Big Idea: A Christ-centered marriage stands strong through life’s storms. Building On The Right Foundation Begins With: 1. Making Christ Your Foundation “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. 26 But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.” Matthew 7:24-27 (NIV) So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in Him, 7 rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. 8 See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ. Colossians 2:6-8 (NIV) 2. Choosing Marriage as a Covenant, Not a Contract Some Pharisees came to him to test him. They asked, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any and every reason?” 4 "Haven't you read," he replied, “that at the beginning the Creator ‘made them male and female,’ 5 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'? 6 So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate.” 7 "Why then," they asked, “did Moses command that a man give his wife a certificate of divorce and send her away?” 8 Jesus replied, "Moses permitted you to divorce your wives because your hearts were hard. But it was not this way from the beginning. 9 I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for marital unfaithfulness, and marries another woman commits adultery." Matthew 19:3-9 (NIV) Another thing you do: You flood the LORD's altar with tears. You weep and wail because he no longer pays attention to your offerings or accepts them with pleasure from your hands. 14 You ask, “Why?” It is because the LORD is acting as the witness between you and the wife of your youth, because you have broken faith with her, though she is your partner, the wife of your marriage covenant. 15 Has not [the LORD] made them one? In flesh and spirit they are his. And why one? Because he was seeking godly offspring. So guard yourself in your spirit, and do not break faith with the wife of your youth. Malachi 2:13-15 (NIV) Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders 10 nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 (NIV) “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.” 32 This is a profound mystery–but I am talking about Christ and the church. 33 However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband. Ephesians 5:31-33 (NIV) 3. Seeking God Together Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. Ecclesiastes 4:12 (NIV) And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, 10 so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, 11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ–to the glory and praise of God. Philippians 1:9-11 (NIV) “Now fear the LORD and serve him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your forefathers worshiped beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the LORD. 15 But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.” Joshua 24:14-15 (NIV) To Build A Strong Marriage I Will: Pray together before bedtime Play the Hi/Lo game at dinner & Share one gratitude Write an encouraging note to your spouse [This is only a guide – select the points you want to discuss.] Big Idea: A Christ-centered marriage stands strong through life’s storms Opening Prayer: “Lord, thank You for bringing us together. Help us understand Your design for marriage and how to build our relationships on the solid foundation of Jesus Christ. Strengthen our faith, unity, and love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.” Icebreaker: If you were building a dream home, what would be the most important feature you’d want? Analogy: A house foundation determines its stability. If the foundation is weak, the entire structure is at risk during storms. What does it mean to have a Christ-centered marriage in today’s culture? Building On The Right Foundation Begins With: 1. Making Christ Your Foundation Read: Matthew 7:24-27 What does it mean to have Christ as the foundation in your marriage practically? What are common distractions or priorities that can shift Christ from being the foundation? How can you invite Christ more intentionally into daily decisions as a couple? What spiritual practices could you start together as a couple to strengthen your bond with Christ? Read: Colossians 2:6-8 In what ways can we, as a couple, actively “live in Christ” in our marriage? What does this look like in daily practices like decision-making, conflict resolution, or parenting? Write down 2-3 ways you can actively make Christ the foundation in your marriage this week (e.g., praying together, attending church, aligning decisions with Scripture). 2. Choosing Marriage as a Covenant, Not a Contract Read: Matthew 19:3-9 Why is it important to see marriage as a covenant and not just a legal agreement? How can seeing marriage as a lifelong promise influence how you handle conflict and challenges? Read: Malachi 2:13-15 According to this passage, what is a big reason God wants us to work on being faithfully devoted to each other in marriage? 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 What hope can we have if we have failed in the areas mentioned in verses 9-10? How does God Transform us? Read: Ephesians 5:31-33 How does viewing marriage as a reflection of Christ’s love for the Church change the way you see marriage (whether you are married or not)? In what ways can a husband & wife show Christ-like love? 3. Seeking God Together Ecclesiastes 4:12 What does it mean for Christ to be the third strand in your relationship? Philippians 1:9-11 How can praying together and reading Scripture as a couple build unity? What barriers might keep couples from seeking God together? How can you overcome them? Joshua 24:14-15 What modern “gods” (e.g., materialism, career ambitions, technology, or individualism…) could distract you from fully honoring God in your marriage? As a couple, what does it look like for you to actively choose to serve the Lord in your marriage? How do your choices as a couple today; shape the spiritual foundation and legacy of your family?