Sermon audio is available here.

 

   

I.    Introduction
      A.  God intended marriage to be a true blessing for the human race.
            1.  He instituted it literally from the beginning. (Genesis 2:18-24)
            2.  ”Let marriage be held in honor among all” (Hebrews 13:4; Matthew 19: 3-9)
      B.  Sadly, God’s plan for marriage is coming under increased attack.
            1.  American society is more and more rejecting God’s plan.
            2.  In the name of “freedom”, our nation is redefining the most important social relationship.
            3.  But the freedom they proclaim is filled with negative consequences. (II Peter 2:19)
II.   The Forms of the Assaults
      A.  Divorce
            1.  There are a number of reasons marriages fail
            2.  But none have anything to do with God’s plan.
            3.  Man is not to separate a union that God has established. (Matthew 19:3,ff)
            4.  The disrespect for marriage shown by divorce is opening the door for other problems.
      B.  Cohabitation
            1.  This is also becoming more commonplace as a result of disdain for marriage.
            2.  It is a sinful abuse of that which God gave to the married couple (Genesis 2:24)
            3.  God will judge those who practice fornication (Hebrews 13:4; I Corinthians 6:9-10)
      C.  Homosexual “marriage”
            1.  A most hideous, perverted abomination of marriage is rapidly growing.
            2.  These mock God’s design for marriage (Romans 1:26-28; I Corinthians 6:9-10)
      D.  Polygamy
            1.  What was inconceivable in our nation only a few years ago is suddenly an issue.
            2.  It is being ushered in through religious practice.
                 a.  Islam already provides for it
                 b.  Mormonism is increasingly returning to it
            3.  Polygamy is a deviation from God’s plan for the home.
                 a.  Such a practice assumes God can’t count.  He made exactly one woman for Adam.
                 b.  He requires exactly one wife for elders, deacons of the church (I Timothy 3:2, 12)
III.  The Aftermath
      A.  Failed homes
            1.  We have seen what happens as a result of divorces – Children traumatized, strained relationships
                 in the church, an obstacle to conversion
            2.  When polygamy was practiced in the Old Testament, problems followed (Strife, an insatiable
                 desire for more)
      B.  Failed society
            1.  When accursed relationships are treated on the same terms as husband-wife marriage, sin will
                 abound.
            2.  We have seen what happens as a result of cohabitation – desertion, children in poverty, crime
            3.  These rejections of God’s plan constitute a reproach upon our nation. (Proverbs 14:34)
IV.  Our Duty
      A.  Be committed to our marriages
      B.  We must teach our children the sacred nature of marriage.
      C.  Continue to proclain God’s definition of marriage

April 5, 2009
Glenn Record