Session #4

Life Principle #3: Oneness Forever

Couples are looking for that perfect marriage. Although we might not be able to find perfection here on earth, we can get pretty close by living out this third life principle of ‘Oneness Forever.’

God’s ways are amazingly simple yet intricate. Objects, for example, are made from different groupings of atoms. Water’s molecule is made from two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom. This seems so simple until we take a close look at the atoms themselves. They seem to be a universe in themselves. A special powerful force keeps the different moving particles working together.

Marriage has a similar force. God has declared ‘two become one flesh.’ It seems easy and makes a lot of sense. But the more we think about it, we see that there are some very special forces working behind marriage to keep it together.

Much like the atom, God’s design for marriage is perfect. By some amazing feat one male and one female with different wills and bodies are willing to stay, live and work together throughout their lives.

We have seen the important place the first two life principles have in a marriage: Unconditional love and humble submission. They are principles that not only husbands and wives are asked to abide by but everyone all the time. The living out of these truths is essential to a great marriage. We want to speak about the third life principle today.

This third life principle comes from Genesis 2:24  and is developed more fully in Ephesians 5 just as the other two life principles are. This is the mystery of marriage.

"... And the two shall become one flesh. This mystery is great; but I am speaking with reference to Christ and the church." (Ephesians 5:31,32)

The fact is that the married couple is now ‘one body’ through the mighty declaration of God. We are called to recognize this oneness and affirm it. As we assert this unity in different practical ways, our marriage gets stronger and stronger.

Let’s look more closely at this third life principle of “Oneness Forever.” When we abide in oneness, a special security arises over our hearts which gives us freedom to rest, delight and dream. It is here in God’s design that we find His harmony, love and joy for our marriages.

A) Life Principle #3: Oneness Forever

Marriage was meant to last. We all know the marriage vows, “as long as we both shall live.” With so many different opinions being expressed today, we need to see what the Bible has to say about these matters. This concept is revealed in Genesis and again repeated several times in the New Testament.

“For this cause a man shall leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave to His wife; and they shall become one flesh” (Genesis 2:24).

“For this cause a man shall leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave to His wife; and the two shall become one flesh.” (Matthew 19:5)

We should note that Jesus’ version varies just a bit. The scriptures first speak about a couple joining together. The man leaves the authority of his parents and becomes his own authority under God. This shift of family authority and structure indicates a long-term change. So does the way the man devotes himself to his new wife. The word cleaving is very strong and has a sense of clinging like vines to a tree trunk; or when you accidentally super-glue your fingers together. Clinging demands a concentrated focus, which by its focus eliminates other behaviors or thoughts.

The element of permanency for marriage is even more clearly reflected in the last phrase where two people are joined into one new family unit.^[1] These verses are not just speaking of sexual intimacies. True, the sexual act reveals this oneness in an amazingly beautiful way. The climax of the sexual act involves the uniting of the man and woman all at once in the heart, mind and body. Oneness however goes beyond this brief intense sharing of bodies. The verse states that they become one flesh. A change occurs in their nature.

This ‘oneness’ goes down deep to the pledge of one’s heart toward the other in a “as long as we both shall live” type of commitment. The oneness is created by a perfect blend of their two lives. The differing genders, responsibilities and physical features all assist in the creation of a masterpiece of oneness. There can hardly be found a more splendid truth stated by such simple words, “They shall become one flesh.”

They are now one flesh or unit; they are no longer two. There is intimate sharing of heart, soul and body. This whole union reveals itself in the birth of ‘their’ child. One child shares equally from the husband and wife. We now know by a study of the cells that both the father and mother’s oneness is incorporated together in every cell of the new baby. This is absolutely remarkable. If you want to affirm your marriage, have lots of children!

Something is even more amazing as we reflect upon this ‘one flesh’ concept. When something is one, it cannot be simply broken into normal functional pieces with new identities. The atom, which seems to be indivisible, really is comprised of different parts. The nucleus and electrons are mysteriously coupled together by awesome and mysterious forces. In order to break them apart, great energy is needed and the original elements are tremendously impacted. Just think what happens with the atom bomb. God has through His own judgment declared that the married couple is one. The male and female are promised to each other and become one for life. Only death removes this oneness.

Jesus further clarifies this.

“Consequently they are no longer two, but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let no man separate” (Matthew 19:6).

God takes part in the marriage whether it took place in a church or not.^[2] God has joined the couple together. The two have lost their separate identity. They have become one. After marriage, we can no longer find the original two. Yes, they are present and identifiable much like a nucleus and an electron, but to understand them one must understand how they are bonded together.^[3] This is the reason divorce does not make sense and remarriage even less so (unless the original partner dies). Jesus simply says remarriage after divorce is the same as adultery.^[4]

“And He said to them, “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery against her” (Mark 10:11).

“A wife is bound as long as her husband lives; but if her husband is dead, she is free to be married to whom she wishes, only in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 7:39).

A spouse cannot simply state that he or she is no longer pledged. A pledge is a pledge. Since the pledge is for life, then he must be faithful for life.^[5] God has joined them together with His mysterious force. Although earthly courts permit divorce and nullification of the marriage^[6], the marriage continues to exist before God as long as both spouses live. Paul says the same thing about the church and her relationship with Christ.

“Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I then take away the members of Christ and make them members of a harlot? May it never be!”(1 Corinthians 6:15)

Because of a prior spiritual commitment to Christ, we are one with Him. If we then go and give our devotion to another, then it is spiritual adultery or idolatry. When a married person has sexual relations with any, both physical and spiritual adultery occur.

Oneness most clearly shows itself in its indivisibility. One is no longer two and cannot be divided.

B) Marriage Alternatives?

Today there is any number of groups demanding alternative kinds of ‘marriage.’ The government and courts will decide in the end whether they will follow God’s arrangement, which is so clearly given in Genesis, or their own depraved reason. As we have pointed out in another session, God made His point very clear in Genesis 2:24. He uses the male and female words for husband and wife. The male leaves his parents and cleaves to the female. There is no room for what people call homosexual ‘marriages.’^[7]

This is obvious in a physical or natural realm, but evil men are so intent on fulfilling their lusts, they no longer want to even accept the obvious lessons from nature, let alone God’s Word. Two males do not make one. Neither do two females. God did not state that they become one because they are still two. Our little children know one male plus one male equals two males.

The female was specially designed to complement the male. If God wanted another male to keep Adam company, He would have made another man. Instead He went out of His way to create a whole new gender that fully complemented man in marriage. From this union they bear the fruit of children.

We are not saying that man or woman cannot live fulfilling lives as singles. They can. 1 Corinthians 7 clearly prescribes this possibility when a man or woman gains their fullness from closeness to God and bears the fruit of good works (rather than children). The apostle says,

“But I want you to be free from concern. One who is unmarried is concerned about the things of the Lord, how he may please the Lord” (1 Corinthians 7:32).

Another alternative lifestyle is not to get married at all but still share marital privileges. Many young and old people alike no longer want to enter marriage. They have been scarred. They no longer have dreams of oneness. Their bubbles of hope have been popped. This generation is afraid of commitment because they have seen the terrible way marriages can end up or may have no idea that marriage can be good.

The way back is not easy. We see that blatant immorality and adultery are signs of a degenerate generation. The solution is first for Christian couples to live out their oneness and then challenge others to live out their vows. God has brought revival to us before and changed the culture in a flash, but God’s people first have to repent and seek His face.

Living together outside of marriage is not marriage; it is fornication. The two are not living under the promise of marriage. They are not ‘one flesh’ but two who are harming each other for their own selfish purposes.

Marriage is designed to last as long as both husband and wife live on earth. Marriage provides us with the most beautiful picture of continuity and development one could find on earth. Marriage in its temporariness is but an analogy of a greater and eternally lasting relationship between God and His people.

This truth of oneness has great ramifications for our marriage. To the degree that we accept by faith this oneness, we will live by its obvious truths. This will in turn lead to a great marriage. Without faith in this oneness, our marriages will heave back and forth in all the insecurity of the world.

C) A Strong Marriage Foundation

Foundations are what we build structures upon. A marriage has certain foundational truths. If the foundation is not solid, then, no matter how well something is built on top of that foundation, it will suffer. This is the problem with earthquakes. They shake foundations, testing them for their strength. The seams or weaknesses in the land mass are called faults. It is at these faults that the greatest damage occurs. Anything built on those faults crumbles.

Today many couples get married thinking that divorce is a possibility. Some are quite open about it. “If it doesn’t work out, then we will get a divorce.” They obviously do not understand God’s hatred for divorce and the many consequences that follow.

Another dangerous tendency in wealthy societies is for the husband and wife to think they are marrying for life, but when troubling times come, they begin to think of separation and divorce as real possibilities. In newlywed bliss, the excitement of a new home or a new baby, they might not think this way. When troubles escalate the husband starts to imagine what it would be like with that other woman. The wife tries to think through her financial situation to see if she can support herself. They are not fully committed to oneness. Every marriage faces challenges. How we respond to the challenges depends on what we really believe. In the end this couple shows that they do not really believe that they are one for life. This is seen by the contemplation of other options in troubles.

Some couples are deeply shocked when these thoughts of divorce are first brought up. Although it may seem impossible for a marriage to turn around, it can. The couple can sort things out by focusing on the truth of their oneness. They need to set their hearts upon living by their marriage vows. This is the way it is for every married couple. When we decide to live by the fact of oneness, then the marriage can hold together. If however, either spouse is willing to accept the temptation to live apart from God’s binding truth and choose a path separate from the spouse, then the couple will experience great turmoil. We will discuss in a later session what special steps can be taken when the spouse begins to talk about leaving or in fact does leave.

The Ranch

 This ‘oneness’ life principle might sound rather vague. It is hard to understand. Let’s try to get a better handle on its meaning.

When a person walks around his thousand-acre ranch, which is enclosed by a fence, he will rarely run into the fence. He can walk and walk and never meet up with the defining edge of his property. Good marriages are similar. The husband might work in the city, fly to visit his father, or take a bus back home all in the confines of oneness. The husband and wife are one even though they are separate.

However, if an attractive young lady walks alluringly by the husband, then that fence will suddenly appear. He knows he needs to delight only in the wife of his youth. He turns his mind and eyes away from her. What is he doing? He is affirming the oneness of his marriage. He accepts the fence. The fence reminds him of this oneness. He then affirms the pledge to desire only his wife. He stays within the fence.

The wife might be reading a romance novel. She starts identifying herself with the woman in the story and begins to want such a romantic man as in the story. Her husband is completely dull! The fence arises. She is starting to covet someone else’s man (even though in this case he might be imaginary). She remembers her pledge to support and love her unromantic (up to now – always keep hoping) husband. She refuses to entertain that anyone else could be better for her than who she now has. She follows through her commitment by instantly returning the book to the library. She furthermore thanks the Lord for her husband and in her heart affirms her pledge to him alone.

We have only started touching upon this mighty life principle. As with the other life principles, they all have to do with living out our Christian life. Before preceding any further, we would like to explain this life principle in its spiritual context. Perhaps this will enable us to better understand how this oneness principle can apply to our own marriages.

D) The Spiritual Analogy

This oneness principle is written throughout the scriptures including the Old Testament. This is because salvation is built upon the concept of the covenant between God and man. We will concentrate on the New Testament teaching. In the New Testament we have the basic truth that teaches us that Christians are part of a covenant with God through Christ. They are in Christ. They are one with Christ. They are joined to Christ

This is most clearly seen by the “in Christ” phrase repeated through the Bible. It is used 88 times! The phrase ‘in Christ’ or ‘in Him’ is used eleven times just in the first chapter of Ephesians. Let us look at just three examples.^[8]

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ” (Ephesians 1:3).

“Just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before Him. In love” (Ephesians 1:4).

“In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace” (Ephesians 1:7).

We are special because we are in Christ. It is our position in Christ that joined us to God’s love and promises. We are one in Christ. This is the teaching of baptism and clearly taught in Romans.

“Or do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus have been baptized into His death? Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, in order that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life. For if we have become united with Him in the likeness of His death, certainly we shall be also in the likeness of His resurrection, knowing this, that our old self was crucified with Him, that our body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin; for he who has died is freed from sin. Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him” (Romans 6:3-8).

Baptism is a physical ceremony that displays our oneness with Christ. This is like the bride walking up the center aisle to be wed. She leaves her family to join the bridegroom in making a new family. She loses her old identity (last name) and becomes part of a new identity by adopting his last name.^[9] Together they begin a new life.

There will be struggles that test our allegiance to Christ. However, we must obey our Lord and disregard our old identity’s wishes. This might work out practically in a marriage when the husband requests one thing of the wife but her Mom is suggesting a contrary one, perhaps regarding child discipline. She must live out her oneness with her husband and do as he requests. Notice how this thought comes out in Romans 6:11.

“Even so consider yourselves to be dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus” (Romans 6:11).

We can see this truth or life principle of oneness worked out in all sorts of passages. Below is Paul’s advice to the Philippians.

“Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ; so that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; in no way alarmed by your opponents--which is a sign of destruction for them, but of salvation for you, and that too, from God” (Philippians 1:27-28).

How do they stand firm against the enemy that threatens their faith in Christ? It is through their commitment to Christ. “Stand firm in one spirit, with one mind.” Whenever we stand firm in our covenant commitment, the enemy is exposed for what he is–an adulterer trying to lure us away.

Before we move on, we want to look at one more passage that is different from the others. It purposely links together three teachings: the marriage covenant, Christian covenant and oneness. Ephesians 5:25 interweaves these concepts. This passages does so in a different way.

“For the married woman is bound by law to her husband while he is living; but if her husband dies, she is released from the law concerning the husband. So then if, while her husband is living, she is joined to another man, she shall be called an adulteress; but if her husband dies, she is free from the law, so that she is not an adulteress, though she is joined to another man. Therefore, my brethren, you also were made to die to the Law through the body of Christ, that you might be joined to another, to Him who was raised from the dead, that we might bear fruit for God” (Romans 7:2-4).

The only way a marriage is dissolved is through death. Marriages on earth last only as long as both partners live. Divorce is man’s idea to free a couple from their commitment, but it does not free them from the commitment they made before God. God has united them. The same is true regarding our salvation. We died to our old identity and self through faith in Christ and are united in Christ’s new purpose. And just as in marriage there is fruit from the union, so there is fruit from our union in Christ.

The strength of a marriage or of a Christian will depend on how much they clearly identify with their oneness. In the spiritual realm, Satan wants us to rock our foundation by shaking our faith. He does this by causing us to question whether or not we are really saved. Satan does this in our marriage too, by tempting us to think we have ‘other’ options other than staying married. Let’s look at how Satan whittles away at the foundations of marriage today.

E) Modern Marriage and its Temptations

We would love to say that the church is faithfully proclaiming God’s teaching on marriage. Unfortunately, this is not so. There are some churches staying faithful to God’s Word. Overall the church is not only permitting divorce, but encourages divorcees to think of themselves as ‘singles’. They sponsor groups to help them find another partner. God hates this spirit of divorce.

“For I hate divorce,” says the LORD, the God of Israel, “and him who covers his garment with wrong,” says the LORD of hosts. “So take heed to your spirit, that you do not deal treacherously” (Malachi 2:16).

The Lord hates divorce because it breaks the basic life principle of one flesh. A divorcee has dealt treacherously with their marriage partner. Formerly, only the man would initiate divorce but now with more wealth, the woman also feels free to initiate divorce. God’s heart is broken over this. What is happening in the physical realm is also happening in the spiritual realm. People are leaving Christ. They are rejecting their obedient tie to the Lord. The tie between marriage and salvation is much closer than many of us suspect.^[10]

This is also apparent by the way adultery sullies the marriage as well as one’s spiritual life. The spirit of adultery is all around us. I personally would be bound by this sin if it wasn’t for the grace of God. Let us look at how oneness is threatened by pornography.

(1) Pornography, sensual viewing and reading

Some people consider pornography a needed and normal diversion for boys and men. I have even heard of Christian parents who think they are teaching their sons about marriage through exposing them to pornography. Pornography has nothing to do with marriage! These parents are not introducing them to marriage but to adultery. If they want to teach about oneness, then parents must keep their children from pornography and give them a vision of delighting themselves only in the one woman of their future. We are grieved by what is happening all around us. Jesus stated in clear words that the heart of pornography is adultery.

“But I say to you, that everyone who looks on a woman to lust for her has committed adultery with her already in his heart” (Matthew 5:28).

In other words, the spouse that has set his or her eyes on another with lust has denied the fact of their oneness. They have allowed their own self-indulgent desires to rule over their loyalty to their spouse.

Women are susceptible to the same temptation. An increasing number of women use pornography. They are looking for substitute relationships. By tolerating pornography, sensual movies or novels, they are developing a spirit of treachery. They are turning their back on their vow to their spouse. This happens because they no longer have confidence that God’s way is best. The cure for those caught in the web of pornography is to confess the impurity of their hearts to God and their spouses.^[11] Then they must renew the pledge to serve only the Lord by being faithful to their spouse. Let’s look at it in a positive way.

Oneness tells me that God has given me a mighty good thing in a wife. The scriptures state,

“He who finds a wife finds a good thing, And obtains favor from the LORD” (Proverbs 18:22).

We must be content with our spouse. As we purpose to delight only in our spouse, we reaffirm our oneness with him or her. The more we delight in our spouse, the bigger the ‘ranch’ gets. We sense more and more freedom. As Paul says in Timothy, “the law is only for the lawless.”^[12] When we do not compromise our heart’s pledge, then the law, i.e. the fence, is not thought of. The many surrounding temptations become less and less alluring. Why? We find joy in the fulfillment of God’s promises.

We understand that some have given up hope. They call themselves addicted. The pull of chemical highs hiding behind sexual lusts can be very strong. However, we must understand that when a husband or wife allows himself or herself to desire another that is treachery. They are breaking their pledge. Repentance does not mean just trying to stop watching porn on the web. The root of the problem must be exposed. They have been living by ‘twoness’ rather than oneness. They live as if they can make decisions apart from the other.

In fact, when we get a clear perspective of the life principle of oneness, we will see that bad marriages are filled with behavior that denies oneness. They allow themselves to make decisions that go against the oneness of marriage. Pornography is only one example. Let’s think about another area: arguments.

(2) Fighting and Arguing

Jesus once said that it is crazy to think of someone that fights with himself^[13], but this is exactly what happens when spouses argue. Whenever a husband or wife opposes the other, they are like some malicious cell gone wild bent on destroying itself. They are countering the oneness life principle. They need to work together rather than oppose each other.

This might sound rather ideal, but are we not to strive to love one another? I have heard too many Christians state that arguments are normal and good. These so-called counselors are not doing anybody any good. Arguments and fights are not normal though they are common. Once we accept them as normal, then this sets the standard. Instead, we need to hold to God’s standard and repent from our argumentative spirits.

We do have differences of opinion. We do have disagreements, but when we start criticizing or using words that intentionally hurt or belittle, we have surely forgotten the life principle of oneness. This truth is for all Christians. The apostle summarizes the approach we should take toward one another.

“And so, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. And beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity” (Colossians 3:12-14).

There are more important things than expressing, insisting on or enforcing our own desires and thoughts. When a couple esteems God’s will and ways, the way we do something is just as important as what we do. They are willing to exercise humility and patience to accomplish the Lord’s purpose. We acknowledge that due to our sinful self, we do fall from this standard whether it be in our marriage or in a church business meeting. When the standard is high, as God set it, we are able to repent, restore and get back to where God wants us to be.

F) Affirmations of Oneness

Let’s think of some positive ways to affirm oneness. Perhaps you already are doing many of them.

1.)   Commit yourself to never mention or even entertain the thought of divorce or separation of any kind as a possible way out.

2.)   Spend time together. Have a ‘date’ once a week.

3.)   Completely forgive the other for their sins. Don’t harbor bitterness. “Love covers a multitude of sins.”

4.)   Express affection and desire for each other beyond the bedroom.

5.)   Talk together about issues, children and other needs.

6.)   Think through and discuss how you two complement each other.

7.)   Refuse to argue together. Acknowledge differences but then solve problems.

8.)   Pray together regularly. (More than at meal time!)

9.)   Study God’s Word together.

10.) Develop a family vision. (How does God want you as a family to minister in this world?)

Attitudes of Oneness

How can we climb these steps of affirmation? Let me share from my own journey. The principle behind all of these steps mentioned above centers around clearly devoting myself to loving and delighting in my wife Linda. In order for real long term change to arise, we must have a change in attitudes. When this is done, there is increasing love for ones' wife, joy in her and temptation more easily stays away.

• Determine to only love my wife.

• Fight temptation by affirming my love for my wife.

• Trust God’s timing to fulfill my own desires and needs. This helps guard me from frustration.

• Refuse to get bitter. She might be deluded by her feelings. She needs my kindness right now. I wait for this mood to pass.

• Quickly apologize for my wrongs. I want us to work together.

• Remember God’s desire to work through both of us united.

• Remember that unless I have peace with her, God will not answer my prayers.[14]

• The greatest joys come through being in harmony with her. The worse times are when we are acting contrary to each other.

Summary

The third life principle of oneness creates harmony. Because one doesn’t become two, then it is secure and last for a lifetime. Out from this security of love and commitment, love, joy and peace easily grow.

I am not competing and have no need to contest. We work together to get God’s work done. Instead of figuring ways to meet my own needs, I look for strategic places I can make sacrifices so that I can demonstrate my commitment to oneness. My heart has become truly joyful and satisfied. Our foundation of oneness goes deeper and deeper, eliminating cracks and fissures that were not even seen before.

'And they lived happily ever after.’ This truth is symbolized and taught through a loyal and lifelong marriage. Like a Christian who has learned the glorious spiritual truths of identification with Christ, so marriage is like a storehouse of joy and love. We only need to stay fixed on affirming the commitment to oneness. We make a commitment, and we stick to it. For life.

Appendix:

1) Our Commitment

I pledge to be a one-woman man. I have made my choice. I am married. No matter what problems I face, I trust the Lord to fulfill my life through my wife. I reject the temptations around me. I say a permanent no to my lusts. I have been called by God to unconditionally love my wife. She will be the one I delight in. She will be the one God fulfills me through.

There might be difficult times, misunderstandings or even outright rejection. I stand firm in my love for her. I trust God to enable me to keep my commitment. She will be the one I share my heart and vision with. She will be the one I cry with. I pledge to keep working on those rough spots that keep my wife from trusting my full devotion to her. At the same time I pledge to God that I will live only for Him and in that devotion give my heart to my wife. Be my security forever.

2) Our Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, I never realized how much I have messed up our marriage until now. Now I understand what ‘oneness’ means. Although you have pronounced us one, I have been living as two. I have argued and even fought with my spouse. O Lord do forgive me and thoroughly cleanse me by your blood.

From this day forth I am fully devoting myself to my spouse. I want that devotion and love to be whole and not in any way fragmented, divided or broken. From now on, I will draw on your wisdom and advice to solve difficulties or problems in my marriage. Only let me build now on oneness rather than self. Whether in bed or in the car, allow the glory and beauty of oneness to touch our hearts with Your peace, harmony, love and joy. These are what you promise and now I ask you for them. In Christ's Name, Amen.

"Put me like a seal over your heart, Like a seal on your arm. For love is as strong as death, Jealousy is as severe as Sheol; Its flashes are flashes of fire, The very flame of the LORD. Many waters cannot quench love, Nor will rivers overflow it; If a man were to give all the riches of his house for love, It would be utterly despised" (Song of Solomon 8:6-7, NASB).

Study Questions

1.)   What is the third life principle?

2.)   How does an atom demonstrate this oneness?

3.)   What scripture is this principle built upon? Say it or write it down.

4.)   How does marriage take place?

5.)   Why is divorce or annulment not acceptable?

6.)   Why is remarriage to divorced people considered adultery?

7.)   Explain the concept of the ‘ranch.’

8.)   List two ways this oneness concept is seen in the redemptive message of the New Testament.

9.)   Explain how pornography and other sensual perusing rejects the couple’s oneness.

10.)  Explain how arguments and fights deny the couple’s oneness.

11.)  List three ways to positively affirm your oneness with your spouse.

Personal Reflections

• Have you affirmed your desire for oneness to your spouse?

• Have you gained the self-control necessary to be content only with your spouse all through your life?

• Think through your own life and see if you have recently positively affirmed the oneness of your marriage.

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Hope | Love | Submission | Oneness | Conflict | Crises | Forgiveness | Intimacy | Trust | Love works!

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