REALationships: Don’t give up. Culture doesn’t have to define your relationships. You can be honest and real. In this series, we’re going to get real with relationships and build strong families. We’ll take a look at how to be real in our marriage, friendships, relationships, family and community

Title of Message: Keeping it Real

The key ingredient to a successful relationship is authenticity.

The Love Stages:

1. Wow

2. Vow

3. How

4. Pow

5. Now

(Proverbs 20:25) (NIV) It is a trap to dedicate something rashly and only later to consider one’s vows.

1. We get distracted

(Mark 4:19) (GNT) but the worries about this life, the love for riches, and all other kinds of desires crowd in and choke the message, and they don't bear fruit.

2. We get complacent

(Romans 12:11) (GW) Don’t be lazy in showing your devotion. Use your energy to serve the Lord.

How to have a REAL Marriage Relationship.

1. Commit to pay the price.

Commitment: Be willing to be unhappy until we work it out.

(Matthew 16:24) (NLT) Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me.

(1 Corinthians 4:7) (NIRV) The wife’s body does not belong only to her. It also belongs to her husband. In the same way, the husband’s body does not belong only to him. It also belongs to his wife.

2. Give it your best effort.

(Proverbs 14:23) (RSV) In all toil there is profit, but mere talk tends only to want.

3. Keep your eyes on the prize.

(Proverbs 4:25-27) (NLT) Look straight ahead, and fix your eyes on what lies before you. Mark out a straight path for your feet; stay on the safe path. Don’t get sidetracked; keep your feet from following evil.

4. Commit to Christ first.

(2 Chronicles 16:9) (NLT) The eyes of the Lord search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.