I still believe in marriage. I believe it is God’s original plan to build this earthly relationship so we can fully understand our relationship with Him. Remember, He is the groom and we are His bride. For me, as a groom, I am totally willing to make any sacrifice to show my bride how much I love her with unconditional love. And, as a bride, Margie is such an incredible person with an attitude of servanthood, faithfulness, and commitment. Read what Jesus says about marriage……

One day the Pharisees were badgering him: “Is it legal for a man to divorce his wife for any reason?” He answered, “Haven’t you read in your Bible that the Creator originally made man and woman for each other, male and female? And because of this, a man leaves father and mother and is firmly bonded to his wife, becoming one flesh – no longer two bodies but one. Because God created this organic union of the two sexes, no one should desecrate his art by cutting them apart.” They shot back in rebuttal, “If that’s so, why did Moses give instructions for divorce papers and divorce procedures?” Jesus said, “Moses provided for divorce as a concession to your hard heartedness, but it is not part of God’s original plan.” (Matthew 19:3-8 MSG)

Jesus goes on to tell His disciples, “Not everyone is mature enough to live a married life. It requires a certain aptitude and grace. Marriage isn’t for everyone. Some, from birth seemingly, never give marriage a thought. (Note added by me: This does not mean it’s OK to live together. It’s talking about a eunuch, someone that “chooses” to live a holy single life.) Others never get asked – or accepted. And some decide not to get married for kingdom reasons. But if you’re capable of growing into the largeness of marriage, do it.” (Matthew 19:11-12 MSG)

IF YOU ARE MARRIED….then make sure you have “stepped up to the plate” in maturity and in always growing into the largeness of marriage. NEVER stop growing!

IF YOU ARE NOT MARRIED….don’t rush it. WAIT for the right person, the one God chooses for you. The wait will be worth it. 

 Like I said, I still believe in marriage. If your marriage is struggling, don’t give up. HIS grace will make a way to preserve His original plan. 

In Him,
Pastor Kevin Kinchen

My thought for the day……
After having kids and now grandkids, I’ve noticed something they all have in common. They all pick on each other. Whether it’s with their words, an inconspicuous slap on the back of another’s head, or an all out assault to gain ownership of their “newly claimed” favorite toy, they constantly pick on one another. It escalates to the point where mom or dad eventually cries out, “Why can’t you just get along with your brothers and sisters!!!”

As Christians, sometimes we act the same way as kids. We pick on each other. And not just anyone, but our brothers and sisters in the Lord. Why? Well, that’s easy. It’s because they are not like us! Don’t they know that we are right? That we have all the answers? That all truth has been revealed to us? “Why can’t everyone see that and be like me?” Hmmmm, Houston, we have a problem…..

Folks, it’s time for change. It’s time for ALL OF US to grow up. We should be as adamant about using our words to encourage one another, as we are about correcting them, judging them, and showing them “the way.” In the Gospel of Mark, John said to Jesus, “Teacher, we saw someone using your name to cast out demons, but we told him to stop because he wasn’t in our group.” “Don’t stop him!” Jesus said. “No one who performs a miracle in my name will soon be able to speak evil of me. Anyone who is not against us is for us. (Mark 9:38-40 NLT)

Just because someone isn’t “part of our group” does not mean Jesus isn’t using them. If they are a believer then they are our brothers and sisters. Face it, we don’t ALL believe exactly the same. And we never will while living here on earth. But……we are a body; the body of Christ. Different people, yet one body. Different parts, yet all connected. When we believe in Jesus, we are all one body. Then it’s up to Jesus to put each part where they belong. In God’s master painting we are the “dots” but HE is the One who connects the dots.

It’s time to stop identifying ourselves as a follower of Apollos or Paul, Prince or Copeland, Hagee or Osteen; or as a Baptist or Charismatic, Methodist or Catholic, Mega-Church goer or Country Church goer. No more Grace versus Law, Contemporary versus Traditional, or Hymns versus Choruses. We are ONE BODY. We are not choosing sides! There is only one side that matters, and that is to be inSIDE Jesus with Him inSIDE us. When we do this, we will all be on the SAME SIDE, pulling together in unity, while operating in the power that comes with it. Our confidence is IN HIM and HIM alone. Just be the part God has created YOU to be and let HIM do the correcting and the connecting. I don’t want God to feel the need to lean over and whisper to Jesus, “Why can’t they just get along with their brothers and sisters?”

Think about it.

In Him,
Pastor Kevin Kinchen