Over time, words have a way of drifting. They don’t disappear, but their meaning can slowly change until the original intent becomes difficult to recognize. One might wonder if one of the words that has drifted the most in our generation is the word marriage.

In many ways, marriage has been reduced to an idea built around personal happiness, convenience, or compatibility. Yet Scripture offers a far richer and deeper vision.

Our recent collection of talks, Holy Matrimony, explores God’s design for dating, marriage, and everything in between. While the topic may seem directed toward married couples, the heart of this collection is far broader. At its core, it is about formation, helping people become who God created them to be within relationships marked by covenant, commitment, and love.

The reality is that most people are not searching for holy matrimony. They are searching for a happy marriage. But the biblical vision of marriage was never simply about happiness. It was designed by God as something sacred.

Holy matrimony reminds us that marriage is more than a contract between two people. It is a covenant, a reflection of Christ’s love for the church. In a culture that often treats marriage casually, followers of Jesus are invited to rediscover its holy weight. Scripture paints a picture of marriage shaped by unity, sacrifice, faithfulness, and enduring love.

This collection of talks invites us to return to that vision.

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Week 1: God As My Witness

Pastor Rich Wilkerson Jr. and Pastor DawnCheré Wilkerson‍

‍“Another thing you do: You flood the Lord’s altar with tears. You weep and wail because he no longer looks with favor on your offerings or accepts them with pleasure from your hands. You ask, “Why?” It is because the Lord is the witness between you and the wife of your youth. You have been unfaithful to her, though she is your partner, the wife of your marriage covenant. Has not the one God made you? You belong to him in body and spirit. And what does the one God seek? Godly offspring. So be on your guard, and do not be unfaithful to the wife of your youth. “The man who hates and divorces his wife,” says the Lord, the God of Israel, “does violence to the one he should protect,”says the Lord Almighty. So be on your guard, and do not be unfaithful." Malachi 2:13-16

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Point 01: COVENANT: Holy Matrimony Is More Than a Feeling

A contract is between two people. A covenant is between two people and God.

Point 02: PARTNER: Holy Matrimony Makes You Stronger

A good partner doesn’t just love you, they lift you.

Point 03:WITNESS: Holy Matrimony Has Supernatural Help

Marriage done God’s way comes with God’s protection.‍

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A Holy Matrimony is not just about you or your desires, it’s about honoring God and your spouse through selfless devotion. Protecting God as our witness looks like honoring His design for marriage not our desires.

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Week 2: A Single Step

Pastor DawnCheré Wilkerson, Pastor Luke Barry, Pastor Manouchka Charles

“In their hearts humans plan their course but the Lord establishes their steps.” Proverbs 16:9

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Point 01: STEP IN (SURRENDER)

Surrender your plan and allow God to order your steps.

Point 02: STEP OUT (OBEDIENCE)

It’s time to be obedient to the nudge of the Holy Spirit and step out.

Point 03: STEP UP (INTEGRITY)

Integrity is not about being perfect, but being committed to stepping up in your character.

Point 04: STEP BACK (HUMILITY)

Step back and think about what you really want.

Point 05: STEP FORWARD (WISDOM)

God cares about your future and is preparing your future for you, but are you preparing you for your future?

Point 06: STEP ASIDE (SACRIFICE)

The question is, when he does: Will you step aside and give it all back to him?

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A single step can change everything. Sometimes it's not about knowing everything, it's about trusting that with our faithful obedience to God and our trust in Him will direct the rest.

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Week 3: Sex On Fire

Pastor Rich Wilkerson Jr.

“As for other matters, brothers and sisters, we instructed you how to live in order to please God, as in fact you are living. Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more. For you know what instructions we gave you by the authority of the Lord Jesus. It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control your own body in a way that is holy and honorable, not in passionate lust like the pagans, who do not know God; and that in this matter no one should wrong or take advantage of a brother or sister. The Lord will punish all those who commit such sins, as we told you and warned you before. For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life.” 1 Thessalonians 4:1–7

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Point 01: Keep the Flame Contained

The Bible places sex inside the boundary of marriage between a man and a woman.

Point 02: Install Smoke Detectors

They warn you before the fire destroys you.

Point 03: Don’t Play With Matches

Most people don’t ruin their life in one moment. It happens one match at a time.

Point 04: Keep Gasoline Out

Don’t introduce things that intensify desire instead of disciplining it.

Point 05: Know Your Exit Route

One of the greatest ways to resist temptation is to have vision for your future.

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Sex isn't bad but it has to have boundaries. If we want designer sex we must look to the Man who designed it. When sex is in the right context we get the right things out of it.

Week 4: Staying Connected

Pastor Rich Wilkerson Jr. and Pastor DawnCheré Wilkerson‍

“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” Ecclesiastes 4:9-12‍

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Point 01: Connection is Built Through Communication

Sometimes the greatest gift you can give your spouse isn’t a solution. It’s attention.

Point 02: Connection is Strengthened Through Conflict

Because the goal of conflict is not victory. The goal of conflict is clarity.

Point 03: Connection Is Sustained Through Forgiveness

Connection is sustained when two people keep choosing mercy over resentment. ‍

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Connection doesn't happen by accident, it's intentional. What we take the time to nurture and steward will ultimately stand the test of time. It's not a one time thing, it’s daily devotion. When we understand the importance of connection we treat it with greater reverence.

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Final Thoughts

Marriage is more than a milestone in someone’s life story. According to Scripture, it is a sacred covenant that points beyond itself to something greater: the faithful, sacrificial love of Christ for His church. When we return to God’s design for relationships, we rediscover that holiness and happiness are not in competition. In fact, the pursuit of holiness is often what produces the kind of joy and unity people are searching for in the first place. Our prayer is that this collection helps leaders, couples, and individuals alike see marriage not simply as a goal to reach, but as a reflection of God’s love and a lifelong opportunity to grow in grace, commitment, and Christlike love.