Family Fun Night Contest

Who has the best suggestion for a family fun night?

Do you like putt-putt? Can be fun, but not too creative.

Is there something you and your family like to do that is clean and
enjoyable by all the family?

Do you have a "dream" family night...something you have not done, but
would like to do?

We are not looking for what you might do with a church or church
group. Rather, we are looking for what your family can do to have a
great evening, spending time together without getting bored, and be
happy, safe, and loving. We are big on intellectual pursuits.
Scoring will be higher for those who can submit a night that
includes enhancing Bible knowledge.

Your activities should be repeatable by others. In other words, if
you have the ability to jet to the middle-east for a night and
explore the ruins of Egypt, good for you--it is not practical for
others, however.

If an "evening" is not enough time, then we will consider something
that can be done on a Saturday.

So, what can you come up with?

Email me to let me know. Just hit reply, describe your family fun
event, and send it off.

P.S. Did I mention there is a prize? Details coming soon.

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*****
A Lesson Or Two From Adam & Eve

Is there a more famous couple in all of history? I can't think of
one. It's only right, after all; they are the parents of the human
race (Gen. 1:26, 27; 2:18-25; 4:1, 2). What husband and wife team
can match that accomplishment?

Anyway, there are some lessons we can learn from them.

First, man and woman were made for each other. Adam was made first
and was without a suitable companion in all of creation (Gen.
2:18-20). Thus, God made Eve as a "helper comparable to him" (Gen.
2:18, 21-23). God did not give man a beast. He did not give him
another man. He did not give him two women. He gave him one woman
that was not inferior to him, nor superior. Rather, the creature
given to man was a "helper comparable to him."

Man and woman do not share the "throne" of the home, however. Man
is head of woman. To deny this is to deny explicit teaching of
God's Word. "For the husband is head of the wife" (Eph. 5:23). She
is to submit to her husband, just as the church is to submit to
Christ (Eph. 5:22-24). Liberals in modern society balk at this.
Those who respect God and His Word will happily comply. Why?
Because they know that the way God designed the husband-wife
relationship is best. It leads to true happiness and harmony in the
home.

Second, Adam and Eve were brought together as "one flesh" (Gen.
2:24). Not only were their lives blended together, but they were
sexually united. This relationship is pure in the eyes of God, not
dirty or less holy than celibacy. Other sexual activities are
sinful (Heb. 13:4).

A man and woman are free to enjoy one another's bodies in a lawful
marital relationship. It is part of the blessing of marriage that
helps to draw two people closer together. The intimacy is there to
reinforce their feelings and affection for one another.

Those who engage in sexual activity outside this relationship are
violating a fundamental principle of God's will. This includes
those who fornicate (have sex before marriage), those who commit
adultery (go outside their marriage or are in an unlawful marriage
cf. Mark 6:14-18; Matthew 5:32), those who engage in homosexual
acts, bestiality, pedophilia, and so on. Sadly, this truth is
almost totally lost on our society.

[Bonus point] Third, Adam and Eve fell into sin together (Gen.
3:1-6). Their closeness brought blessings and dangers. The one to
whom you are married will be the biggest influence in your life.
This is right. There is no relationship that takes priority over
the marriage relationship--among humans, at least (Gen. 2:24). We
leave the homes where we were raised and start a new family. As
long as our spouse is living right, we are greatly blessed. If he
or she commits sin, there is a danger we might follow. Adam was
there with Eve when she ate the fruit. She handed it to him and he
ate too. Our spouse might put "sin" in our hands. It is our duty to
turn it down; not only that, but try to stop him or her from doing
it.

When sin entered the home of Adam and Eve, trouble came with it.
Yes, they were separated from God (cf. Isa. 59:1, 2). What we are
focusing on is the trouble between them. When God confronted Adam
about his sin, he blamed his wife and, in fact, God. "The woman
whom You gave to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I ate"
(Gen. 3:12).

When we allow sin in our life, it enters our home and trouble
follows. Any honest married couple can attest to this fact.
Husbands and wives bicker and fuss over sin in the home. They may
blame each other for losing their temper. A man may say it's his
wife's fault that he committed adultery. A very sad example of sin
affecting the home is David. After he committed adultery with
Bathsheba, murdered her husband, and took her for his own wife, his
family was filled with troubles (2 Sam. 11-24).

Beware, sin in your life will bring trouble in your home.
*****

Personal Note

Lord willing, later this month I will be attending the Truth
Magazine lectures in Bowling Green, KY. This will be the Fifth
Annual Lectures. Each year there are many quality lessons
presented. Some of the past themes have included the Family,
Inspiration of the Bible, and Old Testament Texts. This year's
theme is Great Texts of the New Testament. I will write a brief
report on it during and/or after the week is done.

All the best,
Steven