Marriage is the first institution God sanctioned for mankind. Since the beginning, God made it clear His design for marriage is unambiguous. Due to a hardness of heart, man proves time and time again that he thinks his ways is better than God’s ways. Therefore, we have confusion in all areas of life and a propensity to mar the image of God.
Today in America, we, the people of God, are faced with a challenge to stand firm on what God says concerning this very important institution of marriage. Quoting the Old Testament, Jesus makes clear from the beginning that marriage is to be between one man and one woman:
“[H]ave you not read that He who created them from the beginning made them male and female, and said, ‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and his mother and be joined to his wife and the two shall become one flesh?’ So they are no longer two, but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let no man separate” (Matthew 19:4-6).
In ignorance and sinful rebellion, mankind says “not so” to God’s Word. Through policies and actions, mankind says that God is a liar and that a person can marry whomever he or she desires to marry, whether it’s a male marrying a male or a female marrying a female. Mankind even says that marriage does not have to be between only one man and one woman, but a marriage relationship can be composed of multiple men and women.
It is time, now more than ever, for the people of God to stand on God’s Word concerning marriage and family. We cannot be passive on this issue as the Enemy seeks to indoctrinate our children to believe the world’s lies about marriage, family, and life.
Is there ever a time when truth is unimportant or irrelevant? Certainly not! As faithful followers of Jesus Christ, Who is truth, we cannot negotiate truth with a hostile culture. But we must also respond to the great needs of our time. The good news is there is a way to do both.
That’s why American Family Association is hosting the 2021 Marriage, Family, Life Conference. The purpose of MFL 2021 is to equip believers to defend biblical truth and to minister to culture-wearied adults and children (ages 4-17). “By Design” is this year’s conference theme, and it is our desire to encourage the body of Christ to take a bold stand in living out God’s design for marriage, family, and life.
MFL 2021 is a two-day conference packed with information and encouragement on topics such as:
Marriage and Family (How do we glorify God through divorce, remarriage, and blended families.)
Apologetics (How do we give a relevant defense for the hope that is in us?)
Human Sexuality (What is the connection between sexual brokenness and the decline of American culture?)
Life (Can the church rescue the innocent and lead the charge to abolish abortion?)
Social/Cultural Engagement (If we expected to live as witnesses for Christ, what does that look like in a post-truth, hostile culture?)
One of the best features of MFL 2021 is the Youth Apologetics Track for kids ages 4-17. While adults are engaged in information-packed sessions, kids and youth will participate in their own age-appropriate sessions. We believe Christian kids and youth must be equipped in apologetics and have a working understanding of their faith. To that end, we present young attendees with biblically sound sessions that help them feel confident defending their faith. Today’s culture throws a lot at Christian kids, and we want to equip them to stand strong.
When it comes to AFA’s Marriage, Family, Life Conference, family is our middle name. We invite parents to bring their kids with them! Lunch for two days is included with registration, and strategic fellowship times are worked into the schedule for parents to discuss sessions with their children.
Register today for MFL 2021, and let’s stand together to defend God’s design for marriage and family in today’s culture!