One of the grand purposes
of marriage is to advance the gospel.
Because many believers
and churches have lost a focus on the advance of the gospel, many have also
lost the vision for Christian marriage. Many have lost the vision for how
weddings mirror the great and coming marriage of the Bridegroom and His bride,
the church. Many have lost the vision for how marriages are to mirror the
relationship of Christ and His bride.
Part of the purpose of
marriage is to unfold the mystery of the gospel. This mystery, and this
purpose, has been the plan of God since He made Eve for Adam. All along, even
before ANYONE --even the angels!-- had heard of the church, God was picturing
His blessed temple on earth through the institution of marriage.
May we parents teach our
children about the beauty and purpose of marriage. May we exemplify it. May we
hold it sacred in our hearts, and honor it in our communities. May we agree
with God concerning the issue. May we fathers and mothers be only view our
children's future spouses as our very own children, and remove from our hearts
and minds the title "in law".
May we lay it joyfully
upon the hearts of our children the advance of the gospel. May we teach them
every single picture of it, and urge them to serve God willingly with their
hearts and minds.
"'Therefore a man
shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall
become one flesh.' This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to
Christ and the church." (Ephesians 5:31-32 ESV)
Might we also rejoice
with those given to singleness. It IS a blessing! If God has called them to it,
might we celebrate that in our fellowships, recognize it and affirm it. Might
we deliver right teaching concerning the matter, for, though single in the
realm of man, such single people are given over to God as their spouse. The
Bible says, "Only let each person lead the life that the Lord has assigned
to him, and to which God has called him. This is my rule in all the churches."
(1 Corinthians 7:17 ESV)
You see, dear friends,
whether called to marriage or singleness, both are for the advane of the
gospel. However, there is not gray area in between! Gray area in relationships
does not advance the gospel!
May we receive this
message with joy.
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