1. Family and the Home Part 1: Marriage Made in Heaven

2. Introduction Current Assault on marriage: a result of modern philosophy, lack of commitment. Christians must flee this way of thinking. Marriage is a beautiful, God-made institution. In order to build strong families we must understand God’s pattern for strong marriages. Marriage is from heaven, not from men.

3. The Beauty of Marriage “What God has joined together…”  A Joining of two people into “one flesh” (Gen. 2:24).  Not joined by men, not joined by preacher or judge, but by God.  Jesus— “What God has joined together, let not man separate” (Matt. 19:6).  A decision by two people to come together, a bond created by God Himself.  Marriage is a relationship made in heaven, let us learn to follow the heavenly pattern.

4. The Beauty of Marriage Equality in Marriage  Two people of equal value joined together in harmony (Eph. 5:22-25).  Such requires submission “Submission” is not a bad word. A marriage that does not have submission is like moving a cart by pulling at both ends. Submission is the result of true LOVE.  As head, husbands give their lives to care for their wives- to nurture and dwell with understanding.  Wives receive such care by follow the husband’s leadership and helping him (Gen. 2:20).  Thus, both are equal, yet submissive to one another (1 Pet. 3:1, 7).

5. The Beauty of Marriage A reflection of divine organization.  The Godhead (1 Cor. 11:3). Father and Word are equal (Phil. 2:6). Yet Word was submissive to the will of the Father.  Christ and the church. Church is subject to Christ, as wife to husband (Eph. 5:24). Christ showed submission by dying for the church, as the husband gives his life for the wife (Eph. 5:25).

6. The Permanence of Marriage Gen. 2:24: “Leave and Cleave”  Leave all behind: parents, etc.—sever  Husband and wife are joined by God—their life belongs to their spouse.  Cannot happen if not willing to give up former life. “Cleave”: Grab hold with firmness.  God joins, but we must be willing to hold tight.  When spouses cleave, separation should be so foreign that it is non-existent.  Only two things can sever such a bond: Death (Rom. 7:2), adultery (Matt. 5:32).

7. The Permanence of Marriage “Choose your love and love your choice” (Hunter).  Adam and Eve made it, and they didn’t get a choice.  Most today do have a choice, and they must learn to live with that choice. “Fell out of love,” “Wasn’t the one,” “Didn’t get along,” etc.  All reasons based on selfishness and unwillingness to work with the choice that was made.  Infatuation is easy, life-long love requires great effort—it is a choice. If we “fall out of love” it is because we chose to  “Older women…TEACH the young women…TO LOVE their husbands, love their children” (Titus 2:3-4).

8. Conclusion Successful marriage is a learning process that requires great love and commitment. It is not plastic. We cannot “use it and throw it away.” Christians need to overcome worldly ideas of marriage and take God’s pattern to heart. This is essential for building strong families and strong homes.