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When my wife and I said, “I do” over twenty years ago, neither of us knew very much about marriage. We were certain, however, that dreams, not exit strategies, were our primary ambition for the future. No couple walks down an aisle in the presence of their family and friends thinking about courtrooms, custody battles, or dividing assets. Love, family, and a lifetime of memories are always the goal.

Yet, every 50 seconds in the United States, disenchanted spouses file for divorce. Or, to help us appreciate the magnitude of it, that’s around 1800 per day, 13,000 per week, and nearly 700,000 familial separations each year. What was once rare in our nation has become routine. In 1912 there was one divorce for every twelve marriages. Today, that number hovers around one divorce for every three marriages. Imagine getting on an airplane knowing that one out of every three flights crashes!

Resisting What Culture Accepts

Believe it or not, our modern normalization of divorce is nothing new. On one occasion, the Pharisees asked Jesus bluntly, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any reason at all (Matt. 19:3)?” In other words, when the ideal person stops being ideal, it’s okay to walk away, right? To make matters worse, religious leaders were abusing Scripture to arrive at their self-serving conclusions.

Thus, in His Sermon on the Mount Jesus pinpoints the specific Old Testament verse that was commonly misinterpreted. Quoting from Deuteronomy 24:1, Jesus reminded his listeners, “It was said, ‘Whoever sends his wife away, let him give her a certificate of divorce.’” Our Lord later explained that Moses’ provision for divorce, which regulated the practice and protected women, was evidence of hardened hearts rather than a justification for dissolving a marriage (Matt. 19:7-8).

In contrast, the Jewish school of Hillel recklessly justified any minor infraction as grounds for divorce. For them, a man could walk away from his commitment because his wife spoke too loudly, burned dinner, or failed to meet expectations. Today, people often point to a lack of compatibility, lost love, or nagging frustrations when seeking a divorce. In both instances, the error is magnifying marital conflicts with one another above the promised commitment to one another.

The road to normalizing divorce in America began in 1969 when California became the first state to pass a no-fault divorce law. Other states followed in the 1970s and now, every state in the union has its own legal statute, aiding the disunion of families. Like our ancient Jewish counterparts, we have successfully codified the prioritization of personal comfort over lifelong commitment.

Reclaiming What Scripture Teaches

So, what does Jesus do? He raises the standard to prevent pushback against our relational selfishness. Without mincing words, He insists, “Everyone who divorces his wife, except for the reason of unchastity, makes her commit adultery; and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery (Matt. 5:32).” Simply put, unless one spouse commits sexual sin against the other, divorce is not permissible.

Though the Apostle Paul introduces the issue of abandonment by an unbelieving husband or wife, even then a Christian should not initiate the dissolution of a marriage except in cases of sexual immorality (1 Cor. 7:12-15). Even when divorce is permitted, though, it is not prescribed. Reconciliation is always preferable to ending the covenantal union of marriage.

Later, when addressing the issue a second time, Jesus reiterated, “Have you not read that He who created them from the beginning made them male and female, and said, ‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’? So they are no longer two, but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let no man separate (Matt. 19:4-6).”

As is always the case, God offers prohibition and boundaries for our good. Unbiblical divorce leads to additional sin, specifically adultery. Remarriage after an unbiblical divorce is an act of infidelity (Matt. 5:32). Even those who have not been previously married commit adultery when they choose to wed those who step outside of Scripture to break their marriage covenant. Just as egregious though, is the painful picture divorce evokes.

Because the husband reflects Christ’s sacrificial love in the home, and since the wife represents the church’s submissive response, to abandon our marriage vows miscommunicates the gospel (Eph. 5:22-33). A husband who forsakes his wife insinuates that Christ’s love is not sacrificial and abiding. Likewise, a wife who steps out on her husband implies that the church is not required to follow her Savior in every instance. Both examples are damaging.

My purpose here is not to condemn anyone who has gone through the pain of a divorce. God can, and will, forgive any sin (1 John 1:9). Divorced Christians are not second-class believers, nor should we carry guilt for what God has already forgiven. But marriage is worth fighting for, even as our culture grows increasingly lax. We must speak biblically and compassionately in order to prevent the future separation of families. Permanent unhappiness in marriage rarely lasts and couples who attend church together are 50% less likely to get divorced. Let’s recommit our marriages to God’s original design—till death do us part!

Adam B. Dooley
March 25, 2026

I once saw the familiar words taped above a weight bench in an athletic facility. Their Scriptural address later appeared on the eye black of a famous athlete set to play in a major SEC showdown. Another time, I heard the same verse recited right after a friend shared an ambitious dream for his future. Chances are you’ve heard it, too. Maybe the declaration came from a buddy trying to run a sub eight-minute mile for the first time. Or perhaps an optimistic student echoed the same refrain while studying for a big test. Could it be that an eager coworker uttered this statement while anticipating her big promotion? Whoever it is and wherever it surfaces, this ancient message is often used as an announcement to claim success and prosperity for the road ahead.

What expression am I referring to? I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Phil. 4:13). Admittedly, I am always grateful when people read the Bible and are bold enough to share it with others. Ironically, though, I fear that we often communicate the opposite of what the Apostle Paul meant when he wrote these words 2000 years ago. His point was NOT that we can do ANYTHING we want with God’s help. To the contrary, the inference of these words is that we can endure everything that the Lord calls us to endure for His name’s sake, whether it be good or bad. This verse of Scripture is a lesson on the power of contentment in our lives when we DO NOT get our way. The message is not about extraordinary feats, but about enduring faith instead.

We need to look no further than the surrounding context of the proclamation to appreciate the correct implication. In the preceding verse, Paul contrasts two extremes of living that equally require contentment (Phil. 4:12). He says (I’m paraphrasing): I can live with little or great prosperity. I know how to handle a bountiful table or an empty cupboard. I can accept having plenty or suffering because of my need.

Now, feel the powerful force of the inspired phrase that we love to quote again: I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Did you catch it? Christ will strengthen you to be content during seasons of difficulty or great blessing. Our trials will not do us in as long as our Savior gives us power to endure. Our blessings will not make us haughty as long as Jesus conditions us to be grateful. In both instances, the strength of Christ helps us navigate whatever we face. His presence is the key to facing all circumstances victoriously, whether we would choose them or not (Phil. 4:11).

My point here is less about the correct interpretation of a single verse, though, and more about the importance of reading the Bible in its proper context to avoid erroneous conclusions. Every student of Scripture faces the temptation of cherry-picking verses or phrases from holy writ in order to affirm what we already believe rather than allowing the text to shape how we see the world. Remember, every text of Scripture has meaning communicated and defined by its original authors that we are not free to alter. Do the hard work of following sound hermeneutical guidelines (rules of interpretation) in order to avoid mistakes.

Careful exegesis (understanding and explanation) requires that we identify the genre of every Bible passage and follow the principles for understanding its contents. For instance, we read poetry much differently than historical books. Consider the difference between reading an instructional manual and a love letter for a modern example. Next, we should understand the historical world behind every text. Before reading any Scripture, take time to ask who it was written to and what the immediate application was. Though the implications for the modern church may differ slightly from what first-century believers understood, the scope of application is always tied to the Bible’s unchanging meaning.

Understand that not every promise given to Israel applies to believers today. Likewise, because Jesus fulfilled the Law (Matt. 5:17-18), along with the distinction between Israel and the church, many of the previous restrictions codified in the Old Testament Law are no longer binding. Tragically, many often attempt to undermine the Bible’s clear ethical imperatives by ripping Israel’s civil rules out of context in order to imply that Christians simply ignore them now. So, if you enjoy shellfish or bacon and have cotton in your clothes, you have no right to quote any moral command people don’t like! Shallow arguments like these reveal more about the Bible’s critics than Scripture itself, but they also remind us that historical and redemptive context matters.

Finally, look carefully at the entire chapter that surrounds your chosen verse before settling on its meaning. Consider the arguments of the Bible book in which it appears. Ask if what you’re reading is under the Old Mosaic Covenant or the New Grace Covenant. Consider whether your understanding contradicts the clear teaching of Scripture elsewhere. These are, without question, difficult concepts to master, but doing so protects us from using the Bible to make arguments that God never made.

Adam B. Dooley
October 15, 2025

No one lives in a vacuum. Despite our occasional efforts to deny it, the people around us influence nearly every part of our lives for good or bad. Either you benefit from the nurture, example, and encouragement of those who speak into your life, or you suffer, stumble, and lament due to the absence of these things. A difficult past may not destroy you, but it will shape you. Likewise, the benefit of loving support will not guarantee a successful life, but it will certainly position you for it.

Hebrews 12:1-2 illustrates the value of benefitting from the experience of others: “Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

These verses do not mean, as is often argued, that a group of saints cheer us on from the grandstands of heaven as they look down upon us. Instead, these words point to the testimonies of faithful believers that become examples to us about the right way to live. The application is not that these Christians are watching us now, but that our remembering them will inspire us for the days ahead. The characters listed in Hebrews 11 become a model of perseverance as we run our race of faith.

We should not conclude, however, that only Bible heroes influence us toward greater Christlikeness. Certainly, the context of Hebrews 12:1 refers specifically to the hall of faith listed in the previous chapter. Yet, many faithful Christ followers have finished their races since these words were written. With similar impact, their lives challenge us with the reality that finishing well is still possible. Allow me to mention two that helped me tremendously.

One of the unique realities of my childhood is that I met six of my eight great-grandparents. This wasn’t unusual to me at the time, but today I realize what a remarkable gift it was. My Papaw Taulbee fascinated me the most because he lost an arm in a hunting accident at a young age and, as a result, could do most anything with just one hand. Whenever we visited, I refused to leave his side, even if it meant enduring hours of snoring through the night.

The first lesson my papaw taught me was about the importance and permanence of marriage. He and my Mamaw remained married for 64 years until her death. I remember how much he loved her and how he cried when she died. He was never the same afterward. For him, marriage was a lifelong commitment that pictured Christ’s love for the church. I seldom read Ephesians 5:22-33 without recalling his example.

The second lesson he taught me was that words matter. What we say and how we say it impacts the people around us more than we know. I will never forget the day he pointed his cane at me and said, “That boy is special. I can’t put my finger on it, but God is going to use him in a great way.” Those assurances became an abiding motivation for me, helping me chart the course for the person I wanted to become because I did not want to disappoint the man who spoke them.

Another hero to me was my Granny Sue, who modeled the power and freedom of forgiveness to me in a powerful way. Though she was short in stature, this little woman was a fighter all her life. She overcame breast cancer 50 years ago and ran her own business out of her home. Her greatest challenge by far, however, was the pain caused by her divorce. After 23 years of marriage, my grandfather was unfaithful to her and their relationship ended. She never remarried, and though she moved on, the wound was always with her.

In 2005, decades after the separation, cancer returned to her lungs and it became obvious she would not overcome it. Though I only saw her and my grandfather in the same room once, I called to share the news with him and to make a bold request. I invited him to come to the hospital and ask for Granny Sue’s forgiveness. Admittedly, it shocked me when he agreed to do so. Even more amazing, however, was how my grandmother responded.

When I told her he was in the hallway, she sat up in her bed, began primping her hair, and then said with a smile, “If he is here to get me back, it’s too late for that!” I stepped out in the hall so they could visit, but unashamedly I eavesdropped every word. You could hear the pain in her voice as she asked, “Was I not a good wife? Why did you leave? How could you just walk away?”

My respect for my grandfather swelled as I heard him answer, “You did nothing wrong. I was the one who was wrong. Please forgive me.” Silence filled the room, only to be broken by the sweetest, most gracious words I have ever heard. My Granny Sue leaned forward, looking my grandfather in the eye, and said, “I forgive you. I’m glad you came.” Then, they talked, laughed, and healed. It was beautiful.

That day I learned that we are never more like Jesus than when we forgive. The deeper the wound we carry the more spectacular the grace we give. We need to give forgiveness as much as we sometimes need to receive forgiveness.

I’m thankful for these two heroes in my life. Who has helped your faith to grow?

Dr Adam B. Dooley
June 23, 2025

Recently, I had the special opportunity of returning to my home church in Berea, Kentucky for homecoming services. If the nostalgia of seeing people from my childhood wasn’t enough, the church was also celebrating their new pastor, my pastor, who has returned to lead them after being away for 25 years.

As I stood to preach, the atmosphere was electric, and the joy was palpable. My love for this congregation is not only tied to memories from my teenage years, but also their instrumental role in helping me discern a call to ministry. This was the place where my love for Jesus grew and my commitment to preaching the whole Bible without apology was born. Standing behind the pulpit where it all began reminded me of both the privilege and responsibility of teaching the Word of God.

Much has changed since those early days. Preaching sermons from the Bible may be more difficult than it has ever been. We live in an age of soundbites where fewer and fewer people are willing to digest biblical truth. A YouTube generation has grown accustomed to messages that are three minutes or less. Added to these prevailing trends is growing distrust for any kind of authority and the overall resentment that many feel towards truth that is confrontational or convicting.

Yet, our modern tendencies neither disprove the truthfulness of Scripture nor diminish its veracity in our lives. To the contrary, the Bible accurately predicted a time when most would not endure sound doctrine but would accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance with their sinful desires, wanting to have their ears tickled (2 Tim. 4:3). The foolishness of our day is equal to myth, largely because so many have turned their ears away from the truth (2 Tim. 4:4). Yet, in this climate, the apostle Paul’s final admonition to his protégé Timothy is to preach the word in season and out of season, knowing that God watches and hears every message His ministers proclaim (2 Tim. 4:1-2).

 The implications for those who proclaim God’s truth are far reaching. Pastors must work hard so as not to be ashamed, but workmen who accurately handle the word of truth (2 Tim. 2:15). The sacred accountability of preaching surfaces in James’ warning that not many should desire to be teachers of Scripture, knowing that doing so invites a stricter judgment (James 3:1). Even when the preached message invites criticism or contempt, the most important audience of every sermon in every place is God Himself.

Thus, any pastor worthy of his calling will do the hard work of studying to understand the Bible. He will proclaim what God says unapologetically whether it is popular or not. Rather than conform to the culture, he is to confront it with truth. Impressing people or drawing attention to himself is a violation of the sacred privilege bestowed upon him. Teaching book-by-book, chapter-by-chapter, and verse-by-verse, he is to reprove, rebuke, and exhort with great patience and instruction (2 Tim. 4:2). Every pastor will answer to God for his willingness to proclaim the whole counsel of Scripture (Acts 20:27).

But what about those who hear sermons? Though a good sermon begins in the pastor’s office, it does not become a reality until it hits the pew. Just as preachers will one day answer to God for what they preach, listeners will also give an account for how they hear and respond to the message.

Hebrews 13:7 instructs, “Remember those who led you, who spoke the word of God to you; and considering the result of their conduct, imitate their faith.” In the context of the local church, the writer of Hebrews also encourages, “Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with grief, for this would be unprofitable for you.”

In general, the Bible is saying that Christians can do their part by being joyful rather than contentious, always eager to yield to the Word. Preparing your heart to hear a good sermon is just as important as the pastor’s work to write it. These practical steps will greatly enhance your Sunday morning experience at church:

• Pray for your pastor throughout the week as he studies.
• Get a good night’s rest on Saturday night so that you are alert the next morning.
• Pray that God will open your heart to what He wants to say through the preached word.
• Take notes while you listen. This will help you to stay engaged throughout the message while also enabling you to recall it later. The weakest ink is better than the strongest memory.
• If you hear something in the message you don’t like, refuse to take it personally. Ask, 1) is it biblical? and 2) am I wrong?
• Remember, if you feel challenged, comforted, corrected, or even rebuked, that is GOOD! These signs are evidence that the Holy Spirit is working in your life.
• Formulate at least one action step to help you respond to every sermon.
• Thank God for the spiritual leaders He puts in your life.

The point behind guidelines like these is that God values the preaching of the Bible and so should we. The Lord’s eyes are upon us all, watching how congregants receive the substance the pastors deliver. You won’t remember every sermon you hear, but just like the many meals you’ve long forgotten, the preached Word will nourish your soul in ways seen and unseen.

Adam B. Dooley
May 20, 2025