"Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh." So they are no longer two but one flesh. (Mark 10:7-8)
For I hate putting away, saith Jehovah, the God of Israel, and him that covereth his garment with violence, saith Jehovah of hosts: therefore take heed to your spirit, that ye deal not treacherously. (Malachi 2:16)
Pride goeth before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall. Better it is to be of a lowly spirit with the poor, Than to divide the spoil with the proud. (Proverbs 16:18-19)
To the Reader: This article is not written with any hateful intent to those of the LGBTQ+ community. For they just like everyone else are loved by God and are in need of a Savior. “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:” (Romans 3:23-24) Yes, God loves all of us and wants us to turn to him. For: “The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not willing for any to perish, but for all to come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9) This is so true people: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.” (John 3:16-17)
“You shall not lie with a male as with a woman. It is an abomination.” (Leviticus 18:22)
There are some who may claim that they were born with homosexual tendencies. And of course, we have those who claim that they were born in the wrong bodies, and thus try to change their gender. But does this make it right? Didn’t Jesus say: “Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female.” (Matthew 19:4) So, just because one feels they were born a certain way doesn’t give them a license to change their gender nor engage in a homosexual act. For God’s word says: “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23) Yes it’s true, for we were all born sinners with desires and feeling that are contrary to what is right and good.
So then: “There is none who understands, there is none who seeks for God. They have all turned aside; together they have become worthless. There is none who is kind, no, not so much as one. Their throat is an open tomb. With their tongues they keep deceiving. The poison of asps is under their lips. Their mouth is full of cursing and bitterness. Their feet are swift to shed blood. Destruction and misery are in their ways, and the way of peace they have not known. There is no fear of God before their eyes.” (Romans 3:10-18)
So, the question is, are you willing to give up what you’re bound to? I ask this because God’s word says that there are some who will not come to the light because they don’t want to change. For we read: “And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed.” (John 3:19-20)
I know from my past experience, that I myself didn’t want to come to God because I wanted to do my own thing. For I thought I knew better when it came to enjoying life’s pleasures. However, I found this not to be true and finally came to realize that God is not some a kill joy. For God’s ways will always bring more pleasure to our lives than when we are wallowing in our own sins. And this is true when it comes to sexual intimacy as well. For the pleasures that can be experienced between a man and a woman are far greater than any other way. Now, you may have tried and failed in a normal relationship. But have you tried while believing in Jesus Christ? I say this because with God, all things are possible. So, with his Holy Spirit residing in you, all things that seemed impossible before are now possible through Christ. So please follow God’s plan and design for you instead of that which is of the devil.
“For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them.” (Romans 1:18-19)
According to that passage above, we see that there are those who suppress the truth by their wickedness. This they do even though the truth is reveled to them by God. For in Deuteronomy 22:5 we read: “A woman shall not wear a man's clothing, nor shall a man put on a woman's clothing; for whoever does these things is an abomination unto Jehovah thy God. (Deuteronomy 22:5) So, don’t we see this happening in our culture today? And God views it as something disgusting. Also, we read: “Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due.” (Romans 1:27) Now, please notice that it says there is a penalty for this sinful act of homosexuality. And what is that recompense that they received because of their error? Well, just visit the Center for Disease Control (CDC) to see that the majority of HIV carriers are homosexual men.
So, I believe HIV is a part of God’s wrath that’s revealed from heaven against this shameful act. So, for all you LGBTQ+ and more, please repent of your sin and turn your heart to God. And do this not only for your own good, but for the good of others as well. And let’s remember that even though you may escape the HIV in this life, you can’t escape the judgment of God that’s appointed after death. For we read: “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27) And according to God’s word, those who are living this lifestyle of sin will not: “inherit the Kingdom of God” if they refuse to repent. (1 Corinthians 6:9-10)
“And he said to his disciples, ‘Temptations to sin are sure to come, but woe to the one through whom they come! It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck and he were cast into the sea than that he should cause one of these little ones to sin’.” (Luke 17:1-2 ESV)
That passage above is a warning against any adult that cause little children (whom I believe have a naturel faith in God) to sin against their Creator. For Jesus clearly said it would have been better for that person to be murdered (or maybe even have killed themselves) beforehand than for them to cause a child to sin. Now, the reason I’m bring this up is because there are those wicked parents who have been instrumental in changing their child’s gender while they were still a minor.
Now, such a one that comes to mind is Jazz Jennings who started being groomed to be a girl by the aid of his parents. For this came about when he around the age of six, asked his parents “when is the fairy going to change my pennis into a vagina.” Yes, seriously, they let a six year old (in which the bible says there is foolishness bound in their hearts. See Proverbs 22:15) to determine something that’s going to alter the rest of his life. That’s not only insane, but should be viewed as child abuse in the highest degree. For I firmly believe that these parents who do such things, along with any medical professional should be but away in prison for the rest of their lives. For even up until this day Jazz Jennings appears to be stressed out and confused on who he is. Shame on such parents who set their children down a path that can lead them to destruction.
Watch these video below concerning what was mentioned above:
However, there is hope for these evil parents and for those whom they have wronged. So please continue to read below.
Now, as mentioned above, the LGBTQ+ lifestyle is a sin that can keep a person from entering into the kingdom of Heaven. Thus, it could separate you from God and send you into the “lake of fire.” This is true people, for we read: “And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.” (Revelation 20:15) So let’s take heed to the warnings of God’s word which says: “Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.” (1 Corinthians 6:9-10)
So, for all who are caught up in these sins, whether you are a victim of some nonsense adults, or one who simply went astray by your own wrong doings, please confess from your heart that you have sinned against God. For God’s word says that he will forgive you and wash you clean by the blood of Jesus Christ. For Jesus took the penalty for our sins upon himself through beatings, whippings and being nailed to the cross. Last of all, he spent three days and nights in hell as well, suffering the torment that was due us. “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” (2 Corinthians 5:21)
Therefore, by repenting and turning your heart to God, he will give you the strength to overcome any sin in your life. And let us remember: “For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.” (Romans 8:13-14) Now, that doesn’t mean you’re going to be free from some long-lasting negative effect that came about because of your sin. For you may still suffer with AIDS or be stuck with a body in which you had your gendered altered. However, God will still set you on the right path that will bring you joy and hope. Yes, God can even use you as a witness for him by allowing you to telling others not to go down the same road you were on, or even get off that wrong path. So, come to God today by seeking him with your whole heart. For Jesus said: “All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.” (John 6:37) Amen, and thank God for that.
Some scripture reference on this topic: Male and Female:
God’s Law:
God's Mercy:
“Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due.” (Romans 1:27)
To the Reader: I have written this article my brothers and sister in Christ, in response to our lax views of divorce and remarriage. And I must say I would rather be writing about our common faith and the joy we have in Christ Jesus. However, I felt compelled to expose this sin which has crept into our churches today. Because if we become like those of this world, what good are we? For Jesus said: “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how will it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out to be trampled under foot by men.” (Matthew 5:13 LSB)
Therefore, it is my hope that we as a church can put away this sin from among us. And let’s not forget that Jesus also said to love our neighbor as ourselves. So then, we should want to see a couple’s marriage flourish. Therefore men, if you marry a divorce woman, you could permanently destroy her chance to be reunited to her husband. And this is also true for all you divorced women. Shouldn’t you remain single and be pleading with God to restore your marriage? For by running off and marrying another man, you could destroy any chances of reconciliation as well. Therefore, true love should always be seeking to reunite one’s marriage, not to further divide it. For we must take heed to what Jesus said: “What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.” (Matthew 19:6 ESV) Amen.
“The Pharisees also came unto him, tempting him, and saying unto him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife for every cause?” (Matthew 19:3)
In that passage above, the Pharisees confronted Jesus concerning divorce. However: “He answered, "Have you not read that he who created them from the beginning made them male and female, and said, ‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’? So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.” (Matthew 19:4-6 ESV) But not being content with the answer: “They said to Him, Why did Moses then command to give a bill of divorce and to put her away? He said to them, Because of your hard-heartedness Moses allowed you to put away your wives; but from the beginning it was not so. And I say to you, Whoever shall put away his wife, except for fornication, and shall marry another, commits adultery; and whoever marries her who is put away commits adultery.” (Matthew 19:7-9 MKJV)
So, according to Jesus, the standard for marriage should be “until death do us part.” However, because of their hard hearts, Moses allowed them to put away their wives. Therefore, God gave them over to their own corruption. We see this to be true where Paul the apostle said: “And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done.” (Romans 1:28 ESV) However, God sent his Son Jesus Christ to set things back to their proper standard by saying: “So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore, what God has joined together, let not man separate.” (Matthew 19:6 ESV)
“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.” (1 Corinthians 5:1)
Here above, we read of a man who is having sex with his father’s wife. Now, I personally believe that this is not his biological mother but his father’s second wife or concubine as we see happening in Genesis 35:22. Now, we do not have the details of their sexual misconduct. However, we do see the Greek word for “fornication” being used to describe this sinful act. So, shouldn’t the husband of this woman have the right to divorce his unfaithful wife? For Jesus did say “except for fornication” in Matthew 19:9, which should include any unlawful sexual act that happens before, during or even after one’s marriage.
Now, the reason I’m bringing this up is because there are some who claim that the word “fornication” can only refer to a wrongful sexual act that happened before the marriage. In other words, the husband discovers on his wedding night that his wife wasn’t a virgin. So, those who claim this are trying to make marriage so binding that a man can’t divorce his wife for any wrongful sexual act that happens during their entire marriage relationship. However, I firmly believe that a husband should be able to put away his unfaithful wife anytime during their entire marriage. For even Strong’s Definitions concerning fornication says: “porneia; harlotry (including adultery and incest); figuratively, idolatry: —fornication.” So, we see that the word “fornication” can include not only adultery, but all sexual sins.
“And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst, They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act. Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou?” (John 8:3-5)
Okay, there may be some who would argue saying that any sexual misconduct was dealt with by stoning, not divorce. And even though that was generally true, we see that there were exceptions both in the Old Testament as well as the New. For didn’t God spare David and Bathsheba the death penalty for their unlawful sexual misconduct? (2 Samuel 11) And let’s remember that Jesus did show mercy to the woman who was caught “in the very act” of adultery in John 8:3-11. And of course, we have Joseph showing mercy to Mary when he found out she was pregnant. For even though he assumed she conceived through fornication, he still didn’t want to expose her publicly. So, even though these cases were normally dealt with by stoning, we see mercy and forgiveness being shown instead. For throughout the bible we can see God’s grace being displayed.
Below are a few scriptures that mentions the sins of the flesh. However, in all these passages it never mentions adultery but only fornication. Therefore, wouldn’t this be proof that the word fornication can include the act of adultery as well?
“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.” (Romans 7:2 NKJV)
Throughout the scriptures, we can only see that the man has the legal right to divorce. For in the Old Testament, Moses said: “When a man hath taken a wife, and married her, and it come to pass that she find no favor in his eyes, because he hath found some uncleanness in her: then let him write her a bill of divorcement, and give it in her hand, and send her out of his house.” (Deuteronomy 24:1) This is true, not only throughout the Old Testament, but in the New Testament as well. For in Matthew 5:32 and 19:9 of the New Testament, Jesus only allows men to put away their unfaithful wives for the cause of “fornication.” But concerning a wife we read: “And if a woman shall put away her husband, and be married to another, she committeth adultery.” (Mark 10:12) This is the only passage that mentions a woman putting away her husband, yet there is never any exception clause that gives her the right to divorce.
So, from everything mentioned above, we can see that this fornication exception is never given to women, but only to the men. This would be true even if there was another woman involved in the man's relationship. For after the fall, God allowed men to have more than one wife. This included Godly men such as Abraham, Jacob, King David to name a few. And even in the laws of Moses there were guidelines for those men who had more than one wife. For we read that a man could not marry two sisters nor a mother and her daughter. Also, a man could not favor one wife over the other.
Below are a few laws pertaining to men having more than one wife. And please notice that it’s not Moses who is giving us these commandments, but God Himself.
Below are a few laws pertaining to men having more than one wife. And please notice that it’s not Moses who is giving us these commandments, but God Himself:
So then, if having more than one wife was sinful in the Old Testament, why would God give us such laws as mentioned in those passages above? And let’s also remember what God said to David: “And I gave you your master's house and your master's wives into your arms and gave you the house of Israel and of Judah. And if this were too little, I would add to you as much more.” (2 Samuel 12:8 ESV) So, after King Saul’s death, God gave to David all Saul’s wives to be his. This I believe God wouldn’t do if having more than one woman was a sin. For the prophet Habakkuk said concerning God: “You are too just to tolerate evil; you are unable to condone wrongdoing.” (Habakkuk 1:13 NET)
Now, that all being said, a man doesn’t have the right to put away a faithful wife for another. For Jesus made that clear when he said: ‘Whosoever shall put away his wife, and marry another, committeth adultery against her’? (Mark 10:11) And not only that, but we also read: “But I say unto you, that whosoever shall put away his wife, except for cause of fornication, makes her commit adultery, and whosoever marries one that is put away commits adultery.” (Matthew 5:32 DBY) So, if a husband puts away his innocent wife, he is setting her up to commit adultery if she marries someone else. So, wouldn't that make him guilty as well? And because of all this, we see a marriage being destroyed which we know God hates. “For I hate putting away, saith Jehovah, the God of Israel, and him that covereth his garment with violence, saith Jehovah of hosts: therefore take heed to your spirit, that ye deal not treacherously.” (Malachi 2:16 ASV)
So, to sum this all up we read: “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. But she is happier if she remains as she is, according to my judgment--and I think I also have the Spirit of God.” (1 Corinthians 7:39-40 NKJV) And again, this “bound by law” restriction is only applied to the wife, but never to the husband. For only he has the legal right to put away an unfaithful wife. For as said before, there we men in the bible that added wives to themselves and yet were not considered unfaithful. But that all being said, I do believe that the ideal relationship for a man is one wife for life. So, please read on.
“For this cause a man shall leave his father and mother and shall be united to his wife, and the two shall be one flesh: so that they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.” (Mark 10:7-9 DBY)
In the New Testament we read that Paul the apostle gave both Timothy and Titus instructions for the church. For he told Timothy that: “The overseer then must be irreproachable, husband of one wife, sober, discreet, decorous, hospitable, apt to teach” (1 Timothy 3:2 DBY) And for the Deacons he said: “Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well.” (1 Timothy 3:12) And in his letter to Titus we read: “For this reason I left you in Crete, that you would set in order what remains and appoint elders in every city as I directed you, namely, if any man is beyond reproach, the husband of one wife, having faithful children, who are not accused of dissipation, or rebellious.” (Titus 1:5-6 LSB)
So, Paul said to refuse a leadership position to anyone in the church who has more than one wife. So, if having more than one wife was considered adultery, would Paul even mention this requirement? For would such a one even be allowed in the church? Therefore, the question: “why must these men be restricted to only one wife?” Well, I believe the ideal relationship for any man is to have only one wife for life? For before the fall, God only brought one wife to Adam, not multiple ones. And as said earlier, Jesus said: “For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh? Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.” (Matthew 19:5-6) Also, having more than one wife could interfere with one’s roles in the church. For it’s hard enough to keep up with one honey-do-list, let alone having them come from multiple wives.
Now, wouldn’t these requirements for leaders and deacons include a living divorced woman that one put away “legally”? For even though he may have the right to put her away, wouldn’t she still be considered his wife according to the bible? So, even if she is divorced, separated, or playing the whore, she is still considered his wife as long as both she and her husband are still alive. And of course, there is that big question as well: “is this man really telling the truth concerning his former wife’s conduct.” For it may be true that he put her away on faulty grounds that’s not supported by scripture.
So then, leaders and deacons in the church should set an example of what an ideal marriage should look like. And again, wouldn’t that be “one wife for life”? So, that all being said, I’m in no way encouraging a man to have more than one wife. For we read in the bible that there were issues and much contention between the women of those men. Therefore, I believe true love and peace can only be experienced when a man has one woman in his relationship. So, let us all live by this same rule and standard.
“But if the unbelieving partner separates, let it be so. In such cases the brother or sister is not enslaved. God has called you to peace.” (1 Corinthians 7:15 ESV)
Now, we have read earlier that only a man can put away his wife for fornication. Therefore, would this passage above be giving some “exception clause” for a woman to divorce and remarry? For notice that Paul uses the Greek word which means to “enslaved,” instead of the word “bound,” which means to tie the knot. Therefore, isn’t marriage a mutual commitment that binds two people together? But on the other hand, bondage (enslavement) is something that makes your life miserable. And this could be the case if you are married to an unbeliever? And remember that in verses 12 through 17, Paul is only giving his advice for their current situation. For he admits that he DID NOT receive this from God. For he says: “But to the rest speak I, not the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 7:12).
Therefore, Paul is not giving any deserted woman the right to divorce, let alone to remarry. For that would be a contradiction not only to what Jesus said in the gospels, but what Paul said as well. For as we read before, Paul says a few verses latter in this same chapter: “A wife is bound to her husband as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is free to be married to whom she wishes, only in the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 7:39 ESV) Now, I also believe that a man shouldn’t divorce his wife if she is separated from him and yet refrains from having sex with other men.
So, do not believe the false notion that an act of desertion by an unbeliever allows a man and woman to divorce and remarry. And wouldn’t it be an act of desertion as well in Jesus’ statement in Matthew chapter 5 as well as 19? For Jesus didn’t make any distinction concerning the persons religious stance, nor does he give any details of the couple’s separation. Therefore, wouldn’t this passage in verse 7:15 only allow the unbeliever to leave in order for a Christian spouse to live at peace? However, a Christian man or woman should be praying for their unbelieving spouse to come to know Christ. This of course would not only be for their salvation, but in order for their marriage to be restored as well.
“Because of the present distress, I think that it is good for a man to remain as he is. Are you bound to a wife? Do not seek to be released. Are you released from a wife? Do not seek a wife. However, if you do get married, you have not sinned, and if a virgin marries, she has not sinned. But such people will have trouble in this life, and I am trying to spare you. (1 Corinthians 7:26-28 CSB)
Now, this is another passage that’s being used to find some exception clause. But how can that be? For we must first take notice that verses 26, 27 and the first part of 28 are speaking of a man who is ether “bound” or “released” from a woman. And we know that a man can only be released from marriage if his wife has committed fornication or has died. Therefore, if he does remarry because of this, he has not sinned. However, in the middle of these same verses, Paul makes it clear that a virgin woman who marries has not sinned. Therefore, Paul is not giving any divorced woman the right to marry. (Please, look and study the Greek people)
Now, as said before, there may be times that a woman would flee from her husband for safety reasons. However: “But if she shall depart, let her remain unmarried, or be reconciled to her husband: and let not the husband put away his wife.” (1 Corinthians 7:11 WEB) So, Paul is saying here, “let her remain unmarried” which should clearly show that he is not allowing a divorce woman to remarry. Therefore, if a man is married to a divorced woman whose first husband is still alive, both the man and the woman are living in adultery, no exceptions.
“Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.” (Genesis 2:24)
In that passage above, we read that a man and woman will become one flesh. Jesus reaffirmed this when he said: “For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife; and the two shall become one flesh: so that they are no more two, but one flesh.” (Mark 10:7-8) So, what does it mean to be “one flesh” in those passages above? Well, I have learned that this is not some metaphor, but a fact. For studies have shown that a woman literally becomes one flesh with every man she has sex with. For one study even mentions the components of a man’s semen being detected in a woman’s bloodstream after a few hours of her receiving it. Also, studies have shown that male DNA is retained within the bodies of these same women. This would make “the two shall become on flesh” more understandable and literally true.
So, all this should make it clear why women who played the whore were harshly dealt with. For they pollute their bodies by become “one flesh” with every man they have sex with. Paul the apostle himself said: “Or do you not know that he who is joined to a prostitute becomes one body with her? For, as it is written, ‘The two will become one flesh’.” (1 Corinthians 6:16 ESV). Therefore, brothers and sisters in Christ, shouldn’t we only become “one flesh” with that one person whom we want to spend the rest of our lives with?
“They say, if a man put away his wife, and she go from him, and become another man’s, will he return unto her again? will not that land be greatly polluted? But thou hast played the harlot with many lovers; yet return again to me, saith Jehovah.” (Jeremiah 3:1 ASV)
In that passage above, we see an illustration of Israel who has backslid from God and turned to foreign gods. Yet, use an illustration of a marriage, God is pleading for her to put away her sin of harlotry and return to him. This is true even though he gave her a certificate of divorcement. For God still said: “I’m married to you” in verses 13-14. So, isn’t this illustration showing us that a divorced woman still belongs to the man she first married? And would this be true even though she was put away for fornication.? Therefore, if a previously married woman remains is in the arms of another, they both are committing adultery. For scripture does say the only exception would be if her former husband has died as mentioned before.
Now, does God allow a divorced woman who marred another man return to her first husband? Well, even though this second marriage was not one which “God has joined together,” we do read: “And if the latter husband hate her, and write her a bill of divorcement, and give it in her hand, and send her out of his house; or if the latter husband die, who took her to be his wife; her former husband, who sent her away, may not take her again to be his wife, after that she is defiled; for that is abomination before Jehovah: and thou shalt not cause the land to sin, which Jehovah thy God giveth thee for an inheritance.” (Deuteronomy 24:3 ASV) So, Moses said: “that is abomination before Jehovah.”
Now that being said, this passage mentioned above was the latter portion of Deuteronomy 24:1-4. And according to Mathew 19:8-9, Jesus eliminated the first half of it. For he said it was Moses who gave that commandment. So, wouldn’t this eliminate the latter portion as well? Personally for me, I would say yes it does. But for you the reader, you should decide this on your own. So, my advice for all you women who are put away, stay single and pray that God would restore your marriage. This would be true whether you are the guilty party or not. For with God, it doesn’t make no difference as we read earlier. Because if you do remarry another man, both of you are committing adultery according to God’s word.
Below are a few scriptures to consider:
Now, please consider what’s being said in this passage here: “Ye have heard that it has been said, Thou shalt not commit adultery. But I say unto you, that everyone who looks upon a woman to lust after her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. But if thy right eye be a snare to thee, pluck it out and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members perish, and not thy whole body be cast into hell. And if thy right hand be a snare to thee, cut it off and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members perish, and not thy whole body be cast into hell. It has been said too, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a letter of divorce. But I say unto you, that whosoever shall put away his wife, except for cause of fornication, makes her commit adultery, and whosoever marries one that is put away commits adultery.” (Matthew 5:27-32)
Okay, did you notice that the words: “cut if off and cast it from thee” are sandwiched between the two acts of adultery described by Jesus? So, he in a metaphoric way is saying that one must put away their sin of adultery? This would be true whether you’re looking to steal another man’s wife or you have married one that’s been divorced. And let’s remember what the children of Israel did when they were exposed of their wrongful marriages. For we read: “And Shecaniah the son of Jehiel, one of the sons of Elam, answered and said unto Ezra, We have trespassed against our God, and have married foreign women of the peoples of the land: yet now there is hope for Israel concerning this thing. Now therefore let us make a covenant with our God to put away all the wives, and such as are born of them, according to the counsel of my lord, and of those that tremble at the commandment of our God; and let it be done according to the law.” (Ezra 10:2-3 ASV)
So, we read that the children of Israel separated themselves from their wrongful marriage relationships. And wouldn’t this be an act of true repentance my fellow Christians? For just saying “I’m sorry” doesn’t mean you have the right to continue in your sin. For true repentance mean to put away your sins from you.
“Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.” (Romans 12:17-18 ESV)
Now, there may be some of you who declare that two wrongs don’t make a right. And I agree that this is true. For the first wrong would be for a man to marry a divorced woman who still has a living husband. And the second wrong is to remain in that relationship which God has not joined together? For as quoted earlier, God does not tolerate or condone evil. (Habakkuk 1:13) And let’s remember what John the Baptist said when he confronted Herod who married his brother Philip’s wife. “For John said unto him, It is not lawful for thee to have her,” in which he lost his head for speaking the truth. (Matthew 14:4) Again, John said this because they were not in a relationship which God has joined together. This would be true whether she was divorced or not.
So again, shouldn’t such couples be separating themselves from each other? Yes, I know that this is a hard thing to do. For even Jesus’ disciples said: “If such is the case of the man with his wife, it is better not to marry.” (Matthew 19:10) However, Jesus did say: “Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or wife or brothers or parents or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God, who will not receive many times more in this time, and in the age to come eternal life.” (Luke 18:29-30 ESV) Yes, brothers and sisters in Christ. If you’re in an adulterous situation, you need to get out of it. For didn’t Jesus made it clear when he said: “whoever marries her who is divorced from her husband commits adultery,” as well as: “Every one that putteth away his wife, and marrieth another, committeth adultery: and he that marrieth one that is put away from a husband committeth adultery”? (Luke 16:18 ASV)
Therefore, just saying “I’m sorry” to God doesn’t give you a license to remain in your sinful state. And let me ask you this; if you stole someone’s wallet, can you keep it if you felt sorry and repented before God? No, of course not. So, true repentance should cause you to return the wallet you stole? We can see this to be true when Jesus confronted Zacchaeus. For after spending time with Jesus, Zacchaeus must have felt convicted. For he said: “‘Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor. And if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I restore it fourfold.’ And Jesus said to him, ‘Today salvation has come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham’.” (Luke 19:8-9 ESV) Yes, Jesus said: “Today salvation has come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham.” (Luke 19:9) So, this is something to seriously consider and be praying about fellow Christians.
“Your glorying is not good. Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump? Therefore purge out the old leaven, that you may be a new lump, since you truly are unleavened. For indeed Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us.” (1 Corinthians 5:6-7 NKJV)
Now, if we as a church allows couples to remain in an adulterous relationship, wouldn’t others be influenced to do the same? Because the reasoning would be, “if they can get away with it, we can do the same.” Therefore, if these same couples remain together, it could cause sin to multiply within that fellowship. “Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.” (1 Corinthians 6:9-10 ESV)
Also, we must be aware of the warning in Sirach 23:22-28, for we read: “Thus shall it go also with the wife that leaveth her husband, and bringeth in an heir by another. For first, she hath disobeyed the law of the most High; and secondly, she hath trespassed against her own husband; and thirdly, she hath played the whore in adultery, and brought children by another man. She shall be brought out into the congregation, and inquisition shall be made of her children. Her children shall not take root, and her branches shall bring forth no fruit. She shall leave her memory to be cursed, and her reproach shall not be blotted out. And they that remain shall know that there is nothing better than the fear of the Lord, and that there is nothing sweeter than to take heed unto the commandments of the Lord. It is great glory to follow the Lord, and to be received of him is long life.” (Sirach 23:22-28, Brenton’s Septuagint)
That’s a heavy passage above for those women who have left their husbands for another. So, my brothers and sisters in Christ, we shouldn’t be asking, “what does it hurt to stay together.” And let’s remember what Jesus said to the adulterous women whom he saved from stoning, for his said: “go, and sin no more.” (John 8:11) Jesus said the same thing to the lame man whom he made whole. For Jesus said to him: “Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee.” (John 5:14)
Consider some other passages below:
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)
So, there is hope for all of you who are caught in the mess of adultery. I say this because the Lord Jesus Christ took our sins upon himself. So, shouldn’t you be taking the next step and repent by putting away your sin. For how can you have true peace when you know you’re in an adulterous relationship. You must remember that God loves you and doesn’t want you to die in your sins. And as said before, true love does no harm to one’s neighbor: “For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. Love worketh no ill to his neighbor: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.” (Romans 13:9-10)
Therefore, my brothers and sister in Christ, please consider what was mentioned here. Read and study God’s word for yourselves to test what I said. And let’s remember that God always gives us the strength to put away your sins, no matter how deep we’re caught up in them. “Come now, and let us reason together, saith Jehovah: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land: but if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword; for the mouth of Jehovah hath spoken it.” (Isaiah 1:18-20 ASV) Amen.
(Note: Text other than the King James Version is abbreviated after each verse. Also, they are listed below in more detail to assist you in your study of God’s word. Therefore: “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” - 2 Timothy 2:15)
We need to stand on God's word when it comes to divorce. For there are too many "teachers" out there that rather tickle people's ears than speak the plane truth. Could it be that they care more about the quantity than quality? But thank God that there are those churches that do speak the truth when it comes to divorce and remarriage. One such church is below.
To the Reader: I’m writing this article in response to the church’s involvement in Competition Sports. For if we read through the scriptures, we would see that God hates pride. And isn’t it true that competition sports are built upon pride? So, why are so many fellow Christians wrapped up in it? For every trophy held high by the victory becomes an idol of worship. Therefore, we must put away this sin from among us. For we shouldn’t be seen running alongside with those who chase after vain glory.
Now, I do include the books of Maccabees to get my point across how I feel concerning competition sports. For it’s true that they were included in both the 1560 Geneva and the 1611 King James bible. In fact, it wasn’t until the 1800 hundreds that publishers started printing bibles without the books of Maccabees in it. But what’s also interesting is that the Olympics were making its comeback into Europe during this time as well. And according to the book of Maccabees, competition sports is the practice of the heathens.
So, did the desire to reestablish the Olympics inspire its removal? Or was it just a coincident that it was removed around that time? Well only God (and those who started removing them from the bible) knows. However, there are still some publishers who still rightfully include it in their bibles today.
It’s sad to see fellow Christians today so wrapped up in the things of this world. For we are seen running alongside those who are seeking after empty vain pursuits. And one of those vain pursuits is competition sports. For don’t we hear fellow Christians talk and brag about their favorite teams and players? And don’t we see parents spending so much time running their children to-and-fro from one practice to another, thus getting them hocked on it as well? Even churches have gotten involved in supporting sport events. And why Christian, for this is idolatry?
Now, we read in the books of Maccabees concerning a falling away of the children of Israel who gave themselves to the ways of the Gentiles. And we see that one of those ways was building themselves a gymnasium and thus giving themselves over to sports. For we read: “In those days lawless men came forth from the sons of Israel, and they persuaded many, saying, ‘Let us make a covenant with the Gentiles surrounding us, for ever since we were separated from them, many evils have found us.’ This proposal found favor in their eyes, and some of the people eagerly desired to enter into this agreement. So they went to the king, and he gave them authority to observe the ordinances of the Gentiles. Then they built a gymnasium in Jerusalem according to the customs of the Gentiles, and made themselves as the uncircumcision. So they fell away from the holy covenant, yoked themselves to the Gentiles, and sold themselves to do evil.” (1 Maccabees 1:11-15)
So, we see that these certain Jews: “sold themselves to do evil.” This is true because competition sports are based on the pride that lusts after victory and feeds on attention from its onlookers. Just look at the frenzy and cheering of the crowds and the prideful reactions of the players. And the sad part about all this is, our assemblies (churches) are getting involved by holding sport events in honor of it. Shame on us for allowing this to happen. Therefore, my fellow brothers and sister in Christ, do you really believe that God approves of this? For we read in Proverbs that: “He delighteth not in the strength of the horse: He taketh no pleasure in the legs of a man. Jehovah taketh pleasure in them that fear him, in those that hope in his loving kindness” (Psalm 147:10-11) So, God is not impressed or please with what man can do in these vain sport event.
Below are some other passages from the bible that pertain to what was mentioned above:
So again, football, baseball, basketball, soccer, the worlds Olympic events, or any other competition activity does not impress God. This is because all these things are built upon the pride of man. For his word says: “Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall. Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud.” (Proverbs 16:18-19) So, couldn’t this spoil also be referring to the money or trophies that the proud victor receives? I do believe so.
And let’s take note to what Paul the apostle said concerting those who run in a race. For we read: “And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.” (1 Corinthians 9:25) Notice how he distinguishes “they” (those of this world who receive a perishable crown) from “we” (us Christians who receive an imperishable crown). This is a clear indication that those of this world should be the only ones that are caught up in any competition sport activities. (1 Corinthians 9:25) Now, you may ask, “why would Paul use an evil illustration to make a point on how we should be conducting our life as Christians.” But I say, why not? Doesn’t Paul also use a thief as an illustration on the return of our Lord when he said: “For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.” (1 Thessalonians 5:2) And in Revelation 16:15, didn't the apostle John record the words of Jesus who said: “Behold, I am coming as a thief.”
So, does both the apostle Paul and John as well as our Lord Jesus approve the ways of a thief? God forbid, of course not. And let’s remember that Jesus said: “Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.” (Matthew 10:16) So, even though Jesus may be alluding to being sly and cunning as a serpent, he clearly is not wanting us to do it in a harmful way as the serpent did to Eve.
“For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.” (Galatians 5:14)
Now, according to that passage above, does football, hockey, rugby, boxing or any other competitive sport show love to your neighbor? Or, can any of the fruits of the Spirit that are found in Galatians 5:22 be applied to these sports? And what about the passage that says: “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.” (Galatians 6:10) So again, can any of these scriptures be applied to competition sports? No, of course not. So why fellow Christians take part in any of them, or even worse, get you children hocked on it? For “Love worketh no ill to his neighbor: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.” (Romans 13:10)
So, what should we be doing instead? Well: “That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed. Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded. In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.” (Titus 2:4-8) Now, I don’t see anything in there telling us to get children involved in competition sports, do you?
Therefore parents, please don’t think sending your child to some soccer or baseball camp is going to make them a better person. Because as said before, competition sports are built on pride, the same thing that brought down Satan. So, according to that passage quoted above, we should be teaching them in the way they should go, not only for their sake but for yours as well. Because if you don’t, you may surely regret it later on. I say this because I witnessed the suffering that a Christian family went through. For one of their family members was injured while playing High School football. And because of his suffering, he eventually took his own life. Therefore, I also included a few tragic articles on other youth who have died as a result of High School Football.
Now, without getting too judgmental, I would like to share another tragic story. For many of you may have heard about a young pro-surfer girl who had her arm bit off by a shark. This happened after she backed down from a mission trip she committed herself to. This she did because she felt it was more important to prepare for a surfing tournament that was coming up. Now, you may brush this off by thinking it was only a coincidence. But was it? Fortunately, she survived, and we can only hope that she learned an important lesson on why we shouldn't but our own vain glory before others.
Below is a clipping of a video on what was mentioned above:
“How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.” (Isaiah 14:12-14)
God hates arrogance and pride because it not only brought about the fall of Satan, but the fall of mankind also. For in Genesis chapter 3:4-6 we read that Eve’s heart was deceived by the Devil’s tempting words, wanting to be like God and thus bringing sin upon her, Adam, and the whole human race. And we know because of this folly, God out of his heart of love toward us, sent his beloved Son Jesus Christ to pay for our sins. So again, God hates pride which competition sports are based on. This is true whether it’s done in a professional setting in some stadium or in the backyard with your kids. That’s because kids just like adults play to win, and the only reason they want to win is to show that they’re better.
The downfall of pride in one’s life:
So, what camp should we Christians be in? Is it the prideful and self-seeking, or those who are the Kingdom seekers who are doing the things which matters most to God? And let’s remember that Jesus separated the people groups of the world into two classes as stated below. So, read through both classes and decide which one you want to be in. I know for me; I want to be those who are blessed of the Father who are going into the Kingdom of Heaven. And I hope and pray that you feel the same. Amen.
Videos on Sports and Idolatry:
Many people (including Christians) believe that sports is beneficial not only for adults, but for children as well. But is this really true? So, what does the bible really say concerning us Christians getting involved in it?
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