Needed Bible studies for husbands and wives...

[LOLOKGal]

A friend of mine on fb posted the following:

"So I hear about all these women's bible studies focusing on the Godley wife and/or mother; a woman's role in the Christian home. I LOVE them and plan on one day teaching my own classes and mentoring other momma's and wives. But, where are all the men's classes and studies for the Christian husband and father?...I know they exist! It just seems like they aren't as common and I think both of these are so important to have available as often as possible. Our relationships and how we conduct ourselves with our spouse and children in the home can have a dramatic impact on on our children; the next generation. And I personally feel like it's critical for our society....think about it! How r we showing the next generation what it looks like to have a happy, healthy, peaceful home and healthy relationships?...

Also, love goes both ways..if the wife is having trouble showing affection and love then she's probably feeling a lack of it in other areas; and it can go the other way! If the hubby isn't showing it then maybe he isn't receiving it where he needs.. These classes should run hand in hand! Not saying they should be taught together in one session, they SHOULD be separate bc we don't have the same problems or roles...

All this comes from my heart, my own issues faced daily, and how God has and continues to lead me and show me where I need correction. And also what I've seen in other people and children. Our children r like little sponges and the things they hear and see feed their spirits and have an affect on where they chose to go in life. What r u feeding ur child's spirit?"

I completely agree! During my single days, I attended these Bible studies. I studied Eph 5, Col 3, 1 Pet 3, Prov 31 - I prayed that God would make me the wife & mother that He has called me to be. Then I married and was mistreated - badly! My daughter was mistreated as well. I felt cheated for myself and my daughter! Why didn't my husband attend these studies? Why didn't he study the Word and rely on God to help him become the husband & father that he was called to be? I know in my area, there are not these studies for men. For the sake of our families and for the next generation being raised, it's needed, so our men can be the spiritual leader of the home/family that he's called to be.

 

[Willie-T]

It is my fervent contention that, more than "Bible Study", per se, what the majority of the Body needs (especially, men) is "Discipleship."

 

[LOLOKGal]

It is my fervent contention that, more than "Bible Study", per se, what the majority of the Body needs (especially, men) is "Discipleship."

I won't argue with that! Discipleship is needed greatly! And, may I say, that it brings hope to myself, that a man can see this as a need and is willing to say so.

 

[Willie-T]

I won't argue with that! Discipleship is needed greatly! And, may I say, that it brings hope to myself, that a man can see this as a need and is willing to say so.

I honestly believe this might just be one of the largest "failures" in all our attempts at conversion.

 

[Angela53510]

I honestly believe this might just be one of the largest "failures" in all our attempts at conversion.

I completely agree with you on the issue of discipleship. We are instructed in Matt 28:18-20 to "make disciples" not to make converts or get some to pray at the front, and then they are saved.

I think that rather than men's and women's studies, the way to better marriages is really discipleship of both the man and the women. And all this stuff about roles - tell me where you can find the word "role" in the Bible? And sometimes, we do need to be very discerning if passages are cultural or universal.

For instance, a man should love his wife as Christ loves the church! (Eph. 5:25) But in that same passage, Paul lets a little hint out about how relationships are to be in the body, or Christ, including husbands and wives.

"submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ." Eph. 5:21

As for wives submitting in Eph. 5:22 - it's not there in the Greek. Look it up if you don't believe me!

Anyway, I think we really need to work on discipleship for everyone in our churches today. I am a mentor. I have a very smart woman I am working with has been a Christian for 15 years. She has never read the Bible through once. She has some really weird ideas and really does not know how to walk with God. And what is amazing, is how much just meeting for coffee a couple of times a month has changed her relationship with Christ.

I think the thing to remember is that Christ is concerned with developing character in his children. And that means growing in the wisdom and knowledge of him. By maturing as Christians, we will, as men and women be better husbands and wives, or single people, if that is our calling. This world is a preparation for the next. So why spend this whole life worrying about "roles" when in eternity, we will be serving Jesus? We are growing into the image of Christ, and as Christians, God sees us as all one in him.

"There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." Gal.3:28

"And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord,are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit." 2 Cor. 3:18

 

[Willie-T]

I won't argue with that! Discipleship is needed greatly! And, may I say, that it brings hope to myself, that a man can see this as a need and is willing to say so.

Well, it's time for all men to wake up and see it. At this very minute, it is one of the largest hurdles in my own congregation. We're telling people what to do, but not really doing much in the way of showing them how to do it.

 

[LOLOKGal]

We're telling people what to do, but not really doing much in the way of showing them how to do it.

You hit the nail on the head right there! It's like saying, "Do what I say and not what I do" kind of thing. We've got to be living the Word and not just preaching it. That's good right there! Thank you!

I heard someone once say, "Be careful what you preach. You may have to practice it someday."