Today, we dove off into some of the most difficult issues of family: “co-habitation, divorce, and abuse.” It’s Satan’s “big three” he uses to counter God’s pattern of “covenant, commitment, and honor.”

Studies show that 4.85 million Americans are living together. Divorce is rampant, even in the church. Physical, substance, verbal, and sexual abuse is hardening the hearts of millions and moving them toward divorce.

Thank God for a godly family. Melanie and I have been blessed with 32 years of marriage and our six children are such a blessing. However, a whole new generation is coming on the scene quickly who have only Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie to look to as role models. “Trial marriage,” “no-fault divorce” and multiple affairs and partners is normal.

Jesus said, “From the beginning it was not so…” (Matt. 19: 8). God put the “center stripe in the road” and tells us which side is right and safe. Christians need to follow Paul’s guidelines in 1 Cor. 6 and 7 to avoid fornication and adultery through unscriptural divorces. A “vow” has more power than “happiness.” The strength of a marriage is not in “love” or “happiness” in the long run but in two people’s commitment to a vow they swore to each other.

I had “tons” of people come to me in the lobby this morning and tell me things like, “This message saved me from a divorce I was about to file.” Others wept about spouses on drugs (believers!), secret adulteries, etc. I titled the message, “Messed up” because that is what the devil is after in destroying God’s perfect creation of the family.

Watch our website for today’s message if you are interested…it may save your marriage.

Bro. Larry