Making a Marriage that Matters

Genesis 2:21-22 “So the Lord God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep; and while he was sleeping, He took one of the man’s ribs and closed up the place with flesh. Then the Lord God made a woman from the rib He had taken out of the man, and He brought her to the man.”

Genesis 2:23-25 “The man said, ‘This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called woman, for she was taken out of man.’ For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh. The man and his wife were both naked and they felt no shame.”

Psalm 112:1-2 “Praise the Lord. Blessed is the man who finds great delight in His commands. His children will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed.”

God’s Plan for Marriage (v.24) Leave = The PRIORITY of Marriage Cleave = The PERMANENCE of Marriage Become = The PURPOSE of Marriage

3 Principles to Make a Marriage Matter Lifetime Commitment Loving Communication

5 Levels of Communication Clichés and Small Talk Sharing Facts Sharing Ideas and Opinions Sharing Feelings and Emotions Intimacy and Confession

3 Principles to Make a Marriage Matter Lifetime Commitment Loving Communication Loyal Confrontation

“As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten.” Revelation 3:19 “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten.”

The Causes of Conflict in Marriage Selfishness Finances Sex Nagging In-Laws

Principles of Loyal Confrontation Isolate the Problem Attack the Problem; not one another Deal with one Problem at a time Learn to Negotiate Pray, Pray, Pray