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*popular opinion, Are our decisions influenced, skewed or even dictated by: *A denominational position, statement or edict?
**Seriously men, "why and upon what basis do we make our decisions?" I'm asking this for the simple reason that .... based upon the Word of God and over 50 years of observation... divorce and divorce and remarriage is totally destroying our families, our ministries and our witness to a lost and dying world without Jesus Christ. The 21st. century church is allowing and practicing that which is in total violation of the Word of God and the historical witness of the Christian Church throughout the ages. I am reasonably sure that not one of us would dare to say that our divorce and remarriage situation has enhanced, promoted or made our ministry to the lost of our communities -- more convincing. It was only nine years ago that I asked the following question: When only 40% +/- of the Christian community is divorced and remarried, why are our peers so willing to discourage, destroy and bring down the 60% +/- of our Christian community -- who are faithful to the Word of God, their wedding vows, their spouses, their families and their Church Family? Now, just ten years later, I have to write the following: Alarmingly, over 51% of the 21st. century church membership is divorced and over 43% of the divorced membership is remarried and both scenarios are climbing exponentially. MEN, YOU TELL ME WHERE THE PROBLEM IS and WHO'S TO BLAME, pastor_k@goldenfaithbiblechurch.org or call 704-684-5611.
The following information is only a small amount of Scriptural and ex-cathedra information that we will ever need to settle this issue:
First and primary is "what does the Word of God teach us?" Matthew 5:32, "But I say to you that whoever divorces his wife for any reason except sexual immorality causes her to commit adultery; and whoever marries a woman who is divorced commits adultery." Matthew is writing to the Jewish community and is quoting Jesus Christ. In the Jewish community, under the law, adulterers were to be stoned, not divorced. This man is divorcing his wife for some other reason than adultery. Because it was for something other than adultery and....because this woman was going to have to survive, she would marry again, causing her to commit adultery. Today, she would be considered an innocent party because she was not guilty of adultery and frankly, all would consider her husband to be some kind of a an unreasonable man (jerk). If she is innocent of adultery, why then is her next marriage adultery? This is no exception clause. This is a "cause and affect" clause. Mark 10:11-12, "So He said to them, "Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her. [12] And if a woman divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery." Mark is quoting Jesus Christ and is addressing the Gentile perspective of divorce and remarriage. Jesus said that whoever divorces his wife, and marries another, commits adultery against her. If we believe that this man is the innocent party, why is his next marriage adultery? Whom is he committing adultery against: the wife he divorced or, the second wife he married? That this is a Gentile perspective is evident in VERSE 12, "And if a woman divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery." In the Jewish society the wife is considered property. As property she had no right to divorce her husband. In the Gentile society, a wife divorcing her husband was acceptable. If we believe this woman is the innocent party, why is her next marriage adultery? Luke 16:18, "Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery; and whoever marries her who is divorced from her husband commits adultery." Dr. Luke is writing to the Greek community and he is quoting our Savior, Jesus Christ when he writes that the man who divorces his wife and marries again is committing adultery. Why? Can we assume from the text that the wife whom he divorced is guilty of unrepentant sexual immorality because, it is stated that whoever marries her is committing adultery? If we can assume that he is the innocent party, isn't it amazing that this innocent party is guilty of adultery and, his wife, guilty or otherwise (she burned her husband’s coffee), is also guilty of adultery when she marries again?! Both are guilty of adultery. Why? Romans 7:1-4, "Know ye not, brethren, (for I speak to them that know the law) how that the law hath dominion over a man as long as he lives? [2] For the woman which hath an husband is bound by the law to her husband so long as he lives; but if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the law of her husband. [3] So then if, while her husband lives, she be married to another man, she shall be called an adulteress: but if her husband be dead, she is free from that law; so that she is no adulteress, though she be married to another man. [4] Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to Him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God." Paul is writing to Christian Churches. The first question that I have to ask is, "why is He writing about adultery to a Christian Church? Contextually, beginning with Romans 1:16 through Romans 12:2, it would seem that the Holy Spirit is addressing a multitude of sins that are not only in the world but sins that have also crept into the Churches of Rome. Paul, having never visited the Churches in Rome wouldn't have first hand knowledge of particular sins, unless his relatives, Andronicus, Junias and Herodain (Rom. 16:7, 11) or Aquila (Rom. 18:2), a personal friend of Paul, out of concern for the members and the ministry wrote and told him. Contextually it is also very apparent that, though Paul is addressing both Jew and Greek, the Church is predominately Jewish. The Holy Spirit is using Paul to address the sin of adultery (most likely members of the Churches) because of their knowledge of the Law and the necessity of death to the Law and all other Jewish laws for salvation in Christ Jesus. Because of the predominately Jewish membership the Church at Rome clearly understood the Mosaic law and they understood the principles of salvation. They understood that to be married to Jesus Christ, they had to DIE to the Mosaic law, and all the Judaic laws that they trusted in for their righteousness (unlike today, turning to Christ from Judaism had grave personal and social consequences). The Jew understood that they could not simply divorce the law because divorce has no power over God. The fact that death of a spouse before marriage to another was necessary, would resolve any issues prevalent in that day, pertaining to marriage; i.e., divorce and remarriage, polygamy, bigamy or digamy (a woman with more than one husband). 1 Corinthians 7:39, "The wife is bound by the law as long as her husband lives; but if her husband be dead, she is at liberty to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord." It can not be stated any clearer than this. Consider what instructions the Holy Spirit gave to the Church at Corinth, using the Apostle Paul as His instrument for their instruction 1 Corinthians 5:1-12, "It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father's wife. [2] And ye are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he that hath done this deed might be taken away from among you. [3] For I verily, as absent in body, but present in spirit, have judged already, as though I were present, concerning him that hath so done this deed, [4] In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, [5] to deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus. [6] Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leavens the whole lump? [7] Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us: [8] Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. [9] I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with fornicators: [10] Yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters; for then must ye needs go out of the world. [11] But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat. [12] For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within?" We know the story. A man was living with or, married to his father's wife and they were sexually intimate. The first problem was, what they were doing, was sin. The second problem, what they were doing, was common knowledge not just Church knowledge. Just like today. The third problem, it was acceptable (verse:2, "and ye are puffed up") even though it violated the Word of God .... just like today. Years ago, I would hear messages concerning this short phrase "and ye are puffed up" from our older and wiser expositors. It was a common understanding that this phrase meant the members of the Churches in Corinth were glorying in Christ's mercy and grace. I heard it explained many times by many men of God that what the Christians in Corinth were actually saying was, "Christ's forgiveness, His mercy and grace is sufficient, even in this situation." (This is precisely what is being said today.) I suppose their glorying was to be expected, after all, the Holy Spirit characterized the maturity of the Church as, "And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ" (1 Corinthians 3:1). The fourth problem was that the adulterous lifestyle was influencing (leavening) the membership of the Church at Corinth as well as their witness to the unsaved citizens of the city of Corinth. The solution to the problem was three fold: (1)
Turn him over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh that his soul
might be spared eternal (2) Remove him from the Church membership....Church corporate discipline (3) Have no fellowship with him in or out of the Church....Christian family and social discipline. This was an INDIVIDUAL FAMILY SIN PROBLEM that, for what ever reason, was not resolved by the family. Therefore they, the Church, was to tell the man to stop sinning immediately. If they were living together without marriage it obviously meant that someone had to move out. If they were, in fact, married.... it meant dissolving the marriage (divorce, Ezra Chapter 10) and, once again, someone had to move out. The Holy Spirit summarized much of His admonitions to the Church at Corinth with these words, "Now all these things happened unto them [a summarization of the happenings of the nation of Israel] for examples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come" (1 Corinthians 10:11). As interim Pastor years ago, I had a similar situation. A woman of the Church had divorced her husband and left him with their three children. She began dating a man from a neighboring Church family yet maintaining her membership and Church position of "Secretary/Treasurer". The Lord had led me to minister His Word concerning the sanctity and permanence of Marriage at a time when she had attended, long before I was aware of this sinful situation. One Sunday morning, a Lord's Table Sunday, she came with her man friend and sat near the rear of the sanctuary fully intending to participate in the Lord's Supper. On the other side of the sanctuary sat her divorced husband with their three children. I was led of the Lord to minister the very familiar passage of 1 Corinthians 11:23-33. Before serving Communion it is my custom to give opportunity to all present to privately confess any and all sins to the Lord where the sin(s) is, indeed, private. I also give opportunity to all to publicly confess and repent of any and all sins where the sin(s) is, indeed, public knowledge. The lady never moved. I stepped down from behind the pulpit, addressed this lady with her friend and asked them to please leave the service so we could continue (1 Corinthians 5:11-13). Men, leaven is a horrible thing - when it is the leaven of sinfulness (1 Corinthians 5:6-8). It totally destroys!! And, you and I are held personally accountable Acts 20:28, 1 Timothy 5:22 and Hebrews 13:17-18. Please consider the facts. The Church at Rome was told that marriage to another person while the spouse was still living was adultery. The Church at Corinth was told that adulterers were not allowed to remain in the fellowship of the Christian Church or the Christian community. Then the Holy Spirit tells the Church at Corinth 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, "Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, [10] nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God". Why was this written to a Christian Church? After all, only "Born Again Believers" who have publicly confessed their personal salvation in Jesus Christ for salvation and have been Scripturally Baptized as believers are supposed to be members of the local Church. (John 3:3-7, Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 2:41; 1 Corinthians 1:13-16) This is written to a Church that has membership giving strong evidence that they are only "wanna-be" Christians. The evidence was that the Church had some members that were not saved. Note that the Holy Spirit did not pen, "because you are living sinful lifestyles you have lost your salvation i.e. are not going to inherit the Kingdom of God". The Holy Spirit did pen "because you are living sinful lifestyles, it is evident that you are not saved i.e., you are not going to inherit the Kingdom of God". Consider as well, the truths and parallelisms of today found in 2 Peter 2:9-22, "The Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished: [10 ] But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, self-willed, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities. [11] Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord. [12] But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption; [13] And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as they that count it pleasure to riot in the daytime. Spots they are and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceiving while they feast with you; [14] Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children: [15] Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness; [16] But was rebuked for his iniquity: the dumb ass speaking with man's voice forbad the madness of the prophet. [17] These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever. [18] For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error. [19] While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage. [20] For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. [21] For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. [22] But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire." Consider the ex-cathedra evidence: (1) John Calvin, "Commentaries on the Book of Romans"; Volume
XIX; Romans
7:1-4 (2) John Calvin, ; "Commentaries on I & II Corinthians" Volume
XX; 1
Corinthians 7:39 Vs: 39. The wife is bound. He had previously spoken indiscriminately of husbands and wives, but as wives, on account of the modesty of their sex, might seem to have less liberty, he has thought it necessary to give in addition some special directions in reference to them. He now, therefore, teaches that women are not less at liberty than men to marry a second time, on their becoming widows.2 We have already mentioned above that those who desired a second marriage were branded with the reproach of intemperance, and that, with the view of putting some kind of sight upon them, those who had been contented with being once married, were wont to be presented with the "chaplet of chastity". Nay more, this first opinion had, in course of time, become prevalent among Christians; for second marriages had no blessing pronounced upon them, and some Councils prohibited the clergy from being present on such occasions. 1
"Pour subuenir à nostre
infirmite; "To help our infirmity." **Calvin’s
conclusion is that only widows may marry again and, as a point of
emphasis, he recalls \ (3) Introduction to QUINTUS SEPTIMIUS FLORENS TERTULLIANUS (Tertullian) "DIRECTLY
COPYING THIS TRANSLATED MANUSCRIPT" QUINTUS SEPTIMIUS FLORENS TERTULLIANUS, as our author is called in the MSS of his works, is thus noticed by Jerome in his Catalogus Scnptorum Ecciesiasticorum: Tertullian, a presbyter, the first Latin writer after Victor and Apollonius, was a native of the province of Africa and city of Cartage, the son of a proconsular centurion: he was a man of a sharp and vehement temper, flourished under Severus and Antoninus Caracalla, and wrote numerous works, which (as they are generally known) I think it unnecessary to particularize. I saw at Concordia, in Italy, an old man named Paulus. He said that when young he had met at Rome with an aged amanuensis of the blessed Cyprian, who told him that Cyprian never passed a day without reading some portion of Tertullian's works, and used frequently to say, Give me my master, meaning Tertullian. After remaining a presbyter of the church until he had attained the middle age of life, Tertullian was, by the envy and contumelious treatment of the Roman clergy,…..after Tertullian seceded from the church, he left and returned to Carthage. Jerome does not inform us whether Tertullian was born of Christian parents, or was converted to Christianity. There are passages in his writings' which seem to imply that he had been a Gentile; yet he may perhaps mean to describe, not his own condition, but that of Gentiles in general, before their conversion. Allix and the majority of commentators understand them literally, as well as some other passages in which he speaks of his own infirmities and sinfulness. His writings show that he flourished at the period specified by Jerome-that is, during the reigns of Severus and Antoninus Caracalla, or between the years A.D. 193 and 216; but they supply no precise information respecting the date of his birth, or any of the principal occurrences of his life. Allix places his birth about 145 or 150; his conversion to Christianity about A.D. 185; his marriage about 186; his admission to the priesthood3 about 192; his adoption of the opinions of Montanus about 199; and his death about A.D. 220. But these dates, it must be understood, rest entirely on conjecture."4 "Tertullian’s
Apologia on Monogamy"; So far as regards the non-destruction of the will of God, and the restruction of the law of "the beginning." But another reason, too conspires; nay, not another, but (one) which imposed the law of "the beginning," and moved the will of God to prohibit divorce: the fact that (he) who shall have dismissed his wife, except on the ground of adultery, makes her commit adultery; and (he) who shall have married a (woman) dismissed by her husband, of course commits adultery.3 A divorced woman cannot even marry legitimately; and if she commit any such act without the name of marriage, does it not fall under the category of adultery, in that adultery is crime in the way of marriage? Such is God's verdict, within straiter limits than men's, that universally, whether through marriage or promiscuously, the admission of a second man (to intercourse) is pronounced adultery by Him. For let us see what marriage is in the eye of God; and thus we shall learn what adultery equally is. Marriage is (this): when God joins "two into one flesh;" or else, finding (them already) joined in the same flesh, has given His seal to the conjunction. Adultery is (this): when, the two having been - in whatsoever way - disjoined, other - nay, rather alien - flesh is mingled (with either): flesh concerning which it cannot be affirmed, "This is flesh out of my flesh, and this bone out of my bones."4 For this, once for all done and pronounced, as from the beginning, so now too, cannot apply to "other" flesh. Accordingly, it will be without cause that you will say that God wills not a divorced woman to be joined to another man. (underlining and color emphasis added) 1
See Matt. xix. 3-8, where, however, TertuIlian’s order reversed.
Comp. with this chapter, C. V. Matthew 5:32, "But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery." 4
Gen. ii. 23, in reversed order again. (4) The ANTE-NICENE FATHERS; "Hermas" and "The Pastor of Hermas" Wm.
B. Eerdman’s Publishing Company; The Pastor of Hermas was one of the most popular books, if not the most popular book, in the Christian Church during the second, third, and fourth centuries. It occupied a position analogous in some respects to that of Bunyan’s Pilgrim's Progress in modem times; and critics have frequently compared the two works. In ancient times two opinions prevailed in regard to the authorship. The most widely spread was, that the Pastor of Hermas was the production of the Hermas mentioned in the Epistle to the Romans. Origen3 states this opinion distinctly, and it is repeated by Eusebius4 and Jerome.5 Those who believed the apostolic Hermas to be the author, necessarily esteemed the book very highly; and there was much discussion as to whether it was inspired or not. The early writers are of opinion that it was really inspired. Irenaeus quotes it as Scripture.6 Clemens Alexandrinus speaks of it as making its statements "divinely;"7 and Origen, though a few of his expressions are regarded by some as implying doubt, unquestionably gives it as his opinion that it is "divinely inspired."8 Eusebius mentions that difference of opinion prevailed in his day as to the inspiration of the book, some opposing its claims, and others maintaining its divine origin, especially because it formed an admirable introduction to the Christian faith. For this latter reason it was read publicly, he tells us, in the churches. The only voice of antiquity decidedly opposed to the claim is that of Tertullian. He designates it apocryphal,1 and rejects it with scorn, as favoring anti-Montanistic opinions. Even his words, however, show that it was regarded in many churches as Scripture. THE
PASTOR COMMANDMENT
FOURTH. CHAP. I. "I charge you," said he, "to guard your chastity, and let no thought enter your heart of another man’s Wife, or of fornication, or of similar iniquities; for by doing this you commit a great sin. But if you always remember your own Wife, you will never sin. For if this thought 7 enter your heart, then you will sin; and if; in like manner, you think other wicked thoughts, you commit sin. For this thought is great sin in a servant of God. But if any one commit this wicked deed, he works death for himself. Attend, therefore, and refrain from this thought; for where purity dwells, there iniquity ought not enter the heart of a righteous man." I said to him, "Sir, permit me to ask you a few questions."8 "Say on," said he. And I said to him, "Sir, if any one has a wife who trusts in the Lord, and if he detect her in adultery, does the man sin if he continue to live with her?" And he said to me, "As long as he remains ignorant of her sin the husband commits no transgression in living with her. But if the husband know that his wife has gone astray, and if the woman does not repent, but persists in her fornication and yet the husband continues to live with her, he also is guilty of her crime, and a sharer in her adultery." And I said to him, "What then, sir, is the husband to do, if his wife continue in her vicious practices?" And He said, "The husband should put her away, and remain himself. But if he put his wife away and marry another he also commits adultery ."…. **THE CONCLUSION OF The early Church Fathers and believers: When adultery existed, divorce was permitted. Any remarriage while the divorced spouse was still living was adultery. Their basis of belief was the Word of God; the lives, life styles and indoctrination of the Apostles and other men and women of God. I call to your attention that these men and their writings are within 150 years of our Savior’s life on this earth. (5)
Warren W. Wiersby,
a contemporary Church leader that I greatly admire: Romans 7:1-6 I.
TWO HUSBANDS - 7:1-6 Before we met Christ, we were bound by the law and condemned by it. The law, however, did not "die" when we were saved; instead, WE DIED IN CHRIST! We are no longer "married" to a system of regulations; we are "married" to Jesus Christ, and the law has no control over us! Read 7:4 again and again and absorb its wonderful message. Our old "husband" has no control over us: we are in a wonderful new relationship through Christ. When we were lost, the law triggered the "arousings of sin" in our old nature, and this produced death (vs.5). But now we are delivered from the law and serve in newness of the Spirit, not in the oldness of the letter (vs.6). Vs. 6 does not suggest that Christians have no obligations to obey God. Actually, our obligations are now greater since we know Christ and belong to God's family. The NT demands are far more severe than the OT Law, for the NT (the Sermon on the Mount, for example) deals with inward attitudes, and not outward actions only. But vs.6 teaches that our motivation in obeying is different: we are not simply mechanically obeying a set of rules; we are lovingly, from the heart, obeying the Spirit of God Who fulfills the righteousness of the Law in us (8:4). A beginning pianist can play a number "letter perfect" and still not capture the inner spirit of the song the way an accomplished musician can. Our obedience to God is not that of a slave fearing a master, but a bride lovingly trying to please her Bridegroom. **Dr. Warren W. Wiersby concludes that only a widow may marry again. "AGAIN,
DIRECTLY COPYING HIS MANUSCRIPT" **Dr. Warren W. Wiersby concludes that only death severs the bonds of marriage. Over the years I have heard the following comments from Pastor after Pastor from Michigan to Florida; from Florida to Arizona; and from Arizona to Washington State. The following quotes are not
hearsay but are quotes from personal conversations I
have had with Senior Pastors and Assistant Pastors. The following comments
certainly **A number of years ago I had a very serious injury due to an industrial accident. A Pastor in a neighboring city thought it would be very helpful if my wife and I became members of his ministry and gave him a helping hand. Before joining his ministry I gave him my "Philosophy of Ministry" manuscript that gives great detail about our convictions concerning divorce and divorce / remarriage. After several months of helping the ministry by teaching a singles and married couples class, one of the deacons called and asked to meet with me at a restaurant that was convenient to both of us so we could talk. He started the conversation by telling me that he was divorced and remarried and "he was very sure that my wife and I were not aware of his situation." He also wanted us to know that at the next annual business meeting, of the five men to be considered for the "Office of Deacon," three were divorced men whose divorced wives were still living and that two of those men would certainly be elected. The majority of the Deacon's Board would... then be ...divorced and remarried men whose divorced wives were still living. When I confronted their
Pastor, this
is what I was told:
Over the past 40 years, many Pastors have said "to me" ... the following: **"Brother, if I preached Romans 7:2-4, "For the woman who has a husband is bound by the law to her husband as long as he lives. But if the husband dies, she is released from the law of her husband. [3] So then if, while her husband lives, she marries another man, she will be called an adulteress; but if her husband dies, she is free from that law, so that she is no adulteress, though she has married another man. [4] Therefore, my brethren, you also have become dead to the law through the body of Christ, that you may be married to another--to Him who was raised from the dead, that we should bear fruit to God." And 1 Corinthians 7:39, "A wife is bound by law as long as her husband lives; but if her husband dies, she is at liberty to be married to whom she wishes, only in the Lord," as a hard and fast interpretation, I wouldn't have a church left." **"When I graduated from Seminary I didn't agree with divorce and remarriage while a divorced spouse was still alive..."but" the Church that called me had those folks as members." Personal note: I was called and installed in my very first ministry (I was 37 years old, married with three sons in school) by a 100% vote of acceptance. I had no idea that over 90% of the membership and visitors were divorced and remarried. I was Pastor for over 6-months when the Lord gave me a message concerning the sanctity and permanence of marriage and when I TEARFULLY AND FEARFULLY said to Him, "Lord, if I preach that message 90% of the members and visitors will not return for the evening service -- HE REMAINED --SILENT (it was His Church, not mine). Guess what men, I was correct and after He and I found fundamental Church (upper case "C") families for the faithful, we closed that church (lower case "c") several months later. I had three sons in school and no income, I never asked anyone for financial help, not our home church and not even my home missionary board -- and the mail box began filling up with letters containing checks from folks I had never met in my life. We never missed a single meal, paid all of our responsibilities in full and on time from that day to this. Our God doesn't fail His servants!! When our God calls -- He empowers! When He empowers -- He picks up the pieces and pays the bills!!! I'm 65 years old, men! **"When I graduated from Seminary I didn't agree with divorce and remarriage while a divorced spouse was still alive..."but" all of the other men in my area [conference, denomination, association etc.] are doing it." **"When
I graduated from Seminary I didn't agree with divorce/remarriage
while a divorced spouse was still alive..."but"
the
members of my congregation told me over and over again that Dr. Herb
Vanderlugt, Radio Bible Class, Dr. Charles Swindoll and Dr.
James Dobson, Focus on the Family all teach that God's mercy and grace
covers this." It's time for the 21st. century Church to affirm what Apostles and early church fathers practiced. Divorce and remarriage with a divorced spouse still alive requires more than a cursory...surface...confession. It requires a 1 John 1:9, If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. We must agree with the Lord that the "Marriage" is sin. I John 1: 9, "confess"/homologeo, Greek 3670, Strong’s. homologeo, hom-ol-og-eh'-o; from a compound of the base of Greek 3674 acknowledge :- con- (pro-) fess, confession is made, give thanks, promise. Why is this particular marriage a sin? First, because God said so (Romans 7:3; Matthew 5:32; Mark 10:7-12; Luke 16:18; 1 Corinthians 7:39) Second, this sin is a "ONE FLESH" issue. There is no decree, divorce agreement or disavowal of a vow on this earth with the authority to separate the "one flesh union" that our Creator God has ordained. Only death can separate the Creator God ordained one flesh relationship. Think about it. What does Deuteronomy 24:4 teach us? "Her former husband, which sent her away, may not take her again to be his wife, after that she is defiled; for that is abomination before the Lord: and you shall not cause the land to sin, which the Lord thy God gives thee for an inheritance." She's a divorced woman twice around. Obviously it isn't for adultery or she would have been stoned. She can not remarry her first husband because she is "Defiled." She is one flesh with her first divorced and living husband. And, she is one flesh with her second divorced and living husband! Think about this relationship, men. She was given a writ of divorcement from her first husband (yet she is one flesh with him). She is discovered by husband number two, he marries her and they become one flesh when they CONSUMMATE her new marriage. Question. What is really happening when this divorced/remarried woman is having sexual relations with her number two husband while she is still one flesh with her number one husband? To gain greater insight let's walk the Old Testament truth on the New Testament sidewalks of 1 Corinthians 6:16, "What? know ye not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body? for two, said He, shall be one flesh." Consider 1 Corinthians 6:18, "Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that commits fornication sins against his own body." The Old and New Testament sin picture is called "defilement of the one flesh union." What are Siamese Twins. Babies that are physically attached by "One Flesh." What verbal or written decree, agreement or disavowal of a vow on this earth has the authority to separate the Siamese, one flesh union that our Creator God created at the time of their conception and birth? Only death can separate the dilemma of the one flesh relationship that Siamese Twins face. In many instances it means sacrificing one child for another. A heart breaking, gut wrenching decision is made. One child lives and one child must die. Today many Siamese twins are spared dying by surgically separating the children. It requires the death of the tissues, blood vessels and flesh that joined them together. Their separation requires death. This isn't a perfect picture but a picture sufficient to get this truth across to most. Remember the question, "What is happening when this woman is having sexual relations with her number two husband while she is still one flesh with her number one husband?" If the Old Testament and the New Testament is correct, #1 husband is vicariously having sexual relations with #2 husband because they are both one flesh with the same woman at the same time. This is the Old Testament truth called "Defilement and Abomination." That sin relationship is still true today? Malachi 3:6, "For I am the Lord, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed." Hebrews 13:8, "Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever." Is there a solution? Yes, there is. Read Ezra Chapter 10. All of it. And try to remember that it is our Merciful and Gracious God Who required Israel's national obedience and the obedience of their leadership, the Priests and the sons of the Priests. Also, it might be well to remember that there is no such thing as "Easy Believism" or "Painless Repentance." The picture of the surgical separation of the Siamese twins is an adequate picture. The price for sin is still the same Romans 6:23a, "For the wages of sin is death" and the Lord still requires repentance Acts 3:19, "Repent ye therefore, and be converted (change you mind and direction, added), that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord" for forgiveness and cleansing".
We are experiencing the last portion of Deuteronomy 24:4? This is what our Savior said then and now, "and you shall not cause the land to sin." Sin is contagious! The New Testament teaches us that this sin of adultery is contagious 1 Corinthians 5:6-8, "Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leavens the whole lump? [7] Purge out therefore the old leaven (from your assembly, added), that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us: [8] Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth." We know this from observation and statistics. Many of us know this from personal experience. Just a few years ago, in my lifetime of 65 years, there were no divorced and remarried families in the Church, on the membership rolls or in leadership. What are we experiencing with today's enlightened theology? "What are we going to do about it?" Can we begin with the simple words of encouragement and admonition that the Apostle Paul was inspired by the Holy Spirit to say to the Church Elders/Pastors of Ephesus Acts 20:28-32, "Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the Church of God which He purchased with His own blood. [29] I know that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; [30] and from among your own selves men will arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them. [31] Therefore be on the alert, remembering that night and day for a period of three years I did not cease to admonish each one with tears. [32] And now I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified?" I grew up in a farming community and herded cattle and shepherded sheep. I learned very quickly that I had to be in charge. All of my decisions were based upon the instructions that I received from my boss, the owner of the farm and the sheep. I, alone, answered to the owner, in everything. Carry what we know is true in life and walk it in Scripture. All of us have taught, ministered from the pulpit or instructed conversationally that every person that has ever lived will give a personal, one-on-one account of our lives and ministry to Jesus Christ. We know this to be true because of our instructions from our owner/boss:
How many of us have ever taught that there will be anyone else at our side defending us before Jesus Christ at the Bemis Seat Judgment? Will there be a friend, a professor, a spouse, a referee etc. saying to the Lord, " 'He's right, Lord. That's just what I told him to teach and say?' Or, 'That's just what I told him to do. Don't blame him, Lord. I'm to blame!." Have we taught personal accountability to others while overlooking the truth of our personal accountability to our Savior, Jesus Christ? Do you and I....really....believe that you and I and you and I alone are going to stand before the Lord and give an account of our ministry? And., there will be no one else present to share in my victories, my failures or take the blame for my presumptions?
You and I are given the responsibility of "Shepherding" a local, geographically located Church by God through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Our local, geographically located Church was purchased by the blood of Jesus Christ and, we do not Shepherd the local Church by: *popular opinion, It was the Holy Spirit that gave you and me that vote of confidence and installed us into our geographically located Church body as Pastor/Shepherd. Not the Church body membership! You and I are there, charged by God Himself, to correct their thinking and understanding, not visa versa. The only question that you and I are ever going to hear from our Savior is, "What did 'I' say to you?" As President Roosevelt said, "The buck stops at my desk." Have we lost sight of Paul's warning to Pastor Timothy,
Throughout our lives and especially -- throughout our ministries -- we are called upon the make decisions and give directions that, humanly speaking, have disaster written all over them. For you and me it's a case of "letting it all hang out with no possible end route. We tell our wife and family, it's all on the line! We may be on the street, tomorrow!" I'm going to be blunt, if you and I do not have the courage of conviction in our Ministries with our Creator, Awesome, All Knowing and All Powerful God hanging onto and leading us by our hand, how on earth do you even dare to leave your home and drive on the highways with today's mentality of drivers?! I drive the highways of New Jersey, New York and the streets of Manhattan and I can tell you that my God given Angels for my protection are overworked!! Can I encourage each of us as Pastors to reevaluate our personal position as a Shepherd? You and I can be instruments to God's glory on to the strengthening of marriages and families across this nation and our world. We need to be obedient to His Word and to those vows we took when we were ordained. We need to stand boldly before our Church family and TRUTHFULLY PREACH THE WORD OF GOD. ALL OF IT...trusting in -- His -- divine protection and provisions. Sincerely, Your brother and fellow laborer in
Christ, "When
we prepare our studies and finally present them,
(1) THE WORD OF GOD IS MY FINAL AUTHORITY: Psalms
33:11, "The
counsel of the Lord stands forever, the thoughts of His heart to
all generations." (2)
THE SOVEREIGNTY OF GOD (God is the Supreme Authority) DEMANDS THAT MY Psalms
119:89-91,
"For ever, O Lord, thy word is
settled in heaven. [90]
Thy faithfulness is unto all (3)
THE IMMUTABILITY OF GOD (God never changes) DEMANDS THAT MY Numbers
23:19, "God is
not a man, that He should lie; neither the son of man the He
should repent: (4)
THE PROMISED PROVISIONS OF GOD DEMANDS THAT MY CONCLUSION Isaiah
59:1,
"Behold, the Lord's hand is not shortened, that it can not
save; neither His ear heavy, 5)
THE PROPITIATION OF CHRIST (the Sacrificial price He paid on
Calvary's cross
for my sins) Ephesians
1:22, "And He put
all things in subjection under His feet, and gave Him as head over
all
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solely upon Rev. Robert J. Kuiphoff's personal convictions
concerning the Word of God; his personal interpretation of the
Word of God and his lengthy experience counseling and advising
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walk in the world that we all live in from the Word of God and /
or his personal observations and experiences.
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