In our formative years, the expectations of what marriage is all about are too often formed by a self-serving culture through music, novels, and movies. Rather than providing a solid foundation for marriage, these serve to undermine it. If we’re to have strong and lasting marriages we must begin by looking at the instructions God has given.
On The Stand Radio I recently spoke with Dr. Jeff Schreve, Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church, Texarkana, Texas, and host of From His Heart on American Family Radio. I wanted to have him on the show to talk about biblical marriage and his teaching in the newly released AFA Activate video series. In Unit 2, God’s Blueprint for Marriage, Pastor Schreve and his wife, Debbie, carefully explain the unique roles given to husbands and wives by God in Ephesians chapter 5. These roles show how the distinctions between men and women promote love and respect in the home.
A successful marriage, according to Dr. Shreve, is marked by kindness, ongoing romance, and effective communication. He encourages husbands to continue dating their wives and to ensure that their love is not just spoken but felt. Wives are encouraged to respect and support their husbands, creating a balanced and nurturing environment.
Our conversation also touched on safeguarding marriages against external threats and advocating for boundaries and transparency, especially regarding interactions with the opposite sex. By adhering to these principles, couples can maintain the integrity of their marriage and uphold their biblical roles.
There’s also a powerful evangelistic effect these principles have on the culture at large. Marriages that are modeled by God’s blueprints found in the Bible serve as a powerful mirror of Christ’s relationship to His bride, the Church. In fact, that’s the relationship the Apostle Paul has in mind in his letter to the Ephesians.
Take a moment and listen to my interview with Dr. Jeff Schreve. You’ll be reminded of some familiar principles that will help build a strong marriage with your spouse.
