1. Biblical Examinations Of An Emotional & Controversial Subject

2. Biblical Examinations Of An Emotional & Controversial Subject

3. Biblical Examinations Of An Emotional & Controversial Subject MARRIAGE – Love Designed By God  A relationship for which we should prepare  How much preparation for a marriage license?  We require more training for secular careers than for life’s most important human relationship  Proper preparation for marriage on the part of both parents and children is necessary for successful marriages

4. Biblical Examinations Of An Emotional & Controversial Subject MARRIAGE – Love Designed By God  A relationship for which we should prepare  Parents are concerned whom their children will eventually marry cp. Gen 24:1-4  Abraham arranged the marriage for Isaac  His did not want a daughter-in-law from among the Canaanite people…he desired a wife for Isaac from among his own people, relatives

5. Biblical Examinations Of An Emotional & Controversial Subject MARRIAGE – Love Designed By God  A relationship for which we should prepare  It is not recorded what Abraham’s concerns were  Our first thoughts would most likely be idolatry  However, there may have been other cultural indicators that made the patriarch worry about his son’s future marriage

6. Biblical Examinations Of An Emotional & Controversial Subject MARRIAGE – Love Designed By God  A relationship for which we should prepare  Even though parents today cannot arrange their children’s marriage, principles from Abraham’s actions certainly can be applied  It is not sinful, wrong for our children to marry unbelievers…“Canaanites” around them 1 Cor 7:12-13 1 Pet 3:1-2, 5

7. Biblical Examinations Of An Emotional & Controversial Subject MARRIAGE – Love Designed By God  A relationship for which we should prepare  However, marrying unbelievers is dangerous  Becoming “one” with such a spouse is quite often a recipe for disaster Mt 19:6a  Yet, the answer is not simply “Marry a Christian”  Some who have obeyed the gospel also would not make good marriage partners for our children

8. Biblical Examinations Of An Emotional & Controversial Subject MARRIAGE – Love Designed By God  A relationship for which we should prepare  Parents should help their children look for and date those with “honest and good hearts”… ones who will help them do right and share their goals Lk 8:15  This “preparation” is not only spiritual …parents also have physical concerns Song of Sol 8:8-9

9. Biblical Examinations Of An Emotional & Controversial Subject

10. MARRIAGE – Love Designed By God  A relationship for which we should prepare  The teaching of Song of Sol 8:8-9  Some girls are a “wall” Ù they can say “NO”  With such a daughter, parents build upon her a “battlement” or “parapet” (reinforcements)  Made of “silver” Ù indicates her preciousness that must be guarded, defended

11. Biblical Examinations Of An Emotional & Controversial Subject MARRIAGE – Love Designed By God  A relationship for which we should prepare  The teaching of Song of Sol 8:8-9  Some girls are a “door” Ù they can’t say “NO”  With such a daughter, parents “barricade” her with walls until she can learn to protect herself and guard her reputation  These concerns are equal re: our sons

12. Biblical Examinations Of An Emotional & Controversial Subject MARRIAGE – Love Designed By God  A relationship for which we should prepare  Parents should begin early teaching their children these important principles that will help prepare them for when they eventually marry  What helped the Shulammite learn to say “NO” was her mother’s instruction Song of Sol 8:2

13. Biblical Examinations Of An Emotional & Controversial Subject MARRIAGE – Love Designed By God  The importance of dating & courtship  Because parents do not arrange their children’s marriages, dating is a necessary topic to teach  The only real love our children know during their growing up years is parental love  Then, hormones eventually “kick in”…members of the opposite one day are no longer “gross”

14. Biblical Examinations Of An Emotional & Controversial Subject MARRIAGE – Love Designed By God  The importance of dating & courtship  Dating is the final challenge parents face before their children leave home  The real purpose of dating must be taught  Today, many young people are encouraged to date for popularity, premarital sex, fun  Dating is for finding a compatible, “suitable” mate

15. Biblical Examinations Of An Emotional & Controversial Subject MARRIAGE – Love Designed By God  The importance of dating & courtship  The Song Of Solomon speaks to this necessity  The theme is stated 3 times… 2:7; 3:5; & 8:4 “Do not arouse nor awaken love until it pleases.” [NASV]  The Shulammite warns Solomon’s harem that she should not be rushed into marrying the king

16. Biblical Examinations Of An Emotional & Controversial Subject MARRIAGE – Love Designed By God  The importance of dating & courtship  The only way to allow love to be aroused (grow) is during the dating/courtship process  Dating provides the time and opportunities to really get to know someone’s “suitability”  Of course, one can’t learn everything…but, one generally speaking, one can learn enough

17. Biblical Examinations Of An Emotional & Controversial Subject MARRIAGE – Love Designed By God  The Biblically stated purposes for marriage  The relationship by which the human race is propagated Gen 1:28  The solution to man’s problem of loneliness and lack of companionship Gen 2:18  The legitimate place for man to satisfy the God-given sexual appetite 1 Cor 7:2-5 Heb 13:4

18. Biblical Examinations Of An Emotional & Controversial Subject