We're heading into the season when many single folks do a lot of introspection and lookig/hoping into the future.

Because of my passion for singles, and because of some of my own history, I've spent countless hours studying the Biblical issue of marriage, divorce, and remarriage in the church.

In the notes of the paper that I wrote, I said something to the effect of, even as a widowed person, I still need to know what it is that I believe about divorce and remarriage. If I intend to be single for the rest of my life, it's a non-issue. If I intend to date and possible remarry, I better know the boundries ahead of time. Whocan I date, who to consider, who can I marry?

There are Biblical reasons to divorce that leave a person free to remarry. Beyond that, what is a person to do - are they truly left to a lifetime of being alone? Or is there forgiveness and restoration in Christ?

Two resources that I use a lot are

Marriage, Divorce, & Remarriage By: Jay Adams - This is the book that many pastors, counselors and theologians consider to be the most biblical and the most helpful on the issue of marriage and divorce. The author examines the relevant passages in both the Old and New Testaments so that his readers can consider the many issues and interpretations that arise in trying to establish a consistently biblical position. As a result, you can see more clearly and accept more firmly the truth of Scripture.

Divorce and Remarriage in the Bible: The Social and Literary Context by David Instone-Brewer "Marriage in the ancient Near East was contractual, involving payments, agreed stipulations, and penalties..." [Note: I don't agree with some of Instone-Brewer's theology, but his historical information is very interesting.

Also, here is a shot article from Grace Community Church (John MacArthur)

This is a topic that takes lots of time, but every Bible-believing Christian needs to know and be convinced of what they believe on this topic.