Innocent party

[Aquila]

Originally Posted by DanShaf

In our small country assembly we TEACH early and often the importance of making a life together,as man and wife! Everyone is welcome, The Word is sharp and it sometimes divides.We do not presume to have the authority to cast out or forgive.God's Word will do the work.

That's fair. I happen to believe that the church does have the authority to cast out or administer the forgiveness of sin. In fact, I think that sometimes it's the responsibility of the elders. Jesus said,

John 20:23
"Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained."

I believe that if a remarried couple acknowledges their sin in remarrying and come before the elder(s) in repentance seeking forgiveness... it can be given to them.

However, Apostolic Authority also means that the elder(s) can bind one's sin upon them. So a person who is remarrying with a spirit of contempt can be condemned and their sin retained:

Matthew 18:17
"And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican."

Romans 16:17-18
"Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple."

1 Corinthians 5:11
"But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat."

2 Thessalonians 3:14
"And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed."

Just my belief. If one does not believe in Apostolic Authority I do not judge them.

[Steve Epley]

I for one do not believe(in the church) a man can divorce and remarry and be in the ministry. I have never knowingly preached a man who has been divorced and remarried(again in the church) or preached for a man who has done the same. I have always fellowshipped men who did not agree with me on this subject. I am no longer in the AMF but I did the same when I was in the AMF.

[Aquila]

Originally Posted by Steve Epley

I for one do not believe(in the church) a man can divorce and remarry and be in the ministry. I have never knowingly preached a man who has been divorced and remarried(again in the church) or preached for a man who has done the same. I have always fellowshipped men who did not agree with me on this subject. I am no longer in the AMF but I did the same when I was in the AMF.

That's fair. I respect your convictions. Do you believe it's salvational or do you believe that it's simply not something you wish to do because you'd rather be safe in case it is?

[Steve Epley]

Originally Posted by Aquila

That's fair. I respect your convictions. Do you believe it's salvational or do you believe that it's simply not something you wish to do because you'd rather be safe in case it is?

I believe they are in violation of the Word of God. In truth to marry a divorced person(in the church) is to commit adultery.

[Aquila]

Originally Posted by Steve Epley

I believe they are in violation of the Word of God. In truth to marry a divorced person(in the church) is to commit adultery.

Bro. Epley... you didn't answer the question.

*shakes head*

[Steve Epley]

Originally Posted by Aquila

Bro. Epley... you didn't answer the question.

*shakes head*

How could I have been any plainer?

[Aquila]

Originally Posted by Steve Epley

How could I have been any plainer?

I'll give you an example...

"Yes Chris, I believe it is salvational. I believe that those who are divorced and remarried are committing adultery and will burn in Hell."

[Steve Epley]

Aquilla it would seem the questioner to speaking to those who are in the AMF or have been in the AMF? I really was trying to answer him. I have discussed this subject so often on these forums I am not trying to resurrect it. My position is known and I make no apologies. I do respect those who disagree with me. They have the right to be wrong.

[Aquila]

Originally Posted by Steve Epley

I believe they are in violation of the Word of God. In truth to marry a divorced person(in the church) is to commit adultery.

It's nice to know what you believe. However, how do you practice it? To me that's even more important. Because a belief is just an opinion. Some people have hard opinions, some have soft opinions. How they practice those opinions or allow those opinions to guide them in their ministry to others is far more concrete.

Do you advocate that those who are divorced and remarried get a divorce?

Now, if you answer no... I'm wondering why you'd not advocate that people repent and obey God in accordance to what you stated you believed.

If you answer yes, I'll at least know that you're consistent in your application and practice.

In all honesty... I've yet to find a hardliner on the topic that was consistent with regards to application and practice of their said beliefs.

And lastly... why would you fellowship brethren who you believe are adulterers???

[Steve Epley]

Originally Posted by Aquila

I'll give you an example...

"Yes Chris, I believe it is salvational. I believe that those who are divorced and remarried are committing adultery and will burn in Hell."

Aquila I said I believe those who divorce and remarry(in the church)commit adultery. I will leave it up to God whether they burn in hell. Above my pay grade.