TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
Haven’t you read that… [God] said, “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh?” So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate. Matthew 19:4-6
Read: Matthew 19:4-6
Listen: Matthew 19
TODAY’S MESSAGE
Jesus teaches that marriage joins one man and one woman for life. Jesus takes his listeners back to the creation story with the first man and first woman (Genesis 2:24). God’s design of marriage, even before sin entered into the world, was with this intent. Sin broke marriages (like it does everything else) but it doesn’t destroy them. It does make them more challenging.
Every marriage will have its disappointments. There will be times when expectations aren’t met and each spouse feels lonely and unheard. It’s also highly likely they might meet someone at church, work or the gym who makes them feel valued, funny or smart. There will be a magnetic draw between the two. This is when it is critical to remember that the glue to a marriage isn’t romantic love—but commitment.
As we wrap up this week, we need to rethink desire because we can easily be deceived. Affairs don’t begin in a hotel room—they begin in an office or at the gym. They don’t start sexual—they begin with our emotions. When we sense we may be moving away from our spouse somehow, it’s time to reach out and get some help.
IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY
Think about the people with whom you want to spend time. Are you dressing for someone other than your spouse? Are you planning “unplanned” meetings around the coffee pot? Have you rescheduled your gym time? If so, there’s help available. Ada Bible Church has marriage mentors ready to meet with you. Contact us at care@adabible.org to start an important conversation.
NEW TESTAMENT READING PLAN
Join us this year as we read through the New Testament.
Today’s reading is Romans 3.
Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.
