Love Handles: Protect

Discover how mutual submission can transform your marriage and reflect God’s love to a watching world.

In this final installment of our LOVE HANDLES series, Adam Woods unpacks Ephesians 5:21-33 to explore God’s design for marriage as a reflection of Christ’s love for the Church. Drawing from his own 21-year marriage journey and biblical wisdom, he reveals how mutual submission—rooted in reverence for Christ—creates thriving relationships. The sermon challenges cultural norms by emphasizing that submission isn’t about hierarchy but about selfless partnership: wives respect and affirm their husbands, while husbands love sacrificially, laying down their lives as Christ did for the Church.

From practical advice on choosing a spouse wisely to heartfelt stories of lifelong commitment (like the couple saving for a 50th-anniversary Hawaiian getaway), this message offers hope for marriages in every season. Whether you’re married, single, or somewhere in between, you’ll learn how to prioritize God’s design over worldly patterns and build relationships that radiate His grace.

Key Takeaways:
* Mutual submission is God’s design: Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ (Ephesians 5:21).
*Wives, choose respect: Affirm your husband’s value and role, even when it’s challenging (1 Peter 3:1-2).
*Husbands, choose sacrificial love: Lead by serving, protecting, and prioritizing your wife’s growth (Ephesians 5:25-30).
*Marriage reflects the Gospel: Healthy relationships showcase Christ’s love to the world.
*Invest intentionally: Like the couple saving for Hawaii, pour into your marriage with purpose and joy.

If this message resonated with you, subscribe for more biblical teaching that equips and inspires! Visit The Crossing DE’s website for resources on marriage, community, and spiritual growth. Join us in person or online Sundays at 9 & 11 a.m. to deepen your walk with Jesus—we’d love to welcome you!