Marriage

It is the biblical position that marriage involves the union of one man and one woman in permanent sacred fidelity. Though various cultures and customs have evolving definitions of marriage, it is God alone who has ultimate authority to prescribe and describe the marital relationship (Gen 2:24, Matt 19:1-9, Mark 10:1-12).

Furthermore, sexual intimacy is only properly exercised and pursued within the confines of this marital relationship. Sexual immorality, defined as any sexual activity outside of the boundaries of the sacred marital relationship between one man and one woman, is clearly and expressly prohibited by the Lord (Matt 15:19, 1 Corin 6:9-11, 1 Thess 4:3, Heb 13:4).

We believe that the marriages of believers are to illustrate the loving relationship of Christ and His church, with the husband loving his wife as Christ loves the church and the wife responding to her husband’s loving leadership as the church responds to Christ (Eph 5:18-33).

We teach that God hates divorce, permitting it only where there has been unrepentant sexual sin (Mal 2:14-16; Matt 5:32, 19:9) or desertion by an unbeliever (1 Corin 7:12-15).

Sexuality

The bible regards any and all forms of sexual immorality – including adultery, fornication, homosexual behavior, bisexual conduct, bestiality, incest, pedophilia, pornography or even lustful intent toward such – as sinful and ultimately unsatisfying. (Lev 18:1-30; Matt 5:28; Rom 1:26-29; 1 Corin 5:1, 6:9; 1 Thess 4:1-8).

Though sinful sexual expression is egregious (as is all sin), the gospel provides redemption and restoration to all who confess and forsake their sin, seeking mercy and forgiveness through Jesus Christ (1 Corin 6:9-11, Eph 2:1-10, Titus 3:3-7).

Furthermore, there is a difference between temptation and unrepented sin. Jesus was tempted in all ways as we are, yet He never sinned. Those within the church wrestling with any manner of sexual temptation will find a church ready to point them to Jesus and join with them to fight for their obedience to Christ. Jesus called the weary and heavy-laden to Himself. As a church desiring to follow Christ fully, the church will be a safe place for men and women fighting sexual temptations of all kinds. For those fighting temptation and repenting of sin, the church will provide love, care, and direction (Matt 11:28-30, 1 Corin 10:13, Heb 2:17-18, Heb 4:14-16).

Final Thoughts

These statements on Marriage and Sexuality do not provide grounds for bigotry, bullying or hate, as we fully believe that every person must be afforded compassion, love, kindness, respect and dignity, regardless of his or her lifestyle. Hateful and harassing behavior or attitudes directed toward any individual are to be repudiated as sinful and are not in accordance with the Scriptures nor the doctrines of the church.

The church’s statement on Marriage and Sexuality is based upon God’s will for human life as conveyed to us through the Scriptures, upon which this church has been founded and anchored, and this shall not be subject to change through popular vote; referendum; prevailing opinion of members or the general public; influence of or interpretation by any government authority, agency, or official action; or legal developments on the local, state, or federal level.