God Ordains Marriages

By Dr. Brenda Harper

In modern times, the phrase "till death do us part" transcends its religious origins and is now often included in wedding vows as a customary expression of commitment and endurance in marriages. Many couples, regardless of their religious beliefs or practices, choose to include this phrase in their wedding ceremonies as

• Language: English
• Publisher: TAWCarlisle Publishing
• Release date: Oct 2, 2023
• ISBN: 9781958356319

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Copyright

God Ordains Marriages

Dr. Brenda Harper

ISBN: 978-1-958356-31-9

Copyright © 1989

Current Edition Copyright © 2023

Scriptures are from the King James Version of the Bible, Kirkbride Bible Company, The Amplified Bible, Expanded Edition, and the English Standard Version and are identified after the scripture heading.

All rights reserved.

This book is protected under the copyright law of the United States of America. This book may not be copied and or reprinted for financial gain. These materials may be used for personal and in group study to encourage only.

You may request permission to use this material in its entirety or in part in writing to the author at the following address.

Printed in the United States

FOREWARD

I

have been married to the love of my life for over forty-seven years! She has impacted my life in so many wonderful ways. During the early part of our marriage, the wonderful role she played in helping build a fulfilling life for our family was truly a blessing. My wife is my best friend and soulmate. The strong bond and relationship we share is a blessing from heaven!

‘God Ordains Marriages’ is a wonderful manuscript that will be very beneficial for anyone that applies these principles. I can attest that these principles, from our own experiences, work. I support the authenticity of this book. From the longevity of our labor, there have been many couples, singles, and divorcees that have benefited from the experiences of our marriage! If any readers follow these suggested principles in their own lives, there should be nothing they cannot conquer.

My wife is qualified to author this book because she has lived and experienced every word. She has counseled countless individuals. Testimony after testimony has proven that these biblical principles work! ‘God Ordains Marriages’ was generated through our testimony and experiences. One of our first action plans was asking God to be at the forefront of our marriage. Every situation in our marriage was an opportunity to conquer our mistakes and remain together in the fight for our union.

For any relationship to be successful, it will take both parties to work together on all issues within the marriage. Not all issues or problems will be resolved immediately. My wife and I work together constantly to keep harmony in our relationship and home, which was what inspired this book, ‘God Ordains Marriages’!

I believe this book will continuously motivate readers to work on their marriage!

Bishop Andrew Harper

Dedication

Dear Bishop Andrew Harper,

I wanted to take a moment to express my deep gratitude and love for you. Our marriage has truly been a joyous occasion, filled with happiness and a sense of home. In my mind, marriage is intertwined with the magic charm of creating a loving and nurturing environment, and it encompasses all the beautiful and sacred aspects of our lives together.

To my dearest friend, my husband, the man I fell in love with long before time began, I want you to know that I believe our union was truly ordained by God. I feel blessed that heaven sent you to me as my friend and partner in life. The love and care you have shown me, in such an all-encompassing and forgiving manner, surpasses anything I have ever dreamed of. I am forever grateful to have you by my side.

I also want to express my gratitude to God for blessing us with our wonderful children: Eric, Marvin, Philip, Andrea, Chariss, Alexis, and Christina. Our family has been a tremendous source of support throughout the journey of writing this book, God Ordains Marriages. Their encouragement has been invaluable, and I feel incredibly blessed to have such a loving and caring family.

As I reflect on our family, and the completion of this project, I am reminded of the words from Acts 10:2: He and all his family were devout and God-fearing; he gave generously to those in need and prayed to God regularly. I am forever indebted to God for His guidance and inspiration throughout this process.

Once again, to my dearest love Andrew, I want to thank you for being the pillar of love, friendship, and support in my life. Our journey together has been nothing short of extraordinary, and I am excited for the future that awaits us.

With all my love,

Dr. Brenda Harper

TABLE OF CONTENTS

GOD ORDAINS MARRIAGES

Copyright

FOREWARD      i

Dedication      iii

Introduction      1

Chapter One      4

Laying the foundation      4

Chapter Two      12

The Union      12

Chapter Three      24

Redemption Relationship      24

Chapter Four      31

Vows      31

Chapter Five      38

Finances      38

CHAPTER SIX      48

Geographical Location      48

Chapter Seven      57

Communication      57

Chapter Eight      74

Sacrifices      74

Chapter Nine      90

Faith, Marriage, and Family      90

Prioritizing Self Before Parenthood: A Path to Personal Fulfillment      90

Chapter Ten      106

Until Death, Do We Part      106

Testimonies      116

Index for Foundations      119

Introduction

T

he question of whether mankind truly comprehends, accepts, and embraces the knowledge that marriage is ordained by God is a profound one. In simple terms, the word ‘ordained’ means chosen or established by God.

However, the commercialization of traditional marriage ceremonies has often overshadowed the essence of the divine union that God intended. It is crucial for couples to ask themselves these important questions and examine their perceptions of the husband-wife relationship.

Does the husband perceive himself as a protector, provider, and caretaker, whose duties are instructed by God?

Does he understand the importance of following God's guidance in protecting and providing for his family?

Does he see himself loving his wife as Christ loves the church, leading his household while surrendering to divine leadership in both the spiritual and natural realms?

Likewise, as a wife, does her perception of marriage align with her husband's?

Is she prepared to reverence and obey her husband as the head of the family, subjecting and submitting herself to him?

Can she grasp the concept that God views her submission as a precious ornament and a great prize in His eyes?

Regrettably, there exist numerous perceptions of marriage that do not align with God as the ultimate authority who unites and ordains marriages. Many individuals may be unaware of the incredible blessings that God has in store for those marriages ordained by Him.

The purpose of this book is to assist those who are planning to get married, those who desire to be married, and those who are already married in understanding the divine nature of marriage as ordained by God.

Throughout my writing process, several questions arose, such as:

How many people truly recognize that marriage is ordained by God?

How many people comprehend the profound meaning behind the word ‘ordained’?

When the marriage ceremony concludes and the vows, once stored in the hearts of a man and woman, are exchanged in the presence of clergy, friends, and family, does the couple possess the necessary tools and training to sustain the