Sunday Ministry Recap (Apr. 15)

Scripture Focus:

Genesis 24 - A Bride for Isaac

Key Thoughts Shared by Various Brothers:

Principles of finding a marriage partner: (1) Marry only spiritual "kin" ... "be not unequally yoked" - v. 3. (2) You are not alone in the process - v. 7. (3) Pray for guidance (applies to both young people and parents) - v. 12. (4) Go where you are likely to meet the right kind of people - v. 11. (5) Be committed to purity before marriage - v. 16. (6) Look for someone (and be someone) with a servant heart - v. 19. (7) Involve parents in the process - v. 28. (8) Final decision up to the young people involved ... i.e., not forced marriage - v. 57. (9) Be committed not only to purity but also to modesty before marriage - v. 65. (10) Love is a choice, not something you "fall" into - v. 67.

When we reject the world's "dating" system and come to the Word for guidance in finding a marriage partner ... for instance, in looking at a passage like this ... we must try to distinguish the cultural incidentals from the lasting principles. One lasting principle presented clearly here (one that may play out differently in different cultures) ... is parental involvement and authority. Young people are foolish to spurn their parents' involvement and authority in this decision ... and many have bought for themselves a lifetime of regret by doing so. "But I'm in love" ... exactly the worse time to expect to make a sound and rational decision! Girls, your father can read a young man's motives and character better than you can. Friendly interaction with young men is one thing, but when it comes to any hint of romantic pairing off, that needs to be channeled through your father!

Greg reminded us as parents not to dread or be fearful in this process ... be excited about it with your children. Approach it with joy and good humor. Alan noted the specific prayer of Abraham's servant and encouraged us to be specific in our prayers regarding finding a marriage partner ... and gave an example from his own "courtship" with Teresa. Steve drew attention to verse 27 ... "being in the way, the Lord led me" ... guidance is not usually a process of sitting around waiting on the "leading of the Lord."

This passage also presents a type (picture) of the Holy Spirit being sent by the Father to call out a bride for Christ. We are commanded to love our wives as Christ loved the church.


Next week: Senator Hank Erwin.