MARRIAGE ON THE ROCKS

“…the likelihood of married adults getting divorced is identical among born again Christians and those who are not born again…[Why] among married born again Christians, 35% have experienced a divorce…[which] is identical to the outcome among married adults who are not born again: 35%. – George Barna”

“I hate divorce…” (Malachi 4:16)

TGR – Truth, Grace, And Redemption.

Reckon With God’s Intent For Marriage.

“Haven’t you read…that at the beginning the Creator ‘made them male and female,’ and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.”

(Matthew 19:4-6, NIV).

“Whatever happened to punch and cookies in the fellowship hall?”

Lament Sin, But Offer Forgiveness,

Nevertheless.

“…all infected and impure…Like autumn leaves, we wither and fall, and our sins sweep us away like the wind” (Isaiah 64:6, NLT).

“Father, forgive them, for they know not what they are doing…”

(Luke 23:34). 

Over time we must “clothe [ourselves] with compassion… [We must] bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances [we] may have against each other. Forgive as the Lord forgave you…” (Colossians 3:12-13, NIV).

• “…Forgiveness…is not forgetting• …Forgiveness is…not condoning or

making light of [sinful] behavior• …Forgiveness is not pretending the

offense did not occur• …Forgiveness is not always reconciling,

though reconciliation should always be attempted…”

• No forgiveness is letting go -- letting “…the peace of Christ rule in your [heart]… [letting] the word of Christ dwell in you richly…” (Colossians 3:15+16) – nevertheless.

Look To The God Who Makes All Things New!

“I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten…You shall eat in plenty and be satisfied, and praise the name of the Lord your God, who has dealt wondrously with you. And my people shall never again be put to shame…” (Joel 2:25-26, ESV).

God wants to deal wondrously with you!

TGR – Applying Truth: Reckoning With God’s Intent About Covenant, especially marriage.

• Applying Grace: Lamenting Sin, But Offering Forgiveness, Nevertheless.

• Applying Redemption: Looking To The God Who Makes All Things New!