Author: Bryan Gibson

Weekly Bulletin
June 19, 2016

God Hates Divorce
by Bill Hall
“I’m getting a divorce, but I don’t plan to marry again.” These words are being heard with increasing frequency. Usually the spokesman is thinking that God allows the right to divorce, but would disapprove remarriage. The truth is, however: Divorce itself is sinful unless it is for the cause of fornication.
Consider Matthew 19:3-6. The question originally asked Jesus by the Pharisees was not concerning remarriage, but concerning divorce: “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for just any reason?” Jesus’ reply to that question: “Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate.” It was only after further questioning that Jesus discussed the problem of remarriage and adultery.
Consider Malachi 2:16. “For the LORD God of Israel says that He hates divorce. “ Even under the old covenant God did not approve of indiscriminate divorce. It is likely that the “tears” of verse 13 that covered “the altar” and caused the Lord to refuse their offering were the tears of those who had been wrongfully put away.
Consider Matthew 5:32. “Whoever divorces his wife for any reason except sexual immorality causes her to commit adultery.” Observe the words “causes her” or “maketh her” (ASV). This writer understands this verse to say that if one divorces his wife for any cause other than fornication, he places her in a position of temptation to commit adultery, and shares the guilt when she does commit adultery. On the other hand, if he puts her away for the cause of fornication, he has put her away legitimately, and shares no guilt in whatever adultery she may subsequently commit.
Consider 1 Corinthians 7:10 “Now to the married I command, yet not I but the Lord: A wife is not to depart from her husband.” Observe the word “command, “ or “charge” (ASV). The following verse (verse 11) does not negate or nullify this command, but simply recognizes that one might disobey the Lord’s command (in which case he sins-1 John 3:4), and states his options if he has disobeyed.
Not only does the Lord command husband and wife to live together, but He also commands them to meet one another’s physical needs (1 Corinthians 7:3-5) and to love one another (Ephesians 5:25; Titus 2:4-5). If one companion in a marriage fails along these lines, the other must still be obedient to God, seeking to be what God would have him (or her) to be in the marriage relationship. Never should the thought of divorce or separation ever enter the mind unless fornication occurs.
We are not suggesting that divorce itself is “adultery,” but we are saying that divorce for any cause other than fornication is sin. Christians must not be influenced by the loose standards that prevail in the world in which they live.
Muscles, Muscles, and More Muscles
by Bert Thompson (from Discovery Magazine)
When you yawn, it takes muscles. When you walk, it takes muscles. Your body has muscles, muscles, and more muscles. In fact, there are 656 muscles in one human body. These muscles are made of tiny fibers. To lift a ball means you use only a few of these fibers. To lift a couch means you use almost all these fibers.
Nerves which run through the muscles receive electrical charges from the brain, and cause the muscles to contract, or shorten. Muscles always work by getting shorter, never by growing longer. Our muscles are divided into two systems. In the voluntary system, we can control the muscles (to play ball, lift the couch, etc.). In the involuntary system, we usually cannot control the muscles because they take care of our heart, kidneys, lungs, and other important body parts---and they do it automatically, just as if someone had “designed” them that way. God did design them that way! And what wonderful design it is. Muscles last us a lifetime. They can be used over and over again. How thankful we should be to have them!

Contact Information
	P.O. Box 680872 / Prattville, AL 36067
	(334) 365-5887 / (334) 868-0801
	prattmont@knology.net / prattmontchurchofchrist.org

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The Prattmont Church of Christ is just what the name suggests, a church that belongs to Christ. We are not a denomination; we are simply a group of Christians trying very hard to practice the teachings of our Head, Jesus Christ. The New Testament offers a complete pattern for what each local church should be like—its organization, its worship, its work, etc. We are committed to following that pattern. We cordially invite you to attend our services. We would also welcome any comments or questions about this bulletin.

TIMES OF SERVICES:
Sunday
Bible Study 9:00 A.M.
Worship 10:00 A.M.
Training Class 5:00 P.M.
Worship 6:00 P.M.
Wednesday:
Bible Study 7:00 P.M.