> General Discussions
marriage woes "divorce"
Dave in Tenn:
There are a lot of things that are 'legal' that followers of Christ ought not to engage in.
I'm not a catholic. "Marrying" is not a sacrament. I'm not a Mormon. "Marrying" is not the beginning of a 'spiritual union' between man and wife. It's (marrying) a symbol of "our" union with Christ. In fact, when WE marry, we're simply married. Since I've been old enough to think for myself, that's what I've thought.
People marry all over the world without giving a thought to whether the God of the Bible "sanctions" it. They did so before Christendom spread all of the world, and they do so where Christendom holds little or no sway. Those people are married. Period. It is stating the obvious that 'marriage' to them is NOT a symbol of THEIR union with Christ, even if their marrying may be a symbol of OUR union with Christ.
"WE" might even go so far as to say that "their marrying" is a very poor symbol of our union with Christ--maybe even not a symbol at all. But when you start where I did, that's what it is, and all it is. "We" have commandments concerning it, and WE should keep them. If you don't, then immediately after that, you didn't.
Edited to change 'spiritual union with Christ' to 'Union with Christ'. Spiritual is too loaded a word. Marrying is a symbol of the upcoming Marriage Supper of the Lamb.
Kat:
Neo, why do you seems so disturbed to see this world embracing debauchery, hasn't it always. I think a lot of ignorant people actually believe that their 'acceptance' is their way of showing compassion on those they see just as 'different.' We cannot change the way this world is, and will continue to be for now and it's not up to us to do so.
1Co 3:19 For the wisdom of this world is nonsense in God's sight. For it is written, "He catches the wise with their own trickery," (ISV)
So what is the point in watching what this world is doing on the news programs, and paying close attention to the words they're saying? Certainly we don't agree with what is going on, and that is why we are suppose to "be separate" (2Co 6:17). I just don't see why you keep getting on a soapbox about all that here, going on about your disapproval and lecturing us?
1John 2:15 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
v. 16 For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world.
mercy, peace and love
Kat
Jeff:
Aren't things exactly the way they're supposed to be? I think I've pretty much given up at this point, worrying about this and that, because this is what God allows. If gay marriage were something He simply wouldn't allow - then it wouldn't exist. It has some purpose that I'm not clear about, but I'm unclear about most things.
I have this recurring thought about Jesus' return. I keep thinking that God is waiting until all of His family is born before He finally deals with us. Each day that passes without His return umpteenth souls are born into His family. We don't know how many billions of people will be in our (His) family, but it makes sense to me that many billions would be at least the minimum - eternity is a big thing. I forget the estimate of how many people have existed, but considering there are 7+ billion people on earth right now, and the earth is becoming slightly crowded, and maybe even unsustainable eventually, it seems like it would be nearly a ripe time to harvest. Not that I know anything about anything, but I ponder.
If God gives us medical advances that prolong our lives, it would make sense that it might be a way of bringing things to a close, barring a global catastrophe. Only so many people can fit. I see the struggle my daughter has after college trying to find a foothold in the world, and it's painful to watch, but I think it also reminds me that we're inching closer to redemption. And then everyone will know at least as much and more than those of us here, now.
If Jesus' return were near, say, in our lifetime, we would see all of the horror we've created come to a screeching halt. I think that's the only thought that really keeps me putting one foot in front of the other. Well, that, and death.
So.....gay marriage, rape, murder, lying and deception, selfishness, hate, war-mongering - it all has a purpose in the formation of God's family. We are given a gift to know what's right and wrong and God chooses who possess that understanding. It's true, marveling that the world is, the way it is, is rather pointless, simply because it's exactly the way it should be. But I also think we all have our limits as to how much we can take in and stay sane :)
Something that occurred to me lately, that probably everyone else thinks about, but is a new thought to me - is praying for Jesus to come. I know it's God's timing that determines when that happens, but I've felt this sense of urgency to pray for it. It might just be my own wishful thinking, but who knows?
I think I may have hijacked this thread. Apologies... ;)
lilitalienboi16:
You are certainly not alone in your longing for the return of The King dear Jeff. We all yearn and groan in the spirit. I yearn everyday its almost unbearable. Everyday I live is a new opportunity to learn and draw closer to The Consuming Fire. Its also, painfully and sadly, a new day to sin. I think though, slowly but surely, we inch closer with each passing day by the mercy and grace of our Great God and Saviour. Just think, all the prophets before us didn't even know what their prophecies were all about and even the angels long to know and see what we have. We truly are blessed with a great hope that lies before us. One that the patriarchs would be very jealous of. The holy spirit abiding in us, transforming us into the very (spiritual) image of The Almighty God, what grander destiny could anyone ever ask for the human race? For God's race!
octoberose:
Weirdly enough, I think Neo's last statements were sound and I don't disagree. Thank you Neo for your input.
Let's think about this. Ray would say that the physical is first, then the spiritual. Well, with marriage you have a ceremony- the physical. Also, we have a physical relationship. But the spiritual in marriage? What would we say that is? Christ and His Church? Or God and His creation of male and female, one made for the other? Or the selflessness and the sacrifice it takes to join with someone in marriage ? Having children is one of the greatest acts of faith we do. It's amazing what we learn about God as Father when we become parents . And we are children in the eyes of God. In fact, we are told we Must be as little children to come to Him. Just having a stream of thought here.
If we cannot have peaceful discourse about marriage knowing what we know and who we are, then who can?
Navigation
[0] Message Index
[#] Next page
[*] Previous page
Go to full version