Filter by Categories
Marriage and the Bride of Christ (Part Six)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsIn the divine perspective, marriage extends far beyond the wedding day, focusing on a lifelong journey of harmony and sacrificial love as a reflection of God's covenant with His people. The betrothed is called to embody purity, morality, and faithfulness in preparation for this sacred union. The imagery of the church as the bride of Christ underscores profound spiritual truths, highlighting that the bride is chosen for a divine purpose and must prepare for the future wedding day with Him. This preparation mirrors the cleansing and sanctifying love of Christ, who gave Himself to make the bride worthy of Him. The relationship between Christ and the church serves as a model for earthly marriage, emphasizing that love is not merely theoretical or romantic but deeply practical, demonstrated through actions and unwavering commitment. Husbands are urged to love their wives as Christ loved the church, giving Himself for Her, showing that true love involves sacrifice and a continuous effort to sanctify and cherish. This sacrificial love sets the bride apart, making her unique and dedicated, just as Christ has separated the church for Himself, preparing Her for eternal glory with Him.
Marriage and the Bride of Christ (Part Two)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsMarriage, as presented by the apostle Paul in Ephesians 5, is a profound reflection of the union between Christ and His church. From the beginning of creation, God designed marriage to mirror Christ's forthcoming relationship with the church as His body. Paul emphasizes that the husband is the head of the wife, just as Christ is the head of the church, and He is the Savior of the body. This divine pattern establishes God's ideal for all marriages across time, illustrating the sacred bond between the bride of Christ, which is the church, and Christ Himself, the Son of God. In preparing for marriage, Paul underscores the importance of submission as a guiding principle. Wives are instructed to submit to their own husbands as to the Lord, reflecting the general call for all believers to submit to one another in the fear of Christ. This submission is not merely a cultural expectation but a spiritual act of service to God and Christ. Husbands, in turn, are called to love their wives, nourishing and cherishing them as they would themselves, mirroring the care Christ shows for His church. This mutual submission and love prepare both partners to live out their marriage as a testimony to the divine relationship between Christ and His bride. Paul's teachings reveal that a true understanding of marriage can only be achieved through the doctrine of Christ and the church. Without clarity on this spiritual connection, the purpose and depth of marriage remain obscured. For Christians, marriage is not a mere human arrangement but an ordinance established by God, meant to be lived in submission to Him and His Son, Jesus Christ. This perspective elevates marriage to a sacred level, fostering joy and a desire to please God through the relationship.
Preparing the Bride
Booklet by John W. RitenbaughA Statement of Purpose and beliefs of the Church of the Great God.
The Marriage of the Lamb
'Prophecy Watch' by StaffThe most important wedding in world history is the Marriage Supper of the Lamb to His bride. Are we getting ready for it?
The Sacredness of Marriage
Article by James BeaubelleScripture holds the divinely ordained institution of marriage in high regard. Here is why God considers marriage to be so important to us, society, and His purpose.
The Perfect Marriage
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughUnder the best of conditions, marriage takes work to make it succeed. Next to baptism, marriage is the most important decision we could ever make.
God's Real Transformation
Sermon by Mark SchindlerJesus is transforming His Bride into something beautiful, mirroring His godly character. He is preparing us to carry out our responsibilities.
David Was Ready
Sermonette by Richard T. RitenbaughWe need to be preparing ourselves for whatever God has prepared us to do in His Kingdom, preparing for an office, but more importantly preparing in character.
Remembering Who We Are
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John O. ReidWhen we consider the awesome contrast of what we were before God called us and what we are now, we cannot allow ourselves to commit spiritual fornication.
Love and Works
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod expects works from all He has called. We show our faithfulness and loyalty to God by our works or conduct - what we produce by what we have been given.
Imagining the Garden of Eden (Part Eleven)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGod's selection of Eve as a companion to Adam took into account the need for a helper as a counterpart—like himself, but standing opposite as complementary.
The Perfect Husband
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughHusbands need to imitate God's behavior as reflected through the life of Jesus Christ. Isaiah 54 reveals Yahweh (who became Jesus Christ) as the Husband of Israel.
The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Ten)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe term "covenant" describes an agreement made by two parties and "testament" to describe the one-sided commitment made by God to improve the promises.