SF623 - HOW TO HAVE HEAVEN AT YOUR ADDRESS ( Psalm 127 1)
SF623
HOW TO HAVE HEAVEN AT YOUR ADDRESS
Psalm 127:1
INTRODUCTION
Every one is Talking about Family Values
“We are a family and we have values” Christopher Reeve @ Democratic Convention
“You want to talk about family values, my family’s value at $15 billion, now that’s family values.” Ross Perot
Yet Our Families are in Trouble
The divorce rate continues to climb
Teenage pregnancy continues at an epidemic rate
Desertion and abuse are at unprecedented levels
These are complex and difficult issues - But we serve a wise and powerful God!!!
Dr. Billy Graham’s Column...
Four C’s for marriage...
Commitment - Consideration - Communication - Christ
I want to borrow Dr. Graham’s four C’s for the backbone of this message...
1A. YOU MUST HAVE AN UNCOMPROMISING COMMITMENT TO YOUR MATE
1B. Understand that Love is a Fact not a Feeling!
(Romans 5:8) "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
(Ephesians 5:25) "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her"
2B. Understand that Marriage is a Covenant not a Contract
A contract is a human agreement
A covenant is a heavenly commitment!
(Malachi 2:14) "You ask, "Why?" It is because the LORD is acting as the witness between you and the wife of your youth, because you have broken faith with her, though she is your partner, the wife of your marriage covenant."
This is the same language that God uses to describe his relationship with believers...
(Jeremiah 32:40) "I will make an everlasting covenant with them: I will never stop doing good to them, and I will inspire them to fear me, so that they will never turn away from me."
(Luke 22:20) "In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you."
3B. Understand that Divorce is an Exception not an Escape
Malachi 2:13-17
2A. YOU MUST DEMONSTRATE AN UNSELFISH CONSIDERATION FOR YOUR MATE
1B. You Must Accept Your Partner as God’s Gift to You
(Ephesians 2:10) "For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus ..."
2B. You Must Accept Responsibility for Your Partner’s Personality
Our mates will become what we make them.
3B. You Must Love your Partner Unconditionally
(1 Corinthians 13:4‑8a) "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. {5} It is not rude, it is not self‑seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. {6} Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. {7} It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. {8} Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away."
3A. YOU MUST MAINTAIN OPEN COMMUNICATION WITH YOUR MATE
Rules for a Happy Marriage...(copied)
Never both be angry at the same time.
Never yell at each other unless the house is on fire.
If one of you has to win an argument, let it be your mate.
If you criticize, do it lovingly and to them alone.
Never bring up mistakes of the past.
Neglect the whole world rather than each other.
Never go to sleep with an argument unsettled.
At least once every day try to say one kind or complimentary thing to your life’s partner.
When you have done something wrong, be ready to admit it and ask for forgiveness.
It takes two to make a quarrel and the one in the wrong is the one who does the most talking.
4A. YOU MUST HAVE A PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP WITH CHRIST
1B. The Matter of Relationship
(John 3:3) "In reply Jesus declared, "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.""
2B. The Matter of Lordship
(Romans 10:9‑10) "That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. {10} For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved."
3B. The Matter of Discipleship
We are called to follow...
Two types of Christians
Spirit controlled (1 Corinthians 2:15-16)
Worldly - Carnal (1 Corinthians 3:1-3)
APPLICATION
God must be and Active Participant in Your Marriage...