Innocent party

[Aquila]

Originally Posted by 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.

[Steve Epley]

Originally Posted by Aquila

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.

Herein is my problem if there was a verse that told me what to tell folks what to do I would gladly quote it, however since there is not(that I have found) I don't have a ready answer. I wish I did. That is not a sidestep that is a very honest confession. Do I tell the they will be saved in that condition? No I do not. They can just hope for the best is all I can say.

[Aquila]

Originally Posted by Steve Epley

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.

Paul admonishes us not to fellowship a brother or sister if they are living in sexual immorality. How can you claim they are committing adultery and fellowship them? And... if you believe they are committing adultery, how can you let such egregious sin slide without addressing it in the hopes of saving their souls? Don't you believe in Hell? Don't you care for a soul in eternal danger? What about churches that accept them? Why fellowship those churches who tolerate sinful marriages?

It seems all so inconsistent to me. A political position. Nothing that you truly practice or apply. In essence, you either don't believe adultery is serious enough to address or to separate yourself from... or you honestly... deep down in your heart... don't believe what you might think you believe on the surface.

[Steve Epley]

Originally Posted by Aquila

Paul admonishes us not to fellowship a brother or sister if they are living in sexual immorality. How can you claim they are committing adultery and fellowship them? And... if you believe they are committing adultery, how can you let such egregious sin slide without addressing it in the hopes of saving their souls?

Aquila they are in a marriage according to Jesus. An adulterous marriage but a marriage none the less. Can you cite any instructions what to tell folks that are in this type of marriage? I would be anxious to hear it.

[Aquila]

Originally Posted by Steve Epley

Herein is my problem if there was a verse that told me what to tell folks what to do I would gladly quote it, however since there is not(that I have found) I don't have a ready answer. I wish I did. That is not a sidestep that is a very honest confession. Do I tell the they will be saved in that condition? No I do not. They can just hope for the best is all I can say.

Okay... still seems very inconsistent.

[Aquila]

Originally Posted by Steve Epley

Aquila they are in a marriage according to Jesus. An adulterous marriage but a marriage none the less. Can you cite any instructions what to tell folks that are in this type of marriage? I would be anxious to hear it.

I don't have anything to give you. lol

All I lean on is Apostolic Authority. If they come forward in repentance I believe that the elders can plead the blood and have the sin remitted. And they most honor the marriage they are currently in. Repentance also includes repenting of the attitudes etc. that led to the demise of the previous marriage.

I believe they can be restored to full fellowship... including leadership... as the Spirit leads. I guess I'm moderate on the issue.

[Steve Epley]

Originally Posted by Aquila

Okay... still seems very inconsistent.

Aquila I understand your feelings but my quandry is simple I fail to find instructions on telling them what to do? If I found them I would cite them if it killed every cow in Texas. But I cannot go beyond what I find is written? Again not a sidestep I have not been known for being a sidestepper. Just want to make sure if I tell someone to divorce I have scripture to back me up?

[Steve Epley]

Originally Posted by Aquila

I don't have anything to give you. lol

All I lean on is Apostolic Authority. If they come forward in repentance I believe that the elders can plead the blood and have the sin remitted. And they most honor the marriage they are currently in. Repentance also includes repenting of the attitudes etc. that led to the demise of the previous marriage.

I believe they can be restored to full fellowship... including leadership... as the Spirit leads. I guess I'm moderate on the issue.

I would never preach a person or use them in leadership positions that have divorced and remarried in the church. I am not even sure they will be saved? I hope they can find mercy.

[Steve Epley]

To the original questioner I really do not know who or whom you could be referring to? But the AMF in truth has always had men in it that believed the 'innocent party' doctrine. They had chairmen and men on the council of elders that believed that and if I am not mistaken even to this date there are some who believe that? I am somewhat at a disadvantage since all the years on forums I have always posted under my name others have chosen not to which is their right. I always felt to post under my name would make me accountable to what and how I posted. Makes it simple for me however it does have me shooting in the dark since I am addressing folks I probably know and love.

[Aquila]

Originally Posted by Steve Epley

Aquila I understand your feelings but my quandry is simple I fail to find instructions on telling them what to do? If I found them I would cite them if it killed every cow in Texas. But I cannot go beyond what I find is written? Again not a sidestep I have not been known for being a sidestepper. Just want to make sure if I tell someone to divorce I have scripture to back me up?

I see your point.

I guess that's why I differ to Apostolic Authority.

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

In this manner it can be addressed, confessed, and atoned for. If not for this... I'd have to argue that a consistent application would be to not fellowship them. They are bound in adultery. The only way to end an adulterous affair (legalized as a marriage or not) would be to dissolve it.

While my approach isn't above criticism and has it's problems. It's the best I can come up with. It's a tough situation, I give you that.