1. The family needs to accept the Lord’s teaching on MDR

2. God Has Always Hated Divorce God speaks about divorce –M–Malachi 2:16 God never intended for there to be divorce –M–Matthew 19:8 Why divorce? –D–Divorce is never “required” –J–Jesus said: “sin no more” (John 8:3-11)

3. Jesus’ Teaching on the Sanctity of Marriage Fuss over divorce and remarriage is rooted in our unwillingness to submit to God –M–Matthew 19:9; 5:32; Mark 10:12 The Lord does not condone divorce –D–Divorced people are not allowed to remarry ONE EXCEPTION: “sexual immorality – fornication”

4. “Whoever” All cases of Divorce and Remarriage Divorces mate and marries another (Matt 19:9) Marries the one divorced without cause (Matt 5:32) Put-away fornicator and new mate (Matt 5:32 with exception) Whoever divorces their mate for fornication and marries another One Exception

5. Matthew 19:9 RULE: “And I say to you, whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery; and whoever marries her who is divorced commits adultery.” Without the Exception: “And I say to you, whoever divorces his wife, and marries another, commits adultery; and whoever marries her who is divorced commits adultery.”

6. Digging the Adulterous Hole Possibility that the one who divorces their partner may cause that partner to commit adultery –M–Matthew 5:31-32 Will not be held guiltless if one tries to force the other to commit adultery –1–1 Corinthians 7:2-5

7. If he remarries, he commits adultery, and causes her to He that marries her commits adultery The one he marries commits adultery Four people, two men, and two women have become guilty of adultery because of one person wanting an UNSCRIPTURAL DIVORCE!

8. Matt 5:31-32; 19:3-9; Mark 10:2-12; Luke 16:18; Rom 7:1-3 Put spouse away for the cause of fornication Committed fornication Only “lawful” cause for divorce is fornication Sinful Act Divorce for any reason other than fornication is forbidden – sinful

9. Adulteress BROKEN BOND Put away for any cause Adulterer Adulteress Matt 5:31-32; 19:3-9; Mark 10:2-12; Luke 16:18; Rom 7:1-3 Not a “lawful” marriage

10. Matt 5:31-32; 19:3-9; Mark 10:2-12; Luke 16:18; Rom 7:1-3 Is a “lawful” marriageNot a “lawful” marriage Put spouse away for the cause of fornication Committed fornication

11. What is the Problem in the Lord’s Church? Many do NOT want to accept Jesus’ plain teaching –Some have made Jesus’ teaching one full of confusion, doubt, and created “loopholes” (under the banner of compassion) for divorced persons Here is what some are saying:

12. A strict doctrine will cost too much Too many people who divorced at a young age will have too high a price to pay through life Those wrongfully divorced by their spouses will suffer for a lifetime Most divorced people will never become Christians because of this law Christians with children and happy homes will discover that they are living in adultery and will have to change their relationship – or find a different church that allows such A strict doctrine will cost too much Too many people who divorced at a young age will have too high a price to pay through life Those wrongfully divorced by their spouses will suffer for a lifetime Most divorced people will never become Christians because of this law Christians with children and happy homes will discover that they are living in adultery and will have to change their relationship – or find a different church that allows such

13. What is the Problem in the Lord’s Church? What would the Lord say in response to us in His church today? –M–Matthew 19:11 (some accept it – some reject it) Who are the haves and have nots? –1–1 Corinthians 2:14 (haves – spiritually minded) Let us not be guilty of the very sins Jesus condemned the Pharisees for in their doctrines on divorce

14. What Can Unscripturally Divorced People Do? Submit to Christ’s law on remarriage and stay celibate because they are under His rule and want to please Him above all Control sexual desires for the sake of the kingdom of heaven Accept the consequences of their (or their spouses) sin of unlawful divorce

15. Conclusion Jesus’ teaching on divorce and remarriage is clear –The disciples understood the consequences of it –They knew it was a strict law May we all strive to live as Christians should and make the home that God designed a happy one!