Marriage Matters

GRATIAS TIBI: (Thank You In Latin)

2022-07-10T19:50:00.001-07:00

Marriage: Sample Program and Teachings For A Church Wedding

2013-07-01T06:41:00.000-07:00

1. GIVING OF THE BRIDE

Ask the congregation to remain standing

To the father(s) of the Bride(s): who gives this/these Bride(s) in marriage?

(Ask the father(s)) of the bride(s) to take each of the bride(s) by the right hand and hand her (them) to the groom(s) and say “I do”.

Response: I do

To the groom (s): Take your bride and step forward, please.

To the congregation: Let us go before the lord in prayer.

“Our most gracious heavenly Father, we thank you for all the privileges of being in the Body of Christ.”

We have come together to watch the miracle of your love and the power of the Holy Spirit work in the lives of these two people.

We give you the praise, the honour, and the glory for the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives to bring us into a place of union with in w another. We thank you for it, in Jesus mighty name, amen.”

(The bridegroom’s assistants and ring bearer may remain standing while the congregation takes their seats)

2. CHARGE TO THE BRIDE(S) AND GROOM (S)

As I read the scripture from the fifth chapter f the book of Ephesians, verses 22-32, I want you both to pay very close attention to the words stated there.

They are God’s words that the Holy Spirit will honour as we stand on them in faith.

The world has the idea that marriage is simply a legal contract, (we do not make light if that); but at the same time, it is a spiritual contract. When the Word of God between two born-again believers is spoken, the power of God goes into operation. There is an actual miracle that takes place when the faith of these two people is released in God’s power. God honours their faith and brings them into union together.

With these thoughts in mind, listen very carefully to these words:

“Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.

For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.

Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.

Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, that he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church:

For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.

For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh.

This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.

We have interviewed each of them and we are convinced that each is born-again and suitable to marry,

TO CONGREGATION

In the eyes of the Almighty God, these are washed in the blood of the lamb- Jesus Christ of Nazareth. They have prayed and before the Lord God Himself, they believe with all their hearts that it is the perfect will of God for them to be joined together in the Spirit. They have made their decision, so from now on until the end of this age, I charge you to do everything in your power to see that this union remains sold and strong, happy and prosperous.

Woe be unto any person who tampers with it and causes it to be anything other than prosperous in the eyes of God. this is a miraculous thing, and it is of God.

3. PROFESSION OF VOWS

To groom(s): ………………………………… do you take ……………………… as your wife as your own flesh, to love her even as Christ loves the Church, to protect her, care for her the rest of your lives?

Response: Yes I do.

(Then turn to her and make this profession of your faith)

Groom (s): I, ……………………………………………… according to the Word of God, leave my father and my mother and I join myself to you, to be husband to you. From this moment forward, we shall be one.

To bride(s): ……………………………………….. do you take ……………………………… as your husband, submitting yourself to him unto the Lord, showing reverence to him as the head of this union for the rest of your lives?

Response(s): Yes, I do

To Bride(s): (Then turn to Him and make this profession of your faith)

I, ………………………………… according to the word of God, submit myself to you, to be wife to you. From this moment forward, we shall be one.

4. EXCHANGE OF RINGS

A ring is a round object whose joint cannot be easily seen.

This means that a ring symbolizes an endless circle of love. With this ring, we believe this family shall experience an endless circle of love.

To groom(s): Place the ring on her finger next to the index finger and say, “this is a token of my love to you”.

To bride(s): Place the ring on her finger next to the index finger and say “this is a token of my love to you.”

5. PRONOUNCEMENTS

To Bride(s) and Groom(s): join your hands please.

As a representative of Jesus Christ, before the Father, ad by the power of the Holy Spirit of God, I now pronounce (each pair of) you one together as husband and wife.

You can now remove your wife’s veil.

6. COMMUNION.

To the Bride(s) and Groom(s):

(All) of you as believers, have received the Communion Table in the past. you know what it means, but I want to remind you that we live under a covenant with God. This covenant was ratified by the shed blood of Jesus at Calvary.

Now we see something new that has never been before. When each of you were born-again, you became a new creature in Christ. Because you are now one, when you agree on things, they will come to pass. You have an awesome power at your disposal. You are going to notice a new realm of your life beginning now, because of a spiritual law that says one can put a thousand to flight, two can put ten thousands to flight.

From this time forward, your everyday life will be 10, times more powerful spiritually than ever before. it is important that in these first moments together you honour the Lord at His table. Jesus said, “This is my body, broken for you. Eat of it.”

Give bread to couple(s)

His precious body bore your sickness and carried your disease. Each of you (couples) together in the Name of Jesus have the God-given faith and the God given power to ward off sickness, disease, the storms of life, and everything that hell would offer any marriage. Through His broken body, you have received into your hand the awesome power of the Almighty God.

Jesus also said “This is my blood that ratifies the covenant. Drink of my blood and as often as you drink it, do it in remembrance of me.”

As you drink, I want you to remember the covenant He had made available to you and the power He has made yours.

Give cup to couple(s)

7. BLESSING THE UNION

Galatians Chapter 3:13-14 says “Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.”

1 Peter 3:7 says “a man and his wife are heirs together of the grace of life”

I am going to read to you your blessing, your inheritance, so listen carefully.

According to Deuteronomy, chapter 28:3-13 “Blessed shalt thou be in the city, and blessed shalt thou be in the field. Blessed shall be the fruit of thy body, and the fruit of thy ground, and the fruit of thy cattle, the increase of thy kine, and the flocks of thy sheep.

Blessed shall be thy basket and thy store. Blessed shalt thou be when thou comest in, and blessed shalt thou be when thou goest out.

The LORD shall cause thine enemies that rise up against thee to be smitten before thy face: they shall come out against thee one way, and flee before thee seven ways.

The LORD shall command the blessing upon thee in thy storehouses, and in all that thou settest thine hand unto; and he shall bless thee in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee. {storehouses: or, barns}

The LORD shall establish thee an holy people unto himself, as he hath sworn unto thee, if thou shalt keep the commandments of the LORD thy God, and walk in his ways.

And all people of the earth shall see that thou art called by the name of the LORD; and they shall be afraid of thee.

And the LORD shall make thee plenteous in goods, in the fruit of thy body, and in the fruit of thy cattle, and in the fruit of thy ground, in the land which the LORD sware unto thy fathers to give thee.

The LORD shall open unto thee his good treasure, the heaven to give the rain unto thy land in his season, and to bless all the work of thine hand: and thou shalt lend unto many nations, and thou shalt not borrow.

And the LORD shall make thee the head, and not the tail; and thou shalt be above only, and thou shalt not be beneath; if that thou hearken unto the commandments of the LORD thy God, which I command thee this day, to observe and to do them:”

8. PRESENTATION TO CONGREGATION

To Bride(s) and Groom(s): Please turn and face the congregation

To congregation: ladies and gentlemen, I present to you the newly wedded couple(s)

9. SINGING OF MARRIAGE REGISTER

Marriage - Preparing For Marriage

2013-07-01T06:37:00.001-07:00

…So Jotham became mighty, because he prepared his ways before the Lord his God. - 2 Chronicles 27: 6

No one is likely to excel in any endeavour he did not prepare for. As it is commonly said, ‘if you fail to plan, then you plan to fail’

Having found a life partner who is compatible spiritually, mentally and physically, the process of courtship then begins.

What is Courtship?

This is the period between when a man and a woman agree to marry and the time they are actually joined in Holy wedlock. Matthew 1: 18, Luke 1: 27

This is a very vital period that builds the foundation of the home to come. As a result it must not be toyed with – Psalm 11: 3.

Why Courtship?

It is a time of getting to know each other better and also members of both families. It should be a time of openness, transparency and fact finding. It certain facts come to the fore leading to irreconcilable differences, wisdom demands a parting of ways because a broken courtship is better than a broken marriage.

Length of Courtship

This varies from couple to couple. Since marriage is for life, courtship should not be rushed but must not be unduly long.

During the courtship period several plans have to be made. - Luke 14: 28-32.

Purpose in your heart not to defile yourself; No to premarital sex – Hebrews 4:16, Daniel 1:8; 1 Corinthians 6:18
Set physical boundaries that must not be crossed e.g. no physical intimacies – I Thessalonians 5:22
Where to live – will it be a new location or one of the old apartments where either party lived.
Finance Management e.g. joint or separate accounts, budgeting etc
Number of children
Vision/Goal sharing

Marriage - Locating A Spouse

2013-07-01T06:35:00.002-07:00

Anyone that embarks on the journey to destination “Marriage,” has to take some steps in finding a partner or being found as the case may be:

A vital requirement for finding of course is seeking which involves a diligent search. God has made several spiritual tools available for this purpose from His word. These are applied in the following steps:

Sincerely desire a Life Partner – Prov. 10: 24
Discover the Provisions of Scriptures concerning marriage – 2 Peter 1: 2-3, Romans 8: 32.
Prayer – Mark 11: 24, Psalm 37: 5, Matthew 7: 7
Be anxious for nothing – Phil 4: 6
Make yourself Right for the Right Person you desire – Matthew 7: 12
Use your eyes – both spiritual and physical –Mark 13: 33
Give Thanks – Psalm 34: 1-3

God's Plan For Marriage

2013-07-01T06:32:00.001-07:00

The quality of life enjoyed by any believer is a direct function of the depth of spiritual understanding that the believer possesses. Psalm 119:144, Proverbs 21: 16, Matthew 13: 18-23.

This is why the foremost area of attack by the enemy is to blind the eyes of believers to spiritual truths – 2 Corinthians 4:4, causing ignorance and lack of understanding. This is at the root of the woes and frustration quite a number of believers experience – Isaiah 5: 13, Hosea 4: 6.

Nothing puts you in charge and gives you command of the affairs of life as much as spiritual understanding – 1 Corinthians 12: 32. That is why Proverbs 4: 7 says, “……in all your getting, get understanding.”

Knowing God’s plan therefore, for marriage will put the believer in command in this very vital area of life.

God’s plan and purpose for marriage can be clearly understood from what is known as the seven (7) concepts of marriage.

Marriage is Good – Genesis 2:18, Hebrew 3:14 – It is to be enjoyed not endured
It is for better living – Deuteronomy 32:30, Ecclesiasts 4:9-12
It is designed for fruitfulness – Genesis 1:28
The Law of Departure (Leave & Cleave) – Matthew 19:5-6
The Covenant obligations of the Husband – Ephesians 5:25
The Covenant obligations of the Wife – Ephesians 5: 22-23
Mutual Obligations :

a. Romance – I Corinthians 7: 1-5

b. Providing for the Home – 1Timothy 5:8

c. Child Training – Proverbs 22:6, Proverbs 1:8

Church Marriage Committee Guidelines

2013-07-01T06:29:00.001-07:00

Church: Living Faith Church a.k.a. Winners' Chapel International

There shall be established in every Local Assembly of Living Faith Church Worldwide a Marriage committee.

It shall be made up between 5 – 8 members (depending on the size of the church) of proven integrity and with good marital testimony.

For the purpose of continuity and stability, the committee shall be headed by a Pastoral Assistant.

Other members of this committee shall be selected from the pool of ordained workers except where they are not available.

This selection, where available shall include a medical and a legal practitioner. The wife of the Head of station may not be included in the membership.

TERMS OF REFERENCE

1. To screen the intending couple in accordance with biblical standard for marriage.

2. To Organize counseling sessions.

3. To check their health parameters including, blood group compatibility, HIV status, pregnancy test and other relevant test.

4. To receive written consent from the intending couples families.

5. To receive any possible objection from within and outside the church in writing and follow it up accordingly

6. To give and receive references in a situation where one of the parties involved is not a member of the church.

7. To present them to the Resident Pastor for approval before final counseling / seminar.

8. To prepare monthly reports of activities to the Resident Pastor and to LCC.

9. The tenure shall be two years renewable only once

MARRIAGE COUNSELLING TEAM

In order to facilitate counseling for intending couples and to give closer attention, a Marriage Counseling Team is to be formed comprising of certain number of couples in proportion to the size of the church as follows:

Mega churches 6 couples

Urban churches 4 couples

Others 2 couples

Such couples must have proven testimony of harmonious marital life for minimum of five years.

The tenure is two years renewable only once.

MARRIAGE: A GIFT FROM GOD - Part IV

2013-07-01T06:25:00.001-07:00

(Family Life - 2010-11-28)

No doubt, it has been a glorious and refreshing time and month for us all. SO far, we have learnt that marriage is not just a right for the aged, but a gift from God. We also learnt about the worth, and the covenant obligations of husbands and wives for a blessed marriage.

This week, I will be presenting to you one of the vital keys to enjoying the gift of marriage, which is Operating in Wisdom!

There's nothing of beauty that didn't take some work to put in place. Just like every beautiful garden was tended before it became beautiful, in like manner, marriage must be tended before it can work. It must continue to be tended to continue working.

The Bible speaking in the Book of I Peter 3:7 (Amp. Bible) says:

In the same way you married men should live considerately with [your wives], with an intelligent recognition [of the marriage relation], honoring the woman as [physically] the weaker, but [realizing that you] are joint heirs of the grace (God's unmerited favor) of life, in order that your prayers may not be hindered and cut off. [Otherwise you cannot pray effectively.]

When a man understands the nature of his wife and works according to that understanding, problems are less likely to arise in their home. That man puts less pressure on her because he realizes that she is not a robot. She is a wife, mother and homemaker all at once, and these all place a demand on her. He must be considerate of her feelings and needs, and be available to minister to her.

When a man beats his wife, he exhibits folly (Proverbs 26:4). No matter how provoked, a man must never stoop so low. The Word of God says in

Ephesians 5:29: For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church.

Lack of communication and understanding, among others, are some of the reasons some men abuse and beat their wives. The man must understand that the woman was given to him by God to take care of, not to beat.
Surprisingly, the role of the husband is drawn from that of Christ towards the church, not from any human example. Thus, the man must discover the selfless way Christ loved the church, and love his wife the same way by God's grace.

Husbands should not, for whatever reason, give up on their wives, instead give her honour. Don't render evil for evil. Don't seek to repay every wrong with a wrong, for two wrongs can never make a right. Jesus also endured all the contradictions of sinners, so we too can overlook certain things just as He did.

Speaking to the wives, Solomon said:

Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands (Proverbs 14:1).

God in His infinite wisdom has planned one man for one woman. Every woman in God's design has her own home. What becomes of that home, however, depends on the woman. This appears to be an awesome responsibility, but by the grace of God and hardwork, it is accomplishable.

Abigail is a typical example of a woman of wisdom and of good understanding (I Samuel 25:3). Though Abigail made a mistake by marrying a man, she did not see what she expected in him. She married a man, who was unequally yoked with her kind of person, yet she lived with him for all the years she did without fighting or becoming like him in character. That has proved to us that she was a woman of a wise heart. No doubt, situations would have warranted her speaking against him and passing judgments on him, which could have caused her destruction but because she operated in wisdom, she was credited for her good work.

I believe one wise step Abigail took was to adapt to the situation. Learn to adapt. Become adjusted to your husband's plans, way of life, e.t.c. This does not mean that when he is going wrong, you leave him or follow his ways. It simply means to be flexible to his decisions. I Peter 3:1 in Amplified Bible says: ...Married women...adapt yourselves to them... When your husband takes decisions that are different from your plans, see how you can work them out and fit in. If he has certain weakness that you are strong in, help him; appreciate his good points and point out his mistakes in a kind of gentle way.

Embrace wisdom; it will bring you to honour, it will make your home precious before God and men. Inside wisdom is direction that leads you to a place of distinction and glorification. When you operate in wisdom, your home begins to shine as gold. People cannot help but be attracted to you, just as the glitter of gold attracts people. Knowing how to apply the knowledge of the Word of God is wisdom. It will help you to know how to speak positive and edifying words to your spouse, relate with your in-laws in genuine love, e.t.c.

Therefore, operating in wisdom is a vital key to enjoying the gift of marriage. You can only apply the knowledge of the Word of God, which is wisdom, when you have totally surrendered your life to God. The Bible says:

But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned (I Corinthians 2:14).

Therefore, if you have not accepted Christ as your Lord and personal Saviour, whose direction will enable you walk in wisdom to enjoying the gift of marriage, say this prayer of faith:

MARRIAGE: A GIFT FROM GOD - Part III

2013-07-01T06:23:00.001-07:00

(Family Life - 2010-11-21)

Last week, I unveiled to you the worth of marriage, as a gift from God. This week, by the special grace of God, we will be examining the Covenant Obligations of Husbands and Wives for a Blessed Marriage.

Money does not make a home, obedience is what does. In pursuit of money, many people have disregarded this important factor, and teamed up with satan to ruin their homes. Many homes have been ruined because the man is working outside the country where his wife and children reside. This is simply an open invitation to satan. The Word of God says in

Matthew 19:6: Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.

As the principal figure in the family unit, God reckons with the man's position as head of the home, and holds him responsible for any mishap that occurs in it (Ephesians 5:23-33). For example, when things went wrong in the Garden of Eden, God did not question the woman, rather, Adam was the one held responsible. The LOVE Responsibility is the master key. Love your wife as your own body. Love is the instrument a man uses to make his wife a glorious woman, without spot or wrinkle. As husbands, you are not expected to make bold that your wife has ever done anything wrong. Why? Because even if she has, you should clarify it in your heart that she must have done that in a bid to do the right thing.

Therefore, the making of any wife is in the hands of her husband. Man, if you want a very submissive wife, be a super-loving husband. LOVE is the summary of God's covenant obligation for the man. Giving is the practical expression of love as seen in John 3:16. Some men shy away from their responsibilities and don't give their wives home-keeping allowance, under the guise that their wives are working. This is not right! It is not of God. Everything that concerns her welfare concerns you. Why? Because God expects you to nourish and cherish her body as you would yourself.

The scripture says:

But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel (I Timothy 5:8).

The responsibility of providing for the home is the man's; so it must be accepted joyfully and executed excitedly. As a husband, your wife should have access to everything you own. As a matter of truth, all that you have is your wife's. By acknowledging this truth, comes the blessing of God upon a man's finances and life.

What God did at creation clearly reflects the position of the woman in the home. He took a rib from the side of the man to make the woman (Gen. 2:21). Total SUBMISSION is the covenant obligation required of a woman to have a blessed marriage. God expects that just as the church is subject to Christ in everything, even so, women should be in subjection to their husbands in everything. When a woman allows her husband to fulfill his covenant role of headship, she has automatically given him the room to play his messianic role over her.

Sometimes ago, when my health was under attack, my husband went apart to inquire of the Lord what to do. He said as he searched the scriptures, he discovered from Ephesians 5:23 that he is the saviour of my body, the same way Christ is of the church. He then concluded that I did not require my faith to be healed at that point in time, since he could exercise his God-given authority over me as the head of the home, which he did.

He came home and learnt that I had been taken to the hospital, and came straight to discharge me. Amidst protest from the doctor, he took me home. To the surprise of the doctor when he came home later in the day to visit me, he was told that I had gone to the saloon to make my hair. That was the end of the bout with sickness.

Wives, if you are not reciprocating your love with submission to your husband, you will weary him with your attitude and hinder him from loving you. Oftentimes, the problem with women is that they do not trust their husbands to make the right decisions. They keep struggling to make their points, so there is constant strife in the home.

Ephesians 5:33 says: Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.

That is to say, if the man will LOVE perfectly, and the woman SUBMITS perfectly, then you two will have a perfect home.

Once a woman lays hold on that keyword in Ephesians 5:33, which is REVERENCE, she has succeeded in unlocking her husband's heart. You reverence your husband when his word counts in your ears and heart, and his instructions matter to you. Note that the submission I am talking about is not slavery, but submission in love. Submission has to be done in love, not out of fear or threats. When it is rooted in love, it is perfect and brings God's presence down in the home (Titus 2:4-5).

It is, therefore, important that both husbands and wives fulfill their covenant obligations to one another, to enjoy God's gift of marriage to the fullest. It is with the mind of Christ that the above mentioned covenant obligations can be carried out. That is to say, an unbeliever or those who have not consciously confessed Christ as their Lord cannot exhibit such obligations, no matter how much they try because the flesh will always react. Therefore, if you fall in this category of people, and you would like to take a step of faith, say this prayer:

MARRIAGE: A GIFT FROM GOD - Part II

2013-07-01T06:22:00.000-07:00

(Family Life - 2010-11-14)

I welcome you to another fabulous week of the month. Last week, I brought you the introductory segment of this series. The excellent taste of every soup is determined by how it is prepared. Last week, I said that your perspective of issues often affects your confession, and your confession determines your possession (Mark 11:23).

Therefore, seeing marriage as a gift from God launches you to the realm of enjoying what the gift carries.

Until you know the worth of a gift, you can never appreciate such gift. Marriage is a gift from God to humanity.

What Then Is The Worth of Marriage?

God designed marriage to involve the spirit, soul and body, so that the blessing that accompanies marriage is expected to affect your spirit, soul and body. I'll briefly mention some of the worth of this wonderful gift called marriage.

First and foremost, marriage is specially designed for Companionship. The Word says: Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend (Proverbs 27:17). There's no way two pieces of iron can sharpen each other, except they both come together in contact.

The reason many marriages seem not to be working is because they do not value their union as a gift from God. So they are not united in purpose, thus, they prevent their blessings from coming. Imagine what would have happened to the tower of Babel, if someone had said, "Let's use cement blocks", and the other had said, "No, let's use stones", and yet another, "Let's use bricks"? They might still have been there arguing till today.

Secondly, marriage is also designed for Spiritual Strength. God expects married couples to become stronger spiritually than when they were both single. Deuteronomy 32:30 says: How should one chase a thousand, and two put ten thousand to flight, except their Rock had sold them, and the LORD had shut them up?

Thirdly, marriage is designed for the Fruit Of The Womb. The Word of God says: Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord; and the fruit of the womb is his reward (Psalm 127:3).

Marriage is premeditated to produce children. If it doesn't, grief and frustration often set in. The fall of Adam and Eve was what opened the door to barrenness. But God sent Jesus to redeem mankind from every curse of the law. Therefore, if you are born again, you are exempted from barrenness. I see your griefs and frustrations ending right now in Jesus' name.

The last one I would like to talk about is Divine Favour. The Bible says: whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the Lord (Proverbs 18:22). Once this favour is present, it is irreversible

Even men are compelled to favour you, because when a man's ways please the Lord, He causes even his enemies to be at peace with him. When you step out, hand in hand with your partner, people will begin to whisper, "See those two, you would think they only got married yesterday." Marriage then becomes desirous, which is what it should be. God overlooked Adam and Eve's betrayal in the Garden of Eden, and yet clothed their nakedness with animal skin and thus, removed shame from them.

God has designed marriage to reflect all these values so that you can value what marriage is all about, and appreciate Him for bringing so much convenience to you through it. Marriage is, therefore, a sweet experience for believers who are joined together in holy matrimony, as they begin to explore the gift of marriage as it pertains to life and godliness.

Therefore, if you respond to His call today, you will in no doubt secure for yourself, a desirous and fulfilling marriage you have long wanted to experience.

MARRIAGE: A GIFT FROM GOD - Part 1

2013-07-01T06:18:00.003-07:00

MARRIAGE: A GIFT FROM GOD (1)

(Family Life - 2010-11-07)

I count it a great privilege to share God's Word with you today, it's my prayer that there will be a transformation in your marriage and home as you go through this article in Jesus' name. This month by the enabling power of the Holy Spirit, I will be looking at Marriage: A Gift From God.

God's Word says: A gift is as a precious stone in the eyes of him that hath it: withersoever it turneth, it prospereth (Proverbs 17:8).

When a man is presented with a gift, how he sees it will determine how much value he will place on it, and how much value he places on it will determine how much he prospers by it. If it is precious to him, he will guard it jealously and be filled with excitement whenever he remembers it. Marriage is a gift from God.

Adam received his wife as a gift from God. In a sense it is still true that a man receives his wife from God. God's Word says: House and riches are the inheritance of fathers and a prudent wife is from the Lord (Prov 19:14). Marriage is an expression of God's favour. God's says: Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the Lord (Proverbs 18:22).

How Do You See Marriage?

Your perspective of issues often affects your confession and your confession determines your possession (Mark 11:23).

Caleb and Joshua exempted themselves from the ten other spies who saw themselves as grasshoppers. They saw themselves as being well able to possess the land of promise so they spoke it out; and it became theirs (Numbers 13:30).

When an intending couple are about to get married, it should be a thing of joy, congratulations and gladness. People should rejoice with them and encourage them. Just like in a race all run to win the prize, in marriage all must press to experience the beauty and honour it bestows (Philippians 3:14). Therefore all believers must encourage the harmony and stability of the marriage union and the family unit in the Body of Christ. If you desire harmony then sow harmony in the homes and families around you and your family too will experience the same.

The world and it's ways of quarrelling, fighting, separation and divorce, has marked out marriage as an evil. However, believers who know God's purpose for establishing the family must be pace-setters in our world. If there is nothing to distinguish your home from that of those in the world. If you quarrel, fight, and live in bitterness and unforgiveness, just as the world does, then there's nothing enviable or different about you.

The world bemoans the marriage institution. It purports that those within are rushing to get out while those without are rushing to get in. The world sees it thus, and so it is for them. If the believer agrees with this view he can experience nothing better, nothing more honourable.

Marriage is not a matter to joke about as the world does, neither do good marriages drop from the sky. Rather, marriage must be worked at to produce honourable fruits. There are times of self denial, times of swallowing ones pride and saying, ''I am sorry'' Those times are like seeds. Then there are times of great excitement and tremendous happiness - all these are honourable fruits of marriage. But fruits come after seeds are sown. The planting time proceeds the time of harvest. No seed time, no harvest (Genesis 8:22) Sow good seeds of patience and forgiveness and you'll reap an enviable marriage.

Look at this testimony: "I used to worship in a place where the pastors there believe that 'misunderstanding brings about understanding.' One day, the lady pastor asked me if I have had any serious quarrel with my wife (then my fiancée) and I said, 'No'. She said we had not started, that until we quarrel and fought, we would not know if we truly loved each other.

After our marriage, we started having problems in our home. But when I came here, I heard the Bishop say 'I have not had the first argument with my wife.'

I told my wife that if what the man of God is saying is true, then we have been in the wrong place and have often been fed with the wrong food spiritually.

We told ourselves, 'What this man of God has seen that is making his marriage sweet, we also must discover it. And then I was in the Word of Faith Bible Institute (WOFBI) full time programme. After each lecture I would go back home and teach my wife the same thing.

Today, to the glory of God, we don't have misunderstandings anymore!"

- Ibiang, A. I.

As believers in Christ Jesus, being redeemed from the world and it's standard means being redeemed from disgrace to grace. Jesus said, In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer: I have overcome the World (John 16:33).

So, anyone outside Christ has signed up for tribulation, pressure and frustration. The world has nothing but these to offer. Any marriage or family founded upon any other premise but Christ cannot escape difficulties and troubles. No wonder, married unbelievers see themselves as trapped.

Living Word: Your Living Bread: Attitude Of Gratitude

2011-12-17T18:11:00.000-08:00

Living Word: Your Living Bread: Attitude Of Gratitude: Winners’ Chapel International - Nyeri End Year Thanksgiving Service - Sunday – 18 th December 2011 Prophetic Focus: “ Waves Of ...

Locating The Right Marriage Partner

2011-11-25T23:05:00.000-08:00

Living Word: Your Living Bread: Locating The Right Marriage Partner: Winners’ Chapel International - Nyeri Youth Service - Sunday – 27 th November 2011 Prophetic Focus: “ My Harvest Time Is Here” ...

Living Word: Your Living Bread: Becoming A Great Woman

2011-11-19T11:26:00.000-08:00

Living Word: Your Living Bread: Becoming A Great Woman: Winners’ Chapel International - Nyeri Othaya Women Meeting - Sunday – 20 th November 2011 Prophetic Focus: “ My Harvest Time ...

Marriage A Gift From God - Part 4

2010-12-19T14:58:00.000-08:00

No doubt, it has been a glorious and refreshing teaching series on Marriage. SO far, we have learnt that marriage is not just a right for the aged, but a gift from God. We also learnt about the worth and the covenant obligations of husbands and wives for a blessed marriage.

Discover The Secrets of a Good Marriage. Click Here

In this last part, we will be presenting to you one of the vital keys to enjoying the gift of marriage, which is Operating in Wisdom! The Bibles says that wisdom is the principle thing (The most important thing) Proverbs 4:7 - Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.

Discover The Secrets of a Good Marriage. Click Here

The Bible speaking in the Book of I Peter 3:7 (Amp. Bible) says:

When a man beats his wife, he exhibits folly (Proverbs 26:4 - Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him). No matter how provoked, a man must never stoop so low. The Word of God says in Ephesians 5:29: For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church.

Discover The Secrets of a Good Marriage. Click Here

Lack of communication and understanding, among others, are some of the reasons some men abuse and beat their wives. The man must understand that the woman was given to him by God to take care of her.

Surprisingly, the role of the husband is drawn from that of Christ towards the church, not from any human example. Thus, the man must discover the selfless way Christ loved the church, and love his wife the same way by God's grace.

Speaking to the wives, Solomon said: Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands (Proverbs 14:1).

Abigail is a typical example of a woman of wisdom and of good understanding (I Samuel 25:3 - Now the name of the man was Nabal; and the name of his wife Abigail: and she was a woman of good understanding, and of a beautiful countenance: but the man was churlish and evil in his doings; and he was of the house of Caleb). Though Abigail made a mistake by marrying a man, she did not see what she expected in him. She married a man, who was unequally yoked with her kind of person, yet she lived with him for all the years she did without fighting or becoming like him in character. That has proved to us that she was a woman of a wise heart. No doubt, situations would have warranted her speaking against him and passing judgments on him, which could have caused her destruction but because she operated in wisdom, she was credited for her good work.

I believe one wise step Abigail took was to adapt to the situation. Learn to adapt. Become adjusted to your husband's plans, way of life, e.t.c. This does not mean that when he is going wrong, you leave him or follow his ways. It simply means to be flexible to his decisions. I Peter 3:1 in Amplified Bible says: ...Married women...adapt yourselves to them... When your husband takes decisions that are different from your plans, see how you can work them out and fit in. If he has certain weakness that you are strong in, help him; appreciate his good points and point out his mistakes in a kind of gentle way.

But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned (I Corinthians 2:14).

Sex in Marriage: Learn everything Here

Therefore, if you have not accepted Christ as your Lord and personal Saviour, whose direction will enable you walk in wisdom to enjoying the gift of marriage, say this prayer of faith:

Dear Lord, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me my sins. Cleanse me with Your precious Blood. I accept You as my Lord and Saviour. Now I know I am born again!

Congratulations!

Pastor Mrs Faith Oyedepo

Winners Chapel International - Lagos, Nigeria

For more articles visit: http://davidoyedepoministries.org/

Marriage A Gift From God - Part 3

2010-12-19T14:53:00.000-08:00

In part 2 of this teaching series, we unveiled to you the worth of marriage, as a gift from God. This week, by the special grace of God, we will be examining the Covenant Obligations of Husbands and Wives for a Blessed Marriage.

Money does not make a home, obedience is what does. In pursuit of money, many people have disregarded this important factor, and teamed up with Satan to ruin their homes. Many homes have been ruined because the man is working outside the country where his wife and children reside. This is simply an open invitation to Satan. The Word of God says in Matthew 19:6: Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.

Discover The Secrets of a Good Marriage. Click Here

As the principal figure in the family unit, God reckons with the man's position as head of the home, and holds him responsible for any mishap that occurs in it (Ephesians 5:23-33). For example, when things went wrong in the Garden of Eden, God did not question the woman, rather, Adam was the one held responsible. The LOVE Responsibility is the master key. Love your wife as your own body. Love is the instrument a man uses to make his wife a glorious woman, without spot or wrinkle. As husbands, you are not expected to make bold that your wife has ever done anything wrong. Why? Because even if she did, you should imagine in your heart that she must have done that while trying to do the right thing.

Therefore, the making of any wife is in the hands of her husband. Man, if you want a very submissive wife, be a super-loving husband. LOVE is the summary of God's covenant obligation for the man. Giving is the practical expression of love as seen in John 3:16. Some men shy away from their responsibilities and don't give their wives home-keeping allowance, under the guise that their wives are working. This is not right! It is not of God. Everything that concerns her welfare concerns you. Why? Because God expects you to nourish and cherish her body as you would yourself.

The scripture says:

Discover The Secrets of a Good Marriage. Click Here

But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel (I Timothy 5:8).

What God did at creation clearly reflects the position of the woman in the home. He took a rib from the side of the man to make the woman (Gen. 2:21). Total SUBMISSION is the covenant obligation required of a woman to have a blessed marriage. God expects that just as the church is subject to Christ in everything, even so, women should be in subjection to their husbands in everything. When a woman allows her husband to fulfill his covenant role of headship, she has automatically given him the room to play his messianic role over her.

Wives, if you are not reciprocating your love with submission to your husband, you will weary him with your attitude and hinder him from loving you as he should; Oftentimes, the problem with women is that they do not trust their husbands to make the right decisions. They keep struggling to make their points, so there is constant strife in the home.

Ephesians 5:33 says: Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.

That is to say, if the man will LOVE perfectly, and the woman SUBMITS perfectly, then you two will have a perfect home.

Once a woman lays hold on that keyword in Ephesians 5:33, which is REVERENCE, she has succeeded in unlocking her husband's heart. You reverence your husband when his word counts in your ears and heart, and his instructions matter to you. Note that the submission I am talking about is not slavery, but submission in love.

Discover The Secrets of a Good Marriage. Click Here

Submission has to be done in love, not out of fear or threats. When it is rooted in love, it is perfect and brings God's presence down in the home (Titus 2:4-5).

Dear Lord, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me my sins. Cleanse me with Your precious Blood. I accept You as my Lord and Saviour. Now I know I am born again!

Congratulations!

Pastor Mrs Faith Oyedepo

Winners Chapel International - Lagos, Nigeria

For more articles visit: http://davidoyedepoministries.org/

Marriage A Gift From God - Part 2

2010-12-19T14:38:00.001-08:00

I welcome to part 2 of this series of teachings on marriage. In part 1 we learned that your perspective of issues often affects your confession, and your confession determines your possession (Mark 11:23).

Therefore, seeing marriage as a gift from God launches you to the realm of enjoying what the gift carries.

Until you know the worth of a gift, you can never appreciate such gift. Marriage is a gift from God to humanity.

Discover The Secrets of a Good Marriage. Click Here

God said in Gen. 2:18: ...It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him. We can see that God's gift of marriage was to make two people happy. God wanted man to know right from the beginning that marriage is not just a right for a man when he is of age, but a gift from Him to ease him of whatever challenges, and to give him the support he needs in the journey of life.
What Then Is The Worth of Marriage?

God designed marriage to involve the spirit, soul and body, so that the blessing that accompanies marriage is expected to affect your spirit, soul and body. I'll briefly mention some of the worth of this wonderful gift called marriage.
First and foremost, marriage is specially designed for Companionship. The Word says: Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend (Proverbs 27:17). There's no way two pieces of iron can sharpen each other, except they both come together in contact.

The reason many marriages seem not to be working is because they do not value their union as a gift from God. So they are not united in purpose, thus, they prevent their blessings from coming. Imagine what would have happened to the tower of Babel, if someone had said, "Let's use cement blocks", and the other had said, "No, let's use stones", and yet another, "Let's use bricks"? They might still have been there arguing till today.

Secondly, marriage is also designed for Spiritual Strength. God expects married couples to become stronger spiritually than when they were both single. Deuteronomy 32:30 says: How should one chase a thousand, and two put ten thousand to flight, except their Rock had sold them, and the LORD had shut them up?

Discover The Secrets of a Good Marriage. Click Here

However, whatever excuses from both the man and the woman for not coming together to pray due to their nature of work and timing, does not negate the truth of God's Word which says that, Two are better than one (Ecclesiastes 4:9). All you need to do is to believe God for better time management, so that your walk with God and your family don't suffer.
Thirdly, marriage is designed for the Fruit Of The Womb. The Word of God says: Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord; and the fruit of the womb is his reward (Psalm 127:3).

Marriage is premeditated to produce children. If it doesn't, grief and frustration often set in. The fall of Adam and Eve was what opened the door to barrenness. But God sent Jesus to redeem mankind from every curse of the law. Therefore, if you are born again, you are exempted from barrenness. I see your griefs and frustrations ending right now in Jesus' name.

The last one I would like to talk about is Divine Favour. The Bible says: whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the Lord (Proverbs 18:22). Once this favour is present, it is irreversible. Even men are compelled to favour you, because when a man's ways please the Lord, He causes even his enemies to be at peace with him. When you step out, hand in hand with your partner, people will begin to whisper, "See those two, you would think they only got married yesterday." Marriage then becomes desirous, which is what it should be. God overlooked Adam and Eve's betrayal in the Garden of Eden, and yet clothed their nakedness with animal skin and thus, removed shame from them.

God has designed marriage to reflect all these values so that you can value what marriage is all about, and appreciate Him for bringing so much convenience to you through it. Marriage is, therefore, a sweet experience for believers who are joined together in holy matrimony, as they begin to explore the gift of marriage as it pertains to life and godliness.

Discover The Secrets of a Good Marriage. Click Here

Meanwhile, marriage outside Christ cannot reflect the above-mentioned values. Little wonder, married unbelievers see themselves trapped, when they begin to experience what the devil offers those who negate the truth of the Word of God concerning marriage. If you are not born again, you are not entitled to experience the sweetness of God's gift of marriage, but God's grace is the carrier of salvation.

Therefore, if you respond to His call today, you will in no doubt secure for yourself, a desirous and fulfilling marriage you have long wanted to experience.

Pastor Mrs Faith Oyedepo
Winners Chapel International - Lagos, Nigeria
For more articles visit: http://davidoyedepoministries.org/

Marriage: A Gift From God - Part 1

2010-12-19T14:30:00.001-08:00

I count it a great privilege to share God's Word with you today, it's my prayer that there will be a transformation in your marriage and home as you go through this article in Jesus' name.

God's Word says: A gift is as a precious stone in the eyes of him that hath it: withersoever it turneth, it prospereth (Proverbs 17:8).

When a man is presented with a gift, how he sees it will determine how much value he will place on it, and how much value he places on it will determine how much he prospers by it. If it is precious to him, he will guard it jealously and be filled with excitement whenever he remembers it. Marriage is a gift from God.

Discover The Secrets of a Good Marriage. Click Here

Marriage is not an invention of man God is the originator of marriage. God's Word says: And the Lord God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him. And the rib, which the Lord God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man. And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man (Gen 2:18,22-23).

Adam received his wife as a gift from God. In a sense it is still true that a man receives his wife from God. God's Word says: House and riches are the inheritance of fathers and a prudent wife is from the Lord (Prov 19:14). Marriage is an expression of God's favour. God's says: Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the Lord (Proverbs 18:22).
How Do You See Marriage?

Your perspective of issues often affects your confession and your confession determines your possession (Mark 11:24 - Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them).

Caleb and Joshua exempted themselves from the ten other spies who saw themselves as grasshoppers. They saw themselves as being well able to possess the land of promise so they spoke it out; and it became theirs (Numbers 13:30 - And Caleb stilled the people before Moses, and said, Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it).

Discover The Secrets of a Good Marriage. Click Here

When an intending couple are about to get married, it should be a thing of joy and gladness. People should rejoice with them and encourage them. Just like in a race all run to win the prize, in marriage all must press to experience the beauty and honour it brings (Philippians 3:14 - I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus). Therefore all believers must encourage the harmony and stability of the marriage union and the family unit in the Body of Christ. If you desire harmony then sow harmony in the homes and families around you and your family too will experience the same.

Quarrels in marriage, separations and divorces, have marked out marriage as evil. However, believers who know God's purpose for establishing the family must set examples for the world to see and learn that marriage is sweet and purposive. If there is nothing to distinguish your home from that of those in the world, if you quarrel, fight, and live in bitterness and un-forgiveness, just as the world does, then there's nothing enviable or different about your marriage

The world bemoans the marriage institution. It purports that those within are rushing to get out while those without are rushing to get in. The world sees it thus, and so it is for them. If the believer agrees with this view he or she can experience nothing better, nothing more honourable.

Marriage is not a matter to joke about as the world does, neither do good marriages drop from the sky. Rather, marriage must be worked at to produce honourable fruits. There are times of self denial; times of swallowing ones pride and saying, ''I am sorry'' Those times are like seeds. Then there are times of great excitement and tremendous happiness - all these are honourable fruits of marriage. But fruits come after seeds are sown. The planting time proceeds the time of harvest. No seed time, no harvest (Genesis 8:22 - While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease.) Sow good seeds of patience and forgiveness and you'll reap an enviable marriage.

Testimony
Look at this testimony: "I used to worship in a place where the pastors there believe that 'misunderstanding brings about understanding.' One day, the lady pastor asked me if I have had any serious quarrel with my wife (then my fiancee) and I said, 'No'. She said we had not started, that until we quarrel and fought, we would not know if we truly loved each other.
After our marriage, we started having problems in our home. But when I came to Winners Chapel, I heard Bishop David Oyedepo say 'I have not had the first argument with my wife.'
I told my wife that if what the man of God is saying is true, then we have been in the wrong place and have often been fed with the wrong spiritual food.

Discover The Secrets of a Good Marriage. Click Here

We told ourselves, 'What this man of God has seen that is making his marriage sweet, we also must discover it. And then I enrolled myself in a bible course. After each lecture I would go back home and teach my wife the same thing.
Today, to the glory of God, we don't have misunderstandings anymore!"
- Ibiang, A. I.

As believers in Christ Jesus, being redeemed from the world and it's standard means being redeemed from disgrace to grace. Jesus said, In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer: I have overcome the World (John 16:33 - These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world).

So, anyone outside Christ has signed up for tribulation, pressure and frustration. The world has nothing but these to offer. Any marriage or family founded upon any other premise but Christ cannot escape difficulties and troubles. No wonder, married unbelievers see themselves as trapped.

Do you want to be free from marital tension then say this prayer and be born again: "Dear Lord Jesus, I come to You today as a sinner. I believe You died and rose on the third day for my sins. I accept You as my Lord and Saviour. Make me a child of God today.
Congratulations!

Pastor Mrs Faith Oyedepo
Winners Chapel International - Lagos, Nigeria
For more articles visit: http://davidoyedepoministries.org/