The Challenge of Marriage

Amy & the Belt

Image of God… Renewed in the Church

Grace - Unconditional Acceptance and Provision at Christ’s Expense

Embrace the Submission

Submission for secular people is scary and counter-intuitive.

It invites shame.

Submission however is a way of giving the other person what they need.

But what if God is saying something that actually every couple really wants?

Living a drama - Playing a role can feel uncomfortable

Learn to play the role consistently - Role in the play

Don’t value one role over another

You are either playing a role in God’s play or some other farce

Don Knotts - That's right, karate... made my whole body a weapon.

How to give a gift to the other person in such a way as to live out the drama of love for the other as Christ loved the church?

Grow in Practicing Love and Respect

Couple vs Chairs

Closeness - Face to Face (on the same team)

Openness - Let her know how you feel

Esteem - Money

Conquest - Dream

Insight - Fixing

Relationship - Shoulder to Shoulder

Dealing with power plays

What if they won’t play their role? It never says force the issue.

The one who won’t play their role holds the power. Power is not equivalent to responsibility.

Pray, Serve, Question, Ask for Help

What’s normal vs abusive? Be a part of a church community.

If it’s always a discussion of how you are failing and never how they need to do better, that’s abusive.

If there’s never a discussion, that’s abusive.

This is speaking the Truth in Love