As described yesterday, these blogs are from the message by Pastor Johnny Hunt, First Baptist Church, Woodstock, GA on "The Effects of the Gospel on Marriage" preached April 15, 2012.
The secret ("great mystery" of Ephesians 5:32) is Christ and the church, rejoicing in what he said in verse 25: "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her." It is the message that what husbands should do for their wives is what Jesus did to bring us into union with Himself. Jesus gave Himself for us. He gave us His glory and power and became a servant. He died to His own interests and looked to her needs and interests instead.
"If God had the Gospel of Jesus' salvation in mind when He established marriage, then marriage only works to the degree that appropriates the pattern of God's self-giving love in Christ." - Tim Keller
The Christian teaching does not offer a choice between fulfillment and sacrifice, but rather mutual fulfillment through mutual sacrifice.
The Gospel gives the power and pattern for your marriage.
1. The experience of marriage will unveil the beauty and depths of the Gospel to you. It will drive you further into reliance on it.
2. A greater understanding of the Gospel will help you experience deeper and deeper union with each other as the years go on.
Marriage is a major vehicle for the Gospel's remaking of your heart from the inside out and your life from the ground up.
More tomorrow....
