1. Marriage is a “Covenant.” Malachi 2:14; Proverbs 2:16-17 Definition of the Hebrew word “In the sense of cutting; a compact made by passing between pieces of flesh.” God’s covenant with Abraham (Genesis 15:10, 17-18) Marr: A Spiritual Covenant Refreshing & Re-instilling Marital Commitment

2. Covenant vs. Contract The Marriage Covenant is Sacred Matthew 19:6 – “Joined in Heaven” A holy triune not a human duet Proverbs 20:25 – “Snare…to rashly say ‘it is holy’ and then later make inquiry.” A covenant is based on trust A contract is based on distrust A covenant involves unlimited responsibility A contract involves limited liability A covenant is lifelong – not to be broken A contract is voided by mutual consent

3. Seating of the family on opposite sides of auditorium –Covenant setting…sacrifices White runner – holy ground Groom enters first – he initiates the covenant, has the greater responsibility Father walks bride down the aisle –Presenting his daughter as pure (Deuteronomy 22:13-21) – a father’s responsibility –White dress – says she is pure Symbolism of the Covenant In a Wedding Ceremony

4. Father gives the bride away: –Full blessing of the parents… –Transfer of authority to groom (Numbers 30:4- 8; 1 Corinthians 7:38) Ring – “token of covenant” Why introduce the couple? –Establishing change of names –Abram/Abraham –Spiritually…new name…Christians

5. Covenant Symbolism In a Wedding Ceremony What is the significance of signing the guest book? –Witnesses to the covenant/sign after. Purpose of receiving line? –Give blessing to couple/short note –Ruth 4:11, 14-15 Why food at the reception? –The “covenant celebration” –Seals the covenant/Lord’s Supper

6. Symbolism of the Covenant In a Wedding Ceremony Why do the couple feed cake to each other? –Symbolizes becoming “one flesh” –1 Corinthians 11:24-25 -- Lord’s Supper

7. Our society has undervalued the keeping of our word. Keeping of Vows is a Serious Matter

8. The scriptures value it highly: Ecclesiastes 5:2-7 “Pay that which thou…” Psalm 15:4Zion dweller Numbers 30:2 “Shall not break word!” Keeping of Vows is a Serious Matter

9. “COMMITMENT … is what transforms a promise into reality. It is the words that speak boldly of your intentions. It is the actions that speak louder than words. It is making the time when there is none, coming through time after time, year after year. Commitment is the stuff character is made of, the power to change the face of things. It is the daily triumph of integrity over skepticism.” Commitment and Vows in Marriage

10. Couples utter heavy duty vows in elaborate weddings. Problem? Treat superficially… nervous… wrong emphasis… soon forget… What matters is your current level of commitment. Much more than “stick it out.” Radical part of your commitment is active, not passive!! Commitment and Vows in Marriage

11. We need a thorough and insightful understanding of Marital Promises. (Six parts) Love you as long as we both live (Kindness, sacrifice) Cherish and honor you… (Thoughtfulness) I will be what a husband and wife owes to their spouse (Meet your needs)

12. I will take you as you are (Acceptance). I will forsake all others (Faithful) I will do all these things for better or worse, in sickness & health (Unconditionally serve you). Commitment and Vows in Marriage

13. Usually spoken a single time…little value in a crisis. Dr. Clark Warren suggests: 2 times a week for first ten years. 1 time a week for the rest of marriage. Same principle as the Lord’s Supper Verbalized regularly over a long period of time…takes on a tremendous power! Conclusion: Do your homework. Your marriage will benefit greatly! Must Rehearse Until They Are Part of Us!

14. I promise I will do everything in my power to help you to get to heaven; to accept you and to remain loyal to you always. I promise to put you and our marriage second only to God; to be open and honest with you always as we strive for oneness. I promise to cherish, honor, and support you in good times and bad; and strive to love you selflessly, like Christ loves the church; as I meet your deepest needs. I promise to pilot, provide, and protect you and our family; and to do these things unconditionally until death do us part so help me God!! Renewal of vows--Brent to Gail

15. Renewal of vows-Gail to Brent I promise I will do everything in my power to help you get to heaven; to accept you and remain loyal to you always. I promise to put you and our marriage second only to God; to be open and honest with you always as we strive for oneness. I promise to admire, honor, and obey you in good times and bad; and strive to be an excellent keeper at home and be sensitive to your deepest needs. I promise to love you and to do all these things unconditionally until death do us part so help me God!!

16. Suggestions Take your time but make a commitment to go through the work sheet. Write it out first and read to each other first until you have memorized it. Share with others once completed!