HYMN NO. 454 "Trust and Obey"
(Sr. Highs dismissed to discussion group.)
JOYS AND CONCERNS
PASTORAL PRAYER AND THE LORD'S PRAYER
RECEPTION OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS
*BENEDICTION AND RESPONSE
Making the Message Meaningful to Me
"Keeping Commitment ... What Good Is Your Word?"
Malachi 2:10-16; Romans 12:9-21; 2 Corinthians 6:14-18
What's In A Word? Malachi 2:10-16
"breaking faith; broken faith" - dealing faithlessly,
treacherously.
"covenant" vv. 10, 14 - solemn, binding mutual agreement.
Every relationship should be a compulsory keeping of covenant.
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Keep Faith With Others: Don't Let Relationships Rupture (v.10)
"we profane the covenant..." - "profane" means to wound,
dissolve.
Believers are in the same family with the same Father; we're kin.
"If it is possible ... live at peace with everyone." Romans 12:18
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Keep Faith With God: Don't Unite With An Unbeliever (vv.11-12)
"A detestable thing..." - "detestable" = morally
disgusting, abhorrent.
What's so revolting to God? "Marrying the daughter of a foreign god."
"Do not be yoked together with unbelievers." 2 Corinthians 6:14
Spiritual carnage happens from following feelings rather than faith.
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Keep Faith With Your Spouse: Don't Get Divorced (vv. 13-16)
God hates divorce (v.16) - God doesn't hate divorced people.
God doesn't forbid all divorce - two very restricted conditions:
1 Corinthians 7:15 (an unbeliever) and Matt. 5:32 (adultery)
Six Practical Ways to Keep Your Marriage Covenant:
1. Take Responsibility to Grow Spiritually
2. Stay Committed No Matter What
3. Set Up Some Practical Hedges
4. Commit To Communicate
5. Think the Best of Your Spouse
6. Be A Servant
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A Point to Ponder - Because He is a covenant keeping God, we can
keep our covenants with one another, with God and with our spouses.
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