Questions concerning the providence of God and finding a mate.

1
Questions concerning the providence of God and
finding a mate.

• 1) Is it wrong to believe that God can work in my
  life in providential ways to supply a godly
  husband who will help myself and others get to
  heaven?

2
Questions concerning the providence of God and
finding a mate.

• What is providence? Consider The English word
  and its origin.

3
Questions concerning the providence of God and
finding a mate.

• What is providence? Consider The English word
  and its origin.
• Latin - providentia from providere - to
  provide

4
Questions concerning the providence of God and
finding a mate.

• The word means then to see before. It expresses
  forethought and foresight. In the King James
  version the word is found in Acts 242.

5
Questions concerning the providence of God and
finding a mate.

• Acts 242 - And when he was called upon,
  Tertullus began his accusation, saying "Seeing
  that through you we enjoy great peace, and
  prosperity is being brought to this nation by
  your foresight,

6
Questions concerning the providence of God and
finding a mate.

• What has God specificly promised and what are
  things that we ask God out of a need?

7
Questions concerning the providence of God and
finding a mate.

• What has God specificly promised and what are
  things that we ask God out of a need?
• Abraham had a specfic promise of God but had to
  wait. (Rom 417-22)

8
Questions concerning the providence of God and
finding a mate.

• Romans 417-22 - (as it is written, "I have made
  you a father of many nations") in the presence of
  Him whom he believed -- God, who gives life to
  the dead and calls those things which do not
  exist as though they did 18 who, contrary to
  hope, in hope believed, so that he became the
  father of many nations, according to what was
  spoken, "So shall your descendants be."

9
Questions concerning the providence of God and
finding a mate.

• 19 And not being weak in faith, he did not
  consider his own body, already dead (since he was
  about a hundred years old), and the deadness of
  Sarah's womb. 20 He did not waver at the promise
  of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in
  faith, giving glory to God, 21 and being fully
  convinced that what He had promised He was also
  able to perform.

10
Questions concerning the providence of God and
finding a mate.

• 22 And therefore "it was accounted to him for
  righteousness.

11
Questions concerning the providence of God and
finding a mate.

• We are told to cast all care upon Him and to pour
  out our requests to Him in prayer. (1 Pt 57
  Phil 46-7)

12
Questions concerning the providence of God and
finding a mate.

• 1 Peter 57 - casting all your care upon Him, for
  He cares for you.

13
Questions concerning the providence of God and
finding a mate.

• Philippians 46-7 - Be anxious for nothing, but
  in everything by prayer and supplication, with
  thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to
  God 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all
  understanding, will guard your hearts and minds
  through Christ Jesus.

14
Questions concerning the providence of God and
finding a mate.

• The seeking of a mate is an acceptable and good
  pursuit!

15
Questions concerning the providence of God and
finding a mate.

• We cannot know for sure when God acts
  providentially!

16
Questions concerning the providence of God and
finding a mate.

• We cannot know for sure when God acts
  providentially!
• Abraham learned this and so did Mordecai. (Esther
  414)

17
Questions concerning the providence of God and
finding a mate.

• Esther 414 - "For if you remain completely
  silent at this time, relief and deliverance will
  arise for the Jews from another place, but you
  and your father's house will perish. Yet who
  knows whether you have come to the kingdom for
  such a time as this?

18
Questions concerning the providence of God and
finding a mate.

• Paul would also grant the possibility of Gods
  actions. (Philemon 115)

19
Questions concerning the providence of God and
finding a mate.

• Philemon 115 - For perhaps he departed for a
  while for this purpose, that you might receive
  him forever,

20
Questions concerning the providence of God and
finding a mate.

• Please be careful in attributing things to God.
  We could be wrong!

21
Questions concerning the providence of God and
finding a mate.

• 2) If so, how do I know the difference between
  providence of God and mere deception?

22
Questions concerning the providence of God and
finding a mate.

• We cannot know when God acts providentially but
  we can know right and wrong! (Heb 512-14)

23
Questions concerning the providence of God and
finding a mate.

• Hebrews 512-14 - For though by this time you
  ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach
  you again the first principles of the oracles of
  God and you have come to need milk and not solid
  food. 13 For everyone who partakes only of milk
  is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he
  is a babe.

24
Questions concerning the providence of God and
finding a mate.

• 14 But solid food belongs to those who are of
  full age, that is, those who by reason of use
  have their senses exercised to discern both good
  and evil.

25
Questions concerning the providence of God and
finding a mate.

• In friendships, marriage and other associations
  we must discern the character of those we partner
  with! (Prov 1320 1 Cor 1533)

26
Questions concerning the providence of God and
finding a mate.

• Proverbs 1320 - He who walks with wise men will
  be wise, But the companion of fools will be
  destroyed.

27
Questions concerning the providence of God and
finding a mate.

• 1 Corinthians 1533 - Do not be deceived "Evil
  company corrupts good habits.

28
Questions concerning the providence of God and
finding a mate.

• What are some questions one might ask conerning a
  potential mate?

29
Questions concerning the providence of God and
finding a mate.

• What are some questions one might ask conerning a
  potential mate?
• Here is where we pray to God for wisdom! (Jas 15)

30
Questions concerning the providence of God and
finding a mate.

• James 15 - If any of you lacks wisdom, let him
  ask of God, who gives to all liberally and
  without reproach, and it will be given to him.

31
Questions concerning the providence of God and
finding a mate.

• 3) I have tried to and have believed that God has
  FULL control of everything that happens in my
  life, that God's presence and purpose will always
  be here, so I've tried to perceive everything in
  a spiritual way... but I have had different
  individuals test me in this, and now I am
  wondering if my whole perception of life/Godly
  living is wrong... and I want to know what the
  bible teaches about it...

32
Questions concerning the providence of God and
finding a mate.

• God has not made us as robots. We have a will to
  chose His way or not. (Rev 2217)

33
Questions concerning the providence of God and
finding a mate.

• Revelation 2217 - And the Spirit and the bride
  say, "Come!" And let him who hears say, "Come!"
  And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires,
  let him take the water of life freely.

34
Questions concerning the providence of God and
finding a mate.

• His promise of protection does involve
  uncertainity. He will protect but we cannot see
  how he does it. (Rom 828)

35
Questions concerning the providence of God and
finding a mate.

• Romans 828 - And we know that all things work
  together for good to those who love God, to those
  who are the called according to His purpose.

36
Questions concerning the providence of God and
finding a mate.

• Consider how Abraham thought God would work
  things out. God did, but not as Abraham
  thought. (Heb 1117-19)

37
Questions concerning the providence of God and
finding a mate.

• Hebrews 1117-19 - By faith Abraham, when he was
  tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received
  the promises offered up his only begotten son,
  18 of whom it was said, "In Isaac your seed shall
  be called," 19 concluding that God was able to
  raise him up, even from the dead, from which he
  also received him in a figurative sense.

38
Questions concerning the providence of God and
finding a mate.

• There are conditions God has made us aware of! (1
  Cor 1013)

39
Questions concerning the providence of God and
finding a mate.

• 1 Corinthians 1013 - No temptation has overtaken
  you except such as is common to man but God is
  faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted
  beyond what you are able, but with the temptation
  will also make the way of escape, that you may be
  able to bear it.

40
Questions concerning the providence of God and
finding a mate.

• God does expect us to take initiative! Consider
  how Abraham found a mate for Isaac.

41
Questions concerning the providence of God and
finding a mate.

• 4) The word says He can do abundantly above all
  we can dare to ask think or imagine, according to
  the power that works in us... but is it wrong for
  me to believe when I pray for that, I can expect
  to see His hand at work in my life? At one point
  or another?

42
Questions concerning the providence of God and
finding a mate.

• You will over time see how following God has
  blessed your life. (Psa 3723-26)

43
Questions concerning the providence of God and
finding a mate.

• Psalm 3723-26 - The steps of a good man are
  ordered by the LORD, And He delights in his way.
  24 Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast
  down For the LORD upholds him with His hand. 25
  I have been young, and now am old Yet I have not
  seen the righteous forsaken, Nor his descendants
  begging bread. 26 He is ever merciful, and
  lends And his descendants are blessed.

44
Questions concerning the providence of God and
finding a mate.

• Even Esther had to say perhaps concerning how
  God would work!

45
Questions concerning knowing Gods will and the
work of the Holy Spirit

• 1) Is it wrong to believe that the Holy Spirit
  guides you in your life, thru different lessons,
  sermons, devos, His Word, His servants?

46
Questions concerning knowing Gods will and the
work of the Holy Spirit

• We know that the major work of the Holy Spirit is
  in the written word. (Eph 33-5 617)

47
Questions concerning knowing Gods will and the
work of the Holy Spirit

• Ephesians 33-5 - how that by revelation He made
  known to me the mystery (as I have briefly
  written already, 4 by which, when you read, you
  may understand my knowledge in the mystery of
  Christ), 5 which in other ages was not made
  known to the sons of men, as it has now been
  revealed by the Spirit to His holy apostles and
  prophets

48
Questions concerning knowing Gods will and the
work of the Holy Spirit

• Ephesians 517 - Therefore do not be unwise, but
  understand what the will of the Lord is.

49
Questions concerning knowing Gods will and the
work of the Holy Spirit

• We should see the overall plan and working of
  God.

50
Questions concerning knowing Gods will and the
work of the Holy Spirit

• We should see the overall plan and working of
  God.
• The Spirit also works in helping us communicate
  with God. (Rom 826-28)

51
Questions concerning knowing Gods will and the
work of the Holy Spirit

• Romans 826-28 - Likewise the Spirit also helps
  in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we
  should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit
  Himself makes intercession for us with groanings
  which cannot be uttered. 27 Now He who searches
  the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is,
  because He makes intercession for the saints
  according to the will of God.

52
Questions concerning knowing Gods will and the
work of the Holy Spirit

• 28 And we know that all things work together for
  good to those who love God, to those who are the
  called according to His purpose.

53
Questions concerning knowing Gods will and the
work of the Holy Spirit

• The Spirit may do many more things. We can only
  know what the Father has chosen to reveal!

54
Questions concerning knowing Gods will and the
work of the Holy Spirit

• The Spirit may do many more things. We can only
  know what the Father has chosen to reveal!
• We are to test all teaching by the Spirit given
  word. (1 Jn 41, 6)

55
Questions concerning knowing Gods will and the
work of the Holy Spirit

• 1 John 41 - Beloved, do not believe every
  spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of
  God because many false prophets have gone out
  into the world.

56
Questions concerning knowing Gods will and the
work of the Holy Spirit

• 1 John 46 - We are of God. He who knows God
  hears us he who is not of God does not hear us.
  By this we know the spirit of truth and the
  spirit of error.

57
Questions concerning knowing Gods will and the
work of the Holy Spirit

• We are given a glimpse in the scripture about the
  work of Gods angels. (2 Kings
  615-17 Mt 1810)

58
Questions concerning knowing Gods will and the
work of the Holy Spirit

• 2 Kings 615-17 - And when the servant of the man
  of God arose early and went out, there was an
  army, surrounding the city with horses and
  chariots. And his servant said to him, "Alas, my
  master! What shall we do?" 16 So he answered,
  "Do not fear, for those who are with us are more
  than those who are with them."

59
Questions concerning knowing Gods will and the
work of the Holy Spirit

• 17 And Elisha prayed, and said, "LORD, I pray,
  open his eyes that he may see." Then the LORD
  opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw. And
  behold, the mountain was full of horses and
  chariots of fire all around Elisha.

60
Questions concerning knowing Gods will and the
work of the Holy Spirit

• Matthew 1810 - " Take heed that you do not
  despise one of these little ones, for I say to
  you that in heaven their angels always see the
  face of My Father who is in heaven.

61
Questions concerning knowing Gods will and the
work of the Holy Spirit

• 2) If I am seeking God's will for me in marriage,
  and praying that He will make it evident to me in
  His time, His way, and by His will, than can I
  expect Him to do this?

62
Questions concerning knowing Gods will and the
work of the Holy Spirit

• Our God will answer all prayers of the faithful
  Christian. (1 Pt 310-14)

63
Questions concerning knowing Gods will and the
work of the Holy Spirit

• 1 Peter 310-14 - For "He who would love life
  And see good days, Let him refrain his tongue
  from evil, And his lips from speaking deceit. 11
  Let him turn away from evil and do good Let him
  seek peace and pursue it. 12 For the eyes of the
  LORD are on the righteous, And His ears are open
  to their prayers But the face of the LORD is
  against those who do evil."

64
Questions concerning knowing Gods will and the
work of the Holy Spirit

• 13 And who is he who will harm you if you become
  followers of what is good? 14 But even if you
  should suffer for righteousness' sake, you are
  blessed. "And do not be afraid of their threats,
  nor be troubled.

65
Questions concerning knowing Gods will and the
work of the Holy Spirit

• Consider the prayer of a faith Christian wife for
  a child. What will God answer?

66
Questions concerning knowing Gods will and the
work of the Holy Spirit

• 3) CONFUSION. If God makes a future husband
  evident to me, but is saying "wait" than isn't
  that kind of like saying you know what the future
  holds? I want to have faith when I ask for
  things, and believe when I know He is guiding...
  but when I read the scripture Colossians 218-19,
  I feel as though I may be unknowingly sinning by
  thinking this way...

67
Questions concerning knowing Gods will and the
work of the Holy Spirit

• You may come to find one that is an acceptable
  mate. God lets you use discernment and judgement
  as to how you will act. (1 Cor 726-28)

68
Questions concerning knowing Gods will and the
work of the Holy Spirit

• 1 Corinthians 726-28 - I suppose therefore that
  this is good because of the present distress --
  that it is good for a man to remain as he is 27
  Are you bound to a wife? Do not seek to be
  loosed. Are you loosed from a wife? Do not seek a
  wife. 28 But even if you do marry, you have not
  sinned and if a virgin marries, she has not
  sinned. Nevertheless such will have trouble in
  the flesh, but I would spare you.

69
Questions concerning knowing Gods will and the
work of the Holy Spirit

• Do not make the mistake that you must wait for
  the chosen one!

70
Questions concerning knowing Gods will and the
work of the Holy Spirit

• Do not make the mistake that you must wait for
  the chosen one!
• God may provide numerous doors and we may or
  may not open them.

71
Questions concerning knowing Gods will and the
work of the Holy Spirit

• This has parallels in evangelism. (2 Cor
  212-13 Col 43-4)

72
Questions concerning knowing Gods will and the
work of the Holy Spirit

• 2 Corinthians 212-13 - Furthermore, when I came
  to Troas to preach Christ's gospel, and a door
  was opened to me by the Lord, 13 I had no rest
  in my spirit, because I did not find Titus my
  brother but taking my leave of them, I departed
  for Macedonia.

73
Questions concerning knowing Gods will and the
work of the Holy Spirit

• Colossians 43-4 - meanwhile praying also for us,
  that God would open to us a door for the word, to
  speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also
  in chains, 4 that I may make it manifest, as I
  ought to speak.

74
Questions concerning knowing Gods will and the
work of the Holy Spirit

• If you want a Christian mate then take action!

75
Questions concerning knowing Gods will and the
work of the Holy Spirit

• If you want a Christian mate then take action!
• Be yourself and take one step at a time.

76
Questions concerning knowing Gods will and the
work of the Holy Spirit

• Be a happy, contented Christian willing to serve
  God regardless of circumstances.

77
Questions concerning knowing Gods will and the
work of the Holy Spirit

• Be a happy, contented Christian willing to serve
  God regardless of circumstances.
• If you act like a desprate drowning man for a
  mate then you will make mistakes!

78
Questions concerning knowing Gods will and the
work of the Holy Spirit

• 4) What are examples in the bible of how the Holy
  Spirit will lead me today? Too many things have
  happened "providentially" for me to explain, and
  I've always believe it was God, and was joyful in
  this, but after I've been questioned about it, I
  really don't know how to differentiate between
  what the Holy Spirit has come to do, and how much
  God truly can be involved if we believe...

79
Questions concerning knowing Gods will and the
work of the Holy Spirit

• We can know for sure what the Holy Spirit has
  taught and promised. (Rom 815-17)

80
Questions concerning knowing Gods will and the
work of the Holy Spirit

• Romans 815-17 - For you did not receive the
  spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received
  the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, "Abba,
  Father." 16 The Spirit Himself bears witness
  with our spirit that we are children of God, 17
  and if children, then heirs -- heirs of God and
  joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with
  Him, that we may also be glorified together.

81
Questions concerning knowing Gods will and the
work of the Holy Spirit

• Again, we cannot know for sure the specifics of
  Gods providence.

82
Questions concerning knowing Gods will and the
work of the Holy Spirit

• Again, we cannot know for sure the specifics of
  Gods providence.
• Consider how God can lead you to know His will in
  helping others.

83
Questions concerning knowing Gods will and the
work of the Holy Spirit

• 1. God may open a door of opportunity for
  teachers. (1 Cor 169 2 Cor 212)

84
Questions concerning knowing Gods will and the
work of the Holy Spirit

• 1 Corinthians 169 - For a great and effective
  door has opened to me, and there are many
  adversaries.

85
Questions concerning knowing Gods will and the
work of the Holy Spirit

• God may allow you to hear His word. (Acts 1033)

86
Questions concerning knowing Gods will and the
work of the Holy Spirit

• Acts 1033 - "So I sent to you immediately, and
  you have done well to come. Now therefore, we are
  all present before God, to hear all the things
  commanded you by God.

87
Questions concerning knowing Gods will and the
work of the Holy Spirit

• God may put you in a position of responsibility.
  (Esther 414)

88
Questions concerning knowing Gods will and the
work of the Holy Spirit

• 4. God may allow trouble to come for a while!
  (Gen 5019-20 Psa 10517)

89
Questions concerning knowing Gods will and the
work of the Holy Spirit

• Genesis 5019-20 - Joseph said to them, "Do not
  be afraid, for am I in the place of God? 20 "But
  as for you, you meant evil against me but God
  meant it for good, in order to bring it about as
  it is this day, to save many people alive.

90
Questions concerning knowing Gods will and the
work of the Holy Spirit

• Psalm 10517 - He sent a man before them --
  Joseph -- who was sold as a slave.

91
Questions concerning knowing Gods will and the
work of the Holy Spirit

• God may use you in an unanticipated way. (2 Cor
  127-9)

92
Questions concerning knowing Gods will and the
work of the Holy Spirit

• 2 Corinthians 127-9 - And lest I should be
  exalted above measure by the abundance of the
  revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to
  me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be
  exalted above measure. 8 Concerning this thing I
  pleaded with the Lord three times that it might
  depart from me.

93
Questions concerning knowing Gods will and the
work of the Holy Spirit

• 9 And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for
  you, for My strength is made perfect in
  weakness." Therefore most gladly I will rather
  boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ
  may rest upon me.

94
Questions concerning knowing Gods will and the
work of the Holy Spirit

• Look at the overall plan of God for your life and
  keep busy in His service.