Review for the Midterm Exam

  1. I Cor. 13:1-8 NKJV (Memorize)

  2. Who are you?
    A child of God, a new creation in Christ.

  3. How did God create you and why?
    Memorize Gen 1:27.

  4. Compare the Post-Modern view on gender with the Biblical view:

    1. Post-Modern: Not a fixed attribute, fluid, non-binary, mental trait, and a subjective personal choice.

    2. Biblical: Determined at conception, binary (male and female), determined by biological factors, and God-ordained and affirmed.

  5. What is sexuality?
    The capacity for sexual feelings; determines thoughts, attractions toward other people, and behaviors.

  6. Compare the sexual relationship as viewed by our culture with the Biblical perspective (Lesson 1):

    1. Culture: Physical gratification without emotional attachment or commitment.

    2. Biblical: Designed to form a covenantal union, creating a framework for spiritual, emotional, and physical oneness.

  7. What is our primary identity as Christians?
    Children of God.

  8. What is our secondary identity?
    Male or Female.

  9. What is love from a Biblical perspective?
    A wholehearted and unwavering decision.

  10. What are the results of Godly love?

    1. Emotional attachment and feeling

    2. Passion and desire

    3. Unselfish giving

    4. Accepting of the other person

  11. Characteristics of mature love vs. romantic love:

    1. Romantic Love: Shatters easily, not lasting, and focused on self rather than the other person.

    2. Mature Love: Deeply committed, willing to compromise, and focused on the well-being of the other person.

  12. What is the most important principle for dating, engagement, or marriage for Christians that should never be compromised?
    Never date an unbeliever or someone not committed to God.

  13. What are the most essential considerations for Christian dating?

    1. Is it aligned with God’s purposes for you?

    2. Do they bring you closer to God?

    3. Is their faith genuine?

    4. Are you spiritually one?

  14. What are the characteristics of healthy dating?

    1. Mutual commitment to Christ and spiritual growth

    2. Maintaining clear physical, emotional, and spiritual boundaries

    3. Open, honest communication and praying together

    4. Mutual respect, trust, and accountability

  15. What are the warning signs of unhealthy dating?

    1. Direct lying

    2. Indirect lying

    3. Avoiding controversial or necessary topics

    4. Tolerating or displaying rude behavior

    5. Constantly changing personality or expectations

    6. Blaming others and refusing to take personal responsibility

    7. Failing to respect physical boundaries

    8. Neglecting prayer and Bible study together

  16. Engagement: Know each other deeper – what should you consider during this stage?

    1. Personal and marital expectations

    2. Individual and mutual relationship with God

    3. Love languages

    4. Personal weaknesses and blind spots

    5. Money, budgeting, and financial planning

    6. Personalities and outlooks on life

    7. Family planning and parenting desires

    8. Biblical roles of husbands and wives

    9. Shared and individual prayer life

  17. What is marriage?
    An unbreakable covenantal union that creates the framework for spiritual, emotional, and physical oneness.

  18. What are the main characteristics of a Godly Marriage?

    1. Intimate and wholehearted relationship

    2. Reflects the highest level of closeness and oneness

    3. Permanent

    4. Exclusive

    5. Marked by mutual support and care

  19. Why did God design marriage? (4 primary reasons)

    1. Demonstrate God’s covenant love for the Church

    2. Provide lifelong companionship

    3. Procreation and raising Godly children

    4. Teach us how to love each other selflessly and unconditionally

  20. Compare the two opposed views of marriage: God-centered vs. Self-centered:

    1. God-centered:

      • What makes God happy?

      • How should I behave toward my spouse?

      • How can I serve my spouse better?

      • Am I loving them the way God desires?

      • Quick to offer forgiveness and pursue reconciliation.

    2. Self-centered:

      • What makes me happy?

      • Do I have a good spouse who satisfies my needs?

      • Focuses on personal rights ("I deserve better; they must serve me").

      • Did I pick the wrong person?

      • Unwilling to forgive without receiving an apology first.

  21. What are the three crucial elements of a healthy marriage (the 3Cs), and what do they entail?

    1. Communication: Making your spouse feel loved, heard, and appreciated; encompasses verbal words and actions, active listening to what is said and how it is said.

    2. Compromise: Bringing two sets of backgrounds, thoughts, attitudes, and personalities together; seeking common ground by voicing opinions, accepting differences, and reaching balanced solutions.

    3. Commitment: Putting each other first right after God; practicing sacrificial giving; cultivating trust and deep intimacy while letting go of fears and doubts.

  22. What is family?
    The basic unit of society.

  23. What role does a family play?

    1. Provides life-giving support and unconditional love

    2. Shapes and influences personality

    3. Forms foundational views of faith and God

    4. Shapes daily habits

    5. Instills character and work ethic

    6. Shares resources and household responsibilities

    7. Fosters lifelong mutual commitment

  24. Why did God design gender uniqueness?

    1. To make the marital union mutually beneficial and a blessing

    2. To help each spouse grow in holiness

    3. To replace self-reliance with mutual interdependence and support

  25. What does divorce do from a Biblical perspective?

    1. Breaks the sacred covenant

    2. Destroys the union God designed

    3. Causes emotional and spiritual suffering for the entire family

  26. What should be our primary priorities in life?

    1. God

    2. My spouse

    3. My children

    4. Work, ministry, and school

  27. Name a few aspects that will help you “keep the flames burning”:

    1. Be diligent in your relationship

    2. Show persistence and fortitude

    3. Serve each other as unto the Lord

    4. Pray together consistently

    5. Seek God both individually and as a couple

    6. Rekindle romance through regular dates

    7. Remember you are on one team—winning and losing together

  28. What is communication vs. effective communication?

    1. Communication: The exchange of information.

    2. Effective Communication: Ensuring the message is delivered, accurately understood, and received with minimal misunderstanding, actively seeking feedback for clarity.

  29. Types of Communication:

    1. Verbal

    2. Non-verbal

    3. Written

    4. Visual

  30. What is essential for all types of communication?

    1. Listening

    2. Observing

    3. Empathizing

  31. The 7 Cs of effective communication:

    1. Clarity

    2. Conciseness

    3. Concreteness

    4. Correctness

    5. Consideration

    6. Courtesy

    7. Completeness

  32. How do I communicate effectively?

    1. Consider the temperament of your audience

    2. Plan your approach thoughtfully

    3. Plan the timing

    4. Keep the core purpose or goal clear

    5. Remember that it is not about you

  33. Hindrances to effective communication:

    1. Talking too much

    2. Formulating a response instead of actively listening

    3. Simply not listening

    4. Differing definitions or understanding of terms

  34. Why is listening essential to effective communication?

    1. Enhances understanding of the speaker

    2. Builds trust and establishes rapport

    3. Creates authentic connection

  35. What is the difference between ordinary and genuine listening?

    1. Ordinary Listening: Keeps the focus and attention centered on oneself.

    2. Genuine Listening: Directs the spotlight entirely onto the other person with empathy, understanding from their frame of reference.

  36. What is conflict?

    1. Disagreement

    2. Opposing interests

    3. Clashing views or principles

  37. What is the primary purpose of conflict?

    1. To refine character

    2. To produce endurance

    3. To humble us

    4. To reveal our need for God

    5. To deepen our trust in God

    6. To foster spiritual and relational maturity

  38. What are the results of unresolved conflict?

    1. Lingering resentment

    2. Heightened stress and anxiety

    3. Creation of emotional division

    4. Drifting apart over time

    5. Erosion of fundamental trust

  39. How to resolve conflicts:

    1. Actively listen to the other party

    2. Clearly define and stick to the core issue

    3. Identify the underlying need

    4. Keep constructive resolution as the primary goal

    5. Choose the right timing

    6. Be quick to ask for and extend genuine forgiveness

  40. Biblical view on children:
    Memorize Psalm 127:3:
    “Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, The fruit of the womb is a reward.”

  41. Parenting and Discipline:

    • Primary responsibilities of Godly parents:

      1. Teach them about God and train them in His ways (Proverbs 22:6: “Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.”)

      2. Be their Christ-like role model

      3. Love them unconditionally

      4. Nurture and empower them (observe, understand, and be present)

      5. Intercede and pray for them

    • What is Biblical discipline?
      Wise and consistent correction of disobedience or rebellion.

    • What is the purpose of discipline?

      1. Training and holistic development

      2. Encouraging healthy spiritual growth rather than penalizing childish mistakes

      3. Cultivating a hatred for evil and a love for what is good and Godly

    • Five characteristics of Biblical discipline:

      1. Never undermines love

      2. Does not punish honest mistakes or age-appropriate childish behavior

      3. Is appropriate for the child's developmental age

      4. Restores closeness and intimacy

      5. Takes into account the unique personality and temperament of the child