By Alex Ofori Agyekum
Otiakrom – Shallom (E/R), Aug. 6, GNA – The Seventh Day Theocratic World Congregation has concluded its fourth Elul, 6022 Adult Sabbath Lesson with a strong call on Ghanaians to avoid divorce and remarriage, describing such practices as harmful to families, society, and spiritual heritage.
In an interview with the Ghana News Agency at the church’s headquarters at Shallom, near Aburi in the Eastern Region, Apostle Dr. Kadmiel E.H. Agbalenyo, Leader of the Congregation, emphasized the far-reaching consequences of divorce and remarriage, both lawful and unlawful.
He said lawful and unlawful divorce destroys the family, and lawful and unlawful remarriage divides the children.
He noted that many struggling couples wrongly believe divorce and remarriage were viable solutions to their marital issues, though these often lead to even more complex problems such as fragmented homes and difficulty in managing blended families.
He said children from previous marriages may experience tension, rejection, or emotional neglect, while stepmothers and fathers often struggle to integrate with children not biologically their own. “In fact, remarriage and bearing children in such unions can result in serious disharmony,” he added.
Apostle Agbalenyo pointed out that marital challenges have spiritual roots and must be addressed through divine guidance and biblical wisdom.
Using biblical references, he cited several scriptural examples including Adam and Eve (Genesis 3:9–13), Cain (Genesis 4:5–9), Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:3–4), and even Satan himself (Ezekiel 28:14–17) to emphasize how perfection could be lost through deception and disobedience.
“At times, couples begin their marriage perfectly, but covetousness and other ungodly influences may take over. Christ Jesus, the true witness, upholds the sanctity of marriage, referencing Hebrews 13:4–5”.
He expressed concern over the decline of womanhood’s divinity, even within the Theocratic community, where some men misquote scriptures such as 1 Timothy 2:11–14 to justify abuse and unlawful abandonment of their wives.
“A wicked husband may dismiss his wife over trivial matters and bring in a woman he barely knows, a daughter of the devil,” he warned, citing Malachi 2:13–14.
Apostle Agbalenyo reminded members that marriage was not a mere contract to be dissolved at convenience, saying “marriage cannot be easily destroyed, not by the couple, their families, religious leaders, or even the courts and traditional authorities. Unlawful abrogation of lawful matrimony shall directly and indirectly affect children, inheritance, domestic peace, and ultimately one’s spiritual standing in God’s kingdom,” he said.
He called for marital problems to be handled prudently by competent and spiritually mature leaders or referred to the headquarters at Homedakrom for appropriate resolution, referencing Exodus 18:21–23 and Deuteronomy 17:8–12.
The Apostle further outlined the unseen causes of domestic violence and marital breakdown as fornication, jealousy, covetousness, indiscriminate social associations, participation in unlawful funerals, unauthorized religious practices, and disruptions in marital intimacy.
He urged members to reject fornication, adultery, high-mindedness, and unforgivable spirits, warning that such acts attract divine judgment (Revelation 21:7–8).
Apostle Agbalenyo reiterated that only the Lord God and Christ Jesus can ultimately resolve complex marital impasses, referencing the reconciliations between Adam and Eve (Genesis 3:20–21), and Abraham and Sarah (Genesis 21:9–13).
He called on all members to prayerfully and promptly report serious marital issues to the presiding Missionary and elders of the congregation before situations escalate beyond resolution, as instructed in 1 Corinthians 12:27–31.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Odeng Adade