Visited Willamette Christian Church this morning where Pastor Joel Dombrow gave a great message on marriage. As Corey and I are preparing for our own marriage, I found the message especially interesting and thought it would be appropriate to share some of it on here.
Pastor Joel started out by explaining that he knew this topic would be sensitive for some people, but that it's an issue the Church can't ignore. Marriages in the United States seem to be more fragile than ever, people are uncommitted and lack loyalty and devotion. I realize that I've never been married, and perhaps don't have a real voice to speak to this issue, but it seems obvious from the statistics that something is wrong. According to the United States Census Bureau, in 2009 there were 23,000 marriages in Oregon and 13,000 divorces. There is a trend with fewer people getting married and more people getting divorced. I believe Joel was 100% correct when he said that the world wants to rip apart your marriage, and it never stops... until you die. He pointed out that often times people have higher expectations for their spouse than for God. We believe the lie that this one person will meet all our needs and make everything better. Then we're disappointed when they don't live up to this impossible task.
During the service this morning, Pastor Joel gave 3 reasons people either wait so long to get married or don't get married:
1. People think marriage is unintelligent
2. People think marriage is unnecessary
3. People think marriage is unrealistic
Statistic: Approximately 90% of people in the United States will get married, but less than 50% of them will remain married over 15 years. Additionally, 60% of married women and 70% of married men will have an affair at some point. -- The world's way of doing relationships doesn't work. Marriage is a BIG deal to God (Matthew 19:3-10).
Here are the main 5 points about marriage that Pastor Joel spoke on:
1. Marriage is more wonderful than anyone on earth understands.
It was created and designed by God, he saw there was no suitable helper for Adam and he created Eve.
2. Marriage is God's work!
God brought Adam and Eve together, he gave the bride away (Genesis 2:18-25)
3. Marriage is precious!
Don't treat it carelessly or casually. Cherish, honor, and protect your marriage. Some people put more thought into their fantasy football team than into cherishing their marriage. Or they put more work into keeping their lawn green than into protecting their marriage. Your marriage is more important than sports, keeping a nice yard, or even having a successful career. Instead of being Corey and Betsy, once we're married we're one, CoreyandBetsy. Joel pointed out that even if you aren't married, marriage is to be honored- pray for marriage, stay away from other peoples' marriages.
4. Marriage is intended to last.
The thought has to be, "Even if you hate me, I will still love you," because that's what God says to us. Even when we push him away, he loves us and longs to be close to us. God never gives up on us, he tells us "I'm always available for you." And that's what we need to be to each other in marriage. This kind of relationship and love is in many ways beyond our comprehension, it's not circumstantial love but it's covenantal love. Through marriage two are linked as one forever. Instead of 1+1=2, in marriage 1+1=1. We must be 100% devoted to each other... forever. 'Til death do us part is literal, not metaphorical. This love and devotion that God models to us, is what he intended for our marriages.
5. The purpose of marriage is for God's glory
When we extend grace to one another, we show the world that God is gracious. Joel told everyone to be the kind of person who is worthy of being married. Remember from the first point, that marriage is more wonderful than anyone on earth understands and it's a gift designed by God. Be the kind of person who is worthy of such a wonderful gift. We aren't perfect, but we can be faithful and do our best. Fight for your marriage, fight for the reputation of your God.
Well, I left church feeling very encouraged and inspired. I'd encourage everyone to listen to the sermon online or download the podcast on itunes. Listening to Joel would convey the message a lot better than reading my notes. I'm excited and feel honored to be going into this new season of life with such a wonderful man. And I feel blessed to know we are loved by such a wonderful and loving God. I know we will have a lot of work ahead of us and it's not going to be easy at times, but I'm excited and with God's help I know it'll be amazing!
