Beech Tree News Network

Satan has been fighting against the home and family since Genesis 3:1-6! The home and family is the basis of society. How a person is raised has an effect upon how he will respond to God’s word. Thus, Satan tries to infiltrate the home and keep man from believing God’s word. If he can get men to doubt the truth of the Bible, then precious souls may die in their sin (Jn. 8:24). Further, our government leaders’ principles and values are based upon what they were taught as children. Therefore, by Satan attacking one divine institution (home), he can also affect two other divine institutions (church and government).

    It is incumbent upon parents to teach their children the way of the Lord (Prov. 22:6; Eph. 6:4). Among the subjects we need to teach, we need to teach our children about God’s plan for the family (Gen. 2:18-25; Matt. 19:4-6). We live in a time in which many wish to change the “roles” of men and women, and as a result, decimate what God has taught in Scripture.

    When we read the Bible, we see God’s rule for marriage is that one man and one woman are to be married for the rest of their lives (Gen. 2:18-25). No other combination is given as an option! When we read Jesus’ teaching, He refers to God’s creation and adds, “What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder” (Matt. 19:6). In other words, man and woman are to be married for the rest their lives. Romans 7:1-3 leaves no doubt that marriage is for life. This marriage consists of a husband (male) and a wife (female). This is God’s definition.

    Within this relationship, we see that children are legitimately brought into this world. Hebrews 13:4 states, “Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.” Many are getting things in the wrong order and bringing children into this world before marriage. This is a sin. Please understand, we can be forgiven of this sin when we repent (Acts 2:38, 17:30; II Pet 3:9), but folks doing things in the wrong order will invite consequences that must be dealt with for years to come.

    When man chooses to defy God’s rule, he is inviting sin and wickedness into his life (I Jn. 3:4; Jas. 4:17). This is what we are living with today when we see homosexual marriages, folks simply “shacked-up” together, people having sexual relations outside of marriage, people “questioning” their gender, etc. These kinds of issues are the result of people not listening to God but listening to self and Satan. We are not “glorified amoral apes” with no sense of right and wrong (Gen. 2:7, 18-25). We can control our urges and we can fight sin (I Cor. 10:13; I Jn. 2:15-17). There is no question about that. The question is whether or not we will do it!

    God has given us His definition of a family. Will we accept it, or will we join those trying to redefine the family unit? Will we listen to the ever-changing beliefs of this world, or will we listen to the word of God that does not change (Ps. 119:89; Matt. 24:35)? Let us determine to listen to the Lord on this subject and all other subjects, and be a blessed people (Jas. 1:25)!

-- You are invited to visit with the Caneyville church of Christ. Times of services: Sun.: 10:00 am, 10:45 am, 5:00 pm; Wed.: 7:00 pm. Website: http://caneyvillechurchofchrist.com Tune in to our radio program 101.5 FM at 5:30 am, Mon-Fri. Questions? Call: (270) 589-4167