Biblical Marriage

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Living Together

Q: Is "common law marriage" the same as marriage in the Bible?

A: No.

First of all: In the UK, there is no such thing as a "common-law marriage". It's a housewive's tale, a tabloid myth, with no legal basis whatsoever.

In most of the rest of the world there's no legal common law marriage.

Common law marriage has limited degrees of legal recognition in just about a dozen states of USA.

So people in "common law marriage" are actually unmarried, and on thin ice wherever they are. Any children sired in such a liaison are illegitimate, children of unfaithfulness.

When the Bible speaks of marriage, it refers to a genuine marriage; one recognised and legally accepted in that society. It will be carried out, and properly witnessed, in various ways according to local cultural customs, but the point is, it is recognised as socially and legally valid.

Common law marriage is none of those things.

It is living in sin and fornication.

Notice what Christ said to a woman who had a common law relationship in Jn. 4:18.

Are you in such a relationship? If so, you need to get right with God.

Know that Jesus loves you, He doesn't condemn you, but offers a new, clean life, walking with Him. Do you want that?

Harry Potter mentioned in the Bible

Q: Which Scriptures tell us not to read Harry Potter? Tammie

A: There are many Holy Bible warnings against involvement with the occult. If you read this Harry Potter article alongside your Bible, you can check the scriptural references and see for yourself. Remember, the word occult means hidden. Tammie, what is hidden, and from whom?

What food can Christians eat?

Q: Is eating catfish and crabs a sin?

A: No, all food is now ceremonially "clean". Mk. 7:19, Ac. 10:13-15, Col. 2:16-17. Be sure to sanctify it with prayer 1 Tim. 4:5, that will take care of any Salmonella bacteria missed in the cooking. Grilled Catfish and freshwater crabs are regular fare over here in Asia.

Cart before the horse

Q: John 3:5 says if I'm not born of water, I can't go to Heaven, so does that mean if I'm not baptized I won't go to Heaven? Tim

A: The expression Christ used, "born of water" has nothing to do with water baptism, nothing.

Many cults misuse it to teach the false doctrine that you must be baptised in water to be saved. That is untrue.

Salvation must precede baptism in water.

You can find out what born of water means here.

The only way to get to Heaven is to be born again, that is what Christ was describing in the passage you mention.

Read all of John's Gospel in the Holy Bible, asking the LORD to show you what it means. Then, when you understand the Gospel of Christ, you can choose to receive Him, or reject Him.

It is only after you have become a Christian, a saved person, that you should be baptised in water.

What happens to unbelievers?

Q: What about those who never change and follow Jesus; are they saved? Robert

A: They are eternally lost and Hell-bound. Christ made this crystal clear in Jn. Ch. 3 and Rev. 21:8. Now you see why nothing is more important than being born again.