What is Marriage? // Before I Do - Stephanie Ike Okafor

Discover the foundational essence of marriage in "Before I Do: Biblical Blueprint for Love & Marriage" as we dive into Part 1: "What is Marriage?"

In this insightful episode:
- Learn that marriage isn't just a one-time event but a lifelong journey. Discover why prioritizing the marriage over the wedding is crucial.
- Understand that marriage isn't merely a contractual agreement but a God-ordained institution rooted in covenant and spiritual significance.
- Dive into the biblical narrative of marriage as seen in Genesis 2:21-25, uncovering its spiritual and relational depth.
- Gain clarity on the covenantal nature of marriage and the responsibilities it entails, with a focus on unconditional love and faithfulness.

Stay tuned for next week's continuation, where we discuss "The Purpose of Marriage."

[FavoriteHillsongWorshipMusic]

My mom gets up every day at 3 am to talk to Jesus. I know that's it her prayers that have kept me going. My grandma taught my mom to talk to Jesus. A few weeks ago my grandma was diagnosed with cancer, last night my grandma was talking to Jesus and He told her He had healed her. All the pain is gone. We woke up at 3 am to talk to Jesus and thank Him. Please join me in thanking Him and making my grandma's miracle whole.

[OlwethuQhinga]

“People should not be your standard, God is your standard “

[babalwandunge]

It’s mid-night in South Africa and we are here 🙋🏽‍♀️🫶🏽

[Kiesha-rqbf]

This series is an answered prayer. I’m not married yet. Recently engaged and God has been ministering to my heart about marriage. Looking forward to this series.

[alicemutuma]

The wedding is an event but marriage is a journey

[nadinewalker]

I love the way Pastor Stephanie teaches us the word of GOD! She does it with authority, but with so much kindness. Her voice is so angelic. So soothing. It’s like she chastises us with pure love. I’m 50+ and I’ve been married 31 or 32 years. Child I can’t remember exactly. I stop counting. But one thing I do know, it requires hard work, a lot of understanding and patience and a heart filled with much love for your partner. I’m glad for this series, because I’m still learning. Because two things I don’t want to do is walk away for my marriage or disappoint GOD!! Blessings to you and your entire family pastor Stephanie.

[desgonzale]

I’m getting married in August, this couldn’t have come at a better time! 💖

[mexicancandy]

Me and my fiancé just got ENGAGED on May 3rd, he proposed in Half moon bay, California. It was beautiful 🥹
We’ve been keeping God as our glue from the beginning of our relationship.
This video couldn’t have come at a most perfect timing so Thank you for this 💕

[metoyou]

Divorce can happen because sometimes people marry someone who was not ordained by God. His word says “I will create a helper that is suitable for you!” So I hope in your series you will talk about how to seek God and get confirmation to know that person is THE one ordained by God. Love you Pastor Steph! 🙏🏾

[yoniemfengwana]

So many South Africans 🇿🇦 ❤ I’ve been pondering this because people won’t stop asking me why I am not married!😂

[victoriaakwamaayeboah]

“Wherever you align with the order of God, there is a blessing” ✍️

[letsunfoldwithLefatshe]

Marriage is a God ordained institution…I love that 💯

[prettzel]

Thank you Jesus for Stephanie. I just discovered you from a podcast episode of girls gone bible recently. I can't believe I never knew you and your ministry before. You're truly a woman of God. I'm watching some other vids here on your channel, everything you say is just rooted in God's word. I get so much wisdom and conviction from everything that you share. And this series about marriage is very much needed for me to hear this season as I've been praying to God about my heart's desire to get married one day. Thank you and I already love you!

[bthechurch]

Amen!!! 29 yrs in and im here for it. We've spent a majority of our marriage fighting against one another because I now know there is a dying to self that must happen in Christ which also will give you the blue print of what the sacrifice of marriage is all about.... and if you're living in an unbalanced spiritual marriage like mine that gives us no excuse to still live a life which dies to Christ daily, AND to the marriage you are in. This is where I'm at, at this point and time. May God redeem the time we've wasted. Each day in this 29th year is new every morning as I first submit to Christ.

[fredrickabell]

My fiancé and I are getting married June 1st. We were listening to this yesterday and it speaks to us because we’ve been shacking up and I have to admit that Pastor Stephanie is right about it opening doors for unwanted spiritual attacks. I love her series and it is teaching us a lot as we’re a young couple. He said he knew I was his wife the first day we met but due to circumstances like in Canada it’s so expensive to get married. A marriage license here is $175 which use to be $50. Churches are charging $1200 to do ceremony which the court house is charging $500. We have a big family but we are just doing something intimate with 50 people and honestly it all adds up to a hefty amount.

[LumataVen]

Who else clicked the like button before the 1 minute was over? 🥰 I so admire Pastor Stephanie

[nardiamuir]

It’s 3:31pm in Jamaica 🇯🇲 . I’m here for this word today.

[AnokMayom]

Watching from Australia 🇦🇺, Love how she pointed out people are not your standard, “ GOD is your standard”.

[givethemasafespace]

It will be exactly 12:00am here in Botswana 🇧🇼. Can't wait to hear the word 🙏🛐

[zinhlezandilemahlangu]

Oh what a word🙌🏼 Marriage is God’s idea, it is His Holy institution❤️