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

Begin with Prayer.

Key Takeaways:
The Desired Promise
The Need to Control
The Importance of Trusting

Discussion Questions:
1. Abraham’s eyes were on the vision, but he lied about his wife out of self-preservation and fear. In what area of your life are you compromising your relationship with God and/or your spouse out of self-preservation and fear?
2. Pastor Brent mentioned that we must see one another as allies, not adversaries in marriage. Do you find this to be true in your relationship? If not, why? How can you change this mindset?
3. Living in the tension, Sarah took matters into her own hands. Doing so can have implications beyond yourself. Read Genesis 16 & 18 and discuss the consequences of getting ahead of God. Talk about the impact on Abraham, Hagar, and Ishmael.  When have you taken matters into your own hands, and how did it affect your life, the lives of your loved ones, and ultimately your relationship with God?
4. Sometimes, we can find ourselves in a situation that is so stressful that out of fear, our desire to control the circumstances overwhelms us.  Through these struggles, we can become dismayed, discouraged, and even depressed.  Are you currently in or have been in a similar situation where you are desperate to control your circumstances out of fear, but God has you in a position where you can’t?  Read Psalm 139 and talk about verses that encourage you through this struggle.  Is there someone you know who needs this encouragement?  
5. In the interviews, it was stated that ” God grows people through difficult circumstances.” Do you find this statement challenging? If so, why?
6. How would you describe “Mile 19”?  What scriptures can get you through “Mile 19” and beyond?  Consider the following: 1 Peter 5:7; Proverbs 17:17; James 1:5

In summary, life can be a journey with forks on the road. God may ask, “Will you trust me now?“

Application:
1. Consider the following principle takeaways from the first interview: You can’t control everything, but God can. Trust Him and Pray.
This week, be aware of the circumstances you are trying to control and apply Pat’s principle.
2. Commit to checking in with your spouse weekly about your communication and discussing any fears, hopes, dreams, or challenges.
3. For married couples, seek counseling and/or other couples you would like to emulate their relationship with. For singles, Pastor Brent encouraged you to surrender and embrace the journey rather than forcing it. Pray for someone farther along the journey who can mentor and coach you.
4. In closing, Pat offered the following principles that can apply to all relationships: Ask for forgiveness, be on guard, be transparent, and don’t play with fire or give the devil a foothold. Choose one principle and make it your goal this week to apply it as the Holy Spirit leads.  

Close in prayer.

Open with Prayer.
Key Takeaways:
1. Understanding the importance of love as a guiding principle in our homes and relationships
2. Acknowledging love is a choice, not a feeling.
3. Responding in love covers all offenses.

Key Scriptures:
1 John 4:7-19
1 Corinthians 13
1 Peter 4:8

Discussion Questions:
1. Pastor Brent stated the following, “The quality of love in the home will determine the confidence and security of those in the home.” How have you found this true in your home and/or relationships?    
2. Read 1 John 4:7-11. Discuss what you learn about love from God’s standard and compare it to cultural interpretations.   What does this teach you about the nature of divine love?
3. As you read 1 Corinthians 13, identify one quality of love that you find challenging to practice.  What barriers do you face in demonstrating this aspect, and what steps can you take to grow in that area?
4. Considering that love is a choice and an action, reflect on your daily decisions. How do these choices reflect your love for God and others?  What are some practical ways we can choose love, especially when we don't feel like it? What changes can you implement to align your actions with your love for Him?
5. The pastor talks about love covering "all the funk and relational junk. Read 1 Peter 4:8.  How do the following scriptures, James 5:19, Proverbs 10:12, Proverbs 17:9, 1 Timothy 1:5, and 2 Pet 1:6-7 give you more insight into love and its effects?  What have you learned about the meaning of “love covers a multitude of sins”?   How can we apply this concept to heal past hurts in our families?
6. Reflect on the story of Joseph forgiving his brothers. What can we learn from his example about choosing forgiveness over resentment?

Application:
1. This week, practice "breathing" before responding in frustration to a family member. Share your experience with the group next time.
2. Identify one area where you've been holding onto resentment. Take steps to forgive and seek restoration if appropriate.
3. Make a conscious effort to speak words of life and encouragement to your family members daily.
4. Reflect on how God's love, symbolized by the cross, holds your life together. How can this perspective change how you approach challenges in your relationships?

For Further Study: A Word Study on Love
1. The Greek definition of love can be divided into four categories: eros, storge, philia, and agape. Define each.
2. Examine the Biblical definitions of these types of love and explore the nuances that set them apart.
3. Look into the cultural context of Jesus's time to grasp how people understood love within their relationships and communities.
4. Consider which type of love we primarily operate in and which type God would want us to embody. Reflect on the following scriptures as you discuss these definitions: 1 Samuel 18:1, Psalm 86:15, 1 John 4:8, 1 Corinthians 13, and Romans 5:8.
5. Moving forward, think about how you can actively incorporate this understanding of love into your relationships. Whether it's practicing kindness, being more forgiving, or expressing your love more openly, embracing the essence of agape love can transform how you connect with others and enhance the depth of your relationships.

Close in Prayer.