When the Vow Breaks

Today’s article is a rarity.  I generally write the articles for this list but every now and then one really hits home and I’ll forward it. This is one of those articles.  No one alive remembers what it means to live in a country where the Bible is truly respected.  A local reporter (Wichita, Ks) in 2004 did a local average on divorces and they hit 70% in 2002.  I.E. 70 divorces for every 100 marriages. By way of contrast, once upon a time, long, long ago…. In 1870, there was only one divorce for every 34 marriages. 

 Times have changed.  All of us, even the innocent, have been affected by all this.  Even those with godly happy homes have not escaped the pain. For example, my little sister was murdered over a divorce gone awry. The human heart truly needs it’s creator! This article below puts a human face on one of the great tragedies of our time.  

Yours in Christ,
Jerry Blount

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When the Vow Breaks

By Wilson Adams

            I am divorced. Like the alcoholic who finds the courage to stand at his first A.A. meeting and admit what he would rather hide and deny, well, that's me. It's not easy writing those words or even admitting them to myself.

            You may wonder why it is that big of a deal. After all, many marriages end in divorce and it is a common thing for people to talk in flippant tones about an ex-husband or wife as if they were speaking about a once-loved vehicle they have traded in on a newer model. I hate that. My view of marriage is one of permanency—one man and one woman "until death do you part" (Romans 7:2-3). I learned, however, a valuable lesson along the road of life—you cannot make some-one else remain committed nor can you make him / her do what is right. You can, however, control yourself.

What Islam Means to Women, Part 1

Based on Muhammad’s farewell address compared to Ephesians 5:22-33

    Living in our politically correct society, I have begun to fear the ignorance of most when it comes to Islam and it’s impending impact on women in our society.  Even the Islam that exists in this country is so sanitized that most do not realize what will happen if Islam gains a significant voice in our society.  The entire relationship of men and women will change.

     Elijah once made an incredible proclamation in determining who had the right to be called, and worshipped as God.  “Elijah came near to all the people and said, "How long {will} you hesitate between two opinions? If the Jehovah is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him." But the people did not answer him a word.”  (I King 18:21)

      In a very similar and appropriate manner we amend Elijah’s obvious ancient choice.  If Jehovah is God, follow Him, but if Allah, follow him!

     The purpose of this study will be to determine from the “sacred writings” of Islam what this will mean.  One is compelled to observe that wherever in the world that Islam reigns, women are forced into the shadows.  Slavery and degradation follow (literally!).

What the Bible Says About Marriage, Divorce & Remarriage

Matthew 19:6... "So they are no longer two, but one flesh.
What therefore God has joined together, let no man separate." 

Today our world is in the process of changing dramatically.  Our great great grandparents, for example, lived in a world where only one marriage in 34 ended in a divorce (in 1870)!  By 1900 that number had risen to 1 in 12, by 1940 1 in 5, by 1970 it was up to 1 in 3. Recently a reporter in Wichita, Kansas determined that in our part of the country, the number was actually 7 out of 10. 

 Those numbers are a little deceiving because a few folks get multiple divorces to the point it skews the numbers a little higher than the real (across-the-board) odds.  However, it's difficult to overlook the obvious... For the first time in our nation’s history, a majority of the young men now entering marriage were not raised by their biological fathers.  I.e. they are now attempting to build and live a successful family life… when they have not witnessed one.  That's a tough call. If you were to choose a summary statement from scripture relevant to divorce what would it be? I think my choice would be: 

"For I hate divorce," says the LORD, the God of Israel, "and him who covers his garment with wrong," says the LORD of hosts. "So take heed to your spirit, that you do not deal treacherously!"  (Malachi 2:16) 

Whether looking in the Old or New Testament, this seems to be the basic attitude.  Part of the reason may be that, for God, this is personal.  God was divorced!