July 4, 2021

Love Works: Marriage isn't That Great

Preacher: Joe Walser Series: Love Works Scripture: Matthew 19:10–12

Jesus is the “supply line” or headwater for SHALOM
He is the Singularly Sufficient Source of a Flourishing Life
Ephesians 2:14

Ephesians 3:16


For evidence, the United Nations report assembled statistics on the percentage of women who reach their late forties without ever having married (it is increasing), the average age at which people marry for the first time, of those who do marry (that is increasing, too), and the proportion of people in their late forties who are divorced or separated (also increasing). Global averages were reported, as well as separate statistics for eight regions of the world… in all, singleness is on a trajectory to bypass marriage…. - Around the World, Marriage Is Declining, Singles Are Rising - Psychology Today, 2019


The gospel flips the script…. Jesus, the perfect man was single as was the most prolific writer of Scripture, the Apostle Paul..

“One….clear difference between Christianity and Judaism [and all other traditional religions] is the former’s entertainment of the idea of singleness as the paradigm way of life for its followers.” - Stanley Hauerwas, A Commentary of Character


Nobody can completely flourish without understanding and equally valuing both marriage and singleness!


Matthew 19:10-12
Isaiah 56:4-5
Luke 11:27
Luke 11:28
Mark 3:31-35
Luke 14:26

Life in Christ in relationship to the church (believers) is more permanent and should be valued more than any other relationship

Christ is the single sufficient source of shalom

Singleness is not a problem to be solved and not a a state of languishing. God promises better blessings (better than sons and daughters) to those who remain single in Christ

DATING

Christ centeredness over chemistry
Clearly define the purpose…its isn’t intimacy
Embrace the good state of singleness

other sermons in this series

Jul 25

2021

Love Works: Unstoppable

Preacher: Joe Walser Scripture: Ephesians 6:23–24 Series: Love Works

Jul 18

2021

Love Works: At War

Preacher: Joe Walser Scripture: Ephesians 6:10–12 Series: Love Works

Jul 11

2021

Love Works: Shalom and Parenting

Preacher: Joe Walser Scripture: Ephesians 6:4 Series: Love Works