As I've said before I'm far from an expert on Scripture. Can you give me the verse as it is in the Bible?

 

I ask because its my understanding that the word "Christian" is only in the Bible 3 times. I think many of us have our own views of what being a "Christian" entails and I'm not 100% sure there is a strong definition in the Bible.

 

So when Shops says something about "if you're a Christian..." that seems to be open to interpretation.

 

 

"Christian" was just a term given to followers of Christ in the new testament. A label.

All of those who have lost their lives in Muslim countries trying to spread the Gospel, have done something extremely similar to what Jesus did. Giving their life for God's purposes.

 

On your third sentence, 100% agreement from me. THe problem is not divorce but rather no Christian viewpoint too many times in selecting your spouse.

 

Yeah I agree with you on that, said person should have done a better job of that, but he lost his way.

I am loving all the thoughts and comments! One thing that we need to remember is that with the new covenant, we all sin daily and need to ask for forgiveness daily. I realize the significance of willful sin vs unwillful sin and how God recognizes our hearts. Now, Does God forgive us if we are divorced and remarry, if we ask and are sincere? Where does that place us as Christians? Are we forgiven? Are we seperated from God?

 

God also told us under the old law not to kill, but if someone has murdered and has truly asked for forgiveness, are they forgiven? Yes, a sin was committed but it was washed away with God's mercy and love because a sinner asked for forgiveness.

 

I believe the only unforgiveable sin mentioned in the Bible is blasphemy.

Your right, the definition of a christian is not clearly stated and would be very general. But as humans with the ability to use reason and cognitive value, a christian is someone that to the best of thier ability obeys Gods will. In my opinion christianity is a personal and individual thing, that each individual knows if they are striving to obey God's will. If that person is then the bible has given us that label as christian (christ like). I believe I am a christian, as to whether anyone else is I could never be certain, even if it were my wife because I don't truely know her heart. But that does not affect my salvation. I guess my point is that there can't be a clear cut definition for a christian because it is not our job to determine who is and isn't, that's God's job.

Again, if, and that's a big if.....a man and a woman are christians and truely working for the lord, then the temptaions that lead to divorce do not happen, or are handled together by the couple. If the couple are not christians then why would they care if divorce and remarriage are issues. The problem I see is the relationsship of a christian and a non christian. But that my friends is something I feel that a christian must take into account when choosing a partner in order to make sure they are able to stay away from these situations.

 

Your right, the definition of a christian is not clearly stated and would be very general. But as humans with the ability to use reason and cognitive value, a christian is someone that to the best of thier ability obeys Gods will. In my opinion christianity is a personal and individual thing, that each individual knows if they are striving to obey God's will. If that person is then the bible has given us that label as christian (christ like). I believe I am a christian, as to whether anyone else is I could never be certain, even if it were my wife because I don't truely know her heart. But that does not affect my salvation. I guess my point is that there can't be a clear cut definition for a christian because it is not our job to determine who is and isn't, that's God's job.

 

You seem to be saying on one hand that a true Christian would never get divorced. On the other hand, you're saying that there can't be a clear cut definition of a Christian.

That's what I am saying. Being a christian to me is obeying God's will. People who strive to do so typically will not have situations arise that lead to divorce. As far as a defintion of being a christian, God determines who is a christian and who isn't. So without using the term christian, in my mind one who studies the bible, strives to follow it, will not become divorced. Of course situations come that are unexpected, problems arise that are hard to handle, but if both partners go into a marriage with the idea that divorce is never an option because God does not permit it, then both people will do all they can to work through it. This is my opinion, I also believe that my opinion is for me and what I have studied, and it's up to everyone else to determine thier own opinion through study. If you take my word, or someone else's word as truth then you are vulnurable to a false teaching which the bible warns us about. Of course what I am saying is from the bible, but each individual has to check for themselves to make sure I haven't or anyone else for that matter put in my own little twist to fit me. This is where problems arrive when man tries to twist the words to make a shortcoming into biblical truth to fit their lives and help them remove guilt. And if I am wrong I ask that anyone correct me so I can study on it and correct it. Thanks

That's what I am saying. Being a christian to me is obeying God's will. People who strive to do so typically will not have situations arise that lead to divorce. As far as a defintion of being a christian, God determines who is a christian and who isn't. So without using the term christian, in my mind one who studies the bible, strives to follow it, will not become divorced. Of course situations come that are unexpected, problems arise that are hard to handle, but if both partners go into a marriage with the idea that divorce is never an option because God does not permit it, then both people will do all they can to work through it. This is my opinion, I also believe that my opinion is for me and what I have studied, and it's up to everyone else to determine thier own opinion through study. If you take my word, or someone else's word as truth then you are vulnurable to a false teaching which the bible warns us about. Of course what I am saying is from the bible, but each individual has to check for themselves to make sure I haven't or anyone else for that matter put in my own little twist to fit me. This is where problems arrive when man tries to twist the words to make a shortcoming into biblical truth to fit their lives and help them remove guilt. And if I am wrong I ask that anyone correct me so I can study on it and correct it. Thanks

 

That is so wrong on so many levels. 1. to suggest that divorce arises only from "temptation" is terribly naive. 2. Jesus does not promise harmony to anyone - I would think that if you believe in Satan that he would put more obstacles in the way of a happy marriage - not that I believe in a personified Devil. 3. Sometimes bad things happen that "kill" a marriage - like the loss of job, or the death of a child. Even "good Christians" succumb to these things. 4. If David is held up as good Christian, well he had a man killed to cover up and affair with Bethsheba

 

God determines who is a Christian?? How many of them are there 144 thousand??

 

Biblical truths? Which ones are those, is there a list somewhere?

Biblical truths, yes, the bible. Temptation, christians are to over come that. Circumstances you speak of, if, and again that is if, you or I truely believe the bible for what it says and try to follow itbecause we believe it will lead us to heaven then there is no reason to become divorced. There is never a reason to have affairs outside your marriage because you know it is wrong. People who do that strive to please god, not the flesh, which helps them fight the temptations you talk about.

Biblical truths, yes, the bible. Temptation, christians are to over come that. Circumstances you speak of, if, and again that is if, you or I truely believe the bible for what it says and try to follow itbecause we believe it will lead us to heaven then there is no reason to become divorced. There is never a reason to have affairs outside your marriage because you know it is wrong. People who do that strive to please god, not the flesh, which helps them fight the temptations you talk about.

 

So, how would you explain David's sin with Bathsheba based on your belief?

 

The Bible clearly holds him as a hero of the faith, going as far as to call him "a man after God's heart". David tried to please God, yet even he wasn't able to avoid the pitfalls of our fallen nature.

 

People are flawed. Things happen. That doesn't "excuse" it, but it also doesn't disqualify them from being a "Christian". If it does, then none of us are. Or would you say only getting a divorce would be a disqualification? Other sins would be deemed lesser offenses that could still fall under the Christian umbrella?

 

Just curious.

My thoughts on this issue?

 

Love and marriage, love and marriage, they go together like a horse and carriage.

My thoughts on this issue?

 

Love and marriage, love and marriage, they go together like a horse and carriage.

 

:laugh:

 

Thank you Al Bundy. :lol:

Well, here is a real wrench in the works.

 

http://content.usatoday.net/dist/custom/gci/InsidePage.aspx?cId=cincinnati&sParam=34051126.story

 

Couple who led gay marriage fight to divorce

 

BOSTON (AP) — A lesbian couple who led the fight for gay marriage in the state of Massachusetts is filing for divorce.

Julie and Hillary Goodridge were among seven gay couples whose lawsuit thrust Massachusetts into the center of a nationwide debate on gay marriage. The couple became the public face of the debate in the state, the first in the U.S. to legalize same-sex marriage.

 

The couple was married on May 17, 2004, the first day same-sex marriages became legal under a court ruling. The couple announced they were separating in 2006.

 

Only Connecticut also allows same-sex marriage, though a handful of other states allow other kinds of partnerships.

 

They are human too.

My thoughts on this issue?

 

Love and marriage, love and marriage, they go together like a horse and carriage.

 

This I'll tell you brother, you can't have one without the other...