Marriage is more than just a living arrangement or a legal document:  Marriage is a creation of God.  God knows how marriage works in and out.  He knows what it takes for marriages to succeed not just in enhancing the happiness of the family, but in fully reflecting the depth of His love.

At East End, we are working hard to strengthen and renew marriages by teaching couples God’s wisdom for the home in our sermons and Bible classes.  On this site you can listen to many sermons on building a great marriage, but let us get you started with 6 Essential concepts.

#1 Trust God: A Great Marriage Is Only Possible With God. (Mark 10:27)

We all bring our opinions and past experiences with us into marriage.  How do you sort out disagreements over leadership, work, money, kids, vacations, and more?  You TRUST GOD.  We Must Give God Control.  Study Genesis 12:1,11-20, Genesis 16:1-2, Joshua 23:6 and look at the importance of following God’s word.  When you choose to trust God together, conflicts are decreased and a bad choices are avoided.  You are set free to follow the wonderful path the Lord has for your marriage.

Trust God In Your Roles: Philippians 2:3-4
Trust God In Your Money: Matthew 6:33

Trust God In Your Pursuits: Jeremiah 29:11

#2 Hurry Home: A Great Marriage Demands That We Invest Our Time Wisely.

The Bible is really clear that we reap what we sow.  If you are not taking time to care for your marriage and help it grow and be fruitful, then you won’t like the end results. (Ephesians 5:16, Galatians 6:7)

Consider The Consequences of Your Sowing: If you do less at work you may end with lower pay or less prestige, but if you do less at home you could lose everything! Sowing less at home can cost us our spouse, our children, our peace!  Men and women need to make the clear and courageous choice to Hurry Home!

Hurry Home: Put Our Family Before Our Finances – What good will a high income job if it cost you everything you truly love?
Hurry Home: Use Our Talents First At Home – Don’t give you boss your full attention and respect, only to give your spouse a hot-headed answer or left-over energy.  Make time to give your family your best.

#3 Cultivate Communication: A Great Marriage Grows With Great Conversations.

Not everyone is a natural born communicator, but we can all make our time together more meaningful and rewarding with 4 easy tips.

• Make A Point In Your Speech To Be Gracious (Colossians 4:6)
• Make A Place In Your Heart For Loving Criticism (Proverbs 27:6)
• Make A Practice Of Giving Your Spouse Your Undivided Attention (Proverbs 4:1-5)
• Make A Principle In Your Marriage: Full Openness (Colossians 3:9-10)

#4 Nurture Romance: Great Marriages Make Romance A Part of Many Aspects of Our Relationship.

Don’t save romantic cards, calls, and dinners for your anniversary.  Make expressing your love to your spouse a daily event. Look to Bible books like the Song of Solomon or passages like Ecclesiastes 9:7-9 for the beauty of romance in a marriage.

Romance can be our biggest ally or enemy. Consider the Great Blessing: Proverbs 30:18-19 or the Complete Ruin: Proverbs 7:21-23 God describes.  When you aren’t sure how to be romantic, remember that romance thrives in selfless devotion, so put the preferences of your spouse first. (1 Peter 3:8-9)  There is no need to let the romance in your marriage fizzle.  Exercise wisdom and nurture romance.

#5 Celebrate Differences: Great Marriages Recognize God Created Us With Complementary Differences. (Genesis 1:27, 1 Peter 3:7) 

David told God, “I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Your works, And my soul knows it very well.” (Psalms 139:14)  But, have we told our spouse? Have we told our spouse that even though we don’t always see eye-to-eye on every situation we love the unique point of view they bring into our lives.  We love the strength they bring when we are weak. We love the tenderness they bring when we are stubborn.  God made men and women differently, but perfectly for each other.  Just as every organ in our body serves a different purpose to keep us healthy, every distinction between men and women fulfill their own roles for making two better than one.  The differences in our organs enhance our health, and the differences in our marriage can enhance our relationship! (1 Corinthians 12:14-26, James 1:19-20)

#6 Finish Together: Great Marriages Need Security, So God Wants Us To Take The Divorce ‘Option’ Off The Table. (Malachi 2:16, Matthew 19:6)

Our society may treat marriage and divorce lightly, but God does not.  He wants us to work through our problems and cross the finish line together!  Purpose to be different from the world around you. Purpose to Finish Together!

• Together We Can Serve The Lord (1 Corinthians 9:5, Acts 18:26)
• Together We Can Work Anything Out (Hebrews 12:1-2)
• Together We Can Receive The Reward (1 Peter 1:3-5)

Isn’t it time you fully brought Christ into your home, to help guide you in growing your marriage?  We’d love to help, and invite you to join us soon at any of our assemblies.