God’s creative work was not complete until He made woman. And then marriage and family became the basis of society-the central organizing unit. God could have made woman from the dust of the ground as He had made man.
Continue reading WHAT IS THE IMPORTANCE OF MARRIAGE?
The spirit of the seventh commandment is taught by Jesus Matthew 5:27-30. Looking lustfully at a member of the opposite sex is an action far short of intercourse. Yet Jesus warns that this common daily occurrence violates the intentions of the commandment.
Continue reading DOES THE SEVENTH COMMANDMENT PERMIT SEXUAL ACITIVITY, AS LONG AS ADULTERY IS AVOIDED?
It was Solomon who built up a professional army, for through taxation and trading he was able to accumulate sufficient wealth to pay for it (1 Kings 10:25-27). In times of national emergency the regular army was supplemented by conscripts. Recruiting officers went through the tribes on such occasions and were still in use at a much later date (2 Kings 25:18; 2 Chronicles 11:1).
Continue reading MANNERS AND CUSTOMS OF THE BIBLE (SOLOMON’S ARMY)
By the time Sarah was seventy-six years old, she felt certain she would never give Abraham a child. “Go and sleep with my servant,” she told him. “Perhaps I can have children through her” (Genesis 16:2). Abraham slept with Hagar, and Ishmael was born.
Continue reading LITTLE KNOWN FACTS ABOUT (SURROGATE MOTHER, ANCIENT STYLE)
The bible confronts a husband and wife with the lifelong challenge of patterning their relationship after the relationship between Jesus and the church. Certain assumptions follow.
Continue reading HOW IS MARRIAGE LIKE THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CHRIST AND THE CHURCH?
One theme rings throughout this unique Bible book: Falling head over heels in love is fantastic! The pleasure of sexual intercourse is celebrated here in language that leaves no doubt. This book has been interpreted by some as an allegory, devaluing the erotic element in favor of a more vertical meaning (God’s love of Israel, for example). But the plan language of the book is devoted powerfully to celebrating God’s gift of love to a man and woman. So, let’s face it-if you’re going to meet and fall in love, do it this way.
Continue reading IS EROTIC LOVE OKAY?
Egyptian royal name meaning “Thoth the moon god is born.” Four pharaohs of the Egyptian 18th Dynasty (ca, 1550-1310 B.C.). Their combined efforts, especially those of Thutmose I and III, did much to expand Egyptian wealth and influence.
Continue reading DEFINITION OF THE DAY (THUTMOSE)
For good reasons, some of which are associated with the universal male tendency toward sexual conquest. In general, the heart of a man will roam, while the heart of a woman seeks a home. Male sexual energy persists past female menopause, causing men to seek younger partners-or at least to be vulnerable to the temptation of doing so. The male by nature has no long-term investment in pregnancy; he may inseminate regularly with no time lost for childbirth. How are these biological appetites to be curbed, directed, focused?
Continue reading WHY ARE HUSBANDS SINGLED OUT AS THE PARTY RESPONSIBLE FOR KEEPING A MARRIAGE STRONG?
There is nothing wrong with women wanting to look their best. Paul’s point in this passage is that flamboyance and immodesty in dress are out of place in public worship. Our appearance should not be a distraction to others as they seek to commune with the Lord. And this applies to men as well as women!
Continue reading BIBLE CUSTOMS AND CURIOSITIES (DRESS FOR WORSHIP)
Cloth covering. 1. Women’s veils Rebekah veiled herself before meeting Isaac (Gen 24:65). Her veil was perhaps the sign that she was a marriageable maiden. Tamar used her veil to conceal her identity from Judah (Gen 38:14,19). Another Hebrew term renders “veil” at Isa 3:23. Here veils are but one of the items of finery the elite women of Jerusalem would lose in the coming siege. The same Hebrew term in rendered “shawl” (NASB), “cloak” (HCSB, NIV, REB), and “mantle” (KJV, NRSV) at Song 5:7. There, removal of the shawl was part of a
Continue reading DEFINITION OF DAY (VEIL)