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Introduction: I have been the preacher in over 300 weddings. Often I see some of these couples and rejoice that they are having a good marriage. There are some who have divorced or their mate has died and this brings sorrow to our hearts. Marriage and the family are ordained of God. Let us notice some areas that are vital to a happy marriage and family.

A. The relationship of the husband and wife is the most intimate of all relationships.

1. Our love should grow as we know each other better.

2. Initially we are attracted by physical appearance and sexual desires.

3. As we live together as husband & wife, we become intimate emotionally, intellectually, socially and spiritually.

4. Often the husband and wife will think alike in many areas.

B. The intimate relationship should never be confined to a few minutes in bed, but it should be a complete relationship which is deep and abiding rather than merely sexual.

1. This provides for fidelity, mutual trust and true love.

2. Spend some quality time together and communicate---talk about things of mutual interest.

3. Give your wife or husband a hug. Some people need this and to be told that we love them.

4. Acts of kindness and consideration, flowers, favorite meal at favorite restaurant, etc. are forms of intimacy!

5. If we will practice these things, it is very doubtful that you marriage will ever fail or be an unhappy one.

II. IN-LAWS---You do marry your mates family---like it or not!

A. They should not dominate but should not be excluded either. They can be too close or too remote.

1. Best not to live in the house of either set of parents.

B. Most in-laws can have a great relationship if everyone conducts themselves as Christians should.

III. CHILDREN are a great blessing and a great responsibility. Therefore Children are:

A. A living soul that we brought into the world without their consent.

B. They become part of our heritage as the cycle of life continues.

C. They deserve the best training possible (Prov. 22:6; Eph. 6:1-4).

1. As they grow, we should teach them how to work and assign them certain responsibilities for their benefit.

2. Their training or lack of it, will affect them as adults.

3. We need to teach them manners when they are young (from infancy). Train them to open doors, wait their turn, not run over people or step on their feet, etc.

4. Train them by word and example.

a. Rules For Rearing Juvenile Delinquents (Article).

D. Teach them the Gospel of Christ. Parents cannot expect their children to become Christians if they are not Christians. Our example is so important.

E. Children should be thankful to their parents for their training and education (Ex. of the wealthy old man who handed a letter to Mid McKnight and told him to give it back to him).

A. It is a happy and secure place to live.

B. It is a place where God, Christ and the Bible are respected.

C. It is a place of training, where we can live while getting an education and learning to make a living for our self.

D. It will be a place of pleasant memories.