Divorce

In the issue of divorce, I do not believe it is good or right. However, there are situations in which can warrant a divorce.

Matthew 5:31-32: "It was also said, 'Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce.' But I say to you that everyone who divorces his wife, except on the ground of sexual immorality, makes her commit adultery, and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery."

Also in Matthew 19:3-9, Christ answers the Pharisees in the same way, explaining further that Moses allowed divorce because of their hardened hearts.

Notice how Christ never says that you must or should get divorced if there is sexual immorality, but he says that this is the only situation where a divorce wouldn't make her commit adultery.

There is also another situation in which divorce would be a valid option, and that is if physical abuse is involved. Why does Christ not address this? Well first of all, women could not divorce their husbands in this era, only men could divorce women. Women had little, if any, rights. Christ was also addressing men, who would most likely be the ones responsible for physical abuse, if any was invovled. Lastly, the questioning of the Pharisees was to test Christ, not really obtain an answer about divorce. Christ responds, alluding to the hardness of their ancestor's hearts and how it parallels to the hardness of their hearts involving their relationship with him.

So plainly, divorce should be avoided and isn't necessary in situations of sexual immorality. Some long and difficult counseling and forgiveness will need to take place, but marriage is a highly valued relationship in God's eyes. There is no other human relationship mentioned in the bible where two people become "one flesh." The only other instance in which divorce would be an option is physical abuse. We may be one flesh in marriage, but God brings together two complete individuals. We are still recognized as separate individual souls and beings. No one should risk their life in vain for the ignorance and carelessness of their partner. Although, even something as horrible as physical abuse can be forgiven and worked through if the offender is willing to make the effort and recognize the problem seriously.

Good works are Great

One of the most awesome and exceptional truths that sets Christianity apart form all other religions is the grace of Christ.

Good works do not save anyone (Eph. 2:8-9; 2 Tim. 1:9; Titus 3:5). However, this does not mean there is no place for works.

Good works will result from faith in God's saving grace. Even though these works will not save an individual, they will are used by God here on earth to bless others (James 2:14-26).

We are not saved by works, resulting in God's grace. But instead, Grace is the means by which we are saved and works are the result.

Tithe

Money is very touchy issue with people these days. The plain and simple truth is that God doesn't need your money; he doesn't need anything. He doesn't even want your money. He wants your obedience and your faith.

In a world where money is the means to obtain what you need to live or function, why not give it to those in need? Yes, God doesn't need money, or medictation, or saftey belts, oxygen to do what he desires, BUT he uses these things to work through people. We could sit in the corner of a house and never move, slowly wasting away and God would accomplish what he wanted to. He doesn't need our help. He wants a relationship; he wants us to share in his joy and to be blessed by pouring out what he pours in to us whether it is virtues, time, money, talents, whatever.

If we have so much faith and trust in God and we know that we only have what God himself has given us, then why not give freely? Why not give willingly? This doesn't mean we should be fools and just throw what he's given us at any charity case, organization, or fundraiser that comes our way. We should let the Spirit guide us in these matters (John 3:8). It may not makes sense to us or to other people where and when we give our money, time, etc., but all we should be concerned about is what God is directing us to do. Maybe we don't give any money ever!

God wants our obedience and our trust in him; a purified and whole relationship, not a sacrifice made, especially in conflict (Proverbs 21:3; Romans 14:23b).

Color

Would either of parents care if I brought someone home of a different race and told them we were thinking of marriage?

I live outside of Pittsburgh, which is primarily black and white when it comes to skin color. My father and his wife would be completely accepting no matter what the race of my girlfriend would be, even if we were considering marriage. They would also ask a lot of questions in regards to her background and culture, in a loving way, but it would also probably show how sheltered their knowledge of other races and cultures were.

My mother would also be very accepting, considering her a part of the family if we became married. My mother is pretty liberal when it comes to her beliefs on marriage and race would probably not even be an issue.

All in all I think my family, and even its extended members, would embrace and love whoever I brought home, even if the person was from a culture much different then they were ever used to interacting with.