Marriage Under Fire: Is Submission In 2009 The Same As In The Days Of Paul?

Objective:

To educate, equip and encourage the husband and the wife to know and fulfill the complete will of God for their lives and for their marriage.

Background to the book of Ephesians:

The book of Ephesians is written from the deep, dark and damp prison of Rome. From here, the Apostle Paul gives us today, strong admonishment and advice on dealing with marriages that perhaps today, are under fire. There is an unveiling of the mystery of the church and its unique relationship and parallel with the married couple.

“In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace which He made to abound toward us in all wisdom and prudence having made known to us the mystery of His will according to His good pleasure which he purposed in Himself.” (Eph. 1: 7-9)

Is There Still A Need For President Barack Obama To Join A Church?

With all of the hope, hype and hysteria, all of the enjoyment, excitement and optimism shared these next few days; our nation has come together to witness this most historic event—the inauguration of the 44th and first African-American President—Barack Obama. It is also during this time, we are reminded of the importance of praying for the leader of the free world as he assumes the many pressures and pains of our problem-filled country. Today also marks the eve of the celebration and National Holiday of the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.,

I think its important this morning to be reminded of a statement Dr. King once made concerning the election of Carl Stokes, the first African American Mayor of any major city in America (Cleveland, OH). He reminded his followers not to get caught up in “Black faces in high places”. His point was that after the celebration of the moment…and the man, there’s still much work to do.

Last night, I began working on an article for national press release dealing with the importance of our President-Elect and his family finding a local church home to submit to and actively be apart of. Now, as the single most iconic and visible African-American man in the world, is there still a need for President Barak Obama to join today’s church? Is there still vision, values, voice and virtue found in the church?

President-Elect Obama's Influence on Black Men

The leader of the free word has a new face and its complexion is darker than usual.  America must now realize as the rest of the world has already done—people of color are no longer the minority.  This however, should be no excuse or reason for blacks or any nationality to have a superior mindset or attitude of bias and bigotry that unfortunately plagued many of the whites over the last three to four hundred years.  Many white Christian leaders over the last 20 to 30 years have consistently prophesied and predicted that the next major revival and move of God would indeed actually come through the black church.  In my book, No More Excuses, I address the fleeting myths and misnomers that black churches are only profitable for good singing, good ushering and good cooking in the kitchen.  Sadly, many of our own blacks in the church have settled and self-satisfyingly gloried in these domestic roles.  Perhaps President-elect Obama helps reiterate from a political field and mount that the face of intelligence, articulation, foresight and forethought and integrity-filled competition can also be attributes of people of color. 

The success and significance of President-Elect Obama now also brings a lowering of tolerance for apathy and lethargy in the church often found among African American men.  He is charging from the political and social stump what we as pastors charge from the pulpits every Sunday— finish school, work hard, delay gratification, and take care of your family and children.  There are absolutely no more excuses for black men to wade in self-pity and be non-responsible.  There are no more excuse for the black man to be the man he’s always dreamed of being—in the church and in America.

Celebrating the Election with Extreme Caution

I too, celebrate the historical accomplishments of President-Elect Barack Obama.  However, as a Christian and deeply concerned community leader, I celebrate with extreme caution.  Amongst the hysteria and halleluiah-hype of the 44^th President of the United States being a man of color, I am quickly reminded that Barack Obama was and today still considered the most liberal Senator in the 2007 term.  With his extremist views on same-sex marriages and abortion, Obama has already made it his complete aim and objective to began his four-year term with immediately addressing and insuring the changes and overturning of Roe vs. Wade.  He will also make it his ambitions to seek out and place liberal judges on the Supreme Court to reinforce liberal positioning on moral issues.  Let’s not over consume ourselves with the smoke and mirrors of piercing politics and poised presentations and lose our moral convictions and spiritual positioning in our country.  We must pray as never before that God would guard and guide his heart with biblical conviction and spiritual authority.