Explore the profound difference between a contract and a covenant in marriage as Pastor Tom Ragsdell walks through the warnings and wisdom of Proverbs 7."Keep my commands and you will live; guard my teachings as the apple of your eye." (Proverbs 7:2)In this message, Pastor Tom Ragsdell continues our series in Proverbs, diving deep into the warnings of Proverbs 7 to reveal the heart of a flourishing marriage. While the world often views marriage as a legal contract that can be broken, the Bible describes it as a sacred covenant—a blood bond that mirrors God's own "chesed" (covenant loyalty) toward us.Pastor Tom Ragsdell and Ellis Benus emphasize that guarding your marriage requires more than just good intentions; it requires being established in the Word of God to recognize the "smooth words" and deceptions of the enemy.This message covers:📖 THE APPLE OF YOUR EYE: Understanding why God’s Word must be our most protected and prioritized treasure if we want to live a life of wisdom.💡 CONTRACT VS. COVENANT: The critical distinction between a self-serving legal agreement and a God-ordained covenant that remains faithful even when the other person is unlovable.🌱 THE DANGER OF COMPROMISE: A sober look at the "youth without sense" in Proverbs 7 who wandered into temptation because he lacked the discernment to stay on the upright path.🙌 COVENANT LOYALTY (CHESED): How experiencing God’s unconditional, unwavering love for us empowers us to be faithful and loving toward our spouses.Whether you are looking to strengthen your current marriage or prepare for a future one, this teaching provides a roadmap for building a relationship that honors God and stands the test of time.Full Transcript: https://columbiafirstassembly.com/2026/04/22/marriage-as-a-covenant-relationship-wisdom-from-proverbs/If you need prayer, please comment below or send us a direct message. We would love to pray with you and for you.Columbia First Assembly1100 North 7th StreetColumbia, Missouri 65201We are a multi-generational church on mission with Jesus. Our vision is simple. We want to make Jesus famous in your heart and in our community. We are a church of the Word and a church of the Spirit. We believe Jesus can transform your life. We want to help you know God, grow in God, and share hope in our community.If you are in central Missouri and looking for a home church, we would love to meet you in person. If you are joining us online, connect with us in the comments and let us know how we can serve you.#ColumbiaFirstAssembly #Proverbs #MarriageCovenant #CovenantRelationship #BiblicalMarriage #Chesed #Faithfulness #ColumbiaMO