1. THE MEANING OF MARRIAGE Marriage is… By Gods Design For Gods Display

2. THE MEANING OF MARRIAGE Marriage Is by Gods Design The LORD God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him." Now the LORD God had formed out of the ground all the beasts of the field and all the birds of the air. He brought them to the man to see what he would name them; and whatever the man called each living creature, that was its name. (Gen 2:18-19 NIV) God forms the woman as a unique counterpart to man Ezer – a word of strength military reinforcements Like – Opposite

3. Marriage is by Gods Design The Strength of Like – Opposites There has always been a strangeness between man & woman which leads to struggle This struggle is ultimately to bring you into confrontation with yourself In marriage 2 people grow up

4. THE MEANING OF MARRIAGE Marriage Is by Gods Design God brings the woman to man for a covenantal relationship which God forms "Haven't you read," he replied, "that at the beginning the Creator 'made them male and female, and said, 'For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate. (Matt.19:4-6) Marriage has lost its sacredness & seriousness because it has become a consumer relationship

5. THE MEANING OF MARRIAGE Marriage Is by Gods Design Marriage has lost its sacredness & seriousness because a covenant relationship has been replaced by a consumer relationship As consumers we want a… Customized product…meets our needs & requires little change Low maintenance…requires little work Thrill (Romance) Weve created a relational design that cannot bear the weight of these expectations

6. THE MEANING OF MARRIAGE Marriage Is by Gods Design Why Gods design of covenantal permanence is so important At a wedding a baby is born… …a one flesh relationship Child-raising requires SACRIFICE, steadfastness, perseverance…a covenant relationship The first child, you enter unknown, uncertain territory So with marriage…you never know whom you marry, you just think you do (Stanley Hauerwas, Duke)

7. THE MEANING OF MARRIAGE Marriage Is for Gods Display This is the ONE great reality that will restore the sacredness & seriousness of marriage!!! "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh." This is a profound mystery--but I am talking about Christ and the church. (Eph. 5:31-32) The ultimate reason God designed marriage is to be a flesh & blood DISPLAY of the covenant-keeping love between Christ & His church. Marriage is a momentary gift that looks forward to an eternal reality….This is why there is no marriage in heaven

8. THE MEANING OF MARRIAGE Marriage Is for Gods Display The ultimate reason God designed marriage is to be a flesh & blood DISPLAY of the covenant-keeping love between Christ & His church. This reality of Christs ultimate spousal love is the energy that sustains commitment Because my ultimate spouse, Jesus, keeps loving me faithfully though I wrong Him daily, I can bend that love toward my spouse in forgiveness, faithfulness, patience, perseverance and hope

9. THE MEANING OF MARRIAGE Marriage Is for Gods Display