Intro/Outro Song - Who I Am by Ben Fuller
Introduction:
Hello and welcome to another episode of our Christian podcast. Today, we will be talking about a subject that is near and dear to my heart, Christian marriage. As a pastor, I have had the privilege of officiating countless weddings, counseling couples, and witnessing the beauty of God's design for marriage.
Significance of Marriage:
Marriage is one of the most significant commitments we make in our lives. It is a lifelong covenant between two people, and it is meant to reflect the love and commitment that Christ has for his church. When we look at the Bible, we see that God created marriage as a sacred union between a man and a woman. In Genesis 2:24, it says, "Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh."
God’s Plan for Marriage:
God's plan for marriage is not just a physical union but a spiritual one as well. It is a partnership where two people come together to fulfill God's purposes for their lives. In Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, it says, "Two are better than one because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!" As Christians, we should strive to have marriages that reflect God's love and character. Our marriages should be characterized by selflessness, forgiveness, and a willingness to serve one another. In Ephesians 5:25-28, it says, "Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. In the same way, husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself." This passage reminds us that husbands are called to love their wives sacrificially, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her. Wives are also called to respect their husbands and submit to them as the head of the household. But let's be clear, submission does not mean inferiority. Rather, it is a mutual submission to each other, where both husband-and-wife honor and serve one another in love. Unfortunately, in today's culture, marriage is under attack. We are bombarded with messages that undermine the importance of marriage and make it seem like it's just a temporary arrangement. But as Christians, we must stand firm on God's design
for marriage. We should never take our marriages for granted, but instead, work to build strong, healthy relationships that reflect God's love and character. This means being intentional about spending time together, communicating openly and honestly, and seeking godly counsel when needed.
The Importance of Intimacy:
I want to address another important aspect of Christian marriage, and that is the importance of intimacy. Intimacy is a gift from God that is meant to be enjoyed within the context of marriage. It is a physical expression of the deep love and commitment that two people share. However, intimacy can also be a source of pain and struggle in marriage, especially when it is not approached with care and respect. As Christians, we must remember that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, and we must treat them with honor and dignity. In 1 Corinthians 7:3-5, it says, "The husband should give to his wife her conjugal rights, and likewise the wife to her husband. For the wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does. Likewise, the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does.
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Thank you and God Bless you.
Pastor Michael.
