The Challenge to Christendom

The Challenge to Christendom

There seems to be an increasing movement to discredit the Bible and to position Christianity as irrelevant or worse, an impediment to human growth and development. It is a yoke imposed by a few religious fanatics that curtail personal freedom and causes friction among people.

Christianity it is claimed refuses to accept known scientific facts preferring to rely on blind faith.
Some of this new fervour to discredit the Bible can be directly linked to the push for homosexuality to be accepted as normal behaviour. It is the Bible that roundly condemns homosexuality and it is that condemnation that has led to it being outlawed.

If the Bible can be discredited as the mindless and selfish babbling of fanatics then its teachings – including God’s displeasure with homosexuality – can be discounted. Then the issue can be settled simply on the basis of a debating of ideas among men. There would be no reference to a higher authority.

Is there any rational basis for Christians to refuse to accept documented scientific evidence?

The Bible has revealed scientific facts long before the world’s scientists recognised those facts. If the Bible writers were able to get those things right, the question is “Where did they get that knowledge?”

Another question is “If scientists were wrong when they were so sure on matters such as the shape of the earth, why do we now accept their theories in preference to what the Bible clearly states?”

Points to consider:

Gen. 1:9-10 And God said, “Let the water under the sky be gathered to one place, and let dry ground appear.” And it was so. 10 God called the dry ground “land,” and the gathered waters he called “seas.” And God saw that it was good.

Moses knew of only one sea; yet he says that the “waters” (plural) were gathered into one place. “One place” the seas of the world are all connected, thus, literally in one “bed.”

How did Moses know this?

Round earth
How did Isaiah get it right that the earth was round when all mankind thought it was flat?

The Bible revealed that the earth is round. Job 26:10, Prov 8:27, Isaiah 40:22, Amos 9:6. The Bible revealed the truth in 1000 B.C. 2500 years before man discovered it for himself! http://www.bible.ca/b-science-evidences.htm

In various verses, the Bible says the earth is round and hangs in space. It took a long time for science to catch up and reach the same conclusions. Copernicus made the discovery in 1475.
Is 40: 22 It is he that sitteth upon the circle of the earth, and the inhabitants thereof are as grasshoppers; that stretcheth out the heavens as a curtain, and spreadeth them out as a tent to dwell in.

Springs under the sea

How would Job know about springs of the seas?

Job 38:16 Hast thou entered into the springs of the sea? or hast thou walked in the search of the depth? Consider the following:

• 
  Such springs have been located off the coasts of Greece, Italy, Israel, and Syria.
  
• Off the coast of Australia, fresh water may be dipped in abundance from the sea.
  
• In 1976 the U. S. Geological Survey discovered fresh water in the Atlantic along the seacoast from New England to Georgia.

The Bible described the Hydrologic Cycle:

Revealed in the Bible: Job 36:27-28 The water cycle was not fully understood until about 30 B.C. by a Roman engineer named Marcus Vitruvius. Yet every aspect of the water cycle was fully revealed to mankind in 1600 B.C.!

The Bible's description is in perfect harmony with modern science. Eccl 1:6-7; 11:3; Job 26:8; Amos 9:6. Vitruvius was 1600 years too late!

In various passages, the Bible describes a hydrologic cycle, the process by which clouds are formed, rain is produced and ground water is replenished. Science made the same discovery in the 1600s, long after the Bible passages were written.

Here are the related Bible verses:
Job 26: 8He bindeth up the waters in his thick clouds; and the cloud is not rent under them.
Job 36: 27For he maketh small the drops of water: they pour down rain according to the vapour thereof:
28Which the clouds do drop and distil upon man abundantly.
Limits on the seas
Job 38: 8 “Who shut up the sea behind doors when it burst forth from the womb, 9 when I made the clouds its garment and wrapped it in thick darkness, 10 when I fixed limits for it and set its doors and bars in place, 11 when I said, ‘This far you may come and no farther; here is where your proud waves halt’?

280,000 Cubic miles of water flow into our seas every year, yet they get no fuller.
Eccl. 1:7 - All streams flow into the sea, yet the sea is never full. To the place the streams come from, there they return again.

Is this not the principle of evaporation and condensation?

How did Job know of this?

Ref: Tom Bright www.oabs.org

Stars

The Bible stated that the stars cannot be counted: For centuries, scientists and astronomers thought they could count the precise number of stars in the universe. Brahe, for example, said there were 777. Kepler claimed the total was 1,005. Hipparchus said there were 1,022 stars. Ptolemy raised the number to 1,056. Eventually, scientists, including the great Galileo, concluded that the stars could not be numbered, just as the Bible had always claimed:

" As the host of heaven cannot be numbered, neither the sand of the sea measured: so will I multiply the seed of David my servant, and the Levites that minister unto me. " (Jeremiah 33:22).

5 And he brought him forth abroad, and said, Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall thy seed be. " (Genesis 15:5).

Evolution

The theory of evolution says that over millions of years simple life forms (one celled creatures) slowly evolved into complex life forms (fish), and that one kind of animal evolved into another kind (ape to man). Genesis, on the other hand, says that all life forms were created in six, 24 hour days. Genesis chapter one states 10 times that life forms can only reproduce after their own kind (ape to ape, man to man).

All the observable facts of science strongly support the Bible's claim that it is impossible for one kind to reproduce a different kind. The truth is, there is absolutely no tangible evidence to support evolution from any area of science, just theory and a wild imagination!

But if the Bible is wrong and man actually did evolve in small graduations over a long period of time, we should find ample fossil evidence of links in intermediate stages of transition. For decades, evolutionists have searched for fossils of these links to prove biblical creation wrong. Although millions of fossils have been unearthed, not even one missing link has ever been found. Has it ever occurred to you that this is the reason why scientists refer to them as missing links?

Even Charles Darwin realized the difficulty missing links gave his theory. Darwin wrote in his book, Origin Of The Species, "Why, if species have descended from other species by fine graduation, do we not everywhere see innumerable transitional forms? Why is not all nature in confusion, instead of the species being, as we see them, well defined?"

The reason we have never found any missing links is quite simple. Darwin's theory of evolution is wrong!

Experts tricked for 40 years! In 1912, Arthur Woodward announced to the world that he had found the missing link between ape and man. Piltdown Man, as he called it, consisted of a jaw bone and a piece of skull which he estimated to be over 500,000 years old! However, in 1953, when the new fluoride dating process was applied to the bones, scientists were shocked to learn that the jaw bone was less than 50 years old.

Only then did they notice that the bones and teeth had been treated with salts and filed to make them appear old and primitive. In other words, Piltdown Man was a complete fraud. Take note Bible student! The world's foremost scientific experts had been fooled for over 40 years!

(1 Corinthians 3:18-20- 18 Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise. 19For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness. 20And again, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain.) For almost a half century, evolutionists pushed Piltdown Man in the faces of Bible believers as scientific proof we evolved from apes! Some proof!
Reference: http://www.godlessgeeks.com/LINKS/ScientificBible.htm

The Accuracy of the Bible versus changes in Medical Science

Lev. 13 – Outlines the commands concerning prophylaxis (the prevention of, or protection from disease), sterilization and sanitation.

How did Moses indicate knowledge of the germ theory?

Under the law of Moses, the Israelites were given a system of hygiene that not only distinguished them from their neighbours, but also prevented the diseases and plagues of their day. The strictures given by Moses were entirely different than anything that man knew in that day and time.

The Papyrus Ebers is a medical book written about 1522 B.C. and occupied a dominant position in the ancient medical world. It is of great importance as a record of the medical knowledge of that day.

Let it be remembered, that it was at about this time that Moses was being raised as the son of Pharaoh's daughter.

Let us note some of the things prescribed in the Papyrus Ebers:
“To prevent the hair from turning gray, anoint it with the blood of a black calf which has been boiled in oil, or with the fat of a rattlesnake.”

This prescription was given for people who were losing their hair: “When it falls out, one remedy is to apply a mixture of six fats, namely those of the horse, the hippopotamus, the crocodile, the cat, the snake, and the ibex. To strengthen it, anoint with the tooth of a donkey crushed in honey.”

To embedded splinters they applied worm's blood and asses' dung.
Since dung is loaded with tetanus spores, do you suppose that lockjaw took a heavy toll of splinter cases?

Hundreds of remedies for various diseases are advised in the Papyrus Ebers. These include lizard's blood, swine's teeth, stinking fat, putrid meat, moisture from pig's ears, asses' hooves, milk, goose grease, animal fats from various sources, excreta from animals, including human beings, donkeys, antelopes, dogs, cats, and even flies.

When we consider what this medical journal recommended for various things, realizing that Moses was evidently taught these same things and then compare it with the strictures of the law of Moses outlined in Leviticus.

The law demonstrated a clear knowledge of germ theory, communicable disease and the practice of isolation. We can only come to the conclusion that the law of Moses could not have come from the knowledge and wisdom that man enjoyed at that time. That knowledge had to be inspired from a source outside of man.

The Bible proves to be accurate even in the face of powerful scientific “knowledge”. If man is wrong and ignorant about so many things that the Bible speaks accurately about, why should we accept man’s theory on other matters where the two disagree?

Ref: Tom Bright www.oabs.org

THE BIBLE AND PROPHECY
How could the writers of the Bible foretell the destruction of cities years, many times, centuries before their destruction, such as Tyre, Sidon, Nineveh, and Babylon?
1. Babylon - Isa. 13:19-22; 14:22-23; Jer. 50:12-13; 50:26,38-39; 51:25-26; 51: 36-37.
2. Tyre - Ezek. 26:3-5, 7-9, 12-14; Joel 3:5-8; Zech. 9:3-4.
3. Nineveh - Zephaniah and Nahum.
4. Sidon (Zidon) - Ezek. 28:20-23.

How could Isaiah name Cyrus 100 years before he was born and cite his proclamation freeing the Jews from Babylonian captivity and even speaking of his benevolence in supplying the money and material with which they should lay the foundation for the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem (Isa. 44:28).

Isa 28 who says of Cyrus, ‘He is my shepherd and will accomplish all that I please; he will say of Jerusalem, “Let it be rebuilt,” and of the temple, “Let its foundations be laid.”’
How can all of the foregoing be true?
How can mere man make "prescientific" statements?
How can mere man "anticipate" history?
How can mere man accurately speak of things that are hundreds of years in the future?

2 Pet. 1:21
The Holy Spirit directed the writings, as well as, the utterances of these men.
The things they wrote were under the guidance of God.

This is INSPIRATION!!

WHAT IS THE ANSWER?
How could these men have written all of the things mentioned of and by and through their own knowledge?
Can we say that they were mere guesses?
Was it merely by chance that these statements, which have now been proven to be true, were made?

There is only one logical answer:
These men wrote by inspiration of God.

Any explanation that would have them speaking or writing by any other means would not answer the problem of the absolute ACCURACY with which they wrote.

The writers of the Bible were guided by Him who was the Creator of all things that be in existence.
The Bible speaks of God as being Omnipotent, Omnipresent and Omniscient.
All powerful, everywhere present and knows all things.
Only such a One as this could have guided the writers of the Bible; only He could have known all things, thus, only He could have revealed these things.

THE BIBLE IS “GOD-BREATHED” - INSPIRED OF GOD
2 Tim. 3:16-17
2 Pet. 1:20-21
2 Sam. 23:2
Matt. 1:22-23 (compare with Isaiah 7:14)
Acts 1:16,20 (compare with Psalms 69:25 & 109:8)
Heb. 3:7-11 (compare with Psalms 95:7-11)
Mark 13:11
1 Cor. 2:9-13

WHAT THE BIBLE SHOULD MEAN TO US.
Heb. 1:1-2
God has spoken.
God has spoken through His Son.
John 12:48-50
Judged by His words.
His words are the Father's commandment.
His words will give “life everlasting.”
His words are “spirit” and “life.”

John 6:63. 63 The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life. 64 Yet there are some of you who do not believe.” For Jesus had known from the beginning which of them did not believe and who would betray him. 65 He went on to say, “This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless the Father has enabled him.”
James 1. 21 Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.

THE BIBLE IS GOD'S INSPIRED WORD TO MAN
Do not add to, nor subtract from the Word of God.

Deut. 4:2. 2 Do not add to what I command you and do not subtract from it, but keep the commands of the LORD your God that I give you.

Prov. 30: 5- 6. 5 “Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. 6 Do not add to his words, or he will rebuke you and prove you a liar.

Rev. 22:18-19. 18 I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book. 19 And if anyone takes words away from this book of prophecy, God will take away from him his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book.
Gal. 1:6-9. No Other Gospel
6 I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— 7 which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ. 8 But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let him be eternally condemned! 9 As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let him be eternally condemned!

Do not substitute human ideas.

Mark 7:7-12
7 They worship me in vain; their teachings are but rules taught by men.’ 8 You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to the traditions of men.” 9 And he said to them: “You have a fine way of setting aside the commands of God in order to observe your own traditions! 10 For Moses said, ‘Honor your father and your mother,’ and, ‘Anyone who curses his father or mother must be put to death.’ 11 But you say that if a man says to his father or mother: ‘Whatever help you might otherwise have received from me is Corban’ (that is, a gift devoted to God), 12 then you no longer let him do anything for his father or mother. 13 Thus you nullify the word of God by your tradition that you have handed down. And you do many things like that.”


Christians need not lose their faith in the face of this new challenge. The Bible has been accurate consistently. Science has been proven wrong consistently.

Where will you place your faith? On the solid rock of the Bible or the shifting sands of science?

Insights into God's Will for our lives

Why bother about God?

Our children carry a part of us. We are concerned about them. Our concern is not dependent on what they do. No matter what, they are still our children.

We are made in the image of God.

Gen 1:26 - 28 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 creepeth upon the earth. 27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. 28And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.

We are made in God’s image and God is deeply concerned about us.

As with our children, no matter what we do, we belong to God. Nothing can change that. If we ignore God, we still belong to God. If we curse God, we still belong to God. So God is relevant to man and man to God.

Our souls are of critical importance

God is particularly interested in our souls.
God is a spirit and so any image of God in us must be in spiritual form – our souls.

Gen 2:7 And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.

“Soul” occurs 458 times in the King James Version of the Bible.

Our souls are far more important that our bodies.

Matt 10:28: And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

Matt 16:24: Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. 25 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. 26 For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?

What has put our souls in danger?

The key issue is the need for man to do the will of God.
Ecc 12:13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. 14 For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.

Obedience to God is critical and ignorance is no excuse.
Lev 5:17 And if a soul sin, and commit any of these things which are forbidden to be done by the commandments of the LORD; though he wist (knew) it not, yet is he guilty, and shall bear his iniquity.

Man disobeyed God!
Gen 3:9 And the LORD God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou? 10 And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself. 11 And he said, Who told thee that thou wast naked? Hast thou eaten of the tree, whereof I commanded thee that thou shouldest not eat? 12 And the man said, The woman whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat. 13 And the LORD God said unto the woman, What is this that thou hast done? And the woman said, The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat.

Gen 3:22 And the LORD God said, Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil: and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever: 23Therefore the LORD God sent him forth from the garden of Eden, to till the ground from whence he was taken. 24So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life.

What has put our souls in danger?
1 Jn 3:4 Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.

Rom 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.

Rom 5:12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned.

James 1:15 Then the lust, when it hath conceived, beareth sin: and the sin, when it is fullgrown, bringeth forth death.

What is God’s will for us?
Deut 10:12 And now, Israel, what doth the LORD thy God require of thee, but to fear the LORD thy God, to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve the LORD thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul, 13 To keep the commandments of the LORD, and his statutes, which I command thee this day for thy good?

What is God’s will for us?
Matt 22:37 - 40 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.

What is God’s will for us?
2 Tim 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. 10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. 11Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, 12 Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? 13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. 14 Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.

How can we protect our souls?
Rom 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Jn 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

Titus 2:11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, 12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; 13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; 14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

What must we do to save our souls?

Hear the Word – the Gospel
John 6: 45 It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me.

Rom 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

What must we do to save our souls?
Believe
Heb 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

John 8:24 I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.

What must we do to save our souls?
Repent
Acts 17:30 And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent.

Luke 13: 1 Now there were some present at that very season who told him of the Galilaeans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. 2 And he answered and said unto them, Think ye that these Galilaeans were sinners above all the Galilaeans, because they have suffered these things? 3 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all in like manner perish.

What must we do to save our souls?
Confess Jesus as Lord
Matt 10:32 Every one therefore who shall confess me before men, him will I also confess before my Father who is in heaven. 33 But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father who is in heaven.

Rom 10:10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

What must we do to save our souls?
Be baptized for the remission of your sins
Acts 22:16 16And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.

Acts 2:37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? 38Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

1 Pet 3:21 The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

What must we do to save our souls?
Remain in Christ
John 6:3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

Rom 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

1 Pet 2: 1 Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, 2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby.

Choosing a Mate

.....You guys must have had access to this information....great choice!

Choosing a mate


At a time when marriage is very much in the air and divorces are prevalent these issues might be useful as a guide to those who seek to enter in the honourable institution of marriage (sooner or later).....for the long haul.

1. Fear of God
a. If someone fears God there is a limit to the kinds of things that they will be comfortable doing.
b. If no evidence of this fear is displayed prior to the wedding do not bank on it emerging after. (Best behaviour and accommodating attitudes are usually more on display before the rings go on. Deal with critical issues then!)

2. Attitude to the institution of marriage
a. What signals are being sent? Is the subject dodged are openly discussed?
b. Is “family” a part of the dialogue?
c. What can be discerned about views on the “Family God’s way”?

3. What life would be like with this person as your partner at age 60, 70, 80?
a. What if 6-pack is now punch bowl?
b. What if Coca Cola bottle shape is now 2 litre bottle?
c. What if you were ill in bed would this person take care of you?
d. What if the person was ill would you be able to commit to caring for him/her?

7 keys not usually discussed:

1. How is the union going to be financed?
a. Going to bed hungry puts pressure on people and their relationships
b. Money is not the key to happiness but we fool ourselves if we fail to reflect on how money issues can enhance or put pressure on our marriages
c. Consider also the issue of offspring and what kind of opportunities you want to create for them and the resources that will be required
d. This evaluation need not be limited to the current status of the parties. What is intended is that some thought should be given to a financial game plan. Economic viability might reduce one of the pressures on the marriage.
e. There is a life style to which you have become accustomed or that you yearn to have, if that does not appear attainable, are you willing to give that up for a life with this person?

2. Background of your prospective mate.
a. The less different the backgrounds the better the chances of success
b. Check the family history as it relates to marital relationships…Offspring are likely to consult with their parents and close relatives. A track record of solid commitment to marriage vows is a good indicator.
c. “Married” may be a disqualifier. Also, remember that the only divorce that God recognizes is on the grounds on adultery.
d. Strong differences in culture, attitudes, behavioural norms and values place more hurdles to be cleared to make the marriage work.

3. Comfort level with prospective in-laws …both ways
a. Are the prospective in-laws comfortable with you? Are they happy to see you? Can they bear being with you if partner is not around? Are they always "just leaving" when you arrive?
b. Reverse the questions with respect to your feelings about them.

4. Approach to handling conflict
a. Are there anger management issues?
b. Does violence enter the picture?....slap, scratch, (maybe disguised as “play”) Physical abuse must be identified early and addressed fundamentally. If in doubt, you might want to move on.
c. How are 3rd parties handled...especially persons who might be in a weaker position? Is there a tendency to mis-use having the upper hand?

5. Sense of fair play
a. What happens when games are played? Is it about winning at all costs?
b. Is there is tendency to get an edge by using questionable tactics?
c. Is the person a sore loser or intolerable winner?

6. Physical attraction
a. This is an issue that is not often discussed in this kind of forum, but it is important to understand that sexual compatibility is one of the planks on which successful marriages are built.
b. Healthy “chemistry” between the partners is a plus for the sustainability of the relationship.
c. NO SAMPLING! The vast numbers of single mothers who do not get married is an indication that sampling is not a guarantee of purchase.
E.g.:
You have 2 weeks vacation so you visit Sandals Resort.... “I would like to test if this is the place to spend vacation...... May I have a sample night please?”
Well you might have had a great stay but you feel the need to see if Super Clubs is better. On the other hand, if you had checked in with your money on the line, you would have been more likely to commit to spending the entire vacation at Sandals.

7. Shared interests
a. Do you have common interests? The more the merrier.
b. Is the person open to new ideas and activities?
c. Are they willing to become involved in your passions?
d. What about the friends on either side: Do you like the partner’s friends and do they like you?
e. THE ALL TIME ULTIMATE SINGLE FACTOR TEST: Can you converse easily for extended periods on a variety of topics outside of each other’s physical presence…i.e. on the phone or IM?

The above takes time. Hence the pop song: “Take time to know her, don’t rush into this thing”.