Jeremiah 5:31 The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means; and my people love to have it so: and what will ye do in the end thereof?

There are those who read things like we have been saying of late and they claim that I am just a “kill joy.” Years ago I was dealing with a man on the matter of marriage and divorce and I showed him what the Bible has to say. He claimed to be a Christian and at first he listened to what I showed him. However, the devil had one of his snakes available for this man. This false teacher stated that in the Greek the Bible allows for remarriage under certain circumstances. After being convinced by this deceiver that he could remarry, this man accused me of wanting to steal his joy.
I want to remind each person who will read this that I did not write the Bible. I use the Word of God in all my teaching. If you can refute what I say with the clear teaching of the Word of God, then I will have to listen and change what I believe. However, to pull out a corrupt Greek text and use that to deceive people into believing a lie is wicked. Someone that is truly saved will have the Holy Spirit indwelling them and He will show them in their heart that something is wrong with the teaching. The saved person needs to study God’s Word and that will bring the person to the truth. It is also important to be in a good Bible-believing church that can help you to grow in the Lord.
As I mentioned yesterday, there needs to be good solid teaching in true churches regarding all doctrine. II Timothy 3:16 tells us that the Scriptures is doctrine. A godly pastor cannot afford to ignore the doctrines that might be controversial and twist the ones he likes and he thinks others might like as well.
James warned that a man should be careful if he aspires to be a teacher.

James 3:1  My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.

God does not say a man should not be a teacher. He says a man needs to be sure he is called of God to be a teacher. A man that plays around with God’s Word will find out that God does not accept this. That man may get away with it for a time, but judgment day is coming. No one gets away with any sin. Those who mess around with God’s word will be judged severely for that sin. God wants all people to know the truth. A man that takes license with God’s truth is in danger with almighty God.
There are many men and women who have ruined their lives because they did not receive good counsel with regard to the matter of marriage. For many, they were not taught properly, but for many they do not want to be taught properly. God’s Word is readily available for all.
I mentioned that when I was young, I do not remember receiving any teaching on preparation for marriage or on marriage. Had I married foolishly, I would not have been able to use that as an excuse. God’s Word tells us that He has sent the Holy Spirit to work in the heart of each individual:

John 16:7  Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.
8  And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:
9  Of sin, because they believe not on me;
10  Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more;
11  Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.

God does not lie. The Holy Spirit is still working on the heart of every individual to show them what their need is. Rather than crank up the rock music or grab a bottle of beer or turn on the T.V. or whatever distraction you might want, listen to what God is saying to you. Get saved and get into a true church and start learning the truth.
If you chose a spouse and your marriage did not work out, the answer is not to dig a deeper hole. The answer is to get right with God and then learn to walk with Him. God designed most men and women to be married. As we noted, marriage is to be for life. If your’s failed, get right with God and either fix the marriage or remain alone and learn to glorify God with the rest of your life.
He is able to fill the void that you face. He will give you the comfort you need in your life. If you listen to the snake oil salesmen that are a dime a dozen, you will not find the comfort and peace you need. You may try to imagine that you have it, but you know in your heart you do not.
The writer of Hebrews stated:

Hebrews 11:25  Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;

Moses understood that there was pleasure in sin. He observed that in Pharaoh’s court. However, he also observed that pleasure is short lived. He wanted something more substantive than that. You do too. Don’t settle for short term pleasure that you will live to regret.
It is a fact that God will never lead any person to go against His Word. It is also a fact that God will bless each person that chooses to know Him and follow His way. Jesus stated:

John 14:27  Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

You cannot manufacture God’s peace. It is a gift that He provides for those who trust in Him. It is the peace that every soul longs for. It is available for all, but it is available God’s way. We all need to slow down and take time to hear what God is saying in all areas of life. Those who are saved can be blessed in faithfully reading God’s Word daily. Those who are saved also need to listen to God and follow Him to a good local church.
Those who are lost need to listen to the Holy Spirit and get saved. God will lead you to a godly person who can help you to understand your need to be saved, if you will let Him. God will also lead you to a good church where you can be taught the truth. God is good. He provides for our needs. Our greatest need is to know Him. He will not rob anyone of that need. The many who never have that need met are guilty of rejecting God’s drawing of them to Himself. Don’t be guilty of that in your life. Humble yourself and know His peace and blessing today.
Pastor Bartel