The Family Exposed
February 22, 2011
We live in a world today that is very often outrightly opposed to Biblical prinicpals of Family and Marriage.The next few weeks we will be adressing the issue of Marriage and Family and as a way of introduction We took a look at today's world view of marriage and family, what is at stake if we continue on with this trend, and if it is possible to right the ship and live as God intended in marriage and family.
First we looked histroically at some of the steps that ancient societies took prior to their fall and how historically the downfall and eventual devestation of a society followed very closely ont he coattails of the disolving of marriage and family as God has intended it.
Carl Zimmerman in his book "Family and Civilization" written in 1947 gave some startling insight into what had happened to Greek, Roman, French and German society (in regard to their views of marriage and family) prior to their fall from illustirous power and affluence. He makes these observations from history...and how fitting they are today:
1. Marriage loses it's sacredness - divorce and cohabitation without marriage becomes prevalent.
2. Feminest movements flourish - there is little desire for women to be a wife and mother....as well as no honor granted those who do pursue these things.
3. Increasing deisre for and acceptance of adultery - excuses and reason trump the bond of marriage.
4. Growing disregard for parental authority - And authority in general (ie: teachers, police,, etc.)
5. Growing Tolerance foor sexual perversions - The Biblical view of marriage and family is no longer respected but is quetioned and rejectied. as intolerant and narrow minded.
It is startling to see thse trends repeated in every one of the societies. And the impact that God's view of mariage and family has on Society. I belive this is one of the reasons we are called to be both "Salt and LIght" we are here to preserve and flavor society with what God has intended for us in these areas and in turn preserve healthiy relationships. Christian marrige today shines as a light probably brighter than ever when it is done according to Biblical principals, because the worlds view has become so darkened.
The World is changing rapidly and is tending towards erosion of Godl principals. But there are some things that do not change:
1. The heart of man - we are and have always been depraved. We will always tend toward selfishness,, and without the redeeming work of Christ we cannot pull out of this downward spiral, but even though Christ promises to do so we must submit our lives and actions to His will or we will continue in our depravity.
2. The Heart of God for people - God does not change like the shifting shadows or the changing tides nor is he changed when society does. His heart is that we find joy and peace in Him and that in following His principals we also find health in our relationships - marriage and otherwise.
3. God's Truth as laid out in Scripture - His Word is as relevant today as it was yesterday. It is interesting that society has changesd and repeated the same cycles but His desire for marriage and family has remained the same since Adam and Eve.
So is it possible to pull out o fthis downward spiral and what is it going to take to do so?
1. WAKE UP - look at your life and take stock of where YOU are. Are you right now questioning whether God's rpincipals really fit in today's society or are you viewing God's Word as an authority? Are you aware of any sin in your life that has gone unchecked and unrepented of. wake up and realize what is at stake here.
2. LISTEN UP - Get into the Word of God. Find Godly literature, conferences, and mentors to help you form a BIblical view of marriage instead of a worldly world view.
3. SPEAK UP - Be proud to follow God's design for marriage and family. Talk plainly and confidently about God's desire and also God's blessings within a God centered family. This does not mean that we have to be argumentative but that we actually let our light shine before men.
4. LOOK UP - Pray for your marriages and for your children. Christ left us with His Spirit to help guide us and counsel us in many areas and I believe marrige and family are dear to God's heart and He will honor your requests for wisdom and grace in regard to these areas.
If you don't feel that you can make a differnce...
In the 18th century Britain was in shambles, kids filled the streets becaus they had been abandoned, adultery was public and open even within government offices, sin was every where. Parliment was dismissed early one afternoon because there were too many who were drunk. But two men JOHN WESLEY, and GEORGE WHITEFIELD. dedicated themselves to prayer for revival of their country and God honored their prayers and Britain was spared the same fate as France, Rome, and Greece. Many people credit these two men for saving all of Britain. Read about it in either of these two mens biographies.
Please pray for our families and for those who are hurting in these areas.
Many of these principals were found with very little searching but with much discretion. Please be wise and discerning in what you both read an dlisten to! Podcasts by Swindoll, Dobson, Mark Drscoll are all available along with hundreds of books on the topic. So study and look for God's truth and He will honor you.
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