And the ageless balm of Gilead Does nothing on your marital woe.

Remember, dearly beloved, remember When He spoke times without number “Tis not good for the man to be alone” Let him ask for help meet for him Let her ask for the crown of her own Well said! You declared.

But ere not I have increased in knowledge, And my barns are over-filled without measure. Anyway, none appear good for the Holy wedlock of my dream. For Peter was hasty and Paul a kill-joy Phillip was restless always willing to “go ye”, Mary takes risks – going to the tomb alone.

Having had some evils could she ever be free? All other women are no better: Thus you put off thoughts of marriage Until you pass’d the prime of age, And your prayers, now more of haste less of faith, Fall off the Lord of heaven’s ears, For he gives nothing – only by faith.

Yet the Lord is full of mercy And to entreat him is so easy Be sorry for your pride of life And the flinty hardness of your heart You’ll receive your Adam or Eve.

Recommended book to read for this: Click below to read.

Cultivating Awe: Teaching Our Children the Fear of the Lord

The heart of God's design for the family lies in the transmission of His character from one generation to the next. This transmission is not merely intellectual assent to doctrines, but a deep, abiding "fear of the Lord," a reverential awe that shapes every aspect of life. This fear, as Proverbs 1:7 teaches, is the "beginning of knowledge," the foundation upon which true wisdom and understanding are built.

Understanding the Fear of the Lord:

The "fear of the Lord" is not a cowering terror, but a profound respect, reverence, and awe for God's holiness, power, and love. It is the recognition of His supreme authority and the understanding that He is the ultimate judge and source of life. As Deuteronomy 10:12-13 implores, it is to "fear the Lord your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to keep the commandments and statutes of the Lord, which I am commanding you today for your good." This fear is the wellspring of obedience, love, and worship. It motivates us to turn away from evil and embrace righteousness, not out of dread, but out of a deep love and gratitude for God's grace. It is the understanding that true freedom is found in submission to His loving authority.

The Parental Mandate: A Sacred Trust:

Ephesians 6:4, "Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord," encapsulates the parental mandate.
This verse highlights two critical aspects:
Avoiding Provocation: Parents are called to create an environment of love, grace, and understanding, avoiding harshness and arbitrary rules that breed resentment. This mirrors God's own patient and merciful dealings with us.
Disciplining and Instructing in the Lord: "Discipline" (paideia) encompasses the whole process of training and education, including correction, guidance, and nurturing. "Instruction" (nouthesia) refers to admonition and moral guidance. This is a continuous, intentional process, woven into the fabric of daily life.

The Power of Godly Example:

Deuteronomy 6:5-9 underscores the importance of parental example: "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates."
This passage emphasizes:
Internalizing God's Word: Parents must first possess a deep, personal love for God and His Word.
Consistent Instruction: Teaching the fear of the Lord is not a one-time event, but a continuous, integrated part of daily life.
Living Out the Faith: Children learn more from what they see than what they hear. A parent's life must be a living testament to the reality of God's presence and power.

Combating Cultural Influences:

The world bombards our children with messages that contradict God's truth. To counteract these influences, parents must:
Discern and Filter: Be vigilant about the media and technology your children consume.
Cultivate a God-Centered Home: Create an atmosphere of prayer, Bible study, and worship.
Build Strong Relationships: Invest time in meaningful conversations and activities with your children.
Teach Biblical Worldview: Equip your children to discern truth from falsehood and to stand firm in their faith.
Prioritize Godly Community: While the parents are the primary teachers, the church community is a vital support system.

The Role of the Church:

While parents bear the primary responsibility, the church plays a crucial role in supporting and equipping families. The church must:
Provide Biblical Teaching: Offer sound, age-appropriate instruction that reinforces the principles taught at home.
Foster Intergenerational Relationships: Create opportunities for children to learn from and interact with godly adults of all ages.
Equip Parents: Offer resources and training to help parents effectively disciple their children.
Be a Beacon of Light: Stand as a counter-cultural force, offering a refuge from the world's darkness.

The Fruit of Godly Homes:

Homes built on the fear of the Lord produce children who are:
Rooted in God's Word: They possess a deep understanding and love for Scripture.
Equipped to Resist Temptation: They have the spiritual discernment and strength to withstand the world's pressures.
Prepared to Serve God: They are motivated to use their gifts and talents for God's glory.
Agents of Transformation: They become salt and light in a dark world, impacting their families, communities, and the church.
In a world desperately in need of hope, the most powerful legacy we can leave our children is the fear of the Lord, a legacy that will shape their lives and impact eternity. It is a work that requires diligence, perseverance, and unwavering faith, but the rewards are immeasurable, for it is in the fear of the Lord that true life is found.

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THE KEYS OF THE KINGDOM: UNVEILING SPIRITUAL AUTHORITY

The ministry of Jesus Christ was characterized by divine authority and power, symbolized by the "keys of the kingdom." These keys represent spiritual authority granted by God, enabling Christ to fulfill His mission and equipping believers to walk in dominion.

Liberation of the Captives: The prophet Isaiah declared the mission of the Messiah in Isaiah 61:1—"The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound." Jesus, possessing the keys, came to deliver those held in bondage by sin, sickness, and Satan’s power (Luke 4:18-19).
Restraining the Forces of Darkness: Jesus exercised authority over demonic spirits, casting them out and forbidding their operation (Mark 1:34, Luke 8:26-33). He delegated this authority to His disciples, as seen in Matthew 10:1: "And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease."
Granting Authority to Believers: Jesus conferred these same keys to His followers, stating in Matthew 16:19, "And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven." This divine commission empowers believers to operate in spiritual authority. The keys of the kingdom are not mere symbols; they represent the believer's participation in Christ’s triumph over the powers of darkness. As Jesus illustrated in the parable of the pearl of great price (Matthew 13:45-46), obtaining these keys requires a complete surrender to God’s will and a fervent pursuit of His kingdom.

Revelation and Confession: The Foundation of Faith

The discourse in Matthew 16:13-17 unveils a profound truth about revelation and confession. Jesus posed a critical question: "Whom say ye that I am?" (v.15). This inquiry was not for His knowledge but to elicit a declaration of faith based on divine revelation.
The Necessity of Revelation: Peter’s response, "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God" (Matthew 16:16), was not of human reasoning but divine disclosure. As 1 Corinthians 12:3 affirms, "No man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost." The mysteries of God are only unveiled by divine revelation (1 Corinthians 2:7-16, Amos 3:7, Daniel 2:22, John 15:15, Ephesians 1:9-10).
The Power of a Heartfelt Confession: Confessing Christ from a place of revelation has supernatural impact, whereas a mere intellectual acknowledgment is devoid of power (Romans 10:9-10).
Christ, the Rock of Our Salvation: Jesus declared in Matthew 16:18, "Thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." The Greek distinction between "Petros" (Peter, a small stone) and "Petra" (a massive rock) highlights that Christ Himself is the unshakable foundation of the Church (1 Corinthians 3:11). As living stones, believers are built upon Christ (1 Peter 2:5). Any foundation other than Christ—whether human ideologies or worldly influences—will ultimately crumble (Matthew 7:24-27). Proverbs 18:10 reminds us that "The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe."

The Keys of Authority: Christ’s Divine Mandate

The keys of the kingdom signify the believer’s authority to act in Christ’s name and power.
The Divine Gift of Authority: Jesus, as the One holding "the key of David" (Isaiah 22:22, Revelation 3:7), has conferred authority to His Church (Matthew 18:18-20, Luke 10:19, Mark 16:15-20).
Power to Bind and Loose: This authority enables believers to "bind" and "loose," restraining evil and setting captives free (Matthew 18:18, 12:29, John 20:23, Acts 13:10-11, 8:5-8, 16:16-21, Luke 10:19, 13:12-16, Mark 7:32-35, 5:1-20, 3:27).
The Victorious Life: Reigning as Conquerors

By wielding the keys of the kingdom, believers are called to live victoriously.
Exercising Spiritual Authority: The promise in Matthew 18:18 assures believers that "Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven." This authority is not of human merit but is rooted in Christ’s victory and the power of the Holy Spirit.
Liberating the Oppressed: As Christ set the captives free, believers are commissioned to do likewise, bringing healing and deliverance (Luke 13:12-16, Mark 7:32-35, 5:1-20).
Restraining Evil: Whether dealing with demonic forces or human agents of wickedness, believers have the power to stand against the enemy (Acts 13:10-11, 8:5-8, 16:16-21, John 20:23, Matthew 12:29, Mark 3:27).

Conclusion: Walking in Kingdom Authority
The keys of the kingdom represent a divine commission—a call to enforce Christ’s victory in the earth. This authority is exercised through faith in the revealed Christ, unwavering obedience to God’s Word, and the empowerment of the Holy Ghost. As believers embrace their spiritual mandate, they will walk in dominion, demonstrating the power of God in their generation.
May we, as heirs of the kingdom, take hold of these keys and manifest the will of God, knowing that "we are more than conquerors through him that loved us" (Romans 8:37).

Looking for SoulMate, Friend and good relationship?

Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up. Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone?...For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and cleave to his wife; and they twain shall be one flesh: so then they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder. (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12; Mark 10:7-9).

Finding a soulmate and cultivating a good relationship in a biblical way involves seeking God's guidance, following biblical principles, prayers, and prioritizing spiritual compatibility. Here are some Bible references that can help guide us in this pursuit:

1. Seek God's guidance: Proverbs 3:5-6 says, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." It is important to seek God's guidance and trust in His plan for our lives, including our relationships.

2. Prioritize spiritual compatibility: 2 Corinthians 6:14 advises, "Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?" It is crucial to seek a partner who shares your faith and values, as spiritual compatibility is foundational for a strong and lasting relationship.

3. Pursue godly character: Proverbs 31:30 states, "Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised." Similarly, 1 Peter 3:3-4 encourages women to focus on inner beauty and a gentle spirit. These verses remind us to prioritize character and godliness over external appearances when seeking a soulmate.

4. Practice love and selflessness: 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 describes the characteristics of love: "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres." These verses guide us in cultivating a loving and selfless relationship, where we prioritize the well-being and happiness of our partner.

5. Communicate and resolve conflicts biblically: Ephesians 4:26-27 advises, "In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold." This verse encourages open and honest communication, resolving conflicts promptly, and not allowing bitterness or resentment to take root in our relationships.

6. Pray and plan together : Matthew 18:20 assures us, "For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them." Praying together as a couple strengthens the spiritual bond and invites God's presence into the relationship.

Remember, finding a soulmate and building a good relationship is a journey that requires patience, trust in God's timing, and a commitment to following biblical principles.

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Evangelism: Spreading the Good News

Jesus Christ, our Lord and Personal Saviour insturcted His followers about the significant of Evangelism and said, "And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come" (Matthew 24:14). Evangelism is the act of proclaiming the Gospel—the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ. It is a central mission of Christianity, as believers are called to share their faith with others. The Bible provides many examples of evangelism, demonstrating different approaches and the impact of sharing the Gospel.

Biblical Examples of Evangelism
1. Jesus and the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20)
Before ascending to heaven, Jesus commanded His disciples: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” This passage highlights the universal call to evangelize, not just to individuals but to entire nations.

It emphasizes teaching and discipleship as part of evangelism.
2. Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch (Acts 8:26-40)
Philip, led by the Holy Spirit, encountered an Ethiopian official reading Isaiah. He explained the Scriptures and shared the Gospel of Jesus, leading the eunuch to believe and be baptized.

This example shows the importance of divine guidance in evangelism
It also demonstrates the power of Scripture in revealing Christ.
3. Peter’s Sermon at Pentecost (Acts 2:14-41)
After receiving the Holy Spirit, Peter boldly preached to a crowd in Jerusalem. His message convicted thousands, leading about 3,000 people to repent and be baptized. This highlights the role of the Holy Spirit in empowering evangelism.

It also emphasizes the importance of public proclamation.
4. Paul’s Missionary Journeys (Acts 13-28)
The Apostle Paul traveled extensively, preaching the Gospel to Jews and Gentiles. He adapted his approach to different audiences, reasoning with philosophers in Athens (Acts 17:16-34) and persuading people in synagogues.This shows that evangelism requires adaptability.

It demonstrates perseverance despite persecution.
5. The Woman at the Well (John 4:1-42)
Jesus engaged a Samaritan woman in conversation, revealing His identity as the Messiah. She then spread the news to her entire village, leading many to believe in Him. This highlights personal evangelism—sharing one's testimony.

It shows that evangelism is for everyone, regardless of background. Hence, evangelism is a vital aspect of Christianity, following Jesus’ command to spread the Gospel. Whether through personal testimony, public preaching, or one-on-one encounters, the Bible provides various models of evangelism, emphasizing faith, obedience, and reliance on the Holy Spirit.

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BIBLICAL PATHWAYS TO A FRUITFUL MARITAL LIFE