THE MARRIAGE MARATHON (2 OF 5)
by Keith Krell
Scripture: Matthew 19:1-12
This content is part of a series.
The Marriage Marathon (2 of 5)
Series: Marriage Matters!
Keith Krell
Matthew 19:1-12
Do you remember how John the Baptizer died? Matthew 14 records that John had been openly critical of Herod Antipas' adulterous marriage to his brother Philip's wife. As a result, he was arrested, bound, and thrown into prison. The only person who hated public criticism more than Herod was his new wife Herodias, and she took advantage of any opportunity to silence her critics. Such an opportunity arose one evening when Herodias's daughter performed a lewd dance at Herod's birthday party. He was so impressed with her dancing ability that he promised her anything she desired. Taking the cue from her mother, she asked for John the Baptist's head on a platter. Herod agreed to the request, and the First Family instantly had one less critic. John the Baptizer, one of the greatest preachers who has ever lived, was beheaded because he addressed the issue of divorce and remarriage.
I recognize that I, too, may be putting my life in jeopardy by preaching this text. I have considered wearing either a suit of armor or a bullet proof vest. Yet, I do need to address the controversial but critical topic of divorce and remarriage. The reason is obvious: Our coworkers, neighbors, classmates, family, and friends are observing the marriages of Christians and rightfully asking: ''Is Jesus really the answer?'' Although the church talks a big game about marriage, it often doesn't back it up! Our holiness, faithfulness, and perseverance in our marriages are frequently no better than those who are atheists and agnostics. It leads to the disturbing conclusion that Jesus doesn't really make a difference in this most important area of our lives. Nevertheless, Jesus holds individual believers responsible and accountable to their marriage vows. He declares that marriage is covenant plus commitment. In other words, when you married your spouse you entered into a covenant before God and man. This co ...
Series: Marriage Matters!
Keith Krell
Matthew 19:1-12
Do you remember how John the Baptizer died? Matthew 14 records that John had been openly critical of Herod Antipas' adulterous marriage to his brother Philip's wife. As a result, he was arrested, bound, and thrown into prison. The only person who hated public criticism more than Herod was his new wife Herodias, and she took advantage of any opportunity to silence her critics. Such an opportunity arose one evening when Herodias's daughter performed a lewd dance at Herod's birthday party. He was so impressed with her dancing ability that he promised her anything she desired. Taking the cue from her mother, she asked for John the Baptist's head on a platter. Herod agreed to the request, and the First Family instantly had one less critic. John the Baptizer, one of the greatest preachers who has ever lived, was beheaded because he addressed the issue of divorce and remarriage.
I recognize that I, too, may be putting my life in jeopardy by preaching this text. I have considered wearing either a suit of armor or a bullet proof vest. Yet, I do need to address the controversial but critical topic of divorce and remarriage. The reason is obvious: Our coworkers, neighbors, classmates, family, and friends are observing the marriages of Christians and rightfully asking: ''Is Jesus really the answer?'' Although the church talks a big game about marriage, it often doesn't back it up! Our holiness, faithfulness, and perseverance in our marriages are frequently no better than those who are atheists and agnostics. It leads to the disturbing conclusion that Jesus doesn't really make a difference in this most important area of our lives. Nevertheless, Jesus holds individual believers responsible and accountable to their marriage vows. He declares that marriage is covenant plus commitment. In other words, when you married your spouse you entered into a covenant before God and man. This co ...
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