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Marriage and Divorce. The Challenge Before Us. Divorce continues to be rampant in America. The Challenge Before Us. Divorce continues to be rampant in America.
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The Challenge Before Us • Divorce continues to be rampant in America.
The Challenge Before Us • Divorce continues to be rampant in America. • Doctrinal disagreement is not helping to stem the tide! Differences on the issue have resulted in more divorces, more church divisions, and more questions regarding fellowship. • We must stand for truth! (1 Corinthians 1:27; Proverbs 23:23) • The status quo is unacceptable. • We must renew our minds! (Ephesians 4:23, 2). • We must seek and speak the truth in a spirit of humility, gentleness and longsuffering.
Important Principles • Marriage is a life-long commitment (Romans 7:2; 1 Corinthians 7:39; Matthew 19:6; Malachi 2:16). • God allows only one exception to His no divorce law (Matthew 19:1-12; 5:31-32; Mark 10:1-12). • Everyone is subject to Christ’s marriage law (Matthew 19:1-12; 5:31-32; Mark 10:1-12; Luke 16:18). • Baptism does not wash away unrepentant adultery (Acts 2:38). • Repentance demands that sinful relationships cease (Ezra 10; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11).
What Constitutes Marriage? • A covenant(Malachi 2:14) • A public proclamation or ceremony which accords with civil law and societal norms(Matt. 22:1-10; 25:1-10; Luke 14:8; John 2:1-2) • A joining of husband and wife(Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:5; Ephesians 5:31) • Becoming one flesh(Genesis 2:24; 1 Cor. 6:16; Malachi 2:15)
What Constitutes Divorce (putting away)? • Putting away is an undoing of that which constituted the marriage (Matthew 19:4-6, 9, cf. 1 Corinthians 7:27 ) • Putting away is an action, not merely a decision • Putting away is a unilateral action • Putting away involves legal action • The one who is put away commits adultery when he or she remarries
Summary of Basic Truths on Marriage & Divorce • God's desire is that marriage be a life-long commitment. • The general rule is that to divorce and remarry is to commit the sin of adultery (Luke 16:18). • The one who divorces commits adultery if he or she remarries (Mark 10:11-12) • The one who is divorced (put away) commits adultery if he or she remarries (Matthew 5:32) • God has provided one exception to this rule, and it must be regarded as just that -- AN EXCEPTION!!! (Matthew 19:9).