How to Build a Better Marriage
Hebrews 13:4
How to Build a Better Marriage Part 3
February 25, 2018 • Pastor Steve Pope
How to Build a Better Marriage, Part Three Christ Enthroned Hebrews 13:4 “. . . for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous.” A question occurred to me during a recent time alone with God. This question was a caution as well as a clarification; “Steve, are you seeking Jesus, or are you creating Jesus?” Here’s what this question means to me; Am I daily seeking to be transformed in my mind and heart by the radical, counterculture truth of God’s word, or am I creating a Jesus who more comfortably reflects my personal values, preferences, and the standards of the culture in which I live? We all have a natural (sinful) tendency to “create a god in our own image.” In other words, if our highest value is prosperity, we will create a god who is most interested in our prosperity. If we are angry and vengeful by nature, we will create a god who is angry and vengeful. If we are cold and aloof, our god will be distant and disinterested in people. The message of the gospel runs counter to every culture in which it takes root. There will always be aspects of God’s character and holiness that clash with the accepted norm of any people group. This clash is actually the proof that we’ve discovered the eternal truth of God rather than accepting the ever-shifting cultural adaptations to our faith. This is most painfully evident when it concerns our moral choices. In a culture that fully accepts sexual promiscuity before marriage, it’s easy to assume that cultural morals are God’s morals, too. But Scripture reveals to us a Holy God whose standards are both right and good, even when they clash with commonly accepted cultural norms. Building a better marriage will be dependent upon full obedience to the revealed will of a Holy God, no matter the cost. The most counterculture principle in the world is the gospel, by which people might repent and receive forgiveness and redemption. And when the gospel has been received, God’s children find the strength to stand against the tide of cultural lies. This is the heart of true worship of the Living God. Hope to see you on Sunday, Pastor Steve
How to Build a Better Marriage Part 2
February 18, 2018 • Pastor Steve Pope
SERMON MEDITATION In this week’s Valentine’s Day edition of Breakpoint, Eric Metaxes recounts the story of Isador and Ida Strauss who drown together in the frigid waters of the Atlantic when the Titanic sank. When offered a place on Lifeboat Number 8, Ida decided to stay in the frigid water with her husband of 40 years. She told her husband, “where you go, I go.” They are buried together in a cemetery in the Bronx, and the epitaph on their tomb reads “Many waters cannot quench love.” This story is the definition of real love. Real love is proved by long term commitment and patience. It is only experienced by those who move beyond the first blush of “romantic love” into the realm of God’s faithfulness and covenant love. As we continue with our marriage series this Sunday, join us as we search God’s word for His heart for marriage. Blessings, Pastor Steve HOME FELLOWSHIP STUDY GUIDE Q: What was one of your favorite love songs when you were a teenager? Q: When in your life did you feel most loved? How did that love affect your life? READ FIRST: I Corinthians 13 Q: In verses 1-3, what activities are useless without love? Q: In this passage, what does Paul say love is? What does Paul say love is not? Q: How does love as described in this chapter compare to love as typically defined in our culture? Q: Looking at the descriptions of perfect love in verses 4-7, in which one of these descriptions are you the strongest? In which one are you weakest? Q: In your opinion, what is the best way to develop the ability to love others? Q: How do verses 8-10 help to put your church in perspective? HOME FELLOWSHIP STUDY GUIDE Q: What was one of your favorite love songs when you were a teenager? Q: When in your life did you feel most loved? How did that love affect your life? READ FIRST: I Corinthians 13 Q: In verses 1-3, what activities are useless without love? Q: In this passage, what does Paul say love is? What does Paul say love is not? Q: How does love as described in this chapter compare to love as typically defined in our culture? Q: Looking at the descriptions of perfect love in verses 4-7, in which one of these descriptions are you the strongest? In which one are you weakest? Q: In your opinion, what is the best way to develop the ability to love others? Q: How do verses 8-10 help to put your church in perspective?
How to Build a Better Marriage
February 11, 2018 • Pastor Steve Pope
“How to Build Better Marriages” Part 1: Strong Foundations Hebrews 13:4 Talk about fake news! Many boldly assert that the church in America has lost the moral high-ground due to elevated divorce statistics in our ranks. These critics declare that the divorce rates in the church are just as high as in the culture in general, if not even higher. But many recent scientific studies have disproved this false notion. In 2016, a professor at Harvard School of Public Health “found that married couples who regularly attend religious services together are 47% more likely to not get divorced than couples who don’t go to church.” Professor Dr. Tyler J. VanderWeele reports that, “Religion is, of course, not principally about promoting physical health or decreasing the likelihood of divorce but about communion with God. However, it turns out that the pursuit of this goal also has profound implications for numerous other aspects of life, including health and marriage.” The statistics regarding divorce rates among those faithful to God and His church are very encouraging! In her book, The Good News About Marriage, journalist Shaunti Feldham reveals the results of her ground-breaking study. This Harvard trained social researcher’s partnership with George Barna Research Group produced this conclusion; for those who were active in their church, the divorce rate was 27 to 50 percent lower than for non-churchgoers! However, those who are “Christian” in name only but not in daily practice were found to be 20 percent more likely than the general population to divorce. Here’s what we now know to be true - the life-changing power of Scripture strengthens marriages, and active involvement in a local church keeps them growing. In other words, Jesus changes everything! Hope to see you Sunday as we begin our marriage series, “How to Build Better Marriages,” Pastor Steve HOME FELLOWSHIP STUDY GUIDE Home Fellowship Discussion Guide Week of February 12th Q: What is your visual image of the perfect garden? Where would it be? What work would you do there? Q: Who was your first heart-throb? What was life like with, and without, that special person? READ FIRST: Genesis 2:15-25 Q: If you could have a picture of just one scene in the story, what would it be? Q: What does this story tell you about the nature of men and women and their relationship? Q: What do you think God intended when He referred to Eve as a “suitable helper?” (vs 20) Q: How would you characterize the relationship between Adam and Eve? Between God and man? What makes this kind of fellowship possible? Q: How are you and your spouse a gift to each other? Spiritually? Emotionally? Physically?