This is the outline I preached from yesterday morning.  I traditionally preach a sermon on marriage sometime around the 12th of August which is our wedding anniversary (this Aug 12 Amy and I will celebrate 21 years of marriage).  Here are some things I learned through the years.

– Scott

How to Have a Happy Marriage

Why Adam and Eve had the perfect marriage:

• Eve never had to hear how good a cook his mother was.
• Adam never had to hear about all the men Eve could have married.
• Adam could honestly say Eve was the best looking woman in the world.
• Adam never went fishing with his pals.
• Eve meant it when she told him, “You’re the only one for me.”
• They did not have to keep up with the neighbors.

Hold Hands Often

• Prov 5:18
• Enjoy being together.
• Do things together (cook, gardening, walks)
• Stand together against the world – Eccl 4:9-12.

Say, “I Love You” Every Day

• Prov 17:17
• Eph 5:28-29
• “I told you when we first married and I will let you know if I change my mind.”

Never Go to Sleep Angry at Each Other

• Psa 37:8
• Eph 4:26
  • Practice Biblical Conflict Resolution.
  • Learn to Forgive – Mk 11:25

Help Each Other Grow

• 1 Pet 3:1-8
• Note wives to husbands / husbands to wives.
• Relationships help or impede spiritual growth.

Enjoy What is Good and Beautiful

• Phil 4:8
• Look for the best in each other.
• “Accentuate the positive, eliminate the negative.”

Say “Thank You” Daily.

• Prov 5:18
• For meals, for help, for love, for being there.
• Demonstrate thanks in action.
• Give 110%  / Appreciate 1% return.

Marry the Right Person

• While, I do not believe there is only one person out there for the unmarried, I do believe we can choose wisely and that one of many can be a right person for us and us for them.
• The right person is – 1 Cor 9:5 (believer)
• Be the right person – Eph 5:25-29

Book Recommendation: His Needs / Her Needs – Willard F Harley, Jr.

• This books builds on the concept of understanding each other cf. 1 Pet 3:7

His Needs:

1. Sexual intimacy
2. Recreational companion
3. A Spouse that he considers attractive
4. Domestic Support
5. Admiration (What Paul calls respect in Eph 5)

Her Needs:

1. Affection (What Paul describes as love in Eph 5)
2. Conversation
3. Honesty and Openness
4. Financial Support
5. Family Commitment