Building Strong Marriages Through Faith and Commitment
Summary
In this episode of the Radiate Church bonus podcast, we delve into the intricacies of love and relationships, drawing from both biblical principles and personal experiences. Joined by my wife, Megan, we reflect on our 16-year marriage journey, sharing insights and lessons learned along the way. This series has been a journey of exploring how to build relationships the right way, grounded in faith and love. Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Justin and Amber Graham, directors of our Florence campus, who have been instrumental in expanding our church's reach. Their story is a testament to the transformative power of faith in marriage.
Justin and Amber's relationship didn't start with Christ as the cornerstone, but their journey to faith has been pivotal in shaping their marriage. They exemplify the importance of making faith the foundation of a relationship, a theme we emphasized in the first week of our series. Their story is one of resilience and commitment, as they navigated personal challenges and found strength in their faith. Amber's bold decision to quit her job and prioritize their spiritual journey is a powerful example of dedication and trust in God's plan.
Throughout our conversation, we highlight the significance of individual spiritual growth in strengthening a marriage. It's about building a personal foundation on Christ before coming together as a couple. Justin and Amber's journey is a reminder that faith requires action and commitment, a willingness to carry one's cross and move forward despite challenges. Their story inspires us to embrace faith as the cornerstone of our relationships, allowing it to guide us through life's ups and downs.
Key Takeaways:
1. Faith as the Cornerstone: Building a relationship on the foundation of faith is crucial. It requires individual commitment to Christ before coming together as a couple. This personal spiritual growth strengthens the relationship and provides a solid base to weather life's challenges. [08:10]
2. Commitment to Action: Faith is not passive; it demands action and dedication. Justin and Amber's story illustrates the importance of taking bold steps in faith, even when it means making significant life changes. Their journey shows that true commitment to God can transform relationships. [08:10]
3. Resilience Through Challenges: Every relationship faces challenges, but faith provides the resilience needed to overcome them. Justin and Amber's journey through personal struggles and their decision to prioritize their spiritual journey is a testament to the power of faith in overcoming adversity. [08:10]
4. The Power of Community: Being part of a faith community can provide support and encouragement. Justin and Amber's involvement in the church has been instrumental in their spiritual growth and relationship development, highlighting the importance of surrounding oneself with a supportive community. [08:10]
5. Embracing God's Plan: Trusting in God's plan requires letting go of control and embracing the unknown. Amber's decision to quit her job and focus on their spiritual journey is a powerful example of trusting in God's timing and provision, even when the path is uncertain. [08:10]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[02:00] - Introduction to the Blueprint Series
[04:30] - Secrets to Love and Marriage
[06:45] - Introducing Justin and Amber Graham
[08:10] - Faith as the Cornerstone of Marriage
[10:20] - Personal Testimonies and Transformation
[12:00] - The Role of Community in Faith
[14:15] - Embracing Change and Trusting God
[16:30] - Lessons from 16 Years of Marriage
[18:45] - The Power of Commitment and Action
[20:00] - Closing Thoughts and Reflections
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Matthew 7:24-27 - The Wise and Foolish Builders
2. Luke 9:23 - "Then he said to them all: 'Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.'"
3. Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord with all your heart
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Observation Questions:
1. How did Justin and Amber Graham's relationship evolve once they made faith the cornerstone of their marriage? [08:10]
2. What significant life change did Amber make to prioritize their spiritual journey, and how did it impact their relationship? [08:10]
3. How does the sermon describe the role of individual spiritual growth in strengthening a marriage? [08:10]
4. What role did the faith community play in Justin and Amber's spiritual growth and relationship development? [08:10]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. In what ways does building a relationship on the foundation of faith provide resilience during life's challenges, as seen in Justin and Amber's story? [08:10]
2. How does the concept of "carrying one's cross" relate to the actions and decisions made by Justin and Amber in their faith journey? [08:10]
3. What does Amber's decision to quit her job reveal about trusting in God's plan, and how might this apply to other areas of life? [08:10]
4. How can the involvement in a faith community enhance personal and relational spiritual growth, according to the sermon? [08:10]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own relationship or marriage. Is faith the cornerstone, and if not, what steps can you take to make it so? [08:10]
2. Consider a significant life change you might be hesitant to make. How can Amber's example of quitting her job inspire you to trust in God's plan? [08:10]
3. Identify an area in your life where you need to "carry your cross" and take bold action in faith. What is one step you can take this week? [08:10]
4. How can you actively contribute to your faith community to support your spiritual growth and that of others? [08:10]
5. Think of a personal challenge you are currently facing. How can you apply the resilience found in faith to overcome it? [08:10]
6. What is one way you can prioritize individual spiritual growth to strengthen your relationship with your partner or spouse? [08:10]
7. Reflect on a time when you had to let go of control and trust in God's timing. How did that experience shape your faith journey? [08:10]
Devotional
Day 1: Faith as the Foundation of Relationships
Building a relationship on faith requires individual spiritual growth, which strengthens the bond between partners. Justin and Amber Graham's journey illustrates the transformative power of making faith the cornerstone of their marriage. Initially, their relationship did not have Christ as its foundation, but their commitment to faith has been pivotal in shaping their marriage. This personal spiritual growth provides a solid base to weather life's challenges, as seen in their story of resilience and commitment. By prioritizing their spiritual journey, they have found strength in their faith, demonstrating that a relationship grounded in faith can withstand adversity. [08:10]
"For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ." (1 Corinthians 3:11, ESV)
Reflection: What steps can you take today to strengthen your personal relationship with Christ, thereby fortifying the foundation of your relationships?
Day 2: Active Faith and Bold Commitment
Faith demands action and dedication, as demonstrated by Justin and Amber's willingness to make significant life changes. Their story highlights the importance of taking bold steps in faith, even when it involves making difficult decisions. Amber's decision to quit her job to focus on their spiritual journey exemplifies true commitment to God, showing that such dedication can transform relationships. This active faith requires a willingness to carry one's cross and move forward despite challenges, inspiring others to embrace faith as a guiding force in their lives. [08:10]
"But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves." (James 1:22, ESV)
Reflection: What bold step of faith is God calling you to take today, and how can you act on it with courage and trust?
Day 3: Resilience Through Faith in Adversity
Every relationship faces challenges, but faith provides the resilience needed to overcome them. Justin and Amber's journey through personal struggles and their decision to prioritize their spiritual journey is a testament to the power of faith in overcoming adversity. Their story reminds us that faith requires action and commitment, allowing individuals to navigate life's ups and downs with strength and perseverance. By embracing faith as the cornerstone of their relationship, they have found the resilience needed to face challenges head-on. [08:10]
"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness." (James 1:2-3, ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on a recent challenge you faced. How did your faith help you navigate through it, and what can you learn from that experience to apply to future challenges?
Day 4: The Importance of Community in Faith
Being part of a faith community provides support and encouragement, as seen in Justin and Amber's involvement in their church. Their participation in the church has been instrumental in their spiritual growth and relationship development, highlighting the importance of surrounding oneself with a supportive community. This sense of community fosters spiritual growth and strengthens relationships, offering a network of support during times of need. By engaging with a faith community, individuals can find encouragement and guidance on their spiritual journey. [08:10]
"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." (Hebrews 10:24-25, ESV)
Reflection: How can you actively engage with your faith community this week to foster spiritual growth and support others in their journey?
Day 5: Trusting in God's Plan
Trusting in God's plan requires letting go of control and embracing the unknown. Amber's decision to quit her job and focus on their spiritual journey is a powerful example of trusting in God's timing and provision, even when the path is uncertain. This act of faith demonstrates the importance of surrendering to God's plan and trusting that He will provide. By embracing God's plan, individuals can find peace and assurance in knowing that He is in control, guiding them through life's uncertainties. [08:10]
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6, ESV)
Reflection: What area of your life are you struggling to surrender to God, and how can you begin to trust His plan and provision today?
Quotes
"And I love your story and your relationship because, you know, week one of this whole series was all about Jesus has to be your cornerstone. We build a foundation on him first. And we do that individually, not corporately. And so like, I can't be together when I'm not apart. And you both decided, and the Holy Spirit kind of got in your, your heart to where it was like, all right, it's time, Justin, it's time." [00:14:03] (27 seconds)
"You'd been going through the burnout, you'd been going through the addiction, and you were like, I'm tired of this. It's time, you know, and in a different way. And then Amber just in a moment, and God was just like, all right, it's time. And you both were like, all right, let's go. I love, I love the, I'd forgotten about this side of the story, Amber, because we've heard this before, but I had forgotten about the side of the story where you're like, and I'm quitting my job, you know, like I'm coming home and we're going to church and we're gonna love Jesus and we'll figure it out." [00:14:42] (25 seconds)
"All right so you've been married 15 years one behind us by the way and in you know your your relationship didn't start with the cornerstone of Christ right like there was a lot of bumpy roads Justin has his own testimony Amber you're a part of that story as well you have your own and together and and so what what I want to ask and and you take it how you need to take it but like how is your faith you." [00:07:26] (31 seconds)
"Has become a cornerstone for your marriage, for your relationship? I mean, Megan and I get a front row seat. We talk to you guys all the time, you know, eating dinner, lunch, laughing, talking, ministry, life. So we get to see a lot of this. But how has faith become that cornerstone for you guys in building your relationship?" [00:07:49] (21 seconds)
"Because I was kind of beating around the bush for a while just kind of you know having fun flirting and Amber we were at a party at a friend's house and she pulled me into a room and she goes when are you just gonna do this and I was like uh I guess now sorry I apologize so we're back together that's a true story I don't know if you remember that but anyway Megan we got some friends here let's get it rolling." [00:03:30] (26 seconds)
"Hey guys welcome to another episode of the radiate church bonus podcast we are super excited that you're on here with us again and this one as you know if you've been keeping up we are in our blueprint series which is all about love and relationships marriage no matter where you are on the love journey i think there's something biblically that we can gather about how to do this the right way and throughout the bonus episodes." [00:01:20] (26 seconds)
"And I love your story and your relationship because, you know, week one of this whole series was all about Jesus has to be your cornerstone. We build a foundation on him first. And we do that individually, not corporately. And so like, I can't be together when I'm not apart. And you both decided, and the Holy Spirit kind of got in your, your heart to where it was like, all right, it's time, Justin, it's time." [00:14:03] (27 seconds)
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