Heal America: Rebuilding Biblical Families in the Foundation of the Gospel
The Heal America series will begin with a deep look at one of culture's largest discrepancies with the Bible's teaching: the family. Current society unfortunately sees a lot of broken marriages, and the modern trend is so commonplace and acceptable that few see it as alarming. This image needs to change however, and a more diligent focus devoted to the restoration of this practice of a Godly family is required. Pastor Joanne from the Faith and Family Foundation shared her perspective of the current situation and solution for today's families.
Pastor Joanne offered three main topics that need to be well defined for the Biblical model of a family: a true covenant, predestination, and the cross. These all should culminate in a successful beginning and continue into lasting marriage. When the worldly image is instead pursued, the focus becomes superficial topics like material wealth and outward appearance. But this sort of concept does not sustain itself, as people will quickly come to realize they don't know how to deal with conflict and the differences they individually bring to the table. True Biblical principles and the cross of Jesus are the only way to truly understand functional marriage.
The contract of a marriage is a worldly perspective that needs to be correctly adjusted into one of a covenant before God. It cannot be easily broken and abandoned based on conditions. A covenant is rather a promise before God. Love needs to succeed until the end and not allow for people to go their separate ways despite some form of difficulty. Contracts can be formed with different people and broken without much of an issue. However with a covenant, the family becomes more cohesive and determined to solve problems, not find other people as solution.
Predestination is also an important factor of any marriage. Understanding that God has a plan for each individual and striving to serve that greater purpose needs to come first. Actively pursuing marriage on one's own timeline and terms will surely lead to something God didn't intend. The last pillar that needs to be built is the cross. By focusing on Jesus' sacrifice, what is needed to make marriage successful can also be understood. Only through the unconditional love of Jesus can anyone be expected to love someone else in this same capacity. If the family is fully educated by these foundational ideas, marriage can avoid the problems of this world.
Resources currently exist that promote this kind of preparation and readiness to ensure the family is sacred and holy before God's perfect plan. The Faith and Family Foundation is a fantastic resource within the community that offers counseling and education about marriage, courtship, and faith. The importance of mediators and leaders must be realized, as getting help and asking questions is another way to stay grounded and firm within the gospel.
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