Licensed to Wed

"Marriage is the union between a man and a woman." —President Barak Obama

A behavior or action can be 'legal' within our governing laws, yet still be a crime against God. The power of the law can influence attitudes about God's moral principles—for better or worse.

Prior to the Thirteenth Amendment, our nation was split on the issue of slavery. Since the law was changed, the vast majority now believes that slavery is immoral.

Prior to 1973, the vast majority of Americans believed that abortion was wrong, and the laws in every state either outlawed or restricted the destruction of pre-born infants. A small minority forced the law to be changed. A generation later, our country is split.

The laws of God never change, and those who know Him, know this. Philippians 2:5 True marriage can only be licensed by the Author and Creator of the laws of nature. Mark 10:6-9

Some people insist that the Bible has been interpreted incorrectly on the issue of marriage. Yet, in every instance where the Word of God makes reference to a wedding, it always includes one bride and one bridegroom. At the same time, the Bible consistently tells us that homosexual activity is a result of denying and disobeying God. Leviticus 18:22 Romans 1:26-27 1Corinthians 6:9 Yet we don't need a Bible to acknowledge the obvious natural design and compatibility of the human male and female bodies.

God commands us to treat each other equally and respectfully. At the same time, He does not want us to compromise the moral foundations that He has clearly defined. There's a big difference between civil rights and coerced acceptance. Forcing a believer in Christ to embrace behavior that God forbids is like trying to unscramble an egg. His heart and mind are blended with that of Christ's, Hebrews 10:16 and he will always be convicted of true morality. 1Corinthians 2:12 The kind of love that the believer is required to extend to others is Truth; Ephesians 4:15 which might mean enlightening others to behavior that God calls destructive or harmful. 1Timothy 4:6-7

The Biblical definition of marriage goes far deeper and broader than the "man + woman = children" family. God uses this image as a picture for the relationship we have with our Savior. In the New Testament, Jesus Christ is described as the Bridegroom, sacrificially and lovingly choosing the church (the entire body of believers) to be His bride. Ephesians 5:25 When Christ returns, the church will be united with the Bridegroom for the biggest celebration in heaven's history! Revelation 19:7-8

In the laundry list of behaviors that God tells us are unhealthy for ourselves and others, 1Corinthians 6:9-10 He always gives us opportunity to do a 180—for our best interest—for now and eternity. 1Corinthians 6:11

"Marriage is the union between a man and a woman." —President Barak Obama

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" •