Mindset Change: Default to Divorce Biblically

And I saw, when for all the causes whereby backsliding Israel committed adultery I had put her away, and given her a bill of divorce; yet her treacherous sister Judah feared not, but went and played the harlot also. – Jeremiah 3:8, KJV Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not … Continue reading “Mindset Change: Default to Divorce Biblically”

Making Repentance The Priority

Peter’s words pierced their hearts, and they said to him and to the other apostles, “Brothers, what should we do?” Peter replied, “Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift … Continue reading “Making Repentance The Priority”

Truly Repentant Cheaters Stop Managing Their Image

Surrendering Their Image Control A key piece in the testimony given by W. Paul Young, the author of The Shack, was how he did not make an excuse or try to hide the fact of his infidelity. He stopped trying to pretend or control how people perceived him. And, certainly, he did not put a muzzle on … Continue reading “Truly Repentant Cheaters Stop Managing Their Image”

Pastors: “Please Insist On Faithful Spouses Being Told!”

“Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.”  – Matthew 5:23-24, NIV A danger with a strong evangelical, Protestant … Continue reading “Pastors: “Please Insist On Faithful Spouses Being Told!””

Unhelpful Observation: “God permits divorce, BUT He never commands it.”

“God permits faithful spouses to divorce adulterous spouses. BUT He never commands it.” -Unhelpful Pastoral Advice This is technically true. God does not directly command anyone to divorce.* But before getting smug over one’s rightness on this matter consider what God does say regarding adulterous spouses: God commands His people to kill adulterous spouses! –see Deut. 22:22 … Continue reading “Unhelpful Observation: “God permits divorce, BUT He never commands it.””

Get A Lawyer

When one of you has a dispute with another believer, how dare you file a lawsuit and ask a secular court to decide the matter instead of taking it to other believers! – I Corinthians 6:1, NLT “Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, … Continue reading “Get A Lawyer”

Cheap Cheater Forgiveness

Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. -Matthew 5:23-24, NKJV “God forgives me. So what’s your problem?!” -Cheater Does … Continue reading “Cheap Cheater Forgiveness”

Years of Infidelity Makes Godly Marriage Restoration Doubtful

The LORD detests lying lips, but he delights in those who tell the truth. -Proverbs 12:22, NLT Recently, I was reading a book about apologies and forgiveness. It is a book by a well-known, evangelical Christian author. But I will neither name the author(s) or the book for the purpose of today’s post. Those details … Continue reading “Years of Infidelity Makes Godly Marriage Restoration Doubtful”

Embezzler Analogy Test

When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. – James 1:13-14, NIV Committing adultery is no more indicative of prior marriage problems than embezzling … Continue reading “Embezzler Analogy Test”

Why would you throw all that away?

On oath Esau traded away his rights as the firstborn. Jacob gave him bread and the stew of lentils. He ate and drank, got up and left. That’s how Esau shrugged off his rights as the firstborn. – Genesis 25:33b-34 (THE MESSAGE) “Why would you just throw away _x_ number of years of marriage?!” Obviously, … Continue reading “Why would you throw all that away?”