A Close Knit Couple is Joined to their Local Church

Photo Via

 One of the books I am reading this month is Mark and Grace Driscoll's new release, Real Marriage. In God's providence, yesterday I was reading the third chapter "Men and Marriage." Imagine my delight when I came across this line, "While there is no silver bullet to ensure all goes well in marriage, the following things make a difference: get involved in a good church..." He goes on to list "agree on what the Bible says, and worship together at home." I was so excited to stumble upon this as I was preparing a post on the importance of church involvement in your marriage.

Pastor Driscoll goes on to share statistics showing that couples who regularly attend church together tend to have a significantly lower divorce rate, and healthier and more fulfilling marriages. While this is very good news, it shouldn't surprise us. God has designed marriage, and He commands us to regularly attend our local church (Hebrews 10:25 "not neglecting to meet together"). When we obey God, we can expect His blessings. If a couple does marriage God's way (note: this takes both a husband and wife's cooperation and commitment), their marriage will work (glorifying God, accomplishing sanctification in each one's life, and bringing joy).

My husband and I have definitely reaped the rewards of committed membership in a solid, Bible teaching church. When we were first married we belonged to a church we'd attended in college. About six months in to married life, some changes occured (both in the church and our hearts), and it became clear that the Lord was moving us on. We were blessed to find a church that we could agree with theologically, and that was truly centered on Scripture, with a Pastor who boldly proclaimed God's Word from the pulpit, and gently shepherded his flock behind the scenes.

The Lord used His Word to grab the hearts of Niall and I in a powerful way. Each Sunday after service on the way home we could be found confessing our sins against one another and asking for forgiveness. We were encouraged to strive after godliness. With two services each Sunday (morning and evening) we were starting each week feeling truly fed and spiritually full. If you haven't experienced this, pray for God to send you to such a church! It will make a world of difference in your heart, and the hearts of your family members.

Here are some of the benefits of being joined to a solid, local church body:

*Hearing God's Word Preached- we need to hear the Word preached. How can we obey God without hearing and being reminded of what He says? God uses Scripture (as He did in Niall and me) to convict us of sin, bring us to repentance, and grow us in righteousness.

*Accountability- It's a joke among the women of our church that our husbands have to treat us right, or else the elders would discipline them :). All joking aside, if a godly pastor and caring believers are lovingly involved in your life, it can help to keep you on the straight and narrow.

*Fellowship- Good friendships with godly men and women not only help to keep you from sin, they also encourage you to do good and to continue zealously pursuing God and your spouse.

I hope that you are convinced! God didn't design Christians to walk solo, nor did He intend Christian couples to alienate themselves from other Christians. The Church is God's plan for His people, and your marriage will greatly benefit from obedience to Him in this area!

Linked Up With: Proverbs 31 Thursday, Thought Provoking Thursday, and Hearts for Home