6But from the beginning of the creation, God 'made them male and female.'7'For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife,8and the two shall become one flesh'; so then they are no longer two, but one flesh.9Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate."
So, Jesus Himself related the definition of marriage - one-man and one-woman, to unite to become "one flesh". He recognizes that marriage is ordained by God, and that when a man and women commit to one another in holy matrimony, that a sacred, even supernatural work has done. God intends for us to think and act - as one! This brings glory to God and reflects the relationship of Jesus to His church. So, we don't enter into - or exit - marriages lightly, and when trouble comes, it can be an opportunity to draw nearer to God and to our mates. He has a purpose for our marriages, and in a culture that is desperately needing to see the longevity and the stability of marital relationships, Christian couples have an opportunity not only to enjoy what God has provided, but to demonstrate His sustaining power.
In Ephesians 5, we see the model for a strong marriage that is based on Biblical love and truth:
22 Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord.
23 For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body.
24Therefore, just as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything.
25Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her,
26that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word,
Welcome to August! This is the month that Beth and I will celebrate our 23rd wedding anniversary. And this month - on the 14th, Anthony and Evelyn Bollback will observe a marriage milestone that certainly needs to be celebrated — 70 years of marriage and ministry.
According to the website, GodReports.com, they were married in 1943, that was one year before my parents were married. After they had been married a week, the Bollbacks got off a Greyhound bus in Coudersport, Pennsylvania, where they planted a Christian and Missionary Alliance Church. For many years, it has been the largest church in the town.
Later they planted churches in China, Japan and Hong Kong, where they spent 24 years in fruitful service launching churches that still flourish.
Anthony just turned 91, and Evelyn will reach the age of 92 this month - they still preach, write, and serve in their local church. Anthony is the founder of Church in China, Inc. and editor of China Clippings, with over 4,000 subscribers. His publication serves as an example of their continuing heart for Asia — and unsaved people everywhere.
Last week, they left on a ministry trip to Honolulu where they will speak to the Chinese Christian Fellowship at the University of Hawaii and at Kapahulu Bible Church, where they served for many years.
Longevity is a virtue that needs to be celebrated, when it's the right kind, when it demonstrates loyalty, devotion, the hand of God, and in this case, a strong and enduring love and a wonderful partnership. A 70-year marriage sends a message to the world that the institution of marriage, as ordained by God, is built to last, as it emphasizes the principles of Scripture.
25Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her,
26that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word,
Welcome to August! This is the month that Beth and I will celebrate our 23rd wedding anniversary. And this month - on the 14th, Anthony and Evelyn Bollback will observe a marriage milestone that certainly needs to be celebrated — 70 years of marriage and ministry.
According to the website, GodReports.com, they were married in 1943, that was one year before my parents were married. After they had been married a week, the Bollbacks got off a Greyhound bus in Coudersport, Pennsylvania, where they planted a Christian and Missionary Alliance Church. For many years, it has been the largest church in the town.
Later they planted churches in China, Japan and Hong Kong, where they spent 24 years in fruitful service launching churches that still flourish.
Anthony just turned 91, and Evelyn will reach the age of 92 this month - they still preach, write, and serve in their local church. Anthony is the founder of Church in China, Inc. and editor of China Clippings, with over 4,000 subscribers. His publication serves as an example of their continuing heart for Asia — and unsaved people everywhere.
Last week, they left on a ministry trip to Honolulu where they will speak to the Chinese Christian Fellowship at the University of Hawaii and at Kapahulu Bible Church, where they served for many years.
Longevity is a virtue that needs to be celebrated, when it's the right kind, when it demonstrates loyalty, devotion, the hand of God, and in this case, a strong and enduring love and a wonderful partnership. A 70-year marriage sends a message to the world that the institution of marriage, as ordained by God, is built to last, as it emphasizes the principles of Scripture.
Marriage is designed to be a representation of the relationship between Jesus Christ and His church, described as a bride. Jesus doesn't give up on us when our difficulties occur. He doesn't turn His back on us when we turn away from Him. He is always reaching out and is concerned with you and His relationship with you. He demonstrated a sacrificial love in giving His very life so that you could be free. In an age where so many marriages are troubled and couples are prone to throw in the towel when the rough times come, the Bollbacks stand as a shining testimony of the power of love.
They, as I do, see their marriage as a team, a partnership that has been established by God - you may not be called into a vocational ministry, as they are, but I believe our marriages are intended to take the best of each of us and make an incredible union, to fulfill the purpose of God. And, at our worst, our mates can be a strong source of support and be used of God to encourage and, at times, to direct or even correct.
I am very much in love with my wife today, and we have seen God do amazing things in our home and family! Marriage is described as a sacred union - and when we recognize that as we surrender our relationships to Christ and live - and love - according to His principles, then He works for our benefit and for His glory.
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