Cohabitation prior marriage leads to more Divorce

[DaveC519]

Originally Posted by Aquila

God often uses the most imperfect situations. Yes, there are issues that will have to be delt with... but God already has a plan. For many, this is the case.

For example, King David committed outright adultery with Bathsheba. Then David had her husband killed so he could marry her and cover up the pregnancy. David reaped what he sowed, having many trials afterwards. However, Bathsheba went on to become the Queen Mother of Israel, and even saved the nation twice. Once with relation to a revolt under David, another with relation to ensuring that Solomon take the throne. Not to mention... David and Bathsheba are part of the line of the Messiah.

Nothing is perfect on earth. I didn't live with the woman I married prior to marriage. We were both in church and very involved. We were married 12 years. During year 11 she got a job at a major corporation in our erea, made some not so good friends, and guess what.... she drug our family through the pain of infidelity and loose living insantiy. I backslid and became so hurt and bitter. I played by the rules. I should have not have lost! But that's not true. There are no rules to ensure that you'll succeed or be happy.

I know a couple who are used quite a bit in house church ministry today. They lived together for several years before getting married and returning to full fellowship in the church. They both had suffered the pain of divorce. They had played by the rules the first time around and lost. Also, the church they started to attend at one point told them they couldn't remarry being divorcees. So their logic was, if we marry, we're in adultery. If we live together we're in fornication. Their love for one another was strong so they chose to continue living together for several years. They found a very kind and compassionate church that counseled them "as a family". They eventually married and have been actively serving in house church ministry now for nearly 8 years. They've had hurdles like every couple. They have things they've repented of and have confessed. They are very easy going and are open books who work great with encouraging unmarried couples coming to Christ to deepen their love for Christ and each other, which tends to encourage and bring the couple to marriage.

God always has a plan.

If anyone thinks they can avoid the pains and horrors of life by playing by a set of rules... you're only fooling yourself and one day... the house of cards will come crumbling down.

I'm sure you're not arguing for the "ends justify the means".