STRONGER MARRIAGE MAY 10, 2026
FOUNDATION

The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it. The Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.” But for Adam no suitable helper was found. So the Lord God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep. And while he was sleeping, He took one of the man’s ribs and then closed up the place with flesh. Then the Lord God made a woman from the rib He had taken out of the man, and He brought her to the man. So God created mankind in His own image, in the image of God He created them. Male and female He created them. The man said, “This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh. She shall be called ‘woman,’ for she was taken out of man.” That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh. God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number. Fill the earth and subdue it.” God saw all that He had made, and it was very good. Adam and his wife were both naked, and they felt no shame. (After the Fall) to the woman God said, “Your desire will be for your husband, and he will rule over you.” Selections from Genesis 1-3


DISCLAIMERS

If you have failed in the past, you are not allowed to be shamed.

If you are married, this series is about you, not your spouse.

If you are single, you would be wise to take notes & learn.


THE DEFINITION OF MARRIAGE

Sacred Secular
Heterosexual Heterosexual or Homosexual
Covenant Contract
Until Death Until Disappointment
Fulfill Spouse Fulfill Self
Guided by Scripture Guided by Sensitivities
Children as a Blessing Children as a Burden



THE PURPOSES & BENEFITS OF MARRIAGE

1/ Marriage is for ____________________.

You can fight with your spouse or for your spouse.

2/ Marriage is for ____________________.

Adam failed to protect Eve. But you can choose to protect your spouse.

3/ Marriage is for ____________________.

One purpose of marriage is to populate the earth with good and godly children!

If you didn’t come from a strong family, make sure a strong family comes from you.

The greatest gifts you can give your children is a strong marriage.


4/ Marriage is for ____________________.

Before marriage, the enemy strives to get you in bed together. After marriage, he strives to keep you out of bed together!


5/ Marriage is for ____________________.

Marriage is a scalpel used to cut away our sinfulness & selfishness.


6/ Marriage is for ____________________.

Five times, Paul says marriage should be a reflection of Christ’s love for His Church.



FOR ONE YEAR…

Stronger Foundation: Attend church with your spouse every Sunday possible.

Stronger Friendship: Schedule intentional alone time with your spouse.

Stronger Spiritual Intimacy: Pray daily for your spouse.

Stronger Sexual Intimacy: Have consistent sex with your spouse.

Stronger Communication: Commit to saying the right thing, in the right way, and at the right time with your spouse.

Stronger Roles: Discover and serve your spouse’s love language.