Traditional Marriages Future - What say you?

I never would have imaged that just a decade ago the bed-rock of every civilized culture – the definition of marriage and the family unit – would be under going such an assault as has exploded around the world and now in the American family life. Sure our traditional marriages are not perfect, but I dare say that the new age alternatives being offered up will be the downfall of mankind.

Even if one does not believe as I do from a Biblical world view, that marriage was God’s design for his creation of man-kind for a man and a woman - how can anyone turn a blind eye to the basic anatomy of a naked man and woman united together? This perfectly created union that so righty fits together -- as God says for our completeness, and for procreations.

On one side of the argument we have today’s gay-rights advocates saying, in the name of “Sexual Liberty”, they have a politically-correct better idea (like Ford, McDonalds, and the Wal-Marts of the world agree) that same-sex marriage is a self-declared right that cannot be denied. Today it is marriage between two of the same-sex and tomorrow’s will be the desire for the first “legal” trio-sex union and beyond. Can we not see the slipper-slope back to the days of Sodom and Gomorrah?

The Massachusetts and California Legal Systems have started the battle for same sex marriages across the entire United States of America. Take for example California’s Proposition 8. This proposition is on the November 4th ballot to overturn the State’s Supreme Court decision and restore the definition of marriage that was approved by a mere 61% of voters. The ballot title originally approved for Proposition 8 described the proposal as a state amendment "to provide that only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California." Now Democrat State Attorney General Jerry Brown has managed to change the title to describe the proposal as amending the state constitution to "eliminate the right of same-sex couples to marry." No matter how it’s worded I believe the correct vote is YES!

On the other side of the argument are basically those with a Biblical world view. The following organizations represent my beliefs and I hope yours also. As Bill O'Reilly would say, ”What say you?”

A "Yes on Proposition 8" video produced by the American Family Association @ http://www.afa.net/prop8video/index.html

Restoring Marriage and Protecting California Children @ http://www.protectmarriage.com/

The Campaign For Our Children, Inc., says YES @ http://www.marriageworksusa.com/

Marriage and Family Defense @ http://www.family.org/socialissues/Marriage/

"For this reason a man shall leave his father and his mother, and be joined to his wife; and they shall become one flesh. And the man and his wife were both naked and were not ashamed." Gen. 2:24-25

The State of Marriage Now & Then

"MARRIAGE IS TO BE HELD IN HONOR AMONG ALL..."

Hebrews 13:4a (NASB) Nancy & Bill Jones

So, what is marriage, what is the state of marriage in our country today, and what does God say?

Today's OneNewsNow Weekend Poll: Need for a federal marriage amendment asks this question: Because of developments in Massachusetts and California on the issue of homosexual 'marriage,' is a federal marriage amendment needed more now than ever? The early Saturday morning results from only 4312 responses was yes - 91.84%, no - 7.07%, and unsure 1.09%. What would you expect from a overwhelming religious audience. So what do you think? Can we or should we legislate morality?

Today from the current (2008) Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary we see some of the following definitions:

• marriage (14th century ) 1: the state of being united to a person of the opposite sex as husband or wife in a consensual and contractual relationship recognized by law 2: the state of being united to a person of the same sex in a relationship like that of a traditional marriage .
• Boston marriage (1980) :a long-term loving relationship between two women
• celestial marriage (1862) : a special order of Mormon marriage solemnized in a Mormon temple and held to be binding for a future life as well as the present one
• civil marriage (1820) : a marriage performed by a magistrate
• common–law marriage (1888) 1 : a marriage recognized in some jurisdictions and based on the parties' agreement to consider themselves married and sometimes also on their cohabitation 2 : the cohabitation of a couple even when it does not constitute a legal marriage

It has been said that in 1928 Noah Webster single-handedly rescued the English Language from the corrupting political and social influences of the European Nations, in the Webster's Dictionary. But we have NOT continued to do that until today? I don't know the definition from the 1928 version, but I'm sure it is very much different from what we see in today's society of moral relativism. I'll bet it even mentioned God!

Going back to the English Book of Common Prayer (1662), a wedding service begins with the minister addressing the congregation: "Dearly beloved, we are gathered together here in the sight of God…to join together this man and this woman in holy Matrimony." Again and again, the couple and witnesses are reminded that God is witness to this union. Here I we see marriage as a holy union or covenant between a man and a woman.

Now let's go back to the beginning. Back even before the ten-commandments were written, where we see that marriage is God's design - The union of one man for one woman, as we read in Genesis - the book of beginnings: (from the NAS)

Genesis 1:1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.…1:26 Then God said, Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; …2:18 Then the LORD God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone; I will make him a helper suitable for him."

Then a bit later in creation we read in Genesis 2:21-24: So the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and he slept; then He took one of his ribs and closed up the flesh at that place. The LORD God fashioned into a woman the rib which He had taken from the man, and brought her to the man. The man said, "This is now bone of my bones, And flesh of my flesh; She shall be called Woman, Because she was taken out of Man." For this reason a man shall leave his father and his mother, and be joined to his wife; and they shall become one flesh.

So again, what is marriage? Well since everyone else seems to want to define it for me, let me share my own definition. I see marriage as the holy state of being united and joined together with a person of the opposite sex as husband or wife in a life-long covenant relationship, both created and saved through God's Love.

So now what is the state of marriage? Well I believe that Jesus says -- "Then render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's; and to God the things that are God's." (Matthew 22:21b)

So what do you readers (if there be any) have to you say, or better yet what do you do -- here and now in our little part of this earth which God created for us? As for Marlene and I, we are Marriage Builders.

This posting would not be complete on Marriage without a special word of thanks and admiration to Rev. Dr. Bill and Nancy Jones (pictured above) for your long term leadership and example of commitment to Christ and to each other, in covenant love and marriage.

Fireproofing our Marriage

"MARRIAGE IS TO BE HELD IN HONOR AMONG ALL..."

Hebrews 13:4a (NASB)

Last night Marlene and I attended a preview screening of FIREPROOF the Movie. To sum it up in one word, like men like to do -- This movie is HOT! Pardon the play on words, but this movie sizzles with the realism of the physical and emotional friction, sparks, heat, and fire produced in the daily struggles of married life -- especially when you or your mate are not truly committed to being partners for life. If you love a movie that honestly depicts both the problems and solutions of a real life issue like marriage, then you'll love this movie. Warning -- Be prepared to laugh, sing, and cry, as we both did.

So since we truly believe this movie will be a great tool that God can use to save and fireproof marriages, we Marriage Builders are making plans to organize activities for a Fireproof Your Marriage Weekend starting Friday September 26th. We hope you will join with us and perhaps even add an activity to our initial list, shown below?

Watch the official FIREPROOF movie trailer

The UPDATED (as of 8/18) Fireproof Your Marriage Weekend line-up of events are:

Friday

• Some may attend the actual opeining premier showing of FIREPROOF the Movie and others may attend the Saturday matinee.

Saturday

• Meet on The Avenue at Lowes to get tickets 2:00 PM
• Have Lunch at 2:15 PM @ one of several local restraurants
• Attend the 4:15 PM showing of FIREPROOF the Movie
• Dessert & Discussions either at Keith & Marlene's home or DPC (depending on group size). A followup group Bible Study and Fellowship to discuss the Biblical principles of marriage depicted in the Movie, and how to apply them in our own marraige. In addition we will discuss several tools that can be used to continue to buildup and fireproof our marriages.

Perhaps some of us this weekend may use this experience as a springboard to strengthen our marriage relationships using a six-session home-based Bible studies, individual couple studies, or a personal 40-day Love Dare, based on the The Love Dare devotional . Relationships are wonderful gifts given to us by God. As we read in the Bible, the most-intimate relationship is marriage between a husband and a wife.

FIREPROOF is the third feature film from Sherwood Pictures—the creators of FACING THE GIANTS and FLYWHEEL. With hope-filled, heartfelt storytelling, the movie making ministry of Sherwood Baptist Church continues to touch the world from Albany, Georgia.

Dennis Rainey, President of FamilyLife said, "Fireproof is going to do much more than entertain and stir hearts when it comes to movie theaters (this fall). This is a movie that will impact couples in a profound way for decades to come."

For more info about FIREPROOF, which opens in theaters September 26th. For great marriage resources, visit http://www.fireproofmymarriage.com/.

Your spouse is NOT the enemy.
So NEVER leave your life-partner behind.

Check out this song and video clip on YouTube

It's from the movie by Warren Barfield - "Love Is Not A Fight"

Coming this Fall a six-week home-based Bible StudyFireproof Your Marriage

~

Micah Burns

This month Marlene and I begin a new <iHs>< adventure by starting Team Micah's JOY (Just Older Youth). We are attempting to organize a team of senior adults to help younger adults, that live first-hand with the challenges of raising a child with Autism. Please consider becoming a team member and walk with us, or donate to our efforts.

Team Member Registration
~~ or ~~
Support one of Our Team Walkers
Autism Speaks is a organization dedicated to increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders, to funding research into the causes, prevention and treatments for autism, and to advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. It was founded in February 2005 by Suzanne and Bob Wright, the grandparents of a child with autism.



Our Walk Now Event - Baltimore, MD is Saturday, October 4, 2008 at Burdick Field @ Towson State University. Please consider becoming a team member and walk with us, or donate to our efforts. Together let's become a small part of this puzzle and experience the power of many individuals united by a single cause.
Lord, may our efforts be like yours at the Pool of Bethesda; the house of grace, as the infirm are granted healing only by the mercy of others (John 5:1-16). The Bible teaches that God helps those who can not help themselves. For example, through Christ (the living water), God gives us the free gift of eternal life. Nobody can do that for themselves, apart from Jesus the Christ.

Life is Like a Train Ride. <-- All Aboard!

Life -- What a great ride from its beginning to end here on earth,

and then it's non-stop through all eternity,
with the God of the Bible as its conductor!

From God Tube -- I'm In Here - The Anthem For Autism

It's a song from a personal place. I'm in Here

will touch people's hearts and help

raise funds and awareness for autism.

~

Michael Clancy - His Photo & Story

Join him here @ DPC on Sunday July 6th @ 6 p.m.

Copyright © 2001 Michael Clancy, used with permission.

We here at Dundalk Presbyterian Church (DPC) are pleased to announce that on Sunday July 6th @ 6 p.m., photographer Michael Clancy will be sharing his story and the controversy behind this, his photo of a lifetime about life. Michael will tell us just how this incredible picture of twenty-one week old baby Samuel, thrusting his tiny hand out of the surgical opening of his mother's uterus, has changed his life forever. A love offering will be taken for Michael Clancy.

We like many others, believe in the Sanctity of Life and that the unborn child’s life is worth our protection. For more info: Contact Us or check out our calendar and email invitation & reminder system

More info about Michael Clancy is posted at MichaelClancy.com

~~~~~~~ Here are related thoughts: ~~~~~~~

Check out Marlene's poem - Why
from her blog From my Heart & Soul.

For a Biblical insight read Chuck Swindels book
Sanctity of Life: The Inescapable Issue

Sanctity of Human Life - From Focus on the Family
Understanding the issues that affect your family

Life is Like a Train Ride. <-- All Aboard! Life -- What a great ride from beginning to end here on earth, and then it's non-stop through all eternity, when the God of the Bible is the conductor!

Sanctity of Human Life Sunday is held on the closest Sunday to the anniversary of the Jan. 22, 1973 decision by the U.S. Supreme Court to legalize abortion in the Roe v. Wade case.

A Growing Marriage

We loved Dr Gary Chapman's conference so much that we are bringing his recorded sessions to Dundalk Presbyterian Church on DVD. Not quite as good as in person, but the next best thing, and best of all this one is Free. Our conference is set for Friday, May 23, 7:00 - 9:00 PM and Saturday May 24, 9:30 AM - 2:30 PM. Lunch will be provided to all that register.

The A Growing Marriage Conference by Dr. Gary Chapman is being hosted and sponsored by DPC's Marriage Builders group. The sessions are for use with married couples, but engaged couples, and single adults who wish exposure to a biblical view of marriage will find the series quite helpful. The purpose of the conference is to stimulate marital growth in the following areas: communication, conflict resolution, love, handling failure, sexual fulfillment, and how to give constructive criticism.

One of our attendees said "I really didn't want to go to this conference, but I'm really glad I did -- it has changed my life and it changed my marriage!".

Dr Chapman is the author of the bestselling book The Five Love Languages, The Marriage you've Always Wanted, and several others. The recorded DVD sessions include: Communication 101, Understanding and Experiencing Love, Initiating Positive Change, Making Sex a Mutual Joy, and How To Share the Things That Bug You.

The conference is filled with lots of humor and practical insights based on sound biblical principles. In today’s cultural climate, we cannot afford to neglect our marriages. This experience is guaranteed to make a positive change in you or your money back!

Click the banner to visit Dr Gary Chapman's website for more details

Crown Bible Study

Our current project working along with my good friend Keith Goodson is to lead a Crown Biblical Financial Study for Life Groups. The Biblical Study is a 10 week in-depth study of what Scripture teaches about money and possessions.

Life Group Members have confirmed that marriages are being strengthened and individuals are finding their way out of debt. They are also becoming consistent savers, generous givers, and prudent consumers. Most importantly, people are entering into a closer relationship with Jesus Christ as they learn to apply His Word. Groups meet for 2 hours every week and meetings include Scripture memorization and interactive discussions. For more info. check the links section and click on Crown.

This is a excellent Bible Study on, why from the biblical concepts, and how from practical applications, to manage the material things God have provided us with. I highly recommend it for everyone. This study is for couples and individuals both young and old who want to fix their financial problems and also for those that want to avoid such issues.

Visit Crown for some inspiring Testimonials and the Helen Nelson video which is at The Heart of the Matter.

Our Bible Study is held at the church and in a home setting once a week in the evenings from 7-9 PM. The meetings began with an orientation on Feb. 23, with classes on Mar 8, 15, 22, 28; April 5, 12, 19, 25; May 3, 10. Hopefully we'll provide you some additional comments on this blog when we have completed our initial study.

Thanks to our first Life Group members, Marlene, Keith, Sylvia, Sue, & Michael, for making this possible by participating. Thanks also to my name sake Keith for co-leading our group. We hope that this is just the beginning of a number Crown Biblical Financial Studies for Life Groups, as we work together in His service towards faithful stewardship.