The idyllic marital bliss of Adam and Eve was split in two when sin wedged itself between them. Everything changed, between this couple and every other couple in history. Divorces are epidemic, and though the causes are myriad, at their root is sin. One partner's sin may be overt, but the failure that results in a broken marriage is invariably a two-way journey traveled by two guilty sinners. But once the divorce is finalized, the question often arises: “Is remarriage always permissible . . . never permissible . . . sometimes permissible?” What does Scripture say?Download Message Mates
January 3, 2017
The idyllic marital bliss of Adam and Eve was split in two when sin wedged itself between them. Everything changed, between this couple and every other couple in history. Divorces are epidemic, and though the causes are myriad, at their root is sin. One partner's sin may be overt, but the failure that results in a broken marriage is invariably a two-way journey traveled by two guilty sinners. But once the divorce is finalized, the question often arises: “Is remarriage always permissible . . . never permissible . . . sometimes permissible?” What does Scripture say?Download Message Mates
January 2, 2017
The idyllic marital bliss of Adam and Eve was split in two when sin wedged itself between them. Everything changed, between this couple and every other couple in history. Divorces are epidemic, and though the causes are myriad, at their root is sin. One partner's sin may be overt, but the failure that results in a broken marriage is invariably a two-way journey traveled by two guilty sinners. But once the divorce is finalized, the question often arises: “Is remarriage always permissible . . . never permissible . . . sometimes permissible?” What does Scripture say?Download Message Mates
December 30, 2016
No study on the subject of grace would be complete without addressing its importance in the home, especially between marriage partners. We have spent considerable time examining God’s grace in His offering salvation to those who are lost, spiritually dead, and unable to do anything to earn divine acceptance. We’ve called that “vertical grace.” We have also searched Scripture for insight in the realm of “horizontal grace,” our attitude toward and treatment of one another. But we have not specifically considered the essential value of grace in the husband-wife relationship. As we shall see in this lesson, grace is the oil that decreases domestic friction, the one ingredient that prompts us to release our partners to be all God would have them be, all the while affirming one another in an atmosphere of unconditional love.Download Message Mates
December 29, 2016
No study on the subject of grace would be complete without addressing its importance in the home, especially between marriage partners. We have spent considerable time examining God’s grace in His offering salvation to those who are lost, spiritually dead, and unable to do anything to earn divine acceptance. We’ve called that “vertical grace.” We have also searched Scripture for insight in the realm of “horizontal grace,” our attitude toward and treatment of one another. But we have not specifically considered the essential value of grace in the husband-wife relationship. As we shall see in this lesson, grace is the oil that decreases domestic friction, the one ingredient that prompts us to release our partners to be all God would have them be, all the while affirming one another in an atmosphere of unconditional love.Download Message Mates
December 28, 2016
No study on the subject of grace would be complete without addressing its importance in the home, especially between marriage partners. We have spent considerable time examining God’s grace in His offering salvation to those who are lost, spiritually dead, and unable to do anything to earn divine acceptance. We’ve called that “vertical grace.” We have also searched Scripture for insight in the realm of “horizontal grace,” our attitude toward and treatment of one another. But we have not specifically considered the essential value of grace in the husband-wife relationship. As we shall see in this lesson, grace is the oil that decreases domestic friction, the one ingredient that prompts us to release our partners to be all God would have them be, all the while affirming one another in an atmosphere of unconditional love.Download Message Mates
December 27, 2016
The last stage of marriage is that period of time when the nest is empty—either empty of the children or of one of the mates . . . or both. This is a critical stage in the home. All sorts of strange and unpredictable feelings transpire, and we find ourselves in need of stabilizing thoughts and direction. God gives that to us in this passage from Hebrews. Though it was not originally written regarding marriage, it has practical overtones that perfectly apply to the domestic scene: pursue spiritual maturity.Download Message Mates
December 26, 2016
The last stage of marriage is that period of time when the nest is empty—either empty of the children or of one of the mates . . . or both. This is a critical stage in the home. All sorts of strange and unpredictable feelings transpire, and we find ourselves in need of stabilizing thoughts and direction. God gives that to us in this passage from Hebrews. Though it was not originally written regarding marriage, it has practical overtones that perfectly apply to the domestic scene: pursue spiritual maturity.Download Message Mates
December 23, 2016
Everybody gets older. Admit it or not. The question is, “Will we grow sweeter, or will we rot?” Once all the children have left the nest and two people who honeymooned together twenty-five or thirty years ago are left to “start over,” how can they resist negative tendencies and stay young at heart? How can they support each other’s growth toward spiritual maturity? Solomon, in the last two chapters of Ecclesiastes, set forth five reminders that couples must heed if they want to get better as they get older.
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December 22, 2016
Everybody gets older. Admit it or not. The question is, “Will we grow sweeter, or will we rot?” Once all the children have left the nest and two people who honeymooned together twenty-five or thirty years ago are left to “start over,” how can they resist negative tendencies and stay young at heart? How can they support each other’s growth toward spiritual maturity? Solomon, in the last two chapters of Ecclesiastes, set forth five reminders that couples must heed if they want to get better as they get older.
Download Message Mates
December 21, 2016