Guest Notes
03-01-2026 Sermon Title: “The Two Most Important Decisions of Your Life: Christ… and Who You Marry
Joshua 24:15
“ But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord..”
Introduction
There are many decisions in life.
• What school to attend
• What career to pursue
• Where to live
• What opportunities to accept
But there are two decisions that will shape your eternity and your legacy:
1. Who you choose as your Savior (It can be …
2. Who you choose as your spouse (WHO YOU MARRY)
One determines your eternity.
The other determines the direction of your earthly journey.
One affects your soul.
The other affects your seed.
And both are choices — not accidents. (YOU HAVE FREE WILL… YOU CHOSE)
I. The First and Greatest Decision — Choosing Christ
A. This is an Eternal Decision
Hebrews 9:27
27 Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, (Remember you can die twice. ( Physically and Spiritcially
Every person will stand before God. (ONE OF US WILL BE WRONG) You are on this earth for MORE than to be born, live, consume the earths resources, have fun procreate and die.
The question will not be:
• How much money did you make?
• How many trophies did you win?
• How many followers did you have?
IF I’M right…. You will be asked TWO QUESTIONS>>>> will be:
What did you do with Jesus?
What did you do with the talents I gave you?
Jesus said in John 14:6:
“I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”
You can choose:
• Religion
• Good works
• Morality
But salvation is found in Christ alone.
B. It Changes Your Identity
2 Corinthians 5:17
“If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature…”
C. Everything Else Flows From This Decision
Your values.
Your standards.
Your direction.
Your relationships.
If you get this decision wrong, every other decision will eventually drift.
But if you get this right, even when life gets hard, you’re anchored.
II. The Second Most Important Decision — Who You Marry
Genesis 2:18
“It is not good that the man should be alone…”
Marriage is not just companionship. It is covenant.
A. Marriage Shapes Your Destiny
Amos 3:3
Do two walk together unless they have agreed to do so?
Who you marry determines:
• The atmosphere in your home
• The spiritual climate of your children
• The level of peace or chaos in your life
• Whether you soar or struggle
Annette and I can write a book about getting this one wrong, but GOD will heal if you OBEY
Marriage can either:
• Multiply your calling
• Or complicate your assignment
B. Marriage Is Spiritual Before It Is Emotional
2 Corinthians 6:14
Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? (We can discuss theology of the scripture another time)
Attraction fades. Charm fades. Looks change.
But alignment in Christ? That sustains.
When both spouses love Jesus:
• Prayer becomes natural
• Forgiveness becomes possible
• Unity becomes powerful
But when Christ is not the center, ego fights for control.
C. Who You Marry Affects Generations
Joshua 24:15
“As for me and my house…” Notice — house.
Annette is a certified genealogist and she can tell you how family trees are messed up.
Your marriage decision affects:
• Your children
• Your grandchildren
• Your spiritual legacy
One decision can either:
• Build a Godly lineage
• Or create cycles of dysfunction (ASK ANYONE THAT’S gone through a DIVORCED and have children)
You don’t just marry for love.
You marry for legacy.
III. The Order Matters
Here’s the problem in our culture: People focus more on finding “the one” than becoming God’s one.
You must choose Christ before you choose a spouse.
Because when Christ is first:
• You choose differently You see differently
• You discern differently
If Christ is not first, emotion will lead you where wisdom would not.
Illustration
Think about building a house.
Christ is the foundation marriage is the structure
If the foundation is cracked, no matter how beautiful the house, it won’t stand.
But when the foundation is solid, even storms won’t destroy it.
Matthew 7:25
25 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.
IV. OKAY SINGLES A WORD FOR YOU.
Don’t rush the second decision, Perfect the first one.
Develop:
• Your walk with Christ
• Your character
• Your calling
The right spouse is not found by desperation.
They are recognized by discernment.
V. A Word to the Married
If Christ is not at the center, you can put Him there today. It’s never too late to realign.
Pray together.
Forgive quickly.
Serve one another.
Honor the covenant.
When Christ leads both hearts, unity follows.
Challenges
Have you made the first decision?
Have you truly chosen Christ —not casually, but completely?
And if you’re single — are you preparing yourself spiritually for the second decision?
If you’re married —is Christ the center, or just a Sunday addition?
ALL OF THIS STARTS WITH BECOMING A CHRISTIAN
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I realize that everyone is comfortable with a public profession of faith in Jesus. If you want the opportunity for salvation is a small intimate environment
Reach out to us by calling of texting 336-338-8037 or southplainfieldfriends.org/ click on contact us and we will guide you through the next steps.
If you’re ready to surrender your life to Christ and to be a part of a loving community of people (THAT AREN’T PERFECT) But will Love you
Say this prayer with me
Jesus,
I know that I need You.
I believe You died for my sins
and rose again to give me new life.
Today, I turn from my old ways
and give my life fully to You.
Please forgive me of my sins,
change me,………and lead me ……from this day forward.
I trust You as my Savior,
and I choose to follow You as my Lord.
Thank You for loving me
and saving me.
Amen.
If you said this prayer and truly believe it in your heart, we believe that you are a Christian.