By Pastor Adam Sinnett

From Sept 21st thru Nov 30th, 2008 Mars Hill Church studied the Song of Songs (aka Song of Solomon). The series, called The Peasant Princess, addressed important, albeit controversial, issues pertaining to gender, marriage, relationships, dating and sex. You can listen and watch previous sermons in this series, among many others, at westseattle.marshillchurch.org under “Media”. You can also follow this link to read questions and answers on Christian Sex (mature content warning) that Pastor Mark addressed on the Mars Hill Church blog.

The purpose of this series of posts was to answer questions posed by those attending West Seattle that Pastor Mark was unable to get to. These are some remaining questions that were asked.

Q: “How can I better serve my husband who is in Iraq for another 2 months?”

A: This is obviously a difficult situation. There may not be a lot you can do depending on the amount of privacy your husband has while speaking with you over the phone or via internet chat (i.e. iChat, Skype, etc). Pastor Mark answers a similar question here.

Q: “As a single mom, how can I make up for the lack of godly influence from my daughter’s dad?”
Q: “I’m raising my child alone and it breaks my heart that she doesn’t have a daddy. How can I be enough on my own?”
Q: “What can moms do for their children when the father is deceased or has left them?”

A: While your child may not have an earthly father, at least one that loves Jesus, he/she has a Heavenly Father who is “merciful, gracious, slow to anger, abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, keeping steadfast love for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin…” (Ex 34:6-7) God the Father loves the fatherless and the widow (Jer 22:3). Love Jesus, love your child, get involved in the church and prayerfully surround yourself with a community of godly brothers and sisters in Christ. While you are carrying a great burden, Christ alone is sufficient. (2 Cor 12:9) He and he alone is your refuge, strength and a very present help in trouble. (Ps 46:1) Be sure to let Mars Hill, particularly whichever campus you attend, know of your needs.

Q: “How do you apply these principles to being a good uncle to a girl who does not have a good dad?”

A: Prayerfully consider ways you can assist and ask the mother what would be of most help to her.

Q: “What book do you suggest for new husbands?”

A: Your Bible. Read it. Love it. Memorize it. Meditate upon it. Share what you’re learning in it with your spouse. Pastor Mark also recommends some books here.

Q: “As a married couple, how do you extend (even offer) ‘cover’ to women in community who have none?”

A: There’s really only one way: Just ask.

Q: “I am a mature woman single for 20 years now after being married for 18. How do you recommend finding a husband at this stage in life?”

A: Unfortunately, there’s no magic formula. However, you increase your changes through prayer and being actively involved in the church community (service, community group, trips, etc).

For more questions and answers from the Song of Songs series, check out:

Pastor Adam’s Full Follow Up Q&A List

Sermon and Q&A Session Audio/Video

Pastor Mark’s Q&A on MHC Blog