Dear Friends,

Al Janssen in his book The Marriage Masterpiece reports that statistics show at least one out of every two marriages will fail. “Certainly there are more than enough seminars, books, research findings, diagnostic tools, tape series, and radio programs addressing the needs of marriage to aid any couple that wants help…. We’ve never heard more great tips about how to have better sex, communications, financial planning, anger management, or goal-setting. Still marriages continue to fail” Janssen says.

Why is that? There are many reasons we could point to, but Janssen highlights one in particular as a major cause. Our society has lost sight of God’s purposes for marriage. In today’s world people get married because they are “in love” or think it will make them happy and fulfilled…the “happily ever after” myth. This leads to a disposable view of marriage. If the reason I got married was to find happiness and I am not happy in this marriage, the answer is to get out of it. Maybe try again with someone else. Even Christians reason that “God wants me to be happy, doesn’t He?”

In the Bible, fulfillment is one of the benefits of marriage. It should and will be a natural by-product of a God-centered marriage. But it is not the primary reason God calls one into marriage. The Bible talks about marriage as a reflection of God’s marriage to His people. One of the main reasons God calls two people into marriage is to reflect His commitment to His bride, His people. God’s marriage in the Bible is described as a covenant that is unbreakable. Divorce isn’t listed in His dictionary. God’s commitment to His bride is “till death do us part.”

As the book of Hosea teaches us, God’s commitment to His marriage is rock solid. His marriage may be one sided at times. His bride may cheat on Him, prostituting herself by giving herself to another. He may have to confront and chastise His bride, but His commitment to her is unfailing. Looking at earthly marriages as reflections of God’s marriage to His people puts it in a whole new light.

YBL Jackson continues to grow and minister to men and their families. Our Bible studies are doing well with over 100 men involved. We have had two great Business Forum Luncheons this summer, and our next banquet is set for October 9. Captain Jeff Struecker, who was featured in the major motion picture “Black Hawk Down” will be our speaker. We are expecting over 400 men to attend.

Thank you for your continued support of this ministry. You are helping us make a difference in the lives of men and their families in the Jackson area. Please continue to pray for our studies and the upcoming outreaches.

In Him,

Doug Owen