May 1, 2007

Fellowship Questions and MDR

Marriage, divorce and remarriage (MDR) has been and always will be a source of controversy among God’s people. Some have taught that those who have divorced and remarried prior to becoming a Christian can remain in their current relationship after obeying the gospel. Recently there has been controversy over whether or not one who has been put away by his/her mate for just any cause can put away his/her spouse for fornication and remarry. There are other MDR questions, but recently I have seen these two lumped together and placed in the category of Romans 14.

Whenever questions like these arise, it is important for us to determine whether or not a certain disagreement relating to MDR ought to be a test of fellowship. Can we agree to disagree? Or must there be division? There are times for both. In matters of opinion, we must agree to disagree. In matters of the faith, we must not tolerate sin and error.Continue Reading

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April 23, 2007

Understanding the Putting Away Controversy

The topic of marriage, divorce, and remarriage is a controversial issue among brethren. There are several different views regarding the Bible teaching on this subject. There has been much writing and debate recently – particularly over the rights of an innocent put-away spouse. Debates (whether written or oral) can be useful in presenting two sides of an issue for an audience to more easily compare the teachings with Scripture. However, when one goes to study the subject, the amount of material available may seem overwhelming. The purpose of this study is to clear up some of the confusion so we can more easily see the truth contained in God’s word.Continue Reading

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March 1, 2006

Accepting the Exception of Matthew 19:9

Matthew 19 records an instance when a group of Pharisees came to Jesus to test Him. They did this on many occasions. This particular time, they asked Him about divorce: “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any reason at all?” (Matthew 19:3). Some believed that a man could put away his wife for just any reason. Others believed the only lawful cause for divorce was adultery. They wanted to see which side of the controversy Jesus would take. Incidentally, we see from Jesus’ response in the following verses that when controversy arises, we need to side with the truth, not a particular party or sect. Therefore, we must look at each issue objectively, determining what God’s word teaches before choosing sides.

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January 1, 2006

What God Has Joined Together

The topic of marriage, divorce and remarriage is a controversial issue among brethren. There are several different views regarding the Bible teaching on this subject. There has been much writing and debate recently, particularly over the rights of an innocent put-away spouse. Debates (whether written or oral) can be useful in presenting two sides of an issue for an audience to more easily compare the teachings with Scripture. However, when one goes to study the subject, the amount of material available may seem overwhelming. Where do we begin? We need to begin with what the Bible teaches regarding marriage.
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