Why have a wedding with a minister?
Legally, in the state of Alabama, you are married when you file the paperwork at the courthouse.
And in God’s eyes? God gives no formula for a ceremony but from the beginning the Bible teaches when a man leaves his parents to marry a wife, they then become one flesh. Jesus and the Apostle Paul both quote this text and Jesus adds that since God has joined them let no one undo it.
Genesis 2:24, Matthew 19:5-6, Ephesians 5:31
Stating your vows before God in a religious ceremony is:
– asking the church for its blessing, covering, confirmation and approval in solemnizing the marriage
– and more importantly, it is inviting God to be central to your wedding, and your subsequent marriage
It’s all about the intent and desire of the couple
to make God and His plan, which includes the church,
a part of their life together from the beginning.
INGREDIENTS OF A DREAM MARRIAGE
Commitment, it’s more important than happiness, emotion and pleasure. Love is a verb. Love is a choice.
Investment, it’s longer-lasting than passion
Attitude, it’s more important than aptitude and skills
To those still unmarried: One day you’re going to meet that person you can’t live without. I pray it’s not a person that you can’t live with.
Effort, it’s sexier than looks
Sexual faithfulness, it’s more fulfilling than infidelity
Humility and forgiveness, they’re more satisfying than “I told you so”
Honesty and trust, they’re a stronger foundation than secrecy and privacy
Communication, it’s better protection than walls
Church involvement, it’s a stronger connection than joint hobbies and tastes
78% of couples who attend church together reported being “very happy” or “extremely happy” with their relationship
That number is even higher when couples are spiritually involved beyond just church attendance
Couples involved in a local church are less likely to divorce
But couples who are connected to a church in name only are more likely to divorce than the average married couple
Benefits of church involvement include shared experiences, opportunities to serve together, sparking conversations, support, accountability, etc
A DREAM SPOUSE
What it means to be the head of the house:
Sacrificing, putting wife & kids first
Leading spiritually:
– Waking your family on Sunday morning for church
– Reading and discussing the Bible
– Calling your family to prayer, teaching them to pray
Boaz – Doing what is honorable, Ruth 3 & 4
Abigail – a Proverbs 31 woman, protecting her husband and her household, 1 Samuel 25:1-42, Proverbs 31:10-31
Elkanah – Aware, attentive, comforting, 1 Samuel 1:8
Jacob – Whatever it takes however long it takes, Genesis 29:15-30
Hosea – Endless, unconditional love, Hosea 3:1-5
Mary and Joseph – Perseverance, Luke 2:1-7
RESOURCES
11 Things Couples Who Build Successful Marriages Do Each and Every Day
Church 29:11 