WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:05.960 Please join me in taking your copy of God's Word and turning to Ephesians chapter 5. 00:00:09.960 --> 00:00:13.359 ! This morning is going to be abnormal for us. 00:00:13.359 --> 00:00:17.760 ! If you're a guest this morning, I'm sorry. 00:00:17.760 --> 00:00:30.320 On the one hand, I really would love for you to be here with us for our normal verse-by-verse 00:00:30.320 --> 00:00:36.280 exposition, the general habit of our church. On the other, maybe it's good for you to see 00:00:36.280 --> 00:00:43.280 that as a church we take the Scripture seriously and what it teaches seriously, even when it 00:00:43.280 --> 00:00:50.480 comes to topics of Christian living. We, as a church, endeavor to walk in all things 00:00:50.480 --> 00:01:01.760 in the truth. Over the past, I don't want to admit how many years, the issue of marriage, 00:01:01.880 --> 00:01:09.359 divorce, and remarriage has come up in our verse-by-verse expedition, that as well, exposition, 00:01:09.359 --> 00:01:15.439 as we work through the Gospel of Mark, and then more recently through the Sermon on the 00:01:15.439 --> 00:01:21.840 Mount in Matthew. And each of those times, I have said to you, you'll recall if you were 00:01:21.840 --> 00:01:28.980 here, that this is not an easy matter to sort through. In fact, it has been a centuries-old 00:01:28.980 --> 00:01:36.719 debate on exactly what is the teaching of the Bible concerning particularly divorce and remarriage. 00:01:36.719 --> 00:01:43.280 If you find yourself in a place this morning, believing that you have it already sorted out, 00:01:44.099 --> 00:01:51.079 let me just invite you into a place of humility. It's most likely that you have not yet read enough 00:01:51.079 --> 00:01:57.840 concerning these matters, that you've not really studied it fully, if you have a 00:01:57.840 --> 00:02:05.560 abounding confidence in the position that you may hold. I know that many of you don't really know 00:02:05.560 --> 00:02:15.259 exactly what to think, and this is where I found myself in some past years. Recently, comforted by 00:02:15.259 --> 00:02:22.319 all of the position papers that I managed to find and pull and read, that the shortest amount of time 00:02:22.319 --> 00:02:30.319 any church took in forming a position was a year, and many of them took much longer in careful study 00:02:30.319 --> 00:02:38.319 over the matter. No matter the position we take concerning divorce and remarriage, we have to 00:02:38.319 --> 00:02:48.359 extrapolate, we have to draw out some meaning, because the Bible is an ancient book. It wasn't 00:02:48.359 --> 00:02:55.379 written in our language, and it wasn't written to our cultural context. So there's some challenges 00:02:55.379 --> 00:03:03.219 sometimes fully grasping the meaning of a text, right? Ringing it out, and then having it harmonized 00:03:03.219 --> 00:03:11.719 with the rest of what the Bible has to say. And this has been my labor over the past months. 00:03:12.240 --> 00:03:16.759 I've picked it up. I've gotten so exasperated that I've put it back down. I've picked it up again, 00:03:16.759 --> 00:03:24.759 because I knew that I had to. I have never in the past 10 years of being a pastor prayed for snow. 00:03:26.679 --> 00:03:30.780 I must admit that I did this week, and yet we find ourselves here. 00:03:33.519 --> 00:03:40.719 I have read and read and read. I have taken all of the pertinent texts and put them up on a large 00:03:40.719 --> 00:03:47.479 board so I could look at it all together and scribbled and erased and tore down and put back up again. 00:03:48.719 --> 00:03:51.240 I've labored in writing. Students, you may 00:03:51.240 --> 00:03:57.060 connect with me on this and then highlighted whole pages and hit delete. 00:03:59.819 --> 00:04:03.460 Rewrote and deleted and rewrote again. 00:04:03.460 --> 00:04:13.100 I have sitting on my computer now as a draft a 10-page paper and growing that I had intended to 00:04:13.100 --> 00:04:15.640 give to you this morning. 00:04:17.139 --> 00:04:20.360 But as I personally have arrived at a position and 00:04:20.360 --> 00:04:22.900 looked to articulate that position, 00:04:23.740 --> 00:04:25.540 I set out first to say, 00:04:25.720 --> 00:04:28.139 I'm just going to write a paper that states the position. 00:04:29.420 --> 00:04:31.379 And then on the Sunday that we talk about it, 00:04:31.379 --> 00:04:37.300 I'll try to do my best to articulate the opposing positions and work out the complexities of the text. 00:04:37.379 --> 00:04:39.740 But beloved, it is complex. 00:04:40.379 --> 00:04:43.839 It's not a single Sunday morning working out. 00:04:43.939 --> 00:04:47.540 And I don't think it'd be great for our church to spend weeks and weeks and weeks 00:04:47.540 --> 00:04:49.920 Sunday morning gatherings on this. 00:04:49.959 --> 00:04:50.920 So we're going to do it this morning. 00:04:51.060 --> 00:04:52.800 We're going to take some time. 00:04:53.199 --> 00:04:58.159 But as I began to try to articulate the position well, 00:04:58.160 --> 00:05:02.800 it seems so often necessary to talk about other positions held. 00:05:03.340 --> 00:05:07.160 And so the paper kept growing and growing and growing. 00:05:07.260 --> 00:05:08.480 And as I would reread it, I'd go, 00:05:09.120 --> 00:05:10.580 I can't just say that. 00:05:10.720 --> 00:05:13.020 That's a jump in logic. 00:05:13.460 --> 00:05:14.580 As people read this paper, 00:05:14.800 --> 00:05:16.060 I've got to explain that more. 00:05:16.160 --> 00:05:18.080 So another paragraph and another paragraph 00:05:18.080 --> 00:05:21.020 and another paragraph would be added. 00:05:21.019 --> 00:05:23.379 So at this point, I've discarded it. 00:05:23.419 --> 00:05:31.139 I mean, it exists, but I don't intend to hand you the document that I've been writing thus far. 00:05:32.019 --> 00:05:34.819 But decided instead to distribute to you, 00:05:35.060 --> 00:05:39.259 sort of as a rough draft of a position for our church, 00:05:39.839 --> 00:05:42.719 a document that I had nothing to do with, 00:05:43.620 --> 00:05:47.699 but yet I agree with it to this date. 00:05:47.699 --> 00:05:51.680 That's a position paper that was presented to and adopted 00:05:51.680 --> 00:05:57.620 at the Presbyterian Church of America 20th General Assembly in 1992. 00:05:58.219 --> 00:06:00.860 And it's a part of a much greater work. 00:06:01.099 --> 00:06:02.980 There's some application chapters. 00:06:03.279 --> 00:06:06.819 There's some historical survey chapters 00:06:06.819 --> 00:06:11.980 as the PCA Church has a rich Reformed tradition. 00:06:12.860 --> 00:06:16.419 And what I've done is I've just pulled out chapter 2. 00:06:16.420 --> 00:06:19.300 and made a ton of copies of it 00:06:19.300 --> 00:06:21.900 and stapled this hand sore 00:06:21.900 --> 00:06:25.340 to be able to put those copies in your hand this morning 00:06:25.340 --> 00:06:28.220 so that we can talk further about this. 00:06:28.920 --> 00:06:30.840 So I have some guys, I think they're the same guys 00:06:30.840 --> 00:06:32.660 that took care of the offering for us. 00:06:32.700 --> 00:06:33.520 They've got some stacks. 00:06:33.620 --> 00:06:34.900 I'm going to ask them now just to go ahead 00:06:34.900 --> 00:06:38.420 and work on distributing copies of this particular paper 00:06:38.420 --> 00:06:41.300 for your further study. 00:06:41.439 --> 00:06:44.080 We're going to reference it a little bit here in just a moment, 00:06:44.200 --> 00:06:45.379 but I want you to take this home. 00:06:45.379 --> 00:06:47.620 If you're a guest this morning, you don't have to. 00:06:47.719 --> 00:06:50.639 I don't feel like you're obligated to take a copy of this and study it. 00:06:51.199 --> 00:06:53.259 If you're a member, you certainly need to. 00:06:53.819 --> 00:06:55.219 If you're a guest, you're welcome to, 00:06:55.259 --> 00:06:57.079 if you'd like to put this in your hand. 00:06:57.120 --> 00:07:01.319 I think we have enough for everybody this morning. 00:07:01.319 --> 00:07:08.599 To be clear, presently, we believe in a plurality leadership. 00:07:08.800 --> 00:07:12.379 Presently, we have one other elder, including myself. 00:07:12.480 --> 00:07:14.719 There's two of us, Doug Hitchcock. 00:07:15.040 --> 00:07:17.659 And I'm not presenting this as our position this morning 00:07:17.659 --> 00:07:20.659 because I have not given Doug Hitchcock enough time to... 00:07:20.659 --> 00:07:22.019 He didn't even know I was doing this. 00:07:22.240 --> 00:07:22.920 Now he does. 00:07:22.920 --> 00:07:25.600 Hey, Doug. 00:07:27.920 --> 00:07:29.840 Him and I have done a lot of work on this topic. 00:07:30.300 --> 00:07:32.319 I think very generally we agree. 00:07:32.939 --> 00:07:36.840 We've spent a bunch of time talking through various implications and applications. 00:07:36.839 --> 00:07:42.659 But I just want you to be aware that I'm springing this on him at this moment. 00:07:42.839 --> 00:07:45.459 So don't, if you're upset, grill him. 00:07:46.119 --> 00:07:46.799 Come to me. 00:07:49.879 --> 00:07:56.039 While you're getting this, I want to express to you just some pastoral concern. 00:07:56.979 --> 00:08:00.500 The way we approach this topic matters deeply 00:08:00.500 --> 00:08:06.199 because marriage is an extremely important institution. 00:08:06.839 --> 00:08:11.359 We'll talk more about that from Ephesians chapter 5 momentarily. 00:08:12.060 --> 00:08:13.939 Extremely important institution. 00:08:14.199 --> 00:08:20.060 We don't want to minimize, in talking about this, the importance of marriage. 00:08:21.000 --> 00:08:24.139 But at the same time, we live in a fallen world 00:08:24.139 --> 00:08:29.479 and people have been affected by divorce and remarriage, 00:08:29.579 --> 00:08:33.679 the challenges and the messiness of marriage. 00:08:33.679 --> 00:08:41.179 And so we don't want to minimize our love and care and concern for people as well. 00:08:41.279 --> 00:08:44.899 And so there's a very careful tightrope to walk here 00:08:44.899 --> 00:08:50.899 in talking about these things that I hope you'll join me in in some coming weeks. 00:08:50.899 --> 00:08:55.779 I want to read from a pastor named Sam Storms who wrote a position paper on this. 00:08:55.840 --> 00:09:02.399 I just felt like he summarized this pastoral challenge well. 00:09:02.559 --> 00:09:06.980 So please hear my heart as we spend some time this morning around this topic this morning. 00:09:07.179 --> 00:09:07.559 He wrote, 00:09:07.559 --> 00:09:37.559 00:09:37.559 --> 00:09:42.559 How do I stress the permanence of marriage without condemning, 00:09:42.559 --> 00:09:43.119 how do I feel judged and rejected and unfit for ministry and service in the church? 00:09:44.279 --> 00:09:47.500 But if I express compassion and love for divorced people 00:09:47.500 --> 00:09:50.439 and remind them how much God really does love them, 00:09:51.299 --> 00:09:55.479 others may think I'm glossing over their failures 00:09:55.479 --> 00:10:00.779 and that I'm contributing to the very devaluation of marriage that I earlier denounced. 00:10:00.779 --> 00:10:08.319 How do I stress the permanence of marriage without condemning the divorced? 00:10:08.759 --> 00:10:13.839 And how do I love and affirm the divorced person without condoning sin and failure? 00:10:15.199 --> 00:10:21.259 Our challenge is to mingle the call to obedience with the tears of compassion. 00:10:21.819 --> 00:10:28.919 To be both tender to those who have failed without compromising the high standards of Scripture. 00:10:28.919 --> 00:10:34.399 Here then is my two-fold appeal. 00:10:34.599 --> 00:10:39.839 Number one, to the divorce I say that my emphasis on the importance of marriage 00:10:39.839 --> 00:10:42.659 and honoring one's vows and fighting to stay together 00:10:42.659 --> 00:10:46.319 does not mean I don't love you and care about you 00:10:46.319 --> 00:10:51.379 or that you aren't wanted or can't fit in or can never be active in ministry. 00:10:52.679 --> 00:10:57.719 Second, to the married I say that my emphasis on the dignity of the divorced person 00:10:57.720 --> 00:11:02.080 and their value to God and the forgiveness and restoration that is available to them 00:11:02.080 --> 00:11:08.800 through the cross does not mean that we can take a flippant, casual attitude toward marriage 00:11:08.800 --> 00:11:10.620 or that marriage isn't worth preserving 00:11:10.620 --> 00:11:16.100 or that we are adopting a loose view toward sin. 00:11:17.180 --> 00:11:17.700 End quote. 00:11:17.700 --> 00:11:29.960 So why have I labored so long in coming to a position concerning marriage, divorce, and remarriage? 00:11:30.060 --> 00:11:39.879 Why does it matter so much that we work together on getting this as right as people, this side of glory, can get it? 00:11:39.879 --> 00:11:51.759 First, marriage pictures, although so often imperfectly, the gospel of Jesus Christ. 00:11:52.759 --> 00:11:56.659 It's a shadow of a greater thing. 00:11:56.779 --> 00:12:03.080 It's meant to point us to the good that God has given to us in Jesus. 00:12:03.159 --> 00:12:05.519 Let's look at our text briefly. 00:12:05.519 --> 00:12:07.960 Again, this is an odd Sunday for us. 00:12:09.139 --> 00:12:14.779 Ephesians chapter 5 is going to serve this single point of why this matters so very, very much, 00:12:14.879 --> 00:12:16.960 and then I'll make some further comments. 00:12:18.720 --> 00:12:23.279 Ephesians chapter 5, verse 22 and following. 00:12:24.439 --> 00:12:28.879 Beloved, this is God's word to us written for his glory and for our good. 00:12:29.579 --> 00:12:34.379 We would all do well to listen to it in order to believe its promises and obey its commands. 00:12:34.379 --> 00:12:39.519 Wives, submit to your own husbands as to the Lord. 00:12:40.460 --> 00:12:45.159 For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church, 00:12:45.240 --> 00:12:48.120 his body and is himself its Savior. 00:12:49.240 --> 00:12:54.600 Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands. 00:12:55.539 --> 00:13:01.000 Husbands, love your wives as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, 00:13:01.000 --> 00:13:05.500 that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, 00:13:05.980 --> 00:13:12.360 so that he might resent the church to himself in splendor without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, 00:13:12.799 --> 00:13:15.059 that she might be holy and without blemish. 00:13:15.980 --> 00:13:18.860 In the same way, husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. 00:13:19.500 --> 00:13:21.600 He who loves his wife loves himself. 00:13:21.600 --> 00:13:28.040 For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it just as Christ does the church, 00:13:28.080 --> 00:13:30.279 because we are members of his body. 00:13:31.180 --> 00:13:35.060 Therefore, a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, 00:13:35.440 --> 00:13:37.920 and the two shall become one flesh. 00:13:38.800 --> 00:13:43.320 This mystery is profound, and I'm saying that it refers to Christ and the church. 00:13:43.320 --> 00:13:48.520 However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, 00:13:48.700 --> 00:13:52.340 and let the wife see that she respects her husband. 00:13:53.360 --> 00:14:00.480 So we can see in this text that Paul says this profound mystery of the way that marriage is supposed to work 00:14:00.480 --> 00:14:04.060 points us to a greater, a grander thing. 00:14:04.059 --> 00:14:09.879 That Jesus Christ is the groom of the church, 00:14:10.159 --> 00:14:15.719 and he has saved her by giving of his very self for her. 00:14:15.919 --> 00:14:20.139 He laid down his life for the sake of ours. 00:14:20.459 --> 00:14:23.519 That he would save us and that he would sanctify us. 00:14:23.599 --> 00:14:27.899 Giving of himself for our good in him. 00:14:28.599 --> 00:14:32.279 This is what marriage is meant to be like, 00:14:32.279 --> 00:14:39.100 and it's what is meant to point to men sacrificially loving their wives. 00:14:39.199 --> 00:14:42.919 For their wife's good, that she would be found in Christ. 00:14:43.039 --> 00:14:45.860 That she would be found holy in him. 00:14:46.740 --> 00:14:51.480 And wives lovingly submitting to that leadership in the home. 00:14:51.679 --> 00:14:54.079 This was the design. 00:14:54.899 --> 00:14:57.179 Paul even cites for us here, 00:14:57.980 --> 00:15:00.240 Genesis chapter 2, when he says, 00:15:00.240 --> 00:15:03.340 Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, 00:15:03.379 --> 00:15:06.159 and the two shall become one flesh. 00:15:06.220 --> 00:15:08.120 This was the design from the beginning. 00:15:08.419 --> 00:15:12.340 A man and a woman in lifelong commitment to one another. 00:15:12.740 --> 00:15:15.299 Pressing each other in holiness. 00:15:16.279 --> 00:15:17.980 That's why this matters. 00:15:18.680 --> 00:15:20.560 As sin enters into the world, 00:15:20.659 --> 00:15:24.259 just a few verses later in Genesis chapter 3, 00:15:24.379 --> 00:15:26.980 as sin corrupts everything, 00:15:26.980 --> 00:15:30.000 The church should be set apart. 00:15:30.879 --> 00:15:34.539 The church should say something very clearly to the culture around us 00:15:34.539 --> 00:15:36.379 about what marriage is, 00:15:36.800 --> 00:15:38.039 how it's to function, 00:15:38.159 --> 00:15:40.100 and what it's meant to picture. 00:15:41.399 --> 00:15:45.379 So the way we pick up this topic is of importance, 00:15:45.560 --> 00:15:48.379 and why I've labored so long in it. 00:15:48.580 --> 00:15:50.980 Because first, marriage pictures, 00:15:50.980 --> 00:15:52.980 although so often and perfectly, 00:15:53.120 --> 00:15:56.519 the gospel of Jesus Christ. 00:15:56.980 --> 00:15:59.399 Secondly, 00:16:00.039 --> 00:16:03.180 marriage is a good gift. 00:16:05.120 --> 00:16:09.740 Many of us in this room have experienced the goodness of marriage. 00:16:10.120 --> 00:16:14.960 Being granted a spouse that loves us and presses us on, 00:16:15.200 --> 00:16:16.379 even in their failures, 00:16:16.620 --> 00:16:20.519 press us towards holiness in Christ. 00:16:20.519 --> 00:16:22.240 And divorce, 00:16:22.740 --> 00:16:24.480 invariably, 00:16:24.879 --> 00:16:27.779 is difficult for all parties involved. 00:16:28.779 --> 00:16:29.220 Invariably. 00:16:29.259 --> 00:16:30.799 This is without exception. 00:16:31.679 --> 00:16:33.799 The rending of a union 00:16:33.799 --> 00:16:35.860 is a hurtful thing. 00:16:36.199 --> 00:16:38.100 It's a hard thing. 00:16:39.039 --> 00:16:40.519 We want to promote 00:16:40.519 --> 00:16:42.100 lifelong marriages 00:16:42.100 --> 00:16:43.939 for the good of people 00:16:43.939 --> 00:16:46.139 to the glory of God. 00:16:46.139 --> 00:16:48.620 We don't want to promote 00:16:48.620 --> 00:16:50.139 divorce 00:16:50.139 --> 00:16:51.659 because it's a harmful thing. 00:16:51.860 --> 00:16:54.039 It's a damaging thing. 00:16:55.379 --> 00:16:55.960 Third, 00:16:56.500 --> 00:16:58.519 we have had to, 00:16:59.120 --> 00:17:01.480 and will continue to have to, 00:17:02.480 --> 00:17:03.480 counsel those 00:17:03.480 --> 00:17:05.180 within our church 00:17:05.180 --> 00:17:06.180 and without, 00:17:06.279 --> 00:17:07.480 outside the doors of our church, 00:17:07.480 --> 00:17:10.339 what the Bible teaches 00:17:10.339 --> 00:17:11.440 on matters 00:17:11.440 --> 00:17:12.360 concerning 00:17:12.360 --> 00:17:13.460 marriage, 00:17:14.059 --> 00:17:14.539 divorce, 00:17:15.360 --> 00:17:16.099 and remarriage. 00:17:16.160 --> 00:17:17.900 It's a very present reality 00:17:17.900 --> 00:17:18.740 before us. 00:17:19.460 --> 00:17:20.960 We need to be clear-minded 00:17:20.960 --> 00:17:21.720 on these things. 00:17:21.839 --> 00:17:23.099 What does the Scripture 00:17:23.099 --> 00:17:24.099 teach 00:17:24.099 --> 00:17:25.680 concerning these 00:17:25.680 --> 00:17:27.000 matters? 00:17:27.000 --> 00:17:27.799 Fourth, 00:17:31.240 --> 00:17:34.019 our culture 00:17:34.019 --> 00:17:36.000 is very confused 00:17:36.000 --> 00:17:37.599 about marriage, 00:17:38.160 --> 00:17:38.519 divorce, 00:17:39.180 --> 00:17:39.900 and remarriage. 00:17:40.339 --> 00:17:41.140 All three. 00:17:43.079 --> 00:17:44.259 We have a fairly 00:17:44.259 --> 00:17:45.839 anything-goes 00:17:45.839 --> 00:17:46.519 mentality 00:17:46.519 --> 00:17:47.619 as a culture 00:17:47.619 --> 00:17:49.200 at large. 00:17:49.700 --> 00:17:50.839 Having redefined marriage 00:17:50.839 --> 00:17:51.900 altogether, 00:17:53.019 --> 00:17:53.799 accepting divorce 00:17:53.799 --> 00:17:54.759 for any reason 00:17:54.759 --> 00:17:55.480 whatsoever, 00:17:55.480 --> 00:17:57.319 those who fall in love 00:17:57.319 --> 00:17:57.799 get married, 00:17:57.880 --> 00:17:58.819 those who fall out of love 00:17:58.819 --> 00:18:00.200 get divorced. 00:18:00.759 --> 00:18:01.759 A large billboard 00:18:01.759 --> 00:18:02.680 on your way to Atlanta 00:18:02.680 --> 00:18:03.140 right now 00:18:03.140 --> 00:18:04.220 on 400 00:18:04.220 --> 00:18:05.880 that says, 00:18:06.680 --> 00:18:07.180 undo, 00:18:07.980 --> 00:18:08.500 quote-unquote, 00:18:08.880 --> 00:18:09.440 I do. 00:18:10.140 --> 00:18:11.259 And it's tragic 00:18:11.259 --> 00:18:12.360 that such a thing 00:18:12.360 --> 00:18:14.059 would be the display 00:18:14.059 --> 00:18:15.120 for this particular 00:18:15.120 --> 00:18:16.940 law firm. 00:18:18.279 --> 00:18:19.279 Many people 00:18:19.279 --> 00:18:19.940 these days 00:18:19.940 --> 00:18:20.599 go through 00:18:20.599 --> 00:18:21.319 multiple 00:18:21.319 --> 00:18:22.620 divorces 00:18:22.620 --> 00:18:24.000 and remarriages. 00:18:24.000 --> 00:18:25.400 marriages 00:18:25.400 --> 00:18:27.359 picked up 00:18:27.359 --> 00:18:28.480 as a flippant thing, 00:18:28.660 --> 00:18:29.640 a thing to not be 00:18:29.640 --> 00:18:31.400 taken seriously. 00:18:32.420 --> 00:18:33.380 Vows are meaningless 00:18:33.380 --> 00:18:34.960 in our culture 00:18:34.960 --> 00:18:35.880 these days. 00:18:38.880 --> 00:18:39.519 Fifth, 00:18:40.460 --> 00:18:42.119 the church 00:18:42.119 --> 00:18:43.019 is confused 00:18:43.019 --> 00:18:44.680 about marriage, 00:18:45.140 --> 00:18:45.500 divorce, 00:18:46.200 --> 00:18:46.900 and remarriage. 00:18:47.160 --> 00:18:47.779 The church 00:18:47.779 --> 00:18:48.299 at large 00:18:48.299 --> 00:18:50.019 is confused. 00:18:50.180 --> 00:18:50.579 We see 00:18:50.579 --> 00:18:51.579 equally high 00:18:51.579 --> 00:18:52.819 divorce rates 00:18:52.819 --> 00:18:53.439 amongst those 00:18:53.439 --> 00:18:54.099 who profess 00:18:54.099 --> 00:18:54.659 to be followers 00:18:54.659 --> 00:18:55.439 of Jesus Christ 00:18:55.439 --> 00:18:56.059 as those 00:18:56.059 --> 00:18:57.579 who don't. 00:18:58.559 --> 00:18:59.179 So there must 00:18:59.179 --> 00:18:59.819 be clarity. 00:19:01.259 --> 00:19:02.399 But not only 00:19:02.399 --> 00:19:04.220 in what we would 00:19:04.220 --> 00:19:05.220 call more 00:19:05.220 --> 00:19:06.359 conservative views, 00:19:06.480 --> 00:19:07.099 more biblical 00:19:07.099 --> 00:19:08.220 views on 00:19:08.220 --> 00:19:09.720 marriage, 00:19:09.839 --> 00:19:10.079 divorce, 00:19:10.200 --> 00:19:10.720 and remarriage, 00:19:10.799 --> 00:19:11.480 but there are 00:19:11.480 --> 00:19:12.539 many 00:19:12.539 --> 00:19:14.859 within orthodoxy 00:19:14.859 --> 00:19:16.259 opposing views. 00:19:16.259 --> 00:19:16.839 This is a 00:19:16.839 --> 00:19:18.379 centuries-old 00:19:18.379 --> 00:19:19.160 question 00:19:19.160 --> 00:19:20.460 and debate. 00:19:23.000 --> 00:19:23.759 I want to 00:19:23.759 --> 00:19:24.200 maybe even 00:19:24.200 --> 00:19:25.039 caution you 00:19:25.039 --> 00:19:25.940 to not go 00:19:25.940 --> 00:19:26.819 down the 00:19:26.819 --> 00:19:27.319 wormhole 00:19:27.319 --> 00:19:28.119 too deep 00:19:28.119 --> 00:19:29.099 on this 00:19:29.099 --> 00:19:29.420 debate. 00:19:31.180 --> 00:19:32.160 This is why 00:19:32.160 --> 00:19:33.379 I've charted 00:19:33.379 --> 00:19:34.279 and graphed 00:19:34.279 --> 00:19:35.359 and drawn 00:19:35.359 --> 00:19:35.740 out. 00:19:36.619 --> 00:19:37.339 I would 00:19:37.339 --> 00:19:37.819 annoy you 00:19:37.819 --> 00:19:38.359 to death 00:19:38.359 --> 00:19:39.119 sharing with 00:19:39.119 --> 00:19:39.400 you all 00:19:39.400 --> 00:19:39.640 of the 00:19:39.640 --> 00:19:39.960 things that 00:19:39.960 --> 00:19:40.359 I've done 00:19:40.359 --> 00:19:40.779 to try to 00:19:40.779 --> 00:19:41.160 wrap my 00:19:41.160 --> 00:19:41.720 mind around 00:19:41.720 --> 00:19:42.160 all the 00:19:42.160 --> 00:19:42.879 varying 00:19:42.879 --> 00:19:44.099 views 00:19:44.099 --> 00:19:45.519 and 00:19:45.519 --> 00:19:45.959 positions. 00:19:47.079 --> 00:19:47.779 Even within 00:19:47.779 --> 00:19:48.279 the prominent 00:19:48.279 --> 00:19:48.639 views, 00:19:48.759 --> 00:19:49.019 there are 00:19:49.019 --> 00:19:49.859 nuances of 00:19:49.859 --> 00:19:50.919 them that 00:19:50.919 --> 00:19:51.259 are hard 00:19:51.259 --> 00:19:51.939 to represent. 00:19:52.099 --> 00:19:52.599 It's difficult 00:19:52.599 --> 00:19:52.980 to say, 00:19:53.059 --> 00:19:53.399 let me tell 00:19:53.399 --> 00:19:53.639 you what 00:19:53.639 --> 00:19:54.240 this view 00:19:54.240 --> 00:19:54.959 says because 00:19:54.959 --> 00:19:55.639 I can speak 00:19:55.639 --> 00:19:56.039 to it in 00:19:56.039 --> 00:19:56.639 generalities, 00:19:56.719 --> 00:19:56.919 but the 00:19:56.919 --> 00:19:57.500 particulars 00:19:57.500 --> 00:19:58.679 can differ 00:19:58.679 --> 00:19:59.839 all the 00:19:59.839 --> 00:20:00.159 same. 00:20:02.059 --> 00:20:02.579 And so 00:20:02.579 --> 00:20:04.279 there are 00:20:04.279 --> 00:20:05.119 three positions 00:20:05.119 --> 00:20:05.719 worth 00:20:05.719 --> 00:20:06.719 considering 00:20:06.719 --> 00:20:08.339 broadly, 00:20:08.619 --> 00:20:09.039 and I want 00:20:09.039 --> 00:20:09.539 to point 00:20:09.539 --> 00:20:10.139 your attention 00:20:10.139 --> 00:20:10.740 to the 00:20:10.740 --> 00:20:11.519 second page 00:20:11.519 --> 00:20:12.240 of this 00:20:12.240 --> 00:20:12.799 document that 00:20:12.799 --> 00:20:13.159 was handed 00:20:13.159 --> 00:20:13.519 out. 00:20:14.099 --> 00:20:14.899 Which 00:20:14.899 --> 00:20:15.339 outlines 00:20:15.339 --> 00:20:15.819 those for 00:20:15.819 --> 00:20:16.119 you? 00:20:22.179 --> 00:20:23.079 So it 00:20:23.079 --> 00:20:23.480 would be 00:20:23.480 --> 00:20:23.919 marked as 00:20:23.919 --> 00:20:25.399 page 203. 00:20:32.419 --> 00:20:33.179 About two 00:20:33.179 --> 00:20:33.579 thirds down 00:20:33.579 --> 00:20:34.000 the page, 00:20:34.139 --> 00:20:34.559 it says 00:20:34.559 --> 00:20:35.159 number one, 00:20:35.359 --> 00:20:35.959 no divorce, 00:20:36.559 --> 00:20:37.279 no remarriage. 00:20:37.319 --> 00:20:37.679 That's where I'm 00:20:37.679 --> 00:20:38.359 drawing your 00:20:38.359 --> 00:20:39.339 attention to. 00:20:40.139 --> 00:20:40.379 Those are 00:20:40.379 --> 00:20:41.319 three positions 00:20:41.319 --> 00:20:42.379 worth considering. 00:20:42.380 --> 00:20:43.760 There's 00:20:43.760 --> 00:20:44.140 another, 00:20:44.280 --> 00:20:44.700 although there's 00:20:44.700 --> 00:20:45.420 variances in it 00:20:45.420 --> 00:20:45.860 enough that 00:20:45.860 --> 00:20:46.220 some might 00:20:46.220 --> 00:20:46.560 call it 00:20:46.560 --> 00:20:46.940 more, 00:20:47.060 --> 00:20:47.300 but I'll 00:20:47.300 --> 00:20:47.660 call it a 00:20:47.660 --> 00:20:48.180 fourth view, 00:20:48.280 --> 00:20:48.500 which is 00:20:48.500 --> 00:20:49.100 basically an 00:20:49.100 --> 00:20:50.060 anything-goes 00:20:50.060 --> 00:20:51.540 type of view, 00:20:51.760 --> 00:20:52.420 which we 00:20:52.420 --> 00:20:52.940 won't even 00:20:52.940 --> 00:20:53.360 consider. 00:20:53.500 --> 00:20:53.780 The Bible 00:20:53.780 --> 00:20:54.480 does have 00:20:54.480 --> 00:20:55.020 things to 00:20:55.020 --> 00:20:56.300 say about 00:20:56.300 --> 00:20:56.600 marriage, 00:20:56.720 --> 00:20:57.040 divorce, 00:20:57.160 --> 00:20:58.080 and remarriage. 00:20:58.079 --> 00:20:58.579 We can't 00:20:58.579 --> 00:20:59.559 just define it 00:20:59.559 --> 00:21:00.299 for ourselves 00:21:00.299 --> 00:21:00.960 and treat it 00:21:00.960 --> 00:21:01.619 however we 00:21:01.619 --> 00:21:02.559 would like. 00:21:02.619 --> 00:21:03.059 So call that 00:21:03.059 --> 00:21:03.619 the fourth 00:21:03.619 --> 00:21:04.319 view and 00:21:04.319 --> 00:21:05.759 look with me 00:21:05.759 --> 00:21:06.720 for just a 00:21:06.720 --> 00:21:07.679 bit at 00:21:07.679 --> 00:21:08.679 three positions 00:21:08.679 --> 00:21:09.220 worth 00:21:09.220 --> 00:21:10.899 considering. 00:21:10.900 --> 00:21:12.040 So the 00:21:12.040 --> 00:21:12.560 first one is 00:21:12.560 --> 00:21:13.060 the no 00:21:13.060 --> 00:21:13.480 divorce, 00:21:13.660 --> 00:21:14.380 no remarriage 00:21:14.380 --> 00:21:14.500 view. 00:21:14.580 --> 00:21:14.820 This is 00:21:14.820 --> 00:21:15.500 very commonly 00:21:15.500 --> 00:21:16.080 called the 00:21:16.080 --> 00:21:16.900 permanence 00:21:16.900 --> 00:21:17.240 view. 00:21:17.660 --> 00:21:18.000 It's the 00:21:18.000 --> 00:21:18.380 only view 00:21:18.380 --> 00:21:18.840 that has 00:21:18.840 --> 00:21:19.800 an agreed 00:21:19.800 --> 00:21:20.380 upon name. 00:21:20.620 --> 00:21:21.040 So if you 00:21:21.040 --> 00:21:21.759 hear permanence, 00:21:21.880 --> 00:21:22.820 this is what's 00:21:22.820 --> 00:21:23.600 being talked 00:21:23.600 --> 00:21:23.800 about. 00:21:23.900 --> 00:21:24.180 Again, 00:21:24.540 --> 00:21:24.960 there are 00:21:24.960 --> 00:21:25.460 nuances 00:21:25.460 --> 00:21:26.460 within it, 00:21:27.700 --> 00:21:28.740 but permanence 00:21:28.740 --> 00:21:29.320 folks would 00:21:29.320 --> 00:21:31.000 say that 00:21:31.000 --> 00:21:31.519 there is 00:21:31.519 --> 00:21:32.080 no reason 00:21:32.080 --> 00:21:32.460 for, 00:21:33.240 --> 00:21:33.759 biblically 00:21:33.759 --> 00:21:34.280 allowable 00:21:34.280 --> 00:21:34.860 reason for 00:21:34.860 --> 00:21:35.500 divorce and 00:21:35.500 --> 00:21:36.000 no biblically 00:21:36.000 --> 00:21:36.500 allowable 00:21:36.500 --> 00:21:37.200 reason for 00:21:37.200 --> 00:21:37.759 remarriage 00:21:37.759 --> 00:21:38.540 if somebody 00:21:38.539 --> 00:21:39.259 has been 00:21:39.259 --> 00:21:40.279 sinfully 00:21:40.279 --> 00:21:41.319 divorced. 00:21:42.339 --> 00:21:42.599 And there 00:21:42.599 --> 00:21:42.879 are many 00:21:42.879 --> 00:21:43.500 orthodox 00:21:43.500 --> 00:21:44.039 people that 00:21:44.039 --> 00:21:45.119 hold this 00:21:45.119 --> 00:21:46.059 view. 00:21:46.299 --> 00:21:46.899 Some examples 00:21:46.899 --> 00:21:47.539 in our day 00:21:47.539 --> 00:21:48.319 are Votie 00:21:48.319 --> 00:21:48.700 Bauckham 00:21:48.700 --> 00:21:49.779 and John 00:21:49.779 --> 00:21:50.220 Piper. 00:21:51.379 --> 00:21:52.039 There's not 00:21:52.039 --> 00:21:52.539 a lot of 00:21:52.539 --> 00:21:52.819 writing, 00:21:52.980 --> 00:21:53.279 but I have 00:21:53.279 --> 00:21:53.899 some writing 00:21:53.899 --> 00:21:55.139 on this 00:21:55.139 --> 00:21:55.500 particular 00:21:55.500 --> 00:21:55.799 view. 00:21:55.899 --> 00:21:56.220 It's a 00:21:56.220 --> 00:21:57.200 lesser held 00:21:57.200 --> 00:21:59.480 view in 00:21:59.480 --> 00:21:59.740 what we 00:21:59.740 --> 00:22:00.379 would consider 00:22:00.379 --> 00:22:01.480 orthodox 00:22:01.480 --> 00:22:01.960 Christian 00:22:01.960 --> 00:22:03.319 belief. 00:22:04.079 --> 00:22:04.659 I think 00:22:04.659 --> 00:22:04.879 there are 00:22:04.879 --> 00:22:05.200 some people 00:22:05.200 --> 00:22:05.519 in our 00:22:05.519 --> 00:22:05.839 fellowship 00:22:05.839 --> 00:22:06.519 that hold 00:22:06.519 --> 00:22:07.279 this view 00:22:07.279 --> 00:22:07.920 and there 00:22:07.920 --> 00:22:08.319 are some 00:22:08.319 --> 00:22:09.039 great arguments 00:22:09.039 --> 00:22:09.539 to be 00:22:09.539 --> 00:22:11.220 made for 00:22:11.220 --> 00:22:11.500 it. 00:22:12.919 --> 00:22:13.399 Second, 00:22:14.039 --> 00:22:14.439 and this 00:22:14.439 --> 00:22:15.019 paper develops 00:22:15.019 --> 00:22:15.259 some of 00:22:15.259 --> 00:22:15.399 those 00:22:15.399 --> 00:22:15.700 arguments. 00:22:19.700 --> 00:22:20.619 The second 00:22:20.619 --> 00:22:21.319 view, 00:22:21.759 --> 00:22:22.799 and this 00:22:22.799 --> 00:22:23.000 is the 00:22:23.000 --> 00:22:23.799 view put 00:22:23.799 --> 00:22:24.319 forth in 00:22:24.319 --> 00:22:24.799 this paper 00:22:24.799 --> 00:22:25.139 and that 00:22:25.139 --> 00:22:25.480 I would 00:22:25.480 --> 00:22:26.339 put forth 00:22:26.339 --> 00:22:26.559 to you 00:22:26.559 --> 00:22:27.059 this morning, 00:22:27.599 --> 00:22:29.639 which we'll 00:22:29.639 --> 00:22:30.000 talk about 00:22:30.000 --> 00:22:30.439 generally, 00:22:32.039 --> 00:22:32.579 strictly 00:22:32.579 --> 00:22:33.019 limited 00:22:33.019 --> 00:22:33.500 grounds 00:22:33.500 --> 00:22:34.319 for divorce 00:22:34.319 --> 00:22:35.659 and for 00:22:35.659 --> 00:22:36.579 remarriage. 00:22:36.960 --> 00:22:37.859 I have 00:22:37.859 --> 00:22:38.719 deemed 00:22:38.719 --> 00:22:39.139 this, 00:22:39.479 --> 00:22:39.859 me by 00:22:39.859 --> 00:22:40.339 myself, 00:22:40.459 --> 00:22:40.659 nobody 00:22:40.659 --> 00:22:41.159 else has, 00:22:41.279 --> 00:22:41.519 but by 00:22:41.519 --> 00:22:41.859 myself I 00:22:41.859 --> 00:22:42.179 call this 00:22:42.179 --> 00:22:42.619 the less 00:22:42.619 --> 00:22:43.279 permissive 00:22:43.279 --> 00:22:43.759 view. 00:22:45.039 --> 00:22:45.799 So permissive 00:22:45.799 --> 00:22:46.839 would say 00:22:46.839 --> 00:22:47.399 that there 00:22:47.399 --> 00:22:48.419 are some 00:22:48.419 --> 00:22:48.939 allowable 00:22:48.939 --> 00:22:49.859 times and 00:22:49.859 --> 00:22:50.219 purposes, 00:22:50.719 --> 00:22:51.039 reasons, 00:22:51.039 --> 00:22:52.259 but it's 00:22:52.259 --> 00:22:52.719 not a 00:22:52.719 --> 00:22:53.039 broad 00:22:53.039 --> 00:22:53.479 sense. 00:22:53.579 --> 00:22:53.819 It's a 00:22:53.819 --> 00:22:54.399 lesser 00:22:54.399 --> 00:22:55.240 sense of 00:22:55.240 --> 00:22:56.679 permissive. 00:22:57.339 --> 00:22:57.719 See the 00:22:57.719 --> 00:22:58.039 first 00:22:58.039 --> 00:22:59.419 couple 00:22:59.419 --> 00:22:59.759 sentences 00:22:59.759 --> 00:23:00.059 there. 00:23:00.059 --> 00:23:00.700 a general 00:23:00.700 --> 00:23:01.339 consensus 00:23:01.339 --> 00:23:01.799 among 00:23:01.799 --> 00:23:02.379 reformed 00:23:02.379 --> 00:23:02.700 believers 00:23:02.700 --> 00:23:03.879 is the 00:23:03.879 --> 00:23:04.139 view that 00:23:04.139 --> 00:23:04.500 the Bible 00:23:04.500 --> 00:23:04.819 neither 00:23:04.819 --> 00:23:05.700 condones 00:23:05.700 --> 00:23:06.240 nor 00:23:06.240 --> 00:23:06.779 commands 00:23:06.779 --> 00:23:07.259 divorce, 00:23:08.299 --> 00:23:08.859 but rather 00:23:08.859 --> 00:23:09.819 permits and 00:23:09.819 --> 00:23:10.440 regulates 00:23:10.440 --> 00:23:11.539 divorce due 00:23:11.539 --> 00:23:12.579 to sin. 00:23:13.179 --> 00:23:13.659 So it's 00:23:13.659 --> 00:23:13.980 not the 00:23:13.980 --> 00:23:14.559 high ideal, 00:23:15.299 --> 00:23:15.980 it's not 00:23:15.980 --> 00:23:16.299 the thing 00:23:16.299 --> 00:23:16.579 that we're 00:23:16.579 --> 00:23:17.019 counseling 00:23:17.019 --> 00:23:17.859 toward ever, 00:23:18.480 --> 00:23:18.980 it's not 00:23:18.980 --> 00:23:19.319 the thing 00:23:19.319 --> 00:23:19.799 we want 00:23:19.799 --> 00:23:20.220 to see 00:23:20.220 --> 00:23:20.779 happen, 00:23:21.579 --> 00:23:22.220 so the 00:23:22.220 --> 00:23:22.399 scripture 00:23:22.399 --> 00:23:22.700 doesn't 00:23:22.700 --> 00:23:23.179 command it, 00:23:23.259 --> 00:23:23.579 the scripture 00:23:23.579 --> 00:23:24.339 does not 00:23:24.339 --> 00:23:25.980 condone it, 00:23:26.399 --> 00:23:27.220 but rather 00:23:27.220 --> 00:23:28.900 permits and 00:23:28.900 --> 00:23:30.319 regulates it. 00:23:31.360 --> 00:23:31.799 However, 00:23:31.940 --> 00:23:32.339 a person 00:23:32.339 --> 00:23:33.480 can divorce 00:23:33.480 --> 00:23:34.500 only for 00:23:34.500 --> 00:23:36.240 adultery and 00:23:36.240 --> 00:23:38.039 separation of 00:23:38.039 --> 00:23:38.640 an unbelieving 00:23:38.640 --> 00:23:39.079 spouse. 00:23:39.200 --> 00:23:39.539 There's some 00:23:39.539 --> 00:23:40.100 specific 00:23:40.100 --> 00:23:40.860 circumstances 00:23:40.860 --> 00:23:41.519 in which 00:23:41.519 --> 00:23:42.240 someone can 00:23:42.240 --> 00:23:44.460 be divorced 00:23:44.460 --> 00:23:44.920 and the 00:23:44.920 --> 00:23:45.400 question of 00:23:45.400 --> 00:23:45.980 remarriage 00:23:45.980 --> 00:23:47.900 arises later 00:23:47.900 --> 00:23:48.900 as a result. 00:23:50.519 --> 00:23:51.200 Prominent 00:23:51.200 --> 00:23:52.940 people who 00:23:52.940 --> 00:23:53.339 interestingly 00:23:53.339 --> 00:23:53.779 all their 00:23:53.779 --> 00:23:54.140 names start 00:23:54.140 --> 00:23:54.759 with a J, 00:23:56.240 --> 00:23:56.779 John 00:23:56.779 --> 00:23:57.299 MacArthur, 00:23:58.359 --> 00:23:59.139 J Adams, 00:23:59.960 --> 00:24:00.299 the late 00:24:00.299 --> 00:24:00.899 John 00:24:00.899 --> 00:24:01.599 Murray, 00:24:02.619 --> 00:24:02.819 Jim 00:24:02.819 --> 00:24:03.299 Neuheiser, 00:24:03.299 --> 00:24:03.619 these are 00:24:03.619 --> 00:24:03.940 all people 00:24:03.940 --> 00:24:04.440 you may be 00:24:04.440 --> 00:24:05.019 familiar with 00:24:05.019 --> 00:24:05.599 that hold 00:24:05.599 --> 00:24:06.940 to this 00:24:06.940 --> 00:24:07.299 view. 00:24:07.299 --> 00:24:08.319 Once again, 00:24:09.440 --> 00:24:10.839 with variance 00:24:10.839 --> 00:24:11.960 and nuance 00:24:11.960 --> 00:24:12.799 in their 00:24:12.799 --> 00:24:13.839 particular 00:24:13.839 --> 00:24:14.460 holding of 00:24:14.460 --> 00:24:14.660 it, 00:24:15.460 --> 00:24:16.240 the place 00:24:16.240 --> 00:24:16.700 where my 00:24:16.700 --> 00:24:17.519 brain came 00:24:17.519 --> 00:24:17.899 to a 00:24:17.899 --> 00:24:18.539 constant 00:24:18.539 --> 00:24:19.099 screeching 00:24:19.099 --> 00:24:19.480 halt, 00:24:19.579 --> 00:24:19.960 got all 00:24:19.960 --> 00:24:20.359 knotted 00:24:20.359 --> 00:24:20.660 up, 00:24:20.720 --> 00:24:21.420 was particularly 00:24:21.420 --> 00:24:22.279 around the 00:24:22.279 --> 00:24:22.740 conversation 00:24:22.740 --> 00:24:23.740 of remarriage 00:24:23.740 --> 00:24:24.379 and there's 00:24:24.379 --> 00:24:25.460 not a 00:24:25.460 --> 00:24:26.019 massive amount 00:24:26.019 --> 00:24:26.559 of consensus 00:24:26.559 --> 00:24:28.279 concerning that 00:24:28.279 --> 00:24:28.619 matter. 00:24:30.619 --> 00:24:31.539 The last 00:24:31.539 --> 00:24:32.000 one is a 00:24:32.000 --> 00:24:32.440 broader 00:24:32.440 --> 00:24:33.379 grounds for 00:24:33.379 --> 00:24:33.980 divorce and 00:24:33.980 --> 00:24:34.700 remarriage. 00:24:34.859 --> 00:24:35.759 I've deemed 00:24:35.759 --> 00:24:36.139 this the 00:24:36.139 --> 00:24:37.839 more permissive. 00:24:38.279 --> 00:24:38.720 It's not 00:24:38.720 --> 00:24:40.259 outside that 00:24:40.259 --> 00:24:40.879 realm of 00:24:40.879 --> 00:24:41.839 anything goes 00:24:41.839 --> 00:24:42.559 kind of a 00:24:42.559 --> 00:24:43.379 mentality, 00:24:44.079 --> 00:24:44.659 but they would 00:24:44.659 --> 00:24:45.399 suggest that 00:24:45.399 --> 00:24:46.399 those two 00:24:46.399 --> 00:24:47.339 reasons given, 00:24:48.119 --> 00:24:48.779 adultery and 00:24:48.779 --> 00:24:49.879 separation of an 00:24:49.879 --> 00:24:50.319 unbelieving 00:24:50.319 --> 00:24:51.419 spouse, 00:24:51.659 --> 00:24:52.359 should be 00:24:52.359 --> 00:24:53.059 interpreted with 00:24:53.059 --> 00:24:53.819 more latitude. 00:24:53.819 --> 00:24:54.679 So they're 00:24:54.679 --> 00:24:55.279 more quick 00:24:55.279 --> 00:24:56.000 to include 00:24:56.000 --> 00:24:56.679 things like 00:24:56.679 --> 00:24:57.559 abuse in 00:24:57.559 --> 00:24:58.279 that category 00:24:58.279 --> 00:25:00.579 or not 00:25:00.579 --> 00:25:01.839 providing for 00:25:01.839 --> 00:25:02.659 and meeting 00:25:02.659 --> 00:25:03.839 the marital 00:25:03.839 --> 00:25:04.480 agreement. 00:25:04.759 --> 00:25:05.099 They would 00:25:05.099 --> 00:25:05.659 tend to 00:25:05.659 --> 00:25:06.460 work into 00:25:06.460 --> 00:25:07.039 some of 00:25:07.039 --> 00:25:08.500 that 00:25:08.500 --> 00:25:09.819 understanding. 00:25:09.819 --> 00:25:12.439 the labor 00:25:12.439 --> 00:25:13.119 in this is 00:25:13.119 --> 00:25:13.439 that we 00:25:13.439 --> 00:25:14.619 don't want 00:25:14.619 --> 00:25:15.480 to condone 00:25:15.480 --> 00:25:16.559 that which 00:25:16.559 --> 00:25:17.099 is sin. 00:25:17.519 --> 00:25:17.839 We don't 00:25:17.839 --> 00:25:18.119 want to give 00:25:18.119 --> 00:25:19.200 permission for 00:25:19.200 --> 00:25:19.700 sin. 00:25:20.460 --> 00:25:21.319 We also do 00:25:21.319 --> 00:25:21.919 not want to 00:25:21.919 --> 00:25:23.099 forbid that 00:25:23.099 --> 00:25:24.000 which is not 00:25:24.000 --> 00:25:25.059 sin. 00:25:25.480 --> 00:25:26.019 There's an 00:25:26.019 --> 00:25:26.879 error on both 00:25:26.879 --> 00:25:28.220 sides here. 00:25:29.379 --> 00:25:30.659 There's always 00:25:30.659 --> 00:25:32.039 a fine line 00:25:32.039 --> 00:25:32.519 to walk 00:25:32.519 --> 00:25:33.079 between 00:25:33.079 --> 00:25:34.179 licentiousness 00:25:34.180 --> 00:25:35.000 and 00:25:35.000 --> 00:25:36.420 legalism. 00:25:37.000 --> 00:25:37.279 We don't 00:25:37.279 --> 00:25:37.700 want to find 00:25:37.700 --> 00:25:38.259 ourselves in 00:25:38.259 --> 00:25:38.900 either 00:25:38.900 --> 00:25:40.880 place. 00:25:41.860 --> 00:25:43.039 So the 00:25:43.039 --> 00:25:43.519 position that's 00:25:43.519 --> 00:25:43.940 put forth in 00:25:43.940 --> 00:25:44.340 this paper, 00:25:44.500 --> 00:25:45.259 the position 00:25:45.259 --> 00:25:46.140 that I'm 00:25:46.140 --> 00:25:46.860 putting before 00:25:46.860 --> 00:25:47.680 you today, 00:25:47.940 --> 00:25:48.620 I believe 00:25:48.620 --> 00:25:50.500 is the most 00:25:50.500 --> 00:25:51.980 exegetically 00:25:51.980 --> 00:25:52.460 defensible, 00:25:53.700 --> 00:25:54.299 theologically 00:25:54.299 --> 00:25:54.920 sustainable, 00:25:55.480 --> 00:25:56.740 and 00:25:56.740 --> 00:25:57.759 pastorally 00:25:57.759 --> 00:25:59.039 sensible. 00:26:00.220 --> 00:26:01.160 For us as 00:26:01.160 --> 00:26:01.500 a church, 00:26:01.560 --> 00:26:01.840 it's going to 00:26:01.840 --> 00:26:02.440 be important 00:26:02.440 --> 00:26:03.080 that we 00:26:03.080 --> 00:26:03.820 say, 00:26:04.180 --> 00:26:05.680 this far, 00:26:06.259 --> 00:26:06.740 but no 00:26:06.740 --> 00:26:07.120 further. 00:26:07.940 --> 00:26:08.700 We have to 00:26:08.700 --> 00:26:08.900 say, 00:26:09.000 --> 00:26:09.799 what can we 00:26:09.799 --> 00:26:10.539 be confident 00:26:10.539 --> 00:26:10.980 the Scripture 00:26:10.980 --> 00:26:11.680 does in 00:26:11.680 --> 00:26:12.640 fact teach? 00:26:12.960 --> 00:26:13.500 I do think 00:26:13.500 --> 00:26:14.100 that allows 00:26:14.100 --> 00:26:14.920 for some 00:26:14.920 --> 00:26:16.740 narrower views. 00:26:16.820 --> 00:26:17.120 I don't mean 00:26:17.120 --> 00:26:17.759 narrow-minded, 00:26:17.960 --> 00:26:18.539 I mean just 00:26:18.539 --> 00:26:19.700 more restrictive 00:26:19.700 --> 00:26:20.560 views within 00:26:20.560 --> 00:26:21.660 that view. 00:26:22.460 --> 00:26:22.820 But we're 00:26:22.820 --> 00:26:23.120 going to have 00:26:23.120 --> 00:26:23.660 to consider 00:26:23.660 --> 00:26:24.560 what will 00:26:24.560 --> 00:26:25.220 our church 00:26:25.220 --> 00:26:26.940 call sin 00:26:26.940 --> 00:26:28.380 and what 00:26:28.380 --> 00:26:28.680 will we 00:26:28.680 --> 00:26:29.380 not? 00:26:29.980 --> 00:26:30.440 This is a 00:26:30.440 --> 00:26:30.860 challenging 00:26:30.860 --> 00:26:31.700 thing to do 00:26:31.700 --> 00:26:32.500 in this 00:26:32.500 --> 00:26:33.480 matter. 00:26:34.180 --> 00:26:34.799 Consider 00:26:34.799 --> 00:26:35.519 particularly 00:26:35.519 --> 00:26:37.320 the faithful 00:26:37.320 --> 00:26:38.320 churches 00:26:38.320 --> 00:26:39.240 that hold 00:26:39.240 --> 00:26:40.140 varied views 00:26:40.140 --> 00:26:40.500 and that 00:26:40.500 --> 00:26:40.880 people may 00:26:40.880 --> 00:26:41.440 come to 00:26:41.440 --> 00:26:41.880 us from 00:26:41.880 --> 00:26:42.360 those 00:26:42.360 --> 00:26:43.279 places 00:26:43.279 --> 00:26:44.620 and we 00:26:44.620 --> 00:26:44.860 will be 00:26:44.860 --> 00:26:45.440 asking them 00:26:45.440 --> 00:26:45.920 to recognize 00:26:45.920 --> 00:26:46.440 something as 00:26:46.440 --> 00:26:46.779 sin that 00:26:46.779 --> 00:26:47.180 they did 00:26:47.180 --> 00:26:47.940 not previously 00:26:47.940 --> 00:26:48.840 recognize as 00:26:48.840 --> 00:26:49.420 sin and may 00:26:49.420 --> 00:26:51.039 not be. 00:26:52.080 --> 00:26:52.759 Some of my 00:26:52.759 --> 00:26:53.519 insanity coming 00:26:53.519 --> 00:26:53.840 out, 00:26:54.100 --> 00:26:54.460 are you starting 00:26:54.460 --> 00:26:54.720 to go, 00:26:54.920 --> 00:26:55.279 gosh, 00:26:55.960 --> 00:26:57.080 I have been 00:26:57.080 --> 00:26:57.560 losing my 00:26:57.560 --> 00:26:58.440 mind over 00:26:58.440 --> 00:27:00.200 all of this. 00:27:00.200 --> 00:27:02.340 So here's 00:27:02.340 --> 00:27:02.779 the position 00:27:02.779 --> 00:27:03.380 summary. 00:27:04.380 --> 00:27:06.519 I know 00:27:06.519 --> 00:27:06.779 we're not 00:27:06.779 --> 00:27:07.200 opening the 00:27:07.200 --> 00:27:07.380 text. 00:27:07.460 --> 00:27:07.819 This is a 00:27:07.819 --> 00:27:08.460 weird Sunday 00:27:08.460 --> 00:27:09.019 for us. 00:27:09.640 --> 00:27:10.019 Please know 00:27:10.019 --> 00:27:10.420 that if you're 00:27:10.420 --> 00:27:10.799 a guest. 00:27:12.259 --> 00:27:13.000 The position 00:27:13.000 --> 00:27:13.539 put forth in 00:27:13.539 --> 00:27:13.940 this paper, 00:27:14.039 --> 00:27:14.559 this is my 00:27:14.559 --> 00:27:15.400 summary of 00:27:15.400 --> 00:27:16.400 that position 00:27:16.400 --> 00:27:16.759 and it's 00:27:16.759 --> 00:27:17.140 what I want 00:27:17.140 --> 00:27:17.580 you to pick 00:27:17.580 --> 00:27:17.980 up and I 00:27:17.980 --> 00:27:18.259 want you 00:27:18.259 --> 00:27:19.799 to wrestle 00:27:19.799 --> 00:27:20.440 with. 00:27:23.160 --> 00:27:23.960 Number one, 00:27:24.799 --> 00:27:25.259 marriage is 00:27:25.259 --> 00:27:25.880 the lifelong 00:27:25.880 --> 00:27:26.519 uniting of 00:27:26.519 --> 00:27:27.220 one man and 00:27:27.220 --> 00:27:28.080 one woman in 00:27:28.080 --> 00:27:28.480 covenant 00:27:28.480 --> 00:27:29.480 commitment. 00:27:29.680 --> 00:27:30.099 This is from 00:27:30.099 --> 00:27:30.519 our statement 00:27:30.519 --> 00:27:30.980 of faith. 00:27:31.640 --> 00:27:32.120 Marriage is. 00:27:32.160 --> 00:27:32.480 This is what 00:27:32.480 --> 00:27:32.980 it was intended 00:27:32.980 --> 00:27:33.400 to be. 00:27:34.500 --> 00:27:34.920 This is the 00:27:34.920 --> 00:27:35.220 point. 00:27:35.860 --> 00:27:39.620 We do 00:27:39.620 --> 00:27:40.099 premarital 00:27:40.099 --> 00:27:40.819 counseling in 00:27:40.819 --> 00:27:41.240 this way. 00:27:42.380 --> 00:27:42.839 The vows 00:27:42.839 --> 00:27:43.420 that we do 00:27:43.420 --> 00:27:45.079 when I 00:27:45.079 --> 00:27:45.640 officiate a 00:27:45.640 --> 00:27:46.299 wedding ceremony 00:27:46.299 --> 00:27:47.299 are permanence 00:27:47.299 --> 00:27:47.740 vows. 00:27:48.660 --> 00:27:49.220 We don't say 00:27:49.220 --> 00:27:49.860 do you, 00:27:50.200 --> 00:27:50.759 unless of 00:27:50.759 --> 00:27:51.360 course if. 00:27:51.500 --> 00:27:51.779 We don't 00:27:51.779 --> 00:27:52.460 include that. 00:27:52.720 --> 00:27:53.259 This is the 00:27:53.259 --> 00:27:53.559 point. 00:27:53.640 --> 00:27:54.059 This is the 00:27:54.059 --> 00:27:54.279 goal. 00:27:54.519 --> 00:27:54.920 This is what 00:27:54.920 --> 00:27:55.440 we're striving 00:27:55.440 --> 00:27:55.819 for. 00:27:56.000 --> 00:27:56.440 Lifelong 00:27:56.440 --> 00:27:56.980 uniting of 00:27:56.980 --> 00:27:58.240 one man and 00:27:58.240 --> 00:27:59.680 one woman in 00:27:59.680 --> 00:28:00.059 covenant 00:28:00.059 --> 00:28:01.380 commitment. 00:28:02.599 --> 00:28:02.960 That's number 00:28:02.960 --> 00:28:03.099 one. 00:28:03.160 --> 00:28:03.539 Number two, 00:28:05.539 --> 00:28:06.039 a believer 00:28:06.039 --> 00:28:06.680 should not 00:28:06.680 --> 00:28:07.700 marry an 00:28:07.700 --> 00:28:08.140 unbeliever. 00:28:09.180 --> 00:28:09.779 This comes 00:28:09.779 --> 00:28:10.120 into play 00:28:10.120 --> 00:28:10.720 later as we 00:28:10.720 --> 00:28:11.299 talk about 00:28:11.299 --> 00:28:12.339 remarriage. 00:28:13.640 --> 00:28:14.019 Believers 00:28:14.019 --> 00:28:14.420 should not 00:28:14.420 --> 00:28:14.880 marry an 00:28:14.880 --> 00:28:15.240 unbeliever. 00:28:15.319 --> 00:28:15.519 They should 00:28:15.519 --> 00:28:15.920 not be 00:28:15.920 --> 00:28:16.900 unequally 00:28:16.900 --> 00:28:17.240 yoked. 00:28:19.440 --> 00:28:19.960 Third, 00:28:20.880 --> 00:28:21.480 a believer 00:28:21.480 --> 00:28:22.440 should remain 00:28:22.440 --> 00:28:23.859 married to 00:28:23.859 --> 00:28:24.460 an unbeliever 00:28:24.460 --> 00:28:26.880 if the 00:28:26.880 --> 00:28:27.440 unbeliever is 00:28:27.440 --> 00:28:28.140 willing to 00:28:28.140 --> 00:28:29.259 remain married. 00:28:31.180 --> 00:28:31.720 Somebody 00:28:31.720 --> 00:28:33.079 converted to 00:28:33.079 --> 00:28:33.380 faith in 00:28:33.380 --> 00:28:33.759 Christ should 00:28:33.759 --> 00:28:34.680 not divorce 00:28:34.680 --> 00:28:35.500 their 00:28:35.500 --> 00:28:36.840 unbelieving 00:28:36.840 --> 00:28:38.019 spouse if the 00:28:38.019 --> 00:28:38.400 spouse is 00:28:38.400 --> 00:28:38.900 willing to 00:28:38.900 --> 00:28:39.579 remain in 00:28:39.579 --> 00:28:39.880 the marriage. 00:28:42.220 --> 00:28:42.860 Fourth, 00:28:45.000 --> 00:28:46.360 divorce always 00:28:46.360 --> 00:28:47.420 stems from 00:28:47.420 --> 00:28:47.759 sin, 00:28:48.759 --> 00:28:49.720 but in 00:28:49.720 --> 00:28:50.960 some cases 00:28:50.960 --> 00:28:53.160 is not 00:28:53.160 --> 00:28:56.380 sinful for 00:28:56.380 --> 00:28:57.000 one of the 00:28:57.000 --> 00:28:58.100 parties of 00:28:58.100 --> 00:28:58.799 the divorce. 00:28:59.500 --> 00:29:00.000 Divorce always 00:29:00.000 --> 00:29:00.360 stems from 00:29:00.360 --> 00:29:00.759 sin, but in 00:29:00.759 --> 00:29:01.220 some cases 00:29:01.220 --> 00:29:01.779 is not 00:29:01.779 --> 00:29:02.500 sinful. 00:29:02.680 --> 00:29:03.160 The Bible 00:29:03.160 --> 00:29:04.319 never commands 00:29:04.319 --> 00:29:04.740 divorce. 00:29:06.840 --> 00:29:07.620 It doesn't 00:29:07.620 --> 00:29:08.180 condone it, 00:29:08.900 --> 00:29:09.519 but it does 00:29:09.519 --> 00:29:10.740 not condemn 00:29:10.740 --> 00:29:12.240 divorce in 00:29:12.240 --> 00:29:12.860 two cases. 00:29:12.859 --> 00:29:15.179 when a 00:29:15.179 --> 00:29:15.619 spouse is 00:29:15.619 --> 00:29:15.939 sexually 00:29:15.939 --> 00:29:16.519 unfaithful. 00:29:18.299 --> 00:29:18.740 Secondly, 00:29:19.639 --> 00:29:20.740 when an 00:29:20.740 --> 00:29:21.279 unbelieving 00:29:21.279 --> 00:29:21.740 spouse 00:29:21.740 --> 00:29:22.479 abandons 00:29:22.479 --> 00:29:23.639 a believing 00:29:23.639 --> 00:29:24.119 spouse. 00:29:25.079 --> 00:29:25.500 And there 00:29:25.500 --> 00:29:26.159 are particulars 00:29:26.159 --> 00:29:26.519 and there 00:29:26.519 --> 00:29:27.079 are intricacies 00:29:27.079 --> 00:29:28.099 even in 00:29:28.099 --> 00:29:29.639 those two 00:29:29.639 --> 00:29:30.619 exceptions. 00:29:34.259 --> 00:29:35.099 Fifth, 00:29:35.679 --> 00:29:36.579 because death 00:29:36.579 --> 00:29:37.159 breaks the 00:29:37.159 --> 00:29:37.759 marriage bond, 00:29:37.959 --> 00:29:38.859 remarriage is 00:29:38.859 --> 00:29:39.839 allowed for 00:29:39.839 --> 00:29:40.299 the surviving 00:29:40.299 --> 00:29:40.759 spouse. 00:29:42.859 --> 00:29:44.719 And sixth, 00:29:44.939 --> 00:29:45.240 and you're 00:29:45.240 --> 00:29:45.500 going to hate 00:29:45.500 --> 00:29:45.919 this one because 00:29:45.919 --> 00:29:46.139 it's the 00:29:46.139 --> 00:29:46.740 broadest one I'm 00:29:46.740 --> 00:29:46.959 going to give 00:29:46.959 --> 00:29:47.179 you this 00:29:47.179 --> 00:29:47.419 morning. 00:29:48.879 --> 00:29:49.399 The paper 00:29:49.399 --> 00:29:50.099 speaks more 00:29:50.099 --> 00:29:50.459 to this. 00:29:51.299 --> 00:29:51.719 In some 00:29:51.719 --> 00:29:52.199 cases, 00:29:53.559 --> 00:29:54.240 remarriage is 00:29:54.240 --> 00:29:55.240 allowed for 00:29:55.240 --> 00:29:55.879 divorced people 00:29:55.879 --> 00:29:57.619 with surviving 00:29:57.619 --> 00:29:59.379 ex-spouses. 00:30:00.000 --> 00:30:00.439 In some 00:30:00.439 --> 00:30:00.799 cases, 00:30:01.619 --> 00:30:02.319 remarriage is 00:30:02.319 --> 00:30:03.219 allowed for 00:30:03.219 --> 00:30:03.819 divorced people 00:30:03.819 --> 00:30:05.240 with surviving 00:30:05.240 --> 00:30:07.479 ex-spouses. 00:30:07.819 --> 00:30:08.459 I want you to 00:30:08.459 --> 00:30:09.059 read carefully 00:30:09.059 --> 00:30:10.119 through that 00:30:10.119 --> 00:30:10.519 section. 00:30:10.699 --> 00:30:11.000 It's the very 00:30:11.000 --> 00:30:11.839 end of this 00:30:11.839 --> 00:30:12.099 paper. 00:30:12.099 --> 00:30:13.039 And give 00:30:13.039 --> 00:30:13.579 it prayerful 00:30:13.579 --> 00:30:14.759 thought and 00:30:14.759 --> 00:30:15.279 consideration. 00:30:16.879 --> 00:30:18.500 So, I 00:30:18.500 --> 00:30:18.819 know that's 00:30:18.819 --> 00:30:19.319 probably really 00:30:19.319 --> 00:30:20.259 unsatisfying for 00:30:20.259 --> 00:30:20.459 you. 00:30:22.159 --> 00:30:22.799 Know that 00:30:22.799 --> 00:30:23.299 everything I'm 00:30:23.299 --> 00:30:23.719 saying is 00:30:23.719 --> 00:30:24.439 accompanied by 00:30:24.439 --> 00:30:25.799 a 28-page 00:30:25.799 --> 00:30:26.619 document that I 00:30:26.619 --> 00:30:27.059 want you to 00:30:27.059 --> 00:30:27.699 read and dig 00:30:27.699 --> 00:30:28.980 into and give 00:30:28.980 --> 00:30:30.299 lots of 00:30:30.299 --> 00:30:30.679 thought. 00:30:31.539 --> 00:30:32.039 Prayerfully 00:30:32.039 --> 00:30:32.519 consider it. 00:30:32.559 --> 00:30:32.819 Roll around. 00:30:32.879 --> 00:30:33.679 Have lots of 00:30:33.679 --> 00:30:34.619 conversations about 00:30:34.619 --> 00:30:34.919 this. 00:30:35.000 --> 00:30:35.619 I'm available 00:30:35.619 --> 00:30:37.399 most of the 00:30:37.399 --> 00:30:38.259 time to talk 00:30:38.259 --> 00:30:38.639 about it. 00:30:39.339 --> 00:30:40.299 My only rule 00:30:40.299 --> 00:30:41.000 is not today. 00:30:42.099 --> 00:30:43.179 I don't want 00:30:43.179 --> 00:30:43.719 to talk about 00:30:43.719 --> 00:30:44.699 divorce and 00:30:44.699 --> 00:30:45.419 remarriage today. 00:30:45.699 --> 00:30:46.379 So, I 00:30:46.379 --> 00:30:46.939 promise I will 00:30:46.939 --> 00:30:47.439 shut you down 00:30:47.439 --> 00:30:47.899 if you come up 00:30:47.899 --> 00:30:48.439 to me after the 00:30:48.439 --> 00:30:48.959 service and want 00:30:48.959 --> 00:30:49.399 to talk about 00:30:49.399 --> 00:30:49.559 it. 00:30:49.980 --> 00:30:50.480 But other 00:30:50.480 --> 00:30:51.199 times, after 00:30:51.199 --> 00:30:52.699 today, I'm 00:30:52.699 --> 00:30:53.319 here with you 00:30:53.319 --> 00:30:53.859 and I want to 00:30:53.859 --> 00:30:54.439 walk through it 00:30:54.439 --> 00:30:54.919 and I want to 00:30:54.919 --> 00:30:55.879 pursue the 00:30:55.879 --> 00:30:57.379 truth together. 00:30:57.699 --> 00:30:59.619 And so, let me 00:30:59.619 --> 00:31:00.439 just say some 00:31:00.439 --> 00:31:01.019 things to you about 00:31:01.019 --> 00:31:01.639 how we should 00:31:01.639 --> 00:31:02.759 continue in this 00:31:02.759 --> 00:31:04.179 process and then 00:31:04.179 --> 00:31:04.419 we're going to 00:31:04.419 --> 00:31:04.819 talk about the 00:31:04.819 --> 00:31:05.439 gospel again a 00:31:05.439 --> 00:31:05.859 little bit and 00:31:05.859 --> 00:31:06.079 then we're going 00:31:06.079 --> 00:31:06.419 to sing some 00:31:06.419 --> 00:31:06.939 great songs 00:31:06.939 --> 00:31:09.059 together and 00:31:09.059 --> 00:31:10.240 press on with 00:31:10.240 --> 00:31:11.460 our day. 00:31:12.720 --> 00:31:13.279 So, as we, 00:31:13.659 --> 00:31:14.460 it's been my 00:31:14.460 --> 00:31:15.139 labor, I'm 00:31:15.139 --> 00:31:15.919 inviting you into 00:31:15.919 --> 00:31:16.879 that now as 00:31:16.879 --> 00:31:17.220 well. 00:31:18.079 --> 00:31:19.240 Number one, let's 00:31:19.240 --> 00:31:21.019 be congregational. 00:31:21.500 --> 00:31:22.019 We are a 00:31:22.019 --> 00:31:22.639 congregational 00:31:22.639 --> 00:31:22.960 church. 00:31:23.059 --> 00:31:23.519 That means that 00:31:23.519 --> 00:31:23.919 people who are 00:31:23.919 --> 00:31:24.599 members of this 00:31:24.599 --> 00:31:25.779 fellowship are 00:31:25.779 --> 00:31:26.980 responsible for 00:31:26.980 --> 00:31:27.799 the doctrine of 00:31:27.799 --> 00:31:28.339 this church. 00:31:29.079 --> 00:31:29.619 That means you 00:31:29.619 --> 00:31:30.419 play a part in 00:31:30.419 --> 00:31:30.720 that. 00:31:31.179 --> 00:31:31.679 And the elders 00:31:31.679 --> 00:31:32.339 of your church 00:31:32.339 --> 00:31:33.519 should and we 00:31:33.519 --> 00:31:34.200 want to give you 00:31:34.200 --> 00:31:35.079 leadership in 00:31:35.079 --> 00:31:35.359 that. 00:31:35.720 --> 00:31:36.319 We want to get 00:31:36.319 --> 00:31:36.859 out ahead of 00:31:36.859 --> 00:31:37.839 you and do 00:31:37.839 --> 00:31:38.599 hard work and 00:31:38.599 --> 00:31:39.240 present things 00:31:39.240 --> 00:31:40.279 and teach you 00:31:40.279 --> 00:31:40.539 what the 00:31:40.539 --> 00:31:41.619 scripture says, 00:31:41.740 --> 00:31:42.759 but you are 00:31:42.759 --> 00:31:43.719 responsible for 00:31:43.719 --> 00:31:44.199 what our church 00:31:44.199 --> 00:31:45.480 decides, where 00:31:45.480 --> 00:31:46.119 we decide to 00:31:46.119 --> 00:31:46.919 stand on this 00:31:46.919 --> 00:31:48.199 particular issue. 00:31:48.719 --> 00:31:49.539 And you should 00:31:49.539 --> 00:31:50.599 not do that 00:31:50.599 --> 00:31:51.939 when you show up 00:31:51.939 --> 00:31:52.459 to a meeting 00:31:52.459 --> 00:31:53.279 and suddenly you 00:31:53.279 --> 00:31:54.199 have questions 00:31:54.199 --> 00:31:55.839 and suddenly you 00:31:55.839 --> 00:31:56.519 have an opinion 00:31:56.519 --> 00:31:57.299 and a thought. 00:31:58.159 --> 00:31:58.939 Do the work. 00:31:59.859 --> 00:32:00.659 Get in there 00:32:00.659 --> 00:32:01.719 and work it 00:32:01.719 --> 00:32:03.099 through if you 00:32:03.099 --> 00:32:03.679 want a voice 00:32:03.679 --> 00:32:04.859 and you want to 00:32:04.859 --> 00:32:05.559 speak and be 00:32:05.559 --> 00:32:05.939 part of the 00:32:05.939 --> 00:32:06.339 process. 00:32:06.539 --> 00:32:07.939 Be congregational. 00:32:07.940 --> 00:32:08.420 That doesn't 00:32:08.420 --> 00:32:09.100 just mean show 00:32:09.100 --> 00:32:09.380 up to a 00:32:09.380 --> 00:32:09.700 meeting and 00:32:09.700 --> 00:32:10.000 vote. 00:32:10.480 --> 00:32:11.080 That means 00:32:11.080 --> 00:32:12.259 pick up the 00:32:12.259 --> 00:32:12.700 challenge. 00:32:13.259 --> 00:32:14.519 Take up the 00:32:14.519 --> 00:32:15.660 work of working 00:32:15.660 --> 00:32:16.380 it through. 00:32:16.779 --> 00:32:17.400 I have got 00:32:17.400 --> 00:32:18.420 endless resources 00:32:18.420 --> 00:32:19.019 I could give 00:32:19.019 --> 00:32:19.140 you. 00:32:19.420 --> 00:32:19.900 There are many 00:32:19.900 --> 00:32:20.559 of them cited 00:32:20.559 --> 00:32:21.880 in this particular 00:32:21.880 --> 00:32:22.860 paper as well. 00:32:23.160 --> 00:32:23.840 You may need 00:32:23.840 --> 00:32:24.840 to pick up a 00:32:24.840 --> 00:32:26.279 read and work 00:32:26.279 --> 00:32:26.880 it through and 00:32:26.880 --> 00:32:27.720 read it. 00:32:28.480 --> 00:32:29.160 So be 00:32:29.160 --> 00:32:30.860 congregational in 00:32:30.860 --> 00:32:32.160 the broad 00:32:32.160 --> 00:32:32.940 sense all the 00:32:32.940 --> 00:32:33.700 time as we're 00:32:33.700 --> 00:32:34.640 working this out 00:32:34.640 --> 00:32:35.840 together. 00:32:35.839 --> 00:32:35.899 together. 00:32:37.339 --> 00:32:39.659 Secondly, let's 00:32:39.659 --> 00:32:40.179 give the Bible 00:32:40.179 --> 00:32:40.980 the final say. 00:32:42.699 --> 00:32:43.179 And what I 00:32:43.179 --> 00:32:43.740 mean by that 00:32:43.740 --> 00:32:44.740 is try to 00:32:44.740 --> 00:32:45.919 set aside your 00:32:45.919 --> 00:32:46.959 prejudices as 00:32:46.959 --> 00:32:47.939 you come to 00:32:47.939 --> 00:32:48.519 the text, 00:32:48.559 --> 00:32:49.079 which we all 00:32:49.079 --> 00:32:51.039 have around 00:32:51.039 --> 00:32:51.699 so many 00:32:51.699 --> 00:32:52.279 issues. 00:32:53.299 --> 00:32:53.899 But almost 00:32:53.899 --> 00:32:54.500 all of us 00:32:54.500 --> 00:32:54.759 have been 00:32:54.759 --> 00:32:55.619 affected by 00:32:55.619 --> 00:32:56.679 divorce in 00:32:56.679 --> 00:32:57.559 some way in 00:32:57.559 --> 00:32:57.879 our life. 00:32:57.939 --> 00:32:58.339 We have 00:32:58.339 --> 00:32:59.319 emotion that 00:32:59.319 --> 00:33:00.859 we bring to 00:33:00.859 --> 00:33:01.799 the text. 00:33:02.119 --> 00:33:02.899 We want to 00:33:02.899 --> 00:33:03.599 see a certain 00:33:03.599 --> 00:33:04.119 outcome. 00:33:04.119 --> 00:33:05.279 We would 00:33:05.279 --> 00:33:06.259 prefer it to 00:33:06.259 --> 00:33:06.579 say a 00:33:06.579 --> 00:33:07.719 particular thing 00:33:07.719 --> 00:33:09.079 to justify a 00:33:09.079 --> 00:33:10.399 particular action 00:33:10.399 --> 00:33:10.859 that's happened 00:33:10.859 --> 00:33:11.479 in the past 00:33:11.479 --> 00:33:12.279 or to condemn 00:33:12.279 --> 00:33:12.899 a particular 00:33:12.899 --> 00:33:13.599 action that's 00:33:13.599 --> 00:33:14.939 happened in 00:33:14.939 --> 00:33:15.379 the past. 00:33:15.539 --> 00:33:16.199 So prayerfully 00:33:16.199 --> 00:33:17.059 labor to set 00:33:17.059 --> 00:33:17.779 aside those 00:33:17.779 --> 00:33:18.239 things. 00:33:18.439 --> 00:33:19.159 Come to the 00:33:19.159 --> 00:33:20.579 text honestly. 00:33:20.799 --> 00:33:21.779 What does the 00:33:21.779 --> 00:33:23.239 scripture teach 00:33:23.239 --> 00:33:24.719 on this? 00:33:24.839 --> 00:33:25.579 Be prepared 00:33:25.579 --> 00:33:26.399 that it is 00:33:26.399 --> 00:33:28.199 not abundantly 00:33:28.199 --> 00:33:29.439 clear. 00:33:29.440 --> 00:33:31.240 the most 00:33:31.240 --> 00:33:31.559 pertinent 00:33:31.559 --> 00:33:32.279 texts are on 00:33:32.279 --> 00:33:32.779 the back of 00:33:32.779 --> 00:33:33.240 your bulletin. 00:33:33.920 --> 00:33:34.559 You may or 00:33:34.559 --> 00:33:34.880 may not have 00:33:34.880 --> 00:33:35.539 noticed that. 00:33:37.500 --> 00:33:38.380 I think it's 00:33:38.380 --> 00:33:38.980 helpful to see 00:33:38.980 --> 00:33:39.539 them next to 00:33:39.539 --> 00:33:39.960 each other. 00:33:40.799 --> 00:33:41.460 To not have 00:33:41.460 --> 00:33:42.779 to flip, 00:33:42.860 --> 00:33:43.000 flip, 00:33:43.240 --> 00:33:43.420 flip, 00:33:43.460 --> 00:33:43.640 flip, 00:33:43.700 --> 00:33:44.039 or scroll, 00:33:44.140 --> 00:33:44.320 scroll. 00:33:44.480 --> 00:33:45.019 I think it's 00:33:45.019 --> 00:33:45.480 helpful to 00:33:45.480 --> 00:33:46.340 actually be 00:33:46.340 --> 00:33:46.799 able to look 00:33:46.799 --> 00:33:47.120 at them 00:33:47.120 --> 00:33:47.680 together, 00:33:48.380 --> 00:33:48.740 compare. 00:33:48.880 --> 00:33:49.100 These are 00:33:49.100 --> 00:33:49.740 all from 00:33:49.740 --> 00:33:50.340 the ESV 00:33:50.340 --> 00:33:51.519 translations. 00:33:52.059 --> 00:33:52.700 So I hope 00:33:52.700 --> 00:33:53.120 that will be 00:33:53.120 --> 00:33:53.940 a help to 00:33:53.940 --> 00:33:54.580 you in being 00:33:54.580 --> 00:33:56.840 able to look 00:33:56.840 --> 00:33:57.460 at them in 00:33:57.460 --> 00:33:58.480 this way. 00:33:59.440 --> 00:33:59.920 But be 00:33:59.920 --> 00:34:00.640 cautioned. 00:34:02.500 --> 00:34:03.200 Be sure to 00:34:03.200 --> 00:34:03.680 place your 00:34:03.680 --> 00:34:04.180 study of 00:34:04.180 --> 00:34:04.799 this particular 00:34:04.799 --> 00:34:06.779 topic in 00:34:06.779 --> 00:34:07.480 the larger 00:34:07.480 --> 00:34:08.920 context of 00:34:08.920 --> 00:34:09.200 God's 00:34:09.200 --> 00:34:09.659 redemptive 00:34:09.659 --> 00:34:10.320 story. 00:34:11.539 --> 00:34:12.460 You have a 00:34:12.460 --> 00:34:13.079 printed copy of 00:34:13.079 --> 00:34:13.639 that, I hope. 00:34:13.740 --> 00:34:14.099 If you don't, 00:34:14.139 --> 00:34:14.500 I'll get you 00:34:14.500 --> 00:34:14.700 one. 00:34:15.760 --> 00:34:16.320 I didn't need 00:34:16.320 --> 00:34:16.659 to put that 00:34:16.659 --> 00:34:17.000 on the back 00:34:17.000 --> 00:34:17.159 of your 00:34:17.159 --> 00:34:17.559 bulletin, 00:34:17.700 --> 00:34:18.119 I hope. 00:34:18.800 --> 00:34:19.460 Try to put 00:34:19.460 --> 00:34:19.920 this in the 00:34:19.920 --> 00:34:20.599 larger context 00:34:20.599 --> 00:34:22.000 of God's 00:34:22.000 --> 00:34:22.659 redemptive 00:34:22.659 --> 00:34:23.900 story. 00:34:26.200 --> 00:34:26.639 Third, 00:34:27.760 --> 00:34:29.019 let's 00:34:29.019 --> 00:34:29.679 pursue the 00:34:29.679 --> 00:34:31.320 truth in 00:34:31.320 --> 00:34:31.639 love. 00:34:32.519 --> 00:34:32.980 Let's 00:34:32.980 --> 00:34:33.420 pursue the 00:34:33.420 --> 00:34:34.360 truth in 00:34:34.360 --> 00:34:34.579 love. 00:34:34.679 --> 00:34:34.880 Let's 00:34:34.880 --> 00:34:35.759 work together 00:34:35.759 --> 00:34:36.940 on this. 00:34:37.619 --> 00:34:38.259 Please know 00:34:38.259 --> 00:34:38.780 that my 00:34:38.780 --> 00:34:39.360 intent is 00:34:39.360 --> 00:34:39.739 not for 00:34:39.739 --> 00:34:40.179 our church 00:34:40.179 --> 00:34:40.519 to hold 00:34:40.519 --> 00:34:41.320 my view. 00:34:42.139 --> 00:34:42.480 I don't 00:34:42.480 --> 00:34:43.840 care if 00:34:43.840 --> 00:34:44.440 I am 00:34:44.440 --> 00:34:45.099 shown right. 00:34:45.639 --> 00:34:46.239 I care that 00:34:46.239 --> 00:34:46.860 God's shown 00:34:46.860 --> 00:34:47.400 glorious, 00:34:47.840 --> 00:34:48.259 that He's 00:34:48.259 --> 00:34:48.880 given instructions 00:34:48.880 --> 00:34:49.259 to His 00:34:49.259 --> 00:34:49.599 people, 00:34:49.699 --> 00:34:49.900 and that we 00:34:49.900 --> 00:34:50.280 would follow 00:34:50.280 --> 00:34:50.539 those 00:34:50.539 --> 00:34:51.099 instructions 00:34:51.099 --> 00:34:53.000 for our 00:34:53.000 --> 00:34:53.980 good and 00:34:53.980 --> 00:34:54.840 His fame, 00:34:55.059 --> 00:34:55.679 His acclaim 00:34:55.679 --> 00:34:56.079 in the 00:34:56.079 --> 00:34:56.840 world. 00:34:56.840 --> 00:34:57.740 So let's 00:34:57.740 --> 00:34:58.500 work together 00:34:58.500 --> 00:34:59.200 on that. 00:34:59.340 --> 00:34:59.980 I am glad 00:34:59.980 --> 00:35:00.380 to be 00:35:00.380 --> 00:35:01.200 challenged, 00:35:01.900 --> 00:35:02.579 but do so 00:35:02.579 --> 00:35:03.079 in love. 00:35:03.539 --> 00:35:04.200 Do so in 00:35:04.200 --> 00:35:04.760 care and 00:35:04.760 --> 00:35:05.240 concern. 00:35:05.440 --> 00:35:05.760 We want to 00:35:05.760 --> 00:35:06.300 come together 00:35:06.300 --> 00:35:07.120 and do 00:35:07.120 --> 00:35:08.220 this together. 00:35:09.360 --> 00:35:09.800 Land our 00:35:09.800 --> 00:35:10.380 finger on the 00:35:10.380 --> 00:35:10.900 position our 00:35:10.900 --> 00:35:11.240 church will 00:35:11.240 --> 00:35:11.920 hold on 00:35:11.920 --> 00:35:12.160 this. 00:35:12.760 --> 00:35:13.240 The German 00:35:13.240 --> 00:35:13.820 theologian, 00:35:13.820 --> 00:35:14.180 this has been 00:35:14.180 --> 00:35:14.860 accredited to a 00:35:14.860 --> 00:35:15.059 lot of 00:35:15.059 --> 00:35:15.260 people, 00:35:15.380 --> 00:35:15.600 but it was 00:35:15.600 --> 00:35:15.880 the German 00:35:15.880 --> 00:35:16.380 theologian, 00:35:17.000 --> 00:35:17.579 Rupertus 00:35:17.579 --> 00:35:18.340 Melvinius, 00:35:18.720 --> 00:35:19.300 probably why 00:35:19.300 --> 00:35:19.940 people try to 00:35:19.940 --> 00:35:20.440 accredit it to 00:35:20.440 --> 00:35:20.960 somebody else, 00:35:22.800 --> 00:35:23.220 said, 00:35:23.219 --> 00:35:24.819 in essentials 00:35:24.819 --> 00:35:25.219 unity, 00:35:26.259 --> 00:35:27.239 in non-essentials 00:35:27.239 --> 00:35:27.500 liberty, 00:35:28.159 --> 00:35:29.079 in all things 00:35:29.079 --> 00:35:29.859 charity, 00:35:30.099 --> 00:35:30.459 and that was 00:35:30.459 --> 00:35:30.939 the word used 00:35:30.939 --> 00:35:31.480 for love. 00:35:31.939 --> 00:35:32.379 In all 00:35:32.379 --> 00:35:33.099 things 00:35:33.099 --> 00:35:35.039 charity. 00:35:36.319 --> 00:35:36.799 So let's 00:35:36.799 --> 00:35:37.279 pursue the 00:35:37.279 --> 00:35:37.819 truth in 00:35:37.819 --> 00:35:38.099 love. 00:35:38.579 --> 00:35:38.799 Fourth, 00:35:40.179 --> 00:35:40.859 let's be 00:35:40.859 --> 00:35:41.139 humble. 00:35:43.019 --> 00:35:43.659 Let's be 00:35:43.659 --> 00:35:43.859 humble. 00:35:44.000 --> 00:35:44.500 God has a 00:35:44.500 --> 00:35:44.719 way, 00:35:44.859 --> 00:35:45.319 if we are 00:35:45.319 --> 00:35:46.980 not already 00:35:46.980 --> 00:35:47.559 humble, 00:35:47.719 --> 00:35:48.179 humble 00:35:48.179 --> 00:35:49.079 ourselves to 00:35:49.079 --> 00:35:49.859 humble us, 00:35:50.939 --> 00:35:53.199 and I 00:35:53.199 --> 00:35:53.839 will be an 00:35:53.839 --> 00:35:54.500 agent in 00:35:54.500 --> 00:35:55.259 that process 00:35:55.259 --> 00:35:55.699 if need 00:35:55.699 --> 00:35:55.980 be. 00:35:57.799 --> 00:35:58.419 I'm not 00:35:58.419 --> 00:35:59.039 saying that I've 00:35:59.039 --> 00:35:59.460 studied this 00:35:59.460 --> 00:35:59.639 more, 00:35:59.719 --> 00:36:00.199 therefore I'm 00:36:00.199 --> 00:36:00.559 right. 00:36:00.759 --> 00:36:01.439 I'm saying I 00:36:01.439 --> 00:36:01.939 have studied 00:36:01.939 --> 00:36:02.239 it, 00:36:02.379 --> 00:36:02.839 and studied 00:36:02.839 --> 00:36:03.039 it, 00:36:03.139 --> 00:36:03.559 and studied 00:36:03.559 --> 00:36:03.799 it, 00:36:03.939 --> 00:36:04.500 therefore I'm 00:36:04.500 --> 00:36:05.000 humble. 00:36:06.879 --> 00:36:07.539 You will 00:36:07.539 --> 00:36:08.179 not approach 00:36:08.179 --> 00:36:08.639 me with an 00:36:08.639 --> 00:36:09.219 argument I 00:36:09.219 --> 00:36:09.639 have not 00:36:09.639 --> 00:36:10.439 already argued 00:36:10.439 --> 00:36:11.259 with myself. 00:36:12.559 --> 00:36:13.179 So be 00:36:13.179 --> 00:36:14.699 careful in 00:36:14.699 --> 00:36:15.199 your approach. 00:36:15.319 --> 00:36:16.179 Be humble. 00:36:16.759 --> 00:36:17.299 Don't think 00:36:17.299 --> 00:36:17.739 you have the 00:36:17.739 --> 00:36:18.339 corner on the 00:36:18.339 --> 00:36:18.519 truth. 00:36:18.679 --> 00:36:19.259 I don't think 00:36:19.259 --> 00:36:19.639 I do. 00:36:20.579 --> 00:36:21.139 I'm doing 00:36:21.139 --> 00:36:22.059 my very best 00:36:22.059 --> 00:36:23.039 with a great 00:36:23.039 --> 00:36:23.699 deal of 00:36:23.699 --> 00:36:24.059 fear and 00:36:24.059 --> 00:36:24.599 trembling to 00:36:24.599 --> 00:36:25.300 work out what 00:36:25.300 --> 00:36:25.659 the scripture 00:36:25.659 --> 00:36:26.340 has to say 00:36:26.340 --> 00:36:26.800 on these 00:36:26.800 --> 00:36:27.139 matters. 00:36:27.579 --> 00:36:28.139 Please approach 00:36:28.139 --> 00:36:28.559 it the same 00:36:28.559 --> 00:36:28.800 way. 00:36:29.679 --> 00:36:30.119 It will 00:36:30.119 --> 00:36:30.759 serve us all 00:36:30.759 --> 00:36:31.639 well to do 00:36:31.639 --> 00:36:32.320 that very 00:36:32.320 --> 00:36:32.619 thing. 00:36:33.279 --> 00:36:33.719 I'm not 00:36:33.719 --> 00:36:34.139 trying to be 00:36:34.139 --> 00:36:34.440 true. 00:36:34.900 --> 00:36:35.239 The scripture 00:36:35.239 --> 00:36:35.719 is true. 00:36:36.639 --> 00:36:37.400 God be 00:36:37.400 --> 00:36:38.159 proven true 00:36:38.159 --> 00:36:39.539 in these 00:36:39.539 --> 00:36:39.820 matters. 00:36:40.039 --> 00:36:40.960 So let's 00:36:40.960 --> 00:36:42.340 be humble. 00:36:44.920 --> 00:36:45.400 Fifth, 00:36:46.400 --> 00:36:47.500 let's 00:36:47.500 --> 00:36:48.980 remember the 00:36:48.980 --> 00:36:49.300 gospel. 00:36:50.940 --> 00:36:51.820 And last, 00:36:51.820 --> 00:36:53.180 let's 00:36:53.180 --> 00:36:55.600 remember the 00:36:55.600 --> 00:36:56.019 gospel. 00:36:57.019 --> 00:36:57.740 We as a 00:36:57.740 --> 00:36:58.160 people who 00:36:58.160 --> 00:36:58.640 take the 00:36:58.640 --> 00:36:59.220 Bible very 00:36:59.220 --> 00:36:59.860 seriously, 00:37:00.500 --> 00:37:01.240 praise the 00:37:01.240 --> 00:37:01.480 Lord, 00:37:01.780 --> 00:37:02.360 the grace 00:37:02.360 --> 00:37:02.960 that he has 00:37:02.960 --> 00:37:03.460 worked in 00:37:03.460 --> 00:37:03.880 us that we 00:37:03.880 --> 00:37:04.200 take the 00:37:04.200 --> 00:37:04.800 Bible very 00:37:04.800 --> 00:37:05.240 seriously, 00:37:05.800 --> 00:37:07.019 we also 00:37:07.019 --> 00:37:07.640 tend to 00:37:07.640 --> 00:37:08.140 take its 00:37:08.140 --> 00:37:09.400 commands and 00:37:09.400 --> 00:37:09.920 find our 00:37:09.920 --> 00:37:10.740 worth in the 00:37:10.740 --> 00:37:11.160 keeping of 00:37:11.160 --> 00:37:11.340 them. 00:37:13.200 --> 00:37:14.100 To say we 00:37:14.100 --> 00:37:16.220 are most 00:37:16.220 --> 00:37:16.660 obedient, 00:37:16.980 --> 00:37:17.519 therefore we 00:37:17.519 --> 00:37:18.019 are accepted 00:37:18.019 --> 00:37:19.179 by God. 00:37:20.239 --> 00:37:20.880 But we 00:37:20.880 --> 00:37:21.900 are not 00:37:21.900 --> 00:37:22.599 accepted by 00:37:22.599 --> 00:37:23.099 God because 00:37:23.099 --> 00:37:23.480 of our 00:37:23.480 --> 00:37:23.900 works. 00:37:24.739 --> 00:37:25.099 We are 00:37:25.099 --> 00:37:25.559 accepted by 00:37:25.559 --> 00:37:26.619 God because 00:37:26.619 --> 00:37:26.900 of the 00:37:26.900 --> 00:37:27.719 completed work 00:37:27.719 --> 00:37:28.820 of Jesus 00:37:28.820 --> 00:37:29.320 Christ. 00:37:31.159 --> 00:37:31.820 We would 00:37:31.820 --> 00:37:32.639 be fools to 00:37:32.639 --> 00:37:33.179 think that we 00:37:33.179 --> 00:37:33.920 will always 00:37:33.920 --> 00:37:35.460 have our 00:37:35.460 --> 00:37:36.420 doctrine and 00:37:36.420 --> 00:37:37.139 our practice 00:37:37.139 --> 00:37:38.059 all lined 00:37:38.059 --> 00:37:38.440 up. 00:37:39.320 --> 00:37:39.960 Be a 00:37:39.960 --> 00:37:40.360 student of 00:37:40.360 --> 00:37:41.000 church history 00:37:41.000 --> 00:37:41.460 and you will 00:37:41.460 --> 00:37:42.000 find that no 00:37:42.000 --> 00:37:42.679 generation has 00:37:42.679 --> 00:37:43.159 done this. 00:37:43.239 --> 00:37:43.599 They've all 00:37:43.599 --> 00:37:44.079 had their 00:37:44.079 --> 00:37:44.599 failings, 00:37:44.679 --> 00:37:45.000 they've all 00:37:45.000 --> 00:37:45.360 had their 00:37:45.360 --> 00:37:45.759 faults. 00:37:45.760 --> 00:37:46.760 And while 00:37:46.760 --> 00:37:47.340 we want to 00:37:47.340 --> 00:37:48.300 endeavor to 00:37:48.300 --> 00:37:49.180 do it right, 00:37:49.360 --> 00:37:50.020 we should, 00:37:50.140 --> 00:37:50.780 oh, let us 00:37:50.780 --> 00:37:51.560 be the first 00:37:51.560 --> 00:37:52.560 perfect generation 00:37:52.560 --> 00:37:53.200 that's gotten 00:37:53.200 --> 00:37:53.800 it all right, 00:37:54.340 --> 00:37:56.180 it's doubtful 00:37:56.180 --> 00:37:56.820 that we will. 00:37:57.540 --> 00:37:58.220 We will have 00:37:58.220 --> 00:37:58.940 missed it at 00:37:58.940 --> 00:38:00.600 some point. 00:38:00.900 --> 00:38:01.580 So even as 00:38:01.580 --> 00:38:02.800 we are zealous 00:38:02.800 --> 00:38:04.960 to be obedient 00:38:04.960 --> 00:38:05.920 to every 00:38:05.920 --> 00:38:06.960 command of 00:38:06.960 --> 00:38:07.460 the Bible, 00:38:07.840 --> 00:38:08.340 let's not 00:38:08.340 --> 00:38:09.000 forget that 00:38:09.000 --> 00:38:09.720 the gospel of 00:38:09.720 --> 00:38:10.320 Jesus Christ 00:38:10.320 --> 00:38:10.940 says to us 00:38:10.940 --> 00:38:11.200 that we're 00:38:11.200 --> 00:38:11.940 not accepted 00:38:11.940 --> 00:38:12.380 because we 00:38:12.380 --> 00:38:12.820 get it all 00:38:12.820 --> 00:38:13.140 right. 00:38:13.860 --> 00:38:14.680 We're accepted 00:38:14.680 --> 00:38:15.460 because Jesus 00:38:15.460 --> 00:38:16.599 got it all 00:38:16.599 --> 00:38:16.900 right. 00:38:18.740 --> 00:38:19.659 He threaded 00:38:19.659 --> 00:38:20.380 it perfectly. 00:38:21.240 --> 00:38:22.500 He is our 00:38:22.500 --> 00:38:23.619 righteousness. 00:38:24.579 --> 00:38:24.880 And he 00:38:24.880 --> 00:38:25.400 has the very 00:38:25.400 --> 00:38:26.199 motivation for 00:38:26.199 --> 00:38:26.860 us to want 00:38:26.860 --> 00:38:27.420 to get it 00:38:27.420 --> 00:38:28.220 right, to 00:38:28.220 --> 00:38:28.820 want to be 00:38:28.820 --> 00:38:29.940 obedient in 00:38:29.940 --> 00:38:30.380 all things, 00:38:30.440 --> 00:38:31.320 to strive to 00:38:31.320 --> 00:38:31.940 honor God 00:38:31.940 --> 00:38:32.800 with our 00:38:32.800 --> 00:38:34.059 very living. 00:38:34.480 --> 00:38:35.199 And so let's 00:38:35.199 --> 00:38:36.240 not forget 00:38:36.240 --> 00:38:36.599 that. 00:38:36.699 --> 00:38:37.699 Let's remember 00:38:37.699 --> 00:38:39.079 the gospel 00:38:39.079 --> 00:38:40.619 as we work 00:38:40.619 --> 00:38:41.280 together. 00:38:42.240 --> 00:38:42.940 I'm going to 00:38:42.940 --> 00:38:43.639 close in reading 00:38:43.639 --> 00:38:44.699 to you as a 00:38:44.699 --> 00:38:45.099 way of 00:38:45.099 --> 00:38:45.519 reminder, 00:38:46.239 --> 00:38:46.779 Romans chapter 00:38:46.779 --> 00:38:47.299 8 and 00:38:47.299 --> 00:38:48.239 verse 1 00:38:48.239 --> 00:38:48.659 where Paul 00:38:48.659 --> 00:38:49.119 said, 00:38:49.940 --> 00:38:50.179 there is 00:38:50.179 --> 00:38:51.319 therefore now 00:38:51.319 --> 00:38:53.299 no condemnation 00:38:53.299 --> 00:38:54.079 for those 00:38:54.079 --> 00:38:55.319 who are in 00:38:55.319 --> 00:38:56.940 Christ Jesus. 00:38:58.239 --> 00:38:58.880 May we as a 00:38:58.880 --> 00:38:59.659 people pick up 00:38:59.659 --> 00:39:00.559 that promise 00:39:00.559 --> 00:39:02.099 as we endeavor 00:39:02.099 --> 00:39:02.759 to be obedient 00:39:02.759 --> 00:39:03.500 to every 00:39:03.500 --> 00:39:05.019 command of 00:39:05.019 --> 00:39:05.480 the Bible, 00:39:06.319 --> 00:39:06.819 particularly 00:39:06.819 --> 00:39:07.779 in the coming 00:39:07.779 --> 00:39:08.400 weeks as it 00:39:08.400 --> 00:39:09.159 pertains to 00:39:09.159 --> 00:39:09.519 marriage, 00:39:10.360 --> 00:39:10.759 divorce, 00:39:11.099 --> 00:39:12.480 and remarriage. 00:39:12.480 --> 00:39:12.960 church. 00:39:12.960 --> 00:39:13.860 Let's pray 00:39:13.860 --> 00:39:14.360 together to 00:39:14.360 --> 00:39:14.800 that end.