Some sections of Scripture seem more like a minefield littered with explosives than a treasure chest full of truth. One such section of Scripture deals with the topic of a wife submitting to her husband. We step into it with the full understanding that the topic is known for flaring tempers and causing misunderstandings. Rather than ignoring it, how much more does this passage cry out for a level-headed approach informed by historical, cultural, and biblical contexts? So let’s tackle the question: What does submission really mean?Download Message Mates
January 10, 2021
Some sections of Scripture seem more like a minefield littered with explosives than a treasure chest full of truth. One such section of Scripture deals with the topic of a wife submitting to her husband. We step into it with the full understanding that the topic is known for flaring tempers and causing misunderstandings. Rather than ignoring it, how much more does this passage cry out for a level-headed approach informed by historical, cultural, and biblical contexts? So let’s tackle the question: What does submission really mean?Download Message Mates
January 3, 2021
Some sections of Scripture seem more like a minefield littered with explosives than a treasure chest full of truth. One such section of Scripture deals with the topic of a wife submitting to her husband. We step into it with the full understanding that the topic is known for flaring tempers and causing misunderstandings. Rather than ignoring it, how much more does this passage cry out for a level-headed approach informed by historical, cultural, and biblical contexts? So let’s tackle the question: What does submission really mean?Download Message Mates
December 27, 2020
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 20, 2020
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 13, 2020
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 6, 2020
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
November 29, 2020
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
November 22, 2020
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
November 15, 2020
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
November 8, 2020