Per Gospel Fab’s Blog:
Bishop Thomas Weeks, III and Prophetess Christina Glenn have set their Wedding Date. The two are set to wed on October 17, 2009 in Atlanta, Georgia.
To read the rest of the article, visit: http://gospelfab.thefabempire.com/2009/08/14/bishop-thomas-weeks-iii-and-prophetess-christina-glenn-sets-wedding-date/
Glynis Bethel Said:
on August 20, 2009 at 1:56 am
GOD is good.
What happened to a man should not touch a woman?
Ennis Said:
on September 10, 2009 at 3:06 pm
can’t believe i’m wasting my time having to tell you this. It’s old English…meaning not to have intercourse, not touch as in literally, or kissing. look up the original greek word, and stop relying on a diluted KJV translation that can not accommodate the extensive repository of words from other cultures
shalom
ange Said:
on October 27, 2009 at 9:46 am
I agree with Glenis Bethel+
Mimi Said:
on August 23, 2009 at 6:18 pm
May God Bless the both of you, I had the pleasure of Bishop Weeks praying for me when he was at a church on LaBrea and my prayers were answers,I pray for you marriage to last.
Sincerely
Evangelist Sandra Said:
on September 3, 2009 at 2:01 pm
Have A Blessed Life.
may williams Said:
on September 13, 2009 at 7:47 pm
may god blessed the both of you .prophettess christina glenn is a real pretty women in and outside and bishop weeks is a real man of god , alot of lie was told oon him but god is good
Sandi Said:
on November 1, 2009 at 1:40 pm
Mary Williams, I think our God is big enough that you can give Him a Big G instead of a little g, because He is a big God.
With Love,
Sandi
JANICE Said:
on September 15, 2009 at 9:36 pm
MAY GOD BLESS BOTH OF YOU IN YOUR MARRIAGE AND MINISTERS WHAT EVER YOU DO DON’T STOP PREACHING GOD BLESS BOTH OF YOU
Sister IlovetheLord Said:
on September 20, 2009 at 3:14 pm
It’s not my place to judge. But i will say this as christians we have to be careful of what we are doing and how we are doing. We need to make sure that we are lifting God and not our selves. With that being said I pray that God’s will be done in and through Mr.Weeks
Charles Windsor Said:
on September 21, 2009 at 10:48 am
I have met both Bishop Weeks and Prophetess Glenn. They seem to both be in love. They were both tricked by the enemy the first time,
however thank God for sending His Son on the cross to die for our
sins that we might have life and have it more abundantly. God know
that people would have to remarry. God forgives. He does give us
2nd and even 3rd an 4th chances. Be blessed woman and man of God.
Thankl God there is no one without sin that can cast any stone.
Pastor Eddie Long is a good example. He and his second wife are doing well. Pastor Zachary Tims is making. Pastors Paula and Wanda
White are making it. Pastor Jamel Brayant is making it after having
one child out of wedlock when he married his wife and then getting
three woman pregant a one time. His wife left him. He is still making.
Prophet Brain Carn has a baby out of wedlock. He’s making it.
Prophet Todd Hall has is demons. He is still making. May point to the
story is that all of us have demons and God does forgive and we all will
make it with God. Get a real grip and leave the people of God alone.
A New Sound Said:
on October 7, 2009 at 2:55 pm
Don’t Judge. Just because GOD forgives, it does not mean that he’s not watching. He told the man after he was healed, go and sin no more lest a worse thing will come upon you.
You don’t know what goes on behind the scene, unless you become GOD’s Intercessor.
Regards
Sandi Said:
on November 1, 2009 at 1:44 pm
I would not have used Pastor Jamel Brayant in your example. It was good until that point.
Sandi
woman of god Said:
on November 3, 2009 at 3:54 am
I have one question…….What bible are you people reading?
How mant times can”GOD”tell you that this is the one? Are they really hearing from God? I don’t think so. I believe Christina Glenn is just like alot of other desperate lustful women who can’t wait on God. I am 100% sure it will not last. I will never believe a man or woman can divorce as many times as they would like to and then say this is God the next time around,this is clearly FLESH talking. God has alot to say about marriage and divorce and their reading that without understanding from the holy ghost. I believed the same way when he married Juanita Bynum and it ended in disaster. God is a covenant God honey! You so called people of God will have much to answer for along with the blind ones that follow this ministry to because God gives us common sense so you won’t have an excuse either.
Deanna Said:
on September 27, 2009 at 10:55 am
He needs to be put down from he’s position. This is not a Godly example to the world at all! The Bible makes it clear about a Bishop having one wife. Not 3! Come one where are our biblical standards. It just shows that you can have the look and talk of a woman and man of God and be as twisted and carnal on the inside. Wolves in sheep’s clothing.
woman of god Said:
on November 3, 2009 at 3:56 am
Amen!
Renee Said:
on October 5, 2009 at 4:45 pm
This is all a racket of the most pathetic kind! You don’t need a magnifying glass to see that oportunistic Weeks’ ministry is in a shambles and who better to partner with than this up and coming young woman who obviously wants a husband at all costs. He has a penchant for marrying woman who are more established than he is. She probably paid for his birthday extravaganza and probably bought her own engagement and his and her wedding bands!
October 5, 2009 3:34 PM
Sandi Said:
on November 1, 2009 at 1:56 pm
There is a difference in judging a person and stating the truth. A lot of the comments are true about Mr. Weeks III, I pray to God that he will get help because there are some problems or demons that he needed to deal with prior to this marriage. Now it is the responsibility of him and once again another women that is going to have to go through this issue or his problem with him. His management of money, his prayer life, his work and marriage life . When you make a sick man the head of your life, you will be on your knees more thant the usually 3-4 times a day. May God give her strength and may God deal with him before he or she can even get hurt.
With Love
Sandi
Fonda McCoy Said:
on October 6, 2009 at 3:52 pm
God Bless the both of you!
Be Encourage
Rev.Jerome Said:
on October 9, 2009 at 4:51 am
The Bible very clear, it is so easy to look from the outside and make excuses for wrong decisions. I will not judge any man or women but Jesus himself said, if a person marrys someone that is divorced that person is an adulturer! Simple and plain, that is why if you are a minister or any kind of gifted individual, it is expected that they would hear from God and not themselves! As a minister I am not qualified to preach if I can only hear from God for the people and never for myself. The word is simple and clear, there are no “excueses” or compromises. That’s why for my chosing my wife was a huge choice to make in my life, because I only would have one chance! A bishop must be the husband of one wife! Some may say that the context speaks to not have more then one at a time, but if we couple that verse with what Jesus said about divorce. The answer is simple. Thats the word, but I will leave it to God to judge! He who is without sin cast the first stone. We also must have mercy because we all deserve the worst of Gods wrath, that being said, it is not an excuse to sin.
Holiness Said:
on October 10, 2009 at 2:53 pm
I have a question since there is not so much clear teaching on Divorce and remarriage in the church today. For a christian who innocently gets married for the first time to another christian who has been married before, is this a marriage or adultery from the biblical point of view. Secondly if it is an adulterous relationship can the innocent christian annul this so called “marriage” after learning the truth . Thirdly does the innocent spouse who went into this adulterous relationship have a right to marry another christian who has never been married before if this adulterous relationship is terminated. Fourthly does the church call the innocent christian in this situation as someone who jumps in and out of marriages. Your feedback will highly be appreciated.My prayer is that the church will hold the bull by it’s horns and give a clear teaching on this area of divorce and remarriage, even if it will be a bitter pill to swallow, the truth will set people free.
Bishop Said:
on October 13, 2009 at 5:53 am
The four question that you have asked are very difficult to answer with out one bringing their own opinion into that answer, and that is why I am going to past your questions before my answer to not confuse the issues. So here we go it was Adam that stated then shal a man leave his father and mother and cleave unto his wife and they two shall become one flesh. Gen 2:24 (KJV) this verse is also spoken by Jesus in Mathew 19:5, and the Apostle Paul in his letter to the church at Ephetius noted in Ephessians 5:31. I beleave that this is the passage that God has given me to use because of the use of the words cleave and Joined.
I must say this now so that I not get derailed by other points. the reason as to why we should not have premarrital sex is because of the very word consummate. This word consummate 3rd use in the Merriam Webster Dictionary is to complete (the union of a marriage) by the first marital sexual intercourse. In other words when we are married by the man or woman of God or Judge the marriage is not done because they say “I now pronouce you man and wife” there is yet the need of joining together. The marriage is not sealed because it must be consummated in order to be sealed. Which bring us to the 2nd use of the word; ” to complete (an arrangement, agreement, or the like) by a pledge or the signing of a contract:” In other words until there is a consummation there is no marriage.
So now on to your first question:
I have a question since there is not so much clear teaching on Divorce and remarriage in the church today. For a christian who innocently gets married for the first time to another christian who has been married before, is this a marriage or adultery from the biblical point of view? There is clear teaching on it, churches just stay away from it because it will brake up marriges. I recommend you read what Jesus says in Matt 19, and Paul in 1 Corinthians 7. In these two writtens they lay the grounds for remarriage after divorce.
Secondly if it is an adulterous relationship can the innocent christian annul this so called “marriage” after learning the truth. In order for a marriage to be annulled there is a time line, most states is 6 to 12 months. Other wise the single will have to divorce their married mate. But the some church teach that you are in an adulterous relationahip if the divorce was not because of fornication. The root word here is “fornication” which is sexual intercorse between to unmarried, once you bring a married person into the picture it becomes adultery. As you can see this is not easy to deal with.
Thirdly does the innocent spouse who went into this adulterous relationship have a right to marry another christian who has never been married before if this adulterous relationship is terminated?
Yes the innocent spouse has the right to come out but the piece of paper is not the marriage, it is the sexual intercourse that married you two. So your souls are now tied. But for paperwork wise Yes, because you weere commiting fornication and the married was commiting adultery Matt 19:9 Please remember there is a lot more to this I am just trying to make it short but clear.
Fourthly does the church call the innocent christian in this situation as someone who jumps in and out of marriages? The fullness of this answer will be determined by your denominationail teachings. But in most nodenominational groups the answer in no. Now there is a statement that I made that I need to say more on. When we are told to say no to sex outside of marriage there is a reason. We should not have premarrital sex is because of the very word consummate: we are married by soul tired to everyone we have had sex with But thank God for forgiveness.
There are churches that teach two specturms to divorce and remarriage: one when God for give you of your sins He forgive you of all of them, to include the divorce and remarriage. The other side is much harder “as long as you are married to them you are in sin”
Well I know that is a lot but you asked for a clear answer, and is as clear as I can get with out writting a theises
Bishop Said:
on October 13, 2009 at 6:02 am
sorry for the typoes and gramatics as you can see it is very late.
Bishop Said:
on October 13, 2009 at 1:21 pm
To all readers please forgive the earlier submittion to the questions. I am so sorry about the spelling and gramatics in the above I have read it and made the required corrections.
The four questions that you have asked are very difficult to answer with out one bringing their own opinion into that answer, and that is why I am going to past your questions before my answer to not confuse the issues. So here we go it was Adam that stated then shall a man leave his father and mother and cleave unto his wife and they two shall become one flesh. Gen 2:24 (KJV) this verse is also spoken by Jesus in Mathew 19:5, and the Apostle Paul in his letter to the church at Emphatics noted in Ephesians 5:31. I believe that this is the passage that God has given me to use because of the use of the words cleave and Joined.
I must say this now so that I not get derailed by other points. the reason as to why we should not have premarital sex is because of the very word consummate. This word consummate 3rd use in the Merriam Webster Dictionary is to complete (the union of a marriage) by the first marital sexual intercourse. In other words when we are married by the man or woman of God or Judge the marriage is not done because they say “I now pronounce you man and wife” there is yet the need of joining together. The marriage is not sealed because it must be consummated in order to be sealed. Which bring us to the 2nd use of the word; ” to complete (an arrangement, agreement, or the like) by a pledge or the signing of a contract:” In other words until there is a consummation there is no marriage.
So now on to your first question:
I have a question since there is not so much clear teaching on Divorce and remarriage in the church today. For a Christian who innocently gets married for the first time to another Christian who has been married before, is this a marriage or adultery from the biblical point of view? There is clear teaching on it, churches just stay away from it because it will brake up marriages. I recommend you read what Jesus says in Matt 19, and Paul in 1 Corinthians 7. In these two written they lay the grounds for remarriage after divorce.
Secondly if it is an adulterous relationship can the innocent Christian annul this so called “marriage” after learning the truth? In order for a marriage to be annulled there is a time line, most states is 6 to 12 months. Other wise the single will have to divorce their married mate. But the some church teaches that you are in an adulterous relationship if the divorce was not because of fornication. The root word here is “fornication” which is sexual intercourse between to unmarried, once you bring a married person into the picture it becomes adultery. As you can see this is not easy to deal with.
Thirdly does the innocent spouse who went into this adulterous relationship have a right to marry another Christian who has never been married before if this adulterous relationship is terminated?
Yes the innocent spouse has the right to come out but the piece of paper is not the marriage, it is the sexual intercourse that married you two. So your souls are now tied. But for paperwork wise Yes, because you were committing fornication and the married was committing adultery Matt 19:9 Please remember there is a lot more to this I am just trying to make it short but clear.
Fourthly does the church call the innocent Christian in this situation as someone who jumps in and out of marriages? The fullness of this answer will be determined by your denominational teachings. But in most nondenominational groups the answer in no. Now there is a statement that I made that I need to say more on. When we are told to say no to sex outside of marriage there is a reason. We should not have premarital sex is because of the very word consummate: we are married by soul tired to everyone we have had sex with But thank God for forgiveness.
There are churches that teach two spectrums to divorce and remarriage: one when God for give you of your sins He forgives you of all of them, to include the divorce and remarriage. The other side is much harder “as long as you are married to them you are in sin”
Well I know that is a lot but you asked for a clear answer, and is as clear as I can get with out writing a thesis
Holiness Said:
on October 14, 2009 at 2:39 am
Bishop thanks a lot , indeed it is a very difficult topic , i think it will become easier to deal with when christians start discussing this very sensitive and no go area topic. I just have some follow up questions, based upon some of the explanation you gave” There is clear teaching on it, churches just stay away from it because it will brake up marriages. I recommend you read what Jesus says in Matt 19, and Paul in 1 Corinthians 7. In these two written they lay the grounds for remarriage after divorce”. Does the bible teach about remarriage after divorce i thought it only gives two options to the spouse who has been sinned against either to stay single or be reconciled to the spouse, 1 cor 7:10-11. It seems the only place the bible speaks about remarriage is when a spouse dies 1 cor 7 :39-40. Kindly clarify your statement as the Body of Christ needs this teaching.
Missionary Tracy Sonshine Said:
on October 17, 2009 at 6:13 pm
Personally I believe that our ALMIGHTY GOD OUR CREATOR AND CREATOR OF THE UNIVERSE CAN DO ANYTHING!
That means He can change peoples hearts and dig up the fallow ground and make it fertile and bear good fruit.
I have watched Bishop T and his NOW WIFE TODAY, Christina on their TV show on his website and it is precious!
You can totally see God’s hand in it and they are reflecting His love not only with each other, but to the viewing audience.
And God is the God of resurection! God is the God of taking Joseph out of the pit, Daniel out of the Den, Jesus out of the tomb!!!!
So I believe that their marriage is going to be HOLY AND BLESS MILLIONS in Jesus Name! AMEN!
And I suggest to you if you want God to bless you, bless HIM by stopping backbiting and gossiping and saying horrible things about people you don’t even know personally.
God says to love one another and BUILD each other up!~ Only the devil, who comes to steal, kill, and destroy, tears down.
So I pray that God builds up their marriage into a powerful witness for the Nations and America that you CAN start again and God will bless you for giving your life totally over to Him as a submissive vessel to use and fill up as He pleases for His Glory and His Name Sake!!!!!!!!
AMEN!!!
GOD BLESS YOU BISHOP THOMAS AND CHRISTINA!!! WE LOVE YOU BOTH!!!!!!
Missionary Sonshine and Jesus~!!!
JESUS IS THE VICTOR AND THE BEST IS YET TO COME!!! YOU AIN’T SEEN NUTHIN’ YET!!!
Melissa Said:
on October 18, 2009 at 1:25 am
The same thing you said about his NEW WIFE it was experienced with his OLD WIFE. Juanita and Thomas had a TV show Teach me how to Love and that was the bomb. Everyone thought that was the hand of God. Just how you telling people dont judge well you dont do the same. Time will tell.
woman of god Said:
on November 3, 2009 at 4:04 am
Honey forget your feelings and stay with the word of God. It surely won’t lead you astray. The word is true,read the scriptures on marriage and divorce!
JACKIE SCOTT Said:
on October 17, 2009 at 8:02 pm
TITLE I KNOW THIS BISHOP IRVIN WHITLOW BEEN MARRY 5 TIME AND HE THINK HE RIGHT IN THE SIGHT OF GOD HE GOTTEN MARRIED TO ANOTHER SILLY WOMEN ANGELA BOYD FROM MIAMI LIVE NOW IN GEORGETOWN,GA THE MAN IS NO BISHOP HE CAN EVEN KEEP A CHURCH FOR HIS LUST. CHURCHES BEWARE OF THIS FALSE PROPHET THIS MAN NEED HELP HE CRY OUT FOR HELP CITY TO CITY PLAY ON THESE SILLY WOMEN HE HAS 2 BOY HE IS NOT TAKING CARE BUT HE IN HOUSE WITH A WOMEN AND HER 2 BOYS.HE MET THIS WOMEN ON INTERNET AND WAS MARRY IN 5WEEKS SHAME THIS IS NOT GOD 1 WIFE ANNMARIE2WIFESONJAWHITLOW3GRACE4WIFECALINE AND NOW 5WIFE ANGELABOYDFROMGEORGETOWN.GARAISE IN MIAMI FLA
Jacs Said:
on October 19, 2009 at 2:33 pm
How much will the wedding video’s cost this time? lol lol lol
Boy, people need to stop and search the scriptures for yourselves. Repent don’t mean repeat! The bible is clear and having 3 wives and calling yourselves bishops you’re only fooling yourselves. God is not fooled and neither has He changed. So go ahead have your field days, change the scriptures to fit your unholy lifestyes, do it up and do it big because in the end none of it will fly with God.
woman of god Said:
on November 3, 2009 at 4:06 am
Paise Him baby! AMEN to that!
jlee Said:
on October 22, 2009 at 12:37 am
just look at them kissing like they’re already married….to each other
Chris Said:
on October 25, 2009 at 4:28 pm
Leave these two people alone let God do his job we are so up in every body business we can’t take care of our own. Who are we lusting at?male or female.God is good all the time and let the wedding be blessed.
Melissa Said:
on October 26, 2009 at 9:38 am
@Chris why should we leave these people business alone. THEY are the ones who put their business on the streets. So they are subject to opinions whether good or bad. Bishop weeks is a show off therefore he is getting what showoffs get.
concerned saint Said:
on October 27, 2009 at 12:40 pm
God help us to be sincere and know the difference between our desires and your desires for us. I pray for all who appears to be clearly misguided and divided. Life is too short to not be in a season of spiritual maturity and understanding. I pray we get to a place where we strive to perfect our walk by not picking and choosing what scriptures we desire to submit to in order to excuse our shortcomings. I wonder if God is angered by our use of his name when we make choices that clearly doesn’t go along with his teachings or laws. We must stop using God as our escape goat for choices and decisions manufactured by our own lack of discipline and carnality. I’m so glad and grateful for his mercy, but I don’t want to ever find myself in a place of spiritual blindness and carnal illusions. I pray for those who are following false teachers, leaders, and preachers. I pray we all find that connection with God, so we are able to make sound judgements when it comes to Gods law and plan for our lives. May God Bless All!!
Bishop Said:
on October 27, 2009 at 2:45 pm
Hey Holiness God bless, I sent a response to your last request but for some reason it did not go though. here is my email pastor@golwmi.org you can write me direct with your question. The may have wanted my responses to stay on the Weeks and not teaching within the body of Christ
Wisdom Said:
on November 5, 2009 at 7:57 pm
Church Organization Wants Bishop Thomas Weeks Suspended
Lynn on September 3, 2007 — 9 Comments
Update #15
A national coalition of African-American and Latino churches wants Bishop Thomas Weeks III suspended from the ministry for allegedly beating his wife, popular televangelist Juanita Bynum.The Washington-based National Black Church Initiative acknowledges that Weeks’ Global Destiny Ministries is not part of its network, but considers the domestic violence charges leveled against him detrimental to the entire Christian church. Link
WRITE ON THE WALL
Wisdom Said:
on November 5, 2009 at 8:12 pm
Christian must read there bibles and understand divorce and remarriage. I never seen so many Christian that go against the word of God just to satisfy there own selfish desire. The bible says husband love your wives, if thou are bound unto a wife seek not to be loosed. Love is not beating your wife and leaving her for another women, this is sin. God will judge foricator and adulterers.
Part I: Does the Bible Say Divorce and Remarriage Is Moral or Immoral?
——————————————————————————–
A. The General Teaching of the New Testament Is that Divorce is Contrary to God’s Will, and that Remarriage Following Divorce Constitutes Adultery.
Note that there is one exception to this general rule, which we will discuss later. At this point we are discussing the general rule. The following passages present this teaching:
Matthew 19:3-9 (cf. Mark 10:2-12; Luke 16:18)
Jesus was asked whether divorce can properly be obtained for just any reason a person might have. He answered by appealing to the original marriage law.
Jesus taught that divorce itself, in general, is contrary to God’s will. God made one man for one woman, indicating He did not intend for either to marry anyone else. He said they should cleave to one another and the two become one – there is no room in God’s plan for a third party. God joins the man and woman, no human has the right to break that bond.
Further, whoever divorces his wife and marries again commits adultery (unless he does it because she has been guilty of fornication), and whoever marries her who has been divorced also commits adultery. (Mk. 10 adds that this rule also applies to the woman if she divorces her husband.)
To help understand the passage, read it with your name and your spouse’s name, instead of “whosoever,” etc.
Matthew 19:9 – If ____________ (you) divorces __________ (his wife), except for fornication, and marries another, _________________ (you) commits adultery; and whoever marries ___________ (her who is divorced) commits adultery.”
Matthew 5:31,32
One who puts away his wife (for some cause other than fornication) causes her to commit adultery. This assumes that she remarries as described in the last part of the verse and as implied in the previous verse (the purpose of the “bill of divorcement” according to the law was so she could become another man’s wife – Deut. 24:1ff).
By divorcing his wife, the husband puts her in the position where she is strongly tempted to remarry and if she does remarry, Jesus says she is guilty of adultery and so is the man she marries (in contrast to the Mosaic Law which tolerated the remarriage). Hence, the divorce itself is wrong and should be avoided. [Cf. Matt. 18:6,7]
Romans 7:2,3
A married woman is bound by law to her husband as long as he lives. This means that if she is married to another man while her first husband is alive, she is guilty of adultery. She is free to remarry without guilt only if her husband is dead.
(Some ask what “law” is this that joins the man and woman – God’s law or man’s law? It is the law which, when violated, makes the woman an adulteress. Clearly this must be God’s law, and this conforms to what is taught elsewhere.)
1 Corinthians 7:10,11
A married woman should not depart from her husband nor he from her. Again, divorce itself is not the will of God.
But if she departs (if divorce has occurred), she must remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband. Clearly remarriage is not a scriptural alternative.
(Note: “depart” here is the same word elsewhere translated “put asunder” – Matt. 19:6; Mk. 10:9: The result of the action is that the woman is “unmarried.”)
The teaching of the gospel on this point is unpopular with most people. Many people don’t want to hear it preached. Jesus’ own disciples considered it very strict (Matt. 19:10-12), still Jesus did not compromise it or apologize for it. He continued to teach and defend it and so must we.
B. To Apply These Passages Properly, We Must Understand Why the Second Marriage Is Forbidden and Why It Is Called “Adultery.”
God clearly has the right to forbid any act if He so chooses, but it helps us apply the teaching when we understand His reasons for forbidding an act. What reason does God give for declaring the second marriage sinful, and why does He call it “adultery”?
Malachi 2:14-16
God hates putting away (v16). Again, divorce is contrary to God’s will. Why? Because marriage is a covenant between a man and his wife (v14). God is a witness to that covenant, and He holds men to it (v14). If a man violates the covenant, he is dealing treacherously with his wife and God will hold him accountable. [Prov. 2:17; Ezek. 16:8]
Though this is an Old Testament passage, it helps us learn the definition of marriage, which has not changed. Marriage is, by God’s definition, a solemn mutual agreement between a man and woman to live together as husband and wife. God holds them to that covenant bond and will not free them from it, even if people declare them to be free.
Remember this! The whole foundation of New Testament teaching regarding divorce rests on God’s attitude toward marriage. When people weaken the barriers against divorce, they are weakening respect for marriage. Divorce matters because it destroys a marriage, and marriage is very important to God. Any view of divorce, which fails to respect marriage as God respects it, must be an unscriptural view.
This is why Jesus, in answering a question about divorce and remarriage, appealed to God’s original intent regarding marriage (Matt. 19:3-9). God will respect and enforce His law regarding it, even when men disregard it!
Hebrews 13:4
The marriage covenant includes the right and obligation to have the sexual union only with the companion with whom we have a Scriptural marriage covenant. To have relations with anyone else is “fornication” or “adultery.”
This too is part of the marriage covenant as God defines it. Marriage gives a man and his wife the right to the sexual union, but only with their lawful spouse.
[Ezek. 23; Jer. 3; Prov. 5:15-20; 6:29,32; 7:18-20; Ezek. 16:32; 1 Cor. 7:1-9].
Romans 7:2,3
In this marriage covenant, the woman is bound to her husband as long as he lives (cf. 1 Cor. 7:39). The marriage “bond” is a lifetime covenant commitment, and God holds people to the commitment they made, even if later they try to break it.
Note that the passage says a woman may be “bound” to one man, but “married” to another man! The “bond” refers to the marriage covenant that God holds you to. “Marriage” refers to the relationship you are living in as recognized by civil law and society. The two may be the same, but not necessarily. In this case, the woman was “bound” to one man but “married” to a completely different man!
That is why a woman is guilty of adultery if she is married to another man. Adultery, by definition, refers to sexual intercourse between two people, one of whom is bound by a marriage covenant to somebody else [see definitions in notes on Matt. 19:9].
This woman is an “adulteress” because she has been joined in a marriage covenant with one man, and God holds her to that covenant for life. But she is having sexual relations with another man, and that, by definition, is adultery. This passage defines adultery for us!
Note that anytime she has sexual relations with a man other than her scriptural mate it is adultery – as long as her first companion is living, the passage says. Whether she has just a single act of intercourse, or has an “affair” involving a number of adulterous acts over a period of time, or whether it is a second marriage to another man – in any case every time she has sexual union with another man the passage says she is guilty of adultery.
This is “adultery” because the woman is Scripturally committed to have the sexual union only with one man as long as he lives, but instead she is having it with another man. This is why it is proper to refer to the second marriage as “adulterous” or “living in adultery,” just as it would be if she were living with him but not married to him (Col. 3:5-7).
Matthew 19:3-9
What reason is given why remarriage is forbidden and why it is called “adultery”? Because God declared man and woman should cleave to one another. He joins them (by witnessing their marriage covenant and holding them to it). He forbids their changing their mind and says no man can put their marriage asunder.
So, if man puts away his wife and marries another, the second marriage is “adultery” because he is having the sexual union with a second wife while God still holds him obligated to his covenant to have the sexual union only with his first wife.
Note again: the terms “marry” and “divorce” (or “put away,” and also “husband” and “wife”) as used here and elsewhere, refer to the relationship as viewed by society and the law of the land. In a first marriage, both God and society recognize the marriage commitment to exist between the man and woman. They are both “married” in the eyes of society and “joined” (”bound”) in the eyes of God.
Society and civil law may then grant them a “divorce” (not for fornication) and they may “marry” again. Society and civil law then views them as free from their first marriage and entered into a second one, and the Bible calls this “divorced” (”put away”) and “married” again. But though God uses these terms as society does, He does not recognize the divorce as making a valid end to the covenant commitment that He recognized in the first marriage. God still considers them “bound” or “joined” or held accountable for the commitment of the first marriage (v6).
There is a definite distinction between the covenant commitment (bond) which God recognizes and the divorce and marriage which civil law recognizes. (cf. Mk. 6:17,18)
Again, the second marriage is “adultery” because the person is still joined in God’s eyes to his/her first spouse, but they are having a sexual relationship with a second spouse. That is adultery, and it will continue to be adultery every time they have the sexual relationship, because God has still “joined” them to their first spouse and He will not “put asunder” that bond.
1 Corinthians 7:10,11
This explains why, if a woman divorces her husband, she still has no right to remarry. She may get divorced in the eyes of civil law, and God calls it “divorce” and says she is now “unmarried.” But that does not free her from her bond or covenant obligation to her first husband. Since she is still bound to her first marriage covenant, her only choice then is to be reconciled to her husband (the one God recognizes) or else remain unmarried.
Sexual relationship outside of a Scriptural marriage bond constitutes fornication (v2-5). Hence, if the woman divorces and remarries, that second marriage, as long as it lasted and as long as her first husband was still alive, would constitute adultery.
Understanding these principles will be vital to reaching proper applications and answers to other questions we will deal with.
[Note that adultery involves a sexual act - John 8:4; Heb. 13:4; Prov. 6:20-35. It is not just the act of divorcing and remarrying that is adultery.]
C. God Allows an Exception to the General Rule When One’s Spouse Has Been Guilty of Fornication.
This exception is clearly stated in Matthew 19:9 (and 5:32).
“Whosoever shall put away his wife, except for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery” (”saving for the cause of fornication” – Matt. 5:32).
The question originally asked Jesus concerned the grounds or cause for which a man may divorce his wife (v3). In v9 Jesus clearly says there is no acceptable cause except if ones companion has been guilty of fornication.
Unlike the Mosaic Law, which Jesus admits tolerated divorce and remarriage for other causes, Jesus’ teaching allows one and only one cause.
Note that the only one who is granted the right to divorce and remarry without being guilty of sin is the one who has been sinned against by his/her companion who committed fornication.
What is fornication?
Definitions: “illicit sexual intercourse in general” (Thayer); “every kind of unlawful sexual intercourse” (Arndt and Gingrich). Fornication includes any form of sexual intercourse with anyone other than ones scriptural spouse, regardless of whether that person be of the opposite sex or of the same sex. Note passages that explain the meaning:
1 Corinthians 7:2-5 – To avoid fornication, one is to satisfy the sexual desire with and only with “his own wife” or “her own husband.” Our own marriage companion is the only one who has power over our body. If we satisfy this desire with anyone else, the passage says it would be fornication, whether it be with someone we are not married to, someone else’s husband or wife, or someone else of the same sex (i.e., homosexuality). (See also Heb. 13:4).
Jude 7 – Sodom and Gomorrah gave themselves over to fornication. But Gen. 19 shows this refers to homosexuality (men wanted to lie with men, not with women) ["and going after strange flesh" has the significance of even going after...]. Therefore, homosexuality is a form of fornication, and would be scriptural grounds for one’s companion to obtain a divorce and remarry.
Some say fornication would not include adultery (i.e., the case in which one who is married has relations with someone not their spouse). But the following passages use “fornication” to include extra-marital sex: 1 Cor. 5:1; Amos 7:17; Ezek. 16:8,15,26,29; Jer. 3:6,8. Jesus used “fornication” in order to include, not just extra-marital sex, but also premarital sex and homosexuality – any form of illicit sexual intercourse.
When a man and woman marry, they make a covenant to have the sexual relationship only with one another and with no one else (of the same or opposite sex) as long as they both shall live. If one companion violates that covenant by having sexual relations with any person other than their own spouse, he/she has violated the marriage covenant in such a way that God grants their partner the right to divorce them and remarry.
The New Testament teaching regarding divorce and remarriage can be summarized like this: When a man and woman marry, they enter into a lifetime covenant in which God binds or joins them, holding them accountable to keep this covenant. If there is a divorce for some cause other than fornication, God’s will is violated; and if either or both remarry, the second marriage relationship(s) is (are) adultery because God still holds the people bound to the first marriage commitment. If during the first marriage, however, one companion commits fornication, then the other companion may choose to obtain a divorce and remarry without sin
Medene Said:
on November 9, 2009 at 12:10 am
I think that this is sick…I do not get how you can go from on Prophetess (? – whatever that is) to another…I do not want to talk about the preacher, especially, not knowing him…but i know of him and from what I know of him, I do not think that this looks right…I hope and pray that for his sake and hers that these people are for real and not just for show…this is why I would not join “just any church” or follow under the leadership of just anybody…I thank God for the Church of God in Christ, they have taught me through the years of what God people really look like and what it really means to be a Christian.
God Bless everyone that reads this and I mean no disrespect, I am just concerned when I see things like this.
Holiness Said:
on November 15, 2009 at 3:28 am
As believers our duty is to pray,love and speak the truth in love to those that have been hurt by life situations and have ended in circumstances contrary to the scriptures. I believe those who are in the 2/3/4/5 etc marriages contrary to the word of God have been wounded by life’s circumstances and those marriages have provided some form of temporary shelter from the storm. As believers like the Good Samaritan let us bandage the wounded through the love of Jesus. Let’s pray for them and their various situations, let’s speak the truth in love to them and finally let’s love them out of those situations in Jesus name.
Blessed Said:
on November 17, 2009 at 12:51 am
I’ve been married 17 years to the same man I gave my virginity to yet I still bless the name of God that my marriage is still standing. I do not know the truths about these situations but I am very sad to hear hurtful comments concerning it. My fellow Christians, let people be people and let God be God. Pray for those you feel are not portraying the will of God to the kingdom of God and remember to take heed lest ye fall. I was blessed to find my love young and still love him daily. I walk by faith that we will both be able to withstand the many temptations this world has today and hope that someone would be upholding me in prayer if I am ever found in a heart wrenching situation as divorce.
Carole Said:
on November 20, 2009 at 8:12 am
I am having problems getting married to one Man God has promised let alone all these people re-marrying
I do not understand this,God has closed the doors to me trying to even marry one Man who has never been Married and even though i have prayed for a Husband i am still waiting after 4 years
Why is this that God allows some people to just re-marry and fall inot sin and others like my self he closes the door after all who am i that he will stop me from making theses errors according to Gods word
I have always prayed for a Husband as i know God sees in the years to come and i have rely on God to choose my Husband so that i do not make a mistake
and trust me it has been a battle in God transforming me for this life of Marriage, i really need to know why he lets some people get away with these things and i cant
Bishop Said:
on December 1, 2009 at 4:55 pm
Blessing all, ok for those of us that can quote scripture better not forget that it was Moses the Law giver that gave the right to or for a rit of divorce. So, yes it is true what Jesus said in Matthew 19, but notice Jesus said in the beginning it was not so, but because of the hardness of you heart. We must remember that God never said that divorce is a sin. Nor is remarriage a sin. It was the intent of the heart behind the act that brought about sin. It was just not God’s desire for us to “Put away” a woman because it makes her to not have a covering. Please don’t forget that when we are throwing scripture to keep it in context. I hermeneutics we learn WHO, WHAT, WHEN, WHERE, WHY and HOW to make the word applicable. Jesus was talking to Jews, Paul was referring to Jews. Remember in the Jewish customs a man could have more than one wife. Moses, David, Solomon and the list goes on. Now, here is some thing that is really going to hurt all of use that is just throwing scripture. Marriage is not when we say “I do” but when we consummate. Therefore, now to be real how many husbands and wife do we really have from pervious relationships? I am just saying keep it in proper context.