Spiritual Abuse and Cheating

  “What Is Spiritual Abuse? Any attempt to exert power and control over someone using religion, faith, or beliefs can be spiritual abuse.” –WebMD   7 “The words of a priest’s lips should preserve knowledge of God, and people should go to him for instruction, for the priest is the messenger of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. 8 But you … Continue reading “Spiritual Abuse and Cheating”

Hurt more hearts than one!

I love an–now–older Country song about dating that highlights how romantic relationships impact the whole family. It is a nice popular cultural corrective to the idea that these relationships do not touch anyone beside the couple. This is especially true when it comes to marriage and divorce. The singer is Ingrid Andress, and her song … Continue reading “Hurt more hearts than one!”

Public Teaching Needed!

But those elders who are sinning you are to reprove before everyone, so that the others may take warning. -I Timothy 5:20, NIV By continuing this ministry, I know I will  experience the occasional judgment and condemnation of others. “He must be bitter.”  “I am concerned about his new family. He you would think he would … Continue reading “Public Teaching Needed!”

What do we need to do be saved? Reflections on forgiveness.

37 When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” 38 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy … Continue reading “What do we need to do be saved? Reflections on forgiveness.”

Christian-ese: “Own your part of the marriage’s breakdown.”

  “And I tell you this, whoever divorces his wife and marries someone else commits adultery–unless his wife has been unfaithful.” -Matthew 19:9, NLT What did YOU contribute to your marriage’s breakdown?! Years ago, I used to believe this was a reasonable question to ask any divorced individual. After all, we are imperfect creatures. We … Continue reading “Christian-ese: “Own your part of the marriage’s breakdown.””

Adultery needs exposure for the evil it is.

But those elders who are sinning you are to reprove before everyone, so that the others may take warning. -I Timothy 5:20, NIV Over the years, people like to judge me for continuing this blog ministry: “He must be bitter.”  “I am concerned about his new family. He you would think he would have moved on … Continue reading “Adultery needs exposure for the evil it is.”

Starting Point: Cheating is abuse.

Starting Point: Cheating is abuse. The more I do this work, the more I am convinced this is THE defining assumption missing among Christian leaders. They treat adultery as less than abuse. If they get this assumption wrong, then all sorts of bad counsel flows from it. Conversely, if they get this assumption correct, there … Continue reading “Starting Point: Cheating is abuse.”

God required changed actions!

“If you want to come back, O Israel,     you must really come back to me. You must get rid of your stinking sin paraphernalia     and not wander away from me anymore.” -Jeremiah 4:1 (from 1-2 block), THE MESSAGE This verse comes on the heals of the chapter where God declares His divorce of Israel over … Continue reading “God required changed actions!”