by orslevug
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17Dec

Selecting a Business Broker or Intermediary to Help You Sell Your Business

As crazy as it seems, some people spend more time choosing a coffee machine than they do selecting the business broker or intermediary that will sell their business. live chat adult finder This can be a fatal mistake that can cost time, money, and sometimes the ability to sell the business at all. adult live chat

How do you choose the right business broker or intermediary?

What follows is a list of questions to ask any intermediary when interviewing them. We also explain what to look for in the answers given.

No one is going to have every qualification listed. But the person you retain must be trustworthy, knowledgeable, experienced, organized, and compatible with you.

Questions to help you determine if the intermediary trustworthy:

Does the intermediary have written references? Can you call the references?

References indicate a job well done. They indicate that the intermediary had the dedication to complete the transaction and provide follow-up. You should be able to call any reference given. Pick two or three to call and ask the following questions.

***Were you pleased with the results?

***Was the initial evaluation consistent with the sales price?

***Did the intermediary follow his plan?

***Would you hire the intermediary again?

***Was the intermediary knowledgeable and did he provide good advice?

***Was the intermediary willing to cover uncomfortable information such as if the initial asking price might not be realistic?

The purpose of these open-ended questions is to try and really find out whom you are dealing with. The answers should be consistent with the written reference.

Does the intermediary belong to local business, charitable groups, churches that indicate a place in the community?

Most people who belong to these types of groups have roots in the community. They generally work hard to be known as quality people.

Does the Intermediary Belong to Industry Associations that have ethical codes?

Again this is an indication that someone makes efforts to play the game fairly. Someone who is always willing to cut corners is likely to cut corners on you too. In the intermediary/business intermediary fields the International Business Brokers’ Association (IBBA) has a strong ethical code.

Are the intermediary’s statements consistent and do they make sense?

If the intermediary’s statements do not make sense to you, or are highly inconsistent, be aware that you probably have a personality or other conflict brewing and you would probably do better to keep looking for someone else.

Do you innately feel good about the intermediary?

If you do not feel you can trust the person, move on and find someone else.

Questions to help you determine if the intermediary is knowledgeable:

What is the intermediary’s formal education?

While formal education is not the end all and be all an intermediary with a working knowledge of business and accounting and other disciplines related to business is helpful.

Has the intermediary obtained continuing education in his field of practice?

Every field and profession is under a siege due to the pace of change. eChanges come from regulation such as changes in tax laws, from market ups and downs like the internet boom and bust, and technology just to name a few areas. Everyone can benefit from staying informed on the changes in their industry including your intermediary.

Has the intermediary authored or spoken professionally on his areas of expertise?

To be able to teach authoritatively or to be published is an indication of true knowledge and depth of understanding.

Questions to help you determine if the intermediary has experience:

Has the intermediary ever owned a business? Was it sold?

The old saying is, “if you want to understand a man you need to walk a mile in his shoes”. Everyone seems to understand the benefits of being a business owner.

Unless you have been a business owner you cannot understand the many difficulties, hardships, and sacrifices that go along with the benefits. Really understanding your plight means that the intermediary understands what you are going through and will work to reduce your difficulties.

How long has the intermediary been brokering?

Other experience can assist in reducing the amount of time that someone needs to learn the basics of brokering. Yet, under two years experience and you can bet that the person is still learning the basics. Why have them learn on you if you can get a pro?

Does the intermediary have any related experiences from selling other businesses?

Every business is different. There are so many different industries and businesses that often the intermediary you are talking to will not have sold an identical business or even one in your industry. The intermediary should still be able to relate experiences from other transactions that help you understand where you are.

Did the intermediaries past experiences relate to his role here?

Many business intermediaries have had prior positions that use many of the same skills as brokerage. People who have performed them are going to have been in many of the same situations and you should benefit from their knowledge.

Questions that can help you determine if the intermediary is organized and has a system:

Every intermediary should have defined systems for the following components of the sale. Ask about any of these. For instance, ask how will you market my business?

Defined systems should at a minimum include:

1. Information gathering about seller, the business, industry, collection of financial information, tax situation, assets etc.

2. Computation of estimated sales value

3. Development of understanding and agreements between intermediary and you

4. Creating Business Value

5. Marketing Plan for selling business

6. Process for qualifying and working with prospects

7. Offer and negotiation process

8. Completion of documentation

9. Due diligence

10. Settlement

11. Follow-up after the sale

Then ask follow-up questions detailing what they have said. For instance if they said they will place a listing on the Internet, ask “What information is provided on the Internet listing?”

Ask these questions about two or three of the systems defined above.

The intermediary should be willing to share exactly how they intend to work your business. Intermediaries need to work on many transactions so if they are not organized things will fall apart and your business may not be given the attention it needs.

Does the intermediary work for a firm? If so what does that add to the process?

A reputable, knowledgeable brokerage firm can magnify your intermediary’s success. By providing back office support and people to fill in when overloaded a good brokerage office is valuable. They also have systems and training to assist new agents.

Compatibility:

Through all of the above questions you should be thinking about integrity and compatibility. The intermediary does not need to be your friend. In fact that could be detrimental to getting the job done. But the intermediary must be someone you can work with, trust, and respect. You must be confident that they will not be underhanded with anyone including you.

The Crux of the Matter:

If you are not 100% comfortable with your intermediary interview another one. Keep looking. Do not become a horror story. There are several intermediaries in most cities. Look until you are comfortable.

***Make sure your intermediary is trustworthy and a part of the community.

***Make sure your intermediary is qualified educationally and through actual experience.

***Make sure they have systems in place so that the work necessary to sell your business gets done.

***Make sure you are compatible with your intermediary.

***Is this someone that can deliver bad news to you and you will still be able to work with?

***Finally do you feel good enough about your intermediary to refer them to a good friend?

Make sure the answer to all of these is yes. Your final financial reward for all your hard work depends on it.

by orslevug
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22Nov

From Pen Pal Romance to Online Dating

While dating in person usually starts with physical attraction, dating online or pen pal romance often starts with the echo of souls. When the appearance and thoughts are in harmony, we fall in love and have a happy ending. Your heart was pounding when you saw the smiles on her eyelashes. You could have a sleepless night after reading his emails. Whether you find your date online or in person, you could end up with a true love or a broken heart. Pen pal romance or online dating wouldn’t change how men and women love, it changes the way how they fall in love.

Many of us had their first pen pal when we’re a little kid. We wrote to a kid we had never and will never met. The letters opened a new world for us. Once in a while, we see a romantic story in newspapers or talk shows that pen pals write to each other for years without meeting and finally they fall in love.

The emergence of the Internet and the Web has transformed our planet into a digitalized global village. Tens of million of Internet users login to free adult chat rooms or free teen chat rooms to talk about anything under the sun – love, pets, music and games.

People turn to online dating sites to find love. They browse a few popular dating sites and find the profile they like. The online romance begins. Men and women, boys and girls tend to open their hearts freely in an online environment without worrying about the conflicts in reality. While composing an email in the middle of a night, you discovered your inner beauty which you never realized before.

The moment of the truth is the first time they meet in person. It could be either the end of the romance or the beginning of a new chapter in their relationship. Many relationship experts advise that you should meet your date in person before getting serious.

by orslevug
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22Nov

How To Keep Love Growing Through All The Ups And Downs

The relationship expert on i.village.com, I am the author of many books on relationships and Zen including Living By Zen, (Timeless Truths For Everyday Life), http://www.livingbyzen.com Some other books of mine include Zen And The Art of Falling In Love, (Simon And Schuster), Zen Miracles (Finding Peace In An Insane World), Wiley, and Why Men Leave, (Putnam), What He Can’t Tell You And Needs To Say, (Putnam).

We are meant to live a life of love. However, no matter how successful some are in other aspects of their lives, they wonder if it’s possible to have the same success in love. Although things may start out wonderfully in the beginning, there is always the fear that it won’t last, that difficulties will arise, feelings will start to change. Then when things alter, as they naturally must, many have the mistaken idea that the love is disappearing. . They wonder what went wrong.

Nothing went wrong. Change is natural and inevitable. It does not mean that the love has gone away. That is a mistaken idea of what love is. We simply have to know what love is, and how to keep it growing, through all the ups and downs.

The Perfect Partner

When we initially fall in love, we feel we have found “the perfect person.” A tremendous excitement takes over. We project many wonderful qualities upon our partner and block out any faults. Then we feel that we, too, must be so wonderful to have a partner who is so ideal. For many there is the feeling that they have finally discovered someone who will be able to give them all the love, approval and inspiration they have sought all their lives.

This is a huge demand to make upon another person, but it happens anyway. When this demand is not fulfilled, a deep disappointment can arise. It seems as though the partner has failed us, but in truth it is the unrealistic demands we have made that is causing pain.

Guide 1: Take a close look at what you are expecting from your partner.

Is it possible? Are you setting yourself up for a fall?

Realize that no one can make up for years of upset. No one can give you all you need to feel whole. You must learn to love, grow and become whole on your own. You must become your own best friend, and also learn to be a friend to the other

After a period of time, when we feel more secure in the relationship, it is inevitable that reality starts to set in. Different qualities in our partner become obvious. It’s hard to keep pretending that the person matches all our dreams. It is at this point that questions and doubts start to surface. Perhaps there is a desire to “change” the other to meet our image, or a feeling that if they loved us enough, they would naturally change.

Both stop a moment and think carefully. Another person does not exist to meet all of your needs and dreams. This is not love. It is using anotheras an object to meet our needs. This desire itself cause our pain.

Guide 2: No one has to change for you to love them. Nor do you have to change to be worthy of love. You can never change enough to please another person. The work of love is to be able to love the other just as they are, and to also love yourself.

The work of love is the work of learning to accept the other person, and also to accept yourself. Love is not a feeling that stays the same all the time. Love is a verb. It grows as we face change and difficulty. Love grows through actions we take, through understanding and through developing the ability to really know who the other is and to really become their friend.

“A feeling that is here one minute and gone the next cannot be called love.”

Kabir

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cc/Dr Brenda Shoshanna/2005

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by orslevug
Posted in Online Dating
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22Nov

Current Broadway Shows and Tickets

Do not think about what the critics say or write. Ignore for one moment, the costs of watching them. The whole point here is to catch any of the current Broadway shows any which way you can. There are an entire multitude of world reknown plays and musicals such as Neil Simon’s version of John Waters’ HAIRSPRAY, or classics like PHANTOM OF THE OPERA; LITTLE WOMEN; WHO’S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF?; SHOW BOAT; LES MISERABLES. Take in the more playful MAMMA MIA. Re-visit your passions in your favorite operas by attending the LA BOHEME re-make, RENT. But make sure you get to see those current Broadway shows, by hook or by crook!

What of you are not in New York or are not planning to visit new York, and can’t get to the current Broadway shows? Don’t despair. First of all, these shows run for years (the better and best ones, anyway). Second of all, the best are so successful and their so generous and respectful of the theatre arts world that the current Broadway shows get taken on the road–to Boston, Philly, San Francisco, and further.

What if you cannot afford current Broadway shows, whether they stay in the Big Apple or travel to Siberia? Ah, there’s still no excuse: there are a number of ways you, too, can be saved. Or, er, you can save money and still be blessed with the most alluring, engaging, and cathartic of the arts:

For students make sure to contact the theater box office, and ask for their student discount ticket prices. Most of these current Broadway shows’ theatres, opera houses, and symphonic or any other concert halls would typically have student price and even student group price available.

For those senior citizen, you have the priviledge of getting discounts for the most number of events, similar to that for buses and restaurants, etc. Make sure when you go ahead and order the tickets, that you ask about these senior disount prices.

If you can, go ahead and try for same-day or last-minute tickets. A ticket that is not called for at the reservation window by a certain time (often within a few minutes of the curtain call) is usually made available, AND at a greatly discounted rate. Show up on the day of the performance for any of the current Broadway shows you want to attend. Go to the reserved tickets window and ask if there are any no-shows. Also, tell the teller you will check back (at his/her designated time), or ask when you can return to check for no-shows.

Standing to watch a show is a lot cheaper for obvious reasons. Here in San Francisco, if you take an SRO ticket (Standing-room only ticket), you pay one dollar and agree to stand in the very last aisle in the very back of the theatre…at the very top of the outer space seats. But, for a dollar, you can even bring your own munchies and even your binoculars to the current Broadway shows, shift your feet on occasion, even lean, in some instances, and check out any one of dozens of award-winning, heart-endearing and rewarding current Broadway shows.

by orslevug
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22Nov

Belly Button Rings – What’s In Your Collection?

Belly button rings don’t have to be boring anymore. In fact, nowadays, you can have more fun with them than most earrings.

Navel rings can be found in the majority of jewelry boxes of younger women. However, with the growing number of styles, sizes, colors and designs, not all collections are complete.

If you have your belly button pierced, then you know how many choices you have for belly button rings. The more popular ones to choose from are curved barbells and loops, or captive bead rings (CBRs). But what makes them unique are the wide array of colors and designs available. You are no longer forced to have only two options: a silver-colored CBR or a silver-colored barbell.

Nowadays, you can have your navel rings match each one of your outfits, if that’s your thing of course. And aside from the color variations, there are even ones that have dangling pendants hanging from them, much like dangling earrings. These fit nicely in your belly button and dangle down, creating a masterpiece of a person’s abdomen.

If that weren’t enough, there are belly button rings that come in a variety of designs. The more common, but still unique, pieces are the color and design variations of barbells. The post is still a silver-colored piece of metal, but the balls come in so many different colors and designs it’s mind boggling! You can have anything from tie-dyed balls, to smiley faces, to more intricate pictures, all of which can be seen on the ends of these little barbells. And the best part is, you can mix and match them. You can have a blue and white swirled ball on the bottom and a rainbow swirl on top. The choice is yours.

So you see, belly button rings have come a long way in terms of colors and designs, that is one of the reasons this piercing has become so popular so quickly. So be sure to check your collection of belly button rings today to see what else you can add to this growing sensation.

by orslevug
Posted in Enhancement
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22Nov

Technique of Watercolor Painting WC04 TOOLS

A painter’s main tool box plus a number of smaller boxes are needed for all your tools so they can be found quickly. In addition it is important to know if any one of them is missing so it can be found before it is required for a specific painting job later.

We have said earlier watercolors require constant attention and if instant reaction is needed to achieve success then having to search for a missing tool will jeopardize the quality of the final work.

For your main toolbox use a workingman’s toolbox now usually made from black and garish colored plastic. These toolboxes are cheap but will last a long time for a painter because the weight it will carry will not be very much.

These toolboxes have a large main compartment and many small ones in a tray below the lid and another series of small compartments in the lid. The main part of the toolbox is clear for larger items.

These toolboxes are light but strong enough for your needs and come in various sizes. The one I have is 9 inches square in section and about 1ft 3ins long. Buy smaller ones as well for related tool sub-collections.

Many specific-use small boxes are also needed. A flat box is best for Rotring type technical pens and stencils. A back-up box is needed for pigment tubes. A matchbox bound with plastic tape is best for old-fashioned razor blades. Another separate box is needed for thumb pins – drawing pins – and just pins. Boxes too are needed for crayons calligraphy penholders and lettering brushes. Keep erasers – putty ink and pencil rubbers of all types in their own box. Retain wide flat tins for pencils and crayons.

Other tools are a collection of odd objects useful when painting watercolors. Normal painting implements are well known from childhood but some are not so obvious. Others are not known and some are used in unfamiliar ways.

For example – twigs – these are ideal for painting tree branches. Larger twigs cut to points and flat sharp edges are used for painting fallen branches or tree trunks. For the larger twig branch and trunk strokes use bamboo end cut as required. Keep a store of hard dry twigs – use them singly dipped in pigment. The technique of using them cannot be described here but twigs are very effective tools.

Toothbrushes are useful to indicate textures and surface relief. They were often used in Architectural drawings and on models for simulate grassed areas. A little watercolor on the toothbrush is flicked with forefinger.

Also a two part hinged tube liquid atomizer is cheap quick and useful for spraying dots. This is used by blowing through the open hinged middle part with one end directed at the paper the other dipped in a small bottle reservoir. The ultimate atomizer is the fantastic graphic artist’s airbrush. This is now often overtaken by computer program software.

Gauzes and nets used to obtain geometric textures grids and patterns such as those on check breakfast table cloths appear to offer some advantages but I have not found them successful.

Sponges are good especially for the rookie painter to obtain cloud effects. The best sponges are those that look like cheese with holes in them – not loofahs or foam pads.

Use kitchen towels or the harder paper napkins for cleaning and mopping up. Use these only for cleaning never on the painting surface.

Use large rolls of kitchen paper as cheap drafting paper. These are slightly transparent usually biscuit color and act as a cheap quick substitute for tracing.

Use templates circles squares triangles French Curves. Get Le Corbusier crate-box metal alphabets templates. Also railway curves are a fantastic helping almost every type of drawing. Keep these to yourself – do not lend. A plastic stay-where-you-bend-it rule for irregular curves is worth its weight in gold.

Compasses – 6 and 12inch scales – metric – 50m survey tape. Large and small adjustable plastic setsquares are imperative. A Tee square of proper size is a must have. Buy a 360-degree accurate divided protractor with lift knob. Maps. Two cheap North Point compasses are very useful. A good magnifier glass is useful to have. Nylon fishing line is strong and invisible for hanging pictures at exhibitions. Keep a small hairdryer – talcum powder. A Stanley knife – compasses and dividers – beam compass – a surgeon’s knife – chrome edge-of-paper holders – a clock – a calculator and a diary. Buy obtain or collect each of these as needed as needed to reflect your own work.

For this variety of tools it is prudent to keep them properly stored. When it is necessary to work out of doors take everything with you. You never know what you will need to solve some on the spot problem. In this way time and effort will not be wasted and partially completed work not spoiled for want of a little more paint.

Bear in mind the above tools are a general list of items which can be added to the basic list of materials mentioned in earlier articles.

by orslevug
Posted in Domestic Violence
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22Nov

Security Transports in Fiction

Transporting sensitive materials in the real world requires specialized training that mostly revolves around knowing how to transport the item and how to protect the item, usually through common sense and managing of situations. In the world of fiction that’s not nearly dramatic enough. So how do TV and movies like to portray security transports?

The heist film has grown in popularity in recent years. What started out as robbing trains and stage-coaches has moved on to elaborate plans involving high-tech computers and tools for relieving the wealthy and often corrupt of their money and precious items.

To achieve this goal of larceny, the heroes (which they always seem to be) must deal with security surrounding the object of their desire. In the case of the more recent heist films, this tends to mean taking out the security as they transport the target from a less secure location to one that’s virtually impenetrable. While the “heroes” try their hardest to take what they want, the security team will often use vehicles resistant to weapons, guns of their own, and even multiple vehicles in a shell game, attempting to confuse the heroes.

Another way transport security finds its way into movies is when the heroes actually are the guys defending precious cargo being moved. This cargo can be money, jewels, gold, or even a person. The film Air Force One is a classic example of security, this time in the guise of the Secret Service, trying to protect the President when his plane is assaulted by armed men.

Obviously, given that the President was played by Harrison Ford in this movie, the Secret Service ends up needing the help of the President, but the idea of protecting precious cargo as it’s being transported still holds up, even if that cargo does happen to be a person.

While the heist film has come a long way since the days of black and white films and great train robberies, it’s a genre that has stood the test of time and given a glimpse into the more fantastical ways in which the viewing public believes that security is performed while in transit. While the action/adventure nature of these movies is certainly entertaining, the reality is far less glamorous and certainly far less exciting. Be honest, when was the last time you heard of four Mini Coopers hitting an armored truck in the middle of rush hour traffic and then disappearing into the sewer system? Exactly.

by orslevug
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22Nov

Ford Dealer Tips About Ford Vintage Cars

Like the recently uncovered 12,000 year old fishing tackle in South California created hype, driving around the neighborhood on a Ford vintage car will surely elicit head turning, and scrutinizing looks from people that you pass by.

Nowadays, you may easily find shiny brand new cars in a Ford dealer showroom or used modern cars in a used car dealer showroom, but the challenge is finding a classic auto unit.

What is a vintage car anyway? Vintage automobiles are those units made around the 1950s to the 1970s. Ford is one of the leading vintage car producers today and it has made a roster of old classic roadsters. Some stocks are still being sold on online shops, from the Ford Anglia 105E to Ford Zephyr MkII Farnham. Muscled old classic cars are one of the Ford lovers‘ favorites.

How do you know a vintage vehicle from just an old rickety one? Not all old cars are worthy to be called a vintage classic. These cars are usually not in production anymore and they come in limited numbers. They may also be the first few generations or versions of your modern cars today. Vintage vehicles are usually registered as such, and they have specific emblems.

Here are some examples of Ford’s popular vintage cars:

The Ford Thunderbird

This type of car was first released in 1955 and it was one of Chevrolet Corvette’s toughest competitors. The personal luxury car was named after the elusive mythological animal, the Thunderbird. we have seen eleven generations of the Thunderbird up to date. And although its latest version was created only in 2002, the manufacturers tried their best to give it a vintage touch.

The Ford Mustang

Branded as the first pony car ever made, the Ford Mustang comes in hardtop, fastback, convertible and sports roof versions. The original concept of the car was to also entice female buyers without turning off the male ones. In the end, it became a classic, and the vintage versions are valued collector’s finds.

The Ford Falcon

Old classic car collectors will basically drool on this car. Besides being out of production, the Ford Falcon is a rare find because the manufacturers have released only a limited number in 1960 to 1970. It comes in 2-door sedan sport coupe, 4-door sedan sports coupe, and 5-door station wagon versions.

If you are already an owner of any of these classic vehicles, you can find car parts online or in selected Ford dealer branches, just in case you may need some replacements.

Finding these cars is really not easy, but if you want one, you may try your luck and ask a ford used car dealer if they still have available stocks. Fat chance, but it’s still chance nonetheless.

by orslevug
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22Nov

Coming Up With The Correct Answer To Just One Riddle

If you have never tried to figure out any riddle answers previously, you just don’t know what you’re missing out on. They can be quite mind-boggling and complex at times, and in other instances they can be quite simple. It is the easy riddles that drive you crazy though. This happens when the answer is so obvious, but you just cannot loosen up your brain enough to figure out the answer.

The more you work on trying to come to understand these brain teasers, the better you will get at cracking their code. If you have never had the pleasure of attempting to figure them out before, there is certainly a method to their madness. What you have to do is, read each and every word in one of them very carefully.

This is not like reading an article or book; it requires a much more intense approach to reading. You have to read each and every word in the riddle, and ask yourself the following question? What was the author trying to accomplish with this riddle, and why did they use that word or phrase?

There is one thing that you can be certain of when it comes to riddles, which is that there never was one that has ever been created, that has wasted words in it. Each word is there for a reason, each word interacts with all the other words in such a way to try and throw you off track of the correct answer.

The very hard riddles are even worse; you can literally sit there for hours struggling to figure out why the person who created it used this word, instead of that one. Then, when you are finally at your breaking point and ready to give up, it hits you at last, and you get the riddles answered. When this happens it’s not only a great feeling of relief, it also provides you with the confidence that you require to solve more of them in the future.

After you have been doing it a while, you will be able to answer most easy riddles relatively easily and quickly. But, when it comes to the tricky riddles, they are not so easy, and even the experts that have been doing this for a very long time struggle with them at times.

Someday they will create a contest for people that love to read them and try and figure out a riddle’s answer. It might turn out to be a show like Jeopardy, or maybe more along the lines of a spelling bee. Whatever kind of competition that finally gets started, you can be sure that it will attract fans from all over the world that love trying to uncover their answers.

If you have never been to a website before that has a ton of riddles on it to test yourself, you really should check them out. They are a great deal of fun, and who knows, you could turn out to be like 1,000′s of other people that spend hours on them every day.

by orslevug
Posted in Commitment
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22Nov

8 Biblical Facts About Marriage

1. Marriage is God’s design. Genesis 2 18-24

God’s created work was not complete until he made the beautiful woman. He could have made her out of the dust of the ground as he made man, but he chose to make her from the man’s flesh and bones. Now why do you think that is?

A couples purpose and goals should be one and the same as the two work together to live out their purpose and, attain their dreams and aspirations.

“So they are no longer two, but one.

All throughout the bible God treats this special relationship of marriage very seriously. The goal and purpose for marriage is more than friendship; it is oneness. Meaning the two become one in flesh.

2. Commitment was made to love and honor one another!

Genesis 24:58-60

Marriage was not just for convenience sake, nor was it brought about by any culture. It was instituted by God and has three basic aspects.

(1) the man leaves his parents and, in a public act, promises and commits himself to his wife,(2) the man and woman are joined together by taking responsibility for each others welfare, and by loving their spouse above all others, (3) the two become one flesh in the intimacy and commitment of the sexual union that is reserved for marriage.

Healthy marriages include all three of these established features.

3. Marriage was intended to be permanent! Matthew 19:6

Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate.”

Jesus focused on marriage rather than divorce. He pointed out that God intended marriage to be permanent and gave four reasons for the importance of marriage.

1)God made them male and female,

2)leave his father and mother and be united to his wife;

3) the two will become one flesh,

4) what is joined together let man not separate.

God designed marriage to be indissoluble. Instead of looking for reasons to break it off, we should be trying to find reasons to stay married!

6. Only death should dissolve marriage! Romans 7:2,3

“For example, by law a woman is bound to her husband as long as he is alive, but if her husband dies, she is released from the law of marriage. So then if she married another man while her husband is still alive, she is called an adulteress.”

7. Marriage is good and honorable Hebrews 13:4

“Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral.”

8. Romance in marriage keeps us from being tempted in marriage.

Song of Songs 4:9,10

It is important to look for ways to bring romance into your marriage.

Romance keeps marriage exciting. Commitment keeps romance from diminishing away. The most important decision a person ever makes is at the altar when they commit themselves to their spouse for the rest of their lives.