Results 1 - 3 of 3
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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Ordered by Verse | ||||||
Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
1 | Elder must be 'the husband of one wife'? | 1 Tim 3:2 | weezach | 6997 | ||
How about "none of the above", I have always taken this verse to mean that he should not be divorced. That being divorced would indicate that he could not manage his own affairs, and if he can't handle his own affairs, how can he handle God's affairs? Don't you think someone in the church body would have a hard time looking to this individual for counseling, guidence, etc, if he presents a picture of chaos in his own life? | ||||||
2 | Elder must be 'the husband of one wife'? | 1 Tim 3:2 | Hank | 7001 | ||
It is not a given by any means that a divorced man (or woman either) will necessarily lose their effectiveness in the church and in their personal witness. It depends on the reason for the divorce. I have a friend who is the pastor, and an unusually effective one at that, of a good-sized church. He is highly respected in his church and in his community. A number of years ago, his wife deserted him, their marriage, and their children. He raised the children by himself and they turned out fine. The Lord continued to use this man in His service and uses Him still. Indeed there was disruption and what might be called chaos in this man's life for a season, but he persevered and prevailed, keeping his faith, doing the work the Lord called him to do, and winning in the process the admiration and esteem of his fellow Christian believers. His capacity to lead, his credence in personal counseling, his influence in preaching the gospel and leading sinners to the Savior was not diminished by what befell him. They were, if anything, enchanced by the deep faith and inner strength this man clearly demonstrated by the manner in which he dealt with such a stunning adversity in his life. One would be hard-pressed indeed to find a single verse of Scripture that would justify casting the first stone at this man of God. --Hank | ||||||
3 | Elder must be 'the husband of one wife'? | 1 Tim 3:2 | charis | 7013 | ||
Dear Hank, I believe that this account of your friend is a perfect example of God's grace. I also know of several similar cases. Indeed, who will throw the first stone? Unfortunately, I also know of some abuses. So...do we throw away the grace in order to quell the abuse? If anyone is in favor of discarding grace, raise your hand! (or at least post:-) In Christ Jesus, charis |
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