DIVORCE, ADULTERY AND BLIND GUIDES

       It's no mystery that we are now living in an adulterous and sinful generation. For those of you considering divorce please consider the following;

       Those who divorce their spouses for any reason other than their spouse committing sexual immorality will become guilty of adultery. This is confirmed throughout the Bible including I Corinthians 6:9, which says that those who commit adultery will not inherit the Kingdom of God. Galatians 5:19-21 also confirms that the adulterer will not inherit God's kingdom.

       Matthew 5:33 says whoever divorces his wife for any reason except sexual immorality causes her to commit adultery; and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery.

       Obviously, divorce is messy but it's far reaching ramifications are more destructive than some of you may have known.

       I'm writing this column about divorce and adultery because there are many people, including Christian leaders, who claim to be following Christ and His ways taught in the Bible, yet these same people are deceived into thinking they can divorce their faithful spouses, yet still inherit God's kingdom. Jesus warned us about hypocrites in Matthew 23:3 where he said, "do not do according to their works; for they say, and do not do."

       If you want to find out more of what Jesus had to say to hypocritical religious leaders who are blind guides, read the rest of Matthew 23.

       It goes on to explain how they love to be seen in high places and greeted by the people. They love to take the seat of honor. This is part of the reason that they continue to hold the position of a Biblical leader even though they refuse to follow and obey the Bible.

       Recently, the California-based Barna Research Group came under harsh attack by church leaders when they released the results of a recent survey that indicated a higher rate of divorce among those who claim to be Christians than those who don't.

       While church leaders may have been surprised by this, the Bible makes it clear that Jesus isn't surprised by people who call him Lord, yet disobey Him. In Luke 6:46 he says, "Why do you call Me 'Lord, Lord,' and not do the things which I say?"

       Dave Kinnamon of the Barna organization believes that part of the divorce problem lies with churches and their reluctance to speak out against divorce.

       Another reason cited by the Barna Group is that Bible-preaching pastors are doing weddings that they shouldn't be doing. Although they know that the Bible instructs believers not to be unequally yoked with unbelievers, pastors continue to bless what God has forbidden. (See 2 Corinthians 6:14)

       If you're considering a divorce, I encourage you to seek God in prayer. You must understand that God wants you to be a covenant keeper and not a covenant breaker, and there is good reason for it.

       Although your marriage may seem hopelessly doomed, God is a miracle worker. He is the God of the impossible and can fix your impossible situation. He's just looking for you to stay faithful to Him and His Word so that He can show Himself faithful to you. Then, through your faith and patience, you will be a witness of the restoration power of Jesus Christ. Get ready to be blessed! Luke 1:37