BIBLE VERSES ON COVENANT RELATIONSHIP

INTRODUCTION

A covenant is borne on the basis of worked-out obedience that is mostly mutual. Covenants that would be successful and reckoned does not proceed obedience, it a seal of working obedience. The reward for obedience in progress-covenant.

Exodus 19:5 Now, therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine:

We see this instance with Noah in:-

Genesis 6:8 But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD.

We see that Noah was a godly man. This attracted him to the favor of Gods covenant.

Genesis 6:13 And God said unto Noah, The end of all flesh is come before me; for the earth is filled with violence through them; and, behold, I will destroy them with the earth. 6:17 And, behold, I, even I, do bring a flood of waters upon the earth, to destroy all flesh, wherein is the breath of life, from under heaven; and everything that is in the earth shall die. 6:18 But with thee will I establish my covenant; and thou shalt come into the ark, thou, and thy sons, and thy wife, and thy sons’ wives with thee.
Genesis 9:15 And I will remember my covenant, which is between me and you and every living creature of all flesh; and the waters shall no more become a flood to destroy all flesh.

This is similar to the case of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, etc. as we see across the bible verses.

Covenants Relationships Defined

So we can define covenants an agreement borne and maintained between two parties with obedience.

Types of Covenants Relationships

1. Vertical Covenants:

The covenant relationship with God is a type of vertical covenant, God is the one solely deciding the terms of the covenant here while man receives it with a very privileged and honored heart. When God covenants with man He particularly becomes specifically indebted to the man in a biased way. We see examples in Abrahams covenant relationshipwith God.

Exodus 19:5 Now, therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine: Acts 3:25 Ye are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying unto Abraham, And in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed.

2. Horizontal Covenant:

There is a covenant relationship between men, this type is a horizontal covenant.
We see this between Jacob and Jethro; David and Jonathan; Isaac and Abimelech;

1 Samuel 20:16 So Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David, saying, Let the LORD even require it at the hand of David’s enemies. Genesis 26:28 And they said, We saw certainly that the LORD was with thee: and we said, Let there be now an oath betwixt us, even betwixt us and thee, and let us make a covenant with thee;

Covenant relationship can also be in the negatives. Like the case of the young men that took oaths not to eat until they had killed Paul or the very case of Judas Iscariot below:

Luke 22:5 And they were glad, and covenanted to give him money.

The why, when, and how of covenants Relationships

While the covenant relationship with God is much clear and easily comprehensive, the horizontal covenant requires quite an elaboration. The why, when, and how horizontal covenant relationship does take place is worthy for details.

Horizontal covenant relationship in most cases does not take place with an outlined mutual responsibility. Rather in a more practical sense, it is a stage in a relationship where a sense of personal responsibility for each other is created.

There are people we are indebted to, perhaps-sometimes for emotional or physical positions they have occupied in our lives. The picture of such persons and their positions are always obvious like their roles in our in-between lifestyle changes, the persons you meet when your life began to turn around for good. They are the source of nurturing, guide and growth in our life.

Proverbs 2:17 Which forsaketh the guide of her youth, and forgetteth the covenant of her God.

How horizontal covenant relationship starts is the true definition of love. It follows gracious manifestations in the individual’s heart. Somebody unconsciously becomes indelibly pleasant, important, and rare among the likes.

1 Samuel 20:8 Therefore thou shalt deal kindly with thy servant; for thou hast brought thy servant into a covenant of the LORD with thee: notwithstanding, if there be in me iniquity, slay me thyself; for why shouldest thou bring me to thy father?

It’s borne from the heart, not the body. We see this with David and Jonathan in;

1 Samuel 18:3 Then Jonathan and David made a covenant because he loved him as his own soul.

Covenants Relationships is Eternal

Psalms 89:34 My covenant will I not break, nor alter the thing that is gone out of my lips.

Covenants relationship is quite different from other types of human relationship. While some human relationship like friendship relationship does not often outlive their purpose: they go when the purpose goes, covenant relationship survives the test of distance and time.

In a covenant relationship, the parties involved are eternally committed to the goodwill and success or wellbeing of one another. It is always transferable to the next generation. Perhaps the origin of family friends and The case of David and Mephibosheth is a very good example.

Genesis 17:7 And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee.

The question then is who are your covenant friends?

Your covenant friends are those who…
Share your sound counsel, are accountable to your growth. Oftentimes, they are lifelong friends who relate with honesty as a hallmark and would tell the truth irrespective of whose ox was gored. They are no praise singers nor a lover of sentiments, rather they love for the content of their character.

A common example of a covenant friendship was that of Daniel and the three Hebrew friends.

Daniel 1:11 Then said Daniel to Melzar, whom the prince of the eunuchs had set over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, 1:12 Prove thy servants, I beseech thee, ten days; and let them give us pulse to eat, and water to drink. 1:17 As for these four children, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.

Last words

Once again, who are your covenant friends?

Let the comments start rolling in!

PROGRESSING IN YOUR RELATIONSHIP STATUS The Errors of Overly Assumptions

INTRODUCTION

Many Christian brothers miss their opportunities with a lady they love due to inappropriately redefining and progressively specifying their relationship statues. In most cases, many brothers are always patiently prayerfully waiting for the perfect timesand the preparedness to settle down as a prerequisite for making this move.

However, Ladies do not only watch and wait for their guys defining words like to ask them out. But they also often have other guys who unfortunately are more desperate and pressing about what they want.

It is an over assumption to think that a lady is with you because she is playing along.

WHAT THEN SHOULD PEOPLE DO TO GUARD THEIR VALUED RELATIONSHIPS?

This is simply the purpose of this article. The parties in Relationship should consciously, conveniently, and deliberately progress in their relationship status to the Glory of God.

HOW SHOULD THIS BE?

It is pertinent to emphasize the various relationship status and to highlight the proper gradations which parties in Christian relationship could take in the actualization of the full purpose of their friendship.

Classes of Christian Relationships Status

• Single
• Engage
• Married

Ninety percent of young people in the peer’s group are in the single class of relationship status. Within singlehood, there are those in a relationship, and those who simply not engage but in an undefined, or complicated relationship, others are in an open relationship, while the real singles are those single but not searching, those married to Jesus or singles at heart. Meanwhile, some of the singles are searching, some are seriously searching and hoping to progress to the engaged status.

The need for a progressive relationship is all embedded within the single relationship status. Inside the single status, there are other sub statues which people in Relationship could consciously align to. These include:

• PLATONIC RELATIONSHIP
• COMMITTED RELATIONSHIP

PLATONIC RELATIONSHIP

A platonic relationship is a relationship where there are no emotional attachments. This is often the genesis of most relationships and it is the stages where it’s existence is with purposes other than futuristic ones. They are usually people who share the common interests, share common values, have gone through the same difficulties, and who support each other equally. Common relationship purposes here include;

• Friends for growing, learning and building each other.
• Friends for spiritual development, fellowship, and ministry.
• Friends for career development, partnership, and association in the given field.
• Friends in a geographical location, company or mates.
• There are also mentor friends for counsel, learning and consultation.
• Etc.

In this cadre of relationship, the relationship only exists as long as its purposes live. i.e; platonic relationships will always vanish when the purposes are no more. Yet platonic relationships are very key to our growth. We can’t overestimate how important good friends are to our growth in life. In fact, platonic relationships are to be esteemed more than a committed relationship. It is platonic relationships that birth committed relationships.

Within platonic relationships we have;

• Just Friends: these are like normal acquaintances.
• Good Friends: these are friends with mutual values.
• Close friends: Close friends are people you might not interact with very often but you seem to know their motives, integrity, and character, so even when you haven’t been in touch lately you feel confident speaking up for them. Close friends are very often considered like family to you.

COMMITTED RELATIONSHIP

A committed relationship is a relationship where there are defined and accepted emotional attachments. This is often the second phase of normal relationships and it is the stages where it’s existence is often with futuristic purposes. Common relationship purposes here include;

• Dating
• Courtship
• Marriage

In this cadre of relationship, it’s very appropriate to initiate extinct communications that allow for the deliberate progressive definition of the relationship. A guy, for instance, could decide to ask for a committed relationship pending the engaged stage. A committed relationship in such regards could be defined to include:

• being in a relationship-change a relationship status from ‘single’ to ‘in a relationship’

• It means a sense of commitment together in the relationship

• It means ones ‘one and only’
• It means knowing each other more.
• It means especially time to feel free to err with each other.
• It is beyond dating but it is not engaged status still.
• It means; I love you dearly And could propose to you if you show sign of the ability to take all there in you are going to see on knowing each other more…

The point in redefining a committed relationship is to put that thought in your minds in Words. The Bible book of Proverbs 25:11 rightly explained that ‘A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver’.

Wording your definition could follow the format of s poem, describing the gradation you hope for. An example is as below;

From day today
I feel my need for you the more
such is the more I feel lonely
maybe because you are not there presently
I know I have asked you many questions without waiting to get an answer
But this one
I’m kind of going to need an answer from you
Am going to appreciate a yes or no from you (even though your yes or no will not change my heart for you, it will help to inform my propositions, and the subjections I will keep my mind viz my further behaviors
Dear at this stage in my friendship with you
Am getting to feel I need more serious Relationship
So, sweetie, I want to know
Can you feel free with me?

Within committed relationships we have;

• Best Friends: Best Friend may refer to Someone with whom one shares the strongest possible kind of friendship.
• Intimate Friends: this means a very friendly, or very personal or private relationship. The word intimate means your innermost,” friend plus a mutual interests or affections; of established friendship.
• Romantic friends: An intensely emotional love relationship between two unrelated people, in which sexuality is unimportant and typically absent, but there is greater physical affection or poetic communication than is typical for friendship

Conclusion

So to avoid overly assumptions, on a good day, we should ask to know the relationship status of our significant others-our friends. The funny thing is-sincere people are always proud and ready to tell their relationship status. They only wait to be asked!

We could also want to check our friends Facebook relationship status. Though the majority of persons don’t bother updating their social media on their relationship status.

At some stages in our relationships, the knowledge of our status would help us to progress or to let the relationship to diminish.
Now, this does not mean to cut people out of our lives. In fact, the first thing we want to do when we notice a relationship isn’t going to progress is to take it back to its initial purpose as in the first cadre of relationship above.

Have I done good work? Am afraid, this is a delicate issue. Please do comment, where do we adopt, where should I review?

WHO IS TRULY FREE FROM SEXUAL IMPURITY?

Study Text: 1Corinthian6:13-20;1Thessalonians 4:3.

1 Corinthians 6:13 Now the body is not for fornication, but for the Lord; and the Lord for the body. 6:15 Know ye not that your bodies are the members of Christ? shall I then take the members of Christ, and make them the members of an harlot? God forbid. 6:16 What? know ye not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body? for two, saith he, shall be one flesh. 6:17 But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit. 6:18 Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body. 6:19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? 6:20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.
1 Thessalonians 4:3 For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:

INTRODUCTION

While sexual purity is a deliberate choice to refrain from sexual activities outside marriage, sexual impurity is both a conscious and unconscious acts in sexual activities by an individual who is easily overtaken by sexual urge.

• Such sexual activities as listed in my previous article on sexualityincludes; masturbation
• gay
• lesbianism
• pornography
• kissing
• oral, vaginal, and anal sex
• rubbing your bodies together in romance
• bestiality etc.

Sexual impurity involves one’s inability to control their hearts and mind away from sexual thoughts.

WHY DO PEOPLE GIVE IN TO SEXUAL IMPURITY?

No one indulges in sexual impurity on the ignorance of its attendant consequences and the fact that it’s frowned at by God. Every sexual activities outside marriage is an act of disobedience to God, disobedience to ones conscience, disobedience to ones body and disobedience to the mind or heart.

Otherwise, why would one go against the will of God?. People give in against the leading of their conscience because of some certain factors as explained below:

1. LOW SELF-ESTEEM

Many persons involve in sexual activities as a way to appear enlightened, to show that they belong or that they know what’s up. So as not to be seen by others or even their said partner, that they are not schooled. Such persons erroneously believe that they get better ratings among their said partner, get more respected and are loved more dearly when they give in.

2. MISINFORMED

Some were told that sex strengthens the bond of love in friendship.

3. STOLEN WATERS

STOLEN waters is sweet, no doubts.
So we read in Proverb 9:17
What this mean is that sex outside marriage is quite sweet perhaps same way it is with sex on marriage. People indulge into sexual activities because it sweets their body.

However, God Himself is the one that institute sex. But His plan for sex is restricted for the married.
More….Why do people sin

DANGERS OF SEXUAL IMPURITY

Against the erroneous thinking that when you give in to peer pressure you prove to be enlightened, albeit; this is not near the truth. The truth is that:
Giving in brings about the loss of the respects one command a from another

It brings downgrading

It breeds disregards

In most cases, when a man succeeds with sleeping with a lady, the value of that lady for him diminishes.

A man can have sex with every idiot, without any emotional attachment. Sex with a woman does not mean love for him in the long run. A man and women as well, will respect you more when you say no to premarital sex.

Sexual impurity also have dangers physically. Sexual impurities predisposes one to sexually transmitted diseases;

• Chlamydia
• Genital herpes
• Gonorrhea
• HIV/AIDS
• HPV
• Syphilis
• Trichomoniasis

Spiritually, the dangers of sexual impurity is even more dangerous. The Bible explained in the bible book of 1 Corinthians 6:16, that he which is joined to an harlot is one body? for two, saith he, shall be one flesh. Meaning that sexual intercourse breeds soul tie. The implications of this is that you become one with whoever you have sexual activities with. Thus, sharing in their spiritual problems and experiences; including their bandages.

Besides this, sexual impurity also have the following spiritual consequences:

BLASPHEMY: by indulging in sexual activities outside marriage, you blasphemy the name of the Lord as a Child of God; 2 Samuel 12:14 Howbeit, because by this deed thou hast given great occasion to the enemies of the LORD to blaspheme, the child also that is born unto thee shall surely die.

BAD EXAMPLE: You give bad example to the younger generation who are looking up to you. And God hates this so much: Matthew 18:6 But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.

DISPLEASES GOD: people who are bond in sexual impurities give pleasure to the devil. Because the devils Vision is to destroy and to kill all the good things that’s God instituted. John 10:10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

DOMINIC OPPRESSION: like we read in 1Corinthians 6:16, any one bond in sexual impurities shares in the satanic chains of their various partners.

BREEDS DISATISFACTION IN THE MARRITAL BED: this is important too, people who indulge in sexual impurities build an archives of sexual experience and satisfying knowledge or skills. When one enters marriage with such old knowledge, it becomes difficult for such person to be satisfied by their partner especially when they get married to an innocent person who is somewhat armature in sexual activities; say a virgin.

Consequently, such person in sexual impurities brings in comparison and so we hear words like-he or she is not good in bed…

HOW TO MAINTAIN SEXUAL PURITY

1. BY CONSCIOUSLY PURPOSING IT IN YOUR HEART:

Job 31:1 I made a covenant with mine eyes; why then should I think upon a maid?
Make covenant with your eyes, your body,your mind, your heart, your life… Always pray to God to help you keep your body pure.

2. SEPARATE YOURSELF FROM IMPURE SETTINGS:

Proverbs 4:14 Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men. 4:15 Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away.
Avoid the corridor of impurity; bad influence, worldly friends, loose friends, immoral friends… Standout every where you find yourself while identifying consciously with people of like passion.

3. CONTINUALLY RENEW YOUR MIND WITH THE WORD OF GOD:

Proverbs 4:13 Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go: keep her; for she is thy life.
Romans 6:13 Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.

4. PRAY WITHOUT CEASING:

When we pray , we are more positioned to overcome the fiery darts of the devil.

BENEFITS OF SEXUAL PURITY

It releases you to have pure relationship with God.

It frees you from distracting guilt

There will be no emotional scar

It leaves no guilt, no pain after an unsuccessful dating relationship is truncated.

It helps to reduce fears and anxiety. Partners who involve in premarital sex before they marry often have difficulty with trusting each other.

LAST WORD

So, what do we answer?

Who is truly free from sexual impurities?

You could comment your opinion in the comment box.

For me,
I would say is anyone who is not bound by the chains of sexual activities.

TAKING THE GOSPEL TO THE UNREACHED-A Continuing Call to the Christian’s Youth

AIM : To highlight the unmet needs of the unreached people’s groupand how the Christians youth can intervene thereby, making us evangelists and spirit-driven soul-winnersfor the kingdom of God.

Study text Matt 9:36-3, Luke10:1-2.

Matthew 9:35 And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people.

9:36 But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.

9:37 Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few;

9:38 Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.

Luke 10:1 After these things the LORD appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come.

10:2 Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest.

INTRODUCTION

I would start this session with explanation of the following key terms;

• THE GOSPEL
• UNREACHED PEOPLE’S GROUP
• A CONTINUAL CALL TO ALL

THE GOSPEL

We take the Gospel of Christ in very simple form without conflicting it with doctrinal exegesis. The gospel we preach is the same gospel that the prophets of old preached in prophecies ‘Isaiah 7:14 Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. Isaiah 8:8 And he shall pass through Judah; he shall overflow and go over, he shall reach even to the neck; and the stretching out of his wings shall fill the breadth of thy land, O Immanuel.’

This same gospel was preached by John the Baptist ‘Matthew 3:1 In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, 3:2 And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. 3:3 For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.’

Also the same gospel that Jesus preached

After Christ was glorified in heaven, He finished His redemption plans for us by translating us into the reality of this Kingdom.

Even in our daily lifes, the kingdom manifest as we read in Romans 14:17 …; the kingdom of God is in righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.

Our task in preaching the Gospel therefore is to let others know about this mystery of translation; calling them to respond to the love, to believe as we share the simple GOSPEL as summarized in 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; 15:4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:

While preaching this way, you are careful not to initiate arguments.
Is the Holy Spirit that does the work of reasoning together.
Yours is to proclaim the Gospel like an Oracle of God.
Yes, preach to unbelievers-teach believers as much as possible.

UNREACHED PEOPLE’S GROUP

Matthew 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

The term nations as used in Matthew 28:19, refers to ethnic or ethnolinguistic groups not necessary countries. A given country could have more than 1000 nations.
Nigeria for instance have about 500 nations.

A people’s group is distinguished by their unique language, culture, worldview, and ways of behaving.

An unreached people’s group refers to an ethnic group without an indigenous, self-propagating Christian church movement. Any ethnic or ethnolinguistic nation without enough Christians to evangelize the rest of the nation is an “unreached people group”.

IN other word’s, is a group of people that have very few if any, local believers such that they can’t reach the rest of their own people group without outside help. Such persons have also not had the Gospel expressed in their own way.

Many mission researchers describe an unreached people group using a percentage. They say they are “unreached” if there are less than 2% Evangelical Christians among them.

In Sowers, a place is described as unreached if there’s no at least two structures for any of the evangelical churches.

A CONTINUAL CALL TO ALL

We often speak of the clarion call but this is even more sharp and intentional. The continual call to the Christians youth is intentional on the young, intentional on labourers; compassionate and skilled evangelicals, intentional on ardent intercessors, etc.

The trumpet keep sounding, calling out on every one with strength in his bones like the Gideon trumpet. The sound is loud and clear. Is a call to action.

Now you may have the following questions to ask;

1. Are there people’s group yet unreached?
2. Why should we concern ourselves about the unreached?
3. Is it still possible to take the Gospel to all of the unreached places?
4. What Are Their Unmet Needs?
5. Who is a labourer?
6. Is everyone called to be a labourer?
7. How will the Christians youths intervene?

Are there people’s group yet unreached?

Yes, there are many unreached people’s group

Ever heard of the 10/40 Window?

The 10/40 Window is the rectangular area of North Africa, the Middle East and Asia approximately between 10 degrees north and 40 degrees north latitude in the world map. The 10/40 Window is often called “The Resistant Belt” and includes the majority of the world’s Muslims, Hindus, and Buddhists.

Approximately 5.09 billion individuals residing in approximately 8,676 distinct people groups are in the 10/40 Window. 5,942 (68.5%) of these people groups are considered unreached and have a population of 3.10 billion. This means approximately 61% of the individuals in the 10/40 Window live in an unreached people group.
Source: Global Mapping International.

The 10/40 Window is home to some of the largest unreached people groups in the world.
The 10/40 Window has several important considerations: 1., the historical and Biblical significance;
2., the least evangelized countries;
3, the unreached people groups and cities;
4, the dominance of three religious blocs;
5, the preponderance of the poor;
6, the strongholds of Satan within the 10/40 Window.

Historical and Biblical Significance

The first and most fundamental reason why followers of Jesus Christ ought to focus on the 10/40 Window is because of the Biblical and historical significance of this area. The Bible begins with the account of Adam and Eve placed by God in the heart of what is now the 10/40 Window. God’s plan, expressed in Genesis 1:26, was that mankind should have dominion over the earth, subduing it fully.

However, Adam and Eve sinned against God and forfeited their right to rule. Man’s sinful behavior increased until God intervened and judged the earth with a cataclysmic flood. Then came man’s futile attempt to establish new dominion in the building of the great Tower of Babel. That effort, which also occurred in the heart of the 10/40 Window, was an open defiance against God. Once again, God reached forth His hand in judgment. The result was the introduction of different languages, the scattering of earth’s people, and the formation of nations.

Spiritual Stronghold

The billions of people who live in the 10/40 Window have suffered not only the ravages of poverty and disease, they have also been kept from the transforming power of the Gospel. They are poignant examples of the truth expressed in 2 Corinthians 4:4, which states that “the god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.”

Why should we concern ourselves about the unreached?

These considerations are examples of what Jesus saw in our text when He said they are like sheeps without shepherd and so He was moved with compassion. The same compassion and passion is expected of us. In fact, it should be in our prayer points. Because this is not what our body’s crave. Yet no one taketh this upon himself. God impacts it strong in our hearts and works in our will to do His good pleasure.

At this point, let’s pause and pray
Say
Oh God!
Enburden me with a compassion for the lost souls!

Particularly in Sowers, the unreached is our concern.
We understand that every nation must be represented in heaven.
We understand that the glorious second coming of our Lord awaits the spreading of the Gospel to every nation.
We understand God’s love for all.
We understand the Grace that saved us, how we are privileged to have the salvation that we now enjoy.
We understand that everyone deserves an opportunity to have the Gospel properly presented to them.

Is it still possible to take the Gospel to all of the unreached places?

It is not just possible, it is a task that must be carried out by us-man.
N/B: Taking the Gospel to the unreached is not a matter to be taken casually, on a loose note, it should be a matter of life and death.

Like Jesus did, seeing the multitude scattered like sheeps without shepherd—watch the next thing He called them—RIPED HARVEST.
We too should begin to view these group with a positive mindset.

Actually, the 10/40 Window often called “The Resistant Belt” which includes the majority of the world’s Muslims, Hindus, and Buddhists are not the most unripe places.
Instead, they are the most ripped harvest. Their presentation as resistant is only but an agitation calling forth for labourers..
The more resistant they become, the more ripe they are…

What Are Their Unmet Needs?

The needs of the unreached people group ranges from physical, political to spiritual.

There is needs of gospel materials in their culture and languages, needs for peace and political stability, there are needs for friendly policies.

But above all, there are needs for Labourer “the shortage of labourers has not been more pronounced than it is in our generation. We could still restate the words of Jesus …The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest.

The most pressing needs is labourers!
Laborers!
Laborers!
Let’s pause and pray..
Say
Lord
send forth labourers into your harvest…

But

Who is a labourer?

The labourer are few because not every Christian is a Labourer, not even every pastor is a labourer. Some missionaries are not even labourers. Is ridiculous, but it’s true. The labourers are few.

A labourer is someone who is skilled in his profession. someone who works, or toils. Like I previously hinted-being a laborer is beyond casually sharing the Word. A laborer sees his job surmounted even before putting in the sickle.

He surmounts obstacles, sieves out the challenges of weed and chaff to bring in the harvest. i.e: he does everything to bring in the harvest.
one of our uncles’ in Sowers often uses a Palm Winer tapper to explain a laborer. The Palm-winet tapper could climb a very tall Palm tree effortlessly.
Such struggle free and satisfying experience is a typical reality of a skilled labourer.

THE SKILLED LABOURER

There are skills common with every labourer. Of most necessary include;

• PRAYER
• DEVOTED
• A RIGHT MOTIVE and KNOWLEDGE
• SPIRIT OF TEAMNESS
• FAITH THAT DOES NOT GIVE UP
• A HELPED MOTIVE/ COMPASSIONATE/LOVE
• DEPEND ON THE HOLY SPIRIT IN ALL

📍 PRAYER

Prayer is a great key for evangelism. Praying as an evangelist ranges from interceeding for souls, being moved with compassion to see the end of errors, like some doom conditions in the life of people around us. Such prayers open the door for evangelism

📍DEVOTED
A labourer is a die-hard evangelist.

📍A RIGHT MOTIVE and KNOWLEDGE
For instance, knowing that the harvest is ripe.
Knowing that every nation deserves the mercies of God.
Knowing that everyone is a potential believer.
Etc.

📍SPIRIT OF TEAMNESS

A labourer understands the place of others, the unrivaled value of every role, delegates properly and goes out to mobilize for all the possible available resources.

📍FAITH THAT DOES NOT GIVE UP

Mission outreach is a work of faith.
Most times, when you are mobilizing for missions, it is hard to conclusively tell who will come. The faces very likely to your mind may come up with cogent, inexcusable reasons why they would not be able to go for the outreach.

Those times, you need a Faith to know that once a mission date is fixed, having mobilized, one thing is sure is that there are people that will come. And these are actually the people God need to make the outreach successful…(The Gideon armies principle).

📍A HELPED MOTIVE/ COMPASSIONATE/LOVE

But then, why would you have to do all these?
Because you understand the Great Mandate. You understand the Great Commission. Because you understand the terror of hell. You understand how all man deserves an opportunity. You understand the solution and the national peace that the salvation of mankind in all creeds will bring. Etc.

It is pertinent to always pulse and check your motives and Praying God to help your motives and set your heart.

This is necessary also in the time of challenges and trails. The offense could come. Then you would need to decide to focus on the common goal of reaching out to the lost souls, prioritizing it to the challenges.

Once again, always pause to verify your motives while at the same time praying God to help you. Remember until Jesus helped Peter, his zeal and devotion remained questionable.

📍 DEPEND ON THE HOLY SPIRIT IN ALL

Of course, in mission work ,we are co-laborers with God.
📍To mention but a few….

Is everyone called to be a laborer?

Yes!
Big Yes!
The great commission reads thus; Go ye, therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: (Matthew 28:19).

The command is Go.
There’s no option for stay.
Somebody said: if there should be a need for a call, it should be a call to stay. Till that call-the standing order is GO.

How will the Christians youths intervene?

The Bible describes our role on earth as LIGHTS and SALT.

We are to go into the world with our diver’s giftings, skills, and GRACE.
We are to do this cautiously having in our minds the task for to make known the knowledge of the Glory of our God to all creations in all nations. And as much as when possible by deliberately reaching out.

WRAP UP

As concerns our occasional outreach, as Sowers-we make every effort to target our missionary effort to the unreached. We have Faith that the Gospel would surely prevail in due time in various places where it is thriving now.
So we concentrate our effort in places where it’s yet to be planted.

KEYS TO LEADING A GREAT CONVERSATION WITH YOUR CHRISTIAN FRIENDS

INTRODUCTION

Leading a satisfactory discussion in a Christian relationship can be quite an art that requires deliberate acts.

While one may enjoy unlimited satisfaction conversing with some categories of their close ones, there are often the other categories where the words and stuffs to talk about seem to cease. And these categories are often the ones we would have wanted to spend the whole day conversing with. For instance, discussions between two new friends, or conversations with one’s significant other, etc.

INTEREST BUILDER

1. Imagine going out on a date, but the moment’s gets bored by lack of stuffs to share.
2. Has it ever occurred to you, how soon the stuffs you want to talk about gets exhausted before you say JACK?
3. Or you have sat besides someone for a significant duration without a Hi?
4. You might have watch people talk for good durations and you wondered; what in goodness sake are they talking about?
5. Guys or Ladies, who talks more in a relationship and who should often lead the discussion?

FACTORS THAT INFLEUNCE THE DEGREE OF FREEDOM OF DISCUSSION WE ENJOY CONVERSING WITH A CHRISTAIN FRIEND

Primarily, being a great conversationalist in the Christian relationship sense requires the playing of some of these factors below;

• Degree of conformity; imagine speaking to one that always wears a spiritual demeanor, and you are the keep it simple type.
• Level of intimacy or Degree of exposure with one another.
• Past experience with each other; especially, presence of crisis and reconciliation could increase the state of carefulness exhumed in your choice of words.
• Presence of concepts or fields of mutual interest.
• Moments and times shared; The more two people share in a novel and challenging activity, the greater the feeling of freeness.
• The rate at which you reason along each other; whether you are likeminded.
• Sameness or the level of difference in class, exposure, and professions.
• Degree of freedom defined and established, and the existing defined and undefined boundaries.
• Undefined expectation for a given relationship.
• The need for the conversation; a conversation born out of a specific need is easy to lead, while a friendship conversation born out of reasons like checking-on another could be quite dead ended.

Conversations in Christian relationships as addressed here is beyond being an extrovert or introvert. It is also beyond being a conversationalist. There are key Christian values that having in view and being cautious of makes conversations in Christian relationship a different ballgame.

WHAT MAKES CONVERSATIONS IN CHRISTIAN’S RELATIONSHIP UNIQUE?

A Christian relationship is a close door relationship. By close door relationship I mean it is a relationship with boundaries to be respected, values to be esteemed and preserved, errors to be avoided, cautions to care for, interests to be protected, messages to be communicated, faith to be shared, and confessions to uphold.

By speaking with a Christian in few minutes, you could deduce a lot about that person.

God is interested in our day to day conversations. Thus, our relationship conversations must be free from corrupting talks, instead, allowing the word of Christ dwell in us richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in our heart to God. (Colossians 3:16).

In Colossians 4:6, the Word of God enjoined us to always Communicate Love, tolerance, kindness, thankfulness, Not Judgment, complaint, bitterness respectively. With our speech always gracious, seasoned with salt, so that we may know how we ought to answer each person. Our words should heal, restore, encourage and help edify one another.

The bible continued to emphasize deliberations in our speech as we see the verses below;

So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty.(Jas 2:12)

For the priest’s lips should keep knowledge, and they should seek the law at his mouth: for he is the messenger of the LORD of hosts.(Mal 2:7)

Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.(1Ti 4:12)

Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.(Eph 4:29)

KEYS TO LEADING A GREAT DISCUSSION

1. Open up, feel free to make mistakes, and be corrected. By opening up to another person’s beliefs, feelings, ideology, resources and personality, the unique parts of that person is added to the already defined parts of you, and these brings growth besides fostering your conversations.
2. Speak up; air your fears and get acquiescence to carry on. Encourage a reciprocal, personal self-disclosure.
3. Mutual responsibility in making the conversation flow. A great conversation is only initiated by who needs it, who calls for it; guys or the ladies, but maintained by the parties involved.
4. Having a handful of stuffs to talk about. Pick instances from; Politics, sports, medicine, business, food, production, religion, news, etc.
5. Create suspense and use Puzzles.
6. Ask Inciting questions. Questions abounds. Ask open ended questions. You can find a good number of it in a click
7. Imbibe the Use of jokes and good humors.
8. Avoiding overly repetition; avoid repetition of same greeting styles, same questions, same jokes, same topics. For instance, everyday is not mean for discussing spiritual matters; sometimes talk about sports, medicine, food, business etc.
9. Be a good listener and be sensitive to feedbacks. Watch when to twist the topic. Listening also entails focusing on the person and letting out any distractions like cell phone
10. Making out time together, sharing activities, ideas and interests.

LAST WORD

I hope this helps you when next you are in between needs to keep a conversation and what to say.
What to say should not make your date boring. There are a lot you can choose to say. And it is simply inexhaustible, stuffs don’t have to finish.

Let’s share your experience. Have you ever find yourself in such embarrassing moments of what to say next?

26 Bible verses on importance of Christian Relationships

Introduction

One of the greatest vessels for nurturing a man into maturity is the parts played by other persons. God places people in our path and us in theirs so that we might be a blessing to each other. Thus, the purpose in building friendship should be to encourage, lift up, correct and help build the Grace in each other. And to do all we can to assist them in achieving their dreams.

Relationship is very potent for a successful journey of life. As such, the principle of Christian relationship is as well valuable as other common principle like financial principle, academic principle, etc. These we see in the following bible verses that itemize the importance of Christian Relationships;

1. Relationships are one of the key tools God uses to purposefully work in the lives of His potential vessels.

Especially, divine relationships are God’s means of taking us through to the purposes of our life.

Then came Amalek, and fought with Israel in Rephidim. And Moses said unto Joshua, Choose us out men, and go out, fight with Amalek: to morrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the rod of God in mine hand. So Joshua did as Moses had said to him, and fought with Amalek: and Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill. And it came to pass, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed: and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed. But Moses’ hands were heavy; and they took a stone, and put it under him, and he sat thereon; and Aaron and Hur stayed up his hands, the one on the one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun. And Joshua discomfited Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword. And the LORD said unto Moses, Write this for a memorial in a book, and rehearse it in the ears of Joshua: for I will utterly put out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven. And Moses built an altar, and called the name of it Jehovahnissi: For he said, Because the LORD hath sworn that the LORD will have war with Amalek from generation to generation.

(Exo 17:8-16)

And the LORD spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend. And he turned again into the camp: but his servant Joshua, the son of Nun, a young man, departed not out of the tabernacle.

(Exo 33:11)

And Moses rose up, and his minister Joshua: and Moses went up into the mount of God. And he said unto the elders, Tarry ye here for us, until we come again unto you: and, behold, Aaron and Hur are with you: if any man have any matters to do, let him come unto them.

(Exo 24:13-14)

Joshua’s early training demonstrates how God can use our life experiences to equip and prepare us before calling us to do greater works later in life.

And he left the oxen, and ran after Elijah, and said, Let me, I pray thee, kiss my father and my mother, and then I will follow thee. And he said unto him, Go back again: for what have I done to thee? And he returned back from him, and took a yoke of oxen, and slew them, and boiled their flesh with the instruments of the oxen, and gave unto the people, and they did eat. Then he arose, and went after Elijah, and ministered unto him.

(1Ki 19:20-21)

And it came to pass, when they were gone over, that Elijah said unto Elisha, Ask what I shall do for thee, before I be taken away from thee. And Elisha said, I pray thee, let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me.

(2Ki 2:9)

2. Partnership in spiritual Purpose

Friends who entice you to go against God’s will are purpose killers. Such friends should be avoided.

Save Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenezite, and Joshua the son of Nun: for they have wholly followed the LORD.

(Num 32:12)

3. Good Friends Makes Life meaningful

Friends are the flowers/colors of our life.

Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man’s friend by hearty counsel.

(Pro 27:9)

4. Positive Influence

He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.

(Pro 13:20)

Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.

(1Co 15:33)

5. Fellowship and Intimacy

Can two walk together, except they be agreed?

(Amo 3:3)

A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.

(Pro 18:24)

Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;

(Eph 5:19)

With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

(Eph 4:2-3)

6. Divine relationships give love

We can’t explain that we are following Christ and growing spiritually if we are at crisis with one another. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.

A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.

(Pro 17:17)

If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.

(Joh 13:14-15)

And above all things have fervent charity among you: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.

(1Pe 4:8)

With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;

(Eph 4:2)

And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.

(1Pe 4:8)

7. Confidant

Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.

(Pro 27:6)

8. It affords you with people who can understand and believe your vision.

And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost: And she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb. And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy. And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord.

(Luk 1:41-45)

9. Source of Growth, Help, encouragement and Success

Our friends are the components of who we have become; good friends is as good as good ideas, good opportunities, good skills, good minds, good heart. The divine relationship is thus a good ingredient for success.

There are invaluable treasures in people. There are some people you meet, and your whole life begins to turn around for good.

And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

(Heb 10:24-25)

We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain.

(2Co 6:1)

And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:

(Heb 10:24)

Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.

(1Th 5:11)

10. Accountability

A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.

(Pro 18:24)

12. Two is Better and Three are Even Better

Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up. Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone? And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

(Ecc 4:9-12)

And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.

(Gen 2:18)

Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.

(Mat 18:19)

13. Perfect Future Match

Good and purposeful Christian relationship brings the best match together, the end result is as in the verses below;

Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.

(Pro 31:10-11)

House and riches are the inheritance of fathers: and a prudent wife is from the LORD.

(Pro 19:14)

CONCLUSION

Even as we advance in our work with God, submission to submission to one another in a relationship is a value that we always would appreciate. We are continually required to honor one another especially, those who are in the faith with us. We see this in Paul’s admonition to the Thessalonians in 1 Thess. 5:12-13; and we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; 13 And to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. And be at peace among yourselves.

44 BIBLE VERSES ON FRIENDSHIP DEFINITION

WHO IS A FRIEND?

The bible is replete with who our friends should and what Friendship should mean to us believers. Friendship is initiated whenever two or more individuals acknowledges a sense of (mutual) relevance and developed a sincere respect for (each of) the other. So we have friends even among siblings.

Everyone needs friends. Loneliness was never part of God’s plan, which was the whole reason He created Eve for Adam.

Thus, this article is aimed at providing the various biblical definitions for friendship.

FRIENDSHIP DEFINED

Through the pages of many thought leaders are various beautiful descriptions for friendship. Here are few examples; “Friendship is a majestic garden full of roses, butterflies and bees, supporting each other for the sake of survival and realizing dreams.”

“Friendship is like a brilliant star which shines brighter when the sky turns darker.” Ralph Waldo Emerson

But beyond the very words of men, the bible offers even more beautiful and eternally true thought on who our friends should be.

These bible verses below define who a friend is;

Friendship Defined As a Helper

Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up.

(Ecc 4:9-10)

A friend is someone you share a bond of trust and loyalty.

Open rebuke is better than secret love. Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.

(Pro 27:5-6)

And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.

(Jas 2:23)

A friend is someone we share a deep level of understanding and communication with.

And the LORD said, shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I do; … but Abraham stood yet before the LORD. And Abraham drew near, and said, Wilt thou also destroy the righteous with the wicked?…

(Gen 18:16-26)

Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.

(Joh 15:14-15)

And the LORD spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend. And he turned again into the camp: but his servant Joshua, the son of Nun, a young man, departed not out of the tabernacle.

(Exo 33:11)

Friendship is a replica of love

Be kindly affectionate one to another with brotherly love; in honors preferring one another;

(Rom 12:10)

Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.

(Col 3:12-14)

And it came to pass, when he had made an end of speaking unto Saul, that the soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul. And Saul took him that day, and would let him go no more home to his father’s house. Then Jonathan and David made a covenant, because he loved him as his own soul.

(1Sa 18:1-3)

A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.

(Pro 17:17)

They are those we have common interest with and help us to fulfill purpose.

Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.

(Pro 27:17)

He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.

(Pro 13:20)

The friendship of the LORD is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant.

(Psa 25:14)

Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou shalt not go: Lest thou learn his ways, and get a snare to thy soul.

(Pro 22:24-25)

Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established.

(Pro 15:22)

Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man’s friend by hearty counsel.

(Pro 27:9)

Say unto wisdom, Thou art my sister; and call understanding thy kinswoman:

(Pro 7:4)

The righteous is more excellent than his neighbour: but the way of the wicked seduceth them.

(Pro 12:26)

Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.

(Jas 4:4)

Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.

(1Co 15:33)

A friend is someone who care and shows mutual concern to their time of challenges’

This is my commandment, that ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.

(Joh 15:12-15)

A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.

(Pro 18:24)

One of the greatest biblical examples of the “friend who sticks closer than a brother” is the relationship between David and Jonathan. Jonathan’s loyalty to David runs deeper than his loyalty to his father Saul or his own ambitions (1 Sam 18:1-4; 20:14-17).

The dirge David sings when he hears of Jonathan’s death marks their relationship as a high point of human friendship (2 Sam 1:17-27). Such loyalty is also seen in Naomi and Ruth’s relationship.

Now when Job’s three friends heard of all this evil that was come upon him, they came everyone from his own place; Eliphaz the Temanite, and Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite: for they had made an appointment together to come to mourn with him and to comfort him. And when they lifted up their eyes afar off, and knew him not, they lifted up their voice, and wept; and they rent every one his mantle, and sprinkled dust upon their heads toward heaven. So they sat down with him upon the ground seven days and seven nights, and none spoke a word unto him: for they saw that his grief was very great.

(Job 2:11-13)

My friends scorn me: but mine eye poureth out tears unto God. O that one might plead for a man with God, as a man pleadeth for his neighbour!
(Job 16:20-21)

They are those who accept you for who you are and feel comfortable sharing things about themselves with you, someone you feel comfortable supporting and accepting.

And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.

(Luk 6:31)

Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.

(Col 3:12-14)

He that loveth pureness of heart, for the grace of his lips the king shall be his friend.

(Pro 22:11)

Thine own friend, and thy father’s friend, forsake not; neither go into thy brother’s house in the day of thy calamity: for better is a neighbour that is near than a brother far off.

(Pro 27:10)

What Does Friendship Mean To You?

Biblically, the context of friend and friendship include at least three components: association, loyalty, and affection.

At the lowest level, a friend is simply an associate or “the other fellow” (Judges 7:13; Rom 15:2; James 4:12). In Jesus’ parables the vineyard owner addresses a laborer (Matt 20:13) and the host speaks to a wedding guest he does not know (Matt 22:12) using the term “comrade.” Jesus addresses Judas in this way in the garden: “Friend, do what you came for” (Matt 26:50).

At a higher level the idea of friendship contains not only the component of association but also that of loyalty. The “king’s friend” (2 Sam 15:37; 16:16; 1 Kings 4:5; 1 Chron 27:33) serves as a royal advisor or, as a member of a favored class of nobles. Hiram of Tyre’s “friendship” with David (1 Kings 5:1) is actually a political alliance that may have little to do with affection but everything to do with treaty obligations. The “friend who sticks closer than a brother” (Prov 18:24) shows loyalty. When the Jews accuse Pilate of not being “a friend of Caesar” (John 19:12), they are questioning his loyalty to the emperor.

The highest level of friendship contains the components of association and loyalty along with affection. The friendship of David and Jonathan ( 1 Sam 18:1-4 ; 20:14-17 ) has all three components.

WRAP UP

Herein, we have seen friendship everywhere; among associates among kins, among rivals, among in-laws, etc. whatever a relationship it is called; for every meaningful successful relationship, there is a friendship relationship in it.

The word “friend, “”friendship,” or “be friendly” come from Hebrew root words that mean “one who loves.” In the bible, it is also implied in words like philos, meaning “friend, “companion, comrade, ” and “neighbor, ” along with a variety of kinship terms such as “brother, “”mother, ” or “child, etc. anyone so ever that is loved.

Paul expresses this loyal and affectionate relationship when he refers to or addresses several individuals with the language of family love. He speaks to Timothy and Titus as his true children (1 Tim 1:2; Titus 1:4), and to Timothy as his “dear son” (2 Tim 1:2). Onesimus is not only Paul’s “son” but his “very heart” (Philem. 10, 12).

Present Christian leaders should learn from this; to often refer to their disciplers and subordinates as friends and not often wanting to sound bossy in using terms like my son in the lord etc.

45 BIBLE VERSES ON TYPES OF CHRISTIAN RELATIONSHIP

Introduction

Everyone is in a relationship. We understand this well when we realize the various platforms on which relationship exists and classify them as type of relationship.

Our understanding is also enlightened as we consider the various ways in which these types of relationship played out in the bible.

As such, this article is aimed at outlining the various bible chapters describing each of the various relationships cadre as listed in my previous article.

Relationship Defined

These verses below explain relationship as anyone we are connected to with a significant helpful part shared.

In Genesis 2:18, the phrase ‘help mate’ also mean counterparts. That is, a part opposite.

And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him. (Gen 2:18)

While in Eccl 4:9-12 relationships is seen from such words as; ‘Two’ i.e.; another part, contrasted with alone. ‘Fellow’ i.e.; associate, companion. ‘Another’ i.e. second part.

Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up. Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone? And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken. (Ecc 4:9-12)

In 1Co 12:12, 14, & Eph 4:25; relationship could be seen as Members together.

For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.

(1Co 12:12)

For the body is not one member, but many. (1Co 12:14)Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.(1Co 12:27)

Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another

(Eph 4:25)

And in 1Co 12:18-21, Relationship is all persons knit into one helpful body.

But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him. And if they were all one member, where were the body? But now are they many members, yet but one body. And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.

(1Co 12:18-21)

WHAT ARE THE VARIOUS TYPE OF CHRISTAIAN RELATIONSHIP?

Bible verses on Kinships type of relationship

And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, there is no man that hath left house, or parents, or brethren, or wife, or children, for the kingdom of God’s sake,(Luk_18:29)

Bible verses on Parents type of relationship

And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law,

(Luk_2:27)

Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.

(Eph_6:1)

Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord.

( Col_3:20)

By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of his parents, because they saw he was a proper child; and they were not afraid of the king’s commandment.

(Heb_11:23)

Bible verses on Sibling type of relationship

And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Moses, and he said, Is not Aaron the Levite thy brother? I know that he can speak well. And also, behold, he cometh forth to meet thee: and when he seeth thee, he will be glad in his heart.

(Exo 4:14)

And she again bare his brother Abel. And Abel was a keeper of sheep, but Cain was a tiller of the ground.

(Gen_4:2)

And after that came his brother out, and his hand took hold on Esau’s heel; and his name was called Jacob: and Isaac was threescore years old when she bare them.

(Gen_25:26)

And Zillah, she also bare Tubalcain, an instructer of every artificer in brass and iron: and the sister of Tubalcain was Naamah.

(Gen_4:22)

Bible verses on In-laws type of relationship

When Jethro, the priest of Midian, Moses’ father in law, heard of all that God had done for Moses, and for Israel his people, and that the LORD had brought Israel out of Egypt;

( Exo_18:1)

Bible verses on Extended Members type of relationship

But if any widow have children or nephews, let them learn first to shew piety at home, and to requite their parents: for that is good and acceptable before God.

(1Ti_5:4)

And Moses called Mishael and Elzaphan, the sons of Uzziel the uncle of Aaron, and said unto them, Come near, carry your brethren from before the sanctuary out of the camp.

(Lev_10:4)

And he brought up Hadassah, that is, Esther, his uncle’s daughter: for she had neither father nor mother, and the maid was fair and beautiful; whom Mordecai, when her father and mother were dead, took for his own daughter.

(Est_2:7)

And Terah took Abram his son, and Lot the son of Haran his son’s son, and Sarai his daughter in law, his son Abram’s wife; and they went forth with them from Ur of the Chaldees, to go into the land of Canaan; and they came unto Haran, and dwelt there.

(Gen_11:31)

Bible verses on Neighbors type of relationship

And if the household be too little for the lamb, let him and his neighbour next unto his house take it according to the number of the souls; every man according to his eating shall make your count for the lamb.

(Exo_12:4)

But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbour?
And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead.
And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.
And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side.
But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him,
And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.
And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee.
Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves?
And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.

(Luk 10:29-37)

For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

(Rom_13:9)

Bible verses on Acquaintance type of relationship

Then came there unto him all his brethren, and all his sisters, and all they that had been of his acquaintance before, and did eat bread with him in his house: and they bemoaned him, and comforted him over all the evil that the LORD had brought upon him: every man also gave him a piece of money, and every one an earring of gold.

( Job_42:11)

I was a reproach among all mine enemies, but especially among my neighbours, and a fear to mine acquaintance: they that did see me without fled from me.

( Psa_31:11)

But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day’s journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance.

(Luk_2:44 )

And all his acquaintance, and the women that followed him from Galilee, stood afar off, beholding these things.

(Luk_23:49)

And he commanded a centurion to keep Paul, and to let him have liberty, and that he should forbid none of his acquaintance to minister or come unto him.

(Act_24:23)

Bible verses on Partners type of relationship

Nevertheless God, that comforteth those that are cast down, comforted us by the coming of Titus;

(2Co 7:6)

I had no rest in my spirit, because I found not Titus my brother: but taking my leave of them, I went from thence into Macedonia.

(2Co 2:13)

And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink.

(Luk_5:7)

And so was also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men.

(Luk_5:10)

Bible verses on Mates type of relationship

Then Daniel went to his house, and made the thing known to Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, his companions:

(Dan_2:17)

And in all matters of wisdom and understanding, that the king enquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers that were in all his realm.

(Dan_1:20)

But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.

(Dan 1:8)

And when the virgins were gathered together the second time, then Mordecai sat in the king’s gate.

(Est 2:19)

Bible verses on Friendship type of relationship

But Amnon had a friend, whose name was Jonadab, the son of Shimeah David’s brother: and Jonadab was a very subtil man.

(2Sa_13:3)

These things said he: and after that he saith unto them, Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep.
And from thenceforth Pilate sought to release him: but the Jews cried out, saying, If thou let this man go, thou art not Caesar’s friend: whosoever maketh himself a king speaketh against Caesar.

(Joh_19:11-12)

Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.

(Mat 1:18)

Bible verses on Courtship type of relationship

Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.

(Mat 1:18)

Bible verses on Married type of relationship

And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.

(Gen 2:18)

Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD.

(Pro 18:22)

And Isaac brought her into his mother Sarah’s tent, and took Rebekah, and she became his wife; and he loved her: and Isaac was comforted after his mother’s death.

(Gen 24:67)

Last Word

I hope this helps.

Let me have your critics on this kind of article.

TIMES TO BE SINGLE AT HEART The Errors in Thinking Who to Marry

INTRODUCTION

A retrospection through the fantasy of the pre-adult phase of my life, when I’d often find myself with friends of likeminded rehearsing on who we would love to marry in the future. Sometimes we even mentioned names; funny memories they are.

More fantasy yet was in my early adulthood. I could still see myself encumbered by the thought of who to marry. I’d have a lot of mind swing. Today, I’m well pleased by Sister A. Tomorrow; I’m better pleased by sister B. The next day, I’m totally confused or indifference about it.

However, recently, a number of real-life true realities have occurred to me. Making me realize that the thought of getting married or being married is something somewhat secondary or unnecessary. The thought and encumbering of who to marry is only common to the unprepared. It is a sign of one’s unreadiness.

Where does the thought of who to marry come from?

Is it childishness? NO.

It is common with young people to have a picture of persons-kind they are pleased with. Through life, there is often a time circumstance and chances would bring such people to your circle of friends.

Besides, there are a set of wonderful qualities you’d find in close friends and you are almost thinking if this could be the one. Even though you are not ready, you think of growing with them and living the future in vision together.

Many times, people don’t make out anything from such visions. Because the future holds a lot for the living. The test of time and distance comes in to exaggerate every unreadiness and wanes the relationship.

At such point, it becomes obvious that friendship relationship does not outlive its purpose and because one is one’s destiny helper does not mean they are to be their life partner.

The errors of thinking who to marry

The thought of who to marry and its associated behaviors can be linked to many relationship problems among singles. Examples of such problems include the following;

• Many good friends have collided ending up in enmity because an unnecessary relationship was introduced. Friendship is better allowed than introducing a relationship that is not working. Yet many relationship counselors would insist that one, especially ladies are wasting their time to be in a relationship that does not have marriage as parts of its definition. There are many appluadable purposesfor relationships found in friendship than the futuristic purpose alone can conceal.
• The thought of who to marry when unready induces a form of behavior attempting to manipulate the other into one’s unreadiness and its associated indecisiveness.
• It truncates the joy of singlehood. One way it does this is by demanding unnecessary accountability and pressurizing one to give or live a false life in other to make good impressions.
• The thought of who to marry is also responsible for a common wrong paradigm about marriage mates. It is wrongly believed that people of the same range, like course mates, etc are not often good favorites for marriage feasibility. The argument is often that the man will not be ready for the lady who would be taken away by an already made man. This paradigm is not only wrong but it is very much a problem of thinking who to marry. Perfecting a friendship relationships purpose should better be the goal of persons in a relationship while keeping their hearts single. Succeeding in friendship without a hurting memory can produce wonders. The impossible and the unthought can be made out of it. This is one big error people make when they assert that people should not involve in a relationship which does not have a futuristic end. Relationships do not start with a futuristic purpose, it generates it. One of such unthinkable wonders that can be made out of a successful friendship is the marrying of mates.

Who is ready to marry?

The reality is that when one is finally ready, he often becomes more indifferent and losses interest in all the glaringness of the marrying stuff.

One is quite ready to marry when he is no longer interested. Other markers of readiness include;

• Being ready in this 21 century cannot overemphasize financial readiness. Without the appropriate finance to welcome and cater to another soul, marriage is a mere wish which everyone could have ridden if wishes were horses.
• One is ready that have succeeded in being a friend. Friendships give you chances to err and relearn. Marriage is till death do us part.
• One is ready who is matured in character, charisma and in the life course.
• One is ready who has identified Gods perfect timing and perfect plan, choice or will for him.
• A man is ready when he has discovered his purpose and his allotted territory.
• A woman is ready to marry after training herself to the entails of being a helpmeet and after asking to verify from the man-the definition of his purpose.

Keys to being single at heart

Life ought to be lived being single at heart; without thinking marriage. The primary purpose in friendship relationship should be building a network of people that will amount to net-worth.

Ones net-worth is defined as the difference of his assets from his liabilities. It is worthy of note to mention that it is very possible for one not to have money and yet have a high net-worth by the quantum of favor people owe him as a product of one’s goodwill.

This is possible by walking in love towards all men, being hospitable, and generous, serving others with your gifts. For a man who walks in love, there are no offenses (liabilities) that can be written against him for love covereth all sins. Prov 10; 12.

Besides, being single at heart requires faith in God who brings His will to pass by working in us both to will and to do his good pleasure.

The perfect will of God cannot be gotten by manipulations. If it is the will of God He will by all circumstances and chances work it out while you are busy fulfilling the purpose of your friendship relationship together.

WRAP UP

Learning to consciously avoid the errors and behaviors’ associated with thinking and acting who to marry is key to living a life of confidence and focus on the real matters of one’s life.

Do comment on your experience. Were there a time; maybe in your pre-adult phase, when you were concerned about whom it should be. Like the handsome, tall, rich and God-fearing rejoinder common with ladies?

Stay single at heart!

THE ALL IN ONE WOMAN

INTRODUCTION

The creation of heaven and earth and all it hosts in time in eternity; the beginning is one of the most astounding expressions of the Glory of God and a deep mystery.

“You alone are the LORD. You have made the heavens, the heaven of heavens with their entire host, the earth and all that are on it, the seas and all that is in them. You give life to all of them and the heavenly host bows down before you.

Nehemiah 9:6

More astounding Glory still was expressed in the creation of man, who even though he is not the strongest physically, there-in him contained all that is needed to control the other creatures. Indeed, man is the crown of God’s creation and a deeper mystery.

And God said; Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creped upon the earth. …

Gen 1:26-31

Yet, even more, astounding is the creation of woman. The deepest of mystery. God essentially said that man was not adequate, to highlight the high position and necessity of women. Indeed, women are the perfection of man and the other creatures in extension.

Literally and metaphorically, women define nature and the world. For nature signifies birth. Which is the same as the symbol of fruitfulness which woman is.

And the Lord God said, it is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a help meet.
And the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof; And the rib, which the Lord God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man.

GEN 2: 18, 21-22.

Woman as a Special Creative Work of God

In a bid to panegyrize women, someone amusingly inscribed the following thought. Do enjoy the humor even as you learn the inevitable place of women from it.

THE ROLE OF WOMAN

When God created woman he was working late on the 6th day.
An angel came by and asked.” Why spend so much time on her?

“The Lord answered. I have to give extra care and attention for she needs to be the perfection to other creatures.

“Have you seen all the specifications I have to meet to shape her?”

• She must function on all kinds of situations,
• She must be able to embrace several kids at the same time,
• Have a hug that can heal anything from a bruised knee to a broken heart,
• She must do all this with only two hands,”
• She would herself when sick and can work 18 hours a day”
• She will play a central role in the society to ensure the stability, progress and long-term development of her nations.
• She is the caretaker; she will play a key role in supporting her households and communities in achieving food and nutrition security, generating income, and improving rural livelihoods and overall well-being.
• She will be the chief educator in the home like in urging the children of both genders to attend – and stay – in school.
• She will be an entrepreneur; having the right and access to the leadership role that would help economies grow.
• And many more.

The Angel was impressed” Just two hands…..impossible! He exclaimed.

THE TENDER NATURE OF WOMEN

The Angel came closer and touched the woman”
“But you have made her so soft, Lord”.
“She is soft”, said the Lord,
“But I have made her strong. You can’t imagine what she can endure and overcome”
She has a strong personality, in her looks, and a strong will towards what she is accomplishing.

Being soft allows her to be the most sensitive, caring and maternal people in the world. She is very sympathetic.

Angel: So is there connection between her and the man?
Yes, she will share in the same nature of the Image of God like man.

The Angel Touched her Cheeks.
“Lord, it seems this creation is leaking! You have put too many burdens on her”
“She is a not leaking…it is a tear” The Lord corrected the Angel.
“What’s it for?” Asked the Angel…
The Lord said. “Tears are her way of expressing her grief, her doubts, her love, her loneliness, her suffering, and her pride.”…

WHY A WOMAN IS SPECIAL

This made a big impression on the Angel,
“Lord, you are a genius. You thought of everything.
A woman is indeed marvelous“
Lord said.”Indeed she is.

• She has the strength that amazes a man.
• She can handle trouble and carry heavy burdens.
• She holds happiness, love, and opinions.
• She smiles when she feels like screaming.
• She sings when she feels like crying, cries when happy and laughs when afraid.
• She fights for what she believes in.
• She is not lesser or inferior but has a special role to fill as guardian of the family. Strong, resourceful, resilient, wise, loving, tender and nurturing are all words to describe her.
• Her love is unconditional.
• Her heart is broken when a next-of-kin or a friend dies but she finds the strength to get on with life

Being a Woman is Priceless

The Angel asked: So she is a perfect being?
The Lord replied: No. She has just one drawback
“She often forgets what she is worth”.