1. “As Christ Loved the Church” A Love Story

2. Jacob Loved Rachel At first glance, the story of Jacob and Rachel seems like a fairytale romance (Genesis 29:11,17 20) –Note that God loved Israel like Jacob loved Rachel (Deut. 7:7-8) Rachel was pretty, but she had glaring character flaws (Genesis 30:15; 31:19) –The sinful behavior of one spouse can generate bitterness in the other spouse (Eccl. 7:26; Prov. 12:4) –But it doesn’t have to!

3. God Loved Israel God Loved Israel – Even when She Was Unlovable God used the personal life and marriages of Hosea to illustrate His love for His people. The Lord loved Israel even after she had sinned against Him many times (Hosea 2:6-20) –He cherished her and made her happy. –He became her Husband, not just her Master –He promised a permanent covenant with her.

4. Christ came as the Bridegroom Jesus is introduced as the groom by John (Jn. 3:29) The church is His bride (Ephesians 5:25-28) –He gives Himself for her to present her to Himself as a glorious church (Acts 20:28) Christ’s love for the church is a model for husbands (Eph. 5:32-33) –A husband must dwell with his wife "with understanding (1 Peter 3:7; Col. 3:19 )

5. If a man is going to call himself a Christian and be a husband, this is the kind of selflessness it takes. If a woman is going to call herself a Christian and be a bride, this is the kind of utter devotion and submission that it takes.