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Proverbs 31 and the Wife of Christ
Sermon by Mark SchindlerThe wife of Christ, as depicted in Proverbs 31:10-31, embodies a profound and intimate relationship with Christ, reflecting God's plan to create mankind in His image and likeness. This relationship is typified in the marriage of husband and wife, intended to perfectly complement one another. The wife of Christ must live as Christ lives, complementing God's plan through actions that complete and bring to perfection, as well as through expressions of praise and admiration. Proverbs 31:10-12 serves as an introduction to the preparation manual for the wife of Christ, beginning with the rhetorical question, "Who can find a virtuous woman?" This question prompts careful consideration of the qualities and responsibilities of such a woman. The term "virtuous" in Hebrew, chayil, conveys strength, influence, worthiness, and excellence, indicating someone trustworthy and consistently working with outgoing concern for others. This strength originates from God Himself, as He is the source of all virtue that the wife of Christ must faithfully embody. The value of this virtuous woman surpasses jewels, pearls, and rubies, representing a rare treasure within the chaos of the world. Christ sees the fullness of this beautiful pearl being developed through trials, a pearl for which He paid the ultimate sacrifice. God expects the focus of the wife of Christ to be on becoming part of His righteous work, living through His strength and giving Him praise continually. God establishes that He provides the strength of purpose and character for the one He is preparing for perfect harmony with Christ. He sees those He prepares as precious and finished jewels, perfectly complementing Christ in unity and praise. The virtuous wife of Christ, relying on God's excellence and strength, is to do good and not evil all the days of her life, building the character to safely trust Christ and complement Him for eternity.
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Sermon by Bill OnisickThe woman was created to be a strong, equal, complementary partner. Marriage was intended to mirror the intimacy between Christ and the church.
Marriage and the Bride of Christ (Part Two)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe husband is charged to exercise love to his wife, actually a more demanding task than submitting, carrying more instructions than the command to submit.
Marriage and the Bride of Christ (Part Twelve)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsAs husband and wife are commanded to become one flesh, members of the Bride of Christ become spiritually unified through the indwelling of God's Spirit.
Imagining the Garden of Eden (Part Eleven)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGod's selection of Eve as a companion to Adam took into account the need for a helper as a counterpart—like himself, but standing opposite as complementary.
The Politicalization of Motherhood
Sermonette by Mike FordMothers are crucial in developing the baby's nervous system during the first three years, something that husbands, fathers, or day care centers cannot do.
Will You Marry Me? (Part One)
Article by StaffThe Bible is full of marriage symbolism. We have been invited to participate in the very Marriage Supper of Jesus Christ—not just as a guest, but as the Bride!
The Bride of Christ (Part Two)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Mark SchindlerOur daily choices build character that will endure divine testing. By aligning with God's divine order, we do our part in yielding to this active preparation.
Honoring Mom
Sermonette by Ted E. BowlingTruly, a mother's love knows no bounds. The special bond between mothers and their children provides an insight as to how Jesus Christ loves us.
Do We Truly Honor God in Our Actions?
Sermon by Kim MyersWe've all read the verses that state that the Word of God is the Bread of Life, but do we consistently practice what it teaches, and thus honor God?
Loyalty and Submission (Part 3)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughAs wives are admonished to emulate the ideal of the Proverbs 31 woman, husbands must emulate the sacrificial spirit of Jesus Christ.
Displaying Gentle and Patient Conduct
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsGod's people must follow the spirit of the law regarding the treatment of others, being humble, sincere, and gentle, esteeming others before themselves.
Themes of I Corinthians (Part 6)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughReminding us to stay sensitive to conscience, Paul suggests we become other-centered, doing everything to the glory of God, especially in our relationships.
It Takes a Church
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughAs Christians, we need to form warm, productive, quality relationships with our brethren, actively ministering to the needs of one another.
Lydia
Sermonette by Ted E. BowlingCombining her intense work ethic and her faithfulness to Almighty God, Lydia could serve as the exemplification of the Proverbs 31 woman.
In the Wake of an Unnatural Disaster (Part Seven)
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Of the things God says He hates, including pride and hands that shed innocent blood, nothing seems to be more disgusting than the American abortion industry.
Manifesting Kindness
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWe desperately need to internalize the godly traits of kindness, mercy, compassion, and tenderness, displacing the carnal traits of bitterness and wrath.