Marriage
Marriage is a covenant relationship intended to unite a man
and a woman for life. At creation God designed marriage for
companionship, sexual union and the birth and nurture of children.
Sexual intimacy rightfully takes place only within marriage.
Marriage is to be characterized by mutual love, faithfulness
and submission. A believer should not marry an unbeliever.
The community of faith blesses and nurtures marriage relationships,
and makes every effort to bring reconciliation to troubled marriages.
Human sinfulness, however, may sometimes lead to divorce, a
violation of God's intention for marriage. With truth and compassion
the family of God offers hope and healing while continually
upholding the biblical ideal of marital faithfulness.
Singleness
Singleness is honored equally with marriage, sometimes even
preferred. The church is to bless, respect and fully include
those who are single. Those who remain single may find unique
opportunities to advance the kingdom of God. God calls all people,
single and married, to live sexually pure lives.
Family
God intends family relationships at all stages of life to be
characterized by love. Children are a gift from God. Godly parents
instruct and nurture their children in the faith. Parents are
to discipline their children wisely and lovingly, not provoking
them to anger. Children are to honor and obey their parents.
Genesis 1:26-31; Genesis 2:18-24; Genesis 5:1-2; Genesis 12:1-3;
Exodus 22:16-17; Leviticus 18:22; Leviticus 20:13; Deuteronomy
6:4; Deuteronomy 24:1-4; Psalm 127:3-5; Proverbs 31; Matthew 5:32;
Matthew 10:34-39; Matthew 19:3-12; Matthew 22:23-33; Mark 3:31-35;
Mark 7:9-13; Mark 10:6-11; Luke 16:18; Romans 7:2-3; Romans 14:12;
I Corinthians 7:8-40; II Corinthians 6:14-15; Ephesians 5:21-33;
Ephesians 6:1-4; I Timothy 3:1-13; I Timothy 5:3-16; Hebrews 13:4;
I Peter 3:1-7.
