“In the beginning God created male and female in His own image. Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife, and they shall be one flesh.”
Gen. 1:27 and 2:34; Jesus (Mt. 19:4-5)
“The Lord has been witness between you and the wife of your covenant. Therefore, take heed that you not deal treacherously with the wife of your youth.” Malachi 2:14-15
“The Commonwealth of Virginia shall recognize as a valid marriage ‘only a union between one man and one woman’ and shall not create or recognize as a legal marriage any other union or partnership.”(Amendment to the VA Constitution approved by the People in 2006)
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The Bible and the Law on Marriage in America
Both the Bible and the Law of the United States, as well as the laws of over 30 states, have recognized marriage as only the union of one man and one woman. That included Virginia in 2006 with over 57% voter approval by state-wide referendum. No other relationships would be recognized.
The Bible certainly has not changed, but unfortunately, the Law did when the U.S. Supreme Court last year redefined marriage in a tragic display of moral rebellion, constitutional ignorance, and judicial overreach.
Sadly, however, the culture had already done severe damage to the foundations of marriage as a covenant before God and between a man and a woman. We had made marriage optional through cohabitation outside of marriage and disposable through no-fault divorce. Through it all, too many churches remained silent.
As a result, this venerable institution contracted AIDS and could no longer fight off the demands of gay activists that it be redefined to include same-sex relationships – demands to which the Supremes so foolishly acceded.
Our Call for the Eight Purposes of Marriage
So now we must rediscover and reaffirm why marriage is important. What does the Bible say about it? And what must we do to get it back to God’s design and to His purpose?
That is our task, and our Crossroads’ Team will be discussing eight of those purposes tomorrow on Valley radio. They all come with clear Biblical instruction, and they all begin with “P” to make it easier to remember, as follows:
1. Partnership: “God said, ‘It is not good that man should be alone; I will make an help-meet for him.’” (Gen. 2:18)
2. Procreation: “Be fruitful and multiply and replenish the earth.” (Gen. 1:28)
3. Protection_: “Be not afraid. Fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your houses.” (Neh. 4:14)
4. Provision_: “If any provide not for his own house, he is worse than an infidel.” (I Tim. 5:8)
5. Parenting : “Raise up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” (Prov. 22:6)
6. Pleasure_: “How fair is your love, my spouse; how much better than wine.” (Song of Solomon 4:10)
7. Purity___: “You shall not commit adultery.” (Ex. 20:14)
8. Permanence: “Rejoice with the wife of your youth!” (Prov. 5:18) “Let none deal treacherously against (her), for she is … the wife of your covenant.” (Mal. 2:15)
Crossroads: Where Faith and Culture Meet
To hear more, please join Rita Dunaway, John Sloop, and me tomorrow (Sunday) on one of the following Valley radio stations: WBTX (1470) at 7:30 a.m., followed by WSVA (550) and WSVA/FM (92.1) at 8:30; WHBG/ESPN (1360) and ESPN/FM (101.3) at 9:00; and on WNLR (1150) at 11:30.
If you miss the broadcast, you can also listen online HERE. Just click on the Crossroad’s link entitled “Valentines for Marriage” on the home page.
We deeply appreciate your prayers, your encouragement, and your financial support of these programs. All gifts are tax-deductible and can be sent by check to Crossroads at PO Box 881, Harrisonburg, 22803.
For Life, Faith, Family, and Freedom in Virginia!Crossroads: Valentines and Marriage