God’s Way of Getting to the Marriage Altar Pt4
4 Biblical Principles for Getting to the Marriage Altar 3
Sunday, July 21, 2019
I. 4 Biblical Principles for Getting to the Marriage Altar
A.Recreational Dating vs. God’s Way
1. God’s way of getting to the marriage altar is to seek the Lord, not a spouse, while preparing to be a husband/wife.
a.If you aren’t ready for marriage it’s wise not to be in one on one dating situations.
b.The purpose of dating should be to determine if this person is a possible marriage partner.
~My story – “The Interview”
2.God’s Way of Getting to the Marriage Altar
#1 Multiple Witness Principle
#2 The Betrothal Principle
#3 The Dowry Principle
#4 Marry Believers Only
B.The Dowry Principle
1. A Dowry is the price paid for a bride.
a.(Eph. 5:25) Jesus gave His life to acquire His bride
b.(Gen. 29:15-30 NLT) Jacob/Leah/Rachel
c.(Gen. 34:12 NLT) tell story of Sheckem/Dinah
d.(Exo. 22:16-17 AMP) dowry must be paid!
~(Deut. 24:5 AMP) 1 yr. honeymoon
e.(1 Sam. 18:17-30 NLT) David/Michal
2.What are the principles of the dowry?
a.Do you value my daughter?
b.Will you provide for her and your children?
c.Will you fight for her?
d.Do you love or just lust my daughter?
C.Marry Believers Only
1.(2 Cor. 6:14-18) unequally yoked together
a.(1 Cor. 7:13-16 NLT) unbelieving spouse
b.(Gen. 24:3: 28:1, 2) OT examples
2.(Eph. 5:25) love you as Christ loves the church.
[Pastor Lee Stokes]