Aaron Shank

The term nonconformity is a Biblical term derived from the Scripture be not conformed to this world, as found in Romans 12:2. The word conformed comes from the same Greek word that is translated “fashioning” in I Peter 1:14, where Peter tells Christians not to fashion themselves like they did when they did not know any better. This word, as it is used in the Bible, always refers to the outward appearance of a person or object. The fashion pages of the newspapers and catalogs will also verify that it has reference to some form of outward appearance.

The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death (1Co 15:26). We are told approximately two hundred deaths occur in the world every second of time. That is approximately 63,072,000 in one year (this does not include infanticide by the millions, through induced abortions -1 1/2 million more worldwide). Medical science and health advocates are continually seeking ways to prolong life and delay the process of death. They would like to destroy death. But death is all inclusive and certain. It does not miss anyone.

Leaven is a substance that causes fermentation and spoilage, “Figuratively, an influence that, spreading silently and strongly, changes conditions and opinions” (World Book Dictionary). Literally, when leaven is added to a wholesome substance like bread dough or fruit juices and left unchecked the end result is a sour, smelly product which generally is unfit for any valued purpose. It is a fitting type of what sin does to our individual lives and to our church life when left unchecked or untended.

The teachings of Calvinism have pervaded many Christian churches today. They use Scripture to establish their beliefs and at times may seem ever so convincing. Yet, we must look at the context and compare other Scriptures to come to Biblically sound conclusions.

Some time ago while visiting at one of our churches, I heard a brother say, "I'm enjoying my church fellowship more than I ever did in my lifetime." I replied, "And what are we going to do to keep it that way?"

In this article, the late Brother Aaron Shank explores the Bible's teaching on divorce and remarriage and why we understand the Bible to teach that people who have been divorced and remarried and have a former partner living need to live celibate for the kingdom of heaven's sake.