Redeemer Presbyterian Church (PCA)

This sermon presents a robust biblical defense of marriage as a lifelong, sacred covenant established by God between one man and one woman, rooted in creation and reflecting Christ's faithful love for the church. Drawing from Mark 10, it emphasizes that while divorce was permitted under Mosaic law due to humanity's hardness of heart, God's original design—articulated in Genesis—intends marriage as an unbreakable union, not a transactional arrangement. The teaching confronts cultural relativism by asserting that marriage is not defined by human convenience or emotional fulfillment but by divine intention, with adultery resulting from remarriage after divorce, regardless of gender. It acknowledges rare biblical exceptions—adultery and abandonment—while affirming that reconciliation is always preferable and that forgiveness is available in Christ for all, including those affected by divorce. Ultimately, the sermon calls believers to view marriage as a sacred, Christ-centered relationship that demands self-sacrifice, grace, and reliance on God's strength, reflecting the eternal covenant between Christ and His bride.

This sermon was preached at Redeemer's Lessons & Carols service.

Editor's Note: the beginning of the Scripture reading in Psalm 2 is cut off.

Editor's Note: the beginning of the Scripture reading is cut off. The reading picks up with Mark 8:28.

Editor's Note: Due to a technical issue, the audio cut out the prayer of illumination and part of the sermon intro.

For the last several years, Redeemer has had the opportunity to hold a Protestant Reformation worship service outside on the Riverfront in downtown Peoria IL during the Oktoberfest Festival. This sermon was preached during the 2025 Oktoberfest Festival.

Good Friday Service