I’ve been a little torn, gang, as I’ve tried to begin writing the next thoughts concerning marriage, divorce, remarriage, adultery, and so on. The teacher part of me (which is quite strong) really wants to do nothing but copy here some important Scriptures on these subjects and ask questions which you all can answer on your own, to let you discover the truth. That sounds like a really great idea, as I type it out like that…but then the prophet side of me kicks in and wants to deliver the clear truth, bring the Word like a hammer which breaks rocks to pieces (Jer. 23:29)…speaking from the conviction God has put upon my heart here. And this may be a time for prophets, if God will grant us many, for I believe we have stood too long in confusion on this issue. As I pray, I am convinced that I must do the latter and simply speak the truth–which may be best, since xanga doesn’t really allow for conversation. I am going to speak what I have seen from Scripture, and as I go, I really truly welcome all comments! Tell me what you think, ask questions or argue as you feel led, raise Scriptures which I may have overlooked and which would better inform me–the purpose here is not David Ritterbush’s self esteem (smile). The purpose is the truth! May God be pleased to open our eyes to it.
It’s late now, so I’ll begin tomorrow by looking where Jesus points us–back to Genesis, to the first marriage…
thegreatknock 
wow, into the am…I didn’t think you ever stayed up that late. : )
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Go ahead, be a prophet! We need more bold men. Another John the Baptist wouldn’t hurt, either.Meanwhile, from what I’ve been reading, some verses that got my attention…(Apologies in advance: This will look really long because I spaced it a lot, but hopefully that makes it easier to read. You’ve been duly warned.)Malachi 2:16 (NKJV) “ For the LORD God of Israel says That He hates divorce, For it covers one’s garment with violence,” Says the LORD of hosts. “ Therefore take heed to your spirit, That you do not deal treacherously.”Luke 16:18“Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery; and whoever marries her who is divorced from her husband commits adultery.Mark 10 :5-9“Because of the hardness of your heart he (Moses) wrote you this precept. But from the beginning of the creation, God ‘made them male and female.’ ‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’; so then they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate.”(Marriage is a way bigger deal than most of the world ever realized.) Two thoughts…1) The verse from Luke doesn’t really leave any room for discussion about remarriage. 2) Other than the fact that God hates divorce, I don’t see it completely “forbidden.”But I can’t get away from the idea that once you’re married, you’re married, and that person is your spouse for the rest of your lives no matter what they say over at the county seat.Oh, wait…there’s also 1 Cor. 7: 10-11’Now to the married I command, yet not I but the Lord: A wife is not to depart from her husband. But even if she does depart, let her remain unmarried or be reconciled to her husband. And a husband is not to divorce his wife.’Forbidding enough?I guess maybe there are exceptions. There always are. We’re like children who, on being told not to get out of bed again, have to ask, “But what if I have to go potty?” Who cares what constitutes adultery! (If that’s the acceptable exception.) Doesn’t Jesus teach forgiveness first and foremost? What’s at the heart of this??I’ve seen too much of people using their lifestyle to determine their theology instead of letting the their theology dictate their lifestyle. I want to be part of a Church that moves beyond the ‘how far is to far’ questions and asks ‘what would be most pleasing to our Lord?’ A Church that seeks to follow God’s heart, rather than finding reasons in the Bible that support their own desires.Now you’ve gone and made me feel bold enough to be blunt in public. (Sort of public.) When I’m convicted and convinced of something, it’s kind of hard to shut me up at home, but I’m not always courageous enough to voice my thoughts to others.Looking forward to your finds with great anticipation…
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I think PennyDaisy’s comment on forgiveness should be emphasized.The question does so often revolve around what is “allowed” and fails to consider what might be best. “‘Everything is permissible’–but not everything is beneficial. ‘Everything is permissible’–but not everything is constructive. Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others.” I Cor. 10:22-24 I take this out of context, and yet I think the principle can still be applied (correct me if you think I am wrong). Perhaps divorce is permissible; perhaps remarriage in your case is allowed; but do not be so quick to ignore the other courses of action–courses that may more profoundly reflect the character of our Father and Creator. Courses involving forgivness, forbearance, self-denial, humility, sacrifice, and the redemption and reconciliation of even the most broken of relationships. I do not pretend to state or believe that these are simple choices or that these “alternative” courses may not be filled with heart-ache, weariness, and long-suffering or do not pose their own risks for turning awry; but I simply state that we should not be so quick to ignore them–rather they deserve quite serious consideration.
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I appreciate PennyDaisy’s comment on “too many people using their lifestyle to determine their theology instead of letting the their theology dictate their lifestyle.” Too true! But what will it take to change that – in our own lives as well as in the world around us?
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