Latest / Couples’ Journey Podcast Channel / [E81] Keeping the Covenant Strong - Part 1: Rediscovering God’s Design for Marriage

Transcript

[E81] Keeping the Covenant Strong - Part 1: Rediscovering God’s Design for Marriage · Couples’ Journey Podcast Channel

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Ever wondered how to uphold the sanctity of marriage in today's world?
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Welcome to Couples Journey with Christ Jesus blog series entitled,
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We're in a new series, Keeping the Covenant Strong.
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Today, we're diving deeper into the vital topic of marriage,
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exploring how it aligns with God's original design. Here's part one.
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It's a sad reality, but we can't deny how marriage has been redefined in today's
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society, straying from God's original design and purpose.
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For those who have discovered the truth, we also face the challenge of standing
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firm against these false narratives.
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According to the latest statistics from PW Research, while the overall rates
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of divorce and separation remain high, there has been a notable improvement
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in the number of individuals exposed to and intentionally embracing God's truths.
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In 2023-24, PW reports that 66% of divorced and separated adults identify as Christians.
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Of these, 24% are Evangelical Protestants, 12% are Mainline Protestants,
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9% are Historically Black Protestants, 18% are Catholics, and 3% fall into other categories.
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This marks an improvement from 2014.
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When 74% of divorced and separated adults identified as Christians,
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Back then, the breakdown was, evangelical Protestants at 28%,
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mainline Protestants at 14%, historically black Protestants at 9%,
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Catholics at 19%, and other categories at 4%.
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Thank God for this 8% decrease among the total population of divorced and separated adults.
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However, we cannot ignore that, among those still exposed to God's truths.
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More than half of them are evangelical Protestants, the group that,
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ironically, has many resources addressing divorce and separation.
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While the overall rate has improved by 8%, and there's a 4% decrease within
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the evangelical Protestant segment, there's still much work to be done.
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When we wrote our book, Couples' Journey, Restore, Relearn, Rejoice,
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we knew the importance of understanding these statistics. We wanted to gain
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insight into where we stand in encouraging married couples to center their marriages on God.
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Initially, we were surprised by the significant portion of the population affected.
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This burden moved us to observe our local churches here in Las Vegas,
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a city known for divorce, hoping to understand how our community reflects these trends.
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This journey of understanding has prompted us to reflect on our own marriage
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and how these facts relate. It became clear that discipleship is crucial.
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If more couples view their marriage as a discipleship journey,
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walking hand-in-hand with Christ and committing to His guidance.
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Marriages will be strengthened, and individual relationships with God will flourish.
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This week, we will reflect on God's Word regarding divorce.
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We'll share our personal journey and how God continues to strengthen our marriage.
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May this topic serve as an opportunity for deep self-reflection on our commitment
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to marriage and the ongoing work God is doing in our relationships.
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Let's remember that when God created Adam and Eve, He also established marriage,
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as noted in Genesis 1 verses 27 to 31 and Genesis 2 verses 7 to 25.
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Everything God made was very good. Before we close, we want to invite you to
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engage with us and support the Couples Journey blog series podcast.
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By following this channel, leaving comments, and sharing episodes with your family and friends.
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You're helping us in our mission to transform marriages today.
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Your support encourages more couples to seek God's guidance and grow stronger together.
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Thank you for being part of this journey, together, we can make a difference.
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Here's the final part of today's episode.
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Thank you for joining us for this insightful discussion. We hope Ray and Annie's
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reflections have encouraged you to think deeply about your own marriage and covenant.
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Be sure to tune in tomorrow for part two, where we'll continue unpacking the
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truths that can help us strengthen our relationships. You won't want to miss it.
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Did you know that the first book authored by Ray and Annie, titled Couples'
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Journey, Restore, Relearn, Rejoice, has evolved into an inspiring three-book series?
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From Book 1 which they shared, the inspiring narrative reveals God's continuous
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transforming work, showing how even the most broken paths can be made new and
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deeply connected through His grace.
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Book 2 is a comprehensive workbook that serves as a practical guide for understanding
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and living out God's biblical blueprint for marriage.
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Filled with engaging exercises, thought-provoking discussions,
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and personal reflection tools, it empowers you and your spouse to actively engage
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with divine design, transforming insights into actionable steps for every aspect of your relationship.
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Book 3 is a 52-week devotional, your essential resource for cultivating a consistent
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spiritual habit centered around biblical conversation, both as a couple and
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within your small group.
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Each week, through thoughtfully crafted reflections and the unique Drash method,
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you'll be equipped to deepen your connection with Christ and each other.
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Turning your marital relationship into a lifelong journey of discipleship.
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Are you ready to truly live out God's design for your marriage?
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The Couples Journey series offers the wisdom tools and encouragement you need
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to embark on this incredible path of restoration, relearning, and rejoicing.
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You can get your book copies through Amazon or visit the website www.couplesjourney.org.