We say ‘no’ to domestic violence
CREDIT: x1klima via Flickr.com)
The Bible is very clear about domestic violence: it is completely wrong.
God’s advice to husbands is simple: “Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.” (Colossians 3:19), which is written right after God’s advice to wives: “Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.” (Colossians 3:18.)
Tragically, there are some men who believe that this word from God means that their wives must endure whatever treatment the husband might give, even though it is plainly clear that harshness in any form is prohibited.
In another part of the New Testament, God has given us a stunning picture of how a husband is supposed to lovingly treat his wife:
Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. (Ephesians 5:25)
God’s word to husbands could not be clearer: any physical, sexual, or emotional abuse towards their wives is wrong and disobedient.
Sadly, some churchgoing men have disobeyed God by being violent towards their wives, perhaps even justifying their behaviour from a warped reading of the Bible.
In our church, we will do all we can to protect the vulnerable, and seek to bring justice to those who disobey God by mistreating members of their family.
If you would like to chat about your own situation, or the situation of someone you know and love, then please come and talk to me or a trusted Christian so that we can provide loving care and protection.
Jodie.
Coming up this Sunday 30th July 2017
This Sunday we continue our brand-new series on the Old Testament book of 2 Samuel with the series titled ‘Kingdom Coming’. In the next talk, Jodie will be speaking on the topic, “The failure of politics”, from 2 Samuel chapter 2 verses 1 to verse 32.
During our service, we’ll have our weekly question and answer time, and Jodie will be answering these questions:
- How should we respond to the recent media discussion of domestic violence in the church, especially claims that it occurs due to the misuse of Scripture?
- Could David be called ‘David Christ?’
- Does the Bible say how Jonathan died?
- Was David right to kill the Amalekite man since only that right belongs to God? If so, should Christians today strike down those who oppose God?
- Are the mountains of Gilboa still in drought after David’s curse?
- Why is there a difference in translation of 2 Samuel 1:19 between the older and the newer NIV Bibles?
- What does it mean by a ‘lament of the bow’ in 2 Samuel 1:18?
- Who are we meant to love: God or Jesus?
We will also hear a special update on the ministry of Moore College and spend time on prayer for the College and its students.
If you’re wanting to check out our church we’d really love you to pop your head in at either 10am or 5pm. Or if you can’t make it in person, jump online to www.oakflats.tv and watch our live stream.
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