As we kicked off our Naked Truth Series, we talked the importance of the vows, the promise, the commitment covenant made at the wedding…the cake, the dancing, the drama of weddings are fun, but the most important element (starting from day one) in a marriage is the vows!

Here are some thoughts from this past week's message…

• many of us don't want to see what God
  says about marriage… 
• Marriage = one man, one woman together forever…
• Instead, we want to take our thoughts on marriage and ask God to approve them… doesn't work that way!

The Naked Truth – Vows… more then
words..

• better for worse, in sickness and in health, for richer or
  poorer… 
• promise to spouse and God is our
  witness!
• people who are seeking to follow Jesus realize we need to keep our word
• yes means yes… and I do means I do! (Matthew 5: 31 – 37)
• Covenants made with God are very
  serious… and He takes them seriously!

The good news is, God partners with us to keep this
covenant… He knows our struggles, our issues, and His strength can
heal and bring a new start and hope to every marriage…

If you have broken the vows and ended a marriage, here is what you need to hear…

• How we treat the vows we made affects our worship and following Jesus (Malachi 2:13-16)
• God hates divorce (broken vows and being unfaithful to a covenant)
• God does not hate people who get
  divorced…forgives, still loves, and can use you as we turn to Him!
• Divorce is not unpardonable sin… the
  marriage you are in right now, is God's plan for now… 

Our job in marriage…work and
defend that covenant…

• Husbands, wives… defend the covenant
  and covenant partner… 
• make sure all actions (public and private) will not embarrass spouse 
• protect, honor,
• guard
  affections and appearances

Covenant marriage… no room for
rekindling relationships on FB, flirting at work, fantasizing,
lusting, adultery

This is our role as defenders… fight
for homes, fight for marriage, don't let enemy take you out!