CONTENTS

• Just Visiting
• About Mikal
• An Index is On the Way
• The Marrying Age
• From the E-mail Bag. "Concerning 'Dealing with Infirmities'"

JUST VISITING

During the year we have survived a major virus, a change in name, a breakdown in our system which caused some people to receive headers only, hostility from those who don't agree with our affirmation of family values, a change in our website address and a change in servers.

We're still neophytes in learning this method of communication and I'm still astounded to know that our newsletter reaches Australia about as soon as it goes from the server in Texas back to our office in Minden, Louisiana. We're constantly looking for more effective ways of communicating our message about Christian families. A friend recently said, "How do you find time to write new material about families?" Well, it is a challenge, but at the same time I'm forced to think creative thoughts and that helps my own family.

Next week, we hope to share our special anniversary issue with you as we launch our second year of publication. In today's newsletter, I want to share some thoughts about the age at which people marry in our world today and some of the implications for the family. If you've ever wondered whether our modest venture is worthwhile, then be sure to read today's "From the E-Mailbag" section.

We are overwhelmed at the marvelous outpouring of prayer support for the Ralph Payne family (see last week's newsletter). We've received response all the way from Sydney, Austrailia to Estonia. We have attached a page to explain Ralph's situation at our Website. We will be updating the page from time to time as we have information concerning Ralph's progress. We hope to have some new information on the site this week. The Ralph Payne site is http://www.mindchurch.org/ralph.html.

Between 1947 and 1962, the median age for those getting married for the first time was 20.3 for women and 22.6 for men. By 1987, the median age had risen to 23.6 for women and 25.8 for men. But that doesn't tell all the story. Eighty per cent of the men under 24 have never married and that compares to 55 per cent in 1970. The number of never married men between 30 and 34 has risen from 9 per cent to 23 per cent in the same time period, while the number of never married women has gone from 6 per cent to 15 per cent.

Demographics suggest that people marry at a later age and many don't marry at all. About two and a half million American households are populated by unmarried people who are living together. About 20 per cent of the people, who get married today, cohabit prior to marriage.

Throughout history, the marrying age has fluctuated. In Old Testament times, Esau married a Hittite woman when he was forty years old (Genesis 26:34). Some time after that, his parents became concerned that his twin brother might follow his bad example and sent Jacob off to seek a wife among his mother's relatives in Paddan Aram. Wives are often referred to as the "wife of your youth," but youth isn't defined. The marrying age has been determined by marriage customs, economic considerations and a variety of other circumstances.

I would like to think that people are postponing the time of marriage today because they recognize the need for greater maturity in order to manage their relationships. Unfortunately, the availability of birth control pills and legalization of abortion are major contributing factors in the decision to postpone the time of marriage. It is significant to note that the trend toward later marriage parallels the introduction of the pill and the legalization of abortion. In the minds of many people, the current state of technology, along with cultural permissiveness, encourages the practice of premarital sexual intercourse.

Regardless of the technology, the trends and societal attitudes, the fact remains that pre-marital sex is wrong in the sight of God. The Bible still says that fornicators "do not inherit the kingdom of God" (Galatians 5:19-21). God didn't condemn fornication just because he wanted to rain on our parade. Every time God says "no." it's for our benefit. If you're thinking of marriage, it's a good idea to postpone the decision until you are mature enough to handle the responsibility, but it's not a good idea to disobey God.

"Dear brother Bales!

Thank you for your article, "Dealing with Infirmities." When I read it I could see myself in that story. Also after reading your article it seemed if GOD was saying through you where I've went wrong and how to get back on track.

I've been a Christian for 9 years now, and before I became a Christian I was living a self destructive life style. Even though as a child I was raised up in the Church of Christ, after I became a grown man I didn't want anything to do with the Church.

But once I finally hit rock bottom I realized that GOD was the only one in this world who could help me. So I finally obeyed the Gospel and I started out in the church on fire, but just like the parable of the sower the cares of this world have slowed me down a lot. It seems I can't get that fire back. Every time I try to get strong there seems to be something that comes along and knocks me back down. I refuse to go back to the life style that I once lived. But I'm not happy with the life I got now. I go to worship service most every time the doors are open. But I don't have that Zeal that I once had. This is worse than when I quit smoking drinking and chasing skirts. I have that desire to be strong but my past seems to be weighing me down. But I'm going to try your ideals and pray that GOD will give me that zeal back. I was full of life when I was strong in the Lord ,and I wasn't afraid of anything now I am.

Thank you again and may God continue to bless you and your family."

NEXT WEEK: Our Anniversary issue