Author: Bryan Gibson

Weekly Bulletin
October 16, 2016

Keys to a Successful Marriage
From a Renowned Marriage Counselor
Who is our renowned marriage counselor? The very one who instituted the marriage relationship—God. Let’s look at His formula for success.
Leave father and mother and cleave to your spouse (Genesis 2:18-24). Don’t go running back to your parents every time there is a problem. Work it out between you two.
Cleave to each other “until death do us part” (Matthew 19:3-12; 1 Corinthians 7:39; Malachi 2:13-16). Divorce is sinful unless it is for the cause of fornication (sexual immorality). So, unless fornication has occurred, don’t even think about getting a divorce. Dismiss divorce as an option, and you’re much more likely to work out your problems. Remember what you “vowed” to do—with God as your witness!
Husbands, nourish and cherish your wife; love her as Christ loved the church (Ephesians 5:25-29, 33). Supply ALL her needs, just as Christ supplies all the needs of the church (Philippians 4:19). Don’t let headship go to your head. Jesus said, “My yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28). Follow His example—don’t put more on your wife than she can bear.
Wives, love your husband (Titus 2:4-5; Proverbs 31:12; 1 Corinthians 13:4-7); respect him (Ephesians 5:33) and obey him (Titus 2:4-5; Ephesians 5:22-24). Remember, love is a verb (an action word). It’s not just a feeling; it’s what you do—even if you get very little in return.
Look out for each other’s needs and interests as well as your own (Philippians 2:3-5). Don’t just think about what you can get out of marriage; think about what you can put into it. Constantly ask the question, “what more can I do for my spouse?”
Don’t let the sun go down on your wrath (Ephesians 4:26-27). If you get mad, don’t stay mad. Get it resolved before too much damage is done. Replace bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking with kindness, tenderheartedness, and forgiveness (Ephesians 4:31-32).
Don’t ever try to “get back” at your spouse (Romans 12:17-21). If your spouse wrongs you in some way, do NOT wrong them in return. That’s not the answer. The above passage is clear: “overcome evil with good.”
Don’t lie to one another, or deceive one another in any way (Ephesians 4:25; Colossians 3:9; Proverbs 31:11). If you do, make sure you heed the next point.
Confess your faults to one another (James 5:16; read Matthew 5:23-24, and replace “brother” with “spouse”). If you’re too proud to admit your faults, then you’re too proud—period!
When your spouse apologizes, be sure to forgive (Matthew 18:21-22, 35, again replace “brother” with “spouse”). Don’t treat some offenses as unforgivable. We would all be in trouble if the Lord did that.
Praise, compliment, and encourage each other (Proverbs 31:28-31). Husbands, don’t say, “She knows how I feel. I don’t have to say anything.” Go ahead and say it. Tell her how you feel. Tell her what you appreciate about her.
Your bodies belong to each other, so satisfy each other’s desires, so that neither one is tempted to look elsewhere (1 Corinthians 7:3-5; Proverbs 5:15-20). Keep this in mind, though—adultery is never justified—even if your spouse deprives you.
Do not flirt with someone other than your spouse (1 Corinthians 6:18; Romans 13:14; Proverbs 7:21-27). Recognize tempting or compromising situations, and stay as far away from them as possible. You may not plan to have an affair, but get careless, and it may happen sooner than you think. Develop the same conviction Joseph had: “How then can I do this great wickedness and sin against God?” (Genesis 39:9).
Learn to be content (Philippians 4:11-12; 1 Timothy 6:6-8; Matthew 6:31-33). “Count your many blessings; name them one by one…and it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.” You may have more than you realize, especially if you count the things that matter most. “Better is the sight of the eyes than the wandering of desire” (Ecclesiastes 6:9).

Contact Information
	P.O. Box 680872 / Prattville, AL 36067
	(334) 365-5887 / (334) 868-0801
	prattmont@knology.net / prattmontchurchofchrist.org

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The Prattmont Church of Christ is just what the name suggests, a church that belongs to Christ. We are not a denomination; we are simply a group of Christians trying very hard to practice the teachings of our Head, Jesus Christ. The New Testament offers a complete pattern for what each local church should be like—its organization, its worship, its work, etc. We are committed to following that pattern. We cordially invite you to attend our services. We would also welcome any comments or questions about this bulletin.

TIMES OF SERVICES:
Sunday
Bible Study 9:00 A.M.
Worship 10:00 A.M.
Training Class 5:00 P.M.
Worship 6:00 P.M.
Wednesday:
Bible Study 7:00 P.M.