Morning Service Live Stream

In this Christmas season message, we interrupt our study in Genesis to focus on a major theme introduced in Genesis 24—the sacred picture of marriage. Drawing extensively from Ephesians 5:22-33, Pastor Bruce emphasizes that marriage is more than a legal or social contract; it is a permanent, godly institution designed to reflect the eternal relationship between Christ and His church.

The sermon directly challenges a broken society by reaffirming the Biblical standard for marriage, underscoring the importance of headship and submission as divine patterns for both the family and the church.

Service Breakdown

- Worship & Music: The service opens with the Advent hymn, “Angels from the Realms of Glory.” The choir sings "Silent Night" and other Christmas carols.

Poinsettia Dedication: A moment of honor and remembrance for loved ones is observed through the annual Poinsettia Dedication.

- Children’s Corner: The Candle of Faith: Continuing the Advent series, the second candle, Faith, is lit. The lesson uses Isaiah 7:14 and Jeremiah 23:5 to teach that God knows the future and keeps His promises, encouraging children to grow deeper in their faith and trust in Jesus.

- The Message: The Great Mystery: Continuing the study in Genesis, the pastor focuses on the theme of marriage as a permanent relationship. Using Ephesians 5, he outlines that the husband's role is to lead in godliness, loving his wife as Christ loved the church, while the wife’s role is to submit to her own husband, picturing the Church’s submission to Christ.

Key Moments & Themes

- Marriage: A Permanent Relationship: Marriage was never intended by God to be temporary; it is a permanent relationship designed to bring more people into the world and raise them to know Jesus Christ.

- The Picture of Christ and His Bride: The primary purpose of marriage is to be a visible example of Christ's permanent relationship with His Church. The dissolution of marriage presents a picture contrary to the Word of God's assurance of eternal security.

- The Godly Pattern of Headship: For a family to operate appropriately, the husband must be the head and leader of his home, leading in godliness. This relationship mirrors Christ as the Head of the Church.

- The Wife's Role in Submission: The wife's role is to submit to her own godly husband, reflecting the Church's submission to Christ. The message stresses that God's pattern always works, despite society's rebellion against these truths.

Call to Action

Is your marriage a picture of the eternal love and commitment between Christ and the Church? Are you willing to submit to the Word of God, even when it goes against cultural trends?

Commit to God's standard today! Whether you are married, preparing for marriage, or dealing with the reality of a broken past, you can build your life and family on the unshakeable foundation of God's Word.