The Divorcee:

[Esaias]

Originally Posted by Evang.Benincasa

No, the instruction of husband of one wife meant the guy had to of been married at one point in time. Because ruling over a household was a criteria for the preacher to rule over the church assembly.

Since he had to rule over a household "well" would a divorce indicate he hasn't ruled his household well?

Or, would a divorce indicate he HAD ruled it well by expelling a troublemaker that refused to be reformed?

And would the issue of a divorce be something the local assembly has authority to investigate and render a determination one way or the other, based upon the particular circumstances?

[thephnxman]

His NAME is Jesus!

Originally Posted by Aquila

I was reading about the qualifications of bishops and deacons. As I reflected on this, an interesting question came to mind.
Assuming the requirement of being the "husband of one wife" is to be interpreted as meaning that a man cannot be divorced and remarried...
What rolls, offices, or ministries might the remarried divorcee who wishes to serve become involved in?

There are many contradicting opinions on this subject.
(Which makes me believe that's why you chose it)

I will preface an answer with this scripture found in Prov 16:6-9:
"These six things the Lord hates,Yes, seven are an abomination to Him:
A proud look; A lying tongue; Hands that shed innocent blood;
A heart that devises wicked plans; A false witness who speaks lies;
And one who sows discord among brethren."

As regarding divorce, the best scriptures are in Matt 19:3-12. Listen to
this verse: "His disciples say unto him, If the case of the man be so with
his wife, it is not good to marry." So if .a man will choose his wife with
his eyes (or a woman a man, likewise), it is better not to marry. However,
celibacy is NOT for everyone, as the Lord stated.

Understand, that fornication and adultery are NOT the same thing

Brother Villa

[Aquila]

Originally Posted by Tithesmeister

This is an interesting subject. I believe it should be interpreted as a man who is husband to one wife. As in he did not have more than one. I realize it is not often interpreted that way, but if taken literally, that is what it means.

Many people say that it means never married and divorced, then remarried.

I have also heard it applied to a widower. This interpretation says that if the wife of the deacon dies he is disqualified from being a deacon. Presumably he is no longer husband to one wife.

When you take into account that it was not unusual in biblical times for men to have multiple wives simultaneously, I believe that is what it refers to.

It's my understanding that in Rome, polygamy was prohibited about 100 years before Christ. Also, rabbinical sources show that it was denounced by Jewish authorities at this time also.

Christ's emphasis on remarriage after divorce being adultery (some give the exception is there was adultery) would point to remarriage after a divorce.

In the Greek it reads, "man of one woman". Widowers would be such, seeing the first spouse would be deceased. This would therefore disqualify men with concubines, or mistresses, and remarried divorcees.

The focus is being above reproach, to protect the reputation of the church and the honor of Christ's name.

[Aquila]

I'm fine with remarried divorcees being disqualified from official office. No muss, no fuss.

I'm a divorcee. I'm not offended at this teaching. I see the good in it. And it keeps the church from need of examining divorce, because ex's lie, and people tend to pick sides, so their stories are often riddled with inaccuracies. Just disqualify. Life comes with hard knocks sometimes.

But, I'm curious, can a divorcee write spiritual books, prophesy, operate in the gifts, have a supplemental ministry that serves the church and supports the leadership?

If so, please provide examples.

[thephnxman]

His NAME is Jesus!

Originally Posted by Aquila

I'm fine with remarried divorcees being disqualified from official office. No muss, no fuss.
I'm a divorcee. I'm not offended at this teaching. I see the good in it. And it keeps the church from need of examining
divorce, because ex's lie, and people tend to pick sides, so their stories are often riddled with inaccuracies. Just disqualify.
Life comes with hard knocks sometimes. But, I'm curious, can a divorcee write spiritual books, prophesy, operate
in the gifts, have a supplemental ministry that serves the church and supports the leadership. If so, please
provide examples.

"For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance."

God may repent of the evil to befall an individual or a nation (He shows
mercy, and mercy delays and impedes His judgment), but He does not repent
of His goodness and blessings upon individuals or nations. So yes: ANYONE
can "write spiritual books, prophesy, operate in the gifts, have a supplemental
ministry that serves the church and supports the leadership". But make no
mistake: a person's or nation's fault(s) will be found out...even displayed in
those things (like Adam in the Garden hiding from the Lord) by which the
individual or a nation might want to be justified.

"Be not deceived; God is not mocked..."

Brother Villa

[Aquila]

Originally Posted by thephnxman

His NAME is Jesus!



"For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance."

God may repent of the evil to befall an individual or a nation (He shows
mercy, and mercy delays and impedes His judgment), but He does not repent
of His goodness and blessings upon individuals or nations. So yes: ANYONE
can "write spiritual books, prophesy, operate in the gifts, have a supplemental
ministry that serves the church and supports the leadership". But make no
mistake: a person's or nation's fault(s) will be found out...even displayed in
those things (like Adam in the Garden hiding from the Lord) by which the
individual or a nation might want to be justified.

"Be not deceived; God is not mocked..."

Brother Villa

Amen!

[Aquila]

I think divorcees who feel a call, or who are blessed with spiritual gifts, sometimes feel uncertain about what they can do in regards to ministry in the church.

I was once asked if I were interested in eldership training. In our fellowship elders are like pastors. They were shocked when I declined. I felt guilty. Like I offended them or something. I have no desire to lead. But I sometimes feel that familiar drawing to minister in the Word. But I think, I'm not entitled to such things. Obviously my life hasn't been perfect. I'd much rather support the big dogs in prayer. I've learned that prayer is a ministry unto itself. And seeing the results of your prayers only adds the fuel of expectation to pray even more! But sometimes I feel like I don't have a place, or like I'm invisible. Sometimes its nice to be an observer, sometimes it feels like your have no contribution.

[Amanah]

Originally Posted by Aquila

I think divorcees who feel a call, or who are blessed with spiritual gifts, sometimes feel uncertain about what they can do in regards to ministry in the church.

I was once asked if I were interested in eldership training. In our fellowship elders are like pastors. They were shocked when I declined. I felt guilty. Like I offended them or something. I have no desire to lead. But I sometimes feel that familiar drawing to minister in the Word. But I think, I'm not entitled to such things. Obviously my life hasn't been perfect. I'd much rather support the big dogs in prayer. I've learned that prayer is a ministry unto itself. And seeing the results of your prayers only adds the fuel of expectation to pray even more! But sometimes I feel like I don't have a place, or like I'm invisible. Sometimes its nice to be an observer, sometimes it feels like your have no contribution.

I think when we come through hard things, God uses us to encourage others who are suffering similar things, and that becomes part of our testimony.

[Originalist]

Originally Posted by Aquila

I'm fine with remarried divorcees being disqualified from official office. No muss, no fuss.

I'm a divorcee. I'm not offended at this teaching. I see the good in it. And it keeps the church from need of examining divorce, because ex's lie, and people tend to pick sides, so their stories are often riddled with inaccuracies. Just disqualify. Life comes with hard knocks sometimes.

But, I'm curious, can a divorcee write spiritual books, prophesy, operate in the gifts, have a supplemental ministry that serves the church and supports the leadership?

If so, please provide examples.

How does this apply to divorce and remarriage that occurred before conversion? A former murdering drug lord is qualified to pastor but a Cornelius type whose wife left him for another man and he remarried , all before conversion, is not qualified to lead?

[Evang.Benincasa]

Originally Posted by Esaias

Since he had to rule over a household "well" would a divorce indicate he hasn't ruled his household well?

Or, would a divorce indicate he HAD ruled it well by expelling a troublemaker that refused to be reformed?

And would the issue of a divorce be something the local assembly has authority to investigate and render a determination one way or the other, based upon the particular circumstances?

Sadly just as God had to do in Jeremiah 3:8.

But I teach that we stick together, that divorce is never a fix. God told a prophet to marry a prostitute, and to buy her back at the worst point of her life. To raise her children. I don't believe in people leaving a church for the wrong reasons, meaning if they are upset with a church family, they need to work it out. Also friendships, should never break up, but should be repaired through love.