Expert: Joe Norman - 4/5/2010

Question
Hi Joe,

I'm writing again because the preacher where my family and I attend Church is making many statements about the situation of my old marriage, divorce and re-marriage from the pulpit and it is not consistent with the Word. My husband asked that I not speak the minister about this matter so I won't however given our church’s demographic it is hard to believe he is not directing his teachings at us.

This issue is causing me serious grief because a few years ago I stopped going to Church, divorced my ex-husband and tried living by the light of my own torch. Needless to say being away from the Lord caused me several heartaches and in my distress I grew sorrowful and repented of my transgressions and came back to the Lord, Praise God!   

Brother Norman, I believe with all my heart the blood of Christ has forgiven my sins and I know that God is blessing my life daily. However, this minister may as well say my new husband and I are going to burn in hell and there is no repentance left for anyone that commits a sin (especially divorce) after being baptized.

My question to you is should we quietly leave our home Church and find a new congregation to worship with or should my husband speak to this man due to the oppressive nature of his lessons? What is the best way to handle this situation?   

Also, should we keep running from Church to Church in our area if there is a crusade against me from my original Church that I attended with my first Husband? I am beginning to think this may be what I’m dealing with.

Thanks.

Answer
Hi Jessica,

Your situation is very difficult to say the least. I would not try to confront the preacher in public. That would be wrong. You do not want to do anything that might cause more division within the body of Christ. Those who cause division are not doing God's will. If there is indeed a "crusade" against you, it will be tough for you to find a church home where you will be loved and welcome. Whether or not you move is your decision alone. I cannot advise you in whether or not you should keep running from church to church. I would recommend talking with the preacher in private and explaining to him that you have no intention of divorcing your current husband. Tell him you are convinced to divorce your current husband would be a sin and the blood of Christ forgave you of your past sins. If you and your current husband are faithful Christians in every aspect of your lives and are faithful to each other, I do not see how God would condemn you both to hell. You are striving to live for God daily and not to earn salvation but in thanks for the salvation already given. I apologize if my answer is not helpful to you. I also apologize for not posting any scripture. Normally I include a good amount of scripture to support my answer. If you have follow up questions or new questions, please let me know. I will do my best to give you a Bible answer.

In Christian Love, Joe Norman