“I take you to be my lawfully wedded (husband/wife), to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do us part.”

Beautiful Words, Serious Vows The words reflect a commitment of loyal service… no matter what trials face them. They are vows made with loving and serious intentions.

Unfortunately… Two trends continue in our nation: – Divorce remains HIGH overall. – Marriages are being replaced with co-habitation. – Fastest growing divorce group ~ “Gray Divorce”: 50+ years old. (up nearly 200% since AARP).

The Numbers Aren’t Pretty Marriage for those who divorce in America:

Are We Learning From Our Past? The divorce rate in America for first marriage, vs second or third marriage: – First marriage: 50% – Second marriage: 67% – Third marriage: 73%

But, That’s The World. “We’re Christians” The highest divorce rates were found in the Bible Belt.* "Tennessee, Arkansas, Alabama and Oklahoma round out the Top Five in frequency of divorce. * Note: Divorce rates were still higher in the Bible Belt as of 2009 according to a US Census report. The highest divorce rates were found in the Bible Belt.* "Tennessee, Arkansas, Alabama and Oklahoma round out the Top Five in frequency of divorce. * Note: Divorce rates were still higher in the Bible Belt as of 2009 according to a US Census report.

Genuine Commitment… No Matter What “Many people who seriously practice a traditional religious faith – be it Christian or other – have a divorce rate markedly lower than the general population. The factor making the most difference is religious commitment and practice. Couples who regularly practice any combination of serious religious behaviors and attitudes -- attend church nearly every week, read their Bibles and spiritual materials regularly; pray privately and together; generally take their faith seriously, living not as perfect disciples, but serious disciples -- enjoy significantly lower divorce rates than mere church members, the general public and unbelievers.” Glenn T. Stanton, Baptist Press

Excellent Marriage = Commitment A commitment to their spouses. Rom. 7:2; 1 Cor. 7:39 – For better or for worse. – For richer or for poorer. – In sickness and in health. – Until death do us part.

Excellent Marriage = Commitment A commitment to the word of God. – We obey that form of teaching (“doctrine”) to which we’ve been delivered. Rom. 6:17; Mk. 10:4-12, etc. – That means wives will commit to respectfully submit to the headship of their husbands. Eph. 5:22-24 – That means husbands will commit to loving and cherishing their wives. Eph. 5:25-30

Excellent Marriage = Commitment A commitment to Jesus Christ and our God. Rom. 12:1-2 – Committed Christians will have transformed minds to live transformed lives. – This is what separates professed Christians from Christians who – with great conviction – follow Christ’s Way in all things…including their marriage.

Conclusion Following Christ doesn’t guarantee an excellent marriage. It takes two committed to Christ, His Word, and one another… to have that opportunity.