The Weekly SERMON

Volume No. 2016 Issue No. 23 Date July 17, 2016

Publication of the BIBLE BAPTIST MINISTRY, 48 Alexie Rd, Hanover Township, PA 18706

Phone: 570.829.5216

This Weekly Sermon cover letter is the second of three that will focus on the INSTITUTION OF MARRIAGE. In Proverbs 24:3-4 we read, “Through wisdom is an house builded; and by understanding it is established: (4) And by knowledge shall the chambers be filled with all precious and pleasant riches.” Let me give you some marriage wisdom to make a marriage made in heaven work.

First: Marriage is love. Love is more than physical attraction that leads to sexual satisfaction. True love is an emotional and spiritual attachment that grows stronger and deeper with the passing of time.

The husband is to love his wife with an unselfish, sacrificial love, Ephesians 5:25 tell us, "Husbands love your wife." This refers to Agape love of Christ to us. Wives ought to love their husband physically and romantically. In Titus 2:4 we read, "…to love their husbands…" This is the Greek word "phileo" which means affection. A good marriage must include affection and from the scripture the women is the leader in this area.

Second: Marriage is friendship. Your wife or your husband should be your best friend.

Third: Marriage is communication. Communication is the conduit through which ideas and feelings pass freely from one partner to another. No marriage will survive without communication. Communication is a dialogue, not a monologue.

Fourth: Marriage is forgiveness. Remember, “To err is human; to forgive is divine.” Forgiveness is not just a feeling; it is a clear-cut choice. It is saying, "I love you, and I believe in you." Forgiveness is accepting the worst and hoping for the best.

Fifth: Never speak in disagreement. You are not the final authority on EVERYTHING, so it is possible that you may be wrong. Never be intolerant of your mate's diverse ideas.

Sixth: Divide areas of choice. Each one in a marriage relationship should have assigned areas, and that one should be the one who makes the decisions in that area.

Seventh: Treat your spouse as you would treat Jesus. This principle is found in Matthew 25:34-40. Every time we do right to our spouse, we do right to Jesus.

Eight: Do not interfere with your mate's discipline of the children. It is wiser to allow the other to carry out the discipline than for that child to see the two parents fighting or even disagreeing. Eventually, the child will learn to play the two parents against each other. I have seen this happen over and over again.

Ninth: Realize marriage is not an agreement, but a covenant commitment. The marriage ceremony is a sacred commitment. It is not, "I will, if you will." It is "I will." It is, "I will if you will; and I will if you won't." Again, marriage is a commitment to your spouse, not an agreement.

Remember, the marriage made in Heaven is God’s invention. He holds the patent!

May God's blessing be upon you this week as you read and meditate on “Character – When the Flesh is Weak.” To easily access the Weekly SERMON message go to and click on the http:/ link at the bottom of this page.

In His Amazing Grace

Pastor David Miklas