Symbolism - The Wedding Party | Pastor Greg Ford Sermon | One Church Columbus

The Wedding Party | Pastor Greg Ford Sermon | One Church Columbus

ICEBREAKER:

How did you see God move this last week?

Summary:

This study invites you to explore how Scripture presents marriage and covenant as a reflection of God’s love and faithfulness. It emphasizes four core elements that shape healthy relationships: value, joy, intimacy, and commitment. Value reminds us that every person is made in God’s image and deserves honor; joy arises as couples and communities delight in one another and align their lives with God’s purposes; intimacy grows through vulnerability, mutual service, and honest communication; and commitment reflects God’s steadfast love through covenant fidelity. By reading, reflecting, and discussing, participants will see how God designs marriages and partnerships that honor Him and point others toward His grace.

Key Points

  1. Value: People are created in God’s image (Genesis 1:27); relationships should honor that dignity.

  2. Joy: Joy in marriage and community comes from aligning with God’s purposes and delighting in one another (Psalm 16:11; Proverbs 5:18-19).

  3. Intimacy: True intimacy grows with self-giving love, communication, and vulnerability (1 Corinthians 13:4-7; Song of Solomon 2:16; Ephesians 5:31-33).

  4. Commitment: Covenant faithfulness reflects God’s steadfast love (Malachi 2:14-16; Ruth 1:16-17; 2 Corinthians 6:14-18).

    • Scripture References

    • Genesis 2:18-25 – God’s design for companionship and the “one flesh” mystery.

    • Ephesians 5:25-33 – Christ’s love as the model for marital love.

    • Song of Solomon 2:16; 6:3 – Mutual belonging and affection.

    • Malachi 2:14-16 – God’s desire for faithful covenant in marriage.

    • Proverbs 3:3-4 – Let love and faithfulness never leave you.

Conclusion:

As we close, let the four themes—value, joy, intimacy, and commitment—shape how you approach every relationship. Recognize the dignity of those around you, cultivate joy that points others to God, pursue depth through honest communication and service, and remain faithful to the covenant you enter, daily choosing love over convenience. May your relationships become living testimonies of Christ’s unending love, drawing others toward His grace and transforming lives through the power of a redeemed, God-centered love.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How does recognizing the inherent value of each person shape how we treat our spouse, family, and friends?

  2. In what practical ways can a couple cultivate joy in their relationship, especially during difficult seasons?

  3. In Ephesians 5:25-33, how does the example of Christ’s love redefine what “love” looks like in a marriage today?

  4. In Genesis 2:18-25, what does it mean that “it is not good for the man to be alone,” and how does this shape our understanding of companionship beyond romance?

Guided Prayer:

Lord, we thank You for creating us in Your image and for the gift of relationships. Help us live out value, joy, intimacy, and commitment in all we do. Forgive us for times we’ve treated others with less than their worth or pursued closeness apart from Your design. Fill our hearts with gratitude and joy, even in trials, and teach us to love with self-giving, honest communication, and service. Strengthen our commitments to reflect Your steadfast love. May our homes and communities testify to Christ’s redeeming power and draw others to Your grace. Empower us to choose love daily, forgive quickly, and pursue holiness for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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