Sunday, February 14, has been declared a Day of Covenant Renewal in the Church of God, a day when wives and husbands can stand before God and renew their vows of fidelity to each other and to Him.
“The first, the greatest, the most sacred institution known to humankind is that of the home,” stated Church of God General overseer Mark Williams. “The home is the cornerstone of all of life. Whenever a man and a woman express the desire to become one, it is with the understanding that God has brought the two of them together and that they are to build a home under God and for God.”
Williams went on to say that, “Foundational to the home is the covenant of marriage. Scripture teaches that marriage is to be a lifelong relationship of one man and one woman totally committed to the Lord Jesus Christ and to each other. In a day when families face enormous pressures from changing laws, distorted values, and economic stress, it is my conviction that Biblical marriage must not only be defined and defended, it must be demonstrated day by day.”
Churches and groups are invited to capitalize on the symbolism of Valentine’s Day falling on Sunday this year to plan an event or events that can be uniquely contextualized utilizing each individual or church’s own creativity and local planning. Suggested observances could include a brief Renewal of Vows ceremony during the morning or evening service. Pastors’ messages could address a biblical view of marriage.
To help with planning the Day of Covenant Renewal, the Church of God is offering free resources at www.churchofgod.org. The ministry helps include a sample Renewal of Vows ceremony, two sermon outlines, and a video featuring Mark and Sandra Kay Williams which can be downloaded and played during a church service.
“Guarding the faith and guiding the faithful is a responsibility that all of us take seriously,” Williams concluded. “This includes keeping God’s truth about marriage in the forefront of our minds and hearts. A Day of Covenant Renewal will help us accomplish it.”