Rob, I agree that Jesus was not trying to give more reasons for people to divorce. He was always going past the letter of the law to the heart of the law, trying to get us to see that sin starts with our wrongful thoughts and motives.
As for God’s not striking Cain dead, all I can say is that it was a demonstration of His extreme goodness and grace. And aren’t we glad He is so gracious!
Bart, I have to disagree that adulterous thoughts are the same as adulterous actions. Yes, sin is sin, and we can’t go around trying to justify our wrong actions or thoughts by saying, “Well, at least I’m not as bad as So-And-So. I just committed a little sin.” But in reality, there is no comparison between a lustful thought and an actual extra-marital affair. One may lead to the other, but they are not at all the same in their effects on the people involved. I’d sure rather my spouse have a straying thought while watching a female wrestler on TV than to find him in bed with someone! ;)
By the way, three beautiful children! Congratulations!
Dann, Congratulations to you, too! We’ll be praying for you and yours. Hope all goes (or went!) well. Keep us posted, O.K.?