1. The Sanctity of Marriage

2. Drivers License: Pass Driven & Written Tests; Be at least 16 years of age H.S. Diploma: successfully complete High School education or equivalent, Practice Law: Pass the bar examOrdained Minister: meet the requirements of the organization or religious institution, file with state. Meet the biblical requirements of 1 Timothy 3 President of the USA: Natural born citizen, 35 years of age, resident citizen of US for at least 14 years Passport: Birth Certificate, Photo ID, Fill out required paperwork 3. Marriage License: Any two people with enough sense to find the front steps of a local courthouse can be legally married. 4. What a large crowd A man was traveling down a country road when he saw a large group of people outside a house. He stopped and asked a person why the large crowd was there. A farmer replied, "Joe's mule kicked his mother-in-law and she died." "Well," replied the man, "she must have had a lot of friends.""Nope," said the farmer, "we all just want to buy his mule." 5. Three Basic Needs of Men Need #1: Food 6. Three Basic Needs of Men Need #2: Respect 7. Three Basic Needs of Men Need #3: Sex 8. Three Basic Needs of Women Need #1: Communication 9. Three Basic Needs of Women Need #2: Affection 10. Three Basic Needs of Women Need #3: Security 11. High Expectations 12. Low Preparation 13. Maximum Frustration 14. Some Words Of Wisdom HOW DO YOU DECIDE WHO TO MARRY? Answers by children 1. You got to find somebody who likes the same stuff. Like, if you like sports, she should like it that you like sports, and she should keep the chips and dip coming. >Alan,aged 10 2. No person really decides before they grow up who they're going to marry. God decides it all way before,and you get to find out later who you're stuck with. >Kirsten, age 10 WHAT IS THE RIGHT AGE TO GET MARRIED? 1. Twenty-three is the best age because you know the person FOREVER by then. >Camille, age 10 2. No age is good to get married at. You got to be a fool to ge married. >Freddie, age 6 (very wise for his age) HOW CAN A STRANGER TELL IF TWO PEOPLE ARE MARRIED?1. You might have to guess, based on whether they seem to be yelling at the same kids. >Derrick, age 8 15. WHAT DO YOU THINK YOUR MOM AND DAD HAVE IN COMMON? 1. Both don't want any more kids. >Lori, age 8 WHAT DO MOST PEOPLE DO ON A DATE? 1. Dates are for having fun, and people should use them to get to know each other. Even boys have something to say if you listen long enough. >Lynnette, age 8 (isn't she a treasure) 2. On the first date, they just tell each other lies and that usually gets them interested enough to go for a second date. >Martin, age 10 WHAT WOULD YOU DO ON A FIRST DATE THAT WAS TURNING SOUR? 1. I'd run home and play dead. The next day I would call all the newspapers and make sure they wrote about me in all the dead columns. >Craig, age 9 WOULD THE WORLD BE DIFFERENT IF PEOPLE DIDN'T GET MARRIED? 1. There sure would be a lot of kids to explain, wouldn't there 16. The Sanctity of Marriage 1. Ordained by God 2. Defined by God 3. Blessed by God 4. Established by God 5. 1st Marriage was Performed by God Genesis 2:15-25 Deuteronomy 6:4-7 17. The Mystery of the Bride The Church is the bride of Christ Revelation 19:7We are one with Jesus 1 Corinthians 6:17 The Bride shares authority with Christ- Ephesians 2:6 The Church will reign with Christ 1 Corinthians 6:1-3 18. The Purpose of Marriage To Glorify God Genesis 1:26-28 For Companionship Amos 3:3 For Help & Partnership Genesis 2:18 Fruitfulness Genesis 1:28 Protection Ephesians 5:25 19. Areas of Common Conflict 1. Money 2. Sex3. Work 4. Children5. Chores 20. 1. Money One of the best solutions to taking care of the money problem is making and sticking to a BUDGET! Christian couples should be in agreement over issues such as tithing and giving. Taking financial training courses, keeping clear communications, and being open with one another are some practical steps to resolving the money issues. 21. 2. Sex The one area that most couples dont want to address. The area of sex should be communicated clearly between couples. Conflict areas include frequency, quantity, quality, and infidelity are all common sources of stress and disharmony in a marriage.The Box Example is a practical, safe, and effective means of enjoying this godly gift for married couples. 22. 3. Work It is not uncommon for both husband and wife to both have working schedules. Fatigue, stress, and frustration from work is often brought home. This can be a great cause of conflict for couples. Solution: Leave it at the time clock dont take it out on loved ones at home. 23. 4. Kids The administration of discipline is usually the number one factor in conflict between couples. Problems in school, between siblings, and conflict in the home can all add stress and discontentment. The key to resolving any conflict is clear communication and expectations. Be willing to hear all sides. 24. 5. Chores If everyone chips in the work doesnt take near as long. Making a list and having each family member take an assigned area can help eliminate unnecessary fighting over chores The number one issue for all conflicts within a marriage can summarized with one word: SELFISHNESS 25. Food for Thought Marriage takes two to make it, but only one to break it. Marriage is a three-fold cord between a man, woman, and God Almighty. Two negatives never equal a positive in a divorce. Once words are out they cant be taken back 26. Questions?