1. Quote The hottest place in Hell is reserved for those who remain neutral in times of great moral conflict. Martin Luther King, Jr. The hottest place in Hell is reserved for those who remain neutral in times of great moral conflict. Martin Luther King, Jr.

2. “A Marriage Made In Heaven” Ephesian 5:21-33

3. “A Marriage Made In Heaven” God Instituted Marriage For… o Procreation (Gen 1:22, 28)… o Companionship (Gen 2:18)… o Lawful Intimacy (1 Cor 7:1-5 Cf Heb 13:5)… o To establish the home & provide it’s benefits…  Security…  The raising of children…  Provisions…  Provide & promote responsibility… Marriage also has a deeper meaning & application (Eph 5:31- 32)... God Instituted Marriage For… o Procreation (Gen 1:22, 28)… o Companionship (Gen 2:18)… o Lawful Intimacy (1 Cor 7:1-5 Cf Heb 13:5)… o To establish the home & provide it’s benefits…  Security…  The raising of children…  Provisions…  Provide & promote responsibility… Marriage also has a deeper meaning & application (Eph 5:31- 32)...

4. “Mystery”- a hidden purpose or counsel; the secret counsels which govern God in dealing with the righteous, which are hidden from ungodly and wicked men but plain to the godly (Joseph Thayer) Cf (Eph 5:6-17) ✦ Shows the love Christ has for the Church... ✦ Shows the relationship of Christ and His Church... ✦ Shows the Church’s responsibility to Christ... A marriage made in heaven must be according to God’s will, purpose, and plan... “Mystery”- a hidden purpose or counsel; the secret counsels which govern God in dealing with the righteous, which are hidden from ungodly and wicked men but plain to the godly (Joseph Thayer) Cf (Eph 5:6-17) ✦ Shows the love Christ has for the Church... ✦ Shows the relationship of Christ and His Church... ✦ Shows the Church’s responsibility to Christ... A marriage made in heaven must be according to God’s will, purpose, and plan... “A Marriage Made In Heaven”

5. I. There Must Be A Marriage... A. Legally recognized... B. Marriage- a coming together, a uniting or union of a man and a woman (Eph 5:30-31 Cf Gen 2:21-25). 1. “Leave father & mother” 2. “Be joined to his wife” i. We must not over-emphasized the wedding ceremony at the expense of the marriage... ii. Emphasis must be placed on what is taking place instead of when and where it is taking place (Lk 14:16- 35)... iii. The Church must adorn herself for Christ (Rev 21:1-2)... I. There Must Be A Marriage... A. Legally recognized... B. Marriage- a coming together, a uniting or union of a man and a woman (Eph 5:30-31 Cf Gen 2:21-25). 1. “Leave father & mother” 2. “Be joined to his wife” i. We must not over-emphasized the wedding ceremony at the expense of the marriage... ii. Emphasis must be placed on what is taking place instead of when and where it is taking place (Lk 14:16- 35)... iii. The Church must adorn herself for Christ (Rev 21:1-2)... “A Marriage Made In Heaven” (Matt 10:37 Cf Heb 11:8; Gen 12:1)... (1 Cor 12:12-13; Gal 3:26-28)...

6. II. There Must Be Accountability... A. A marriage made in heaven demands accountability (Rom 7:1-4)... B. Our accountability is manifest through our responsibilities... C. Our responsibilities are known through our roles within the marriage (Eph 5:21)... 1. Husband - Christ... a. Provide headship (Eph 5:23; 1 Cor 11:3; Eph 1:15-23; Phil 2:5-11)... b. Provide love (Eph 5:25-29 Cf 4:8-16)... II. There Must Be Accountability... A. A marriage made in heaven demands accountability (Rom 7:1-4)... B. Our accountability is manifest through our responsibilities... C. Our responsibilities are known through our roles within the marriage (Eph 5:21)... 1. Husband - Christ... a. Provide headship (Eph 5:23; 1 Cor 11:3; Eph 1:15-23; Phil 2:5-11)... b. Provide love (Eph 5:25-29 Cf 4:8-16)... “A Marriage Made In Heaven”

7. II. There Must Be Accountability... 2. Wife - Church... a. Be in subjection unto Christ (Eph 5:23-24) II. There Must Be Accountability... 2. Wife - Church... a. Be in subjection unto Christ (Eph 5:23-24) “A Marriage Made In Heaven”

8. II. There Must Be Accountability... 2. Wife - Church... a. Be in subjection unto Christ (Eph 5:23-24) b. To be pure/undefiled (Eph 5:26-27 Cf Lev 21:13- 15; 2 Cor 11:2). c. Be faithful (1 Cor 6:15-20)... III. We View Our Marriage As God Does... Matthew 19:1-5 II. There Must Be Accountability... 2. Wife - Church... a. Be in subjection unto Christ (Eph 5:23-24) b. To be pure/undefiled (Eph 5:26-27 Cf Lev 21:13- 15; 2 Cor 11:2). c. Be faithful (1 Cor 6:15-20)... III. We View Our Marriage As God Does... Matthew 19:1-5 “A Marriage Made In Heaven”

9. “Nevertheless let each one of you in particular so love his own wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.” Ephesians 5:33 “A Marriage Made In Heaven” And the Spirit and the bride say, "Come!" And let him who hears say, "Come!" And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely. Revelation 22:17

10. ~ to arrange under, to subordinate, to subject one's self, obey to submit to one's control to yield to one's admonition or advice... A Greek military term meaning "to arrange [troop divisions] in a military fashion under the command of a leader". In non-military use,it was "a voluntary attitude of giving in, cooperating, assuming responsibility, and carrying a burden".