Marriage is the first institution designed by God at Creation. God fashioned humankind as male and female in His own image; He instituted marriage, a covenant-based union of the two genders physically, emotionally, and spiritually, spoken of in Scripture as “one flesh.” God, the designer of marriage, has provided us with a plan for how marriage works best.
Fundamental Belief on Marriage and the Family
Marriage was divinely established in Eden and affirmed by Jesus to be a lifelong union between a man and a woman in loving companionship. For the Christian a marriage commitment is to God as well as t…
Read MoreAn Affirmation of Marriage
Issues related to marriage can be seen in their true light only as they are viewed against the background of the divine ideal for marriage. Marriage was divinely established in Eden and affirmed by Je…
Read MoreAn Affirmation of God’s Gift of Sexuality
Human beings are created in the image of a relational God and designed to enjoy an intimate relationship with their Creator and one another (Gen. 1:26, 27; Matt. 22:37-39; John 17:3; 1 John 4:11, 12).…
Read MoreAssisted Human Reproduction — Considerations
Developments in medical technology have led to a number of interventions designed to assist human procreation. Procedures such as artificial insemination, in vitro fertilization, surrogacy, embryo tra…
Read MoreBibliography for Marriage Preparation
Chidwick, Ann. (1994). New beginnings: A remarriage preparation program manual . Milwaukee, WI: Families International, Inc. Chidwick, Ann. (1994). New beginnings: A remarriage preparation workbook .…
Read MorePreparing Couples for Marriage
Marriage is a Process A wedding is one of life’s most significant celebrations. It merits all the careful thought and planning usually invested in its preparation. Of course planning for the cer…
Read MoreGrace Changes Everything
Theme: The grace of God empowers and energizes us to produce happy, healthy marriages. Theme Text: Ephesians 1-5 Presentation Notes: Throughout the following outline, numbers in parentheses (1), (2),…
Read MoreClose Companions
Theme: The close companionship of a husband and wife in marriage helps them to be better equipped to face and endure whatever crises life may bring. Theme Text: Genesis 2:24; Ephesians 5:28-30; Eccles…
Read MoreInvited to the Feast
Theme: The gift of Christ to the marriage feast at Cana was a symbol of what He wants to do to our own marriages. Theme Text: John 2:1-12 Supplementary Reading: Ellen G. White, “At the Marriage…
Read MoreLet Love’s Light Shine
Theme: Each Christian married couple is a ministering unit whose love and oneness is a powerful means of sharing the gospel and uplifting the lives of other couples and individuals. Theme Text: Gen. 2…
Read MoreA Godly Design
Theme: God designed marriage to help meet the multiple needs of men and women in a context of affirmation, safety, and security. Theme Text: Genesis 1:28; 2:18-24; 1 Corinthians 7:5; Ephesians 5:22-32…
Read MoreThe Marriage Miracle
Theme: Jesus’ transformation of water to wine at the wedding feast symbolizes His transformation of the marriage institution. God’s redemptive act in Christ lifted the curse, permitting co…
Read MorePreventive Health Care for Marriage
Theme: God has given simple preventive principles that can help couples to maintain a healthy marriage. Theme Text: 3 John 2 Presentation Notes: Throughout the following outline, numbers in parenthese…
Read MoreSustaining Love Throug The Seasons of Marriage
Theme: Provisions exist in the Christian gospel to enable married couples to maintain their covenant amid changes that affect their marriage. Theme Text: Lam. 3:23; Hosea 2:20 Presentation Notes: Thro…
Read MoreSparking Romance
<!– wp:paragraph {"kioblocks":[]} –> <p>Marriage is the first institution designed by God at Creation. God fashioned humankind as male and female in His own image; He instituted marriage, a covenant…
Read MorePreparing for Marriage Inventory
<!– wp:paragraph {"kioblocks":[]} –> <p>Marriage is the first institution designed by God at Creation. God fashioned humankind as male and female in His own image; He instituted marriage, a covenant…
Read MoreTime Out for Love
TIME OUT FOR LOVE by Karen & Ron Flowers Directors, Department of Family Ministries, General Conference Theme: The marriage bond is strengthened as couples recognize their personal worth and endea…
Read MorePutting Anger in Its Place
PUTTING ANGER IN ITS PLACE A Marriage Enrichment Seminar by Karen & Ron Flowers Directors, Department of Family Ministries, General Conference with Harold and Nelma Drake Marriage Enrichment Facil…
Read MoreThe Power of Oneness
THE POWER OF ONENESS by Elaine & Willie Oliver Department of Family Ministries North American Division Theme: Christian marriage is based on the biblical model of leaving father and mother and cle…
Read MoreMarriage Where Grace Is In Place
MARRIAGE WHERE GRACE IS IN PLACE by Karen & Ron Flowers Directors, Department of Family Ministries, General Conference Theme: Meditation and dialog by couples on the scriptural themes of the gospe…
Read MoreMarriage Dramas for All Seasons
MARRIAGE DRAMAS FOR ALL SEASONS by Karen & Ron Flowers Directors, Department of Family Ministries, General Conference Skits are great fun as well as a powerful way to stimulate insight and dialogu…
Read MoreJourney Into Intimacy
JOURNEY INTO INTIMACY Helping Couples Across the Marriage Map by Karen & Ron Flowers Directors, Department of Family Ministries, General Conference How to Use This Resource: The pieces within this…
Read MoreI Still Do
I STILL DO Choosing Each Other Again and Again by Karen & Ron Flowers Directors, Department of Family Ministries, General Conference Author’s note: This marriage strengthening resource is de…
Read MoreGrowing Together Through Conflict
GROWING TOGETHER THROUGH CONFLICT by Karen & Ron Flowers Directors, Department of Family Ministries, General Conference Theme: How to solve conflicts so that everyone wins. Objective: To teach a t…
Read MoreGood News for Modern Marrieds
GOOD NEWS FOR MODERN MARRIEDS Four Evenings of Bible Study and Marital Growth for Couples by Karen Flowers Co-Director, Department of Family Ministries, General Conference Outlined below are four even…
Read MoreDivine Design for Sexuality
DIVINE DESIGN FOR SEXUALITY A Seminar on Sexuality From a Biblical Perspective by Karen & Ron Flowers Directors, Department of Family Ministries, General Conference Theme: This seminar presents hu…
Read MoreYour Marriage: How it Shapes the Next Generation
YOUR MARRIAGE: HOW IT SHAPES THE NEXT GENERATION by Karen & Ron Flowers Directors, Department of Family Ministries, General Conference Theme: When the Spirit of Christ resides in the hearts of a h…
Read MoreHappy Marriages
<!– wp:paragraph {"kioblocks":[]} –> <p>Marriage is the first institution designed by God at Creation. God fashioned humankind as male and female in His own image; He instituted marriage, a covenant…
Read MoreAbandoned Spouse
<!– wp:paragraph {"kioblocks":[]} –> <p>Marriage is the first institution designed by God at Creation. God fashioned humankind as male and female in His own image; He instituted marriage, a covenant…
Read MoreCaught in the Middle
<!– wp:paragraph {"kioblocks":[]} –> <p>Marriage is the first institution designed by God at Creation. God fashioned humankind as male and female in His own image; He instituted marriage, a covenant…
Read MoreChanging Bad Habits
<!– wp:paragraph {"kioblocks":[]} –> <p>Marriage is the first institution designed by God at Creation. God fashioned humankind as male and female in His own image; He instituted marriage, a covenant…
Read MoreCrying Men
<!– wp:paragraph {"kioblocks":[]} –> <p>Marriage is the first institution designed by God at Creation. God fashioned humankind as male and female in His own image; He instituted marriage, a covenant…
Read MoreDomestic Violence
<!– wp:paragraph {"kioblocks":[]} –> <p>Marriage is the first institution designed by God at Creation. God fashioned humankind as male and female in His own image; He instituted marriage, a covenant…
Read MoreKidness in Marriage
<!– wp:paragraph {"kioblocks":[]} –> <p>Marriage is the first institution designed by God at Creation. God fashioned humankind as male and female in His own image; He instituted marriage, a covenant…
Read MoreWho Handles the Money
<!– wp:paragraph {"kioblocks":[]} –> <p>Marriage is the first institution designed by God at Creation. God fashioned humankind as male and female in His own image; He instituted marriage, a covenant…
Read MoreSeventh-day Adventist Response to Same-Sex Unions–A Reaffirmation of Christian Marriage
Over the past several decades the Seventh-day Adventist Church has felt it necessary to clearly state in various ways its position in regards to marriage, the family, and human sexuality. These subjec…
Read MorePremarital Guidance in Seventh-day Adventist Church
In 1977, D. W. Holbrook and Betty Holbrook, directors of the denomination’s new Home and Family Service, organized the Metro Washington Family Life Council, an organization which spanned three c…
Read MorePremarital Couple Dialogue Questions
Questions and Statements to StimulatePremarital Couple Dialogue The following questions and statements can be used in premarital sessions to encourage the couple to communicate with each other about t…
Read MoreResources for Pre-marriage Preparation – Organizations
ACME (Association for Couples in Marriage Enrichment – Building Better Marriages), offers retreats, support groups, facilitator training and a regular newsletter to help couples keep marriages h…
Read MoreBibliography for Marriage Preparation
Chidwick, Ann. (1994). New beginnings: A remarriage preparation program manual . Milwaukee, WI: Families International, Inc. Chidwick, Ann. (1994). New beginnings: A remarriage preparation workbook .…
Read MorePreparing Couples for Marriage
Marriage is a Process A wedding is one of life’s most significant celebrations. It merits all the careful thought and planning usually invested in its preparation. Of course planning for the cer…
Read MorePremarital Guidance in the Seventh-day Adventist Church
Premarital Guidance in Seventh-day Adventist Church A brief history of actions and policies regarding premarital guidance. Preparing Couples for MarriageA summary of the philosophy, process, tools and…
Read MorePreparing for Marriage Inventory
<!– wp:paragraph {"kioblocks":[]} –> <p>Marriage is the first institution designed by God at Creation. God fashioned humankind as male and female in His own image; He instituted marriage, a covenant…
Read MoreA Program for Premarital Guidance
<!– wp:paragraph {"kioblocks":[]} –> <p>Marriage is the first institution designed by God at Creation. God fashioned humankind as male and female in His own image; He instituted marriage, a covenant…
Read MoreDating / Pre- Marital – Dating Around
<!– wp:paragraph {"kioblocks":[]} –> <p>Marriage is the first institution designed by God at Creation. God fashioned humankind as male and female in His own image; He instituted marriage, a covenant…
Read MoreDating / Pre-Marital – Premarital Counseling
<!– wp:paragraph {"kioblocks":[]} –> <p>Marriage is the first institution designed by God at Creation. God fashioned humankind as male and female in His own image; He instituted marriage, a covenant…
Read MoreDating / Pre-Marital – Dating After Divorce
<!– wp:paragraph {"kioblocks":[]} –> <p>Marriage is the first institution designed by God at Creation. God fashioned humankind as male and female in His own image; He instituted marriage, a covenant…
Read MoreWhat the Divorce Statistics Say
World Divorce Rates-General Population For a collection of world divorce statistics, visit this website: fldivorce.com/blog/interesting-divorce-statistics-facts-and-rate Statistics compiled at this we…
Read MoreThe Impact of Divorce on Seventh-day Adventist Couples
Divorce is almost always a disaster! It affects all those involved for the rest of their lives in ways we can hardly imagine. It is fair to say that no one ever emerges from a divorce unscathed or una…
Read MoreA Review of The Unexpected Legacy of Divorce
BOOK REVIEW The Unexpected Legacy of DivorceA 25-Year Landmark Study of Divorced Families From the flyleaf- “Twenty-five years ago, Judith Wallerstein began talking to a group of 131 children wh…
Read MoreSDA Policy on Divorce and Remarriage
Introduction When the General Conference Session in Toronto considers proposed changes in our Church Manual‘s statements on divorce and remarriage, the delegates will be continuing a process tha…
Read MoreDivorce and Remarriage Study Commission – Report
Introduction Throughout the history of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, various committees, commissions, and councils have studied the topic of marriage and the issues of divorce and remarriage in a…
Read MoreMarriage, Divorce, and Remarriage: Church Manual 2005
Biblical Teachings on Marriage Origin of Marriage -Marriage is a divine institution established by God Himself before the fall, when everything, including marriage, was “very good” (Gen. 1…
Read MoreDivorce, Remarriage, and Church Membership. Annual Council 1976
Click the image below to download the Annual Council Minutes, 1976 statement on Divorce, Remarriage, and Church Membership.
Read MoreDivorce and Remarriage, and Church Membership
Divorce and Remarriage, and Church Membership
Read MoreSeventh-day Adventist Policy on Divorce and Remarriage: A Brief Outline of Historical Developments
Introduction When the General Conference Session in Toronto considers proposed changes in our Church Manual ‘s statements on divorce and remarriage, the delegates will be continuing a process th…
Read MoreDivorce and Remarriage in the Seventh-day Church: The Impact of Divorce on SDA Couples
Divorce is almost always a disaster! It affects all those involved for the rest of their lives in ways we can hardly imagine. It is fair to say that no one ever emerges from a divorce unscathed or una…
Read MoreDivorce and Remarriage in the Seventh-day Adventist Church: What the Divorce Statistics Say
World Divorce Rates-General Population For a collection of world divorce statistics, visit this website: www.divorcereform.org/nonus . Statistics compiled at this website appear to be less documented…
Read MoreDivorce and Remarriage in the Seventh-day Adventist Church: Divorce and Remarriage Study Commission – Report
DIVORCE AND REMARRIAGE STUDY COMMISSION-REPORT Introduction Throughout the history of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, various committees, commissions, and councils have studied the topic of marriage…
Read MoreDivorce and Remarriage in the Seventh-day Adventist Church: A Review of the Unexpected Legacy of Divorce
BOOK REVIEW The Unexpected Legacy of Divorce A 25-Year Landmark Study of Divorced Families by Judith S. Wallerstein, Julia M. Lewis, Sandra Blakeslee New York: Hyperion (2000) Reviewed by Karen and Ro…
Read MoreDivorce and Remarriage in the Seventh-day Adventist Church: Marriage, Divorce, and Remarriage – Church Manual 2005
MARRIAGE, DIVORCE, AND REMARRIAGE Biblical Teachings on Marriage Origin of Marriage -Marriage is a divine institution established by God Himself before the fall, when everything, including marriage, w…
Read MoreSermon Collections
MARRIAGE SERMON RESOURCES Close CompanionsThe close companionship of a husband and wife in marriage helps them to be better equipped to face and endure whatever crises life may bring (by Karen & R…
Read MoreBuilding Characters for Eternity
Theme: Scripture reveals the paramount task of parents-to develop solid characters in their children, characters that will stand firm against negative influences of the world. Theme Text: Deut. 6:1, 2…
Read MoreGrace Changes Everything
Theme: The grace of God empowers and energizes us to produce happy, healthy marriages. Theme Text: Ephesians 1-5 Presentation Notes: Throughout the following outline, numbers in parentheses (1), (2),…
Read MoreClose Companions
Theme: The close companionship of a husband and wife in marriage helps them to be better equipped to face and endure whatever crises life may bring. Theme Text: Genesis 2:24; Ephesians 5:28-30; Eccles…
Read MoreInvited to the Feast
Theme: The gift of Christ to the marriage feast at Cana was a symbol of what He wants to do to our own marriages. Theme Text: John 2:1-12 Supplementary Reading: Ellen G. White, “At the Marriage…
Read MoreLet Love’s Light Shine
Theme: Each Christian married couple is a ministering unit whose love and oneness is a powerful means of sharing the gospel and uplifting the lives of other couples and individuals. Theme Text: Gen. 2…
Read MoreA Godly Design
Theme: God designed marriage to help meet the multiple needs of men and women in a context of affirmation, safety, and security. Theme Text: Genesis 1:28; 2:18-24; 1 Corinthians 7:5; Ephesians 5:22-32…
Read MoreThe Marriage Miracle
Theme: Jesus’ transformation of water to wine at the wedding feast symbolizes His transformation of the marriage institution. God’s redemptive act in Christ lifted the curse, permitting co…
Read MorePreventive Health Care for Marriage
Theme: God has given simple preventive principles that can help couples to maintain a healthy marriage. Theme Text: 3 John 2 Presentation Notes: Throughout the following outline, numbers in parenthese…
Read MoreSustaining Love Throug The Seasons of Marriage
Theme: Provisions exist in the Christian gospel to enable married couples to maintain their covenant amid changes that affect their marriage. Theme Text: Lam. 3:23; Hosea 2:20 Presentation Notes: Thro…
Read MoreChildish Things That Should Not Be Put Away
Theme: An important aspect of becoming an adult is to retain the simple lessons about life and relationships learned in childhood. Theme Text: 1 Corinthians 13:11; Matthew 18:3; Luke 18:15-17 Presenta…
Read MoreMany, Yet One Family
MANY, YET ONE FAMILY by Karen & Ron Flowers Directors, Department of Family Ministries, General Conference Theme: Through Christ we can find oneness in our families both at home and at church. The…
Read MoreThe Mission of Fellowship
THE MISSION OF FELLOWSHIP by Gottfried Oosterwal Adapted with permission from a message delivered at PMC, Andrews University Theme: Our families and our churches as families, when we allow God’s…
Read MoreA New Design for Relational Power
A NEW DESIGN FOR RELATIONAL POWER by Karen & Ron Flowers Directors, Department of Family Ministries, General Conference Theme: Healthy Christian relationships exhibit mutual caring, support, and r…
Read MoreFamily Sermon Resources
THE ART OF BEING WITH by Larry Yeagley Pastor of Charlotte S.D.A. Church and Marshall S.D.A. Church in Michigan, North American Division Theme: Though we may experience grief for a reason in our lives…
Read MoreThe God of the Second Time
THE GOD OF THE SECOND TIME Another look at the Jonah story by Jo Ann Davidson Assistant professor of theology Andrews University Theological Seminary Berrien Springs, Michigan Theme: The God who calle…
Read MoreFamilies Filled With Joy
FAMILIES FILLED WITH JOY by Karen & Ron Flowers Directors, Department of Family Ministries, General Conference Theme: An understanding of the dynamics of families, coupled with a clear presentatio…
Read MoreChristlikeness in Relationships
CHRISTLIKENESS IN RELATIONSHIPS by Lowell C. Cooper Associate Secretary General Conference Theme: Building an atmosphere of Christlikeness-love, respect, beauty in relationships-in our relationships a…
Read MoreChallenges to the Rhythm of Life
CHALLENGES TO THE RHYTHM OF LIFE by Lindrey Niles Local elder at Capital Memorial Seventh-day Adventist Church in Washington, D.C. He delivered this sermon shortly after a medical condition made it ne…
Read MoreParable of the Wonderful Father
Theme: The Heavenly Father looks every day “up the road,” ready to welcome home prodigals. Theme Text: Luke 15:11-24 In the previous parables of lostness, Jesus has told of a lost sheep th…
Read MoreThe Light of God In a Child’s Eye
Theme: The spiritual development of our children is an important part of parenting and is a task of the church. Adults have a positive duty to enable children’s faith in God and to avoid any att…
Read MoreIf The Twins Could Talk To Us
Theme: The family experiences of Jacob and Esau with their parents, Isaac and Rebekah, offer profound insights for contemporary parents. Theme Text: Genesis 25:27-34; 27:1-46; 28:1-9 Presentation Note…
Read MoreI Will Save Your Children
The following excerpts are from the book of poetry entitled Although the Day Is Not Mine to Give, I’ll Show You the Morning Sun , written and illustrated by David Melton (New York: Random House,…
Read MoreHow to Love a Son of Thunder
Theme: With God’s help we can keep on loving one another in our families even as we pass through difficult periods in our lives together. Theme Text: 1 John 4:7-11 Presentation Notes: The notes…
Read MoreA Home Is for Sharing
Theme: The truly Christian home has a faith and experience to share which can help and bless others. Theme Text: Isaiah 39:4 Presentation Notes: Throughout the following outline, numbers in parenthese…
Read MoreHelping Our Youth Catch the Gospel
Theme: Since values are more often caught than taught, we parents and guardians have the wonderful opportunity of helping children and youth to take hold of the gospel by providing an atmosphere of wa…
Read MoreFamilies Who Foster Faith
Theme: Scripture reveals the paramount importance of the family in transmitting spiritual values from generation to generation. Theme Text: Deuteronomy 6:4-25; Matthew 22:37-38 Presentation Notes: Thr…
Read MoreWalking Down Memory Lane For Family Revival
WALKING DOWN MEMORY LANE FOR FAMILY REVIVAL by Waveney Martinborough Director, Department of Family Ministries, Inter-American Division Theme: Family revival is born of telling and retelling our stori…
Read MoreTransitions and Traditions
TRANSITIONS AND TRADITIONS by Gaspar Colon Co-Director, Family Ministries Euro-Asia Division Theme: Dramatic changes in the lives of God’s people were often marked by celebrations. These celebra…
Read MoreA Time For Turning
A TIME FOR TURNING by Karen & Ron Flowers Directors, Department of Family Ministries, General Conference Theme: Within the heart-turning, family-strengthening Elijah message for our time there is…
Read MoreIf You Don’t “Get It”, You Don’t Get It!
IF YOU DON’T “GET IT,” YOU DON’T GET IT! by Karen Flowers Co-Director, Department of Family Ministries, General Conference Theme: Until we understand our complete lostness and…
Read MoreBrother Beloved
BROTHER BELOVED by Karen & Ron Flowers Directors, Department of Family Ministries, General Conference Theme: The gospel offers new beginnings for estranged relationships. Theme Text: John 15:12; P…
Read MoreYour Marriage: How it Shapes the Next Generation
YOUR MARRIAGE: HOW IT SHAPES THE NEXT GENERATION by Karen & Ron Flowers Directors, Department of Family Ministries, General Conference Theme: When the Spirit of Christ resides in the hearts of a h…
Read MoreVIDEO CLIPS
Click on the link below to watch video clips: Video Clips
The Couple Checkup
Assess Your Relationship and Identify Your Strengths with the Couple Checkup. Visit: www.couplecheckup.com
