DIVORCE NOT AN OPTION- SUNDAY SERVICE

DIVORCE NOT AN OPTION

As a member of the Kingdom Family, there is something that should not be allowed to cut across our minds in marriage; this is divorce. Unfortunately, this is a cold fire that is ravaging homes today. Many think it is the solution but it is a pollution in the system. The Bible is against it. It is never an option to solving that problem.

Note the following:

Mal. 2:14-16      -   The Lord watches over the relationship in marriage. He expects a conjugal love with the wife of your youth and He says, He hates divorce.

Mk. 10:9                -   No man is allowed to cause separation.

Mt. 19:7-9             -   Some use this passage to support divorce, but a careful look reveals that it was because of the hardness, stubbornness, and the pressure of the people on Moses that it was thus stated; and that “from the beginning it was not so.”

                             

                              Our God has not changed even though there are even greater pressures today. Even in the case of (fornication) sexual immorality, you are taught to forgive.

I Cor.7:1-3      -   this passage is explanatory on this issue because it says Paul’s suggestion not a command from the Lord, but at the close of the passage he gave the Lord’s instruction emphasizing peace-God has called us to peace not separation.

                                    The Devil’s work is to push man to sin against God by causing him or her to be an adulterer or adulteress knowing that it is written, “no adulterer shall inherit the kingdom of God” (I Cor.6:9). Heb. 13:4 says God will judge them.

For future peace in the home, the older ones have the duty to teach the youths to seek the

face of God before going into marriage because it is not all that glitters that is gold. Youths must marry in the perfect will of God, build on the solid foundation Jesus Christ, because all the building on sand shall crumble in the face of the marital storm (Mt.7:24-27).

The youths should go into marriage with the determination that it will work for them; there should not be a plan B. There should be total commitment with prayers and the Almighty God will honour His name in our marriages.

For those having problems now, I counsel you go back to God in prayers. Trace

 Your steps and identify where you have missed it. Be sincere with yourself. Our God is

the God of the second chance. Marriage is planned to be a blessing depending on how you

have handled or are handling it. It is meant to be enjoyed, not endured.

Trust God for peace in that marriage and the storm shall be stilled in Jesus Name.

FOR THE FAMILY- Be fruitful and persevere

FAMILY WEEKEND SPECIAL

BASICS FOR THE KINGDOM- MAKE A DECISION (II)

Your decision also covers the conditions for inheriting the kingdom. You must be involved in the service of the Lord, especially as prescribed in Matt. 22:37-39.

The first part is to love the Lord by giving yourself in worship to Him and causing your family to wholeheartedly love and worship Him. The second part involves loving your neighbor. This is the call to service: showing love to the less priviledged, using your position and whatever God has given you to benefit others; and winning souls and persevering in the kingdom journey.

(1)               Mt. 25:34-40 - There are a lot of the hungry, naked, sick, and thirsty around us. What are we doing concerning them? The church is also supposed to be involved in social services.

This sympathetic service is very crucial to our inheriting the kingdom.

Lk. 10:33-37   -   Develop a ministry of help to your neighbours.

Rom. 15:1     -  The strong (physically, financially, socially etc) are to help the weak

Jam. 1:27         -   This, God accepts as being heart of pure religion.

(2)               Make a decision to bear fruit

Your family must be such that will bring other families to the Lord by your exemplary Christian living and evangelism. The life you live, both parents and children, must bring glory to God, in order to inherit the kingdom of God, and stimulate others to seek your God.

God’s Expectations:

Jn. 15:1-2        -   As branches in the vine, fruit bearing must be our goal.

Mt. 3:8                        -   Fruit of repentance must be seen in us.

Psa. 92:13-14  -  Soul winning is for all the period of our lives. It is both for the young and old.

Lk. 13:6           - Unfruitful life disappoints Him but much more, it brings judgment and rejection (Mt. 3:10; Heb. 6:8) so be fruitful.

(3)               Persevere on this way

This has to do with one’s maturity in the spirit. It is one aspect of the Fruit of the Spirit. The journey to the kingdom requires a degree of perseverance or long suffering, but unfortunately many, today on this way, have the microwave mentality which is far from it.

Eph. 6:18         -   Be watchful to the end with perseverance.

Lk. 9:62           -   There must be no looking back.

I Kgs. 18:21    -   Never operate between two opinions. Stay put with God.

In whatever situation you are passing through, He will surely prove Himself strong on your behalf.

Hos. 6:4       -   No display of immaturity or instability. Stay put with the Lord. Teach the children that the race to the kingdom of God is a marathon, not a sprint; hence they have to be focused and be prepared to face situations squarely.

Perseverance is handled with prayers.

Eph. 6:18 says praying ALWAYS with ALL PRAYER and supplication in the spirit. Perseverance is far from the CARNAL; only for the spiritual (Rom. 8:6-8).

It is my prayer that the Almighty will help us to develop spiritually; bear fruit and make humble services for Him to inherit the kingdom.

THE KINGDOM FAMILY

FAMILY WEEKEND SERIES

BASICS FOR THE KINGDOM- MAKE A DECISION (1)

Jos. 24:15

In the process of decision making, there is resolute determination. Joshua was resolute about the decision, so it should be for every one of us. It’s very important to prepare our houses to serve the lord, thus the couple should pray and encourage one another and the children. Now that everybody is trying to do his own thing in his own way, we as Christian families need to take our stand and live by example.

(1)         BE AN EXAMPLE OF A GODLY COUPLE

WIFE

• Wife should be an example of submission (Eph.5:22;Col.3:18).
• Should give honour and respect (Est. 1:20; I Tim. 3:11;Eph 5:33).
• Should be hospitable and home-maker (Prov. 31:27; Tit. 2:4-5).

HUSBAND

• Should be an example of love (Eph. 5:25).
• In leaving and cleaving (Gen. 2:33-24; Eccl. 9:9).
• Honouring his wife (I Pet. 3:7).
• Striving to understand her (I Pet. 3:7).

(2)         BE GUIDED BY BIBLICAL PRINCIPLES

Let your actions and decisions be guided by the word, because:

Psa.119:105 -              The word is a lamp unto your feet for guidance and the light unto your path that you never slip.

Psa.119:130 -              It gives understanding of every situation.

Psa.119:89 -                The word stands firm; never wrestle with it.

                                    Let the word always have its way.

BENEFITS:

Jer.15:16 -       When the principles of God’s word are well taken, they bring joy and rejoicing to your heart.

Jn. 14:21 -       You will experience God’s love and manifestation.

Areas of constant wrestling: submission, finance, dressing, adornment, holiness etc. Only

learn to submit to the Lord; He is superior to man in all ways. You must take Bible-based

stand.

(3)         BE A GOOD INFLUENCE ON YOUR CHILDREN

The parents have a great influence on their children. Some have impacted children negatively while others have, positively. The children watch you from cradle; that is why they concentrate on your face when you carry them. Your lifestyle impacts them greatly. How are you impacting your children?

Note the following:

Prov.22:6 -            Train up a child in words and by example practical in your Christian life.

Eph. 6:4 -              They should be trained and admonished in the Lord.

Gen. 18:19 -          This is the testimony of God concerning Abraham.

I Kgs. 22:52 -        Ahaziah the son of Ahab and Jezebel did evil because of the negative influence of his parents. The parents committed atrocities, wickedness and demonstrated worldliness.

Jer.9:14 -               It is mostly whatever you teach the children that they do; especially by your lifestyle. Do you still take alcohol in secret, smoke, or are a redefined/rebranded prostitute in your dressing and social life?

2 Chr.17:3 -           God was with Jehoshaphat because he followed a good example. God will always manifest strongly in the life of those who walk in the kingdom principle.

2 Tim. 1:5 -            The influence of the grandmother and mother of Timothy was great on his life, hence he became a great instrument in the hand God.

Be of a positive influence on these children because you will give account on the last day. What you sow in them today will determine your harvest tomorrow! Mind how you sow.