To Live is Christ, Stand Firm

No matter what comes your way

 This is going to be a message that you really need to fully get. A message that is going to become more accurate as time goes on. A message that you, as a child of God, not only can, you NEED to stand firm. God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. His Word is the same yesterday today and forever. Jesus is the same yesterday today and forever. Stand firm.

Society and God used to agree, that the slaughter of the most innocent of all life is murder and wrong. Society changed. Thankfully society is changing the other way back. God never changed. Abortion is murder. Stand firm

Society and God use to agree that marriage is between one man and one woman. Society changed. God has not. Stand firm.

Society, Science, Biology, and God all agreed that if you were born a man you were a man or a woman and you were a woman. Society changed. This does not however change science, biology, and God. It also doesn't change the truth. Stand firm.

Truth is on God's side. ALWAYS. It does not matter what society says. It does not matter what the general consensus says. It does not matter if you agree or not. What God says is absolute truth. Stand firm.

Does this mean they will be angry with you? Yup. Stand firm. Does this mean they will hate you? Yup. Stand firm. Jesus tells us that this will happen.

“If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours." John 15:18-20

Trust me, I can give you my testimony of people I considered friends and even family who have literally come to hate me for no other reason than I believe in the Truth and God and His word. I posted a meme on Facebook that showed a picture of a rainbow. It said, "The rainbow is a symbol of God's promise to never flood the whole earth again. It is not a symbol of some of the sins that provoked the flood." This is simply the truth. You can find this truth in Genesis 9, well, here it is.

"I establish my covenant with you, that never again shall all flesh be cut off by the waters of the flood, and never again shall there be a flood to destroy the earth.” And God said, “This is the sign of the covenant that I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for all future generations: I have set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth. When I bring clouds over the earth and the bow is seen in the clouds, I will remember my covenant that is between me and you and every living creature of all flesh. And the waters shall never again become a flood to destroy all flesh. When the bow is in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is on the earth.” God said to Noah, “This is the sign of the covenant that I have established between me and all flesh that is on the earth.”" Genesis 9:11-17

Yet, society has taken this symbol and literally call it a symbol of Pride. A symbol of the LGBTQ etc community. They put it on tee shirts, flags, and just about everything. They say display it with pride. Pride in what? Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer or questioning. Homosexuality. Which God clearly calls sin. Leviticus 18:1-5, 22-24, 29, Leviticus 20:13, Ezekiel 16:49-51, Romans 1:18-32, just to name a few places in the Word.

I simply posted the mem with the Rainbow and what it said and I was "unfriended" by a friend who claims to be sin free even though she believes she is gay and a witch. I was "called to task" by some friends and family members. This, in their eyes, was hateful and hurtful; and I should never treat anyone like this. That we need to love all people regardless of their life choices and beliefs. Some tell me that Jesus would accept them as they are and love them. I was told that what a god that they do not believe in thinks of them, does not matter. I was told that my truth is not necessarily their truth and I should keep mine to myself.

Sorry, not sorry. I stood firm. I will stand firm. Even though society says all these things, even though some of our "churches" have started to get away from the bible and have started to accept homosexuality and gay marriage as normal and acceptable, we cannot. We must be careful, child of God.

"See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ. For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority." Colossians 2:8-10

Stand firm. Love the sinner. Accept the person who may be struggling with this or any kind of sin. But therein lays the key, struggling with. Attempting to overcome. Jesus did accept sinners, He did love all. But He also said, "Go and sin no more." One clear warning was in John 5:1-15

"Afterward Jesus found him in the temple and said to him, “See, you are well! Sin no more, that nothing worse may happen to you.” The man went away and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had healed him." John 5:14-15

Of course, we know about the time when the woman was caught in the very act of adultery and they brought her to him to have her stoned. After He forgave her, He said?

"Jesus stood up and said to her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” She said, “No one, Lord.” And Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more.” John 8:10-11

In saying, “Go and sin no more,” Jesus was not speaking of sinless perfection. He was warning against a return to sinful lifestyle choices. His words both extended mercy and demanded holiness. Jesus was always the perfect balance of grace and truth.

As the country, and the world for that matter, continue to move away from God and His Word, it becomes more and more important for us to stand firm. As children of God, we are the sowers of the seed, tellers of the truth, and showers of the way.

Does it go against the world? Yup. Will you be hated? Yup. Will it become more and more difficult as time goes on? Yes.

"Brother will deliver brother over to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death, and you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved" Matthew 10:21-22

Let me ask you this. If people look at you, what do they see? Do they see a difference in you and the world? Do they see a better way? In Jesus's "Sermon on the Mount" He gave us the "beatitudes"

" And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying:

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.

“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

“Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you." Matthew 5:2-12

Can you say that these "beatitudes" describe you? Do they describe how you are living your life? Are you poor in spirit, meek, humble, and are you hungry for righteousness? Do you have a pure heart and are you trying to love others? Are you standing firm? Are you trying to show people that there is a better way even in the presence of persecution and hardships? If you are a child of God, that means He, the Creator of the universe, created you, called you out, and wants to prepare you for something very particular to you and His plan. Stand firm. He also wants to Glorify those He called out. Endure to the end. In truth? Nothing else matters.

Do you know Jesus as your Savior? Have you been adopted into the Family of God? If not, say this Prayer. Right now. Wherever you may be. Say it in your own words, and do not doubt in your heart. God will hear you. He will send the Spirit of Life to you. Let us Pray.

"Oh heavenly Father, Lord God. I am a sinner. I know this. I know there is nothing I can do to change that. But I know you can. I accept Jesus's sacrifice for me. I believed He rose from the dead. I repent my sins. Please send the Spirit of Adoption into my life. Help me to get to know the real you. Save me. Please. In the name of Jesus, Amen!"

That's it. It really is that simple. Now go tell someone what you have just done. "That if you shall confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in your heart that God hath raised him from the dead, You shall be saved." Romans 10:9. You need to find a Church that God leads you to and be Baptized the way Jesus said to be. You are now a Child of God. A New Creature. You "have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him."Colossians 3:10

If you want to tell me, comment, question, give testimonials, or just say "Hi," the Email is opntalk@gmail.com

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen. 2 Corinthians 13

Until next time, be blessed, be a blessing, and Jesus is Lord!!

Jesus in the Old Testament, Song of Solomon

Jesus in The Song of Solomon

Here is a Book that you may have never heard of. Or one that you have no idea what it is about. It is only 8 Chapters and maybe two and a half pages long. Some have called it “Perverted." Some say that the Song of Solomon is just a love song and therefore has no place in the Bible. If you just casually read it through you may also come to that conclusion. Depending on what your definition of “Perverted” is.

However, we are going to go through it in this light. Remember, Jesus said this.

“You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me,” {John 5:39}

So? Do we find Jesus in The “Perverted Love Song” of Solomon? Of course, we do.

First, Man cannot truly claim He knows Love, True Love, without being Married to a Godly Woman, and Vice Versa. Jesus said this about Marriage.

''For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife, and they two shall be one flesh'' {Matthew 19:5}

Once you are Married, you are no longer two, but one. You cannot get closer, nor can anyone come between. Jesus continued by saying this.

“So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.” {Matthew 9:6}

Ephesians 5:22-33

“Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands.

Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, because we are members of his body. “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church. However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.”

Now, remember, we are called the Bride of Christ. We are His Bride and He is our Bride Groom. So now when you read The Song of Solomon, read it in this light.

As we begin in The Song of Solomon, we see the Bride, think us, Confessing her love toward her Husband, think Jesus, and her Human Nature.

“I am very dark, but lovely, O daughters of Jerusalem, like the tents of Kedar, like the curtains of Solomon. Do not gaze at me because I am dark, because the sun has looked upon me.”

Isn’t that us? We are born into Sin. We are dark. Our Hearts are Evil.

“The LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.” {Genesis 6:5}

However, our Bridegroom so loves us, that He came and died for us while we were yet Sinners and sees us like this. Song 4:7

“You are altogether beautiful, my love; there is no flaw in you.”

In Chapter 5, we see the Bride is Sleeping while the Bridegroom Knocks.

“I slept, but my heart was awake. A sound! My beloved is knocking.“Open to me, my sister, my love, my dove, my perfect one, for my head is wet with dew, my locks with the drops of the night.”

In this present time, Christ is away. We are to stay awake for we never know when He will return.

“For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.” {1 Thessalonians 5:2}

Jesus tells us Himself that He will come and Knock.

“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.” {Revelation 3:20}

We see that the reason the Bridegroom went away was for preparation for his Bride. Chapter 6

“My beloved has gone down to his garden to the beds of spices, to graze in the gardens and to gather lilies. I am my beloved's and my beloved is mine; he grazes among the lilies.”

Jesus tells us this.

“And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.” {John 14:3}

A little bit later we see them come together. They come together and delight in each other. One day, Jesus will return and bring us with Him. as with a Marriage, we will become one. See John 17:23

“I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me.”

The Song of Solomon is a Love Song. It talks of the Blessed Love between a Bride and her Groom. It talks of how even though she, or we, may sleep and make excuses {Chapter 5} our Bridegroom, Jesus, still loves us and is preparing a place for us.

He will one day come back and Knock. Will you be ready to answer? Are you looking? Are you waiting?

“Stay dressed for action and keep your lamps burning, and be like men who are waiting for their master to come home from the wedding feast, so that they may open the door to him at once when he comes and knocks. Blessed are those servants whom the master finds awake when he comes. Truly, I say to you, he will dress himself for service and have them recline at table, and he will come and serve them. If he comes in the second watch, or in the third, and finds them awake, blessed are those servants! But know this, that if the master of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have left his house to be broken into. You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” {Luke 12:35-40}

Do you know Jesus as your Savior? Have you been adopted into the Family of God? If not, say this Prayer. Right now. Wherever you may be. Say it in your own words, and do not doubt in your heart. God will hear you. He will send the Spirit of Life to you. Let us Pray.

"Oh heavenly Father, Lord God. I am a Sinner. I know this. I know there is nothing I can do to change that. But I know you can. I accept Jesus and His Sacrifice for me. I believe that He raised from the Dead. I repent my Sins. Please send the Spirit of Adoption into my life. Help me to get to know the real you. Save me. Please. In the name of Jesus, Amen!"

That's it. It really is that simple. Now go tell someone what you have just done. "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." {Romans 10:9} You need to find a Church that God leads you to, and be Baptized the way Jesus said to be. You are now a Child of God. A new Creature. You "have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him." {Colossians 3:10}

If you want to tell me, or comment, question, give testimonials, or just say "Hi," the Email is opntalk@gmail.com

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen.{2 Corinthians 13}

Until next time, be Blessed, be a Blessing, and Jesus is Lord!

The Poisonous Fruit Of the Flesh, Fornication

Fornication

It is a pretty simple concept. Is it not?

Fornication

"Sexual Intercourse between people not married to each other."

It doesn't matter how old you are. It doesn't matter who you are. It doesn't matter how much money you have. It doesn't matter if you are Black, White, Purple with Pink Polka Dots. It doesn't matter if you are Male or Female. It doesn't matter if you call yourself Gay of Straight. It doesn't matter what MAN says. It doesn't matter what year it is, nor does it mater if it is the Norm.

Fornication

"Sexual Intercourse between people not married to each other."

Now of course, if you consider yourself Gay, you are already living in Sin, but that is a whole other Sermon. But the concept is pretty simple to understand. Yes. We are going to talk about Sex. So if you have Children that will hear, or read, this message, you may want to be prepared.

Fornication is the second Work of the Flesh, or "Poisonous Fruit of the Flesh," listed. The first was Adultery. With by the way, is ALSO Fornication. Sex with someone ELSE that you are not Married to.

Why is this such a big deal? Seriously. It's 2016. Nudity is everywhere. From our TVs, Internet, to our Beaches, and Shopping Centers. You want to see Naked People, you do not have to go to too much trouble to see them. With all this Nudity, comes fantasizing, experimentation, and even the quest of pleasure. We have even attempted to call it anything other than Sex.

Remember a former President? It depends on what the word IS is? Back when I was in school, boys would get nervous, holding a girl's hand at the School Dance. Now? Now they are having Oral Sex, and Hand Manipulation Orgasmic Competitions in Middle Schools. Both at the Dances and even in the Classrooms. More and more Teachers are being arrested, for having Sex with their Students.

There is no longer ANY, even in our Churches, NO, stigmatization whatsoever, to our young people moving out of their Homes and moving in with others, living as Married People with all the benefits, {Having Sex} before actually committing to Marriage.

We pass out Condoms in Schools, after all the are going to do it anyway.. You know, that is like saying we have to pass out free guns. People are going to Rob Banks anyway. Let's give them a gun, and teach them how to best Rob the Banks, to attempt to keep them and other's safe. We have all kinds of Educational Programs to teach about disease, and how to seek treatment. We teach that there are all kinds of ways to prevent Pregnancies while enjoying Sex. We tell our kids, if they want to have sex with the same sex as they are, they will never get Pregnant. They will just get the pleasure.

You want a GUARANTEE. I have a in depth, comprehensive, scientifically proven, no question about it, ABSOLUTE answer for you to NEVER get an STD. To NEVER get Pregnant. To NEVER have to worry about all those chemicals in your Body to ward off unwanted Pregnancies. Nor will you EVER have to worry about Abortion. Ready?? I know it may be difficult to understand. But I'll go slow.

Do....not.... have... Sex. I know, I know. When someone talks about Abstinence, they are considered an Old Fuddy Duddy. Out of touch with Reality. It is just not productive to tell people not to have Sex. You know they are going to anyway. It's not me saying it. It is simple Truth.

When you go into a courting process, one of your top priority questions you should have, is the person you are interested in, also a Virgin? If not, even if you wait, as well you should, until you are Married, if they are not a Virgin, then when you DO have Sex with them on your Wedding Night, you are also having Sex with everyone they ever have had. If they have a STD {Sexually Transmitted Disease}, or they have had an Abortion, you are now at risk of the same, and you are now involved in all that emotional baggage.

"Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge." {Hebrews 13:4}

Marriage, is Ordained by, and a gift from, God. He intends for you to be pure, and clean, entering into it. Both Men and Women are suppose to keep themselves whole, a Virgin, until after they Wed. Then, Sex, is not only blessed by, but commanded by God.

"The husband should give to his wife her conjugal rights, and likewise the wife to her husband. For the wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does. Likewise the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does. Do not deprive one another, except perhaps by agreement for a limited time, that you may devote yourselves to prayer; but then come together again, so that Satan may not tempt you because of your lack of self-control." {1 Corinthians 7:3-5}

One, God LOVES Sex. He created it. It is the closest, most pleasurable, experience, two people can share. It makes each of the people involved feel GREAT. This is also why Adultery is the first listed, and also the 7th Commandment. Two, "so that Satan may not tempt you because of your lack of self-control."

How many times have you heard those caught in Adultery, use the excuse, "We {Them and their Spouse} not longer have Sex?" A Married couple stop sharing this Gift from God, and then some Handsome young man, or Beautiful young woman, start complimenting, flattering, now a days, throwing themselves at one of the Married couple, one falls for the temptation..

However, we are not talking about Marriage. We just covered Adultery. No, although Sex IS a Gift from God, it IS for Married couples. Before you are Married, you should abstain from it. How serious is God about this? Well, in Revelations,,

"But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.” {Revelation 21:8}

This is why the Bible tells us over and over again to abstain from Fornication. To practice Abstinence. It's not just Sex. It's not "no big deal." It's not old fashioned, out of date, or something to be laughed at. It is not harmless. It can lead to fights and physical harm. It is the number one source for Blackmail. It leads to Sickness and Disease, and even Death. As with all Sin, the end result is Death. Perhaps, the most important reason, as with all Sin, it can lead to separation from God Himself.

"Finally then, brethren, we urge and exhort in the Lord Jesus that you should abound more and more, just as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God; for you know what commandments we gave you through the Lord Jesus.

For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you should abstain from sexual immorality; that each of you should know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor, not in passion of lust, like the Gentiles who do not know God;" {1 Thessalonians 4:1-5}

Do you know Jesus as your Savior? Have you been adopted into the Family of God? If not, say this Prayer. Right now. Wherever you may be. Say it in your own words, and do not doubt in your heart. God will hear you. He will send the Spirit of Life to you. Let us Pray..

"Oh heavenly Father, Lord God. I am a sinner. I know this. I know there is nothing I can do to change that. But I know you can. I accept Jesus's sacrifice for me. I repent my sins. Please send the Spirit of Adoption into my life. Help me to get to know the real you. Save me. Please. In the name of Jesus, Amen!"

That's it. It really is that simple. Now go tell someone what you have just done. "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." {Romans 10:9} You need to find a Church that God leads you to, and be Baptized the way Jesus said to be. You are now a Child of God. A new Creature. You "have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him." {Colossians 3:10}

If you want to tell me, or comment, question, give testimonials, or just say "Hi," the Email is opntalk@gmail.com

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen. {2 Corinthians 13}

Until next time, be blessed, be a blessing, and Jesus IS Lord! 

A Solid Foundation, Marriage

Marriage God's Way.

Why is the Divorce Rate in this country now over 50 percent? Why do most going into Marriage, make statements like, "this is my first marriage?" Is there a God Plan for Marriage? Can you create a solid Foundation to protect yourself and your spouse? Yup. Let's look at Gods Plan for Marriage.

First....

Genesis 2:

24 Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.

One flesh. One unit. Not two individuals living together for a common good. But ONE Flesh. God sees a Married Couple as one person. It would be like you saying, Arm, I no longer have need of you, be gone. Your arm is part of you. You have two. You have two eyes. Hands. Legs. Feet. Ears. Are you following this? But they are all you.

Gods plan from the very beginning is that Man and Woman {NOT Man and Man. Or Woman and Woman} are born into the world. They grow. They leave their Mother and Father, and join together as one flesh. For life.

Am I saying there is no acceptable reasons for Divorce? To tell you the truth, there are three ways that The Word declares is acceptable for the release of the obligation of Marriage. Only Three. Only two does Jesus Himself say.

Death
Adultery
Unbelieving Spouse

Death
Pretty much self explanatory. If your Spouse dies, then you are freed from the obligation of Marriage. Makes sense. Does it not? But wait, what about when you go to Heaven. What if your Spouse dies and you Marry another. What then? When you die, who's your spouse? Jesus answered this specific question directly.

Matthew 22:

23 The same day came to him the Sadducees, which say that there is no resurrection, and asked him,

24 Saying, Master, Moses said, If a man die, having no children, his brother shall marry his wife, and raise up seed unto his brother.

25 Now there were with us seven brethren: and the first, when he had married a wife, deceased, and, having no issue, left his wife unto his brother:

26 Likewise the second also, and the third, unto the seventh.

27 And last of all the woman died also.

28 Therefore in the resurrection whose wife shall she be of the seven? for they all had her.

29 Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God.

30 For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven.

Once you pass on to Heaven, you will no longer care worldly stuff. You will be at peace. In a place where there is no sorrows, pain, or Sin. You will be praising God and living in peace. Once your Spouse passes, they will be doing the same. Will you know each other? I believe so. But you will not be Husband and Wife. You will be in TOTAL LOVE and peace that is God. That is the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords.

Adultery
Other than Death, this is the only reason Jesus gives as acceptable reason for Divorce. In..

Matthew 19:

3 The Pharisees also came unto him, tempting him, and saying unto him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife for every cause?

4 And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female,

5 And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh?

6 Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.

7 They say unto him, Why did Moses then command to give a writing of divorcement, and to put her away?

8 He saith unto them, Moses because of the hardness of your hearts suffered you to put away your wives: but from the beginning it was not so.

9 And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery.

So next to death itself, Adultery is the only true acceptable excuse to be released from the life long obligation of Marriage. Jesus even says, "What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder." No one can separate, or come between what God has brought together.

Think about that. Think about John. Think about Jesus Himself. Think about all the Disciples. They played a powerful part in God's Plan, would you not say? They would have never been, had their Mother and Father not found each other, and fell in love, and Married. Right? So is any "Chance Encounter" REALLY a "Chance Encounter" or is it totally orchestrated. I summit to you that you are not with your Spouse because you just happened to meet. I truly believe that you are together because God brought you together.

Where did you meet? Why? Was it at a Shopping Center? Was it at Work? In a Plane? Cab? Was it at a Festival? Think about this. You are so important to God, that He may have very well put in into the heart of the Store Owner to buy the Store. He dropped a thought of how to lay it out. Or He put it into the heart of the one that hired both of you. Then He used whatever He needed to to bright you two together at a very specific time. Your "Chance Encounter" leads to Love, Marriage, and YOU. Or Your Child. This is why it is so important to seek out God's Plan and Purpose for your Life. He has one.

Unbelieving Spouse
So what happens if you and your Spouse hear the Truth and YOU accept it, and your Spouse doesn't. This is the only way this applies by the way. This does not apply if you are a Believer and you decide to join together with a non-Believer, thinking you will save them, or whatever. The Word warns us about this..

2 Corinthians 6:

14 Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?

In this manor, stick to your own kind. You want nothing to do with one that doesn't believe. Nor do they have anything to do with you. Stay Ye Separate. But what if a Married couple hear The Truth together, and one accepts it and one does not? You have become a New Creature. A New Person. They have not. What about this? Paul tells us this. But keep one thing in mind...

1 Corinthians 7:

12 But to the rest speak I, not the Lord: If any brother hath a wife that believeth not, and she be pleased to dwell with him, let him not put her away.

13 And the woman which hath an husband that believeth not, and if he be pleased to dwell with her, let her not leave him.

14 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.

15 But if the unbelieving depart, let him depart. A brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases: but God hath called us to peace.

16 For what knowest thou, O wife, whether thou shalt save thy husband? or how knowest thou, O man, whether thou shalt save thy wife?

"But to the rest speak I, not the Lord." Paul makes it crystal clear here that he is giving HIS OPINION on this. NOT relaying a Commandment of God. Again, he said "But to the rest speak I, not the Lord." Then he goes on to say, " 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." Makes sense. Then he said, "But if the unbelieving depart, let him depart. A brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases: but God hath called us to peace." Again, makes sense. Once you become a Child of God, you are a new Creature. If the unbelieving Spouse no longer wants to be with you, let them go. They no longer have anything to do with you.

Again, however, this is Paul saying it is Paul saying this. Not God. So take it as you will. Make no mistake about it though, this does not apply to you, already a Child of God, that goes out and finds a non-believer, and agrees to Marry them. You invite all kinds of problems in from the start. You CHOSE to enter into this agreement and therefore you are now bound with them.

You are now on your way to a Solid Foundation. Man and Woman, Gods plan. Sorry. The pieces fit. The puzzle comes together. Two halves become one. If you are offended by this? Sorry. Just the truth. Second, If you are a Child of God, you must find a Child of God. Now you have a Foundation to work with. How do you build on that? God. His Word. His Plan. What does that mean?

In every Child of God, the most important of all is God. Yup. Before Spouses, Mother and Fathers, Children, or anything else. God. Deuteronomy 11:13, Deuteronomy 13:3, Joshua 22:5, Matthew 22:37 Mark 12:30 Luke 10:27 " to love the Lord your God, and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul." "This is the first and great commandment." God MUST be first in your life. Yes, before everything else.

Second, Spouse. The most important person on the Planet to you. The love of your life. Your soul-mate. Next to God, they should be the one on your mind. How to make them happy. Tell them you love them. Enjoy life together.

Third Children. Am I saying Children come AFTER God and Spouse? Yup. We will talk more about Children next time. But After these three things, the most important thing in your life, especially if you are the Man, is your Job. Fellas, sorry, but it is YOUR responsibility to provide for the Family. YOURS. Not her's. Not the Government's. Not anyone else. It is YOUR responsibility to provide for the family.

God's plan for a happy Marriage and Family? Man is Head of Household. Woman is Head of Children. Children should be able to be Children, and should be being taught about God and His Commandments and His ways.

Ephesians 5:

19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;

20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;

21 Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.

22 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.

23 For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.

24 Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.

25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;

26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,

27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

28 So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself.

29 For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church:

30 For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.

31 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh.

"Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God." Now the World comes in here and HATES this simple truth. They have twisted it into something it is not. "Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing." Does that mean barefoot and pregnant? Does that mean that they should stay in the house and allow themselves to be beaten and Dictated to? Of course not. But this is what the World would like you to believe.

Continuing on? "Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church: For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh."

How did Jesus love the Church? How did He love us? He came to DIE for us. As men, we are to, say it with me.. "Love, Nurture, Cherish, and Honor" your Wives. You go to work and let them stay home and keep the home and raise the kids. This way the kids are not being raised by strangers with strange ways about them.

Notice how this starts out though. "Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;" As a Family. Grace at dinner, every meal, would be a nice place to start. Instead of always sitting on the couch watching violate and inappropriate TV, how about spending a little time reading the Bible? Praying. Enjoying fellowship with God. Allow Him to be part of your home life in deed and not just lip service.

You know another benefit to a happy Marriage? Great Sex. Oh and by the way, did you know God "Commands" you to have sex? Not kidding. 

1 Corinthians 7:

3 Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence: and likewise also the wife unto the husband.

4 The wife hath not power of her own body, but the husband: and likewise also the husband hath not power of his own body, but the wife.

5 Defraud ye not one the other, except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency.

God created sex. He wants to to have sex all the time and any way you can. As long as it's with your spouse. Experiment. Role play. Have FUN! Do whatever you chose. You do not need to go anywhere else. You have God Blessed Sex, right there in your Home, just waiting for you. Are you getting this? Sex is not evil. Sex is not wrong. Done the right way. Sex is for us to enjoy. It is when we allow all the outside garbage in, implanting thoughts in our heads, that it becomes evil. Withholding sex from your Spouse CAN lead to your Spouse seeking pleasure and comfort elsewhere.

Marriage is God created, God Blessed, God Commanded.

Hebrews 13:

4 Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.

You want a great, long lasting, loving Marriage? Set yourselves a Solid Foundation. Faith, Family, Work, and all else is after. Nothing else really matters. God, Man, Woman, Children, means to support them. That's it. Oh and great sex. That's God's Plan for a healthy Marriage. Is yours built on a Solid Foundation? If not Married now, if you are wise, you will build it God's way.

Do you know Jesus as your Savior? Have you been adopted into the Family of God? If not, say this Prayer. Right now. Wherever you may be. Say it in your own words, and do not doubt in your heart. God will hear you. He will send the Spirit of Life to you. Let us Pray..

"Oh heavenly Father, Lord God. I am a sinner. I know this. I know there is nothing I can do to change that. But I know you can. I accept Jesus's sacrifice for me. I repent my sins. Please send the Spirit of Adoption into my life. Help me to get to know the real you. Save me. Please. In the name of Jesus, Amen!"

That's it. It really is that simple. Now go tell someone what you have just done. "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." {Romans 10:9} You need to find a Church that God leads you to, and be Baptized the way Jesus said to be. You are now a Child of God. A new Creature. You "have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him." {Colossians 3:10}

If you want to tell me, or comment, question, give testimonials, or just say "Hi," the Email is opntalk@gmail.com

Until next time, be blessed, be a blessing, and Jesus IS Lord of all!