Sunday Sermon - Feb. 17, 2008 Divorce

Trying to come up with a Biblical understanding of Divorce is difficult. I have to admit that when I began planning this series, I didn't think it would be a big deal to preach on this topic. But when I began my preparations, I realized how wide sweeping the impact of this issue is. Entering into the reality of divorce is painful on almost all levels.

Holding to God's ideal and yet being able to minister with grace and sensitivity on this topic is difficult.


Divorce stats are crazy:

• 33% of marriages end up in divorce. (same for Christians and secular society)
• In 2006, there were 1,629,490 divorced Canadians
• There were 70,828 divorces in 2003 -- down from 71,144 in 2000.
• More than one-third of marriages in Canada will end in divorce before the thirtieth anniversary.
• Statistics are higher for second marriage

(Stats from Stats Canada and Barna Institute)

My Text was from Matthew 5:31-32

"It has been said, ‘Anyone who divorces his wife must give her a certificate of divorce.’  But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for marital unfaithfulness, causes her to become an adulteress, and anyone who marries the divorced woman commits adultery.

God's Original Intent for Marriage (Gen. 2:22-24)

• Leave-Cleave-Become

Marriage in Moses Day (Deut. 24)

• Divorce allowed

Marriage in Jesus' Day

• Divorce allowed for any reason.

Jesus' Teaching

• Divorce is a sin.
• There is an exception - marital unfaithfulness
• God prefers lifelong faithfulness