Do love and marriage go together? I believe that is the hope, dream, and assumption of most people when they get married. They are in love and desire a loving marriage. Most people want a “happily ever after” marriage. That is what Irv and I wanted. However, we had no idea what it would require from each of us to keep the dream alive. Healthy marriages require time, effort, work, commitment, sacrifice, kindness, consideration and patience –just for starters. Beyond all these a biblical attitude towards God’s gift of marriage is needed. Marriage is not to be taken lightly. Marriage is a holy commitment not just between a man and woman, but also before God and witnesses. Marriage is not just about the two who are ...

If you’ve ever heard James McDonald, pastor of Harvest Bible Chapel in Illinois, preach you know he’s a pretty passionate guy who loves to proclaim the Word of God. I recently caught one of his sermons on Romans 6:11. It was tremendous! As I thought about what he said it struck me that this verse brings powerful truth to bear on the bondage of addictions or any habitual sin. For the first five chapters in the book of Romans there are many declarations but Romans 6:11 is the first imperative in the book of Romans. An imperative is a command requiring action. Here’s what Romans 6:11 says, “In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus” (NIV). I prefer the King James Version. The ...

 FRIDAY NIGHT FIGHT

Grace Evangelical Free Church in Fridley will be hosting an event with a focus on men’s sexual purity as part of the monthly men’s ministry called Friday Night Fights. Dr. Irv Woolf, Director of Hopewell Counseling, will be the guest speaker. The event will take place on Friday evening, March 2, 2018 at 6:30 pm. Dr. Woolf’s message is titled If We Stay Together We Survive. The evening will begin with a meal. There is a suggested donation of $7.00 to cover the cost of the meal; however, please attend even if you can’t afford the $7.00.

Please call the church office by noon on Thursday, March 1, to confirm that you would like to attend so an accurate count can be obtained for ordering food. ...

ALL WE NEED IS LOVE

Since February is the month of love I thought I’d tackle the age-old question of what is love? Is it a feeling, a decision, a commitment, a “liver quiver.” What is it? All of us want to love and be loved. Love is built into us. We are made in God’s image and God is love (1 John 4:8).  Yet how will we know it is love we’re experiencing? As I’ve researched the subject, I’ve come to the conclusion that there are three essential ingredients of love (see diagram). This is called the “Triangular Theory of Love” and was developed by Robert Sternberg. I think he’s on target with his diagram.

Let's look at Sternberg’s theory and ......