Sermons on Marriage & the Family

Sermons on Marriage & the Family

4 Greek Words for Love (25 min)

David West preaches on the four main Greek words for love: Éros (ἔρως), Storgē (στοργή), Philía (φιλία) and Agápē (ἀγάπη) and explains their meaning and significance in the marital relationship between husband and wife. (From a sermon recorded in Spencer Bridge Road Gospel Hall, Northampton)

Questions and Answers on the Family (24 min)

Sandy Higgins answers 10 questions submitted by his audience during his 9 sessions on the family and relationships. Dr. Higgins, a retired physician who practised for over 40 years in family medicine in New Jersey, USA. Readings: Rom 12:9-16, Col 3:13, 17. (Recorded in Malden Road Gospel Hall, Windsor, ON, Canada, 19th Nov 2023) Complete series: The Importance of the Family Courtship and the Search for a Spouse Understanding Roles in Marriage Overcoming Problems in Marriage Child Rearing – the…

Four Keys to Happy Fellowship (35 min)

Sandy Higgins preaches on 4 keys to living in harmony with other Christians. 1. Focussing on the worth of others, 2. Fostering the welfare of others, 3. Forbearing with the weakness of others, and 4. Forgiving the wounds of others. Dr. Higgins, a retired physician who practised for over 40 years in family medicine in New Jersey, USA. Readings: Rom 12:9-16, Col 3:13, 17. (Recorded in Malden Road Gospel Hall, Windsor, ON, Canada, 19th Nov 2023) Complete series: The Importance…

Interpersonal Relationships Between Believers (22 min)

Having dealt with the husband and wife relationship, and the parent child relationship, Sandy Higgins preaches on interpersonal relationships between believers in general. Dr. Higgins, a retired physician who practised for over 40 years in family medicine in New Jersey, USA. Reading: Col 3:9-17. (Recorded in Malden Road Gospel Hall, Windsor, ON, Canada, 19th Nov 2023) Complete series: The Importance of the Family Courtship and the Search for a Spouse Understanding Roles in Marriage Overcoming Problems in Marriage Child Rearing…

Equipping Parents to Handle Three Present Dangers (41 min)

Society is self-obsessed, sex-saturated, and screen-orientated. Dr. Higgins, a retired physician who practised for over 40 years in family medicine in New Jersey, USA, advises parents how to raise a family in the middle of such a culture. Readings: 1 Cor 6:13-20, Eph 4:25, 29-32, 5:8-12, 14-17, Phil 2:3-5. (Recorded in Malden Road Gospel Hall, Windsor, ON, Canada, 18th Nov 2023) Complete series: The Importance of the Family Courtship and the Search for a Spouse Understanding Roles in Marriage Overcoming…

Child Rearing – The Teen Years (39 min)

Dr. Sandy Higgins gives a history of how “teen culture” emerged and provides much needed advice for parents to help them maintain a good relationship with their teenagers as they raise them in the fear of God. Dr. Higgins is a retired physician who practised for over 40 years in family medicine in New Jersey, USA. Readings: Eph 3:14, 6:4, Col 3:21. (Recorded in Malden Road Gospel Hall, Windsor, ON, Canada, 18th Nov 2023) Complete series: The Importance of the…

Child Rearing – the Early Years (33 min)

Dr. Sandy Higgins gives biblical advice about raising children in their early years, from the story of Hannah and Samuel. Setting an example, how to discipline etc. Dr. Higgins is a retired physician who practised for over 40 years in family medicine in New Jersey, USA. Reading: 1 Sam Chs 1-3. (Recorded in Malden Road Gospel Hall, Windsor, ON, Canada, 18th Nov 2023) Complete series: The Importance of the Family Courtship and the Search for a Spouse Understanding Roles in…

Overcoming Problems in Marriage (36 min)

Dr. Sandy Higgins gives counsel for handling problems in a marriage – problems from within, from outside, from beneath, problems allowed from above, and problems that need to be faced. Dr. Higgins is a retired physician who practised for over 40 years in family medicine in New Jersey, USA. Readings: Gen 3:16, 1 Cor 7:28, Luke 8:15. (Recorded in Malden Road Gospel Hall, Windsor, ON, Canada, 18th Nov 2023) Complete series: The Importance of the Family Courtship and the Search…

Understanding Roles in Marriage (38 min)

Dr. Sandy Higgins outlines the role of a wife, the role of a husband and their united work to leave, cleave, weave and believe together, resulting in a union that glorifies the Lord. Dr. Higgins is a retired physician who practised for over 40 years in family medicine in New Jersey, USA. Reading: 1 Pet 3:1-7. (Recorded in Malden Road Gospel Hall, Windsor, ON, Canada, 18th Nov 2023) Complete series: The Importance of the Family Courtship and the Search for…

Courtship and the Search for a Spouse (28 min)

Dr. Sandy Higgins gives biblical advice on courtship and dating. Where to look for a spouse, what to look for in a spouse, and how to be guided by God in the process. Dr. Higgins is a retired physician who practised for over 40 years in family medicine in New Jersey, USA. Reading: Genesis Ch 24. (Recorded in Malden Road Gospel Hall, Windsor, ON, Canada, 18th Nov 2023) Complete series: The Importance of the Family Courtship and the Search for…

The Importance of The Family (46 min)

Dr. Sandy Higgins delivers the opening message in a series on “Marriage and the Family”. His introduction focusses on the importance of family to society, its influence on the local assembly, its implication for children, its insights for believers, and its invasion by Satan. Dr. Higgins is a retired physician who practised for over 40 years in family medicine in New Jersey, USA. Readings: 2 Tim 1:5, 16, 1 Tim 2:9-10, 15, 3:4-5, 12-13. (Recorded in Malden Road Gospel Hall,…

The Blessing of a Godly Home (46 min)

Ian Jackson preaches on the home of Amram and Jochebed, the parents of Moses. Their marriage was entered into on divine principle; their house run by divine order; their children viewed from a divine perspective, and their home blessed by divine favour. Reading: Heb 11:23-28. (Message preached in Stark Road Gospel Hall, Livonia, MI, USA on 20th Nov 2022)

Choosing Friends and Cultivating Relationships (52 min)

Elton Fairfield preaches on the topic of friendship and relationships, giving advice, especially to the young, as to how to wisely choose good friends and avoid the bad. He includes advice on finding a friend for life in courtship and marriage. Reading: Matt 22:34-40 (Message preached in Ahoghill Gospel Hall, 2019)

The Roles and Responsibilities of Husbands and Wives (42 min)

Michael Penfold preaches on the duties and responsibilities of husbands and wives within marriage. God created male and female, and assigned different roles to them in the home, the assembly and society. In his role as the head of the wife, man has certain responsibilities; in her role as helper, so does the woman. What are these roles and how is this concept to be defended in a world of feminism, roleless marriages and gender confusion? Readings in Gen 3:15…

The House of Amram and the Heritage of God (40 min)

PART 5 – Ian Jackson preaches on the home of Amram (and Jochebed), the parents of Moses. He highlights the faith of Moses’s parents who had no “Egyptian ambitions” for their son, but saw Moses as a stewardship from the Lord to be raised for Him and to serve Him as the deliverer of His people. Their task was to raise Moses in such a way as would fit him for that role. A message designed to guide parents in…

The House of Ananias and the Assembly of God (51 min)

PART 4 – Ian Jackson preaches on the home of Ananias (and Sapphira) from Acts Ch 5. This sad home was marked by pretence, by hypocrisy and by deception. This couple were pretending to be what they weren’t. The root and the fruit of their iniquity is explained and the audience is urged to have, by contrast, homes marked by truth, holiness and heart devotion to God (Message preached 18th Feb 2017)

The House of Abraham and the Worship of God (48 min)

PART 3 – Ian Jackson preaches on the home of Abraham, a man in whose life the altar and the worship of God always came first. This is a powerful message on the topic of the need for a “family altar” where families read the word of God and pray together daily. A vital message on a vital subject that needs to be heeded in a busy technological age (Message preached 18th Feb 2017)

The House of Aquila and the Work of God (57 min)

PART 2 – Ian Jackson preaches on the home of Aquila and Priscilla, a married couple in the New Testament who, mightily used in the work of the Lord, serve as a “pattern couple” for others to follow. Ian develops his message around three headings: the “priority” of the work of the Lord in their home, the “equality” of their share in that work, and the “variety” of their labours in evangelism, teaching, hospitality and assembly function (Message preached 17th…

The House of Achan and the Enemies of God (54 min)

PART 1 – Ian Jackson preaches on the home of Achan from Joshua Chs 6-7. What Achan did, and what he brought into his home, negatively affected him, his children and the whole assembly of God’s people. The lesson? Home life impacts all of life – work, family, and assembly. What is needed today is a restoration of sanctified homes where God is honoured. Mr Jackson asks “Is it time your home changed?” (Message preached 16th Feb 2017)

Raising the Next Generation for God (41 min)

“I am convinced that strong assemblies are built on strong families.” With this opening statement, Dan Shutt begins an overview of the vital topic of raising the next generation for God. Look out for the exercise, the example and the environment that promotes the salvation of families. In closing, Dan gives three answers to the question “What should I do if my child asks how to be saved?” (Message preached 24th Mar 2016)

Should Christians Vote? (37 min)

Michael Penfold takes up the subject of the Christian’s attitude to the government, society and culture. What are the Biblical responsibilities and duties of Christians with regard to “the powers that be”? Should Christians be politically involved – voting, campaigning and protesting? (Recorded 13th Mar 2016)

Honouring Parents (43 min)

Mervyn Hall outlines the duties and responsibilities of children toward their parents in three stages – dependence (at home), independence (leaving home) and interdependence (once married). This message includes a detailed look at Ephesians 6:1-2 (Message preached 6th Mar 2016)

The Christian in the Workplace (37 min)

Peter Scarsbrook preaches on “honouring your master” and looks at the very practical subject of “the Christian in the workplace”. What kind of career should a Christian take up? How can a Christian have a good testimony at work? What temptations are there in the work place? How should a Christian act in relation to Trade Unions, Christmas parties, and other issues of conscience? A helpful and wide-ranging message (Message preached 28th Feb 2016)

Motherhood – A Guide in the Home (38 min)

Norman Mellish speaks on the subject of “Motherhood”.  Basing his comments on Titus 2:2-3, Norman looks at six homes in the Bible and draws practical lessons about motherhood from each one. He highlights the danger of favouritism, the duty of protection and education, and the influence of godly devotion and prayer. A helpful message based on Scripture, with the benefit of decades of parental experience (Message given 20th Mar 2016)

Fatherhood – A Leader in the Home (38 min)

Gary Woods speaks on the role of a father as outlined in various Bible passages, notably 1 Timothy Ch 3. Much profitable and practical teaching is given relative to leadership, love and the challenge of balancing home, assembly and work life. Wisdom is needed in rearing a family for God especially with the financial, social and technological pressures of the 21st Century Western world (Message preached 14th Feb 2016)

The Christian Wife (37 min)

Daniel Rudge speaks on “the Christian wife”. Under the headings of her dignity, duty, disposition, dress and devotion, Daniel gives a balanced and comprehensive look at the character and role of Christian woman within marriage. He explains the scriptural meaning of equality, submission and virtue, and addresses pertinent points relative to how modern culture throws up challenges for the married Christian woman (Message preached 7th Feb 2016)

Singleness and Courtship (35 min)

Michael Penfold speaks on the topic of singleness and courtship/dating. After a look at a number of issues around singleness, 7 words are emphasised in relation to seeking the Lord’s will concerning a marriage partner: dependence, patience, obedience, intelligence, guidance, prudence and vigilance. This message touches on a number of practical and topical issues including ‘dating’, social networking and parental involvement (Recorded 24th Jan 2016)

The Foundational Nature of the Family (30 min)

Mervyn Hall introduces a series on “the Bible and the family”. He explains that the family is the foundation of humanity, the organisation at the heart of society, and is intimately bound up in what God is doing in the present dispensation in the church. In a wide ranging message, the importance and centrality of the family to all of God’s purposes is outlined (Message preached 10th Jan 2016)

Love In Marriage (24 min)

PART 6 – Andrew Ussher expounds what “marital love” really looks like in the Bible – not some mere sentimental feeling or emotion, but a commitment, in the words of 1 Cor 13:7, to “bear all things”, “believe all things”, “hope all things” and “endure all things”. This message will really challenge you to think about “love” on a different level to the culture around us – Readings: Gal 2:20, 1 Cor 13:3 and 7 (Message preached 24th Feb 2013)

Questions and Answers (40 min)

PART 5 – Andrew Ussher answers written audience questions on financial and child rearing issues. He gives wise answers on questions like “How should parents respond to a child who says he or she wants to be saved?”: “How should parents handle issues such as TV, the internet and smartphones” and “At what age should parents bring young children to meetings”? A very helpful session (Questions answered on 23rd Feb 2013)

Raising Children (47 min)

PART 4 – Andrew Ussher preaches on raising children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. He stresses the need to understand what a child is – a stewardship from God, and a sinner with a fallen nature – before outlining Biblical principles of child rearing – Readings: Psa 51:5, 58:3, 127:3-5, Prov 27:6, Eph 6:1-4, Luke 2:41-52, 15:11-24 (Message preached 23rd Feb 2013)

Money Matters in Married Life (47 min)

PART 3 – Andrew Ussher gives wise scriptural counsel on handling money within a marriage. He touches on subjects such as covetousness, debt, a household budget, credit cards and giving. An instructive insightful message – Readings: Matt 6:19-33, Luke 12:15, Eph 4:28, 1 Tim 6:6-11, 17-19, 2 Cor 8:1-5, 9:6-8 (Message preached 23rd Feb 2013)

Understanding Marriage (44 min)

PART 2 – Andrew Ussher delivers a comprehensive and helpful message on Christian marriage under 5 headings: “Origin and Objectives”, “Leaving and Cleaving”, “Roles and Responsibilities”, Commitment and Communication” and “Focus and Faithfulness” – Readings: Gen 2:21-24, Prov 31:10-12, Matt 19:4-6, 1 Cor 7:39, Eph 5:23-32, 1 Tim 5:10, Titus 2:4-5 (Message preached 22nd Feb 2013)

Searching for a Suitable Spouse (56 min)

PART 1 – Andrew Ussher preaches on searching for a suitable spouse. He give sound Biblical guidance and insight into the principles that should govern a single person as they contemplate being married – Readings: Gen 2:18-24, Prov 18:22, 30:19, 1 Cor 7:39, 2 Cor 6:14-18, Gal 5:22-25, Heb 13:4 (Message preached 21st Feb 2012)

The Priorities of Christian Parenthood (33 min)

Wesley Martin preaches on the privileges and priorities of Christian parenthood under 4 headings; praying for our children, protecting our children, preparing our children and being a pattern for our children. (Recorded 25th April 2011)

Parents and Children (41 min)

Michael Penfold preaches on what the Bible has to say about the kind of relationship that should exist between parents and their children. A touching incident from the life of John Paton is included (Message given in 2007)

Husbands and Wives (48 min)

John Salisbury outlines the Bible’s teaching on the nature, purpose and function of the husband and wife relationship. A Biblical restatement of this foundational, important and creatorial issue is vital and is carefully expounded here (Message preached in 2007)

Keeping Love Alive in Marriage (45 min)

Marriage and the Family (Part 5) – Keeping love alive in a marriage can be difficult, given our differing personalities! John Grant issues a challenge to couples to work hard to keep sweetness in the home and to “keep love alive” (Message preached 27th April 2007)

Overcoming Marriage Difficulties (43 min)

Marriage and the Family (Part 4) – John Grant preaches on how to overcome marriage difficulties and maintain a loving and meaningful relationship between husband and wife (Message preached 26th April 2007)

Raising Children (45 min)

Marriage and the Family (Part 3) – John Grant gives guidance from the Word of God about the challenging task of raising children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord (Message preached 25th April 2007)

The Biblical Marriage Blueprint (45 min)

Marriage and the Family (Part 1) – John Grant opens this series with a message laying out the foundation of marriage from the Bible under the heading “The Biblical Marriage Blueprint” (Message preached 23rd April 2007)

How to Order a Godly Home (45 min)

Sandy Higgins gives 45 minutes of wise counsel on how to order a godly home. Basing his remarks on the home of Zacharias and Elizabeth from Luke 1, Sandy touches on personal spirituality, finding a partner in life, the roles of men and women, and the raising of children. Sandy brings many years of experience to this vital subject, as a father, doctor and assembly elder (Ministry given in Bicester, Easter 9th April 2007)

Marriage and the Family – Part 2 (43 min)

Marriage and the Family with Dr. Sandy Higgins (Part 2) – Making the decision about who to marry and preparing for marriage are two challenging issues. Helpful advice on courtship and finding a marriage partner (Message preached Nov 2002)

Marriage and the Family – Part 3 (42 min)

Marriage and the Family with Dr. Sandy Higgins (Part 3) – In a society that rejects the Biblical requirement and blueprint of marriage this message is a reminder of the foundational principles of marriage and the family (Message preached Nov 2002)

Marriage and the Family – Part 4 (40 min)

Marriage and the Family with Dr. Sandy Higgins (Part 4) – Recognizing that it is easy to be married but not in love; to wear a ring without a hint of romance – Dr Higgins gives hints on avoiding marriage drudgery (Message preached Nov 2002)

Marriage and the Family – Part 5 (51 min)

Marriage and the Family with Dr. Sandy Higgins (Part 5) – Marital harmony does not come naturally; it needs to be worked at. Here are numerous Biblical ways to overcome long and short-term marriage difficulties (Message preached Nov 2002)

Marriage and the Family – Part 6 (46 min)

Marriage and the Family with Dr. Sandy Higgins (Part 6) – An excellent message on how to raise young children for God during what Dr Higgins calls ‘the formative years’. Wise counsel from an experienced father and doctor (Message preached Nov 2002)

Marriage and the Family – Part 7 (38 min)

Marriage and the Family with Dr. Sandy Higgins (Part 7) – Raising young children is one thing, but dealing with teenagers requires yet more wisdom, skill and commitment. A life-line for stressed parents of teenagers (Message preached Nov 2002)