a wedding homily
Dear friends we have assembled here today to witness the uniting in marriage of this man and this woman.
The Importance of Marriage
Marriage is both a social and a sacred tradition. It is the grand social tradition of compassion. Its laws and relationships are of significant importance to the human race. I have said that the marriage relationship is significant, important, sacred and holy. But what makes it so? The Bible says that marriage is to be "held in honor" (Heb. 13:4). Our regard for the bonds of matrimony rests entirely in the person of the Almighty God of Heaven because it is He who ordained it (Gen. 2:18-24); it is He who governs it (Matt. 19:6), and it is He who witnesses the oaths taken in it (Mal. 2:14). God tells us that marriage is a solemn and perpetual covenant between one man and one woman to live together in mutual love throughout life. This agreement continues far beyond the ceremonies and celebrations of today. It endures through the joys and pleasures of a lifetime. Yet, its survival is greater still, God expects that your commitment today will last the trials, tribulations, sorrows and hardships that will come to you everyday.
Matthew 19:4-6
And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female, and said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh? Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.
While I stand before you as a representative who has the authority to recognize, encourage and authorize persons to marry is derived from God. When you take your vows in just a moment, know that God Himself will be a witness of your oath. The Bible says it is better not to vow a vow, than to vow and not fulfill it. I urge you to proceed no further, if there is in your mind the...
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