In former times, most young people married friends and neighbors from their own local communities. At the turn of the twentieth century, however, courtship began to change with the rise of the telegraph, the railroad, and the ...
3 minCovenant Marriage
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Marriage in the Skies
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Threats to Ministry and Marriage
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The Marriage of Abraham and Sarah
2 min
Honoring Grandparents at Your Wedding
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Matters of Life & Death is a free teaching series looking at the nature & character of God revealed in Scripture and bringing inspirational stories of people who, with Christ’s power, held fast to God’s Word in their daily lives.
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Topics
Character Qualities
Commands of Christ
Basic Life Principles
Attributes of God
In former times, most young people married friends and neighbors from their own local communities. At the turn of the twentieth century, however, courtship began to change with the rise of the telegraph, the railroad, and the automobile. With these advantages, young men now could consider courting young ladies in towns and villages many miles away.
An old hymn not often sung today is one of the best and brightest descriptions of the glorious marriage of the Lamb. The author was Sidney Burdette Denson. Unlike many songwriters who wrote numerous hymns, this is the only known hymn that Mrs. Denson wrote. The song, “The Marriage in the Skies,” was published in the shape-note hymnal The Sacred Harp.
It is somewhat surprising that one of the greatest threats to a marriage can arise in the midst of public ministry to God’s people. Satan hates a Christian home, and the enemy of our souls will use any means he can to harm and destroy a marriage. Be alert and beware of these dangerous areas of temptation.
Abraham and Sarah were called by God to leave their country and their kindred and to go out into an unknown land that God would show them. At the time, little did the childless couple realize that they would become the father and mother of a great nation. Along the way, Abraham and Sarah learned many lessons that are profitable for us.
So many things—and people—must be remembered when planning a wedding. Parents are often at the center of wedding planning, and they often bear the responsibility and expenses of the wedding details. Previously, we have considered seeking input and involvement from siblings. Yet, another important set of relatives are sometimes overlooked. What about the grandparents?
At one point in their lives, the Lees had lost everything except their honor. A young lady who knew them shared what she learned from life and marriage of General and Mrs. Robert E. Lee “that duties faithfully discharged bring a dearer recompense than any circumstance, ease, and luxury can supply.”
This article may not be the most profound one ever written on marriage, but sometimes the simplest things are the most memorable. Jesus used simple illustrations in His teaching to present profound truths. He spoke of flowers, fish, seeds, soil, birds, and even bread to convey sublime realities.
In the life and ministry of Elisha the prophet was a needy widow who came to trust in the Lord’s provision. This account of the believing widow can encourage and motivate widows today to bring their needs to God in prayer, obey His Word, and trust Him to abundantly provide from His vast treasures.
The Word of God gives many examples of marriages from which can be drawn helpful practical lessons. The first couple in Scripture is, obviously, Adam and Eve! In a unique and special way, their marriage was truly a “match made in heaven.” Eve was created from Adam’s rib and made especially for him!
One family dynamic that is often completely forgotten or neglected during the crucial time of courtship and marriage preparation is the siblings! The siblings of both the prospective bride and the groom ought to be considered in the ceremony and the integration of the couple into new family interactions.
One particular hymn that pictures the marriage of Christ and His Bride is the timeless and eloquent poem “The Sands of Time Are Sinking” by Anne R. Cousin. The hymn text is deeply rooted in the writings and life experiences of the Scottish preacher Samuel Rutherford. Although only four stanzas usually appear in modern hymnals, the original poem contained nineteen stanzas!
In Luke’s Gospel is the account of the raising of the widow’s son at Nain. This event is recorded only in the Gospel of Luke. It is remarkable in that it is the very first time recorded in the Gospels that Jesus raised the dead. The location connected the Lord Jesus with the ministry of Elisha centuries earlier and resulted in the amazement of the people saying, “A great prophet is risen up among us” (Luke 7:16).
The chapter on love in I Corinthians 13 is a foundational chapter for every Christian marriage. The practical questions that follow are drawn from our detailed articles on this passage over the past months. May they stimulate consideration and discussion between you and your spouse that will encourage and strengthen your marriage.
What is the most important quality to find in a potential husband? Some look for confidence in leadership. Others want a man with independence and financial stability. Still others are waiting for a young gentleman with a handsome face, strong body, and a willingness to work hard. All of these things are good, but the most important quality of all is that a young man is teachable.
Solomon said of the springtime, “The time of the singing of birds is come, and the voice of the turtle is heard in our land." Throughout the Bible, just as the Lord points to the ant to teach diligence, the coney to teach trust, and the lion to teach courage, on several occasions He also points to the birds to teach lessons of faithful marriage and loving parenthood. Let’s consider a few noteworthy examples.
In the biography of the prophet Elijah is found the record of a widow in the Phoenician village of Zarephath. The Lord used this woman in an important way to shelter His prophet during a time of drought and danger. There are several vital lessons that widows today can learn from her life and testimony.
When prophecies fail, love remains. When tongues cease, love remains. When knowledge fades, love remains. Paul was not speaking ill of any of these other things! But he elevated love—true Biblical love, covenant love—as higher and greater than all because it “never faileth.”
Many young men foolishly seek a young woman who has the will to, as some might say, “stand on her own feet” and “assert her own opinions.” The poor lad often realizes too late that he has married a lass who has cultivated attitudes of stubbornness, selfishness, and rebellion. Thus, she is often unwilling to practice the discipline of Biblical submission.
One of the great American patriot heroes of 1776 was Henry Knox. In the early days of that important year, he led a bold expedition to bring heavy artillery from Fort Ticonderoga in northern New York to relieve the siege of Boston, Massachusetts.
Water, living water, is a picture of life, purity, nourishment, and joy throughout the Scriptures. When God made the world, He filled it and beautified it with springs, creeks, rivers, and lakes. Is it not fitting that the Lord Himself draws important analogies between the purity of marriage and the blessings of water?