Welcome to DEEPER LIFE BIBLE CHURCH, AMSTERDAM Month of marital miracles! Sunday Worship Service 14 October 2018

A BEAUTIFUL WEDLOCK IN A BROKEN WORLD – HOW? – Luke 18:27 The Lord will beautify your marriage to buttress His message!

KEY THOUGHT The decision to be a Christian is a decision to forsake the way of the world and follow God’s way. This must apply everywhere in your life, including marriage. If you would please God, you must set aside your own way, the world’s way, and embrace God’s way as the only way! This is the only way to have true joy.

PILLARS OF MARITAL PURITY God’s standard in marriage is purity: Definition – Mar 10:2-12: It is a legal union between a single man and a single woman, without a previous living partner, by adult decision and parental consent, ratified by prevailing law or custom. Duration – Rom 7:2,3: Marriage is binding for life: the bond can only be dissolved by death. Separation is permissible but divorce-and-remarriage is prohibited. Distinction – 2 Cor 6:14: God puts a dividing line for His children: He does not permit a believer to marry an unbeliever.

PROCESS OF MARRIAGE PARTNERSHIP What are the key steps on the way? Choice: Pro 18:22; 1 Cor 7:39 God’s will: general & specific. Personal conviction and decision. Consent: Gen 24:49-58 Consent of person, parents & pastor. The place of medical tests. Courtship: Pro 24:27 Purpose is preparation with purity. Consummation: John 2:1,2; I Cor 10:31 It is a happy, foundational day. Make it a day of testimony!

PROMOTING MATRIMONIAL PLEASURE How to maximise the joy of marriage: Holiness: Pro 5:15-19; Heb 13:4 Infidelity is a family destroyer. Purity builds trust. Trust brings rest. Honesty: Pro 15:27 Open communication. Sharing of feelings. Honest labour. Contentment. Truth. Harmony: 1 Pet 3:1,7 Respect God’s order in the home. Your strength for partner’s weakness. Help: Psa 121:1,2; Pro 11:14; 15:22 Lift hands up in prayer. Seek needed help.

TIME TO PRAY!