Category Archives: Relationships

Bringing Back Backsliders

Posted on 03/05/2013 by Andrew Courtis | Leave a comment

What is backsliding? In his book Getting Back in the Race: A Cure for Backsliding, Joel Beeke (the modern day puritan) writes, ”Backsliding is a season of increasing sin and decreasing obedience in those who profess to be Christians”[1]. Backsliding is the dark and debilitating reality of disobedience. For some it is a season of compromise, whereas for others it is the process that begins to reveal that they are not genuinely converted. In Beeke’s excellent book, he reveals the signs of compromise: (1) coldness in prayer, (2) indifference under the word, (3) growing inner corruptions, (4) the love of the world, (5) declining love for believers, and (6) man-centered hopes (pp. 21-36). All of us battle with this and must be dealing with such practices daily by means of God’s grace.

What can we do for backsliders? At the end of his letter James writes these words,

“My brothers, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone brings him back,let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins” (James 5:19-20).

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Posted in Bible Reflection, Faith, Life Application, Relationships, Spiritual Growth, The Bible

The Roles in Marriage: Wives

Posted on 27/02/2013 by Andrew Courtis | Leave a comment

In his letter to the Colossians Paul simply said, “Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord” (Col. 3:18). Despite the rise of the feminist movement, the Bible remains clear and authoritative on the role of women in marriage. This biblical command is not a demand that all women in general need to submit to any man they come across. Sadly, some men believe that this ought to occur. That is not what this text says. He is addressing wives which indicates that it is a reference to married women.

The evangelical feminist will try to redefine this, making it refer to mutual submission (Click here for an excellent article by Wayne Grudem). What does it mean to “submit“? It means for the wife to line up under the leadership of her husband. This is done in such a way that she has an attitude of respect (Eph. 5:33) and the action of obedience (1 Pet. 3:5-6). It is the recognition of the one in whom God has placed the responsibility and authority of leadership. This kind of submission flows from a desire that wants to honour Christ. A submissive woman is Continue reading →

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Posted in Contemporary Issues, Doctrine, Life Application, Relationships, The Bible

Why Marriage is Important?

Posted on 21/02/2013 by Andrew Courtis | 1 Comment

What is the secret to a long and vibrant marriage? One couple was asked this question and the man was quick to answer. He said, “We take time to go to a restaurant twice a week – a little candlelight, dinner and soft music in the background – then a very slow walk home. She goes Tuesdays and I go Fridays.” Is that the secret to lasting marriage? The word of God has something very different to say.

Back in Genesis 2:24 we read these profound words, “Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh”. Here we have the institution of marriage and a Divine declaration of what marriage is. As I said in an old post, marriage is “between a man and a woman with the purpose of procreation (Gen. 1:28), pleasure (Proverbs 5:18-19), partnership (Gen. 2:18) and productivity (Gen. 1:28).”

Marriage is something that God has established. It is not an invention of the church nor is it something reserved for conservative Christians. Marriage is an institution that God has ordained and is grounded in creation. When God made male and female He intended for them to be married. Marriage provides many benefits of a spiritual, sexual and social nature. God ordained it and views it as important and precious. Sadly, many in our society do not share this view. Continue reading →

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Posted in Bible Reflection, Contemporary Issues, Life Application, Pop Culture, Relationships