The Value of Valentines Day
I’m sure there’s some story on how Hallmark has made “Valentines Day” into the bustling bonanza that it is. However, like a lot of Americanized pop-culture holidays (i.e. Christmas, Easter, Halloween, Thanksgiving)…at the root of it all is Jesus and he or some of his people did something worth note to be remembered, celebrated and focused on for a day each year.
Valentines day was started and named after a 3rd century pastor, Valentio who Pastored a church in Interama of Rome (modern Terni, Italiy). Like most history that’s over 1700 years old, details are sketchy and questionable. Yet, the basic story is that the Roman Emperor at the time, Claudius II, didn’t approve of Valentio marrying Christian couples. After being imprisoned for it, the Emperor questioned him and Pastor Valentio shared the gospel of Jesus Christ with him. Instead of converting, the Emperor decided to have him beheaded.
Pastor Valentine believed deeply in the gospel and its call for Jesus centered marriages as described in Ephesians 5:25 “Husbands love your wives as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.” Thus, essentially “Valentines Day” is about the opportunity for husbands to express this kind of love for their wives.
Marriage Resources
Blog | Pastor Duane Smets
The Bible starts off explosively in a pure demonstration of super power and intelligence…God creates! His creative eruption climaxes in the formation of humanity, who become the ensuing focus with their life in the garden. Many have recognized this is not unintentional. Much of God’s creative purposes for his world is tied up in his institution of marriage. There is perhaps no more fundamental and important relationship one can form in adulthood than marriage.
In addition to recognizing the high level of esteem God places on marriage in the Bible, many have also noted the parallels at work in conceiving of marriage like a garden which needs care. The first garden Eden may not only be the geographical locale of the first marriage but also an allusion to the ongoing nature of marriage which needs regular attention. Like a garden, a marriage must be watered, weeded and enjoyed. To husbands and wives: work on your marriage! Below are some of the best resources our there which may help you in the goal and calling.
Marriage & The Gospel
Practical Ecclesiology Series | Selected Texts | Pastor Duane Smets
This week is an systematic theology sermon on the topic of marriage. Genesis 2:5-25 and Ephesians 5:20-31 are looked at for the exegetical insight on the reason and source for ministry. Special attention is given to God’s creation of marriage, the roles of marriage and the carry over of those roles in how the church is set up to function. This sermon was originally preached on January 30th, 2011 at The Resolved Church in San Diego, CA.
Jesus Deals With The Demise of Marriage & Family
Matthew Series | Matthew 19:1-15 | Pastor Duane Smets
This week is an exegetical sermon on Matthew 19:1-15 where we Jesus addresses the importance of marriage and family as well as the pain and hard heartedness of divorce. Current statistics, the story of Genesis, cultural trends, and joy and purpose of children are all highlighted in grappling with Jesus’ words in this passage. This sermon was originally preached on September 5th, 2010 at The Resolved Church in San Diego, CA.
Advent Week 2 – The Bethlehem Candle of Humility: Mary
This week is an exegetical sermon looking at Luke 1:26-38,46-56 focusing on the character of Mary. The sermon is titled, “Confessions of the First Christian” and looks at the faith, trust, servanthood, submission, worship, joy, God, and savior of Mary. This sermon was originally preached by Pastor Duane Smets on December 6th, 2009 at The Resolved Church in San Diego, CA.
Nehemiah Series (Part 13): “Continuing in the Mission of God’s Vision”
This is the thirteenth week of our sermon series, “Nehemiah: Building God’s Church in the City.” Part 13, this week is an exegetical sermon of chapter thirteen and is about Continuing in the Mission of God’s Vision. This sermon looks at Nehemiah 13 and the keeping spiritual purity, financial repsonsbility, worship priority, marital fidelity, and keeping on until the end. This sermon was originally preached May 10th, 2009 at The Resolved Church in San Diego, CA.
Nehemiah Series (Part 10): “Looking to the Future Fulfillment of God’s Vision”
This is the tenth week of our sermon series, “Nehemiah: Building God’s Church in the City.” Part 10, this week is an exegetical sermon of chapter ten and is about Looking to the Future Fulfillment of God’s Vision. This sermon looks at Nehemiah 10 at the way we approach commitments, community, couples, church and our cash as Christians under the new covenant. This sermon was originally preached April 5th, 2009 at The Resolved Church in San Diego, CA.
