Concerning Divorce

Pastor Joel addresses the biblical perspective on marriage and divorce, emphasizing that while God permits divorce under certain circumstances due to human sinfulness, it was never His original design. He examines Jesus' confrontation with the Pharisees regarding divorce, contrasting their legalistic approach with God's creation intent for marriage as a covenantal union rather than a contractual agreement. Pastor Joel stresses that marriage involves three parties—husband, wife, and God—who binds them together as one flesh. While acknowledging that divorce occurs and God can redeem broken situations, he calls believers to pursue reconciliation, humility, and faithfulness in marriage, following the pattern of mutual submission outlined in Ephesians 5. Pastor Joel emphasizes that God's standard is permanence in marriage, and believers should not casually consider divorce as an option but rather focus on fulfilling their God-given responsibilities to their spouse regardless of circumstances.