Bible Text: Selected Scripture | Preacher: Pastor Joe Ricchuiti | Series: God’s Design for Marriage

Recap of 7/7/13:

(Marriage Killers #’s 6, 7, & 8 are expansions of the thoughts of writer Don Meredith in the book Becoming One)

1.  Marriage Killer #6 – “The deceptive 50/50 relationship,” a performance based relationship in which each spouse is expected to “do their part” and match the effort of the other spouse.  It takes a 100% commitment on the part of each person to the marriage, to God, to each other.  A half effort will not do. (Mark 12:28-31)

2.  Marriage Killer #7 – The “inability to cope with trials.”  A wrong expectation, that somehow Christians and Christian marriages will not experience trials. Unprepared for trials a couple is driven apart or to bitterness, or to blaming the other partner when a trial comes. Trials require support, not criticism and blame.  God uses trials in the lives of believers to mature them and to prove their faith (James 1:2, 3, 12; 1 Peter 1:6, 7). “Frustrations and disappointments are a part of life, but how they affect us is basically our choice.  We can allow a disappointment to hamper us, destroy us, and even destroy our marriage.  But another response is to accept the disappointment, learn from it, and then make some new plans or alternatives. (H. Norman Wright)

2.  Marriage Killer #8 – Confusion and changes in society regarding marriage and the roles of men and women in marriage, an acceptance of divorce and of cohabitation, lack of familial and cultural support for marriage, fractured homes producing fractured homes, TV, satellite and cable, and a preponderance of communication devices but little communication.  Of the potential danger of social media, one writer warns: “If you’re married and have a Facebook account, have you built in safeguards?  A work colleague told me that she and her husband agreed not to add former girlfriends or boyfriends as friends on Facebook.  It starts out so innocently.  Someone tries to ‘friend’ you, or you’re just reconnecting with an old college friend.  You might even innocently send them a message.  Then they write back and suggest meeting for coffee.  And if you happen to be in a place where things aren’t the best at home, you’re a prime candidate for a fall.  Online can move off-line in a hurry.” (Bob Merritt)