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Bulletin
Lay Lake Church of Christ
Volume 4 November 15, 2009 Number 46
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A True Story
David A. Bass
Glenn and Lisa met over 23 years ago, fell in love and were married in June of 1985. After 22 years of happiness together as husband and wife they are ending their marriage. Why? Because they love each other, they love the Lord and they want to go to heaven.
You see, Lisa did not have a scriptural divorce from her first husband when she and Glenn married. She had a good reason to divorce her first husband, abuse - fear for her personal safety but she did not have the right to remarry. Listen carefully to Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 19:9, “And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery.” Only ONE cause is given which allows one to divorce their mate AND remarry - adultery! Various ones have tried to “explain away” Jesus’ teaching.
Some believe that baptism makes an unscriptural marriage “right.” While it is true that baptism “washes away sin” (Acts 22:16); repentance must precede baptism (Acts 2:38). Repentance may be defined as “a change of heart which results in a change of life (actions). If one repents of adultery, he ceases the act of adultery. Baptism is of no value or benefit where one has not repented of his sins. Baptism does not make a “sinful” relationship a right or “scriptural” relationship. The only way to correct an “unscriptural” marriage (where one has divorced a mate for any reason other than adultery and remarried) is to end that relationship. One cannot continue in a sinful relationship and be pleasing to God.
Imagine leaving your beloved mate after 22 years of marriage. This has been one of the most difficult decisions that Glenn and Lisa have ever made. They want to go to heaven! Jesus said “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. 26 For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Matthew 16:24, 26). Going to heaven is the most important thing! Eternity in heaven is worth far more than a few years of marital happiness on earth. In Luke 14:26 Jesus taught, “If any man come to me, and hate not [love less - c.f. Gen. 29:30,31] his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.”
We must obey the Lord’s commandments. Jesus also said, “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” (Matthew 7:21-23).
This situation reminds us that decisions have consequences. Consequences can affect us for the rest of our lives - some will even affect us eternally.
Prayer List
Richard Dunphy (Don’s father); J.C. Hyche (David’s father); Barbara Hix (Will’s grand-mother - breast cancer); Mark Bass (India); Larry Carroll (cancer); Carol Nelson; Earlene Davis; Gayle Higginbotham; Colin Chandler; Earl Dean; Martha Eckert; Corey Boothe; Adam Carskaddon; Adam Pilling; Scott Pierce; Jesse Spillman; Major Marshall. Christopher Cary & David Miller (Rachel’s dad) in Afghanistan. Natasha Davis (fire); Jerry Brasher.
Upcoming Activities & News
Scripture Reading: Matt. 7:13-23
Pantry: Spaghetti noodles & spaghetti sauce
Gospel Meeting: Nov. 15-18 - Ironaton - Glenn Colley
Fifth Sunday Night Prayer Service: All of our Christian men/boys are encouraged to participate in leading prayer and/or reading scripture on Nov. 29th.
Updated E-Mail Addresses: Please give Chris Smith your updated e-mail addresses.
Upcoming Events
2010 Great Smoky Mtn. Marriage Retreat: Feb.10 - 13
Winter Bible School: February 19,20, 2010
Guntersville Family Retreat: March 18-20
!!! Welcome Visitors !!!