Building a Lasting Marriage: The 3 Most Important Things Every marriage Needs

Show notes

About This Episode What does every marriage need to last? Aaron and Jennifer Smith go beyond the usual answers of communication, a healthy sex life, respect, and finances to three foundations that precede and outlast them. First, acknowledge and accept that marriage is a covenant, a promise made before God, not a contract or a piece of paper, which helps you fight the lies that tempt you to run or look elsewhere. Second, find security in knowing your marriage has a purpose: to reveal in an earthly relationship the divine relationship between Christ and His church. Third, cultivate willing hearts in conversation, intimacy, and sacrifice. Along the way they share why the Bible doesn't need a whole chapter on marriage, because walking in God's truth as a whole shapes a good spouse.

About Aaron & Jennifer Smith Aaron and Jennifer Smith are the founders of Marriage After God and authors of Husband After God, Wife After God, and Marriage After God. Married since 2007 and raising six children in Bend, Oregon, they started Husband Revolution and Unveiled Wife to share what God was teaching them, not from a place of having it figured out, but as fellow travelers pointing couples back to Jesus.

In This Episode Beyond the usual answers — why communication, sex, and finances aren't the foundation Marriage is a covenant — a promise made before God, not just a contract or a piece of paper Fighting the lies — how the covenant keeps you from running or looking elsewhere The purpose of marriage — revealing the relationship between Christ and His church Willing in conversation — being ready to listen, share, and apologize Willing in intimacy — pursuing, embracing, and trying new things Willing in sacrifice — surrendering your time, serving, and laying down your desires The tabernacle offering — why God wanted only willing givers Continually building — why a marriage isn't finished on the wedding day or in the first year

Scripture Referenced The Old Testament tabernacle offering — gifts received only from willing hearts

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