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Showing posts from September, 2025

Premarital Sex: 4 Consequences That Ruin Your Courtship and Future Marriage

By Henry Rolando Preza  Hebrews 13:4 – “Let marriage be honored among all, and the marriage bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge.” Some couples who are dating and engaging in sexual relations often end up separating, mistreating one another physically or verbally, or facing consequences that will impact their marriage. The Bible clearly says: “Let marriage be honored among all, and the marriage bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge” (Hebrews 13:4). True marital honor is reached in sexual purity. While some people marry in order to leave fornication behind, the memory of an initial dishonor never truly vanishes from their minds. God calls young people to sexual purity. The Apostle Paul says: “For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; that every one of you know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor” (1 Thessalonians 4:3-5). This command is for everyone, but it ap...

Child Abuse: Consequences, Silence, and Healing in Christ

By Henry Rolando Preza Child abuse is one of the most painful realities of our time. Around the world, millions of children suffer beatings, rejection, abandonment, and abuse. The damage is not only physical—it leaves deep emotional scars that often last a lifetime. In this article, we reflect from a Christian perspective on the causes, the consequences, and the hope for healing and restoration in Christ. God’s Heart for Children Child abuse is no small matter. The violence that so many children endure is alarming and heartbreaking. Jesus declared, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” (Matthew 19:14). Christ loves children and calls us to become like them if we want to enter His kingdom. Yet in society—and at times even in the church—children are ignored, dismissed, or mistreated. Some parents take out their frustrations on their children, wounding them both physically and emotionally. This is nothing ...

How to Identify Emotional Manipulation in Cases of Infidelity

By Henry Preza Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her; and if a woman divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery. — Matthew 10:11-12 Infidelity is a destructive force that causes immense pain and leaves deep scars on all involved. That's why fidelity is a value that God blesses and defends. Those who have fallen into infidelity often resort to various strategies to avoid being discovered. Even when confronted, they seek to make their actions seem normal to avoid judgment. One of the cruelest tactics is to make the faithful spouse feel guilty. The woman, in particular, should not accept this burden, as she is never responsible for her husband's betrayal. 1. "I suffered a lot and had no other choice" Cheaters often present themselves as victims. They claim that, due to circumstances, they had no other option but to be unfaithful. When their partner confronts them, they directly blame them for "leading...

Is Your Relationship in Crisis? Discover Common Causes and How to Face Them

By Henry Rolando Preza A relationship guided by God, with respect and communication, can be a blessing and a beautiful prelude to marriage. It's not just about avoiding mistakes but building a relationship that glorifies God. Many young people know when a relationship isn't going well, but they still choose to continue. Feelings often cloud judgment, and that almost always leads to pain. A relationship can start off wrong for various reasons. From that moment, we could say it no longer has a reason to be. Today, I want to share five very common signs of a relationship that started or is going wrong. Perhaps not all of them apply, but I know they repeat in relationships that end in failure. 1. Without God A relationship starts off wrong when God isn't consulted. God's will comes first. If it's not God's will, it's not right to start a relationship. But how do we know God's will? The answer is: through His Word. The Lord asks that there be no roman...

How to Improve Communication in Your Marriage and Strengthen the Relationship

By Henry Preza Many marriages lack mutual understanding, which becomes a real obstacle. When a couple is unwilling to yield and insists on imposing their opinions, sooner or later the situation becomes unsustainable, potentially escalating to violent acts. Not yielding has become a "point of honor" for many spouses, who think that if they do, their marriage will lose. They believe that valuing the other's opinion is a waste of time and power. For others, yielding means allowing things that aren't worth it, when in reality, yielding is the best thing to do in critical moments where there's no understanding. Below are some tips that may be helpful: 1. Stop to Think Before closing yourself off to your opinions, reflect on how not understanding your spouse will affect your relationship. Think about the reason you've taken that stance. Are your feelings sincere, or are they filled with hate, distrust, or misunderstanding? If your feelings aren't pure, it...

Successful Relationships for Christian Youth: Lessons from Isaac and Rebekah

By Henry Preza Discover how to have a successful relationship according to the Bible. Practical reflections from Isaac and Rebekah to make wise, responsible decisions based on God's will. Successful Relationships: Learn from Isaac and Rebekah The biblical story of Isaac and Rebekah is exciting and full of teachings for young people who want to grow in God's will. Although there was no "dating" as we know it today, we can apply their principles to our relationships now. 1. Listen to Your Parents, Value Their Opinion Abraham was concerned about Isaac's marriage (Genesis 24:1-3). In his time, parents chose their children's partners. Today, this isn't imposed, but their opinion is still valuable. They can see qualities and flaws that you might not perceive. Lesson: Don't ignore your parents when choosing a partner. Their advice can prevent mistakes and guide your path. 2. Trust Mature People for Important Decisions Abraham trusted a responsible...

Age to Marry: A Biblical and Practical Guide for Young People Seeking Marriage

By Henry Rolando Preza Many young people ask how, when, and with whom to marry. They also often wonder at what age it is appropriate to take this step. Most of them, when asking this question, already demonstrate a lack of preparation for marriage and a departure from what is truly important for marriage. The most important thing is not age, but who you are as a person: whether you are ready to marry, whether you are physically, spiritually, and psychologically prepared to face all the responsibilities that marriage entails. Age is not fundamental and, at the same time, cannot be a predominant element to the point of placing it alongside the will of God. It is useless to pay attention to the age of couples if the will of God is forgotten in an old drawer in the dirty basement of the hearts of so many young people around the world. Courtship: Preparation for Marriage I often hear young people ask if the age they are is appropriate for dating, showing total ignorance about what cou...

How to Establish a Relationship According to the Bible: Signs and Key Aspects

By Henry Preza Discover how to establish a relationship according to the Bible. Learn to recognize signs, evaluate the character, faith, and family of the person you love before starting a Christian relationship. Signs for Starting a Relationship Many young people wonder what signs they can ask God for to begin a relationship. How can I know if this person is the one God has prepared for me? Is it possible to establish signs before starting a relationship? These questions have come up for hundreds of young people around the world. The truth is that a relationship should not be based solely on signs. Before asking for confirmations, it is important to evaluate fundamental aspects that God considers for a relationship. God's Word as a Guide It’s not about looking for signs out of emotion or curiosity, but about determining if God’s Word supports the relationship you want to pursue. Some young people know that God does not approve of what they intend to do, yet they insist on ...

Things to Consider Before Joining a Church Plant: A Christian Guide for Discernment

By Henry Preza  A Call for Wisdom in Confusing Times These are challenging times for the Christian church. The centrality of Scripture is often overlooked, and a truly Christ-centered message is replaced by teachings that try to adapt to modern culture but lose their relevance. The church has also suffered from theological liberalism and constant divisions. Every week, new church groups and plants appear—many without a solid biblical foundation. Because of this, it’s crucial to pause, reflect, and carefully evaluate before committing to a new church, so we don’t end up in a congregation that could harm our spiritual growth. 1. How the Church Plant Started Before joining, investigate the church’s origins: Was it started as part of a mission from an established church, or did it emerge from personal conflicts or divisions? Are there financial motives behind it, or is it genuinely a spiritual calling? Does it have a clear statement of faith, a commitment to prayer, and sound doctrine?...

Dangerous Pastors: Red Flags in the Church

By Henry Preza Today, the Christian faith is often blended with entertainment, marketing, and personal ambition. That makes it more urgent than ever for believers to sharpen their discernment. Scripture—especially 1 Timothy 3:1-7—gives us a clear picture of what a pastor should be. By contrast, it also warns us about the traits of a dangerous leader. Spotting these red flags isn’t about being judgmental; it’s about exercising wisdom and protecting your Spirito algo life. 1. Character: More than a title Paul begins his list with character. A pastor doesn’t need to be flawless, but his testimony—past and present—shouldn’t cause others to stumble. When a leader hides a past filled with church splits, broken relationships, or unresolved conflicts, it shows a lack of integrity that contradicts the gospel. Testimony matters. It’s the evidence of Christ’s work in someone’s heart. If an unconverted leader takes control, spiritual damage is unavoidable. 2. Family life: Faithful to one wife Sexu...

Manipulation in Dating: How to Spot It and Protect Your Heart

By Henry Preza. Manipulation in dating can be subtle but damaging. Learn how to recognize the signs, protect your freedom, and live in a relationship built on genuine love and God’s purpose. Manipulation in Dating: A Quiet Danger Manipulation in dating is often so subtle that many people don’t even recognize it happening. Life shows us that manipulation is harmful and rejected by God. In the name of love, serious wrongs are committed; youths have been hurt morally and emotionally. Some—without fear of God—use sexual pretenses to take advantage of young people or young women, making them believe they are loved, only to break their hearts. Jesus taught that love is not about manipulation but about sacrificing for the well-being of the other. Manipulation destroys relationships, families, churches, and even societies. Signs of Manipulation in a Dating Relationship Here are some general indicators to help you tell if your relationship might be manipulative: No one should force you to choos...

Disrespectful Boyfriends: Real Stories and Warnings for Christian Courtship

By Henry Preza In Christian courtship, mutual respect is essential for building a healthy, lasting relationship. Yet too many young women end up in damaging relationships with disrespectful partners—men who manipulate, emotionally abuse, or pressure them sexually. In this article, you’ll read three real stories of women who missed the warning signs and paid a heavy price. These stories are meant as a wake-up call: to value your dignity, listen to wise counsel, and recognize disrespect in a relationship before it’s too late. Lorena’s Story Lorena was 18 when she started dating a young man from her church. He was older and had a reputation in the congregation as a “ladies’ man”—someone who never committed serious relationships. She fell in love with him despite repeated warnings. His sweet, manipulative words had more influence over her heart than the wise advice of loved ones. He began taking her to secluded places and touching her in ways she didn’t want. She felt guilty, ashamed...