The sermon at Gospel Light Christian Church on February 15, 2026, focused on the importance of marriage, drawing parallels between contemporary societal views and the Old Testament prophet Malachi’s time. The speaker highlighted the decline in marriage values, citing Taiwan and Thailand’s legalization of same-sex marriage. The sermon emphasized marriage as a covenant, a deep companionship, and a means to raise godly children. It addressed the societal and personal challenges in marriage, stressing the need for a strong vertical relationship with God to foster a healthy horizontal relationship. The message concluded with a call to faith and prayer for God’s guidance in marital and family life.

Sermon Introduction and Humor

• Elder Jeffrey humorously mentions using ChatGPT for jokes on marriage, noting the negative nature of many jokes.
• Examples of jokes shared include: “Wife, do you want dinner? Husband, sure. What are the choices? Yes or No?” and “What’s the difference between love and marriage? Love is one long, sweet dream. Marriage is the alarm clock wake up.”
• Elder Jeffrey reflects on the societal view of marriage, noting a low regard for marriage in the developed world and fewer people getting married.

Societal Views on Marriage and Legal Changes

• Elder Jeffrey quotes a young Chinese person from the South China Morning Post, saying getting married is like going to hell.
• Discussion on the legalization of same-sex marriage in Taiwan (2019) and Thailand (two years ago).
• Elder Jeffrey transitions to the Old Testament prophet Malachi, noting Israel’s low regard for marriage in Malachi’s time.
• Comparison between the Book of Deuteronomy, written by Moses before Israel entered the Promised Land, and the Book of Malachi, written 1000 years later.

Malachi’s Report Card on Israel

• Elder Jeffrey describes Malachi’s book as a report card on the nation of Israel, addressing widespread idolatry, ritualism, moral decline, and social injustice.
• Discussion on the desecration of the sanctuary by priests marrying foreign women and worshiping idols.
• Elder Jeffrey explains the denigration of marriage by priests divorcing their wives to marry foreign women, abandoning their wives.
• Reference to Ezekiel 16, where God describes covering Israel with a garment, symbolizing protection, provision, and love.

God’s Plan and Purpose for Marriage

• Elder Jeffrey emphasizes the importance of understanding God’s plan and purpose for marriage.
• Explanation of the concept of companionship, using the Hebrew word “heber,” meaning knitted together or bonded together.
• Discussion on the one flesh concept from Genesis 1 and 2, emphasizing complete honesty and acceptance.
• Introduction of the idea of covenant, explaining it as a promise to love backed up by a legal agreement, leading to unwavering faithfulness and lifelong commitment.

The Purpose of Marriage: Raising Godly Children

• Elder Jeffrey identifies the purpose of marriage as stated in Malachi 2:15: to raise godly children.
• Reference to Genesis 1, where God commands Adam and Eve to be fruitful and multiply, emphasizing the importance of raising godly children.
• Discussion on Deuteronomy 6, where the Shema commandment is given, emphasizing teaching children to love and honor God.
• Reference to Matthew 28, where Jesus gives the Great Commission, teaching to observe all commands.

Challenges and Solutions in Marriage

• Elder Jeffrey acknowledges the challenges in marriage, noting that even if everything is done right, it does not guarantee that children will become Christians.
• Analogy of a farmer creating conditions for seeds to grow, but ultimately, God makes the seed grow.
• Discussion on the role of single people, divorced individuals, and grandparents in fulfilling the purpose of marriage.
• Emphasis on the importance of prayer and perseverance in raising godly children.

The Problem of Marriage: A Heart Issue

• Elder Jeffrey identifies the problem of marriage as a heart issue, not a problem of understanding.
• Reference to Malachi 3:7, where Israel is accused of turning aside from God’s statutes and not keeping them.
• Emphasis on the need to focus on the vertical relationship with God to improve horizontal relationships.
• Discussion on the power of God to change hearts and provide the power to love, forgive, and die to self.

The Power of Marriage: Focusing on God

• Elder Jeffrey explains that focusing on the vertical relationship with God will improve horizontal relationships.
• Reference to his own personal transformation through studying the Word of God, taking community seriously, and worshiping and praying regularly.
• Acknowledgment of the need for God’s power to love, forgive, and die to self in marriage.
• Emphasis on the importance of submitting to God’s Word and the leadership of the Holy Spirit.

Conclusion and Call to Faith

• Elder Jeffrey concludes by emphasizing that all have sinned and come short of the glory of God, and none can meet the high bar of marriage.
• Reference to Jesus’ statement about adultery in the heart.
• Discussion on the punishment for disobeying God and desecrating the sanctuary of the Lord, referencing Malachi 2:12.
• Emphasis on the love of Jesus, who was cut off for the transgression of His people, and the need to turn to Him in faith.
• Prayer for God to work in hearts, providing the power to love, forgive, and die to self, and for marriages to be God-honoring and glorifying.