25th Wedding Anniversary

Point:Marriage is…

Marriage is a lifelong covenant made between one man, one woman, under God.

A covenant consists of promises made to each other that define the relationship between those involved.

Today we are here to celebrate the covenant between Andy and Jenn

Reason: Biblical Examples

We see examples of covenants all throughout history.

The book of Genesis tells us of a time when God wiped out all of the wickedness from the world, but that wasn’t quite the longterm solution we needed. And God recognizes this, making a covenant with Noah where He lays His bow in the clouds, promising to never again turn His wrath against the whole world.

Instead, pointing it upward towards the heavens. Foreshadowing the sacrifice He would one day make for all of us.

The gospel of John tells us about this new covenant. Saying that

John 3:16 CSB

For God loved the world in this way: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.

And as some wise guy always told me growing up, this verse is central to everything.

But that’s not all, verse 17 goes on to say,

John 3:17 CSB

For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

The Bible explains this sacrifice as a new covenant. One that reconciles us back to God, and justifies us for the sin each and every one of us deals with daily.

It also tells us that this new covenant was bought with the blood, sweat, and tears of Christ Jesus.

Today we are here to celebrate the 25 years of faithful covenant marriage between Andy and Jenn, or as I know them Dad and Mom.

Although this covenant wasn’t bought with blood, sweat, and tears, it has definitely endured it’s fair share of it.

And as I’ve begun my covenant just a few years ago, in this very chapel, I’ve learned it’s not a lack of,

but it’s the commitment to one another through the blood, sweat, and tears

That’s what defines a lasting and fruitful marriage that honors God above all things.

Example: Blood, Sweat, and Tears

Many of you here today have been there with us through:

The good and bad of the last 25 years

the countless back-breaking remodels and house projects

and you’ve also been there through

the loss of loved ones whom we eagerly await and hope to see again one day in the resurrection

Loudest Gospel Message

A quote I think of frequently is this from Pete Scazzero

“Your marriage should be your loudest gospel message.”

No matter how many messages you preach, or how big a stage you preach from, or how many people you preach to,

Your marriage should speak louder…

Louder of the transformative power of the gospel to those around you than any message you could possibly preach.

I think everyone in this room today can attest that this marriage is your loudest gospel message.

Point: Marriage is…

Marriage is a lifelong covenant between one man, one woman, and God.

So if you would celebrate with me as we have the privilege to hear today the renewal of vows,

or in other words,

the renewal of promises that have defined this covenant between Andy and Jenn under Gods provision throughout the past 25 years of their marriage.

Andy please read to Jenn your letter of renewal

Jenn please read to Andy your letter of renewal