by Rick Marin | May 18, 2019 | Cycles of Life
Challenges to Family Unity
(Psalm 51:5; 58:3; Eph. 4:20-32; 5:15-33) Blog May 12-18, 2019
Prepared
by Richard A. Marin: Present Truth PO Box 700, Fallbrook CA
92088-0700 USA
REVIEW: Human beings were created for companionship as demonstrated
in the Deity in whose likeness we were created. Lasting relationships should be
built upon covenants. This provides stability and predictability because a
person’s obligations and privileges are clearly stated and entered into by
making vows in the presence of witnesses. The character and ability of the
covenant maker will determine the value of their promises. Only when the Gospel
of God’s grace is presented to us are we freed to make good choices so true
believers are the most likely to have successful relationships. While sin often
disrupts that model God has provided instructions and means for dealing with
sin. In regard to marital relationships, Solomon has left us an illustration of
how and when to form a family and what to look for in a spouse.
Hindrances to Family
Unity (Psa. 51:5; 58:3; Luke 1:35; 2 Cor. 5:21; James 4:1-10; 1 John 3:5)
1. From what two sources is family unity threatened? From without
(society) & from within (human nature).
2. What is there in society that threatens family unity? Dress,
food, entertainment, media, & general discontent.
3. With what nature were Adam and Eve created? With a perfect
sinless nature having no propensity (inclination) to evil.
4. What happened to human nature at the fall? It became depraved
& degenerate.
5. What is the difference between depravity and degeneracy?
Depravity is the corruption of our spiritual nature making us desire sin, while
degeneracy is the weakening of our physical, mental, & moral powers making
us weaker to resist evil.
6. Did Jesus have a depraved nature with a propensity to sin like
we have? No, there was no sin in him – he was born holy.
7. Did Jesus have a degenerate nature with weakened physical,
mental, & moral powers? Yes, his heredity was just like ours except for
sin.
8. Where is a depraved, sinful nature found in the family? In the
parents & in every child from conception on.
Keys
to Family Unity (1 Cor. 7:14; Eph. 1:13-14; 5:15-33)
9. If parents and children are all corrupt by nature and weakened
by the fall what hope is there for family unity? The only hope is in the mercy
of God who gives his Holy Spirit to everyone who accepts Jesus as their Lord
& Saviour.
10. What does the Bible say about if only one parent is a
believer? “For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the
unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband: else were your children unclean;
but now are they holy.” 1 Cor.7:14.
12. What is the most basic and most important interpersonal
ingredient for family unity? That husbands love their wives.
13. How does the Bible say a woman should respond to a loving
husband? By submission.
14. What principle of family unity does Paul give in Ephesians
5:21? That of mutual submission.
15. What three things does Paul list in Ephesians 5:18-20 as being
prerequisites to family unity? Being filled with God’s Holy Spirit, being
joyful in heart, & being always thankful for everything.
16. According to Romans 5:5 what basic ingredient to family unity
are believers given when the Holy Spirit comes into their heart? Love.
The Joys of Family
Unity (Rom. 3:23; Eph. 4:20-32)
17. What is a dysfunctional family? A family in which conflict,
misbehavior, or child neglect occurs.
18. What Bible family would you NOT label as dysfunctional? Maybe
that of Daniel, very few indeed would qualify for Scripture says: “All have
sinned and continue to come short of the glory of God.”
19. Despite the dysfunction of family members name some Bible
families who overcame their dysfunctionality to produce godly children. Abraham
& Sarah; Amram & Jochebed; Boaz & Ruth, Elkanah & Hannah, the
parents of Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Ezra, & Nehemiah; Joseph & Mary;
the parents of James & John; Eunice & her husband;
20. According to Ephesians 4:20-32 what are we to do to promote
family unity? We are to put off our old lifestyle & take on a new attitude,
no longer lying, getting angry with one another, stealing, nor speaking
corruptly but rather being kind & tenderhearted one to another, forgiving
one another.
21. Will family unity ever be achieved without putting individual
effort towards that goal? No, we are to work & God works with us to
accomplish this goal.
by Rick Marin | May 11, 2019 | Cycles of Life
Where in Song of Solomon is Solomon’s wedding day depicted?
(Song of Solomon 1-8; Gen. 2:7; 1 Cor. 6:15-20; Heb. 13:4-5) Blog 05-11 May, 2019
Prepared by Richard A. Marin: Present
Truth PO Box 700, Fallbrook CA 92088-0700 USA
REVIEW: Relationships built upon covenants are stable and
predictable because a person’s obligations and privileges are clearly stated
and entered into by making vows in the presence of witnesses. Only when the
Gospel of God’s grace is presented to us are we freed to make right choices
like: Who will we worship? What will be our life work? & Who will we marry?
Human beings were created for companionship as demonstrated in the Deity in
whose likeness they were created. Sin often disrupts that model but God has
given instructions in his Word that will help us in every situation.
The Human Body (Gen. 2:7; 2
Cor. 5:10; Eccl. 3:21; 9:5-6; 12:7;)
1. What act of God shows he highly regards the
human body? The creation of Adam and Eve.
2. What final act of God shows that what we do
with our bodies is important to him? His final judgment where we must each
appear to give account for what we have done in the body.
3. According to 1 Thessalonians 5:23 in what
process is the human body to be included? In the process of sanctification.
4. According to 1 Corinthians 6:16-18 what sin
does Paul say is especially against our body? Fornication.
5. According to 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 who dwells
in the body of Christians? The Holy Spirit.
6. Of what two elements is a human being
composed? Of spirit & body which when joined together make a human being, a
soul.
7. What happens to the spirit and to the body of
a human being at death? The spirit (breath & life record) returns to God
who gave it & the body rests in the grave which means the soul is dead
& has no feeling, joy, or thought.
Song
of Solomon (SS. 1:2,13; 2:6; 5:10-16; 7:1-97:4-9; Heb. 13:4-5; )
8. When the virgin speaks in Song of Solomon
1:2-7 what does she extol and confess? She extols Solomon’s love &
expresses her love for him although she considers herself unworthy.
9. In the verses that follow SS 2:7 what is
taking place between the two lovers? They are in conversation with each other,
spending time together, & extolling the virtues of the other by using
metaphors.
10. While the virgin remains in her secure place
(2:14) during courtship of what does Solomon warn (in 2:15) that could break up
their budding relationship? Little things that they must guard against, like
gophers that destroy young plants.
11. Where in Song of Solomon is Solomon’s
wedding day depicted? In SS 3:6-11.
12. What act of supreme importance in marriage
is given by the word “espousals” in SS 3:11? That of a marriage covenant,
without which physical union is only fornication & not marriage.
13. What does the groom do for his bride on
their wedding day? He sings to her describing her beauty & perfection.
14. In the Bible of what are springs and
fountains a symbol as seen in SS 4:12 & 15? Of reproductive organs employed
in sexual intimacy.
15. What should we learn from the phrase “a
spring shut up, a fountain sealed”? That the Shulamite maiden has remained a
virgin until her wedding day.
16. What should we learn from the repeated
references to body parts and intimate caressing in Song of Solomon? That God
does not despise the body nor should we & that he has designed the body for
pleasant sexual intercourse in marriage.
Fornication (Lev. 20:7-21; 1
Cor. 7:3-5; Col. 3:5-7; Heb. 13:4; Rev, 2:20-23)
17. Why does the Bible make repeated mention
that fornication and adultery is sin? Not because God desires to rob some
pleasure from us but in order to enhance the pleasure of sexual intimacy in
marriage for fornication & adultery only stain the conscience & defile
the body and unless repented of will lead to eternal death.
18. What lifestyle does Paul say in Romans
8:1-14 will enable us to avoid fleshly behaviour? That of walking after the
Spirit, meaning having God’s Spirit dwelling in us & his Spirit-inspired
Word as our counselor.
19. When tempted to yield to fleshly desires
what is the Christian to do? To kill that desire & refuse it to dwell in
the mind.
20. According to Revelation 2:20-23 of what is
physical fornication a type? It is a symbol for spiritual fornication which is
the union or blending of two things that should never be united, like church
& state or the Holy Spirit & the unbeliever.
by Rick Marin | May 4, 2019 | Cycles of Life
What will be the result for parents who correct their children?
(Proverbs 2:1-9; 10:17; 15:27; 23:14; 29:1; 31:10-31)
Blog Apr. 28-May 4, 2019
Prepared by
Richard A. Marin: Present Truth PO
Box 700, Fallbrook CA 92088-0700 USA
REVIEW: Life’s relationships built upon
covenants are stable and predictable because a person’s obligations and
privileges are clearly stated and entered into by making vows in the presence
of witnesses. Only when the Gospel of God’s grace is presented to us are we
freed to make right choices like: Who will we worship? What will be our life
work? & Who will we marry? Human beings were created for companionship as
demonstrated in the Deity in whose likeness they were created. Sin often
disrupts that model but God will not forsake us as long as we desire his companionship.
Pointers for parents (Prov.
2:1-9; 10:17; 13:24; 15:1, 18, 27; 16:32; 23:13-16; 27:23; 29:1, 15, 17)
1. According to Proverbs 23:14, Psalm 58:3, and
Romans 5:12 where is a child headed from birth? Hell, eternal death.
2. In proverbs what counsel does Solomon give to
parents in order to redirect the destiny of their children? To correct their
perverse ways if necessary using physical punishment.
3. What will be the result for parents who
correct their children? Their children will be wise & will bring joy to
their hearts.
4. According to Proverbs 2:1-9; 10:17; and 29:1
what is of prime importance for a person to accept? To accept instruction &
reproof.
5. According to Proverbs 27:23 of what should
parents continually keep knowledge? Of the the state & condition of their
family.
6. According to Proverbs 15:27 how can a parent
bring trouble to his home? By being greedy & taking bribes.
7. How are parents, children and spouses
encouraged to meet anger on the part of another? With soft answers & not
with anger nor with a contentious response.
8. What passage in Proverbs above all others
gives us an infallible guide for living? Proverbs 3:5-6.
A precious wife (Proverbs 21:9,
19; 27:15-16; 31:10-31)
9. What primary characteristic makes a wife
precious? Her consistent trustworthiness.
10. In Proverbs 31:13-19 what characteristic of
a precious wife does Solomon give? That she is industrious, a hard worker.
11. In Proverbs 31:20 what characteristic of a
precious wife does Solomon give? Generosity to the poor & needy.
12. In Proverbs 31:21 what characteristic of a
precious wife does Solomon give? That she prepares ahead of time & doesn’t
wait till the last minute.
13. In Proverbs 31:23 what characteristic of a
precious wife does Solomon give? That she prepares her husband to be successful
in society – she is a proper helper for him.
14. In Proverbs 31:24 what characteristic of a
precious wife does Solomon give? That she has a home-based income.
15. In Proverbs 31:26 what characteristic of a
precious wife does Solomon give? That she is wise & kind.
16. What response from her children and husband
does a precious wife receive? They call her blessed & praise her.
17. Apart from fair words and a beautiful body
what does Solomon say is the most important characteristic of a precious wife?
That she fears God – that she is an obedient believer in God.
Sexual detours (Prov. 5:1-23)
18. What is the subject of Proverbs 5? Sexual
behavior outside & inside marriage.
19. What is the natural propensity of young
people in regard to sexual advice from their parents and teachers? To disregard
their advice as outdated.
20. How does Solomon describe the speech of a
seductive person? As smoother than oil & sweeter than honey.
21. Where does Solomon say sexual encounters
with a person not your spouse will end up? They will end in poverty,
bitterness, disease, & death.
22. With whom does Solomon say a person should
enjoy sexual intimacy? With their own spouse.
by Rick Marin | Apr 27, 2019 | Cycles of Life
What was Adam to be for Eve?
(Gen 1:26-27; 2:18-25; Eccl. 4:9-12;
Matt. 19:3-12; 1 Cor. 7:1-40) Blog Apr. 21-27,
2019
Prepared by
Richard A. Marin: Present Truth PO
Box 700, Fallbrook CA 92088-0700 USA
REVIEW: Life’s relationships built upon
covenants are stable and predictable because ones obligations and privileges
are clearly stated and entered into by making vows in the presence of
witnesses. Our freedom to make right choices is restored when the Gospel of
God’s grace is presented to us. Apart from hearing the Gospel we are free to
choose only that which promotes our selfish desires. The three great choices we
have in life are: Who will we worship? What will be our life work? & Who
will we marry? Blessed is the person who makes them in that order under the
guidance of God’s Spirit for they will affect not only their life but the lives
of many others.
A heavenly example (Gen. 1:26-27;
Zech. 6:12, 13; Matt. 18:10; 27:46; 1 Cor. 1:10; 1 John
5:7)
1. In the likeness of what companionship were
Adam and Eve created? In the likeness of the Father, the Son, & the Holy
Spirit who continually commune with one another.
2. How is the unity of the Deity described in
the Bible? They three are as one.
3. How is the unity of the Deity manifested?
They three are one in purpose, attitude, & loving character but not in
person.
4. When was the unity of the Deity broken? At
the cross when Christ was forsaken of the father.
5. Who, more than any other human being suffered
rejection and loneliness? Jesus the Son of God, the Son of Mary.
A creation model (Gen. 2:18-25;
3:16-20;
Psa. 27:10; Eccl.
4:9-12; John 16:32-33; Phil. 4:11-13)
6. What was God’s attitude towards human
singleness at creation? He said: “It is not good for man to be alone.”
7. What was Eve to be for Adam? An helpmeet – an
appropriate companion.
8. What was Adam to be for Eve? A protector,
provider, pastor, & procreative partner.
9. What three directives did God give Adam and
Eve in their marriage covenant? They were to leave their parental home &
form a new home; they were to be joined together spiritually, emotionally,
& physically; and they were to consider themselves as a single unit.
10. With the entrance of sin how was the
marriage relationship affected? Both parties became selfish, attempting to
control the other party.
11. What advantages does Solomon list in
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 for companionship? Those of being able to help restore each
other when one falls & of being able to keep each other warm (in the things
of God) when surrounded by coldness.
12. What should be the third cord in any
relationship? The presence of God’s Holy Spirit to inspire, guide, &
empower.
13. When every earthly companion flees who remained
with Jesus (& Paul) and will remain with us? God, the Father.
A present reality (Mal. 2:16;
Matt. 12:31; 19:3-12; Rom. 7:1-3; 1 Cor. 7:1-40; 1 Thes. 4:13-18)
14. In a world where sin is rampant what often
breaks a marriage? Divorce.
15. What is God’s attitude towards divorce? He
hates it & he can forgive it.
16. What did Jesus give as the only grounds for
divorce? Adultery or fornication.
17. How else are marriages terminated? By the
death of one of the parties.
18. What advantages does the Bible give for
singleness? The ability to dedicate oneself more fully to missionary service
& the advancement of God’s cause.
19. What encouragement in regard to our departed
companions does Paul give in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17? That those who died
believing in Jesus will be resurrected when he returns & we will join them
in the air as we are all translated together to the Father’s home.
20. What can those believers whose spouse is not
a believer do to maintain spiritual companionship? They can become part of a
Bible study group while living out godly principles before their spouse that
may bring the spouse to Christ.
by Rick Marin | Apr 20, 2019 | Cycles of Life
What should be the first and mayor consideration in choosing a spouse?
(Psalm 71; 1 Cor. 10:1-13; 15:24-27) Blog Apr. 14-20, 2019
Prepared by
Richard A. Marin: Present Truth PO
Box 700, Fallbrook CA 92088-0700 USA
REVIEW:
Freedom of will is a gift from God. This he gave to Adam and Eve
at creation. Their free choice to sin robbed all their descendants of the
freedom to choose and do right. This freedom is now given to those who hear and
believe God’s Word. Apart from hearing the Gospel we are free to choose only
that which promotes our selfish desires. Relationships made apart from true
freedom have little chance of long term good for they are made by unregenerate people.
Only when the Gospel comes to us proclaiming freedom in Christ are we given the
freedom to choose and to do right. The three great choices we have in life are:
Who will we worship? What will be our life work? & Who will we marry? In
each a covenant should precede a relationship. Blessed is the person who makes
them in that order under the guidance of God’s Spirit for they will affect not
only their life but the lives of many others.
A Psalm of Preparedness for confronting life (Psalm
71:1-35; Acts 2:11)
1. When pleading for deliverance in the first
six verses of Psalm 71 of what does David remind God? That God has already
delivered him from his mother’s womb & kept him pure in his youth.
2. When others thought that God had abandoned
David in his old age according to verses 7-16 in what did he put his hope? He
didn’t put his hope in his obedience but rather he trusted only in God’s
righteousness.
3. When asking God in verses 17-19 not to
forsake him in his old age, for what reason does David request more life? That
he might declare God’s power to save (by HIS righteousness) to the generations
to come (the Psalms must be a fulfillment of this request).
4. When considering his trials and failures in
verses 20-21 in what future hope does David take courage? In the hope of
resurrection & eternal life.
5. When considering God’s great redemption and
his protection from his enemies what was David determined to do continually? To
speak of sing of & give praise all day long for God’s saving acts, his
glory, & especially for HIS righteousness (see verses 8, 14, 15, &
22-24).
6. When filled with God’s Holy Spirit on the Day
of Pentecost of what did the disciples speak? Of the wonderful works of God.
Preparation
for the Stages of Life’s (Jud. 13:1-25; 1 Kings 2:1-4; Psa. 71:1-35;
90:10; Amos 3:3; 1 Cor. 15:24-26; 2 Cor. 6:13; Heb. 9:27-28)
7. What should be the first and mayor
consideration in choosing a spouse? Are they a true believer in the present
truth?
8. What should a couple consider before having
children? Are they physically, emotionally, and financially able to properly
raise and educate the child?
9. What should a person consider before growing
old? How will he support himself? How will he maintain good health? Where will
he live?
10. What should a person consider before facing
death? That his salvation is secure in Christ & that his estate is in order
with designated beneficiaries.
Hindrances to preparedness
(1 Cor. 10:1-13; 9:27; Rom. 11:22; Gal. 5:4; Heb. 6:4-6)
11. According to 1 Corinthians 10:1-4 what kind
of people does Paul offer as an example believers?
Baptized church members who studied the Bible
and were guided by God’s Spirit – our spiritual parents.
12. What happened to the majority of those who
followed Moses out of Egyptian bondage? They died in the wilderness
13. What five sins does Paul warn us of that
could cause our spiritual death as Christians? lusting after evil things,
idolatry, fornication, tempting Christ, & murmuring.
14. According to 1 Corinthians 10:12 is it
possible for a true Christian to lose their salvation? Yes.
15. What hope for overcoming temptation does
Paul give believers in 1 Corinthians 10:13? You’re your temptations are no
different than those of other people & God will never allow you to be
tempted beyond your ability to resist with his help which is always supplied
when you are tempted.
by Rick Marin | Apr 13, 2019 | Cycles of Life
What freedom did the human race lose at the fall?
See also our issue on “free will,” titled “Free to Choose.”
(Gen. 2: 2:1-3, 14-25 Josh. 24:1-27; Rom. 14:7; Heb. 11:6) Blog Apr. 7-13, 2019
Prepared by
Richard A. Marin: Present Truth PO
Box 700, Fallbrook CA 92088-0700 USA
REVIEW:
Lasting relationships are built upon covenants. Covenants bind two
parties to stated obligations and privileges and are entered into by making
vows in the presence of witnesses. Once confirmed covenants govern
relationships for as long as stated or until broken.
Free will (Gen. 2:15-17; Josh. 24:1-27; Matt. 7:11;
12:34; 17:20; 19:26; Acts 24:25; 26:28-29; Rom. 10:17;
2 Cor. 5:20-6:2; Heb. 3:7-8; 11:6)
1. What inherent
freedom do all human beings possess today? The freedom to choose to do wrong.
2. What freedom of choice
did Adam and Eve have before the fall? The freedom to choose to do right or to
do wrong.
3. What freedom did the
human race lose at the fall? The freedom to choose to do right.
4. How can anyone today
choose to do right if they don’t have that inherent ability? In order for a
person to choose to do right that ability must come from outside of themselves.
5. When is a person given
the ability to choose to do right? When the Gospel of God is proclaimed to
them.
6. How do God’s biddings
become his enablings’? They become his enablings’ when the faith given in the
proclamation of the Gospel grasps the strength of God.
7. How does Joshua’s final appeal to Israel
illustrate the truth that the only time one can choose to do right is when they
are confronted with the Gospel? This is illustrated by the fact that before
asking Israel to make a decision he outlines God’s many deliverances in the
past.
8. On what basis did Joshua renew Israel’s
relationship to God? On the basis of a covenant with witnesses & a sign.
9. What word in Joshua’s appeal shows that like
Paul before Felix and Agrippa, the decision to do right must be made when the
Gospel is presented and not be postponed? The word “Today.”
Life’s
choices (Gen. 2:1-3; 15-25; Eph. 1:1-3; 1 Cor. 15:33; 2 Cor. 6:13)
10. What
are the three big choices that every person should make in this life? Who will
I worship? What will my life work be? Who will be my life partner?
11. In what order
should life’s three big choices be made? First who will I worship, second, what
will my life work be, & third, who will be my life partner.
12. What is the
condition of those who refuse to believe the Gospel? They remain under the wrath of God & will be
eternally lost.
13. When making friends what criteria are
recommended in 1 Corinthians 15:33? That your friends be honest in conversation
& lifestyle.
14. What should precede making big choices in
life? Prayer, Bible study, indications of Providence, & good counsel.
Bible examples of good and
bad choices (Gen. 12:1-4; 25:29-34; 1 Sam. 18:1-4; Acts 9:1-6; Rom. 14:7)
15. What were the results of Abraham’s choice to
leave family, friends, and homeland in order to obey God? He had the joy of
God’s acceptance while wandering as a pilgrim in this life & will have the
joy of eternal life with God.
16. What were the results of Esau’s choice to
sell his birthright for a bowl of soup? The loss of God’s blessing & the
beginning of many other bad choices.
17. What were the results of Jonathan’s choice
to befriend David and make a covenant with him? The joy of sweet fellowship
with God’s anointed and the preservation of the life of his family through
Mephibosheth.
18. What were the results of Saul’s choice to
stop persecuting Christians and believe in Jesus? A joyful life of persecuted
Gospel ministry & life eternal.
19. What does Romans 14:7 tell us about the
choices we make? That they will not just affect ourselves but that they will
affect others.
