FAQ: Practical Life

Yes, we have taken some general guidelines from the Bible to apply to this generation. These are presented with slides comparing modern apparel for the girls and women at their monthly women’s meetings. We avoid extra-scriptural rules to police the church as far as possible, and we steer between the ditches of Mennonites and contemporary Christian attire. The men are also warned in men’s meetings that they are responsible for the modesty of their wives and daughters.

Yes, God has detailed the look, walk, attire, jewelry, and accessories of lascivious women that he will judge. The 21st century has nothing over the women of the past – those women were just as eager and skilled to draw attention to themselves as today’s women, but they did it with much more elegance than today’s casual and scanty clothing for women.

See Also

For the Death of a Nation and pictures of female excess: Death of a Nation.

Godly women in the Bible were beautiful to look upon, which proves they did not neglect their appearance. Sarah was a specific example of a holy woman that met the standards of the apostles (I Pet 3:5-6). She was very beautiful to look upon, which means that her clothing and hair in public were done nicely, not neglectful (Gen 12:11,14). There is no virtue in dressing frumpy or shabby. The virtuous woman dressed very well (Pr 31:22), and so did Ruth (Ruth 3:3).

Yes, a Christian woman may wear jewelry, if she does it modestly and emphasizes character and conduct above her looks (I Tim 2:9-10; I Pet 3:3-4). The fact that Peter condemned putting on of apparel indicates he taught about emphasis and priority, for women should always be clothed in public. God is against women that emphasize looks over spirits (Is 3:16-24; II Kgs 9:30). Abraham’s servant gave jewelry to Rebecca and her mother (Gen 24:22,30,47,53). The church of God of the Old Testament specifically mentions jewelry (Ex 35:22; Num 31:50; Ezek 16:12).

Yes, a Christian woman may help her face, if she does it modestly and emphasizes character and conduct over appearance (I Tim 2:9-10; I Pet 3:3-4). The fact that Peter condemned putting on of apparel indicates he taught about emphasis and priority, for women should always be clothed in public. God is against women that emphasize looks over spirits (Is 3:16-24; II Kgs 9:30).

The source of all authority is God Himself, Who is the absolute and supreme Ruler of the universe and all creatures in it. But He has assigned authority to parents (Eph 6:1-3), to civil rulers (Rom 13:1-7), to employers (Eph 6:5-8), to husbands (Eph 5:22-24), and to pastors (Heb 13:7). If these five positions of authority are obeyed and honored, there can be great peace, productivity, and prosperity. When they are compromised, trouble is certain to follow.

For further study of the Christian and authority:

Ordinance of Authority

You should only disobey your parents when they try to make you disobey God. They might ask you to do something God condemns, or they might keep you from doing what God commands. You ought to obey God rather than man (Acts 5:29). Michal disobeyed her father, who was also king, to save David’s life (I Sam 19:11-17). Since God severely defends parents against rebellious children (Deut 21:18-21; 27:16; Pr 20:20; 30:17), you should be very certain with much evidence that the Bible justifies your disobedience.

For further study of the Christian and authority:

Ordinance of Authority

It does not matter how foolish or wicked a parent might be. They have an office and position of authority given by God, and they should be obeyed until they require you to disobey God in some matter. Even if in the rare event you must disobey them in a matter pertaining to God, you should still obey and honor them in all other matters. A rule to remember is that imperfect authority is better than no authority at all.

For further study of the Christian and authority:

Ordinance of Authority

Yes, though they must keep spiritual goals first in their lives. The Bible records successful men in both testaments, and it also teaches rules of professional and financial wisdom in both testaments. A church that preaches the whole counsel of God will cover these goals and subjects as well. Thus this church holds monthly men’s meetings to teach the Bible on such subjects.

See Also

Detailed study of Bible economics: Bible Economics.
Getting Ahead on the Job from men’s meetings: Getting Ahead on the Job.
A Christian work ethic to pass most worldlings: Christian Work Ethic
A transferable skill and financial prudence: Two Financial Concerns.

No, the Bible expects you to reduce risk in your life (Pr 6:1-5; 22:3), and insurance is a modern, witty invention that helps you reduce risk (Pr 8:12). The Bible commends the coney, a species of rabbit, for hiding itself from danger, rather than fighting or running (Pr 30:26), and insurance is an easy way to hide.

Jesus condemned the devil for seeking to get Him to presume on God’s promises, when He had alternatives (Matt 4:5-7), and insurance is an alternative God has given you to avoid risk. Though Christians believe that safety is of the LORD, they also make preparations for safety (Pr 21:31; Ps 127:1). If insurance is wrong, then so is savings, since it is money set aside for emergencies, but savings is clearly taught in Proverbs (Pr 6:8; 30:25).

See Also

Proverb commentaries about reducing risk: 6:1, 6:3, 6:4, 6:5, 20:16, 27:13.
Sermon about life insurance among other subjects: Birth Control, etc.
A Proverb commentary on Proverbs 21:31 about safety: Proverbs 21:31.

Usury is interest, especially exorbitant interest or interest charged to the poor that cannot afford it for legitimate needs (Ps 15:5; Pr 28:8). God commanded Israel not to charge its own people interest (Ex 22:25), but they could charge interest to the pagans around them (Deut 23:19-20). Therefore, you may invest or loan to those in the world and receive interest, dividends, or other increase from pagans, but you should be willing to loan your money to poor brethren for legitimate needs without interest, though you could charge interest if appropriate for a poor man’s unnecessary business venture.

Yes, a Christian can be rich. Some of God’s greatest men were rich e.g. Abraham, Job, David. But godly men do not seek to be rich, for they know the danger of money and make godliness their greatest priority (Matt 16:26; 19:23-24; Prov 23:4-5; I Tim 6:6-10). If while you are seeking God and His kingdom first, He makes you rich, do not fall in love with wealth (Ps 62:10). Instead, prove your eternal life by willingness to give it away (I Tim 6:17-19; Matt 25:31-46).

Yes, God’s divine library of 66 books in the Bible has included child training rules and warnings, especially in the book of Proverbs. Our Father in heaven provided fabulous wisdom for fathers on earth to properly train their children for the children’s success and the parents’ joy. For most of world history, child training practices in most nations were much closer to the Bible standard, but today there is wholesale rejection of Biblical morality and wisdom and successful traditions.

See Also

Proverbs commentaries on children training: 4:1, 4:2, 4:3, 4:4, 13:24, 19:18, 22:6, 22:15, 23:13, 23:14, 29:15, 29:17.
Detailed study of Biblical child training: Child Training Goals.
Sermon on child training: Child Training Rules

It is better than right – God commands it, your children need it, and it will work! First, God commands it (Pr 13:24; 19:18). Second, your children are born with innate foolishness that must be driven out of them (Pr 22:15; 29:15). Third, it will work (Pr 23:13-14; 29:17).

The failure and fiasco of recent generations when measured by its children should be enough to prove that this world’s ideas are destructive and ludicrous. Benjamin Spock was a fool, and he admitted it before he died. His childrearing manual led to the modern mess we see everywhere.

The Encyclopedia Britannica (14th edition published in 1929) once read in its entry for flogging, “Flogging has been one of the most universally utilized methods of punishing public crimes, as well as a means of preserving family, domestic, military and academic discipline.”

See Also

A Proverb commentary for corporal punishment: Proverbs 13:24.
A Proverb commentary for corporal punishment: Proverbs 19:18.
A Proverb commentary for corporal punishment: Proverbs 22:15.
A Proverb commentary for corporal punishment: Proverbs 23:13.
A Proverb commentary for corporal punishment: Proverbs 23:14.
A Proverb commentary for corporal punishment: Proverbs 29:15.
A Proverb commentary for corporal punishment: Proverbs 29:17.

Not too many! God has not commanded that you have any. Elijah, Anna, John, Jesus, and Paul did not have any. Society is drastically changing and making it much more difficult to train children, and wise men will adjust accordingly, just as Paul taught the Corinthians about marriage itself (I Cor 7:26). Children absolutely are a burden, no matter what some sentimental and ignorant person may say, just like marriage is a burden (I Cor 7:29,32-35).

See Also

Much more about birth control and family planning: Birth Control.

Is spanking only for the Old Testament, since it is not mentioned in the New? Of course not; you know the New Testament commands you to train your children (Eph 6:4), and you trust the Old Testament to give you the details about how to do it, especially the book of Proverbs.

We learn God’s will for New Testament giving the same way. We see the apostolic command and tradition of giving for several purposes (I Cor 9:14; 16:1-2; Gal 2:10; 6:6; I Tim 5:17; 6:17-19).

We then go to the Old Testament for the details about giving, and we find that God’s people gave a tithe or 10% before Moses’ Law – both Abraham (Gen 14:20) and Jacob (Gen 28:22). Just like spanking, you can learn in Solomon’s Proverbs about giving (Pr 3:9-10; 11:24-26).

Under the Law of Moses there were three tithes annually for about 23 1/3 % each year, and any real giving was after that, which was called offerings. It was tithes and offerings that pleased God. David and others gave far more than mere tithes to bless God and receive His blessings.

Anything less than a tithe can only come from a covetous heart, because God’s word starts with a tithe, expecting creative givers to devise more liberal offerings (Is 32:8; Mal 3:8). The greatest giver in the Bible was identified by Jesus and read about for 2000 years (Luke 21:1-4).

The very recent movement to condemn tithes, which we only consider a starting point for giving, is without scriptural basis and reflects selfish hearts that do not think big like David and others.

See Also

More about tithing and the New Testament: Should Christians Tithe?
Solomon’s teaching about giving: Proverbs 3:9.
Solomon’s teaching about giving: Proverbs 3:10.
Sober warning and fantastic blessings for giving: Haggai.

Some today argue against the tithe, or 10% of gross income, but Abraham and Jacob gave it before Moses’ law (Gen 14:18-20; 28:22). While a tithe is not specifically required in the N.T., it is the example the O.T. gives, just like the details for other N.T. duties e.g. child discipline. A tithe is what we owe God, and giving above that is an offering, thus tithes and offerings (Mal 3:8). If you grasp what God has done for you (II Cor 8:9; 9:15) and His promised blessings for liberal giving (Pr 11:24-26; II Cor 9:6), you should want to give very generously and cheerfully.

If you think of the previous paragraph as giving to your church for its laborers and needs, then you also have charity toward the poor to consider. But God mercifully and wisely only holds you responsible for poor in your family, for poor in your church, for those of the same faith and practice in other churches dealing with broad acts of God and destitute, and desperate needs he puts directly in your path in your ordinary business, like the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37).

See Also

Much more about tithing in the Bible: Should Christians Tithe?
More about Christian charity: Haiti Earthquake.
More about Christian charity: What About Tsunami Relief?

You should give to your local church where the receipts are used for New Testament purposes, especially to support preachers of the gospel (I Cor 9:14; Gal 6:6; I Tim 5:17). This giving should come off the top, because God expects and commands firstfruit giving (Pr 3:9-10).

After you taking care of God and His servants, you should take care of your family’s poor (I Tim 5:1-16), the poor in your church (Acts 2:45; 4:35), the poor in other churches of the same faith (Acts 11:29; I Cor 16:1-2; Gal 2:10), and those God puts in your direct path like the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37).

See Also

More about Christian charity: Haiti Earthquake.
More about Christian charity: What About Tsunami Relief?

If you consider the Bible’s objects and purposes of giving in the answers above, you will not have much or any left over for the world’s ideas of charity. Since you pay taxes to support the world’s poor, you should not feel the least guilty for directing voluntary charitable giving to Christian poor in your church, believers elsewhere, or those needy souls God puts in your path.

If you are required by your employer to give to worldly agencies such as the United Way, consider it a taxable deduction and cost of doing business and do not worry about it.

See Also

More about Christian charity: Haiti Earthquake.
More about Christian charity: What About Tsunami Relief?

Yes, they reduce what you actually give to the Lord, and He sees it. In a 30% marginal tax bracket, your tithe of 10% only costs you 7%, thus you deceive yourself and rob God. The great God does not like fudging what you give (Mal 1:8,14). If your intent is to tithe, then you want to make sure it costs you 10%, regardless of how much is received by the object of your giving.

Learn the math. In a 30% marginal tax bracket, if you earn another $10,000, you owe $3000 more in taxes. If you give $1000 to tithe this increase and deduct it on your tax return, you lower your taxes by $300, because your taxable income goes down $1000. Your church gets $1000, but it only cost you $700, because the government reduced your taxes by $300. In this example, you are only giving 7% of your increase, $700 divided by your increase of $10,000, not a tithe.

The vast majority of givers, if not all of them, do not consider the tax consequences of their giving to the Lord, though they certainly want to deduct every penny when it comes time to prepare their tax return. Do the math until you are completely confident of the conclusion above, then determine before God how much as a percentage you will give after deducting tax effects.

See Also

More about the IRS, taxation, and giving: God Bless the IRS.

No. God is a capitalist, in that His laws provide for profits and rewards so that diligent and wise men are separated from lazy and foolish men (Pr 10:4; 12:24; 13:4). Those who do not produce enough without an act of God to excuse them are to be starved (Pr 20:4; II Thess 3:10). Notice that Paul’s order for rich men was only to the extent of being ready and willing to share some of their wealth with legitimate needs of the poor, otherwise they were to enjoy it (I Tim 6:17-19).

It was not a requirement of Christianity, not even immediately after Pentecost, to sell all you had and give it away to everyone around you. Peter plainly told Ananias that it was in his power (his authority or right) to keep his money in Acts 5:4. Grasp this! There was no burden or command forcing Ananias and Sapphira to gave away assets.

See Also

More about Christian charity: Haiti Earthquake.
More about Christian charity: What About Tsunami Relief?

No. The early believers in Jerusalem included many new converts from Pentecost that were in Jerusalem visiting for that great feast (Acts 2:5-11). Some would have been stretched financially, because they had only come to visit, and now they were staying longer after being converted and joining the Jerusalem church. The selling of assets and giving of money was only done for existing needs (Acts 2:45; 4:35). No one lacked necessities, but there were still rich and poor.

There was no selling to redistribute wealth like communists, a devilish economic and political system contrary to the Bible and that has been proven false in every nation that has attempted it. The only needs that God recognizes and approves are those from an act of God – food, clothing, shelter, and emergency medical treatment. No gifts were given to anyone that was lazy, foolish, risky, or wasteful, for that would contradict the rest of the Bible (II Thess 3:10; Prov 20:4).

See Also

More about Christian charity: Haiti Earthquake.
More about Christian charity: What About Tsunami Relief?

Yes, you may. Your question has been multiplied a thousand times a thousand different ways by professional predicaments Christians encounter. There are a few simple principles to remember. First, Naaman’s job had a similar predicament, for he had to accompany the king of Syria into the pagan temple of Rimmon and bow with him there (II Kgs 5:18-19). What did Elisha say, “Go in peace.” Second, Paul assured us that though fornication is not to be tolerated in the church, yet we must work with fornicators in the world (I Cor 5:9-11). Third, there is all the difference in the world between providing a legitimate service to a pagan company or customer and joining that pagan company or customer in their sinful activities. You may own a hotel, even if half the rooms are rented for fornication, if you do not assist or promote that aspect of your business. Your lawn care business may keep the grounds of the local Roman Catholic church, as long as you do nothing to expose yourself to its false doctrine or promote it to others. As a doctor, you must tend to patients believing all kinds of heresies and guilty of all kinds of personal sins.

See Also

Christian ethics – case studies: Christian Ethics – Case Studies.
Christian ethics – principles: Principles of Christian Ethics.
Christian ethics – table of principles: Christian Ethics – Table of Principles

Thank you for asking. There are about five basic criteria that people use for making decisions, and only one of them is right.

Table comparing five ways to make decisions: Making Wise Decisions.

Only when they try to make you disobey God! We do not disobey government until they force us to do so, just as you do not want your children to disobey until you put them in a situation where they cannot avoid it. When government makes laws requiring us to do something against clear and plain scripture, Christians obey God rather than men (Ex 1:15-21; Dan 4:16-18). When government makes laws forbidding us to do clear and plain commandments of the Bible, Christians obey God rather than men (Dan 6:10; Acts 4:19; 5:29).

It does not matter how wicked a government or ruler might be in legislation, philosophy, civil conduct, or personal conduct. John and all Israel knew of Herod’s infidelities, but this did not reduce their civil responsibility to Herod at all. Neither are children relieved of honoring their parents due to parental sin. God will judge rulers for their wicked laws, thoughts, and deeds. Christians still give them honor and obedience to the full extent of their office (I Pet 2:13-17). It does not matter how they spend tax revenues, even for abortion or crucifying Jesus, you still render unto Caesar what is Caesar’s in all taxes (Matt 22:15-22; Rom 13:1-7).

It does not matter whether rulers violate the law or the Constitution of the land or not based on your incomplete knowledge of both. De facto rule is what is to be obeyed, for Jesus ignored Israel’s constitution, which was the Old Testament, for circulating money proved that there had been a change of authority in the nation (Matt 22:15-22). Your only scriptural right to legal recourse is when the chosen path of recourse is fully understand and fully accepted by the rulers, such as Paul’s appeal to his citizenship to avoid beatings (Acts 22:22-29; 16:35-40) and his appeal to Caesar (Acts 25:9-11).

See Also

Ordinance of Authority
Living Under Obama
Commentary on Romans 13
Christian and Taxation
God Bless the IRS
Proverbs 24:21
Proverbs 24:22
Are you a 501(c)3 church?

We define love as the choice to serve another person’s best interests, with the highest goal being to help that person please God and fulfill their destiny set by Him (I Cor 13:4-7; Lev 19:17; Rom 15:2). Love is a choice, not a feeling; we do not believe feelings produce real love, but real love will produce feelings (Col 3:19; Pr 9:8). Love looks at another person’s best interests rather than its own. It focuses on giving rather than getting (Rom 12:10; Acts 20:35). The highest degree of love is selfless meekness with total sacrifice for the welfare of another (II Cor 12:15).

See Also

More about the definition of love: Definition of Love.

We reject self-love, because it is anti-Christian, it is selfish narcissism by definition, and it has been proven to motivate crime. Men already love themselves more than enough, and the second commandment is to love others like you already love yourself (Mark 12:28-31). Self-love is a symptom of the perilous times of the last days – the first of nineteen symptoms listed (II Tim 3:1-2). True Christians esteem and love others more than their own selves (Phil 2:3-4; Rom 12:10).

See Also

Much more about the anti-Christian lie of self-love: Lie of Self-Love.

We reject unconditional love as foolishly wicked. It is a modern invention by existential men so in love with themselves that they expect others to love them for no reason but their existence. It is a lying fraud of natural men to eliminate accountability or responsibility and guarantee love from others for themselves no matter how they live. God is love, and knows love at the purest level, but He has never loved unconditionally, for He only loves sinners that are seen under the obedient character and substitutionary death of Jesus Christ (Ps 5:5; 11:5; Eph 1:3-6).

See Also

More about this anti-Christian lie: Lie of Unconditional Love.

This is easy, because the Inventor of love, marriage, and sex told you how in writing! You must find a person that totally fears and loves God independently of you, for that person will treat you just as God describes in the Bible, which is as good as a marriage can ever be. You must look for more than just a Christian – there are over 2 billion so-called “Christians” in the world today. They do not live or love any different than the world, and you will suffer the consequences.

You need a person that wants to live by the Bible in all they do and passionately serve Jesus Christ. When the excitement wears off after the honeymoon, then such a person will keep right on loving and treating you perfectly, because they will be doing it to please God and obey the Bible. If you ever need to ask this kind of spouse to change, you can show them their error from the Bible, and they will change. There is no substitute for this foolproof way to marry perfectly.

See Also

More about the fear of the Lord (guys looking for girls): Proverbs 31:30.
More about what guys should look for in girls: Rate-a-Date: Women.
What girls should look for in guys: Looking for One Good Man.
Only marriage in the Lord is allowed: Marriage in the Lord.

The Bible teaches a simple three-step approach. In Revelation 2:5, Jesus told the church at Ephesus how they could revive their first love for Him in three simple steps. Apply those three steps to your marriage, because you need to do the same three things to bring back strong love.

First, remember how good it used to be when you were madly in love and what your relationship was like. Second, repent to God and your spouse for letting things slide so badly. Third, do the first works, which means to make passionate investments in your spouse like you once did. Think about the care you took to look your best, to do creative things, to write the best notes; think about how eager you were to spend time together, do anything for the other person, and forgive any faults. It is as simple as these three steps. Do you have the humility and conviction to do it?

Yes, a Christian may divorce for sexual sins, for desertion, and for other marital offences of a similar nature. Jesus specifically allowed divorce for fornication, or sexual sins (Matt 5:31-32; 19:3-9). Paul allowed divorce for desertion (I Cor 7:12-15,27). Jesus also taught the principles of mercy (Matt 12:1-8) and intent (Mark 2:23-28), which allow divorce for other serious faults.

See Also

Sermon and outline about adultery and divorce: Sermon on the Mount.
Sermon outline on I Corinthians 7, including verses 10-16: I Corinthians 7.
Proverb commentary about just judgment and mercy: Proverbs 21:3.

Yes, any divorce that can be justified by the Bible frees the person from the first marriage and allows remarriage. There is no situation where a divorce can be justified but remarriage cannot be justified. Jesus allowed remarriage after divorce for sexual sins (Matt 5:31-32; 19:3-9). Paul taught that divorce for desertion ended the marriage bond and allowed remarriage (I Cor 7:12-15,27-28). To require a person to remain unmarried for the rest of his or her life due to the faults or crimes of another is cruel and unmerciful (Matt 12:7; Pr 21:3).

This argument of Paul is found in I Corinthians 7:10-11. In this place, he repeated the teaching of Jesus from Matthew 5:31-32 and 19:3-9. The issuer is two believers in the same church, for that is all Jesus ever dealt with, and Paul did not contradict the Lord’s allowance for divorce for sexual sins. These two believers had divorced for wrong reasons (they are stated to now be unmarried), and they should not remarry for that would preclude any possible reconciliation. Two believers wrongly divorced should reconcile. Paul dealt with mixed marriages, which Jesus had not done, in I Corinthians 7:12-16.

Jesus taught principles of mercy (Matt 12:1-8) and intent (Mark 2:23-28) regarding the Sabbath, which may easily and righteously also be applied to marriage (Pr 21:3; Hos 6:6; Jn 7:24). Consider a husband that beats his wife, but does not commit adultery or desert her. A husband that threatens his wife, but does not commit adultery or desert her. A spouse that defrauds the other spouse sexually. A husband that is a habitual drunkard and/or verbally abuses wife or children. A husband that spends all income on gambling, drinking, or his hobbies, etc. These two principles are precious indeed, but they should be applied carefully in light of scripture, and each marriage situation must be judged individually. Reconciliation should be sought first.

See Also

Proverb commentary about just judgment and mercy: Proverbs 21:3.

You first need to believe God exists, and then you need to believe He rewards those that diligently seek Him (Heb 11:6). Claim His promises about prayer – He wants you to trust Him in this special privilege to access His powerful help in your life. He is vulnerable to your prayers, like allowing Jacob to win their wrestling match! He has promised to hear and answer your prayers, and the Bible is filled with powerful examples of prayers that were answered in every part of life. He encourages prayer, enhances your prayers, and can easily exceed your requests.

See Also

For a summary of encouragement in prayer: Confidence in Prayer.
For sermon outline examples of powerful prayer: Power of Prayer.
For slides from Bible study about power in prayer: Power of Prayer-II.
For slides from Bible study about a mustard seed: How Big Is Your Faith?

Yes, certainly. The New Testament has its own examples of fasting. Nothing has changed to diminish the value of fasting. It shows God a greater degree of earnestness on your part, and He does not miss the extra effort to seek His blessings. In fact, there are certain situations that cannot be remedied without fasting (Matt 17:21). The Roman Catholic concept of fasting for Lent is hardly fasting by any definition, and it is so steeped in paganism as to be void of value.

See Also

For much detail and encouragement about Bible fasting: Fasting.
For analysis of the need for fasting for a lunatic: Faith Like A Mustard Seed. 
For a Biblical refutation of Ash Wednesday: Ash Wednesday.

Effectual prayer, from James 5:16, is effective prayer – it accomplishes its goal – it is prayer that works. For prayer to work, it must satisfy the Bible rules for prayer, which are clearly revealed by example and instruction in the Bible. If you want your prayers to be heard – your prayers must be effectual – so you should diligently learn God’s rules for prayer in the Bible.

See Also

For a summary of the Bible rules: Guidelines for Effectual Prayer.
Detailed study of the Bible rules: Effectual Prayer.
Another study of the Bible rules: Effectual Prayer.

As often as he wants it or you want it, whichever is more frequent. Read I Cor 7:1-5. One purpose of marriage is to avoid fornication, so each spouse should provide sex when, where, how, and as often as the other spouse desires it to keep them sexually happy. The “due benevolence” in this passage is a euphemism for sex that completely satisfies your spouse. It is called benevolence, because it is sexual kindness to fully please them. It is said to be due, because it is what you owe your spouse in marriage.

You do not have authority or rights over your body – your husband has them; he does not have authority or rights over his body – you have them. Each of you may have sex as often as you desire and in the way you desire, when and where you desire it. The only reason Paul justified interruption to frequent and regular sex was to mutually agree to fast and pray, which few do more than just a few hours or a day or two.

Yes, God can easily forgive those who confess their adultery, but it is not easy to do so. Solomon warns clearly in Proverbs that adultery leads to death and hell (Pr 2:18; 5:5; 7:27; 9:18). He warned that this sin destroys men’s souls (Pr 6:25-33). Adultery is also addictive (Pr 5:22-23). But God forgave David immediately for his heinous crimes of aggravated adultery and murder (he had his own harem and killed a good friend). But the only repentance that works with God is godly sorrow (II Cor 7:10-11). You must learn Job 33:27 and use each of its three phrases. Read the list of sins that were forgiven and washed away in Corinth for hope (I Cor 6:9-11). God forgives in ways you cannot grasp, if you will consider a wonderful text about it (Is 55:6-9).

God created Eve to be Adam’s helper (Gen 2:18). After she sinned, her status was lowered further, with Adam being given greater authority over her (Gen 3:16). As a result, it is a man’s world. As a result, Paul could declare that the woman was created for the man, but the man was not created for the woman (I Cor 11:9; I Tim 2:13).

No, they cannot teach men or speak publicly in the church, because the Bible prohibits it clearly and for good reason (I Cor 14:34-35; I Tim 2:11-12). They are not allowed to even ask questions, for such a liberty would lead to unnecessary argumentation and confusion. If they want to learn, then they are to ask their husbands at home. The husband and father is the primary teacher of the wife and children (Gen 18:19; Josh 24:15; II Sam 6:20-23; Pr 2:17; Eph 6:4; Ps 78:1-8; Isaiah 38:19).

If by double standard you mean God created differences between men and women in anatomy, consequences, duties, and privileges, then yes. God made the woman for the man, but not the man for the woman (I Cor 11:9; I Tim 2:13), thus showing a priority of duty and loyalty. The woman has a hymen proving virginity or not, but the man has no such indicator (Deut 22:13-21). The test of jealousy was for men only regarding their wives (Num 5:11-31). Women conceive and reveal their sexual sins (Gen 38:24). God allowed polygamy but nothing even close to polyandry (II Sam 12:7-8). If a woman even touched another man’s private parts with the best of intentions, her hand was to be cut off without mercy (Deut 25:11-12). This double standard may be explained by men being accountable to God, not women, but women being accountable to men.

Yes, because the Bible says so (I Pet 3:7; I Tim 2:11-14; I Cor 14:34-35; II Tim 3:6-7). This does not mean that men are to abuse women in any way, but the facts of life confirm everything the Bible says on this subject. Women are weaker physically, mentally, emotionally.