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Marriage—A God-Plane Relationship (Part One)

CGG Weekly by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

In the United States, marriage has been under assault for many decades, with a significant offensive beginning around the early 1950s. The sexual revolution soon followed, ushering in an era of widespread sexual freedom where millions engage with multiple partners before and even after marriage. The introduction of no-fault divorce laws, starting in California on January 1, 1970, and spreading to other states, made divorce more accessible. During the same period, feminism pushed for abortion legalization and equal rights amendments, with abortion easing the consequences of illicit sexual activity. The subsequent decade saw the rise of AIDS, linked to perverse sexual behaviors, alongside the homosexual movement advocating for rights and marriage. Additionally, numerous sexually transmitted diseases have emerged, reaching pandemic levels with millions of new infections annually, further impacting the stability of marital relationships. Beyond these societal shifts, inherent challenges in marriage persist due to the unique sins and weaknesses each partner brings, requiring them to confront personal baggage and its aftermath. Communication differences between men and women, diverse approaches to life, varied backgrounds, in-law issues, and childrearing difficulties all contribute to making marriages unstable and prone to collapse. As the end draws near, those who are married or desire to be face a deck stacked against them, highlighting that marriage, though vital for most, remains a complex and difficult proposition.

The Sacredness of Marriage

Article by James Beaubelle

The sacred institution of marriage, established by God as a union between one man and one woman, is under attack in our society, reflecting a broader decay of cultural values. In certain states, laws have redefined marriage, sanctioning unions that deviate from God's design, treating it merely as a legal contract rather than a holy covenant. This shift is a clear sign of rebellion against the Creator, who sanctified marriage from the beginning as a foundation for family and society. God created marriage with purpose, declaring it not good for man to be alone and providing a helper comparable to him, joining them as one flesh. This divine institution was meant to produce godly children within a unified family structure, free from the threat of separation, and to allow mankind to partner with God in His creative works. Any alteration to this structure is an affront to His plan. The destruction of marriage is evident as traditional values are replaced by profane ideologies that undermine its sanctity. Such changes pave the way for societal collapse, as seen in historical examples where the breakdown of marriage and family led to ruin. In our time, the prevalence of divorce and the dismissal of marriage's binding nature continue this trend toward national destruction. God's commandments, particularly the fifth, seventh, and tenth, directly protect the unity and sacredness of marriage. They address responsibilities within the family, forbid adultery, and guard against covetousness that threatens the marital bond. Violations of these laws, whether through action or desire, destroy marriages from within and without, leading to devastating consequences for individuals and society. Spiritually, marriage holds even greater significance as a symbol of the relationship between Christ and His church. As Christ is the Husband and the church His bride, the sanctity of marriage reflects this divine union. Those who degrade marriage in this world work against God's purpose, hastening the path to ruin. For God's people, upholding the sacred values of marriage is paramount, especially as the world increasingly mirrors the days of Noah.

The Perfect Marriage

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

In the United States, marriage has been under assault for many years, particularly over the last five decades. The erosion of family values began to accelerate with the sexual freedom movement of the early 1960s, characterized by sex, drugs, and rock and roll, leading to practices such as cohabitation before marriage and increased instances of adultery. The easing of divorce laws, allowing for no-fault divorces in many states, further undermined the institution. Feminism contributed by encouraging women to pursue equality outside the home, while abortion made the consequences of illicit sex easier to avoid. The onset of AIDS in the early 1980s, alongside the public emergence of homosexuality, added to the challenges, as did the proliferation of other sexually transmitted diseases. More recently, the push for homosexual marriage has been seen as contrary to the very concept of marriage. Beyond these societal shifts, inherent difficulties in marriage persist, such as communication issues, financial struggles, in-law interference, and child-related conflicts, all compounded by each partner's unique sins and weaknesses. These factors stack the odds against those who are married or desire to be, making marriage a challenging proposition even in the best of times.

Christian Marriage (Part Two)

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

The evil of the mixed marriages in the Book of Malachi was a spiritual defilement, yoking spiritual and worldly elements, intrinsically unequal.

Christian Marriage (Part One)

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Cohabitation has led to increased divorce, marital violence, and lack of fidelity after marriage. Mass media has shamelessly used sex to promote materialism.

America's Number One Addiction

Commentary by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Pornography destroys intimacy and objectifies the sexual partner; it turns sex into a mechanical, self-gratifying act, destroying real, wholesome love.

Standing With God (Part One)

CGG Weekly by Charles Whitaker

Sociologists often point to the decline of the twin institutions of marriage and the family as the fount of most American cultural ills.

Standing With God (Part Two)

CGG Weekly by Charles Whitaker

Wisdom counsels God's people not to rely on worldly conservatives to fight their battles for them. True Christians will find themselves using untempered mortar.

The Beat Goes On

Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

Secular progressive propagandists began spreading the rumor that young women were dying in make-shift abortion clinics in an effort to force legislation.

Sodom, Here We Come

CGG Weekly by Charles Whitaker

What an individual does affects the lives of others as well. Regardless of who commits it, there is no such thing as a victimless crime or a private sin.

What's Wrong With 'Here Comes the Groom'?

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Radical feminism has tried to empower one gender by disabling and marginalizing the other gender, creating a pathological, dysfunctional society.

Leadership and Covenants (Part Six)

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

Despite having served mankind well for millennia, marriage is crumbling under a three-pronged attack. Marriage is vital to understanding God's purpose.

The Lord's Nourishing and Cherishing

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

The marriage covenant must be elevated to the stature of Christ and the church. A caring husband must love his wife as he nourishes his own physical body.

Hollywood Propaganda: The Insidious LGBT Agenda (Part One)

Commentary by David F. Maas

Hollywood moguls, executives, producers, directors, writers and actors have committed themselves not only to approving sexual perversion, but to promoting it.

Strengthening the Family

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

God ordained marriage and the family for the physical and spiritual growth and nurturing of children. God's goal is a Family composed of mature spirit beings.

'But I Say to You' (Part Four): Divorce

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

When divorce takes place, spiritual growth from the relationship stops, but when conflict escalates within a dying relationship, no growth can occur either.

Malachi's Appeal to Backsliders (Part Two)

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Malachi assures the people of Judah that if they repent, God's favor will resume, but if they continue defiling the Covenant, a day of reckoning will come.

Mightier Than The Sword (Part Seventeen)

Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

Legions of 'progressive' humanist academics of American and European universities have proclaimed Marx the most influential voice of the last millennium.

Leadership and the Covenants (Part Six)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

Paul urges Euodia and Syntyche to follow the example of Christ rather than placing their desire to be right over unity. Godly leadership follows submission.

The Seventh Commandment: Adultery

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

In Amos' prophecy, faithlessness and sexual immorality loom large, like a a prostitute chasing after lovers. Faithlessness extends into not keeping one's word.

'But I Say to You' (Part Three): Adultery

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

In the current culture war, progressives have declared war against God's seventh commandment by encouraging free sex, homosexuality, and other perversions.

Husbands, Love Your Wives

Sermon by Mark Schindler

Gratitude must be cultivated with expressions of thanksgiving in marriage, avoiding the pitfalls of materialism, entitlement, victimhood, and narcissism.

The Changing Face of Mainstream Christianity

'WorldWatch' by Joseph B. Baity

Some basic tenets of mainstream Christian churches in the United States are markedly different from what they were just a few decades ago in critical areas.

The Commandments (Part Sixteen)

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

It is absolutely impossible for lust to bring about any kind of satisfaction. Adultery cannot be entered into without irrevocably damaging relationships.

The Curse

Sermonette by Ronny H. Graham

Malachi 4:4-6 warns of a a coming Elijah and of a curse if the hearts of the children are not turned back to the fathers and vice versa. Are we seeing this?

Childrearing (Part Three)

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

Our children internalize our values; we teach largely by example. If we do not take seriously the responsibility for rearing our children, somebody else will.

Wonderful Women

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

According to God's vision of the institution of marriage, when man and wife follow the rule of submission and sacrificial love, patriarchy is a blessing.

The Politicization of Motherhood (Part Two)

'WorldWatch' by Mike Ford

The politically charged rhetoric of leading feminists demonizes traditional marriage and motherhood, painting stay-at-home moms as domestic slaves.

A Body in Motion (2012)

Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

Churches are powerless to stop the legalization of perversion; the secular progressives intend to cram this immorality down everybody's throat.

Loyalty and Submission (Part 2)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Loyalty and submission to God (not always easy) empowers and guarantees ultimate success and leadership, actually freeing us from the fear of death.

The Spirit of Babylon (Part Two)

CGG Weekly by David C. Grabbe

Despite Inanna's marriage to a god named Dumuzi, she still took lovers whenever she wished—she would not be constrained by the divine order of marriage.

The Handwriting Is on the Wall (2005)

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The family is under savage attack, with more and more children born out of wedlock. With the destruction of the family, we are witnessing the death of the U.S.