Series Details
Marriage is hard—there’s no doubt about that. So, is it possible for a marriage to move beyond mere survival into a thriving union? Absolutely!
God designed this ancient institution to bless His people, to reflect His character, and to work out His purposes—despite all the difficulties.
In this series on marriage, Pastor Chuck Swindoll reveals the biblical design, dynamic, and destination of healthy marriage, so you can move into a vibrant, deep, Christ-centered relationship with your spouse.
Marriage is undoubtedly a challenging journey, but it was never intended to be a mere dutiful contract to be endured. God designed this ancient institution to be a source of blessing, a reflection of His character, and a vital part of His redemptive purpose. In this series, Chuck Swindoll addresses the unprecedented challenges facing the modern family and provides practical, scriptural guidance to help couples move from “survival mode” to a thriving partnership. By examining the biblical design for the home, you can rediscover the excitement and depth that God intended for your marriage.
Message 1: This Is Not Your Grandfather’s Family
Message Overview: This message addresses the rapid cultural shifts that have transformed the modern landscape of family life. It acknowledges the unique pressures today’s couples face—ranging from digital distractions to changing social norms—and emphasizes the urgent need to return to a firm, biblical foundation that transcends generational trends.
Key Facts:
- Cultural Context: The “traditional” family structure is under more pressure today than in previous generations.
- The Foundation: When the foundations are destroyed, the righteous must look to God’s unchanging Word.
- The Goal: Building a family that is counter-cultural in its commitment to Christ.
Scripture References: Psalm 11:3; 127:1–2
Message 2: Getting Back on Target
Message Overview: Using the metaphor of an archer, this message focuses on God’s original “bullseye” for marriage. It revisits the foundational blueprint found in Genesis, emphasizing the three pillars of a healthy union: leaving the priority of parents, cleaving to one’s spouse, and becoming “one flesh” in every sense of the word.
Key Facts:
- The Blueprint: Marriage was God’s idea, and He has provided the specific instructions for its success.
- Prioritization: A thriving marriage requires the couple to prioritize their relationship over all other human connections.
- Unity: Oneness is a process of physical, emotional, and spiritual integration.
Scripture References: Genesis 2:18–25; Matthew 19:4–6
Message 3: Symphony of Survival in the Key of C
Message Overview: Successful marriages aren’t characterized by a lack of conflict, but by the ability to harmonize through it. This message explores the “Key of C”—essential qualities like Communication, Commitment, Compromise, and Christ-centeredness—that allow a couple to turn the noise of daily life into a beautiful symphony.
Key Facts:
- Communication: Honest, grace-filled speech is the lifeblood of a healthy relationship.
- Commitment: A “no-exit” mentality provides the security needed for vulnerability.
- Compromise: Thriving requires the death of selfishness and the birth of mutual cooperation.
Scripture References: Ephesians 4:25–32; Colossians 4:6
Message 4: Practical Advice on Making a Marriage Stick
Message Overview: This message offers “nuts and bolts” advice for the daily grind of marriage. It focuses on the importance of shared values, the power of small acts of kindness, and the necessity of maintaining a sense of humor and perspective when things get difficult.
Key Facts:
- Tenacity: “Sticking” together is a choice made daily, especially when the initial spark feels dim.
- Shared Vision: Couples who move in the same direction spiritually are more likely to stay together.
- Loyalty: Protecting the reputation of your spouse in public and private.
Scripture References: 1 Corinthians 13:4–8; Proverbs 24:3–4
Message 5: Essential Glue for Every Couple to Apply
Message Overview: What keeps a marriage together when life tries to pull it apart? This message identifies the “essential glue” of the Christian life: grace and forgiveness. It explains how to apply the gospel to our spouse’s failures, ensuring that bitterness never has a chance to take root.
Key Facts:
- Forgiveness: The act of releasing a debt so that intimacy can be restored.
- Grace: Giving your spouse what they need (kindness/patience) rather than what they deserve.
- Maintenance: Love is not just a feeling; it is a “binding” force that must be intentionally applied.
Scripture References: Colossians 3:12–14; Ephesians 4:32
Message 6: What Families Need to Thrive
Message Overview: A thriving marriage provides the “soil” in which a healthy family grows. This message outlines the environment necessary for a family to flourish, including clear boundaries, consistent modeling of faith, and an atmosphere of unconditional love and acceptance.
Key Facts:
- Modeling: Children learn more from what parents are than from what they say.
- Atmosphere: A home should be a safe haven of encouragement, not a courtroom of judgment.
- Intentionality: Thriving families don’t happen by accident; they are the result of deliberate choices.
Scripture References: Deuteronomy 6:4–9; Psalm 128
Message 7: Danger Signs of Marital Erosion
Message Overview: Marriages rarely collapse overnight; they usually erode slowly over time. This message identifies the “little foxes” that spoil the vine—silent resentment, lack of physical intimacy, and the “busyness” that leads to emotional distance—and how to stop the slide before it’s too late.
Key Facts:
- Warning Signs: Identifying drift and apathy before they become divorce.
- Vigilance: Protecting the marriage from external intrusions (work, hobbies, or even children) that take priority over the spouse.
- Restoration: It is never too late to turn around if both parties are willing to humble themselves.
Scripture References: Song of Solomon 2:15; Ephesians 4:26–27
Message 8: Staying Young as Your Family Grows Older
Message Overview: In the final message of the series, Chuck Swindoll discusses how to keep the “romance” and “youthfulness” in a marriage through the various stages of life. From the empty nest to the golden years, it encourages couples to keep playing, keep learning, and keep adventuring together.
Key Facts:
- Perspective: Seeing aging as an opportunity for deeper intimacy rather than a loss of vitality.
- Playfulness: Cultivating joy and laughter as a defense against the seriousness of life’s burdens.
- Lifelong Love: Committing to be “students” of one another for a lifetime.
Scripture References: Ecclesiastes 9:9; Proverbs 5:18–19
