Matthew 7:24–27 NIV

“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”

The Wise and Foolish Builders

24 “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.25 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.26 But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand.27 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”

Dan & Valeria

26 de Decembro 2024

Welcome and Introduction

Good afternoon, family and friends.

We are gathered here today, in the presence of God, to witness and celebrate the union of [Valeria] and [Dan].

It is a joyous occasion filled with love and the promise of a shared future.

Today, we are not just celebrating their love for each other, but also the commitment they are making to build a life together rooted in faith and mutual respect.

"Building Marriage on the Rock"

Introduction

The parable of the "House on the Rock" teaches us about the importance of a solid foundation.

In a marriage, that solid foundation must be Christ. He is

the foundation that sustains the home against life.

Just as a house needs a strong foundation to remain firm, a marriage also needs a spiritual foundation.

Today we will see how this truth applies to the marital union.

Matthew 7:24-27: “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock...”

1. The Principle of the Rock: Jesus as the Foundation (v. 24)

Analysis of the original: The word "rock" in Greek is "petra", which means a large, immovable stone. It represents the solidity of Christ and His teachings.

Illustration: Imagine building a house on a terrible terrain; any storm can knock it down. So is a marriage without Christ at the center.

Quote: Charles Spurgeon said, "The foundation is invisible, but it is the most important part of any building."

Practical application: A couple should cultivate a life of prayer, reading the Word, and enthusiasm together. These practices are like the digging necessary to reach the rock.

Linked text: 1 Corinthians 3:11 – “For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.”

2. The Need for Obedience (v. 24)

The expression "listen to these words of mine and do them" emphasizes action and not just passive listening.

A couple who only listens to advice about marriage but does not apply it is like someone who buys the best building materials but does not use them.

Practicing the teachings of Christ means showing forgiveness, sacrificial love, and patience in the marital relationship.

Ephesians 5:25 – “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave yourselves up for her.”

Ephesians 5:25 NIV

Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her

3. Storms Will Come (v. 25 and 27)

The “rains, floods, and winds” represent inevitable difficulties, such as financial problems, illness, or conflict.

A couple may face “winds” of criticism or “rains” of disagreements, but the solid foundation keeps them together.

Billy Graham said, “Marriages that last are those sustained by prayer and dependence on God.”

Encourage couples to seek biblical and community counsel in times of crisis, rather than trying to solve everything on their own.

Psalm 46:1 – “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”

Psalm 46:1 NIV

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.

4. The Fragility of Sand: Buildings without Christ (v. 26-27)

The word "sand" symbolizes instability and superficiality.

Marriages built on appearances, material possessions, or momentary passion are like a house built on sand that collapses at the first storm.

Examine where the marriage is founded and correct weak areas, putting Christ at the center.

Proverbs 3:5-6 – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths.”

Proverbs 3:5–6 NIV

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

5. The Promise of Permanence (v. 25)

The house on the rock “did not fall.” This is a guarantee of God’s faithfulness when we follow His commandments.

Just as an ancient building remains standing after centuries, a marriage founded on Christ stands the test of time.

Psalm 127:1 – “Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain.”

Psalm 127:1 NIV

Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain.

Conclusion

Summary of Main Points: Building a marriage on the rock means listening to and practicing Christ’s teachings, facing storms with faith, and avoiding the superficiality of sand.

Call to Action: Challenge the couple to make Christ the center of their union, renewing their commitment to seek God together.

Final message: When a marriage is built on Christ, it becomes a fortress of love and witness to the world.

Closing with prayer

"Lord, bless this couple so that their union may be a house built on the rock. May they live in love, peace, and obedience to Your Word. Amen."

Traditional Vows

Now, I invite you to face each other and join hands as you exchange your vows, pledging your love and commitment.

[DAN], repeat after me:

I, [DAN], take you, [VALERIA], to be my wedded wife. To have and to hold from this day forward, For better, for worse, For richer, for poorer, In sickness and in health, To love and to cherish, Till death do us part, According to God’s holy ordinance, And thereto I pledge you my faith.

[VALERIA], repeat after me:

I, [VALERIA], take you, [DAN], to be my wedded husband. To have and to hold from this day forward, For better, for worse, For richer, for poorer, In sickness and in health, To love and to cherish, Till death do us part, According to God’s holy ordinance, And thereto I pledge you my faith.

The Ring Exchange Ceremony

The rings you are about to exchange are symbols of eternity, unity, and commitment. They are circles with no beginning and no end, representing the eternal nature of your love and the vows you have made today.

[DAN], as you place the ring on [VALERIA]’s finger, please repeat after me:

With this ring, I thee wed. In love and faithfulness, I offer you this ring as a symbol of my vow, And with all that I am, and all that I have, I honor you, in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

[VALERIA], as you place the ring on [DAN]’s finger, please repeat after me:

With this ring, I thee wed. In love and faithfulness, I offer you this ring as a symbol of my vow, And with all that I am, and all that I have, I honor you, in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

Presentation of the White Bible

At this time, I would like to present a special gift to [DAN] and [VALERIA]—a white Bible. This Bible is not just a symbol of your faith, but a guide for your new life together.

It represents the light of God's word that will illuminate your path as you journey through life as husband and wife.

To [Dan]:

As you receive this Bible, let it serve as a reminder of the love and guidance of God.

May it be the foundation upon which you build your marriage, providing wisdom and strength in times of need.

Use it as a source of inspiration and comfort, and let its teachings shape your lives and your love.

Closing Prayer and Blessing

Let us bow our heads in prayer.

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of love and the beauty of marriage.

We ask You to bless [VALERIA] and [DAN] as they begin their journey together. May their home be a place of love, joy, and peace.

Grant them wisdom in their decisions, strength in their trials, and endless love for each other.

Guide them with Your light so that they may grow in Your grace and love all the days of their lives.

In the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, we pray. Amen.

Conclusion

And now, by the power vested in me, I pronounce you husband and wife. [DAN], you may kiss your bride.

Ladies and gentlemen, it is my great honor to present to you, for the first time as a married couple, [VALERIA] and [DAN].

May your love be as endless as the ocean and as timeless as the tides. Congratulations!