Sermon Discussion “Intent” • Hebrews 2:5-9

As a youth, how did you handle others with authority such as teachers, police, etc.?

What about now?

How does how we submit to proper earthly authority reflect on our submission to God?

Hebrews 2:5

What does the phrase “the world to come” refer to?

Who has that age NOT been set in subjection to?

Reading on in v. 9, Who has it been set in subjection to?

What does this reveal about His identity; i.e. – Is He an angel?

Hebrews 2:6-9

The author quotes Psalm 8. Read the Psalm. What does David say there?

How does the writer of Hebrews use the Psalm; what point does he make from it?

David’s use of the word “man” here refers to humanity/mankind. What does he say was our original destiny?

What happened to God’s original plan/intent for us?

The writer of this letter takes the “man” of Psalm 8 & uses it prophetically of Who?

From the perspective of this passage, what did Adam & Eve lose in the Fall?

Who got it back?

What does that mean for us?

How is mankind a little lower than the angels?

What did that make possible for humanity in terms of God’s original intent for us?

Wrap Up

Though it’s not spelled out here, the author of Hebrews alludes to something we find occasionally in the NT – that Jesus is the Last Adam and that He succeeded where the First Adam failed. It’s our destiny to reign with Christ. He got back for us what Adam lost in the Fall. Glory forfeited by our first representative is reclaimed by our last.

Earth is in a kind of escrow as we await the return of Jesus to take possession of what He bought & owns. While we wait – what’s this life really about? What ought to occupy our attention? God’s original intent is that we’d rule. What ought we be intentional about?

Sermon Discussion for “Slip Not” • Hebrews 2:1-4

Have you ever gone boating or sailing?

Have you ever driven or piloted a ship / boat? If so, how was it different from driving a car?

What challenges does a lake or sea present to piloting a ship?

Hebrews 2:1-4

Have you had a period of ‘drifting’ (AKA ‘backsliding’) from the Lord?

If so, how long did it last?

What caused it?

How did you come out of it?

What ‘currents’ or pressures work on the followers of Jesus to make drifting possible?

What’s the special danger in drifting for a long time? How is it progressive?

What are some of the signs someone is drifting from the Lord?

What remedy does v. 1 give to avoiding spiritual drift?

What are some practical ways to “give more earnest heed to” the Gospel?

Wrap Up

What role ought we play in one another’s lives in regard to the danger of drifting?

Sermon Discussion • To Life – Resurrection Sunday 2012

Many of the appliances that have become standard around the house have made life easier. What are some and how have they made things easier? Without them, how would life be different? What skills would we need to have & how much more time?

Digging In

Read John 10:7-18 & Psalm 23:1-4

Since Psalm 23 was well-known in Jesus’ day, when He claimed to be the Good Shepherd, what did the people understand He was claiming?

In this passage in John 10, what does Jesus says his being the Good Shepherd means for His people?

In v. 10, what does Jesus announce He came to bring?

Since everyone already has life (they’re alive) what does Jesus mean? (Consider what Jesus said to Nicodemus in John 3)

Why does He add, “. . . and that they may have it more abundantly”?

Why and how is the condition of sheep dependent on the quality of their shepherd?

What happens if a sheep decides to leave the flock and strike out on its own?

Wrap Up

In terms of our witness, why is it important for Jesus’ flock (His people) to not just survive, but to thrive? How does the  “more abundant” life Jesus came to bring attract the lost?

If we lived completely immersed in that life, what negative things would we be blessedly delivered from?

Sermon Discussion “Better Than Angels” • Hebrews 1:2-14

We will usually start off with some general questions that most if not all can answer because they require little Bible knowledge. This is to get the group to open up & share. They will usually relate to the study in some way (but not always). Then we’ll move into more interpretive questions & ask how points can be applied to our lives today.

INTRO / Warm Up

When and where did you first learn about angels?

If you were an angel, what would you like to do?

Have you ever inherited something? If so, did the process of inheritance set you at odds with other family members?

What do you think of when you hear the word “holy”?

Hebrews 1:2b

What does it mean when it says Jesus is the ”heir of all things?”

How does this establish His superiority?

What does this verse say Jesus made?

Read John 1:1-3. What does v. 3 say Jesus created?

What does this tell us about Who Jesus is?

Hebrews 1:3

Does it say Jesus “reflects” God’s glory, or “is (being)” that glory?

Is He an example of God – or God’s “express image?”

Read Colossians 1:16-17. What does this tell us about Jesus on-going work regarding creation?

In light of all this – what & Who must Jesus be?

Hebrews 1:4-14

In these verses, what/who does the author compare Jesus to?

In summary, he says, “Jesus is better than _________________.”

A couple times in this chapter, the author shows Jesus in what posture?

In contrast, what are the angels doing?

The Incarnation of Jesus as the God-Man is a difficult doctrine for us to fully understand because we are made to consider how the infinite & finite can be united in one Person. How can the eternal be linked to the temporal. For generations, theologians have acknowledged that the Incarnation is one of those beliefs that contains an element of mystery. We can apprehend it but notcomprehend it. The key to remember is that in the Incarnation, Man does not become God; rather, God takes on humanity. The finite could never become infinite, but the infinite could certainly take on aspects of finitude without harm to itself.

Do you find the Incarnation to be a difficult doctrine or is it something you embrace easily?

How does what we find here in Hebrews 1 help refute the teaching of the cults that Jesus is not God?

Wrap Up

Read v. 9 again. Note how the author says the Father anointed Jesus with the oil of gladness, because (therefore) Jesus loved righteousness & loathed lawlessness. In other words, happiness follows on holiness.

Do holiness and happiness seem opposed to each other to you?

How is true happiness really the product/result of holiness?

What negative emotions & consequences does a lack of holiness lead to?

In light of this, does your concept of holiness need to be edited?

How does the Holiness/Happiness reality affect the quality of our witness to the lost & even to other believers?

Sermon Discussion – God Has Spoken – Hebrews 1:1-2a

To Leaders – In these discussion sheets that will be provided for the next three months, feel free to use whatever questions you want. Don’t feel obligated to use them all. As you get to know your group, you’ll get a sense for what kinds of questions generate good discussion and which don’t. So be free to personalize the material as suits your group.

We will usually start off with some general questions that most if not all can answer because they require little Bible knowledge. This is to get the group to open up & share. They will usually relate to the study in some way (but not always). Then we’ll move into more interpretive questions & ask how points can be applied to our lives today.

INTRO / Warm Up

In light of the heroes of faith Hebrews will bring out in Ch. 11 …

 

Who were your heroes growing up?

 

Do you have any “heroes” now?

 

What qualifies someone to be a “hero” for you?

 

How can having a hero help in dealing with challenges today?

Background on Hebrews

This letter was written as a treatise to Jewish Christian who were being pressed by both Jews & Romans to pick a side in the escalating tension between the 2 groups. As Jews, the temptation was to go back to Judaism and forsake following Christ.

So Hebrews was written to remind them of the superiority of Christ and how Judaism pointed TO Jesus who fulfilled it. Why go back?

 

What parallels to today can you see from the situation the original audience of Hebrews faced?

 

How are we under pressure today?

 

Where does this pressure come from?

 

What is the pressure to do?

 

How can the message of Hebrews help us resist & stay loyal to God?

Hebrews 1:1-2a

What does it mean when it says, “God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets”?

 

Where do we find this record of prophetic revelation?

What’s it called?

 

Prophetic revelation is called “Special” revelation because it’s the actual Word & words of God. Another form of revelation is called “General.”

What are some of the ways God has revealed Himself generally?

 

• Psalm 19:1-4 & Romans 1:20

 

• Romans 2:14-15

 

What can these general forms of revelation tell us about God?

What is the limitation of general revelation?

 

 

Which of the prophets of the Old (First) Testament is/are your favorite(s)?

 

 

V. 2 • How is Jesus the last or final revelation of God?

This doesn’t mean God no longer uses prophets. The New Testament makes several mentions of the role of prophets in the early church and in Ephesians 4, Paul says prophets are one of the offices of the church. So, how is prophecy “different” from the role of the OT prophet now?

 

What must the word of every prophet be measured against?

 

Since Jesus is the definitive Word of & from God, what role ought He play in our lives?

 

How does Jesus become central to every aspect of life?

Wrap Up

The Holy Spirit inspired and inspires prophets to speak and write God’s Word. A pastor and/or preacher depends on the Holy Spirit as he studies in preparing the message and as he shares it. What ought those who hear/listen do to prepare as they make their way to church or group? What will ensure maximum fruitfulness in response to preaching and teaching?

 

 

Sermon Discussion – “Changes” – Philemon 1-25

INTRODUCTION

To Leaders – In these discussion sheets that will be provided for the next three months, feel free to use whatever questions you want. Don’t feel obligated to use them all. As you get to know your group, you’ll get a sense for what kinds of questions generate good discussion and which don’t. So be free to personalize the material as suits your group.

We will usually start off with some general questions that most if not all can answer because they require little Bible knowledge. This is to get the group to open up & share. They will usually relate to the study in some way (but not always). Then we’ll move into more interpretive questions & ask how points can be applied to our lives today.

Opening Discussion

Do you write letters?  When was the last letter you wrote & to whom?

Do you use email?  What’s the difference between email & letters?

The message Sunday was more of a survey study than a typical Sunday Sermon (we covered all 25 verses of Philemon). Which kind of study do you prefer; sermon or survey?

Study Discussion

Paul was a prisoner in Rome arrested for preaching the Gospel.

Have you ever been in jail? What for & for how long?

Though Paul was under the custody of Rome, he calls himself the prisoner of Jesus Christ.

Why?

How did this shape his attitude & outlook?

How can you apply this to your circumstance today?

The church at Colossae met in Philemon’s home.

Why are small groups crucial to a healthy church?

What do home groups provide that ‘big church’ can’t?

Onesimus didn’t come to faith under Philemon’s roof. It took his running away to Rome to find God. Philemon could have been bummed by that; maybe a bit resentful that Paul got to lead Onesimus to Christ, instead of himself.

Is there someone you know you ache to come to Christ, but doesn’t? Like Onesimus, they’re a knucklehead and keep doing “unprofitable” things? Onesimus (name means Profitable) became useful to Paul when he came to faith in Jesus. So, what are you willing to let happen to your “Onesimus” if it will lead to his/her salvation? Philemon had to lose his servant in order to gain him as a brother.

Philemon’s forgiving Onesimus wasn’t so simple since the officials were watching him to see how he’d handle this case of a runaway slave. Remember that the Romans were real twitchy about all this. Living out the Christian life in the world can be a challenge, in the confusion & hostility it can bring our way.

What are some of the areas in which living out a Christian ethic & morality can cause tension with the world?

UPDATE: Russia Officially Drawing Closer to Iran

Take a look at this update form Joel Rosenberg’s Blog -

http://flashtrafficblog.wordpress.com/2012/02/22/russia-warns-israel-not-to-attack-iran-if-putin-wins-march-4-election-would-he-threaten-military-action-against-israel/

To Clarify (from Sunday Feb. 5)

On Sunday, February 5^th during the sermon on Isaiah 55:6, I mentioned something the US Defense Secretary Leon Panetta said the previous week. On Friday, February 3^rd, several news sources ran articles citing Panetta as saying there was a high probability Israel would strike Iran’s nuclear facilities in the Spring of this year, April, May, or June.

http://articles.nydailynews.com/2012-02-03/news/31022983_1_nuclear-program-iranian-nuclear-scientists-nuclear-weapons

http://security.blogs.cnn.com/2012/02/02/panetta-believes-israel-could-strike-iran-this-spring/

I went on to say that IF Israel did stage such a strike, Iran would most certainly retaliate by attacking Israel within a few months. Such a retaliatory strike would in all likelihood be the fulfillment of Ezekiel 38 & 39. I went on to say that many Bible students, myself among them, believe that the Rapture of the Church will be concurrent with the events of Ezekiel 38.  Following the Rapture is the Tribulation, which no one wants to be around for. All of this was meant to be illustrative of what Isaiah 55:6 says; “Seek the Lord while He may be found; call on Him while He is near.”

I need to clarify my remarks.

Leon Panetta is not someone given to wild or fanciful remarks. As a former director of the CIA and now the Secretary of Defense, his remarks are measured and careful. When he says something in public, we’re hearing the official position of the US Administration. So when Panetta says there’s a high probability Israel will strike Iran’s nuclear facilities in the Spring—there’s a high probability Israel will make a move against Iran’s nuclear facilities soon. And Panetta is saying so for some military or political advantage. What that is isn’t clear; but that is certainly the reason for the announcement.

Interesting that the Supreme Leader of Iran, the Ayatollah Khamenei, also gave a speech last week. He renewed his oft stated threats against Israel. The speech was aimed at countering the sanctions the US has installed on Iran in an attempt to halt their nuclear program. In a typically fiery speech, Khamenei said all the sanctions would do was teach Iran self-reliance and renew their commitment to their nuclear program. During the speech, the Ayatollah repeated the call to remove the “cancerous tumor” of Israel and vowed to assist all those who worked to do so.

http://www.smh.com.au/world/khamenei-vows-to-fight-cancerous-tumour-israel-20120204-1qymh.html

http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/iran-supreme-leader-u-s-israel-will-suffer-for-threats-on-nuclear-program-1.410875

http://www.foxnews.com/world/2012/02/03/khamenei-iran-will-aid-anyone-confronting-israel/

While world events are highly fluid and no one can predict with certainty what will occur or when, Panetta’s remarks, along with recent comments by political and military leaders in Israel, and Iran’s nuclear posturing present a pattern for how Ezekiel 38 could unfold.

That an Iran-Russia coalition attacks Israel in the end times is a certainty because Ezekiel 38 says so. Would retaliation for an Israeli strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities necessarily BE that foretold invasion? No. What if Russia joined Iran in that retaliation? Even then, there’s the possibility that it wasn’t THE fulfillment of  Ezekiel 38.  But, is that likely? Hardly. Here’s why …

 

Ezekiel 38 and 39 are all a set-piece prophetic picture that begins in chapter 36. The prophet foretells Israel’s being regathered out of the nations back into her land and rising to amazing prosperity out of crushing poverty.  The Iran-Russia led coalition described in Ezekiel 38 is said to attack that Israel; the one that’s been brought back from being dispersed among the nations and has turned the wilderness into lush fields. The time of all this is described as being “after many days … in the latter years.” (Ezekiel 38:7-9)

The current political scene is the first time in recorded history when Iran and Russia have been politically close. Until the last few decades, they were hostile toward  each other. But now the alignments are poised for the nations listed in Ezekiel 38 that form the coalition that attacks Israel to do so. Turkey is the last hold-out and is swiftly moving toward an alignment with Iran.

The point is this—Is it possible the fulfillment of Ezekiel 38 and 39 could yet be decades out? Yes. But in light of the current world political situation, is that likely? No. If Iran retaliates for an Israeli attack on their nuclear facilities and Russia joins them, does that have to mean it’s a fulfillment of Ezekiel 38? No. But holding to a literal interpretation of Scripture, and understanding prophecy is a “normal” sense, is it reasonable to assume that such a retaliation by a Iran-Russia alliance is indeed the fulfillment of Ezekiel’s prophecy? Certainly!

In my opinion, the more significant issue is if the Rapture and Ezekiel 38 are concurrent. That is where far more potential for getting it wrong lies.

Here’s why some Bible students see the Rapture as taking place at the same times as the Iranian-Russian led coalition attacks Israel.

1) God’s redemptive focus is now on the Church. But according to Daniel 9, we understand God will shift that focus back to the geopolitical nation of Israel at some point for a final 7 year period. Since God has promised to never leave nor forsake the Church, He will Rapture them before turning His redemptive focus back to the Jews and Israel. Part of what happens in Ezekiel 38 and 39 is that when the invaders are miraculously wiped out, Israel is dramatically confronted with the realization God is real and they begin to turn to Him. It makes sense that this is the point His redemptive focus turns back to them; so the Rapture.

2) The Rapture is going to be a global phenomenon that sees millions of people disappear. If it were to occur right now while everything else was normal, it would deal a serious blow to the global consciousness. But if it occurred during a limited nuclear war in the Middle East that involved Russia and say, the United States – the world would be reeling from the political, military and economic fallout, to say nothing of the radioactive fallout. The Middle East Oil supplies would grind to a halt. The chaos would be global. The Rapture, as devastating as it was, would be just part of the blow to the Planet, and seemingly minor compared to the war in the Middle East. In 38:21, God says in judging the invaders of Israel, that He “calls for a sword against” them. This phrase is used in the Bible for when God uses one nation to judge another. What nation, an ally of Israel, has the capacity to oppose the massive coalition Ezekiel describes that attacks Israel in the end times? The US.

Going with this as the potential play out of Ezekiel 38, Russia, the US, and the radical Muslim states of the Middle East are removed from the scene as the Tribulation begins. The world is reeling, which provides the perfect stage for someone with amazing answers & and solutions to step forward with his agenda. Let me introduce to you the Antichrist. Out of the ashes and chaos he proposes a new political, economic, and religious system—all seen by what’s left of the world as necessary to keep such a disaster from happening again. And so we see what the Bible says constitute the 3 final power centers who move toward Armageddon; Europe, China, and Africa.

Just sayin’ …

Prophesy Update

Study of both fulfilled and unfulfilled prophecy is important to fully understand who God is. Lance had a prophecy update this year on 1/1/2012 that outlines biblical prophecy and current events. Here is a compilation of all resources from that update.

More Information about Transhumanism

http://www.calvaryoxnard.org/studies/Transhumanism/Transhumanism.htm

 

Podcast

http://www.calvaryoxnard.org/podcast/?p=episode&name=2012-01-10_occupyearth.mp3

 

Video

http://www.truthcasting.com/player.aspx#showSermon=43558

 

 Notes

http://www.calvaryoxnard.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Prophecy_update_2012.docx

 

 

 

 

 

 

Marriage Q & A

MARRIAGE QUESTIONS & ANSWERS (Hopefully)

The following are the questions we had submitted during the 2011 Mid-Week Marriage Series at Calvary Chapel Oxnard. We were only had enough time to answer  a few in the time allotted for them at the conclusion of the last session.

1)                  It is our understanding that as men and women age and their hormone production slows down to zero, their sex drive may also disappear.  We believe that is God’s design as they have long passed their ‘reproduction’ years.  Our question is this: should a senior married couple resort to medicine or medical device to prolong their sex life, or simply follow the rhythm of nature and live a loving and caring married life without sexual intimacy?   We think God wants us to follow his natural design, but we would appreciate your interpretation of His Word.

Two becoming one is a life-long process. As we age, we change; in body, soul & spirit. This is why we must keep communication going – checking in with each other to make sure we’re still knowing our mate. Talking about your sex-life is part of that intimacy. As the years pass, expect your sex-life to change. Don’t buy the world’s lie that only the young enjoy life.  And don’t fall into the trap of thinking that if you’re “normal” you’re sexual encounters have to be so many times a week or month. Talk to each other as the years pass about what you enjoy & desire, then blend; Compromise. Move together.

2)                  How can single believers court the right way?

This question requires a long answer. We have done courtship seminars in the past. The whole issue of Christians & dating is something a lot of people are considering. Let me suggest a couple of books instead –

• I Kissed Dating Goodbye – by Josh Harris. Then the sequel – Boy Meets Girl.  (These can both be idealistic but are still hold some good ideas.)
• Passion & Purity by Elizabeth Elliot.
  • When God Writes Your Love Story by Eric & Leslie Ludy

3)                  How are finances supposed to be managed? Are accounts supposed to be joint? Are funds to be managed by the husband?

Money & possessions ought to be managed by the principles we find in God’s Word. Compass & Crown are both excellent resources to use for that.

Since marriage is about two becoming one, in everything, that includes finances. This doesn’t mean a husband & wife  can’t agree to have minor accounts set up for things like vacations or special projects. But their main account ought to be one.

4)                  How can the wife encourage her husband’s spiritual growth as well as the spiritual growth of the marriage in a positive way, without “pushing” too much?

Mostly through prayer & by being a good example. Read 1 Peter 3:1-6.

It is certainly proper for a wife to occasionally ask her husband to pray with her, if he doesn’t initiate. But this ought to be infrequent, so that he doesn’t see her as nagging. Here’s how this works – don’t say, “I wish you’d pray with me more. I wish you’d take the initiative & be the spiritual leader around here.” You’re communicating by saying this that he’s deficient. The word “more” implies dissatisfaction and is heard as critical.

Instead, ask, “There are a couple quick things I want to pray about, honey. Can I pray with you about them?”

5)                  How much spiritual leadership should a wife/mom take on if the husband/father is not?

n  In an unequally yoked marriage?

None. No spiritual leadership. Be a believer & growth as a follower of Jesus. But a wife can’t “take” leadership because it isn’t hers; it’s her husband’s. If she assume leadership, it will back-fire. He’ll get resentful, shamed, and probably set himself in opposition to her. All of that won’t encourage him toward the Lord but away.

Read 1 Peter 3:1–4 • ¹ Wives, likewise, be submissive to your own husbands, that even if some do not obey the word, they, without a word, may be won by the conduct of their wives, ² when they observe your chaste conduct accompanied by fear. ³ Do not let your adornment be merely outward—arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel— ⁴ rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God.

n  In an equally yoked marriage, where wife is stronger in faith or Word? Is there a point where she can be enabling his lack of leadership responsibility?

6)                  Will we know our spouse in heaven and will we be married to each other in heaven?  At what age will be appear to each other?

Yes, we’ll know our spouse in heaven but we won’t be married.

Luke 20:34–35 • ³⁴ Jesus answered and said to them, “The sons of this age marry and are given in marriage. ³⁵ But those who are counted worthy to attain that age, and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry nor are given in marriage.

7)                  What happens if a spouse becomes seriously injured and no longer holds much mental capacity?  Is the healthy spouse granted the ability to divorce

The only basis for dissolving a marriage in God’s eyes are adultery & abandonment. Age, diminished mental capacity, Alzheimer’s, etc. are not grounds for divorce. What they are, are grounds for showing the love promised when years before they stood at the altar & said, “In sickness & in health., till death us do part.

8)                  Does a woman, in marriage, have the right to withhold sex from her husband, not because of meanness, but because she does not feel like it?

1 Cor. 7 says specifically that a man or woman is not to do this.

9)                  According to the Sermon on the Mount, if a man looks at a woman to commit adultery, does the wife have basis to divorce on the basis of adultery?

10)              The Bible says, “out of the abundance of your heart, the mouth speaks” & “the heart is deceitful and desperately wicked, who can know it?”  What do you say?

11)              A friend, who is a new believer, doesn’t seem to understand the Biblical principle that sex is reserved for married couples only.  This person believes in not practicing adultery, but fornication doesn’t make sense to him.  Could you please address this? 

Sexual abstinence doesn’t make sense to this person for one reason – they want to have sex before marriage. Yet 1 Corinthians 6:9  says • Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites …

Galatians 5:19 • Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, …

Ephesians 5:3 • But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints

Ephesians 5:5 • For this you know, that no fornicator, unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.

Colossians 3:5 • Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.

12)              How do you deal with in-laws and husband’s family when they constantly call for issues they are having at home?  They expect husband to take care of all their problems.  They drop in unexpected, controlling my husband.  They are not believers.

13)              I believe in God, my husband does not.  We have 4 boys, 2 are his, the 2 that are not his, he does not get along with.  We are currently separated; he is trying to work it out. It is an unhealthy and unsafe relationship and he has been abusive to me and the children.  He is not willing to get marriage counseling (he laughs about it).  He talks down on me and the boys that are not his.  QUESTION:  Am I being punished for going back to him so many times when he was abusive?

If by punished, you mean by the Lord, I would have to say, that isn’t consistent with God’s character. Are you experiencing the result of some poor choices? Probably.

There’s a lot you’re asking here but let me try to cut to the core – if he’s being physically abusive toward you, that’s a crime, report him.

There are good men of God who’ll disagree with me on this, & others who also see things this way è His neglect & abuse of you, is a form of abandonment. Remember in 1 Cor. 7 Paul allows divorce in the case of abandonment by an unbeliever. What if an unbeliever doesn’t physically remove him/herself, but makes it EVEN WORSE by staying, is abusive, dangerous by engaging in criminal behavior that imperils the spouse & kids, or neglects all his/her real duties toward their spouse? How is that really any different than abandonment? BY Abandonment, does Paul mean only a physical departure, or might he also mean abandonment of the covenantal requirements of the marriage? It’s my opinion that while we need to be cautious that we don’t over-extend ‘abandonment’ to mean anything we want it to (as some do with the term “abuse”)  it can mean this kind of neglect or endangerment. This is where asking trusted spiritual counsel can be helpful.

Next Page »