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RE: Is it none of my business? - 3/2/2010 11:26:49 AM
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SteelCurtain
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quote:
ORIGINAL: DaveW Would the "husband of one wife" requirement for congregational leadership clause come into play here? If so, and the congregational leadership does not accept "common law" then the couple should step down for decieving the congregation. Even if they get married today. I believe that it depends upon what sort of leadership is being sought. For example, the AG does not allow those who have been divorced and remarried (after conversion) to hold pastoral positions within the church body. However, each church is governed unto itself and if the pastor/board of that AG church would allow a couple, who have been divorced and remarried (after conversion) to hold lay leadership positions then that is their choice. I've known many wonderful couples who were previously divorced but were some of the most wonderful lay leaders you would ever want to meet. In terms of "common law" marriages, I do not believe that is biblical. The Bible defines marriage between one man and one woman. The next step would be to file for the marriage license within your state and then be legally married.
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RE: Is it none of my business? - 3/2/2010 2:24:55 PM
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jhuperetes
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There are many denominations consider marriage licenses unbiblical and do not get licenses from the government in the US, or other countries. There are many countries where there is no government mandate, requirement or even facility to get such licenses. I guess all those Amish men I talked last weekend are just fornicating. So was George Washington and Abraham Lincoln quote:
ORIGINAL: SteelCurtain In terms of "common law" marriages, I do not believe that is biblical. The Bible defines marriage between one man and one woman. The next step would be to file for the marriage license within your state and then be legally married.
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RE: Is it none of my business? - 3/2/2010 3:17:11 PM
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SteelCurtain
Posts: 152
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quote:
ORIGINAL: jhuperetes There are many denominations consider marriage licenses unbiblical and do not get licenses from the government in the US, or other countries. There are many countries where there is no government mandate, requirement or even facility to get such licenses. I guess all those Amish men I talked last weekend are just fornicating. So was George Washington and Abraham Lincoln quote:
ORIGINAL: SteelCurtain In terms of "common law" marriages, I do not believe that is biblical. The Bible defines marriage between one man and one woman. The next step would be to file for the marriage license within your state and then be legally married. Man, these forums are so hard to get a point across because of how things are either written or interpreted (I'm guilty of both). Anyway, I can't do anything about what other denominations do. We are asked to obey the laws of the land in Scripture. My state required me to be married by an ordained minister and to get a marriage license in order to be legally married according to state law. Why would I have not done that? I can't speak to what other countries do or don't do. Obviously, there could be some extreme cases where getting a license in a country that does not have that system setup is quite hard. I can't speak to what the Amish, George or Abe do or did because I don't know their history. But, the point of the OP, was in how to handle the situation which I believe has been addressed.
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RE: Is it none of my business? - 3/2/2010 6:41:53 PM
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WFG
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It was reported to the Apostle Paul thru a letter from the Corinth Church, there were still sinful things going on within the members. Paul corrected them in stating these things should've been brought to light and dealt with by Leadership. The Leadership does not know all "goings on" with people in thier church. so... God relies upon His God guided members to bring such things to light before the Leadership, for correct action to be taken. I would agree, that you could confront them yourself first, then with a witness along a second time, then before the church lastly, if it were an outside sin going on. but because they are part of Church Leadership, it is up to Church Leadership alone, to deal with this then. If just members, it'd be different. your right, it is an embarrassment for the church, and even more so, allowing them to stay as sub-leaders in the church so long as the sin continues. that is not a good example of "Chirst-like" manner being shown personally, or as a leader at any level in the Church. BTW- It doesn't matter what other denominations teach. What God shows in His Word are two things- 1- there were always specific chosen times for wedding celebrations and activities and exchanging of things and wearing od certain adornment, to prove a couple were married. 2- God also provided for a "writing of Divorcement" way back with Moses. So... lets get away from trying to muddle things with secular adjusted laws and what certain denominations teach. They mean nothing, compared to God's word. God Bless!!
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RE: Is it none of my business? - 3/3/2010 11:47:06 AM
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SteelCurtain
Posts: 152
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quote:
ORIGINAL: WFG It was reported to the Apostle Paul thru a letter from the Corinth Church, there were still sinful things going on within the members. Paul corrected them in stating these things should've been brought to light and dealt with by Leadership. The Leadership does not know all "goings on" with people in thier church. so... God relies upon His God guided members to bring such things to light before the Leadership, for correct action to be taken. I would agree, that you could confront them yourself first, then with a witness along a second time, then before the church lastly, if it were an outside sin going on. but because they are part of Church Leadership, it is up to Church Leadership alone, to deal with this then. If just members, it'd be different. your right, it is an embarrassment for the church, and even more so, allowing them to stay as sub-leaders in the church so long as the sin continues. that is not a good example of "Chirst-like" manner being shown personally, or as a leader at any level in the Church. BTW- It doesn't matter what other denominations teach. What God shows in His Word are two things- 1- there were always specific chosen times for wedding celebrations and activities and exchanging of things and wearing od certain adornment, to prove a couple were married. 2- God also provided for a "writing of Divorcement" way back with Moses. So... lets get away from trying to muddle things with secular adjusted laws and what certain denominations teach. They mean nothing, compared to God's word. God Bless!! I agree, for the most part. You go to a person first, if they don't listen then bring another (personally I would then involve the pastor) and then it goes before the church. However, like you, I agree that since they are leaders within the church then the church leadership would need to be the ones making that call. Otherwise you would have all sorts of people standing up on Sunday mornings and telling the church what is going on. The Bible tells us to do things "decently and in order." 1. Not following you, but yes, weddings do happen, garments are worn and rings are given. 2. Right, and state laws require that a couple file for a marriage license. Again, the Bible says, "obey the laws of the land." No one is muddling anything with any adjusted laws. I agree with God's word so I'm not sure how I expressed otherwise. Should I ignore my state laws simply because I had a preacher marry us?? No, that would be going against the Word of God because I'm not "obeying the laws of the land."
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RE: Is it none of my business? - 3/3/2010 12:25:52 PM
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rcjames
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quote:
ORIGINAL: SteelCurtain I agree, for the most part. You go to a person first, if they don't listen then bring another (personally I would then involve the pastor) and then it goes before the church. However, like you, I agree that since they are leaders within the church then the church leadership would need to be the ones making that call. Otherwise you would have all sorts of people standing up on Sunday mornings and telling the church what is going on. The Bible tells us to do things "decently and in order." 1. Not following you, but yes, weddings do happen, garments are worn and rings are given. 2. Right, and state laws require that a couple file for a marriage license. Again, the Bible says, "obey the laws of the land." No one is muddling anything with any adjusted laws. I agree with God's word so I'm not sure how I expressed otherwise. Should I ignore my state laws simply because I had a preacher marry us?? No, that would be going against the Word of God because I'm not "obeying the laws of the land." Good post. Thanks RC
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RE: Is it none of my business? - 3/4/2010 12:08:22 AM
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Dakotasunbeam
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I agree with RC and Steel Curtain, IMHO, I don't think God is going to ask about the Taxes when they get to heaven.
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RE: Is it none of my business? - 3/5/2010 4:04:30 PM
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Shrommer
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The law is an issue, but for me the core issue is not whether they are married in the eyes of the law of a particular nation, but about what marriage means in the eyes of God. Marriage is a covenant relationship, where all he has now belongs to her, and all she has now belongs to him. This includes all his debt now belonging to both of them. He comes with the debt, and if she won't accept his debt, it is not a marriage. The two must become one, and as long as they are operating as two, there is no covenant and no marriage. If she wants a man without debt, this is not the husband for her (at this time). If he wants a wife without debt, he needs to live with his situation and not marry, and definitely not live in fornication. We are fortunate in this nation that our marriage laws reflect this marriage relationship by making the debt of one partner apply to both. We live in a godly nation where this kind of thing is done properly and biblically. When Jesus entered into covenant relationship with us, all our debt became his, and all his riches became ours, so much so that we even take on his name. We now live and work and act and pray to the Father in the name of Jesus, because we are one with him in covenant. A marriage on earth reflects the union of Christ and the Church. I can't imagine the Church saying we are in covenant with Christ, but we won't accept this, that, or the other thing that belongs to Christ.
< Message edited by Shrommer -- 3/5/2010 4:11:04 PM >
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RE: Is it none of my business? - 3/5/2010 6:07:25 PM
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ta_mosquito
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Interesting POV, Shrommer. Thanks for sharing it.
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RE: Is it none of my business? - 3/5/2010 7:50:20 PM
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jhuperetes
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Outstanding. I will have to think this through more, but an outstanding point of view. quote:
ORIGINAL: Shrommer The law is an issue, but for me the core issue is not whether they are married in the eyes of the law of a particular nation, but about what marriage means in the eyes of God. Marriage is a covenant relationship, where all he has now belongs to her, and all she has now belongs to him. This includes all his debt now belonging to both of them. He comes with the debt, and if she won't accept his debt, it is not a marriage. The two must become one, and as long as they are operating as two, there is no covenant and no marriage. If she wants a man without debt, this is not the husband for her (at this time). If he wants a wife without debt, he needs to live with his situation and not marry, and definitely not live in fornication. ...
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RE: Is it none of my business? - 3/5/2010 9:36:26 PM
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jn1010lf
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Hello CarmenJanes First, I would not attend his group or sit under the teaching of that household. I would be truthful and explain my reasons. In that light it certainly is your business. As for the church, I would urge the man that told you this to "fess up" to his sin. If he wouldn't do that - well that would put me in a bind. I would assume that guy would take the initiative to tell the leadership. Now, I wonder this. I would think that the Holy Spirit would raise a red flag to your church leadership. I know the Lord never approves of such things. Another possible red flag.
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RE: Is it none of my business? - 3/9/2010 2:11:39 PM
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Judson50
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quote:
ORIGINAL: CarmenJanes I have met some new friends in church. They have a very sweet 4 year old daugther. The lady works in the children's ministry and is a small group leader. For those that don't know...some churches do this instead of Sunday School. It's where people meet in their home once a week for Bible study. I'm not sure what ministry the guy is in, but they are both very active in the church. My problem is....a few months ago the guy tells my husband they are not and never have been married. His excuse is he owes back taxes and don't want to screw up her credit or make her responsible for his debt. I don't know for sure...but I'm pretty sure the church doesn't know this. I heard the pastor say once that if you are actively participating in sin you will be asked to step down from volunteering until you can get it in check. There is a difference between someone struggling with something and someone down right sinning and not trying to change it. I worry about the kind of name it gives our church and Christians in general. Aren't we suppose to be different? We are not suppose to act like the rest of the world. My husband says its none of my business...but it really bothers me. Should I say something to someone in charge or leave it alone? I put this in this folder, because she is a leader in her small group. Galatians 6:1 tells us “Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted” When you read Matthew 18 , you will notice,there is a purpose to win your brother If your brother sins, go and show him his fault in private; if he listens to you, you have won your brother. Matthew 7:1-5tells us that we must first analyze your self before we go tell someone else they have a problem. Because, we may be the one with the problem and we may be displacing our own frustrations onto someone else, trying to magnify their sin to make our sin look petty. “Do not judge so that you will not be judged. For in the way you judge, you will be judged; and by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you. Why do you look at the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ and behold, the log is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye. “\ Therefore if Matthew 18:15-20 tells us “If your brother sins, go and show him his fault in private; if he listens to you, you have won your brother.” This tells us that we have a responsibility to go to the person and show them their fault. A great cross reference for this stage is Galatians 6:1; which tells us we must seek to restore in Gentleness and with self examination. Again, here is God’s word focusing on examination. It is as if we are always to keep ourself in check so we uphold our testimony? Imagine that. You must be motivated by restoration, redemption and reconciliation; this must be conducted with gentleness and with a keen eye on yourself so you do not fall into sin. Matthew 18:15-20 goes on: “But if he does not listen to you, take one or two more with you, so that BY THE MOUTH OF TWO OR THREE WITNESSES EVERY FACT MAY BE CONFIRMED.” Once you have sought reconciliation in gentleness, you must approach this individual with two or three witnesses, to confirm his or her hardened or disobedient heart. This verse is also backed up by Paul, where Paul says in 1Timothy 5:19 Timothy is not to “receive an accusation against an elder except on the basis of two or three witnesses“. Teachers, elders, deacons – all church leadership are constantly scrutinized and held to a higher human level of responsibility a layperson probably won’t hold themselves to; although they would say they do, theoretically – practically, not so. Also, church leadership, if they are doing what scripture calls them to do, will be pressed, they will be in scrutinized, they will be hated or despised or having malicious accusations. It just does; therefore, such allegations are typical and must be brought forward with proof and not hearsay. It is extremely important that this be upheld. First of all, if a person making allegation has not confronted the elder directly, in private – they haven’t followed the Godly process and are working against God’s command and therefore transgressing the law (i.e. sinning). That is why, when someone comes to me and “complains”, I always ask them “Have you spoke to them about this” and 90% of the time, the answer is “No”. Which leads to a great follow up, “Why not”. To which most respond, “Well….” at that point, I tell them they would rather gossip, be in sin rather than seek restoration, redemption and reconciliation and their current path is sin and they need to look at the log of “gossip” before they point out the “spec” of whatever. Next, Matthew 18:15-20 goes on to say: If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. If you have first, spoke to the individual, then brought 2 or 3 witnesses and they still refuse to reconcile – then they have no part with the Body and should be excommunicated for their unwillingness to repent. Just like God, once they repent, then you can redeem, restore and reconcile the relationship. Moreover some other verses to consider, Matthew 5:23-24 tells us “Therefore if you are presenting your offering at the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your offering there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and present your offering”. Jesus, doesn’t want you to come and worship Him if your heart isn’t right; therefore, get right with Jesus horizontally before you come to Jesus vertically. Now, some may as “What if they won’t repent“, then you cut them off for their hardened heart. Finally, Matthew 18:15-20 ends with “Truly I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall have been bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall have been loosed in heaven. “Again I say to you, that if two of you agree on earth about anything that they may ask, it shall be done for them by My Father who is in heaven. “For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst.” If you follow God’s command for restoring relationships (i.e. Church Discipline); if 2 or 3 are gathered together, for the purpose of reconciliation and restoration, then Jesus will be there and people will be radically changed. So, what do you do if you find someone in sin? Ask Yourself 1. Am I in sin; seeking revenge or vengeance? 2. What is my purpose for “confronting”? 3. Is my purpose to restore, redeem and reconcile? 4. Have I spoke to the person directly? 5. If 4 doesn’t work, do you have a witness? 6. If 5 doesn’t work, then you need to cut them off. I posted on this at my blog noted here.
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RE: Is it none of my business? - 3/10/2010 10:51:30 AM
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iwillfearnoevil
Posts: 1562
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quote:
ORIGINAL: SteelCurtain I believe that it depends upon what sort of leadership is being sought. For example, the AG does not allow those who have been divorced and remarried (after conversion) to hold pastoral positions within the church body. However, each church is governed unto itself and if the pastor/board of that AG church would allow a couple, who have been divorced and remarried (after conversion) to hold lay leadership positions then that is their choice. I've known many wonderful couples who were previously divorced but were some of the most wonderful lay leaders you would ever want to meet. not quite, AG does allow divorced & remarried people after conversion serve in cases of infidelity or abandonment. http://ag.org/top/Beliefs/Position_Papers/pp_downloads/pp_4189_divorce_remarriage.pdf c. Local Church Leadership (1) Standard for offices of bishop, or elder, and deacon. Since the New Testament restricts divorced and remarried believers from the church offices of bishop, or elder, and deacon, we recommend that this standard be upheld by all our assemblies (Titus 1:5-9; 1 Timothy 3:12), except when the divorce occurred prior to conversion (2 Corinthians 5:17) or for the scriptural causes of a former spouse’s marital unfaithfulness (Matthew 19:9), or the abandonment of the believer by the unbeliever (1 Corinthians 7:10-15). [Note—The foregoing causes of unfaithfulness or abandonment are also understood to be applicable after conversion.] and local church just as you wrote: (2) Prerogative of local assemblies. It is understood that recommendations are not binding, but local assemblies shall maintain the prerogative of setting their own standards (in accord with provisions of Article XI of the Constitution). also AG does not recognize common-law marriage. also i think the excuse for not getting married is rather weak, not giving legal advice here but it seems past debt does not carry over to spouse unless filing joint return. seems to me, it's just one of many excuses for not getting married. tough situation to be in.
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RE: Is it none of my business? - 3/10/2010 3:02:28 PM
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SteelCurtain
Posts: 152
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From: Virginia
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quote:
ORIGINAL: iwillfearnoevil quote:
ORIGINAL: SteelCurtain I believe that it depends upon what sort of leadership is being sought. For example, the AG does not allow those who have been divorced and remarried (after conversion) to hold pastoral positions within the church body. However, each church is governed unto itself and if the pastor/board of that AG church would allow a couple, who have been divorced and remarried (after conversion) to hold lay leadership positions then that is their choice. I've known many wonderful couples who were previously divorced but were some of the most wonderful lay leaders you would ever want to meet. not quite, AG does allow divorced & remarried people after conversion serve in cases of infidelity or abandonment. http://ag.org/top/Beliefs/Position_Papers/pp_downloads/pp_4189_divorce_remarriage.pdf c. Local Church Leadership (1) Standard for offices of bishop, or elder, and deacon. Since the New Testament restricts divorced and remarried believers from the church offices of bishop, or elder, and deacon, we recommend that this standard be upheld by all our assemblies (Titus 1:5-9; 1 Timothy 3:12), except when the divorce occurred prior to conversion (2 Corinthians 5:17) or for the scriptural causes of a former spouse’s marital unfaithfulness (Matthew 19:9), or the abandonment of the believer by the unbeliever (1 Corinthians 7:10-15). [Note—The foregoing causes of unfaithfulness or abandonment are also understood to be applicable after conversion.] and local church just as you wrote: (2) Prerogative of local assemblies. It is understood that recommendations are not binding, but local assemblies shall maintain the prerogative of setting their own standards (in accord with provisions of Article XI of the Constitution). also AG does not recognize common-law marriage. also i think the excuse for not getting married is rather weak, not giving legal advice here but it seems past debt does not carry over to spouse unless filing joint return. seems to me, it's just one of many excuses for not getting married. tough situation to be in. Thanks for pointing out the position paper. I assumed people would know that the AG does recognize a pastor if his/her marriage ended due to adultery or abandonment by the spouse. I should have been more clear in stating that, however. Correct, AG does not recognize common-law marriage.
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RE: Is it none of my business? - 3/17/2010 10:54:44 PM
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intheworks
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DaveW had it right early in the posts. The answer is in the New Testament. Quoting what DaveW quoted from Scripture: Matt 18 lays out the proceedure: Mat 18:15 "If your brother sins, go and show him his fault in private; if he listens to you, you have won your brother. Mat 18:16 "But if he does not listen to you, take one or two more with you, so that BY THE MOUTH OF TWO OR THREE WITNESSES EVERY FACT MAY BE CONFIRMED. Mat 18:17 "If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. Thanks DaveW. Confront them in private. If they are active in the church, they may see the sin they are living in. God bless.
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RE: Is it none of my business? - 3/26/2010 7:18:39 AM
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luispinzon
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They can choose their way but not to rule the church.
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RE: Is it none of my business? - 3/26/2010 11:59:38 AM
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CMT8808
Posts: 820
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quote:
ORIGINAL: CarmenJanes Two things.. There isn't any fraud going on. They are not married so therefore his past owed taxes are on him only. His excuse for not marrying right now is he don't want his debt to become a problem for her and her credit. No fraud...but sometimes people do get so behind in taxes it's hard to catch up. I gave him a number to someone that could help him take care of it, but I don't know if he's called. But I honestly think that excuse is lame. I think it's exactly that...an excuse. I don't believe that's the real reason. I don't have a theory on the real reason...just don't think this is it. Second..What exactly am I suppose to say to her? I mean..she's not stupid. She knows what she's doing is wrong. I won't be telling her anything she don't already know. I actually have to agree with Dave W, simply because the way the IRS law is written, it is HIS debt, because it occurred before they get married. I know this for a fact, as I called the IRS. My husband has an IRS debt and I do not. There are things she can do. If she works she can file married, but separately. Or filed jointly and file injured spouse and she will receive her return. If she is not working and files jointly it does not make her automatically responsible for the debt. It is HIS debt, period. The only other reason I can consider is maybe they{meaning she and child] are receiving aid, because there is no maritial commitment and therefore are committing fraud with the state they abide in. The excuse this man gave is lame and not factual. My husband and I have a 4 y/o child, but I am presently a sahm, so filed jointly this year, this is why I called and asked. I am not responsible for his debt prior to our marriage. Feel free to pm me CMT
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RE: Is it none of my business? - 3/26/2010 5:19:37 PM
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KaptZ
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I think when we ask ourselves if something is 'none of our business' it usually is. In the situation you describe? Definately none of your business.
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RE: Is it none of my business? - 3/26/2010 7:17:32 PM
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Ellie-Mae
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It is their business because we are to be careful who we get counsel from and who we are led by. This couple is certainly not people we should be having as leaders in the Christian community.
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RE: Is it none of my business? - 3/31/2010 3:46:20 AM
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HannahElizabeth
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quote:
ORIGINAL: KaptZ I think when we ask ourselves if something is 'none of our business' it usually is. In the situation you describe? Definately none of your business. quote:
I think when we ask ourselves if something is 'none of our business' it usually is. In the situation you describe? Definately none of your business. Right. That's biblical. To the OP: For some reason, the Bible speaks clearly to this issue. Other issues are challenging to interpret; this one is spelled out carefully with steps. Thank God. He cares deeply for his wayward children. I know it's hard to confront people in these types of situations, easier to hope that some stranger in a forum will provide a convenient excuse to turn a blind eye, or to hope someone else at church finds out and says something instead. For some reason, it appears that God has chosen you. You might be doing this couple the greatest favor you ever could, by bringing accountability into their lives. This must be done in a loving way, or your church might lose them forever. And that would be a shame. If they choose to leave once exposed, if you have done everything in Biblical order, that's on them.
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RE: Is it none of my business? - 4/9/2010 1:00:06 PM
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SharonRoniEllis
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From my point of view, as soon as it was discovered, the pastor and elders should have been informed. It is wrong to implicate yourself in their sin by carrying this lie for the unmarried couple who are in a position of leadership when doing so -- while unmarried is forbidden by your church to hold this position. You sin a gainst God, the Pastor, the congregation, who act in good faith -- buy your not telling is you are not acting in good faith. I went to a church once where an elder who weekly spoke from the podium to the congregation was involved in a sordid affair with a married woman who went to the same church. Many people knew. "Everyone just didn't know how to tell the pastor" so the lie went on for months, until the woman's husband found out and told the pastor. The church was devastated / the Senior Pastor felt so betrayed that no one told him because he would have put an immediate stop to these persons having positions of trusted authority in front of , and influence over, the congregation while blatantly sinning. If you have to keep it a secret - it is a sin. Bring it to the light and allow things to heal. Why do people think they have to protect sin?
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RE: Is it none of my business? - 4/9/2010 4:49:07 PM
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bolt.
Posts: 2385
Joined: 4/29/2005
From: Canada
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Jesus did lay out steps to be taken in private, so people can be induced to abandon their sin without being humiliated more than necessary. If you were to inform the pastor and elders "as soon as it was discovered" you would be disobeying Him. However, He did not imply that we are free to take months or years before we speak to people about their sin, first alone, then with one or two others. That's a quick window where one is taking action -- not being party to a secret for any length of time.
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RE: Is it none of my business? - 4/12/2010 5:58:16 PM
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SecretGarden
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quote:
ORIGINAL: SharonRoniEllis Why do people think they have to protect sin? I don't think it's so much "protecting" the sin as it is people not wanting to get involved in someone else's personal business. There may even be some fear of that "shoot the messenger" syndrome.
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Never be afraid to try something new. Remember, amateurs built the ark.... professionals built the Titanic.
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