The State Of Modern Church Weddings And Marriages Series

The modern church's approach to weddings and marriages has become increasingly concerning. Many couples prioritize the pageantry of the ceremony over the presence of God, leading to a high rate of failed marriages. In this sermon, we will explore few reasons why church weddings and marriages are no longer working, highlighting the importance of returning to biblical foundations.

1. Prioritizing the Pageantry over the Presence

Couples often spend months planning a four-hour event, but neglect to prepare for a forty-year union. This prioritization of pageantry over presence is a recipe for disaster. Jesus said, "Where two or more are gathered in my name, there I am with them" (Matthew 18:20). True marriage is not just a ceremony, but a union between two people and God.

2. The Unequal Yoke of Convenience

Marrying for status, biological clocks, or social pressure rather than divine alignment is a recipe for disaster. The Bible warns, "Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers" (2 Corinthians 6:14). Believers should seek God's will in their marriage, not worldly gain.

3. Counterfeit Conversion

Marrying "in the church" but not "in the Lord" is a recipe for heartache. If one or both partners have a form of godliness but deny its power, the marriage is built on shaky ground. Jesus said, "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 7:21).

4. Covenant Without Sacrifice

Entering marriage looking for a servant rather than a partner to serve is a sign of selfishness. Jesus said, "Whoever wants to be great among you must be your servant" (Matthew 20:26). True marriage requires sacrifice and service to one another.

5. The Idolatry of the Spouse

Expecting a human being to provide the fulfillment that only Christ can give is idolatry. The Bible says, "You shall have no other gods before me" (Exodus 20:3). Only Christ can truly fulfill our deepest needs.

6. Secret Altars

Bringing unrepented sexual baggage and soul ties into the "holy" bed is a recipe for disaster. The Bible says, "Flet us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God" (2 Corinthians 7:1).

7. Mammon's Influence

Financial compatibility being weighed more heavily than spiritual fruitfulness is a sign of misplaced priorities. Jesus said, "You cannot serve God and mammon" (Matthew 6:24). Believers should prioritize spiritual growth over material wealth.

8. The Lack of Spiritual Headship

Husbands who demand submission but refuse to provide sacrificial love are misusing biblical teaching. The Bible says, "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her" (Ephesians 5:25).

9. Uncircumcised Tongues

Using the same mouth that said "I love you" at the altar to tear down the spouse's destiny in private is a sign of hypocrisy. The Bible says, "Death and life are in the power of the tongue" (Proverbs 18:21).

10. The Spirit of Independence

Living as "one flesh" in public but as two separate roommates with private accounts and agendas is a recipe for disaster. The Bible says, "A man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh" (Genesis 2:24).

11. Prayerlessness

A couple that stops talking to God eventually stops truly hearing each other. The Bible says, "Pray without ceasing" (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Prayer is essential for a healthy marriage.

In conclusion, the modern church's approach to weddings and marriages is often flawed. Believers must return to biblical foundations, prioritizing God's presence, spiritual growth, and sacrificial love. Only then can marriages be truly holy and fulfilling.