Why have relationships?

We were made for them.  (Gen. 2:18)

naked and unashamed (Gen. 2:25)

protecting and deflecting (vs. 7-13)

Characteristics of protecting: Feeling alone

                                            Feeling bored

Characteristics of deflecting: angry, touchy

clothed and cared for.

5 characteristics of a true friend:

1)  initiate without attacking. (vs. 9)
2)  inquire without accusing. (vs. 11)
3)  tell the truth. (vs. 16-19)
4)  respond not retreat
5)  protect not parade. (vs. 21)

I. The Meaning of Marriage in the Bible (Genesis 2:18, 24; 1:28)

Overcome the loneliness (Gen. 2:18)

Share the lives together

A new life bonded together physically (Gen. 2:24)

A most intimate relationship (Gen. 2:24)

Extending the lives (Gen. 1:28)

• Divorce is never God's desire. (Matt. 19:6,8)
• Divorce is permitted when adultery has happened. (Matt. 19:9)
• When both sides are Christians, reconciliation is the only option, not divorce. (1 Cor. 7:10-11)
• When a Christian married a non-Christian, divorce is permitted only when the non-Christian initiated it. (1 Cor. 7:12-15)

• Abused or life threatened
• Cannot lead a normal life; mental breakdown or in persistent vegetative state
• Divorce before becoming a Christian
• Cheating

• Divorce is always wrong in God's eyes. (Malachi 2:16)

We should never think of it as right or celebrate it.
• Divorce means breaking the vow and covenant.
• Divorce destroys the "one flesh" concept.
• Today's marriage is so complicated.  It cannot be answered with a simple formula.
• A truly repentant Christian is always accepted by God.  As a church, we should provide love and healing.
• With the two exceptions (Matt. 19:3-12 and 1 Cor. 7:10-16) and other special situations, divorce is permitted but reconciliation is always the better solution.
• The price of divorce is great.

Introduction

• I am certain that God has His timing (Ecclesiastes 3:1-11)

• I am certain that God still loves us (John 13:1)

• I am certain that God is our support (John 15)

• I am certain of God's task for us (John 15:16; 1 Peter 2:4-5; 1 Cor. 3:10-13)

• I am certain of responsibility to others (1 Thess. 5:25; 2 Thess. 1:11; 3:1)

I.  Introduction
 

II.  The Observation of Life Causes Doubt (Psm 73:1-14)
 

III.  The Revelation of God Brings Faith (Psm 73:15-28)
 

IV.  Conclusion

I. Introduction
 

II. Look to the Past with Love (Acts 20: 17-19)
 

III. Look to the Present with Faith (Acts 20: 20-27)
 

IV. Look to the Future with Hope (Acts 20:28-38)
 

V. Conclusion