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NASB | Acts 20:28 "Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Acts 20:28 "Take care and be on guard for yourselves and for the whole flock over which the Holy Spirit has appointed you as overseers, to shepherd (tend, feed, guide) the church of God which He bought with His own blood. |
Bible Question:
Is it biblical for a church to authorize a marriage that is not simultaneously authorized by the government? In other words, can a church biblically marry two people, without the couple also being married by the government? The reason that I ask is due to financial penalties, that the government places on the legally disabled (medically handicapped), if they get married. I am legally handicapped, so I can't go to work more than 16 hours per month. If I get married, the government will take away my rent income, food allowance and medical coverage (medications and doctor visits). This is because I would be considered by the government as being a dependent on a potential wife, if I were to marry. I would be financially penalized 1200 dollars per month, which equals 500,000 dollars in 35 years. For this reason, I have chosen not to marry under the laws of the government. I am permanently disabled and will not likely recover. Is it biblical for the church to marry me, if I do not simultaneously get a legal marriage contract from the government? I would like to have kids too, but the government provides this obstacle. Further, my question is not regarding politics. I'm looking solely for a biblical basis on the issue of church ordained marriage. Biblical basis only please. |
Bible Answer: Dear Reighnskye, I would respectably submit that it is biblical for you to take advice on this from the pastors or elders that God has given your church to shepherd you. I have my opinions on this but I really think this is one directly for those who have pastoral responsibility for you and to go it alone would be wrong. May you be blessed 'by the God of your father who will help you, by the Almighty who will bless you with blessings of heaven above, blessings of the deep that crouches beneath, blessings of the breasts and of the womb.' Your brother in Christ, Dalcent |