Why Do I Need a Marriage License? Why Do I Need a Marriage License? Why Do *You* Need a Marriage License? I realized in 2008 that I didn't "need" a marriage license, but the journey to that conclusion wasn't easy. Here's my story. Marriage and the State: A Question of Belonging In 2008, I questioned why Christian ministries apply for 501(c)(3) status, given that the U.S. Constitution grants people the right to gather freely. Why bind ministries to state laws and limitations on free speech? This led me to wonder: What other institutions is the government involved in unnecessarily? Marriage in the Eyes of God and the State Is a state-issued marriage license necessary for holy matrimony? If marriage began...
Can I Get Married Without a Marriage License? Can I Get Married Without a Marriage License? So many people today are discussing the topic of marriage, marriage licenses, and the definition of marriage. The question needs to be asked, "Can I get married without a marriage license? Do I need a marriage license?" The answer is yes and no. Marriage and Its Legality Depending on who the individual is and what they want to marry becomes the identifier for what is legal, recognized, or neither. For the purpose and scope of this conversation, two heterosexuals desiring to come together in marriage is what will be discussed. A male and female from two different homes of legal age and consent to...
Jewish / Hebrew Courtship - Betrothal There are two stages to the betrothal process. The first part is the "kiddushin," which is very similar to what we would call the engagement period. However, in the Jewish community this step basically communicates the couple is now husband and wife. The second part is the nisu'in. The nisu'in is where the couple goes under the "chupah" and communicate their nuptials. Betrothal is basically a contract between the two families and sealed with the exchange of gifts. Betrothal is the uniting of not just two people, but two families. The couple does not live together or experience consummation, they are simply promised to one another. All parties involved perceive the couple as...
Marriage is a Commitment to be Taken Seriously In reading this, it might seem like I am taking this whole marriage thing too seriously. It is true, I am taking it seriously, simply because our society really does not have a clue how sacred, holy matrimony is to the Living God. To be honest, I did not have a clue until I intentionally started looking closely at the Scriptures. Marriage is not a casual relationship. Things get tough and we cannot move on any time we want. The culture is full of bad examples and bad advice on the subject of marriage. Sadly, this cultural mind-set has pervaded the Church. The more serious and sober-minded we can be about our commitment going into...
A Woman’s Preparation for Marriage There's so much one can do to prepare for the idea and reality of marriage, yet so few people actually take the time to ask the question or investigate the relationship dynamic. Here's a small list of things to possibly consider navigating the single life as a woman from a Biblical perspective. Be a godly woman. Become a woman of the Word, a woman of prayer and a worshipper of Jesus. Discover what the Word of God says about marriage. Find out about the integrity and character of the man you are in relationship with. It is easy to put on a "happy face" for 6-18 months in the beginning stages of the relationship. Ask...
