Open with Prayer.

Key Scripture:  Matthew 7:24-27

Summary:
In the key verse, Pastor Brent discussed two perspectives on love. The first approach reflects cultural and secular beliefs, comparable to constructing your life on shifting sand. Alternatively, one can choose to pursue God's plan and biblical understanding of love, which is likened to establishing a house on a firm foundation of solid rock.

Key Takeaways:
1. Enduring love is founded on godly principles.
2. Marriage is a sacred covenant before God, not merely a contract between individuals.
3. God's design for marriage includes a specific order, purpose, and rhythm.
4. A strong marriage requires both partners to fulfill their biblical roles.

Discussion Questions:
‍1. Pastor Brent's “The Foundation in Marriage” message references Matthew 7:24-27. What constitutes a Biblical foundation? Please support your definition with scripture.
2. 1 John 4:8,16 and 1 Corinthians 13 describe God's nature and His definition of love. How does the secular culture's understanding of love differ from biblical teachings?  
     Cultural Views on Love: Define love in secular terms.  
     Biblical Love: Agape love is unconditional and sacrificial (1 John 4:9-10).
3.  Explore Genesis 2:24 - 3:20, which discusses the creation of marriage, and Ephesians 5:22-33, which illustrates Christ and the Church as a model for marriage.In Genesis 3, What is the significance of the Fall in light of the divorce rate exceeding 50%?
4.  Why do dating and marriage patterns that follow secular culture resemble building a house on sand and what are the consequences?
5. What does building marriage/relationships on the “solid rock” of God's Word mean, and what challenges might arise?
6. How does the cultural perception of marriage diverge from God's design, as referenced in Ephesians 5:22-33? In Ephesians 5:25, husbands are instructed to love their wives as Christ loved the church and sacrificed Himself for her. What does sacrificial love look like? Ephesians 5:33 states that husbands should love their wives as themselves, and wives should respect their husbands. Why does God assign different commands to each partner?
7. Genesis 2:18 states, "It is not good for man to be alone; I will make a helper comparable to him." What is the difference between a covenant and a contract? How could this understanding influence how we address challenges in marriage?
8. What role did God assign to humanity when He established marriage? Given our responsibilities, why is having a godly marriage essential? What challenges do you encounter in fulfilling these roles in today’s society?
9. The sermon emphasized the rhythm of love and respect within marriage. How can spouses actively show love and respect to each other in their daily lives?
10. For married members: What areas do you believe you need to grow to better fulfill your role as a godly spouse?11. For single members: How can you prepare now for a future godly marriage?

Practical Applications:1. This week, intentionally practice showing love (for husbands) or respect (for wives) to your spouse differently each day.
2. If you're single, reflect and journal about the qualities you want to develop in preparation for a godly marriage.
3. Consider enrolling in the church's Re-engage program if your marriage needs strengthening or restoration.
4. Commit to praying daily for your spouse (or future spouse) and your marriage.
5. Identify one area where you've been building your relationships on "sand," and create a plan to align it with God's design.

Closing Prayer:
End the session by praying for each other's marriages or future marriages, asking God for wisdom, strength, and grace to build relationships on His solid foundation.

Scripture for Further Study:
Ephesians 5:21-33
Genesis 2:18-25
1 Corinthians 13:4-7
Colossians 3:18-19