A Love that Lasts is… Peculiar Who is this sweeping in from the desert, leaning on her lover? Song of Solomon 8:5a Persistent I aroused you under the apple tree, where your mother gave you birth, where in great pain she delivered you. Song of Solomon 8:5b Possessive Place me like a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm. Song of Solomon 8:6a Permanent For love is as strong as death, its jealousy as enduring as the grave. Love flashes like fire, the brightest kind of flame. Song of Solomon 8:6b Patient We have a little sister too young to have breasts. What will we do for our sister if someone asks to marry her? 9 If she is a virgin, like a wall, we will protect her with a silver tower. But if she is promiscuous, like a swinging door, we will block her door with a cedar bar. Song of Solomon 8:8-9 Pure I was a virgin, like a wall; now my breasts are like towers. When my lover looks at me, he is delighted with what he sees. Song of Solomon 8:10 Pleasurable O my darling, lingering in the gardens, your companions are fortunate to hear your voice. Let me hear it, too! 14 Come away, my love! Be like a gazelle or a young stag on the mountains of spices. Song of Solomon 8:13-14

Talking through the message during the week helps you turn what God is saying to you into action steps. These talking points, questions, and scriptures are designed to help you take the next step. OPENING UP 1) What key point(s) from this week’s message hit home with you this week?

2) Describe what you thought love and marriage looked like when you were growing up.

3) Were your thoughts based on:

a. "Happily ever after...." like in a fairy tale or story book b. TV couples like Homer and Marge Simpson or Cliff and Claire Huxtable c. A hodge-podge of characters that make it work like "The Brady Bunch" d. Your parents or some other influential couple

4) For MARRIED, how did those pre-shaped thoughts enhance or affect your marriage?

For SINGLES, what thoughts or best practices do you want to hold onto to bring into your future marriage?

DIGGING IN

5) Read John 13:34-35. According to this passage we are commanded to love one another as Christ loves us.

MARRIED: What are the ways I need to love my spouse for married couples?

SINGLES: What will it take to love my future spouse that way Christ loves me?

6) Read Ephesians 5:22-24. Wives are to submit to the husband as the spiritual leader of the household.

WOMEN: This is not a role of being a servant, but rather a "warrior partner" with your husband or future husband for single ladies. How can you be that "warrior partner" within your marriage?

7) Read Ephesians 5:25-29. Husbands are to love their wives as they love themselves.

MEN: How can you show this kind of love to your wife? Single men, how can you begin or continue to understand that you are to love your future wife sacrificially?

WORKING IT OUT

8) How can your group pray for you this week?

Week 4 Love for a Lifetime

MINISTRIES FOR YOU!

MEN: Men of Steel

WOMEN: Girl Time

COUPLES: Match Marriage Academy (MMA) will be starting in April at Noon.