Boy Girl Relationships
Engagement obligations, Marriage, Fornication And Adultery
Remember right or wrong your decision is for life.
I (we) dedicate this site to every sincere young Brother and Sister in Christ who are confronted with the challenge of finding a life-time companion in these Last days - the most deceiving of all the Ages.
Unfortunately, many young people have allowed themselves to be deceived by the influence of friends, human emotions, and fairy tale romance, into choosing the "wrong" mate. If your feet are not sincerely and prayerfully planted in the Word of God you are a target for deception.
If your relationship with Jesus Christ doesn’t take preeminence over all other human relationships you are at an even greater risk for deception. Jesus Christ must have first place in your life. Being the Lord of your life He will guide you in your choice of a mate.
Solomon knew, from experience the sorrow of living with a mis-matched mate. In the days when God "permitted" Polygamy Solomon had a thousand mates, resulting in almost a thousand mis-marriages. And the spiritual toll it took on his relationship with God was disastrous.
It’s my prayer that the Lord may use this book to remind every young person and their parents of what He has spoken in the Scriptures and revealed through His Servant the Prophet in this deceiving age; and to help guide you in your search for your predestinated mate.
Boy - Girl Relationships.
In a crazy mixed-up world, surrounded by mixed-up churches with mixed-up theology, there has sounded forth a "Divinely Vindicated" Voice to answer our questions and dissolve our doubts, by taking us back to the "Divinely Vindicated" Word of God. To answer our questions and dissolve our doubts concerning the subject of Boy - Girl Relationships let’s consult that "Vindicated Voice" that has sounded forth the last dispensation of God’s Truth to the Gentiles.
Let God answer the following questions for you:
1. How To Choose A "till death do us part" mate?
2. Once Engaged (Betrothed) - Can It Be Broken?
3. What About Displays Of Intimacy In Public?
4. What About Believer/Unbeliever Marriages?
5. What About Inter-racial Marriages?
May HE grant us the courage, by Grace, to accept the Truth and a willing spirit to heed His counsel? In Scripture, it was Samson who forsook the counsel of God by giving his "strength" to God, but his "heart" to a woman.” God wants first place in your heart.
Problems Encountered
As parents one of the most pressing concerns we have in this Age is the Spiritual and Physical well-being of our children. No other Age has witnessed what the young men and women of this generation have witnessed and are witnessing. That which was done in secret and in darkness is now open for all to see. Never was there such an Age of open permissiveness and perversion - not just isolated events here and there - it is world-wide, leaving no country, city, village, home or hut untouched - there is no place clean.
We live in the age of the "people's rights"- Laodicea (Revelation 3:14-22). Enticing spirits run rampant in the earth causing men and women (young and old), to do that which is right in their own eyes. Politicians are intimidated into legalizing evil and putting restrictions on that which is good. Disguised (in Canada) as a government Anti-hate bill, it is NOW forbidden to "criticize" sin; and absolutely illegal to condemn sin - no matter how sinful and perverted it is. If those who practice it are recognized as "an identifiable group,” we cannot, in any way criticize or condemn it. In the eyes of the government we would be breaking the Anti-Hate laws.
In the United States Christianity is ever-increasingly becoming the persecuted faith. Its adherents are forbidden to obey our Lord’s command and commission to "Go, preach the Gospel to every creature, teaching them to observe all the commands of Jesus" [Matthew 28:19-20; Mark 16:15-16]. Such anti-Christ motivated groups as The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and the Americans United for separation of Church and State (AU) would prefer that Evangelical Christians practice their religion in private and "keep quiet about it in public", less we offend the hypocrites, the sons of the Devil [John 8:44] and those who practice Pagan forms of religion. A country over-run with paganism and idolatry is nothing to be proud of - unless of course you are spiritually blind.
All these things make it increasingly more difficult for parents to teach and discipline their children according to Biblical standards. As Believers, standing for righteousness, our Scriptural ideas about child discipline, courtship, engagements and marriage, are ancient and out-dated in the eyes of this modern, wicked and adulterous generation. Yes, out-dated, even in the eyes of many so called Christian Churches. Many of these churches are under such a deception by the Devil that are now ordaining homosexuals into the ministry, and condoning and performing same-sex marriages.
In the area of courtship, and marriage, today's society takes its cue from those who have no moral standards, such as Hollywood actors and actresses; Television stars, sports personalities and worldly singers - including many so-called Gospel singers, who dress and act like the world. They're leading souls to hell by the millions.
This generation "will NOT have the WORD of God to rule over them,” especially in the area of their personal lives. They will NOT allow the WORD to tell them how to act, dress, sing, discipline children, or choose a mate. Their attitude is the attitude of the Scribes and Pharisees of Jesus' day - "Away with the WORD; let Him be crucified.” Many, willfully, turn a "blind eye" and a "deaf ear" to the Truth.
As we go further into this study please remember,
"Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” (Matthew 4:4.)
In 2nd Corinthians 6:14-18,
We find these Words:
14. Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? And what communion hath light with darkness?15. And what concord hath Christ with Belial? Or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?16. And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in [them]; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.17. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean [thing]; and I will receive you,18. And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.
In counseling young men and women today, concerning engagements and marriage, very few clergy refer to this Scripture. Fewer still, are the young men and women who will allow the Holy Spirit to burn this portion of the Word into their hearts to prevent them from making a most serious mistake in their choice of a husband or wife.
Intellectual reasoning, Carnal emotions and feelings take precedent over “This Saith The Lord" of the Bible. But the true Believers stay with the WORD of God regardless of the opinions of church theology or the secular world. It is most important that we stay with the Counsel of Scripture, especially in this area of courtship, engagements, and Marriage. Failure to abide by the Word in these things will cause us to eventually reap a whirlwind of heartache, sorrow, and sin.
I encourage Mom and Dad to consider and stay with the Word-based counsel of God's servant and prophet, Bro. William Branham. Don't allow your "phileo (human) love" to usurp "Agapeo (Divine) Love" when counseling and/or disciplining your child, especially in the area of courtship, engagement and marriage. Remember, "Agape Love" is corrective - It is not governed by human emotion or feelings - It stays with the WORD.
I encourage our young Brothers and Sisters in Christ to exercise Divine Wisdom when seeking out a life-time companion. Outside of Salvation, your choice of a mate will be one of the most important decisions you will ever make in your life.
PLEASE, learn from the mistakes of others. DON'T EVER think that you will NEVER make such a mistake - walk softly and humbly, asking the Lord Jesus to guide you each step of the way. And in "putting your best foot forward" to impress a possible companion don’t step over the line and become a phony.
Where To Start.....
In your search for a mate you begin with Christ. Sit at His feet while in prayer and meditation, making your own calling and election sure, and asking for His guidance and wisdom in finding the "right" companion. Marriage is not meant to be "horizontal" only - just between a man and a woman. There is a vertical aspect to marriage. It is this aspect which brings a balance in any relationship. That vertical aspect is God.
A Christian Marriage is 'two hearts' united in faith toward 'One God', who alone is able to keep them from falling into the snare and trap of the Devil.
Take some time to seriously consider what "qualities" you feel are necessary in the individual whom you expect to live closely with for the rest of your life. NEVER judge his or her Christian testimony or experience by church attendance, his or her knowledge or enthusiasm during Bible / Message discussions - watch their actions and / or reactions to the challenges of everyday living - Do you see genuine humility, faith and absolute trust in God? Are they seeking to please God, first and foremost in all they do? NEVER allow a potential mate to usurp the "headship" of Christ in your own life or hinder your relationship with Him.
These things are very important if your relationship is to experience victory in the midst of the trials and challenges which comes with marriage - especially in these last days. Learn to discern between "fairy tale" and "reality" romance. Know what you expect to find in your partner after the initial burst of romance and the excitement of being "in love" has settled down to "normal" everyday living of raising the children, balancing the budget and expressing love for one another in a more mature ways.
Remember, this is a union that MUST continue so long as life shall last. If you choose a house and afterwards feel it is not suitable, you may sell and buy another; if an employee fails to meet the expectations of the employer, that employee can be replaced. But should husband or wife find that they have been mistaken in their choice, there is no alternative open to them. They may deeply and bitterly regret their decision, but there is no place for repentance. "Marriage, according to God's original plan, is a world-without-end bargain.” This is God's perfect will.
The Bible clearly states that "God hates divorce.” In Malachi 2:16 (Amplified) we read,
"For the Lord, the God of Israel, says, "I hate divorce and marital separation and him who covers his garment [his wife] with violence, Therefore, keep a watch upon your spirit [that it may be controlled by my Spirit], that you deal Not treacherously and faithlessly [with your marriage mate].” ……Base on this scripture, I think we can safely say that there will be no divorce in the world to come. In this present evil world the only Biblical justification whereby a man is "permitted" to "put away" [divorce] his wife is "for the cause of fornication" (Matthew 19:9).
If, after marriage the man discovers that his bride is not a virgin, he is, according to the words of Jesus in Matthew 19 and other Scriptures, permitted to divorce her. If she repents of her sin then the man would be obligated to "forgive" her as Christ forgives His Bride.
Remember, according to the Bible, the man can divorce the woman [only because of fornication], but the woman cannot divorce the man. God will still hold the man accountable for his unconfessed sins of fornication (or adultery), but still the woman cannot "put him away". Referring to his sin with Bathsheba, David said,
"Against Thee [the Lord], and Thee only have I sinned and done this evil in Thy sight....."
The Bible further states in Matthew 19 that "whosoever marrieth her that is divorced doth commit ADULTERY."
Here, it is clearly stated that the Lord forbids a man to marry a divorced woman. We're talking SERIOUS things here.
"Choose you this day whom ye will serve" - the Word of God, the word of a church or your own ideas. [Joshua 24:15].
In Matthew 19:8 Jesus, reminds us that "from the beginning it was not so". From the beginning it was "one" man and "one" woman; and divorce wasn't even in the picture.
The Prophet and Messenger of Malachi 4 was sent to "restore ALL things" and take us back to God’s "original" plan and purpose.
Concerning the revelation given to the prophet regarding "Marriage and Divorce" many people today take "one" aspect of what he preached and build a doctrine, attempting to justify divorce and re-marriage, appeasing the conscience of those who want "run out of a marriage" for reasons other than what the Scriptures allow. They fail to take into consideration what he said BEFORE and AFTER he preached the Message entitled "Marriage and Divorce.” There are things he mentioned previous to that Message which he DID NOT CHANGE during or after the February 22nd, 1965 Revelation on the Marriage and Divorce issue.
Notice the following quotes from two messages by Brother Branham, preached 3 months and 10 months AFTER preaching on "Marriage And Divorce".
Now, it's a serious thing when we go to choose a wife. For the vows here is until death do we part. That's how we should keep it. And you take that vow before God that only death will separate you. ... A man in his right mind that's planning a future, that he should choose that wife very careful; be careful what you're doing. And a woman choosing a husband, or accepting the choice of a husband, should be real careful what she's doing and especially in these days. A man should think and pray before he chooses a wife.
If God could give a man anything better than salvation, He gives him a wife. See? And so then, if He could give anything better, He would've done it. And then, to see some of them turn and don't even act like a wife, unloyal to their marriage vows and their husbands the same. You remember, you're bound as long as you live to one another. What God joins on earth is joined in heaven also. See?
There’s no way around it - these statements have to be taken into account and included with the other things Bro. Branham preached in his Message on "Marriage And Divorce" We have to face "Bible facts" and "let the Message speak"..
It would be great agony indeed to wake up after the matrimonial knot has been tied and find that a life-time mistake has been made. Unfortunately, some make their mistake 'before' the matrimonial knot has been tied. I, therefore, advise every young man and woman to reflect prayerfully upon the sort of person likely to prove "suitable for life.” As Believers, standing for righteousness, we MUST act with wisdom, lest we bring reproach on the Gospel. Therefore it is of utmost importance that you DO NOT RUSH into any relationship. "Wait on the Lord.....Wait, I say, on the Lord" (Psalms 27:14).
You must look beyond the initial "best foot forward" relationship and observe your potential companion in the different situations and circumstances of life to make sure he/she possesses genuine, out of the heart, Christian (Christ-like) qualities. Use "Spiritual discernment to protect yourself from making a serious mistake, by choosing a partner based on deceptive or pretended qualities.
Above all other characteristics a life-time mate must possess:
.....a "living" relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ, a Spiritual mind, even the mind of Christ, with all humility.
2 ..... a heart controlled by the Love of God, always putting God first, the body of believers second, themselves last.
3. ..... a godly life, lived by the power of the Holy Ghost, endeavoring [by Grace] to daily exercise themselves unto godliness (holiness and reverence toward God and the things of God).
For a Believer to knowingly enter into a relationship with a make-believer or a non-spiritual, lukewarm church goer is religious insanity. Such a union cannot be sanctioned by God. I remind you again of the Scripture quoted above wherein Paul admonished the Believers in his day: "Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers:" or make-believers.
Never allow yourself to be cajoled by unconverted would-be mates, persuaded by worldly relations, or led by sentimental fairy tale fantasy, or, worst still, animal passions, into a union with the 'wrong' companion. You put your relationship with God at risk. Christless unions produce Christless families, living Christless lives, traveling to a Christless destiny.
Remember, in mixed marriages (believer with unbeliever), more often than not the Believer goes over to the enemy. Error is contagious but Truth is not. Let the Love of God anoint your phileo love and let the Dove of Divine Love lead.
I urge you to seriously consider the following counsel and allow it to govern your decisions. Remember also that in this link we are not discussing the subject of "Marriage And Divorce", but rather making right decisions before marriage.
