CHRISTIAN MARRIAGE AND THE IDEAL HOME

The very nature of human anatomy suggests that men and women are complements to each

other because they cannot procreate alone. Some of the distinctions between them relate to

physiology, some to culture, and some to the way God created us. In spite of visual and

otherwise obvious differences, men and women are similar in many ways. They have

common physical, emotional, social, and religious needs, although each person is unique and

possesses individual characteristics. Amid all the coincidences between the two sexes, the

man and the woman are sufficiently distinct to raise questions related to role definition and

relationships. In our pursuit of the marriage ideal, we shall explore marriage as a partnership.

A partnership implies some sort of equitable arrangement. It suggests two or more parties

have united in a common effort because the relationship is desirable or necessary. In marriage,

the partners are more intimately related than in other partnerships. Marriage partners merge

their lives and pledge their support for one another. A true partnership is one where the

parties involved hold confidence in each other, where full trust and loyalty exist. Such

partnerships should produce wholesome associations, warmth, and pleasure. Like all

partnerships, marriage is based on mutual trust and loyalty, but it extends to embrace an

additional essential--love. The strength of a marriage partnership rests with the principles

upon which it is based and the willingness of the partners to subscribe to those principles. In

God's plan, marriage is intended for one man and one woman. In the early days of civilization,

men moved beyond the ideal and took on additional wives. Polygamy still thrives in some

parts of the world, but it is not the divine intention. Partnerships normally offer a provision

for being dissolved. However, marriage should be a permanent arrangement.

Marriage is an ordained institution from the Lord for the procreation and establishment of

homes where happiness and joy will reign. The institution is considered to be the residue of

sinless Eden. Gen. 1:28; Prov. 18:22.

Marriage is the oldest human institution. (In fact, it is older than the Church or human

Government).

We live in an age of low moral standards when marriage vows are easily broken and divorce

is considered common. God’s laws and his standard do not change. Although it is golden,

marriage creates some problems for the youths. To get the best from our youths, therefore, they must be taught about marriage. In fact, the quality of our life as Christians depends on

the quality of our marriages.

Another thing is that many of us as Christians fail to pray for our marriages. We are careless

about it because we think it is not part of our spiritual exercise. Until you realize this fact, you

cannot have a marriage that will be what God intends it to be.

Contents

 Dedication

 Acknowledgment

 Foreword

 Preamble

CHAPTER ONE

Meaning And Definition Of Marriage

Importance Of Marriage 

The Dignity And Beauty Of Marriage 

CHAPTER TWO

Choice Making 

Making Right Choices In Life 

Factors For Choice Making

Temperaments 

God’s Will 

The Spiritual Duties Of Your Pastor And Parents In Your Marriage 66

Time To Make The Approach 

The Answer 

When To Marry 

Factors To Be Considered Before Marriage

CHAPTER THREE:

What Is Sex 

What To Do When Sexually Aroused 

Sexually Impure Acts

Virginity 

Demerits Of Pre-Marital Sex 

Solution To Emotional And Sexual Impurity 

CHAPTER FOUR:

Principles Of A Happy Marriage 75

Courtship 

Tests Of True Love 

Dowry Or Bride Price 

The Engagement

The Wedding Ceremony 

Hindrances To God's Beautiful Pattern 

The Place Of Romance 

Kinds Of Love

Love And Sex 

Bread-winning And Domestic Work

Communication 

Money And Material Possessions 

Causes Of Late Marriage And How To Avoid It 94

CHAPTER FIVE:

God Fearing Fathers 

God Fearing Mothers 

Children, Freedom, and Fulfilment 

God`s Commands Concerning Marriage 

Parenting 

Corruption Of The Marriage Relationships 

Divorce 

Conditions That Could Lead To Divorce 159

Conclusion

Review Questions 

 References