marriage on SermonAudio

Sunday Evening Worship at Covenant Church (Burbank, CA) — September 27, 2026. Rev. Brooks Pipher preaches "What God Has Joined Together" from Mark 10:1–12, part of our series through Mark's Gospel. Covenant Church is a Reformed congregation (Associate Reformed Presbyterian / ARP) in Burbank, California, gathering for worship every Lord's Day at 10 AM and 6 PM at 160 S. Victory Blvd., Burbank, CA 91502. More sermons, service times, and how to visit: https://www.covenantburbank.com Scripture: Mark 10:1–12. Preached by Rev. Brooks Pipher.

How can Christians recognize sexual temptation before it becomes destructive? Proverbs 7 exposes the tactics of a predatory seducer and shows why biblical wisdom, intentional discipleship, and covenant faithfulness are essential protections against sexual sin. In The Strange Woman: Recognizing the Predator, Solomon warns his son through the tragic picture of an inexperienced young man walking confidently into temptation. The message identifies warning signs such as forwardness, immodesty, manipulation, discontentment, flattery, false spirituality, and provocative speech, while emphasizing that these dangers can apply to both men and women. Parents and spiritual leaders are challenged to disciple young people biblically about sexuality rather than leaving the world to shape their understanding, pointing them instead toward purity, wisdom, and covenant love.

We are Christians - so let's be Christians! That's the message of Colossians 3. We are to refocus on Christ, to reclothe ourselves with humility and love, and relate to one another and to others as Christians, in the family and at work.

This sermon examines the divine command to be fruitful and multiply as presented in Genesis 9, arguing that marriage, sexual intimacy within marriage, and childbearing are not optional lifestyle choices but specific commands from God. The speaker contrasts this biblical mandate with modern cultural attitudes that prioritize personal autonomy, financial stability, or individual preference over divine instruction. By referencing 1 Corinthians 7 and Hebrews 13, the message affirms that the marital relationship and its procreative purpose are blessed by God, even within a fallen world. The sermon challenges listeners to reject rebellion against these commands, such as through abortion or the deliberate refusal to have children, and instead embrace family life as a sacred duty and a source of blessing.

This sermon explores the theological foundation of biblical marriage as presented in Ephesians 5, arguing that a Christian union is not primarily about mutual satisfaction but about displaying the relationship between Christ and His church. The message emphasizes that a Christ-centered marriage begins with individual surrender to God and the filling of the Holy Spirit, which addresses the root heart issues of selfishness and pride that often undermine relationships. It outlines distinct responsibilities for spouses, calling wives to respect God's order through willing submission and husbands to emulate Christ's sacrificial, sanctifying, and cherishing love. The preacher challenges listeners to view their marriage as a public testimony of grace and faithfulness, urging them to focus on their own spiritual growth and obedience to Scripture rather than demanding change from their spouse. Ultimately, the sermon invites the congregation to examine their hearts before the Lord, seeking to align their domestic lives with the eternal mystery of Christ's love for the church.

America has the highest divorce rate in the world. The family is in shambles. Practically every church has to deal with families who have suffered from divorce, even to multiple generations. Unless we strengthen the marriage relationship, you can forget about all of the other battles for faith, family, and freedom. Here Kevin Swanson interviews Paul David Tripp, author of "What Did You Expect? Redeeming the Realities of Marriage." Here is some very helpful advice for anybody married or about to be married to another sinner. Note: The title of this book has been updated to "Marriage: 6 Gospel Commitments Every Couple Needs to Make."