May 31, 2018
The attitude of Jesus was of complete love, adoration, dependence and hope in God alone, no matter what earthly blessings or curses may fall. My earthly experience is not the goal of following Christ. God is the goal of following Christ. We follow Christ to be near to God, not to gain the earthly blessings of God!
Marriage and church are connected at a deep level by three essential truths:
1. Jesus and the Father are one (John 10:30,38)
2. Marriage reflects Christ's Church (Ephesians 5:32)
3. Christ's Church reflects marriage (Ephesians 5:25-27)
These three truths can be summarized in a single statement:
Relationships within marriage and church will be good to the degree that they reflect the relationship between Jesus and the Father.
The relationship between Jesus and the Father is the most intimate, the most vital, the most powerful, and the most good of all relationships. There is no other relationship or goal that is more necessary and desirable. All other relationships are based, in some degree, if they are good, upon this most holy, high divine relationship.