Marriage: A Covenant of Love and Sanctification

 

Summary

In our exploration of Ephesians 5:21-32, we delve into the profound mystery of marriage, a divine institution that mirrors the relationship between Christ and the Church. This passage challenges us to view marriage not merely as a social contract but as a spiritual covenant that demands a servant heart, characterized by selflessness and a willingness to submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. The essence of a successful marriage lies in being filled with the Spirit, which fosters an unselfishness that is crucial for a healthy relationship. This Spirit-created unselfishness enables us to receive criticism without being crushed, give criticism without crushing, and forgive without residual anger.

The definition of marriage, as outlined in this passage, is a permanent, exclusive, public, and legal commitment to share every aspect of life with another person. This covenantal view of marriage stands in stark contrast to contemporary notions that often prioritize personal fulfillment over commitment. The priority of marriage is emphasized through the biblical mandate to leave one's parents and cleave to one's spouse, establishing the marriage relationship as the primary human relationship. This requires a fresh start, leaving behind old family patterns and creating a new family dynamic.

Marriage is not designed to make us happy but to sanctify us, revealing our deepest flaws and calling us to confront them. It is a vehicle for redemption, much like salvation, offering a fresh start and the opportunity for profound personal growth. For those who are not married, these principles apply to all relationships, urging us to practice love as an action first and a feeling second, preparing us for the deeper commitments that marriage entails.

Key Takeaways:

- Spirit-Filled Unselfishness: A successful marriage is rooted in being filled with the Spirit, which creates an unselfishness that allows us to serve our spouse selflessly. This Spirit-created unselfishness is the foundation for receiving and giving criticism constructively and forgiving without holding onto anger. [03:42]

- Covenantal Commitment: The essence of marriage is a covenant, a permanent and exclusive commitment to share every aspect of life with another person. This commitment is not based on feelings but on a deliberate choice to invest in the other person, reflecting the covenantal love of Christ for the Church. [16:23]

- Priority of Marriage: Marriage must be the primary relationship in one's life, taking precedence over all other relationships, including those with parents and children. This prioritization ensures that the marriage remains strong and central, influencing all other aspects of life positively. [26:40]

- Marriage as Sanctification: Marriage is not primarily for happiness but for sanctification, revealing our flaws and calling us to grow in holiness. It is a means by which God confronts us with our selfishness and transforms us into the likeness of Christ. [38:39]

- Fresh Start in Marriage: Entering marriage requires leaving behind old family patterns and creating a new family dynamic. This fresh start allows couples to establish their own unique relationship, free from the constraints of past familial expectations. [32:38]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:08] - Introduction to Marriage 3
- [00:22] - Series Context and Ephesians Overview
- [00:52] - Reading Ephesians 5:21-32
- [02:19] - Dividing the Passage: Six Headings
- [02:57] - The Power of Marriage
- [03:42] - Spirit-Filled Unselfishness
- [05:32] - Servant Heart in Marriage
- [07:18] - Reality of Being Spirit-Filled
- [08:21] - Gospel-Centered Security
- [10:02] - Developing a Servant Heart
- [12:32] - Saturation in Christ's Promises
- [14:30] - Definition of Marriage
- [17:09] - Christian Definition vs. Society
- [26:40] - Priority of Marriage
- [32:38] - Leaving and Cleaving
- [38:39] - Marriage as Sanctification
- [41:14] - Conclusion and Prayer

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Ephesians 5:21-32

Observation Questions:
1. What does Ephesians 5:21-32 suggest about the relationship between Christ and the Church, and how is this mirrored in marriage? [01:20]
2. According to the sermon, what is the significance of being "Spirit-filled" in the context of marriage? [03:42]
3. How does the sermon describe the concept of a "covenantal commitment" in marriage, and what are its key characteristics? [16:23]
4. What does the phrase "leave one's parents and cleave to one's spouse" imply about the priority of marriage? [26:40]

Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the idea of "Spirit-filled unselfishness" challenge contemporary views of marriage that prioritize personal fulfillment? [03:42]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that marriage serves as a vehicle for sanctification rather than just personal happiness? [38:39]
3. How might the concept of a "fresh start" in marriage, as discussed in the sermon, impact the way individuals approach their marital relationships? [32:38]
4. What are the potential consequences of not prioritizing marriage as the primary relationship in one's life, according to the sermon? [26:40]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current relationships. How can you practice "Spirit-filled unselfishness" in your interactions with others this week? [03:42]
2. Consider a time when you received criticism. How did you respond, and how might a "servant heart" approach change your reaction in the future? [05:11]
3. If you are married, how do you currently prioritize your marriage? What changes can you make to ensure it remains the central relationship in your life? [26:40]
4. For those who are not married, how can the principles of covenantal commitment and selflessness be applied to your friendships and family relationships? [16:23]
5. Think about the family patterns you grew up with. Are there any that you need to leave behind to create a healthier dynamic in your current or future relationships? [32:38]
6. How can you view challenges in your marriage or relationships as opportunities for personal growth and sanctification? [38:39]
7. Identify one specific way you can invest in your spouse or a close relationship this week. How will this action demonstrate your commitment to that person? [24:42]

Devotional

Day 1: Spirit-Filled Unselfishness
A successful marriage is deeply rooted in being filled with the Spirit, which fosters an unselfishness that is essential for a healthy relationship. This Spirit-created unselfishness allows individuals to serve their spouse selflessly, receive criticism without being crushed, give criticism without crushing, and forgive without holding onto anger. The essence of this unselfishness is a servant heart, characterized by selflessness and a willingness to submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. This approach to marriage challenges the contemporary notion of prioritizing personal fulfillment over commitment, urging couples to invest in each other deliberately. [03:42]

Ephesians 4:2-3 (ESV): "With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."

Reflection: Think of a recent conflict with your spouse or a close friend. How can you approach this situation with Spirit-filled unselfishness today?


Day 2: Covenantal Commitment
The essence of marriage, as outlined in Ephesians 5:21-32, is a covenant—a permanent and exclusive commitment to share every aspect of life with another person. This commitment is not based on fleeting feelings but on a deliberate choice to invest in the other person, reflecting the covenantal love of Christ for the Church. In a world where personal fulfillment often takes precedence, this covenantal view of marriage stands as a counter-cultural testament to the enduring nature of true love. It calls individuals to prioritize their marriage relationship above all others, ensuring that it remains strong and central, influencing all other aspects of life positively. [16:23]

Malachi 2:14-15 (ESV): "But you say, 'Why does he not?' Because the Lord was witness between you and the wife of your youth, to whom you have been faithless, though she is your companion and your wife by covenant."

Reflection: Reflect on your current commitments. How can you intentionally invest in your marriage or a significant relationship to reflect the covenantal love of Christ?


Day 3: Priority of Marriage
Marriage must be the primary relationship in one's life, taking precedence over all other relationships, including those with parents and children. This prioritization ensures that the marriage remains strong and central, positively influencing all other aspects of life. The biblical mandate to leave one's parents and cleave to one's spouse emphasizes the importance of establishing the marriage relationship as the primary human relationship. This requires a fresh start, leaving behind old family patterns and creating a new family dynamic that is unique to the couple. [26:40]

Genesis 2:24 (ESV): "Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh."

Reflection: Consider the relationships in your life. How can you prioritize your marriage or a significant relationship today, ensuring it remains central and strong?


Day 4: Marriage as Sanctification
Marriage is not primarily for happiness but for sanctification, revealing our deepest flaws and calling us to grow in holiness. It is a means by which God confronts us with our selfishness and transforms us into the likeness of Christ. This perspective on marriage challenges the notion that it is solely a source of personal happiness, instead presenting it as a vehicle for redemption and profound personal growth. For those who are not married, these principles apply to all relationships, urging individuals to practice love as an action first and a feeling second, preparing them for the deeper commitments that marriage entails. [38:39]

James 1:2-4 (ESV): "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."

Reflection: Identify a flaw or area of selfishness in your life. How can you allow God to use your relationships to sanctify and transform you today?


Day 5: Fresh Start in Marriage
Entering marriage requires leaving behind old family patterns and creating a new family dynamic. This fresh start allows couples to establish their own unique relationship, free from the constraints of past familial expectations. The biblical mandate to leave and cleave emphasizes the importance of this transition, urging couples to prioritize their marriage relationship above all others. This fresh start is not only a physical separation but also an emotional and spiritual one, allowing couples to build a strong foundation for their marriage. [32:38]

Isaiah 43:18-19 (ESV): "Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert."

Reflection: Reflect on any old patterns or expectations that may be affecting your marriage or significant relationship. How can you embrace a fresh start and create a new dynamic today?

Quotes


The essence of marriage is a covenant, a legal legal commitment somebody afterwards said to me but that still doesn't tell me what is a legal what makes a marriage a marriage is it a minister now there's a difference of opinion uh on between Catholics and Protestants on this and I I'm absolutely absolutely believing uh believe that the Protestant approach is Right Catholic Church will say only a priest can marry somebody isn't that right Protestants will say a priest can marry a minister can marry a Justice of the Peace marriage is marriage it doesn't matter whether it's a captain on a ship it doesn't matter whether it's a Justice of the Peace marriage is marriage why because look in the Bible where marriage comes up marriage pops up originally was given to Adam and Eve it wasn't given to only Christians it was given to human beings as human beings and therefore it's not not a church ceremony that makes you married though it can it's not jumping over a broom that makes you married it's not stamping on a glass that makes you married it's not it's not the rings that make you married what is it makes you married what makes you married is this a permanent and exclusive public legal commitment to share your lives together all aspects of it it's got to be permanent it's got to be exclusive some people say it's time to have renewable contract marriages you get married for three years and you have an option for three more you've heard that now that might be interesting but that's not a marriage by the Christian definition even the prenuptual agreement be honest with you uh radically cuts at the root of the Christian definition of marriage the Christian definition of marriage is a permanent and exclusive promise to share every part of your life with somebody else it's got to be a public legal commitment a permanent exclusive public legal commitment to share your life with with somebody else every part of your life if you say no it's not permanent it's every for 3 years that's not marriage if you say it's not every part of your life just here and here and here could be a prenuptual agreement you you don't get this or that all those things get at the root of marriage the Christian definition of marriage is permanent it's exclusive it's a legal public binding permanent exclusive commitment to share every part of your life with somebody else now how you do that whether it's with a minister whether it's with a captain a juses of the piece whether you jump over a broomstick where The Exchange rings it makes no difference [14:30]

The power of marriage is an unselfishness which is created by the spirit secondly we talked about the definition of marriage the definition of marriage and you know since I spoke on that last week I can give you a little concise thing the the essence of marriage is a covenant a legal legal commitment somebody afterwards said to me but that still doesn't tell me what is a legal what makes a marriage a marriage is it a minister now there's a difference of opinion uh on between Catholics and Protestants on this and I I'm absolutely absolutely believing uh believe that the Protestant approach is Right Catholic Church will say only a priest can marry somebody isn't that right Protestants will say a priest can marry a minister can marry a Justice of the Peace marriage is marriage it doesn't matter whether it's a captain on a ship it doesn't matter whether it's a Justice of the Peace marriage is marriage why because look in the Bible where marriage comes up marriage pops up originally was given to Adam and Eve it wasn't given to only Christians it was given to human beings as human beings and therefore it's not not a church ceremony that makes you married though it can it's not jumping over a broom that makes you married it's not stamping on a glass that makes you married it's not it's not the rings that make you married what is it makes you married what makes you married is this a permanent and exclusive public legal commitment to share your lives together all aspects of it it's got to be permanent it's got to be exclusive some people say it's time to have renewable contract marriages you get married for three years and you have an option for three more you've heard that now that might be interesting but that's not a marriage by the Christian definition even the prenuptual agreement be honest with you uh radically cuts at the root of the Christian definition of marriage the Christian definition of marriage is a permanent and exclusive promise to share every part of your life with somebody else it's got to be a public legal commitment a permanent exclusive public legal commitment to share your life with with somebody else every part of your life if you say no it's not permanent it's every for 3 years that's not marriage if you say it's not every part of your life just here and here and here could be a prenuptual agreement you you don't get this or that all those things get at the root of marriage the Christian definition of marriage is permanent it's exclusive it's a legal public binding permanent exclusive commitment to share every part of your life with somebody else now how you do that whether it's with a minister whether it's with a captain a juses of the piece whether you jump over a broomstick where The Exchange rings it makes no difference [14:30]

The essence of marriage is a covenant, a legal legal commitment somebody afterwards said to me but that still doesn't tell me what is a legal what makes a marriage a marriage is it a minister now there's a difference of opinion uh on between Catholics and Protestants on this and I I'm absolutely absolutely believing uh believe that the Protestant approach is Right Catholic Church will say only a priest can marry somebody isn't that right Protestants will say a priest can marry a minister can marry a Justice of the Peace marriage is marriage it doesn't matter whether it's a captain on a ship it doesn't matter whether it's a Justice of the Peace marriage is marriage why because look in the Bible where marriage comes up marriage pops up originally was given to Adam and Eve it wasn't given to only Christians it was given to human beings as human beings and therefore it's not not a church ceremony that makes you married though it can it's not jumping over a broom that makes you married it's not stamping on a glass that makes you married it's not it's not the rings that make you married what is it makes you married what makes you married is this a permanent and exclusive public legal commitment to share your lives together all aspects of it it's got to be permanent it's got to be exclusive some people say it's time to have renewable contract marriages you get married for three years and you have an option for three more you've heard that now that might be interesting but that's not a marriage by the Christian definition even the prenuptual agreement be honest with you uh radically cuts at the root of the Christian definition of marriage the Christian definition of marriage is a permanent and exclusive promise to share every part of your life with somebody else it's got to be a public legal commitment a permanent exclusive public legal commitment to share your life with with somebody else every part of your life if you say no it's not permanent it's every for 3 years that's not marriage if you say it's not every part of your life just here and here and here could be a prenuptual agreement you you don't get this or that all those things get at the root of marriage the Christian definition of marriage is permanent it's exclusive it's a legal public binding permanent exclusive commitment to share every part of your life with somebody else now how you do that whether it's with a minister whether it's with a captain a juses of the piece whether you jump over a broomstick where The Exchange rings it makes no difference [14:30]

The essence of marriage is a covenant, a legal legal commitment somebody afterwards said to me but that still doesn't tell me what is a legal what makes a marriage a marriage is it a minister now there's a difference of opinion uh on between Catholics and Protestants on this and I I'm absolutely absolutely believing uh believe that the Protestant approach is Right Catholic Church will say only a priest can marry somebody isn't that right Protestants will say a priest can marry a minister can marry a Justice of the Peace marriage is marriage it doesn't matter whether it's a captain on a ship it doesn't matter whether it's a Justice of the Peace marriage is marriage why because look in the Bible where marriage comes up marriage pops up originally was given to Adam and Eve it wasn't given to only Christians it was given to human beings as human beings and therefore it's not not a church ceremony that makes you married though it can it's not jumping over a broom that makes you married it's not stamping on a glass that makes you married it's not it's not the rings that make you married what is it makes you married what makes you married is this a permanent and exclusive public legal commitment to share your lives together all aspects of it it's got to be permanent it's got to be exclusive some people say it's time to have renewable contract marriages you get married for three years and you have an option for three more you've heard that now that might be interesting but that's not a marriage by the Christian definition even the prenuptual agreement be honest with you uh radically cuts at the root of the Christian definition of marriage the Christian definition of marriage is a permanent and exclusive promise to share every part of your life with somebody else it's got to be a public legal commitment a permanent exclusive public legal commitment to share your life with with somebody else every part of your life if you say no it's not permanent it's every for 3 years that's not marriage if you say it's not every part of your life just here and here and here could be a prenuptual agreement you you don't get this or that all those things get at the root of marriage the Christian definition of marriage is permanent it's exclusive it's a legal public binding permanent exclusive commitment to share every part of your life with somebody else now how you do that whether it's with a minister whether it's with a captain a juses of the piece whether you jump over a broomstick where The Exchange rings it makes no difference [14:30]

The essence of marriage is a covenant, a legal legal commitment somebody afterwards said to me but that still doesn't tell me what is a legal what makes a marriage a marriage is it a minister now there's a difference of opinion uh on between Catholics and Protestants on this and I I'm absolutely absolutely believing uh believe that the Protestant approach is Right Catholic Church will say only a priest can marry somebody isn't that right Protestants will say a priest can marry a minister can marry a Justice of the Peace marriage is marriage it doesn't matter whether it's a captain on a ship it doesn't matter whether it's a Justice of the Peace marriage is marriage why because look in the Bible where marriage comes up marriage pops up originally was given to Adam and Eve it wasn't given to only Christians it was given to human beings as human beings and therefore it's not not a church ceremony that makes you married though it can it's not jumping over a broom that makes you married it's not stamping on a glass that makes you married it's not it's not the rings that make you married what is it makes you married what makes you married is this a permanent and exclusive public legal commitment to share your lives together all aspects of it it's got to be permanent it's got to be exclusive some people say it's time to have renewable contract marriages you get married for three years and you have an option for three more you've heard that now that might be interesting but that's not a marriage by the Christian definition even the prenuptual agreement be honest with you uh radically cuts at the root of the Christian definition of marriage the Christian definition of marriage is a permanent and exclusive promise to share every part of your life with somebody else it's got to be a public legal commitment a permanent exclusive public legal commitment to share your life with with somebody else every part of your life if you say no it's not permanent it's every for 3 years that's not marriage if you say it's not every part of your life just here and here and here could be a prenuptual agreement you you don't get this or that all those things get at the root of marriage the Christian definition of marriage is permanent it's exclusive it's a legal public binding permanent exclusive commitment to share every part of your life with somebody else now how you do that whether it's with a minister whether it's with a captain a juses of the piece whether you jump over a broomstick where The Exchange rings it makes no difference [14:30]

The essence of marriage is a covenant, a legal legal commitment somebody afterwards said to me but that still doesn't tell me what is a legal what makes a marriage a marriage is it a minister now there's a difference of opinion uh on between Catholics and Protestants on this and I I'm absolutely absolutely believing uh believe that the Protestant approach is Right Catholic Church will say only a priest can marry somebody isn't that right Protestants will say a priest can marry a minister can marry a Justice of the Peace marriage is marriage it doesn't matter whether it's a captain on a ship it doesn't matter whether it's a Justice of the Peace marriage is marriage why because look in the Bible where marriage comes up marriage pops up originally was given to Adam and Eve it wasn't given to only Christians it was given to human beings as human beings and therefore it's not not a church ceremony that makes you married though it can it's not jumping over a broom that makes you married it's not stamping on a glass that makes you married it's not it's not the rings that make you married what is it makes you married what makes you married is this a permanent and exclusive public legal commitment to share your lives together all aspects of it it's got to be permanent it's got to be exclusive some people say it's time to have renewable contract marriages you get married for three years and you have an option for three more you've heard that now that might be interesting but that's not a marriage by the Christian definition even the prenuptual agreement be honest with you uh radically cuts at the root of the Christian definition of marriage the Christian definition of marriage is a permanent and exclusive promise to share every part of your life with somebody else it's got to be a public legal commitment a permanent exclusive public legal commitment to share your life with with somebody else every part of your life if you say no it's not permanent it's every for 3 years that's not marriage if you say it's not every part of your life just here and here and here could be a prenuptual agreement you you don't get this or that all those things get at the root of marriage the Christian definition of marriage is permanent it's exclusive it's a legal public binding permanent exclusive commitment to share every part of your life with somebody else now how you do that whether it's with a minister whether it's with a captain a juses of the piece whether you jump over a broomstick where The Exchange rings it makes no difference [14:30]

The essence of marriage is a covenant, a legal legal commitment somebody afterwards said to me but that still doesn't tell me what is a legal what makes a marriage a marriage is it a minister now there's a difference of opinion uh on between Catholics and Protestants on this and I I'm absolutely absolutely believing uh believe that the Protestant approach is Right Catholic Church will say only a priest can marry somebody isn't that right Protestants will say a priest can marry a minister can marry a Justice of the Peace marriage is marriage it doesn't matter whether it's a captain on a ship it doesn't matter whether it's a Justice of the Peace marriage is marriage why because look in the Bible where marriage comes up marriage pops up originally was given to Adam and Eve it wasn't given to only Christians it was given to human beings as human beings and therefore it's not not a church ceremony that makes you married though it can it's not jumping over a broom that makes you married it's not stamping on a glass that makes you married it's not it's not the rings that make you married what is it makes you married what makes you married is this a permanent and exclusive public legal commitment to share your lives together all aspects of it it's got to be permanent it's got to be exclusive some people say it's time to have renewable contract marriages you get married for three years and you have an option for three more you've heard that now that might be interesting but that's not a marriage by the Christian definition even the prenuptual agreement be honest with you uh radically cuts at the root of the Christian definition of marriage the Christian definition of marriage is a permanent and exclusive promise to share every part of your life with somebody else it's got to be a public legal commitment a permanent exclusive public legal commitment to share your life with with somebody else every part of your life if you say no it's not permanent it's every for 3 years that's not marriage if you say it's not every part of your life just here and here and here could be a prenuptual agreement you you don't get this or that all those things get at the root of marriage the Christian definition of marriage is permanent it's exclusive it's a legal public binding permanent exclusive commitment to share every part of your life with somebody else now how you do that whether it's with a minister whether it's with a captain a juses of the piece whether you jump over a broomstick where The Exchange rings it makes no difference [14:30]

The essence of marriage is a covenant, a legal legal commitment somebody afterwards said to me but that still doesn't tell me what is a legal what makes a marriage a marriage is it a minister now there's a difference of opinion uh on between Catholics and Protestants on this and I I'm absolutely absolutely believing uh believe that the Protestant approach is Right Catholic Church will say only a priest can marry somebody isn't that right Protestants will say a priest can marry a minister can marry a Justice of the Peace marriage is marriage it doesn't matter whether it's a captain on a ship it doesn't matter whether it's a Justice of the Peace marriage is marriage why because look in the Bible where marriage comes up marriage pops up originally was given to Adam and Eve it wasn't given to only Christians it was given to human beings as human beings and therefore it's not not a church ceremony that makes you married though it can it's not jumping over a broom that makes you married it's not stamping on a glass that makes you married it's not it's not the rings that make you married what is it makes you married what makes you married is this a permanent and exclusive public legal commitment to share your lives together all aspects of it it's got to be permanent it's got to be exclusive some people say it's time to have renewable contract marriages you get married for three years and you have an option for three more you've heard that now that might be interesting but that's not a marriage by the Christian definition even the prenuptual agreement be honest with you uh radically cuts at the root of the Christian definition of marriage the Christian definition of marriage is a permanent and exclusive promise to share every part of your life with somebody else it's got to be a public legal commitment a permanent exclusive public legal commitment to share your life with with somebody else every part of your life if you say no it's not permanent it's every for 3 years that's not marriage if you say it's not every part of your life just here and here and here could be a prenuptual agreement you you don't get this or that all those things get at the root of marriage the Christian definition of marriage is permanent it's exclusive it's a legal public binding permanent exclusive commitment to share every part of your life with somebody else now how you do that whether it's with a minister whether it's with a captain a juses of the piece whether you jump over a broomstick where The Exchange rings it makes no difference [14:30]

The essence of marriage is a covenant, a legal legal commitment somebody afterwards said to me but that still doesn't tell me what is a legal what makes a marriage a marriage is it a minister now there's a difference of opinion uh on between Catholics and Protestants on this and I I'm absolutely absolutely believing uh believe that the Protestant approach is Right Catholic Church will say only a priest can marry somebody isn't that right Protestants will say a priest can marry a minister can marry a Justice of the Peace marriage is marriage it doesn't matter whether it's a captain on a ship it doesn't matter whether it's a Justice of the Peace marriage is marriage why because look in the Bible where marriage comes up marriage pops up originally was given to Adam and Eve it wasn't given to only Christians it was given to human beings as human beings and therefore it's not not a church ceremony that makes you married though it can it's not jumping over a broom that makes you married it's not stamping on a glass that makes you married it's not it's not the rings that make you married what is it makes you married what makes you married is this a permanent and exclusive public legal commitment to share your lives together all aspects of it it's got to be permanent it's got to be exclusive some people say it's time to have renewable contract marriages you get married for three years and you have an option for three more you've heard that now that might be interesting but that's not a marriage by the Christian definition even the prenuptual agreement be honest with you uh radically cuts at the root of the Christian definition of marriage the Christian definition of marriage is a permanent and exclusive promise to share every part of your life with somebody else it's got to be a public legal commitment a permanent exclusive public legal commitment to share your life with with somebody else every part of your life if you say no it's not permanent it's every for 3 years that's not marriage if you say it's not every part of your life just here and here and here could be a prenuptual agreement you you don't get this or that all those things get at the root of marriage the Christian definition of marriage is permanent it's exclusive it's a legal public binding permanent exclusive commitment to share every part of your life with somebody else now how you do that whether it's with a minister whether it's with a captain a juses of the piece whether you jump over a broomstick where The Exchange rings it makes no difference [14:30]

The essence of marriage is a covenant, a legal legal commitment somebody afterwards said to me but that still doesn't tell me what is a legal what makes a marriage a marriage is it a minister now there's a difference of opinion uh on between Catholics and Protestants on this and I I'm absolutely absolutely believing uh believe that the Protestant approach is Right Catholic Church will say only a priest can marry somebody isn't that right Protestants will say a priest can marry a minister can marry a Justice of the Peace marriage is marriage it doesn't matter whether it's a captain on a ship it doesn't matter whether it's a Justice of the Peace marriage is marriage why because look in the Bible where marriage comes up marriage pops up originally was given to Adam and Eve it wasn't given to only Christians it was given to human beings as human beings and therefore it's not not a church ceremony that makes you married though it can it's not jumping over a broom that makes you married it's not stamping on a glass that makes you married it's not it's not the rings that make you married what is it makes you married what makes you married is this a permanent and exclusive public legal commitment to share your lives together all aspects of it it's got to be permanent it's got to be exclusive some people say it's time to have renewable contract marriages you get married for three years and you have an option for three more you've heard that now that might be interesting but that's not a marriage by the Christian definition even the prenuptual agreement be honest with you uh radically cuts at the root of the Christian definition of marriage the Christian definition of marriage is a permanent and exclusive promise to share every part of your life with somebody else it's got to be a public legal commitment a permanent exclusive public legal commitment to share your life with with somebody else every part of your life if you say no it's not permanent it's every for 3 years that's not marriage if you say it's not every part of your life just here and here and here could be a prenuptual agreement you you don't get this or that all those things get at the root of marriage the Christian definition of marriage is permanent it's exclusive it's a legal public binding permanent exclusive commitment to share every part of your life with somebody else now how you do that whether it's with a minister whether it's with a captain a juses of the piece whether you jump over a broomstick where The Exchange rings it makes no difference [14:30]

The essence of marriage is a covenant, a legal legal commitment somebody afterwards said to me but that still doesn't tell me what is a legal what makes a marriage a marriage is it a minister now there's a difference of opinion uh on between Catholics and Protestants on this and I I'm absolutely absolutely believing uh believe that the Protestant approach is Right Catholic Church will say only a priest can marry somebody isn't that right Protestants will say a priest can marry a minister can marry a Justice of the Peace marriage is marriage it doesn't matter whether it's a captain on a ship it doesn't matter whether it's a Justice of the Peace marriage is marriage why because look in the Bible where marriage comes up marriage pops up originally was given to Adam and Eve it wasn't given to only Christians it was given to human beings as human beings and therefore it's not not a church ceremony that makes you married though it can it's not jumping over a broom that makes you married it's not stamping on a glass that makes you married it's not it's not the rings that make you married what is it makes you married what makes you married is this a permanent and exclusive public legal commitment to share your lives together all aspects of it it's got to be permanent it's got to be exclusive some people say it's time to have renewable contract marriages you get married for three years and you have an option for three more you've heard that now that might be interesting but that's not a marriage by the Christian definition even the prenuptual agreement be honest with you uh radically cuts at the root of the Christian definition of marriage the Christian definition of marriage is a permanent and exclusive promise to share every part of your life with somebody else it's got to be a public legal commitment a permanent exclusive public legal commitment to share your life with with somebody else every part of your life if you say no it's not permanent it's every for 3 years that's not marriage if you say it's not every part of your life just here and here and here could be a prenuptual agreement you you don't get this or that all those things get at the root of marriage the Christian definition of marriage is permanent it's exclusive it's a legal public binding permanent exclusive commitment to share every part of your life with somebody else now how you do that whether it's with a minister whether it's with a captain a juses of the piece whether you jump over a broomstick where The Exchange rings it makes no difference [14:30]

The essence of marriage is a covenant, a legal legal commitment somebody afterwards said to me but that still doesn't tell me what is a legal what makes a marriage a marriage is it a minister now there's a difference of opinion uh on between Catholics and Protestants on this and I I'm absolutely absolutely believing uh believe that the Protestant approach is Right Catholic Church will say only a priest can marry somebody isn't that right Protestants will say a priest can marry a minister can marry a Justice of the Peace marriage is marriage it doesn't matter whether it's a captain on a ship it doesn't matter whether it's a Justice of the Peace marriage is marriage why because look in the Bible where marriage comes up marriage pops up originally was given to Adam and Eve it wasn't given to only Christians it was given to human beings as human beings and therefore it's not not a church ceremony that makes you married though it can it's not jumping over a broom that makes you married it's not stamping on a glass that makes you married it's not it's not the rings that make you married what is it makes you married what makes you married is this a permanent and exclusive public legal commitment to share your lives together all aspects of it it's got to be permanent it's got to be exclusive some people say it's time to have renewable contract marriages you get married for three years and you have an option for three more you've heard that now that might be interesting but that's not a marriage by the Christian definition even the prenuptual agreement be honest with you uh radically cuts at the root of the Christian definition of marriage the Christian definition of marriage is a permanent and exclusive promise to share every part of your life with somebody else it's got to be a public legal commitment a permanent exclusive public legal commitment to share your life with with somebody else every part of your life if you say no it's not permanent it's every for 3 years that's not marriage if you say it's not every part of your life just here and here and here could be a prenuptual agreement you you don't get this or that all those things get at the root of marriage the Christian definition of marriage is permanent it's exclusive it's a legal public binding permanent exclusive commitment to share every part of your life with somebody else now how you do that whether it's with a minister whether it's with a captain a juses of the piece whether you jump over a broomstick where The Exchange rings it makes no difference [14:30]

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