{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"The Answer - Week 13: Is Marriage Outdated?","description":"In this message we will look at what the Scriptures have to say about marriage, analyze concerns and questions raised in our day, overview the cultural changes that have led to many questioning the value and benefit of marriage, and do so from a Christian worldview. We will also take a look at some secular contemporary research and what it indicates. Common Reactions:     1.    The culture has changed:     - Married Couples comprised:             1950 \u2014 78% of all US households             2020 \u2014 47% of all US households     - Living together before marriage:             1960\u2019s \u2014 5%             2020\u2019s \u2014 70%     - Recent analysis of the General Social Survey data tells us Americans\u2019 happiness declined from the 1970s to the 2020s. Sam Peltzman, Professor emeritus, University of Chicago says one thing explains the most recent decline in overall happiness - the decline of marriage.  The data indicates the benefit of what the Bible has said all along. Genesis 2:18 \u201cThe Lord God said, \u201cIt is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.\u201d The literal Hebrew translation for the word helper is:  \u201cHelper equal to Him.\u201d This is talking about two people who are complimentary to each other. Our Creator recognized we function better together.     2.    Divorce makes me fear marriage:     - the spike in divorce rate have left an impression on the generation raised in one parent households.     3.    Why not just live together?     - the Bible tells us to be faithful before and after marriage to our spouse.     - Couples who live together:         4-5 times more likely to break up than married couples         more likely to divorce once they do marry (by about 50%)         higher incidence of alcohol abuse, drug abuse and domestic violence     4.    How can I know the right one? \u201cFall in like before you fall in love.\u201d This means - find an individual who is like minded, who shares your faith, your values, your outlook on life, an individual who truly is a potential soulmate. Make sure that the person you choose as your life partner and spouse is one who holds like values and believes as you do.     5.    I\u2019m not sure marriage is for me: One does not need to feel pushed into marriage. In 1 Corinthians 7:7 Paul refers to the gift of celibacy saying, \u201cI wish that all of you were as I am. But each of you has your own gift from God; one has this gift, another has that.\u201d God does not say everyone is to be married.  Contemporary Research: 2 books     \u2043    \u201cThe Two-Parent Privilege\u201d by Melissa S. Kearney Professor of Economics, University of Maryland 2023 - tells us that \u201cAmericans stopped getting married and started falling behind.\u201d Her work has been printed in:     Wall Street Journal     New York Times     National Review      Atlantic Magazine She offers a \u201cprovocative, data-driven case for marriage by showing how the institution\u2019s decline has led to a host of economic woes\u2026\u201d  She shows how children do better in a family where their parents are married to each other.     \u2043    Education outcomes     \u2043    Physical and mental health     \u2043    Diminishes suicide possibility     \u2043    Serves as a barrier to alcohol and drug use and child abuse     \u2043    Impacts Teenage pregnancy and delinquency She comes at this on the basis of solid economic data and what we can see happening in our culture today.     \u2043    \u201cGet Married\u201d by Brad Wilcox Professor Sociology, University of Virginia 2024. Also published in the following:     \u2043    Wall Street Journal     \u2043    New York Times     \u2043    National Review     \u2043    Atlantic Magazine Wilcox tells us, \u201cWhen it comes to predicting overall happiness, a good marriage is far more important than how much education you get, how much money you make, how often you have sex and even how satisfied you are with your work.\u201d    Pastor concludes with these thoughts: God created us, He speaks because He knows us and wants what is best for us. God invented marriage and He gives us guidance on how to have a truly blessed and God-pleasing marriage. Malachi 2:15 says, \u201cHas not the one God made you? You belong to him in body and spirit. And what does the one God seek? Godly offspring. So be on your guard, and do not be unfaithful to the wife of your youth.\u201d  Those are powerful, spirit-given words that we need to take to heart Now What? Learn about God at https:\/\/www.awakeusnow.com EVERYTHING we offer is FREE. Check out this video series from our website: https:\/\/www.awakeusnow.com\/whats-the-answer Join us Sundays  https:\/\/www.awakeusnow.com\/sunday-service ","author_name":"Awake Us Now","author_url":"https:\/\/www.awakeusnow.com\/","html":"