The Bible is clear that we are saved by grace. Ephesians 2:8 says “It is by grace you been saved, through faith -- and this is not from yourselves, is a gift of God -- not by works, so that no one can boast.”

God’s Word is also clear about a proper response to the grace of God. Romans 2:4 tells us that God’s kindness is meant to lead us to repentance. Titus 2:11 – 12 “For the grace of God that that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say “no” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled upright and godly lives in this present age."

This proper response to God’s grace should not cause us to be self-righteous nor to forget how far God has taken us through his grace. 1 Corinthians 6:9—11 “Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers or swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.”

It is clear that the Gospel of God’s grace is available to all men and women regardless of the past. If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old is gone and the new has come.

As leaders of God’s Church in Colombia, we feel it imperative to make certain things clear to the church regarding the appropriate response to God’s grace and how we need to continue in that grace.

We live in a country where the standards of righteousness and morality, even within the religious community and churches, are much different than those of true disciples of Jesus. 1 Corinthians 5:9—13 “I have written you in my letter not associate with sexually immoral people – not at all meaning the people of this world who are immoral, the greedy and the smugglers, or idolaters. In that case you would have to leave this world. But now I’m writing you that you must not associate with anyone who calls himself a brother but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or slander, a drunkard or a swindler. With such a man do not even eat. What business is it of mine to judge those outside the Church? Are you not to judge those inside? God will judge those outside. Expel the wicked man from among you.”

God makes if very clear that Christians who live an immoral lifestyle cannot have fellowship with the church. Sentimentality and/or lack of urgency cannot be a part of our decision to follow with this instruction.

We want the church to understand that, in the words of Paul, we are to flee from sexual immorality – that would mean in all of its forms, which would include pornography, adultery, and premarital sex – and premarital sex specifically would include, in addition to intercourse, oral sex and touching each other’s bodies in other inappropriate places.

We should all understand that disciples will not be perfect. But it is also clear that we are to repent – quickly, sincerely and completely. When Paul speaks of “expelling the wicked man from among you” he is referring to those who were unrepentant and continuing in their sin.

On another matter, we want the church to be clear that the Bible teaches that as single disciples we are to only marry other disciples. This principle and command is established several times in the Old Testament. In the New Testament when a woman becomes single due to the death of her husband she is instructed in 1 Corinthians 7:39 “If her husband dies, she is free to marry anyone she wishes, but he must belong to the Lord.” Also, 2 Corinthians 6: 14 “Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what Fellowship can light have with darkness?”

While this passage does not specifically mention marriage, it certainly would include marriage.

It should be understood that to be considered an active and faithful member of the Columbia church of Christ would mean not dating and/or marrying non-Christians - which includes someone who does not practice or teach what the Bible teaches on how to become a Christian.

God’s Word is also very clear regarding divorce. God “hates divorce.” Jesus taught in Matthew 19 that in marriage husband-and-wife are “no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate.” … and “I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for marital unfaithfulness, and marries another woman commits adultery.” The disciples said to him, “if this is the situation between a husband and wife, it is better not to marry.”

Part of Jesus response to that statement was that some indeed had decided not to marry because of the kingdom of heaven. Jesus thought that marriage was so important and such a unique relationship in the sight of God that it would be better not to marry unless it was a commitment to each other for life.

The apostle Paul reiterated this in 1 Corinthians 7: 10 – 11 “To the married I give this command (not I, but the Lord): A wife must not separate from her husband. But if she does, she must remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband. And a husband must not divorce his wife.”

For disciples divorce on any grounds other than adultery is not an option and should not be considered, spoken of during a disagreement nor actions taken toward that direction. To do so is the same thing as considering adultery.

Recognizing that we bring our past into our marriages and this often makes for difficulties in the marriage and also that marriage takes a lot of work to be godly, successful and happy, we expect married couples, like all other disciples, to repent of sin and to make every effort to get the help necessary to overcome sinful behavior.

All of us need discipling. If we are married or single, young or old, new Christians or mature Christians we need the help of others to make it to heaven.

The elders and staff are standing behind me to demonstrate the fact that we have discussed these matters and are of one accord and stand united.

We are making this statement for three reasons:

1. We want the church to be aware of the biblical standards that will be expected of all disciples.
   
2. We have become aware of situations in the areas discussed today and want everyone to know that repentance and forgiveness are always available from God and his church. But unrepentant sin will be addressed for the salvation of souls and the protection of those who can be negatively influenced by unrepentant sin.
   
3. We, like Jesus, want the church to be a light to the world. For that to happen, we must as disciples be committed to being truly set apart.  

2 Corinthians 6:16 – 7:1 “As God has said: “I will live with him and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people.” “Therefore come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no one clean thing, and I will receive you.”

“I will be a father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.”

“Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.”