t least 50% of all marriages in the US are doomed from the start simply because either the husband or the wife did not take time to learn God's will in this matter. If they had, they would have known that God has regulated marriage and divorce—that people do not have the right to marry and divorce at will. While some have no scriptural right to be married, others have no scriptural right to be divorced. God's thoughts on any subject must always be respected above our own (Isa. 55:8-9). The primary concern in any marriage, of course, ought not to be whether the husband and wife get along (as important as that is), but whether their relationship as husband and wife is pleasing to God. This involves a number of factors, including whether they have a right to be married to one another in the first place.

et us begin by defining some of the terms we will be using. By “marriage” we will mean either (1) “the social institution under which a man and woman establish their decision to live as husband and wife by legal commitments, religious ceremonies, etc.” or (2) “the state, condition or relationship of being married.” By “divorce” we will mean either (1) “a judicial declaration dissolving a marriage in whole or in part, esp. one that releases the husband and wife from all matrimonial obligations” or (2) “to break the marriage contract between oneself and one’s spouse by divorce.” “Put away,” “put asunder” and “depart” will mean, “divorce.” Other terms will be defined as they are introduced. [Definitions of English words in this study are taken from Webster’s Encyclopedic Unabridged Dictionary, 1996 edition.]

hile some marriages and divorces are scriptural (that is, approved by God in the scriptures) and some are not, all marriages are marriages and all divorces are divorces. One cannot be “married to” and “divorced from” the same person at the same time. Such phrases as, “married in the eyes of God” and “not married in the eyes of God,” merely cloud the issue. What, for example, does “in the eyes of God” mean? It is much better, at least for the sake of clarity, to speak of marriages and divorces from the standpoint of whether they are approved by God in the Scriptures. &

YESTERDAY

By David Smitherman

esterday...it exists only in fading memory, worn out photo­graphs, and history books. And yet, it is one of the finest learning centers available to us if we will only allow our­selves to be taught.

owever, there is no living space in yesterday, so don't plan to reside there. As pleasant as it was, we cannot recall it, and Solomon warned against trying to live in it (Eccl. 7:10). Although reflections upon its achievements can be encouraging, be careful: yesterday is often larger than life. How we remember things being and how they really were are often two different things. Many, though, would not want to live in yesterday. For them it is a haunted house that is filled with regret, and memories of mistakes and failures they would like to forget (Gal 1:13).

ut as wonderful or as humiliating as it may be, yesterday is not our savior, nor will it necessarily condemn us. It makes little difference how we were      (1 Tim. 1:19), what we meant to do (Acts 24:25), or thought we would have done (Matt 23:29-36). God's standard for judging is not yesterday, and one's acceptance before God is not described in the past tense. And, regardless of past mistakes, God's grace and mercy are suf­ficient to forgive and to forget even if we are unable to do so (Psa. 103:12).

nd even if the achievements of yesterday were great, remember that the memories of men are 'shorn: we, along with our accomplishments, will not likely be immortal. Yesterday will soon be forgot ten by tomorrow's generation (Eccl. 2:16; 9:13-18). "The world will little note nor long remember what we say here...” was not true of Lincoln's words but will be of ours.

hat yesterday was is but a reflection of what tomorrow will be. Others have said it better: "Straight ahead lies yesterday" and “Those who are ignorant of history are doomed to repeat it." Solomon’s conclusion was, "There is nothing new under the sun" (Eccl. 1:9-11). Such statements remind us that looking back can help us to see ahead. Moses encouraged the Jews to "remember the days of old...ask your father...your e1ders, and they will tell you” (Deut 32:7). And because Rehoboam refused this counsel, he led a nation to divide (1 Kings 12:8). Yesterday brethren fought and churches divided, and the next generation does the same. A careful look at yesterday might have prevented it.

esterday reminds us of how short life is (Job 14:1-2). Our rapidly growing collection of yesterdays make us humble "True, today we are here, but tomorrow may see just a grave in the vale and a mem'ry of me." How easy it is to count our yesterdays. How impossible it is to know of our tomorrows.

esterday...our knowledge and memories of it can challenge and give courage, or depress and weaken resolve. What power there is in yesterday! Allow its power to aid in living happier today and in anticipating a better tomorrow. [Plain Talk, Vol. 20, No. 12] &

SINCERITY

By Bill Walton

he word “sincere” is a very interesting word, and a word that Paul uses frequently in his epistles. Paul says, in Philippians, “And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ....” (1:9-10)

ccording to the noted commentator, Albert Barnes, the word “sincere” means “that which is judged in the sunshine, in the brightest of light.” It means, literally “without wax.” It seems that old time furniture makers, when they didn't use the best wood, filled in the holes and bad spots with wax in order to hide the imperfections from prospective buyers. They would then sell their furniture in subdued light. The better furniture makers began to advertise their furniture as “sincere” -- or without wax -- and they would offer it for sale under the brightest of lights.

incerity” or being “sincere” is a virtue that must characterize anyone who professes to be a Christian. When a person is “sincere” his words and actions express purity of life and genuineness of heart. He is not ashamed to have his life or his heart laid bare before both God and man. A “sincere” individual is one who does what le does in the light, without trying to hide anything from anyone.

urthermore, the heart of a “sincere” person is not shackled with pride, prejudice, or stubbornness. He's willing to admit when he's wrong, and he humbly asks for forgiveness, and he makes whatever correction is needed.

aul closes the Ephesian letter with a blessing to those who are sincere. He says, “Grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen.” How about you? Are you sincere in your love for Christ? (Eph. 6:24). Are you sincere in your love for your brethren? (1 Pet. 1:22). Are you sincere in your love for the lost and erring? (2 Cor. 2:17; Phil. 1:16). May the Lord help us all to be truly sincere in our love and service to Him. &