Quarterly Newsletter
Fall 2024

“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works . . .” – Hebrews 10:24 (ESV)

The “one anothers” of Scripture teach us much about how we are to relate to our fellow saints who are a part of the body of Christ. We are to love, honor, admonish, teach, and encourage one another, just to name a few. Yet what is important to remember is that the “one anothers” of Scripture are also just as applicable in our marriages. 

At times, it is easier to live out this verse towards others in the church and not our spouse! But in a Christian marriage, just like in the church, we should be intentional in how we point our spouse to Christ, the Gospel, and the hope we have in eternity. We should desire to see our spouse’s love for God, His Word, and His people grow over the years (and then share with them how we have seen that growth!). We should discuss the good we can do for others, both individually and as a couple, and then plan to do those very things.

The “consider” that the author of Hebrews writes about here implies an intentionality in all Christian relationships, including those in our homes. As we stir one another to love and good works, let us remember that these actions are reflections of our faith and obedience to Christ. His finished work (be sure to read the previous verses in Hebrews 10) provides the foundation for our love and good works. Therefore, how might you stir up love and good works in your spouse this week?

~ Ryan Patty, Associate Pastor

Marriage Matters

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Couple in the Spotlight
Joe & Kim Mitchell

In this section, we introduce you to CCC couples seeking to glorify God by sharing what they’ve learned in marriage.

Q: What would you say is one key to a lifelong, healthy marriage?

A (Joe): For husbands, have a vision of how much future joy is possible if you put in the work now. Imagine getting to live with a woman who feels so loved and heard that her eyes light up when she sees you!

A (Kim): Time is the currency you spend to get a good marriage. Sitting in the same room on devices doesn’t count. We walk and talk.

Q: What has God taught you about His design for marriage — individually or as a couple?

A (Joe): In a complementarian marriage, the husband shows leadership by taking responsibility for issues in the home and being the first to apologize and sacrifice. If I pull rank or blame my wife for our problems, I am not showing the kind of leadership God intends.

A (Kim): Joe’s sacrifice, tenderness, and understanding has moved us to be very happy in our marriage.

Q: What are you most enjoying in this chapter of your lives together?

A (Joe): I love asking Kim questions and listening to her thoughts. If a man has a wife who trusts him enough to talk to him a lot, he has life wired. Scrolling through your phone is weak sauce in comparison.

A (Kim): Praying God’s word together for our lives and family. When Joe prays, I see what’s on his heart.

Q: What have you learned about how to successfully negotiate conflict?

A (Joe): About 10 years ago, we had a deep, unresolved conflict that we finally tackled. Kim describes the key to success as listening non-defensively until you understand what the other is saying, then doing something about it. For me, the key was making an open-ended commitment to work for as long as it took to resolve the issue. (In that case, it took about 100 hours of conversation, but we got there, and it was worth it)!

re|engage is a Christ-centered small group experience for couples that includes Bible study, date nights, and other meaningful activities designed to deepen your oneness by first encouraging your intimacy with Him…and then with each other.

If you are interested in finding out more about our next re|engage group, drop me a line (Michele Moore: michele@ccc-if.org) and I’ll gladly add you to the contact list!

I hope you enjoyed this edition of our marriage ministry newsletter and wish you and your spouse a wonderful autumn!

CCC’s marriage ministry aims to gather engaged and married couples together for the purpose of helping them grow in their relationship with Christ and go back to their families and out into the community with the life-changing message of His restorative, redemptive power.