Latest / Couples’ Journey Podcast Channel / [E85] Keeping the Covenant Strong - Part 5: Embracing the Covenant

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[E85] Keeping the Covenant Strong - Part 5: Embracing the Covenant · Couples’ Journey Podcast Channel

• 0:00
  Have you ever thought about the difference between a contract and a covenant in marriage?
• 0:05
  Welcome to the final part of our podcast series, Keeping the Covenant Strong.
• 0:10
  Today, Ray and Annie wrap up our series by discussing their journey of understanding
• 0:15
  marriage as a sacred covenant rather than a mere contract.
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  They'll share valuable insights from their exploration of ministries like family
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  life and practical ways to strengthen their marital commitment,
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  all while anchored in God's truth. Here's the final part.
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  Although the importance of maintaining a strong marriage covenant has been a
• 0:36
  familiar perspective in our marriage and a regular lesson we impart to our children,
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  we still decided to explore other ministries focused on marriage.
• 0:44
  One such resource is Family Life, a ministry by CRU, which shared a helpful
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  list of ways to uphold the marriage covenant.
• 0:52
  The article link is ported in the episode's description. We're delighted to
• 0:57
  recognize some of the practices we already implement in our marriage.
• 1:01
  But we also identified areas where we can improve.
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  The article highlighted the distinction between a covenant and a contract.
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  While we have always treated our marriage as a covenant before God,
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  it's a truth that many couples today might take for granted.
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  While a contract has an end date,
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  a covenant is permanent, so we must continuously work to strengthen it.
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  Our first glimpse of the sacred marriage covenant was when God united Adam and Eve.
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  In the New Testament, Jesus emphasized the importance of this covenant in Matthew 19 verses 4-6.
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  Today, we often hear wedding vows, but viewing marriage as a covenant can have
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  a more profound impact, one rooted in God's design and purpose for marriage.
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  While we cherish the tradition of exchanging vows, embracing the reality of
• 1:48
  a covenant renews our commitment with a focus on divine intention.
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  The key now is how we live out our marriage covenant and keep it strong.
• 1:56
  The article offered several valuable pointers, and we'd like to share our insights and experiences. 1.
• 2:03
  Pray together every day. We all understand the power of prayer,
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  but cultivating it as a daily practice, whether as a couple or as a family,
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  is a deep spiritual discipline.
• 2:14
  We've witnessed many answered prayers, and these experiences have transformed
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  our perception of prayer from a ritual into a vital means of communication with God. 2.
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  Never use the word divorce. Our relationship has known the pain of divorce,
• 2:29
  and when we decided to marry, we made this clear to each other.
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  We understand the difficulties and heartbreak that separation can cause.
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  Although initially, we committed not to consider divorce.
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  Submitting our marriage to God's authority has strengthened our resolve.
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  Our accountability to not mention
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  or consider divorce is a direct act of obedience to His commandments.
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  3. Create and sign a marriage covenant. We haven't done this yet,
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  but after learning about it from the article,
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  we plan to create a marriage covenant for our next anniversary.
• 3:01
  This act can serve as a powerful demonstration of our obedience to God's plan
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  for marriage and can positively influence our children and fellow couples. 4.
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  Follow through on your promises. We are all aware of the challenges that threaten
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  to weaken our marriage and our covenant before God.
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  During difficult times, it's easy to lose focus or grow discouraged.
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  However, holding onto our promises helps us develop selflessness.
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  Committing to what we have promised, especially in the face of challenges,
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  invites God's help and guidance.
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  It's a blessing to witness how relying on God's strength enables us to do good
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  works, not because we are capable on our own, but because He sustains us. 5.
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  Encourage others to uphold their covenant. Surrounding ourselves with fellow
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  believers who share the desire to fight against divorce is crucial.
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  As the article notes, we need to combat divorce in the most positive way,
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  by honoring our covenants and encouraging others to do the same.
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  Together, we can become known in our culture as the keepers and protectors of the marriage covenant.
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  If you haven't explored the Couples Journey website yet, it offers many resources
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  and study courses to enrich your understanding and equip you with tools to strengthen
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  your marriage alongside other committed believers.
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  May these practices serve as spiritual disciplines for many married couples,
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  anchoring their marriage firmly in God's truth.
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  If this is a new concept for you and your spouse, perhaps it's time for a conversation,
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  an opportunity to realign and deepen your commitment.
• 4:44
  By following this channel, leaving comments, and sharing episodes with your family and friends.
• 4:49
  You're helping us in our mission to transform marriages today.
• 4:53
  Your support encourages more couples to seek God's guidance and grow stronger together.
• 4:59
  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 concluding episode. We hope Ray and Annie's
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  reflections have encouraged you to deepen your understanding of the marriage
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  covenant and empowered you with actionable steps to strengthen your own relationship.
• 5:21
  Remember to tune in next week for another impactful series designed to enrich
• 5:26
  your marriage journey. You won't want to miss it.
• 5:30
  Did you know that the first book authored by Ray and Annie, titled Couples Journey,
• 5:35
  Restore, Relearn, Rejoice, has evolved into an inspiring three-book series.
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  From book one 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 two 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.