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The Perfect Marriage
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughMarriage is a divine institution established by God from the very beginning, reflecting a profound spiritual purpose. God created mankind, both male and female, in His own image, endowing them with qualities akin to His own, thus placing human relationships on a God-plane level. This sacred design underscores the importance of marriage as a union of equals before God, with the potential to reach the same divine destination, emphasizing that both husband and wife are of the God-kind. Jesus Christ, in addressing questions about marriage, returned to this foundational truth, affirming that God intended marriage as a life-long institution on a spiritual plane, not merely a physical arrangement to be easily dissolved. He endorsed marriage as a means to produce the finest versions of what God seeks in His children, continuing the process of creating mankind in His image. Thus, one purpose of marriage is to provide a vehicle for developing divine character. God blessed the union of Adam and Eve, granting them the right and authority to enter into marriage and succeed in what He expected of them. This blessing, akin to a marriage ceremony, endues the couple with power for success, sealed by God Himself, providing all necessary advantages for a Christian marriage to thrive. This divine sanction highlights marriage as a blessed arrangement, uniquely equipped to fulfill its purpose due to God's presence within it. Another purpose of marriage is to produce children within a sanctioned union, offering the best environment for raising godly seed in God's image. This process begins with the union of man and wife, creating individuals with the potential to become part of God's Family, a responsibility entrusted to parents to shape and mold before returning them to God for further development. Marriage also serves as a basis for proper government, teaching how to rule and submit through the family structure. It provides essential instruction in governance, preparing individuals for roles in God's Kingdom by learning to balance authority with love, humility, and eventual glory within the marriage and family dynamic. The concept of being joined as one flesh further illustrates the depth of commitment in marriage, binding husband and wife together in absolute togetherness, functioning as a single unit. This one flesh principle, emphasized throughout Scripture, signifies a profound intimacy and mutual ownership, where each partner fully belongs to the other, mirroring the ultimate spiritual union with God. Marriage, therefore, acts as a training ground to learn how to be one with Him, striving for a relationship where each partner is completely committed to the other and to God's will.
Marriage and the Bride of Christ (Part Eleven)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsMarriage, as a divine institution, is elevated to a profound spiritual level, reflecting the sacred relationship between Jesus Christ and the Church. In this divine framework, love forms the foundation, not control, guiding the bond between husband and wife with a purpose that mirrors the submission and love of Christ. The Christian perspective on marriage is distinct, lifting it to a heavenly ideal where it must manifest the unity and devotion seen in Christ's bond with the Church. This conception is inherently positive, viewing marriage not merely as a worldly arrangement but as a growing, spiritually oriented union that increasingly conforms to a divine pattern. Understanding and thoughtful reflection are essential for a successful Christian marriage. Unlike the world, which often relies on fleeting emotions, Christians are called to think from a right perspective, using the guidance provided in the Holy Scriptures to navigate the challenges of married life. This deliberate approach prevents the failures that result from impulsive actions and equips couples to withstand the stresses of daily existence. The unity in marriage is paramount, emphasizing that husband and wife are not two separate entities but one flesh. This profound oneness denounces selfishness, the root cause of marital discord, and calls for mutual submission in reverence to God. Selfishness, with its disruptive focus on personal desires, is contrary to the essence of marriage, where the spouse is considered a part of oneself, akin to one's own body. Thus, any assertion of self directly conflicts with the fundamental principle of this divine institution. For the husband, this unity means loving his wife as his own body, nourishing and cherishing her as Christ does the Church. He must not think of himself in isolation, for to do so breaks the core principle of marriage. His actions and thoughts must always include his wife, recognizing her as an integral part of himself, not merely a partner or addition. This perspective forbids abuse, neglect, or taking her for granted, instead fostering a love that is sacrificial and caring, mirroring Christ's love for His Bride. Such love seeks to enrich and protect, ensuring the wife's well-being and strengthening the marital bond against life's trials. In the Christian home, marriage must prioritize the relationship with God and Christ above all, ensuring that the fellowship of the Spirit governs the union. This divine guidance, through the Holy Spirit and the Word, produces love, peace, and the fruits of the Spirit, overcoming selfishness through mutual submission. The marital love in this context is unbreakable, uniting husband and wife as one flesh, committed to glorifying God in their shared life.
Marriage and the Bride of Christ (Part Three)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsMarriage is not a human contrivance or arrangement, but it is God's ordinance, something instituted by God, something that God in His infinite grace and kindness has appointed and ordained and prepared and established for men and women. It is shown to be a much more important institution than anything the world can comprehend. The Christian view of marriage is governed entirely and solely by the teaching of the Scriptures, reflecting a profound understanding that connects it to the relationship between Christ and the Church. The roles of husbands and wives present God's ideal for all marriages at all times, as exemplified by the relationship between the bride of Christ and Christ Himself. The terms of this divine relationship are clearly and plainly stated, emphasizing that marriage can only be fully understood through the doctrine of Jesus Christ and the Church.
Marriage and the Bride of Christ (Part Four)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsGod is the One who instituted marriage, establishing it from the beginning of human creation. He declared that it is not good for man to be alone and made a helper comparable to him, presenting Eve to Adam and thus pronouncing the first marriage union in human history. Not only did He acknowledge this union, but He also joined the couple together. The God who ordained the family and the state ordained marriage as a fundamental ordinance, essential to the whole of man's life on earth and to his well-being. This divine ordinance governs the relative positions of husbands and wives and the relationship that should exist between them. Jesus Christ taught that marriage is the joining together of two people so that they become one flesh, one body, reflecting a profound unity.
The Purpose of the Marriage Relationship
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsMarriage prepares God's called-out ones to collectively become the bride of Christ. God hates divorce but allows it on grounds of adultery and violence.
Christian Marriage (Part One)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsCohabitation has led to increased divorce, marital violence, and lack of fidelity after marriage. Mass media has shamelessly used sex to promote materialism.
Marriage and the Bride of Christ (Part Twelve)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsAs husband and wife are commanded to become one flesh, members of the Bride of Christ become spiritually unified through the indwelling of God's Spirit.
Christian Marriage (Part Two)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe evil of the mixed marriages in the Book of Malachi was a spiritual defilement, yoking spiritual and worldly elements, intrinsically unequal.
Called Their Name Adam
Sermon by Mark SchindlerGod named both Adam and Eve 'Adam', signifying an unbreakable bond. This bond was secure until sin entered, creating enmity between men, women, and God.
Choosing to Have a Good Relationship
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe Bible emphasizes marriage as the primary bond of society. The purpose for the marriage relationship is to depict the marriage of Christ and His bride.
Imagining the Garden of Eden (Part Twelve)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughAlthough authority over the family unit was given to the husband, man and woman were created to be complementary and supplementary to one another.
The Church Family - Convinced and Persuaded
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsChurch government should reflect God's government, typified as a family, with Christ as the loving husband and the church as the submissive wife.
Childrearing (Part Three)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughOur children internalize our values; we teach largely by example. If we do not take seriously the responsibility for rearing our children, somebody else will.
Imagining the Garden of Eden (Part Ten)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe statement, 'it is not good for man to be alone,' is the first declaration that something was not good. Being alone denotes separateness.
Themes of I Corinthians (Part 6)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughReminding us to stay sensitive to conscience, Paul suggests we become other-centered, doing everything to the glory of God, especially in our relationships.
Our Awesome Destiny (1993)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughMan's destiny is to have dominion over the entire universe. Preparation for this awesome responsibility requires faithful stewardship over God's gifts.