Two other points
1. With the state pushing perversion and allowing homosexuals to marry I (I am an ordained minister) refuse to marry any couple that HAS a state marriage license.
Christian couples should NOT at this time, become legally married. Marry before God but live together in the eyes of the state.
Conduct NO weddings in your church. Rent a banquet hall in a hotel, or conduct the ceremony in a private home. This prevents the perverts from taking you to court. This is not surrendering it is conducting asymmetrical warfare against the gaystapo.
I do not know how widespread this position is but I am not the only one who holds it.
2. Many, especially Western States have “Common Law” marriage laws on the books. If a couple lives together, have a joint financial account after 90 days they are considered married. Perhaps we need to look at marriage through that gestalt? Couple that live together for years are married.
For example, the actors Kirt Russel and Goldie Hawn have lived together for something like 40 years. They have children together. They’re faithful to each other. They’re married. I snicker when such people claim they are not married to each other.
Just some thoughts
Interesting to see a pastor view the world like you do. It is uncommon.
I was listening to Moody radio Saturday: Focus on the Family Weekend Magazine with the hosts Daly/Fuller. Some older couple was asking if they could get married like you suggested. They were concerned about the legal entanglements of their assets and inheritance with their children. They think their adult children would freak out over the inheritance thing and the advice was this: I can’t imagine why you wouldn’t want to get legally married. And to find some lawyer to do paperwork so they could do it.
IMO marriage isn’t marriage anymore due to no fault divorce. Your religious vows are nullified by the state so what’s the point? Sure go ahead and use the gay marriage thing if that is your hill to die on. But for crying out loud no fault divorce has already DESTROYED MARRIAGE.
If you have sermons on the subject, I’d love to hear them. Share the link if you do please.