Concerning Our Lord

To the Reader: This article touches on views that were debated not only by the early church, but by today’s churches as well. And one of those views was concerning the person and nature of Jesus Christ. So, to find the truth we must study God’s word and see what it has to say. So, after reading this article I encourage you to do a further study on you own. For we shouldn’t take everything we hear as facts. This would be true whether it’s coming from the pulpit, a seminary teacher, or from articles such as this one. Therefore, I encourage you to: “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15 KJV) May God help us to have a deeper understanding of His word.

May God’s grace be poured out upon you. Amen.

“Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill him, because he not only had broken the sabbath, but said also that God was his Father, making himself equal with God.” (John 5:18 KJV)

So, did Jesus really break the sabbath? Also, did Jesus really claimed to be equal to God the Father while being flesh and blood like us? Well, to answer these questions, we must see what other passages have to say. First, let’s see if he broke the sabbath: “Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets. I have not come to abolish these things but to fulfill them. I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth pass away not the smallest letter or stroke of a letter will pass from the law until everything takes place. So anyone who breaks one of the least of these commands and teaches others to do so will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever obeys them and teaches others to do so will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:17-19 NET)

So, we see that Jesus came to fulfill the law. Therefore, since obeying the Sabbath was part of the Ten Commandments, we should all agree that Jesus didn't break it. Next, did Jesus make himself equal with God by saying that God is his Father? Well, didn’t Jesus say: "Pray then like this: "Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven." (Matthew 6:9-10 ESV). So, if we pray that prayer, are we making ourselves equal with God by call him Father as well? I would have to say no.

Now, we can see the same thing happening where the Jews wanted to stone Jesus for saying: “I and my Father are one.” (John 10:30 KJV). For: “The Jews answered him, “It is not for a good work that we are going to stone you but for blasphemy, because you, being a man, make yourself God.” (John 10:33 ESV) But again, didn’t Jesus say: “I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; "that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me.” (John 17:20-21 NKJV). So, does this make us Christians also equal with God because we are one with both God the Father and Jesus as well? Again, I would have to say no.

So, couldn't this all be a misconception that was made by the Pharasees? For we must always test scripture with scripture my fellow Christians.

• When Jesus says to the apostles, “you in me, and I in you” (John 14:20), he is using the same wording that he used when he speaks of being “in” the Father. In fact, Jesus prayed in John 17:21 that people will believe so “that they also may be in us” (in the Father and Jesus). A study of Jesus’ teaching at the Last Supper shows that he placed a lot of emphasis on he and the Father being “in” each other (John 14:10, 11, 20; 17:21-22), and similarly taught about the disciples being “in” him and he “in” them (John 15:4-7). Thus, just as God and Jesus have an intimate relationship and are in union with one another, so God, Jesus, and believers are to be in an intimate relationship with one another. … Another word in John that expresses the union and fellowship between God, Jesus, and the believer is the word “one.” Jesus said that He and the Father were “one” (John 10:30), meaning one in purpose, unified, in intimate relationship with each other. … Jesus expanded what he said about He and his Father being “one” at the Last Supper when three times he prayed about the believers being “one” just as God and Christ were one. He prayed, “that they may be one, just as we are” (John 17:11), and “that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me and I in you, that they also may be in us” (John 17:21), and “so that they may be one, just as we are one; I in them, and you in me, that they may be perfected into one” (John 17:22-23). It is clear from all the uses of “one” that Jesus and God being “one” does not refer to them being “one God and of the same essence,” but rather one in purpose. John 10:38, REV Bible and Commentary (revisedenglishversion.com (Please note: I do not hold to all the views of the “Biblical Unitarians.” But at the same time, I “don’t throughout the baby with the bathwater.”)
• As we have seen, when John wrote that Jesus “broke the Sabbath” (John 5:18), he was describing Jesus’ actions from the Pharisees’ perspective (compare 9:14-1 6). Those who say Jesus did actually break the Sabbath are agreeing with Christ’s enemies - His accusers - that Jesus’ miraculous works of healing was a breach of the Sabbath law. They are agreeing with Jesus’ accusers that He was a Sabbath-breaker. To be consistent, they must also agree with the Pharisees when they said of Christ: “We know that this man is a sinner” (v. 24). The blind man who had been healed knew better than that, saying that “we know that God does not hear sinners; but if anyone is a worshiper of God and does His will, He hears him” (v. 31). When Jesus healed on the Sabbath, He was not violating the law of God. By His actions, He demonstrated the true application of God’s laws - rather than Pharisaic traditions - that “it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath” (Matthew 12:12). The “law” that Jesus violated was a man-made rule that was itself against the principles of God’s law. Remember: Had Jesus Christ actually broken the Sabbath, He would have been sinning. But the Scripture says that He “committed no sin” (1 Peter 2:22). Had He sinned, He could not be our Savior. But He, being undefiled and separate from sinners, offered Himself without spot and without blemish to God for our redemption (Hebrews 7:26; 9:14; 1 Peter 1:18 - 19). No, Jesus did not break the Sabbath. He spent the Sabbath preaching, teaching, healing, honoring God and doing the good work of His ministry - the work of God. (The Bible Sabbath Association by Rob Reynolds)

“Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I.” (John 14:28 KJV)

Jesus in that passage above is declaring that God the Father is greater than he is. Also, in Hebrews 2:9 we read: “But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honor; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man. ... Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.” (Hebrews 2:9, 14-15 KJV) So, it clearly says above that Jesus “was made a little lower than the angels.” And concerning his humanity, it also says: “he also himself likewise took part of the same.”

And finally, let’s take heed to what Jesus himself said: “And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” (John 17:3 KJV) So, even though John the apostle wrote: “In the beginning was the word, and the word was with God, and what God was the word was;” (John 1:1 REV). We know that the “Word” became flesh and blood as the man Christ Jesus. Therefore, being fully human like us, Jesus could rightly declare that God the Father is the only true God. We can see John the apostle pointing this out later on in one of his epistles where he said: “We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true. And we are in him who is true by being in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life.” (1 John 5:20 NIV, ASV).

So, couldn't both “him who is true” as well as “the true God” be referring to God the Father himself? I encourage you to examine and study the scriptures closely for yourselves my fellow Christians. For both we the parishioners and those that preach from the pulpits are in a learning process. For Jesus did say to "take my yoke upon you, and learn from me." (Matthew 11:29)

Below are a couple of other bible versions from 1 John 5:20:

• And we know that the Son of God has come, and has given us insight to recognize the True One; and we are in union with the True One through His Son, Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life. (1 John 5:20 Williams)
• And we know that the Son of God has come, and has given us an understanding, so that we may know Him Who is true; and we are in Him Who is true, and in His Son, Jesus Christ. He is the true God, and the eternal life. (1 John 5:20 AFV)

Now, in many of Paul the apostle’s writings, he begins by saying: “Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Galatians 1:3 KJV). So, Paul is making it clear that God is our Father and Jesus is our Lord and Savior. So, that all being said, wouldn’t the claim: “make thyself God” be based upon a misunderstanding by the Pharisees? (see John 10:33) For Jesus himself said: “Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I.” (John 14:28 KJV)

Therefore, Jesus became like us in order to show us the way to God the Father. And not only that, for he came to take upon himself the sins of the world. So, my brothers and sisters in Christ: “Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although he existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” (Philippians 2:5-8 NASB95) This is a true act of love by both God our Father and Jesus our Savior as well.

• “For even if there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth (as indeed there are many “gods” and many “lords”), yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we live; and there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we live.” (1 Corinthians 8:5-6 NIV)
• “For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all people. This has now been witnessed to at the proper time.” (1 Timothy 2:5-6 NIV)

“In the beginning was the word, and the word was with God, and what God was the word was. This word was in the beginning with God. Everything came to be through it, and apart from it nothing came to be that has come to be. In it was life, and that life was the light of humankind. And the light shines in the darkness, but the darkness did not overcome it. (John 1:1-5 REV)

Now, that all being said, let’s not think of Jesus as some ordinary prophet that has come and gone. Also, we should be challenging his relationship with God nor his divine character or nature. For before coming to this earth, we know that he was with God the Father. For we read: “And now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had with you before the world existed.” (John 17:5 ESV) So, let’s be diligent to follow the clear teachings of the bible. And as said before, we’re all in a learning process. Therefore, we may not have everything down perfect when it comes to our knowledge of God’s word. However, if we believe that Jesus is our Lord and Savior who died for our sins and after three days rose again for our justification, then we’re heading down the road that leads to eternal life.

So, as I said before, you should test everything my fellow Christians. That would include not only what's written in this article, but what's coming from the pulpit as well. Therefore, I encourage all of you to study the bible for yourselves. For that’s what the Berean Jews did, for we read: “Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.” (Acts 17:11 ESV) So again: “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15 KJV)

• “Now I make known to you, brethren, the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received, in which also you stand, by which also you are saved, if you hold fast the word which I preached to you, unless you believed in vain. For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that He appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. After that “He appeared to more than five hundred brethren at one time, most of whom remain until now, but some have fallen asleep; then He appeared to James, then to all the apostles; and last of all, as to one untimely born, He appeared to me also.” (1 Corinthians 15:1-8 NASB95)
• “Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:9-11 ESV) Yes, that is true, “For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.” (Colossians 1:16-18 KJV)
• Jesus said these things and lifting up his eyes to heaven, said, “Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son so that the Son can glorify you, just as you gave him authority over all flesh so that he could give life in the age to come to all those you have given him. And this is life in the age to come, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. I glorified you on the earth by accomplishing the work that you have given me to do. And now, Father, glorify me together with yourself with the glory that I had with you before the world was.” (John 17:1-5 REV)

Below are some other scriptures showing that Jesus became just like us. I encourage you to go through them all and take to heart what’s being said. For we as a Christians must break away from any watered-down teachings that’s being preached:

• “But concerning that day or that hour, no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” (Mark 13:32 ESV) 
• “And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Mark 15:34 ESV)
• “Jesus grew in wisdom and maturity. He gained favor from God and people.” (Luke 2:52 GW)
• “And a ruler asked him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone.” (Luke 18:18-19 ESV KJV)
• “Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I.” (John 14:28 KJV)
• “And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.” (John 17:3 ESV)
• “Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know:” (Acts 2:22 KJV)
• “To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.” (Romans 1:7 KJV)
• “For even if there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth (as there are many gods and many lords), yet for us there is one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we for Him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, through whom are all things, and through whom we live.” (1 Corinthians 8:5-6 NKJV)
• “But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.” (Philippians 3:20-21 ESV)
• “For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.” (1 Timothy 2:5-6 KJV)
• “But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honor; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.” (Hebrews 2:9 KJV)
• “What is man that You are mindful of him, And the son of man that You visit him? For You have made him a little lower than the angels, And You have crowned him with glory and honor.” (Psalm 8:4-5 NKJV)
• “Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.” (Hebrews 2:17-18 ESV)
• “Dear friends, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet been revealed. We know that whenever it is revealed we will be like him, because we will see him just as he is.” (1 John 3:2 NET)
• “We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true. And we are in him who is true by being in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life.” (1 John 5:20 NIV, ASV)
• “Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to make you stand in the presence of His glory blameless with great joy, to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.” (Jude 1:24-25 NASB95
• “John to the seven churches that are in Asia: Grace to you and peace from him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven spirits who are before his throne, and from Jesus Christ the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” (Revelation 1:4-6 ESV)
• ‘The one who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he will not go out from it anymore; and I will write on him the name of My God, and the name of the city of My God, the new Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God, and My new name.” (Revelation 3:12 NASB20)

(Note: The bible versions in this article that were abbreviated are listed below to assist in your study of God’s word) 

• ESV = English Standard Version
• KJV = King James Version
• NIV = NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION
• NASB20 = New American Standard Bible, 2020 edition
• NASB95 = New American Standard Bible, 1995 edition
• REV = Revised English Version
• ASV = American Standard Version
• NET = New English Translation
• NKJV = New King James Version
• GW = God's Word

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To the Reader: This article was written with the intent to show where Jesus was for those three days and nights after his crucifixion. For we must be careful not to water-down the suffering that he endured on our behalf. Therefore, let us look diligently into what the scriptures have to say about this very important subject. This way we can know the price that God the Father paid for us when he offered up his son Jesus Christ. For: “He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.” (1 Peter 2:24 NIV)

Therefore, brothers and sisters in Christ: “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a worker who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15 NASB20)

May God bless you and keep you in his love. Amen.

“For just as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.” (Matthew 12:40 ESV)

In that passage above, Jesus was letting his followers know what his time inside the earth was going to be like. And in order for us to know what it was like for him there, we need to see how it was for Jonah himself. “Then Jonah prayed unto the LORD his God out of the fish's belly, And said, I cried by reason of mine affliction unto the LORD, and he heard me; out of the belly of hell cried I, and thou heardest my voice.” (Jonah 2:1-2 KJV) So, we can see that Jonah was experiencing “affliction” and quoted it as being in “the belly of hell.” And let’s remember that Jesus called Jonah a prophet, for he said: “An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it but the sign of Jonah the prophet” (Matthew 12:39 ASV).

So, couldn't we all agree that Jesus himself did experience affliction during those three days and nights. And let's take note to what the book of Hebrews says concerning Jesus: “Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared; Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him; Called of God an high priest after the order of Melchizedek.” (Hebrews 5:7-10 KJV) So, we read that Jesus was making a plea to God that he would “save him from death” and that he “was heard in that he feared.”

Now, it’s obvious that this passage above had nothing to do with Christ’s physical death. For we know that he was crucified and put to death. Therefore, wouldn’t Jesus be asking that his soul would not be left in hell during those three days and nights? For Peter said: “Him, being delivered by the determined purpose and foreknowledge of God, you have taken by lawless hands, have crucified, and put to death; whom God raised up, having loosed the pains of death, because it was not possible that He should be held by it.” (Acts 2:23-24 NKJV) So again, Jesus was “loosed” (saved) from “the pains of death.” So what pains are there in death other than the fires of hell itself?

So then, after three days and nights of torment, Jesus was release from those “pains of death.” And let’s remember what Peter said to the crowds. For while quoting the prophesy of King David, he said: “Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope: Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance. ... He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption. This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses.” (Acts 2:25-28, 31-32 KJV) Yes, God released (raised up) Jesus out of the torments of hell after he spent three days and night there. And let’s thank God the Father for that.

“And being in hell, lifted up his eyes, he sees Abraham afar off and Lazarus in his bosom. And calling he said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me and send Lazarus so that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am tormented in this flame.” (Luke 16:23-24 KJ3)

Now, from the account of the rich man and Lazarus, we can clearly see that the rich man was is a place of torment after his death. But on the other hand, Lazarus and the rest of God’s departed saints are with Abraham in a place of comfort and rest. And let’s also take note that while looking upward from hell, the rich man saw Lazarus in the arms of Abraham and cried out for mercy. Now, some claim that God’s departed saints are inside the earth in a place called Abraham’s Bosom. Supposedly, they say it was a great distance off from hell where those on both sides can see each other. And therefore, the “rich man” was able to communicate with Abraham.

So, is this claim above really true? For wouldn’t this be like you sitting in a packed stadium and recognizing a famous radio host on the other side of the field, whom you never seen nor heard speak before. And then on top of that, being able to communicate to him as well? So instead, wouldn’t this be some vision from God just as it was for Stephen the martyr? For while looking up, Stephen saw Jesus standing next to God. This would make both these visions a supernatural events occurring for that moment in time. And as we already mentioned earlier, if Abraham and the rest of God's departed saints were inside the earth as some claim, why was our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ rejoicing that his soul was not left there? For again, wasn’t Abraham and all the rest of God’s saints there? And wouldn’t they have been there for a few hundred years or more?

This is something to really consider and ponder on my fellow Christians. Therefore, test all things to see whether they be true or not.

For videos concerning Jesus in hell click the link below:

• Jesus Suffered in Hell
• Did Jesus Suffer in Hell?
• Jesus became Sin for Us

Now, some may say, "didn't Jesus say: “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.” (Luke 23:43 ESV) Well, only if you believe those translations that say that. However, there are some other translations that have the comma after the word “today.” Thus, this same passage would read “Truly I say to you today, you will be with me in the Paradise.” (Luke 43:23 REV) This makes more sense because we have Jesus not promising the thief that they would be together that literal day, but at some time in the future.

Now, there is a man named E. W. Bullinger, a commentator of the Companion Bible who wrote: “say to you, today = ‘I say to thee today.’ Today; connect this with ‘I say’ to emphasize the solemnity of the occasion; not with “shalt thou be.” So, Mr. Bullinger admits that it should read: “Truly I say to you today.” So, in a sense, Jesus was telling the thief to listen and take heed to what I’m about to tell you right now. And that would be the assurance that they will be together at some point in the future.

So, even though a misplaced comma would normally be a minor thing, it can become a major one when it comes to such passages as above. So, it’s important that you have more than one translation within your library. This would especially be true when those red flags pop up in your head telling you that something doesn’t make sense. Therefore, it’s important that we rely on the Holy Spirit to help us navigate throughout the scriptures. So, let’s always seek God’s help, even when it comes to something as simple as a comma placement.

Below are more translations that chose to place the comma after the word today:

• The Concordant Literal New Testament reads – “Verily, to you am I saying today, with me shall you be in paradise.”
• The Rotherham’s Emphasized Bible reads – “Verily I say unto thee this day: with me shalt thou be with me in paradise.”
• The Peshitta Aramaic English New Testament (by Andrew Gabriel Roth) reads – “Y’shua said to him, “Truly I say to you today: You will be with me in paradise”.”
• The Revised English Version reads – “And he said to him, ‘Truly I say to you today, you will be with me in the Paradise’.”
• The Cepher Translation reads - "And Yahusha said unto him: So be it I say unto you today, you shall be with me in paradise."

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:1-2 ESV)

Now, I convinced there is no place called Abraham bosom inside the earth. I say this because I don’t see this being supported by Jesus nor his early disciples. For according to what we already read above, hell is the only place we see inside the earth. And we know according to scripture; our Savior Jesus Christ went there on our behalf. This he did because of his great love for us. And we also know that this was the Fathers will as well. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.” (John 3:16-17 KJV)

Now you may be asking, where is Abraham and all the departed saints of God? Well, I don't think nobody knows exactly where they're at. However, according to that passage above: “we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses”? So, it sounds like we're surrounded by them, wouldn't you agree? Also, let’s take note to what Jesus said while reminding the people who God is: “I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? God is not the God of the dead, but of the living.” (Matthew 22:32 KJV) So isn't this proof that those who have died in faith are alive in the realm of the departed saints? But on the other hand, wouldn’t those who have died in their sins be alive as well in a place of torment called hell?

Other Scriptures to consider from both Matthew and Luke's account:

• “Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me. And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.” (Matthew 26:38-39 KJV)
• “And he was withdrawn from them about a stone’s cast, and kneeled down, and prayed, Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done. And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him. And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.” (Luke 22:41-44 KJV)

Note: The thought of being beaten, whipped and then nailed to a cross could cause Jesus great stress. However, wouldn't the dreadful thought of spending three days and night in hell as well cause even greater stress for him?

So, my brothers and sisters in Christ. Let’s consider how much Jesus suffered for us. For he took upon himself the agony of beatings, whippings and then being nailed to a cross. But not only that, our Savior Jesus Christ endured the torments of hell as well on our behalf. For “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.” (Isaiah 53:6 KJV).

God bless you as you seek to do his well. Amen.

Note: The different bible versions that were abbreviated in this article are clearly listed below to assist you in your study of God's word:

• KJV = King James Version
• ASV = American Standard Version
• ESV = English Standard Version
• NKJV = New King James Version
• NASB20 = New American Standard Bible, 2020 edition
• KJ3 = The KJ3 Literal Translation bible

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To the Reader: So, who raised who? Did Jesus raise himself, or was it an act of God the Father? Well, to find that answer we must dig deep into the scriptures. And the only way we can do this is to examine the scriptures for ourselves. This way we can know the truth and put away any false teachings that’s out there. So, let us pray and always follow the leading and teaching of the Holy Spirit. Therefore: “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a worker who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15 NASB20)

May God’s love and mercy be with you all. Amen.

“So the Jews said to him, “What sign do you show us for doing these things?” Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up”.” (John 2:18-19 ESV)

Above is one of those passages that needs to be examined closely. For just a casual reading of it makes it sound like Jesus raise himself. So, to find that answer we need examine what other bible passages have to say. And the first one we come to is: “Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain: Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it.” (Acts 2:23-24 KJV)

Now, further on in this same chapter Peter said: “Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulcher is with us unto this day. Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne; He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption. This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses.” (Acts 2:29-32 KJV) So, we can see that it was God the Father who raised up Jesus. And let’s remember that Jesus himself was a prophet and spoke the words of God. For Moses himself declared this when he said: “The LORD thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto him ye shall hearken.” (Deuteronomy 18:15 KJV)

So, when Jesus said: “I will raise it up,” wouldn’t he be simply prophesying what God the Father was going to do? And wouldn’t that be the fact that God the Father would raise him up from the dead? For we also read: “When therefore he was risen from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this unto them; and they believed the scripture, and the word which Jesus had said.” (John 2:22 KJV) Yes, it first says that they believed the scriptures which would be the Old Testament (the New Testament was compiled yet). Then they believe the prophetic words of Jesus himself. 

Below are some scriptures showing that Jesus was a prophet as Moses foretold:

• “And the multitude said, This is Jesus the prophet of Nazareth of Galilee. ... But when they sought to lay hands on him, they feared the multitude, because they took him for a prophet.” (Matthew 21:11 ,46 KJV)
• “But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honor, but in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house.” (Mark 6:4 KJV)
• “And there came a fear on all: and they glorified God, saying, That a great prophet is risen up among us; and, That God hath visited his people.” (Luke 7:16 KJV)
• “Nevertheless, I must go on my way today and tomorrow and the day following, for it cannot be that a prophet should perish away from Jerusalem.’” (Luke 13:33 ESV)
• “And he said to them, “What things?” And they said to him, “Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, a man who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people” (Luke 24:19 ESV)
• “Jesus said to her, “Go, call your husband, and come here.” The woman answered him, “I have no husband.” Jesus said to her, “You are right in saying, ‘I have no husband’; for you have had five husbands, and the one you now have is not your husband. What you have said is true.” The woman said to him, “Sir, I perceive that you are a prophet.” (John 4:16-19 ESV)
• “Then those men, when they had seen the miracle that Jesus did, said, This is of a truth that prophet that should come into the world.” (John 6:14 KJV)
• “Many of the people therefore, when they heard this saying, said, Of a truth this is the Prophet.” (John 7:40 KJV)
• “They say unto the blind man again, What sayest thou of him, that he hath opened thine eyes? He said, He is a prophet.” (John 9:17 KJV)
• “For Moses truly said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you.” (Acts 3:22 KJV)
• “This is that Moses, which said unto the children of Israel, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear.” (Acts 7:37 KJV)

Below are some comments from others:

• New Testament scholar and historian, Larry Hurtado, examined the New Testament evidence and offers this observation: “So, Jesus’ resurrection is presented, not as Jesus’ act, but God’s… Actually, a survey of all the NT references to Jesus’ resurrection will confirm this pattern, in which it is posited as the crucial act of God, not the act of Jesus.” Taken from: christianitytoday.com article concerning Larry Hurtado New Testament early Christian worship.
• I will put MY Words in his mouth. Deuteronomy 18:18; see Acts 2:22-26. This was a message from God the Father to these Jews. … And the Word having become flesh, God the Father speaks to these Jews by means of his Word, “Destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up.” … And we find in the Gospel of John that Jesus tells us by what authority that he says the things he says and does the things he does. He came in the name of his Father and the Father abiding in him did the works (14:10). His words were not his own but the Father’s who sent him (14:24). … Jesus tells us many times in John's Gospel that he spoke the words of the Father. He kept his Father’s word (8:55) for eternal life. “For I did not speak from myself, but the Father Himself who sent me has given me commandment as to what to say and what to speak. I know that His commandment is eternal life; therefore the things I speak, I speak just as the Father has told me.” John 12:50. The word Jesus had spoken at John 2:19 were the words of the Father. The Father’s word is “the word of life” (1 John 1:1) … Therefore, being the Father’s word, what then did you expect the Father to say when these men asked Jesus by what authority he had cleared the Temple? “Destroy this Temple and in three days I will raise it.” up.” (Taken from the angilefire.com that is no longer there)
• So what Jesus said was very unusual and cryptic, but thankfully there is a key in the context that shows that Jesus was not contradicting the clear teaching that God would raise him from the dead. Only a few verses after John 2:19, John 2:22 says that Jesus “was raised,” and the Greek verb is passive voice, indicating that someone [God!] raised Jesus and that he did not raise himself. The fact that Jesus’ statement in John 2:19 is followed closely by the statement that Jesus “was raised” shows us that the author of the Gospel of John did not think that Jesus was saying that he would raise himself from the dead. Furthermore, the Gospel of John continues teaching that Jesus “was raised,” as we see in John 21:14. … “Destroy this sanctuary, and in three days I will raise it up” is that he was speaking directly for the Father. Jesus said in John 14:24, “the word that you are hearing is not mine, but the Father’s who sent me.” So, Jesus could have been speaking the words of God the Father directly in the same way that often the prophets of old said, “Thus saith Yahweh,” and then spoke directly for God. We should note that when Jesus cleansed the Temple in Matthew and Mark, he quoted from Scripture: for example, in Matthew 21:13 and Mark 11:17 he quotes Isaiah 56:7 and Jeremiah 7:11. Furthermore, in the verses that Jesus quoted, Isaiah and Jeremiah were speaking in the first person for God. It is quite possible that Jesus, being the Son of God and a prophet, could have been speaking first person for God just as the prophets he quoted had done many years earlier. (Taken from the Revised English Version commentary)

“Therefore, the Father is loving Me, seeing that I’m laying down My soul that I may be getting it again. No one is taking it away from Me, but I am laying it down of Myself. I have the right to lay it down, and I have the right to get it again. This precept I got from My Father.” (John 10:18 CLNT)

Now, some argue that this passage above is showing that Jesus raised himself. However, according to the scriptures, we should know that this is not true. So, we shouldn’t be surprised that most bibles use the word “power” instead of the word “right” or “authority” as we seen in that passage above. This they do ignoring the many passages that clearly show that God himself is the one who raised Jesus from the dead. And the reason God could raise him up is because Jesus lived a sin free life. Therefore, wouldn't Jesus have the right to receive his life back again as we read above?

Below are some more Scriptures showing that it was God the Father who raised Jesus out of hell:

• “The Son of man shall be betrayed into the hands of men: And they shall kill him, and the third day he shall be raised again.” (Matthew 17:22-23 KJV)
• “Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it. ... This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses.” (Acts 2:24, 32 KJV)
• “The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, hath glorified his Son Jesus; whom ye delivered up, and denied him in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let him go. But ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you; And killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses.” (Acts 3:13-15 KJV)
• “Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole.” (Acts 4:10 KJV)
• “The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree.” (Acts 5:30 KJV)
• “And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree: Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly; Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead.” (Acts 10:39-41 KJV)
• “And when they had fulfilled all that was written of him, they took him down from the tree, and laid him in a sepulcher. But God raised him from the dead: And he was seen many days of them which came up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are his witnesses unto the people.” (Acts 13:29-31 KJV)
• “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.” (Romans 10:9 KJV)
• “And God hath both raised up the Lord, and will also raise up us by his own power.” (1 Corinthians 6:14 KJV)
• “Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not.” (1 Corinthians 15:15 KJV)
• “Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead;) And all the brethren which are with me, unto the churches of Galatia: Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ, Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father: To whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” (Galatians 1:1-5 KJV)
• “That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 1:17-20 KJV)
• “Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.” (Colossians 2:12 KJV)
• “For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God; And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.” (1 Thessalonians 1:9-10 KJV)

“And if you call on him as Father who judges impartially according to each one’s deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile, knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot. He was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was made manifest in the last times for the sake of you who through him are believers in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.” (1 Peter 1:17-21 KJV)

So again, form all what was mentioned above, we can clearly see that Jesus did not raise himself from the grave. Instead, he trusted that God would perform it for him. Therefore, let us trust the word of God and not any false teachings of those well-meaning brothers and sisters in Christ. So again: “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15 KJV)

• For David speaketh concerning him, I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved: Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope: Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance. Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day. Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne; He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption. This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses. Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear. (Acts 2:25-33 KJV)

God bless you as you seek to do his well. Amen

Note: The different bible versions used in this article are listed below to assist you in your study of God’s word:

• KJV = King James Version
• ESV = English Standard Version
• CLNT = Concordant Literal New Testament
• NASB20 = New American Standard Bible, 2020 edition

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To the Reader: I’m in no way trying stir up hatred toward those of the LGBTQ+ community. For they need Jesus our Savior just like everyone else. “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus” (Romans 3:23-24 KJV) Yes, God loves all of us and doesn’t want anyone to die in their sins. For we first read: “Say to them: ‘As I live,’ says the Lord GOD, ‘I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live. Turn, turn from your evil ways! For why should you die, O house of Israel?’” (Ezekiel 33:11 NKJV)

Next, he says: “The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9 ESV) Yes, this is so true: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.” (John 3:16-17 KJV) Amen.

So, then my brothers and sisters in Christ. Let’s always speak the truth in love by exposing the evils among us. For there are too many so-called Christians who are not only embracing those who practice lawlessness but are corrupting their own bodies as well.

“Do not have sexual relations with a man as one does with a woman; that is detestable.” (Leviticus 18:22 NIV)

Now, there are some who may claim that they were born with homosexual tendencies and thus seek same sex relationships. And of course, we have those who claim that they were born in the wrong bodies and thus try to change their own gender. But does this make it right in the eyes of God? Didn’t Jesus say: “Have you not read that He who made them at 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’?” (Matthew 19:4-5 NKJV) So, just because a person feels they were born a certain way doesn’t give them a license to indulge in sin. “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23 KJV) Therefore, we were all born sinners with desires and feeling that are contrary to what is right and good.

So then, are you willing to give up what you’re bound to? I ask this because God’s word says that there are some who will not come to the light because they don’t want to change. For we read: “And this is the judgment, that the Light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the Light; for their deeds were evil. “For everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come to the Light, so that his deeds will not be exposed. “But the one who practices the truth comes to the Light, so that his deeds will be revealed as having been performed in God.” (John 3:19-21 NASB20)

Now, from my own experience, I didn’t want to come to God because I wanted to do my own thing. For I thought I knew better when it came to enjoying life’s pleasures. However, I found out that I was wrong and finally came to realize that God is not some kill joy. For God’s ways will always bring more pleasure to our lives than when we are fallowing our own ways of sins. And this is also true when it comes to sexual intimacy. For the pleasure that can be receive between a (biological) man and woman are far greater than what we can come up with. Now, just because you may have tried and failed in a normal relationship, doesn’t mean that you just give up. For with God, all things are possible. So, with his Holy Spirit residing in you, all things that seemed impossible before are now possible through Christ Jesus. So please turn and follow God’s plan and design for you. For it’s true that Our Father knows best.

“For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse” (Romans 1:18-20 KJV)

According to that passage above, we can see that there are those who suppress the truth by their wickedness. This they do even though the truth is reveled to them by God. For in Deuteronomy 22:5 we read: “A woman shall not wear a man’s clothing, nor shall a man put on a woman’s clothing; for whoever does these things is an abomination to the LORD your God.” (Deuteronomy 22:5 NASB20) Now, don’t we see this happening in our culture today? And don’t they know that God views this as something disgusting? Also, we read: “Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due.” (Romans 1:27 NKJV)

Now, please note that it says there’s a penalty for the act of homosexuality. And what could be that recompense that they received because of their error? Well, just visit the Center for Disease Control (CDC) to see that most of all HIV carriers are homosexual men. So, I personally believe that this is a part of God’s wrath that’s revealed from heaven against this shameful act. So, for all you LGBTQ+ and more, please repent of your sin and turn your heart to God. And do this not only for your own good, but for the good of others as well. And let’s remember that even though you may escape the HIV virus in this life, you can’t escape the judgment of God that’s appointed after death. For we read: “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27 KJV) And according to God’s word, those who are living this lifestyle of sin will not: “inherit the Kingdom of God” if they refuse to repent. We can see this to be true below.

• “Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor those habitually drunk, nor verbal abusers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God.” (1 Corinthians 6:9-10 NASB20)

Now, as mentioned above, the LGBTQ+ lifestyle is a sin that can keep a person from entering the kingdom of Heaven. Thus, it could separate you from God and send you into the “lake of fire.” This is true people, for we read: “And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.” (Revelation 20:15 KJV) So let’s take heed to the warnings of God’s word which says: “Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.” (1 Corinthians 6:9-10 ESV)

So, for all who are caught up in this sin, please simply confess from your heart that you have sinned against God. For God’s word says that he will forgive you and wash you clean by the blood of Jesus Christ. For Jesus took the penalty for our sins upon himself through beatings, whippings and being nailed to the cross. Last of all, he spent three days and nights in hell as well suffering the torment that was due to all of us. “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” (2 Corinthians 5:21 KJV)

Therefore, by repenting and turning your life over to God, you will find the strength to overcome sin in your life. And let us remember: “For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.” (Romans 8:13-14 KJV) So, come to God today seeking him with your whole heart. For Jesus said: “All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.” (John 6:37 KJV) Amen and thank God for that.

• “Then God said, And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.” (Genesis 1:26-28 KJV)
• “And the rib, which the LORD God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man. And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man. Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh. And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed.” (Genesis 2:22-25 KJV)
• “But at the beginning of creation God ‘made them male and female.’ ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.” (Mark 10:6-9 NIV)

Below are some more bible passages that you should take heed to. For again, God doesn’t want anyone to die in their sin but instead to turn their life over to him.

• “If a man has sexual relations with a man as one does with a woman, both of them have done what is detestable. They are to be put to death; their blood will be on their own heads.” (Leviticus 20:13 NIV)
• “For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due.” (Romans 1:26-27 NKJV)
• “Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.” (1 Corinthians 6:9-10 ESV)
• “But we know that the law is good, provided one uses it legitimately. We know that the law is not meant for a righteous person, but for the lawless and rebellious, for the ungodly and sinful, for the unholy and irreverent, for those who kill their fathers and mothers, for murderers, for the sexually immoral and males who have sex with males, for slave traders, liars, perjurers, and for whatever else is contrary to the sound teaching that conforms to the gospel concerning the glory of the blessed God, which was entrusted to me.” (1 Timothy 1:8-11 CSB)
• “But the Scripture has shut up everyone under sin, so that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe. But before faith came, we were held in custody under the Law, being shut up for the coming faith to be revealed. Therefore the Law has become our tutor unto Christ, so that we may be justified by faith. But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor. For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.” (Galatians 3:22-27 LSB)

Again, we have some encouraging passages that show God’s love and mercy toward us.

• “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God sent not the Son into the world to judge the world; but that the world should be saved through him. He that believeth on him is not judged: he that believeth not hath been judged already, because he hath not believed on the name of the only begotten Son of God.” (John 3:16-18 ASV) 
• “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God sent not the Son into the world to judge the world; but that the world should be saved through him. He that believeth on him is not judged: he that believeth not hath been judged already, because he hath not believed on the name of the only begotten Son of God.” (John 3:16-18 ASV)
• “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. But they are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 3:23-24 NET)
• “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us [our] sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9 NKJV)

Below are the different versions used in this article. This was done to help you in your study of God’s word. Therefore, “Study to show thyself approved to God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15 WEB)

• KJV = King James Version
• ESV = English Standard Version
• CSB = Christian Standard Bible
• NET = New English Translation
• NIV = NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION
• NKJV = New King James Version
• ASV = American Standard Version
• NASB20 = New American Standard Bible, 2020 version
• LSB = Legacy Standard Bib
• WEB = Webster Bible 

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To You the Reader: I have written this article my fellow Christians in response to the lax views I see concerning divorce and remarriage. And I must say I would rather be writing about our common faith and salvation we have in Christ Jesus. However, I felt compelled to expose this sin which has crept into our churches today. Because if we become like those of this world, what good are we? For Jesus said: “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how will it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out to be trampled under foot by men.” (Matthew 5:13 LSB)

Therefore, it is my hope that we as Christians can view this as a sinful act. And let’s not forget that Jesus also said to love our neighbor as ourselves. So then, we should want to see a couple’s marriage flourish. Therefore men, if you marry a divorce woman, you could permanently destroy her chance to be reunited to her husband. And this is also true for all you divorced women. Shouldn’t you remain single and be pleading with God to restore your marriage? For by running off and marrying another man, you could destroy any chance of reconciliation as well. Therefore, true love should be seeking to reunite one’s marriage, not to further divide it. This would be true whether you’re the one involved in the divorce, or you’re the one that wants to marry someone that’s been divorced. For we must take heed to what Jesus said: “What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.” (Matthew 19:6 ESV)

May love, mercy and grace be to all who love our Lord. Amen

“The Pharisees also came unto him, tempting him, and saying unto him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife for every cause?” (Matthew 19:3 KJV)

In that passage above, the Pharisees confronted Jesus on his view of divorce. So: “He answered, ‘Have you not read that he who created them from the beginning made them male and female, and said, ‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast 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 not man separate’.” (Matthew 19:4-6 ESV) But not being content with that answer: “They said to Him, ‘Why did Moses then command to give a bill of divorce and to put her away?’ He said to them, ‘Because of your hard-heartedness Moses allowed you to put away your wives; but from the beginning it was not so. And I say to you, Whoever shall put away his wife, except for fornication, and shall marry another, commits adultery; and whoever marries her who is put away commits adultery’.” (Matthew 19:7-9 MKJV)

So, according to Jesus, the standard for marriage should be “until death do us part.” However, because of their hard hearts, Moses allowed them to put away their wives. Therefore, God gave them over to their own corruption. We see this also to be true where Paul the apostle said: “And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done.” (Romans 1:28 ESV) However, God sent his Son Jesus Christ to set things back to their proper standard by saying: “So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore, what God has joined together, let not man separate.” (Matthew 19:6 ESV)

So, to sum up what was already read; if a man puts away an innocent wife and marries another, he commits adultery. Also, if a divorced woman marries another man, she as well as the man she marries commits adultery. And as long as they’re in this adulterous relationship, wouldn’t they be committing this sin of adultery? Something to seriously pray and think about my brothers and sisters in Christ. For by saying “I’m sorry”

Below are a few more verses on this topic:

• “But I say unto you, that whosoever shall put away his wife, except for cause of fornication, makes her commit adultery, and whosoever marries one that is put away commits adultery.” (Matthew 5:32 DBY)
• “And he said to them, ‘Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her, and if she divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery’.” (Mark 10:11-12 ESV)
• “Everyone who divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery, and he who marries a woman divorced from her husband commits adultery.” (Luke 16:18 ESV)

“And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst, They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act. Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou?” (John 8:3-5 KJV)

Okay, there may be some who would argue saying that any sexual misconduct was dealt with by stoning, not divorce. And even though that was generally true, we see that there were exceptions both in the Old Testament as well as the New. For didn’t God spare David and Bathsheba the death penalty for their unlawful sexual misconduct? (2 Samuel 11) And let’s remember that Jesus did show mercy to the woman who was caught “in the very act” of adultery in John 8:3-11 above. And of course, we have Joseph showing mercy to Mary when he found out she was pregnant. For even though he may have assumed that she conceived through fornication, he still didn’t want to expose her publicly. So, even though these cases were normally dealt with by stoning, we see mercy and forgiveness being shown instead. For throughout the bible we can see God’s grace being displayed.

Now, by the leading of the Holy Spirit, the disciples gave their instruction to the gentile church by saying: “Therefore my judgment is that we do not trouble those who have turned to God from among the nations, but that we write to them that they should abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood.” (Acts 15:19-20 MKJV) Now, please notice that it doesn’t mention the word adultery, but only fornication. So again, wouldn’t the word fornication include the act of adultery that happens during one’s marriage as well?

“For the woman who has a husband is bound by the law to her husband as long as he lives. But if the husband dies, she is released from the law of her husband.” (Romans 7:2 NKJV)

Now, according to the bible, we can see that only men are able to divorce their wives. For in the Old Testament, Moses, because of their hard hearts said: “When a man hath taken a wife, and married her, and it come to pass that she find no favor in his eyes, because he hath found some uncleanness in her: then let him write her a bill of divorcement, and give it in her hand, and send her out of his house.” (Deuteronomy 24:1 KJV) And in the New Testament, Jesus only mentions men putting away their unfaithful wives for the cause of “fornication.” But concerning a wife he said: “And if a woman shall put away her husband, and be married to another, she committeth adultery.” (Mark 10:12 KJV) This is the only passage that mentions a woman divorcing her husband. However, there is no passage in the entire bible that gives her the right to do this.

Now, there may be times that a wife may need to get away from an abusive husband. This would be true for both her safety and any children she may have. For we read: “And unto the married I command, yet not I, but the Lord, Let not the wife depart from her husband: But and if she depart, let her remain unmarried, or be reconciled to her husband: and let not the husband put away his wife.” (1 Corinthians 7:10-11 KJV) However, even in this case here, she still isn’t allowed to divorce and remarry someone else. For she should be praying for her husband and hoping that things would get better so that they can be reunited together again.

So, from everything mentioned so far, we can see that only men have the right to put away their wives. And wouldn’t this also be true if there was another woman involved in his relationship? For after the fall, there were godly men who had more than one wife. This included Abraham, Jacob, and King David to name a few. However, their wives never had the legal right to divorce them for this. Now, all that being said. I’m in no way encouraging a man to have more than one wife. So please continue to read on.

• “Then Nathan said to David, “You are the man! This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: 'I anointed you king over Israel, and I delivered you from the hand of Saul. I gave your master's house to you, and your master's wives into your arms. I gave you all Israel and Judah. And if all this had been too little, I would have given you even more. Why did you despise the word of the LORD by doing what is evil in his eyes? You struck down Uriah the Hittite with the sword and took his wife to be your own. You killed him with the sword of the Ammonites.” (2 Samuel 12:7-9 NIV)

“For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh?” (Matthew 19:5 NKJV)

That passage above makes it clear what an ideal marriage should look like. And would that be one wife for life. For having other woman in one’s relationship can only bring about hardship and much trouble. So again, I’m in no way encouraging any man to have more than one wife. For I’m just showing that according to both the Old and New Testament, there is no law that that gives a wife the right to divorce her husband for having another woman in his relationship.

Now, let’s remember what the qualifications for a leader in the church should be. The first is: “The reason I left you in Crete was to set right what was left undone and, as I directed you, to appoint elders in every town. An elder must be blameless, the husband of one wife, with faithful children who are not accused of wildness or rebellion. As an overseer of God's household, he must be blameless, not arrogant, not hot-tempered, not an excessive drinker, not a bully, not greedy for money, but hospitable, loving what is good, sensible, righteous, holy, self-controlled, holding to the faithful message as taught, so that he will be able both to encourage with sound teaching and to refute those who contradict it.” (Titus 1:5-9 CSB)

Next, we read: “This is a faithful saying: If a man desires the position of a bishop, he desires a good work. A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, temperate, sober-minded, of good behavior, hospitable, able to teach; not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, but gentle, not quarrelsome, not covetous; one who rules his own house well, having his children in submission with all reverence (for if a man does not know how to rule his own house, how will he take care of the church of God?); not a novice, lest being puffed up with pride he fall into the same condemnation as the devil.” (1 Timothy 3:1-6 NKJV) So, leaders in the church should be showing us what an ideal marriage should look like. And again, wouldn’t that be one wife for life.

Below are some issues arising from a man having more women in his relationship:

• And he went in to Hagar, and she conceived. And when she saw that she had conceived, she looked with contempt on her mistress. And Sarai said to Abram, "May the wrong done to me be on you! I gave my servant to your embrace, and when she saw that she had conceived, she looked on me with contempt. May the LORD judge between you and me!" (Genesis 16:4-5 ESV)
• One day during the wheat harvest, Reuben found some mandrakes growing in a field and brought them to his mother, Leah. Rachel begged Leah, "Please give me some of your son's mandrakes." But Leah angrily replied, "Wasn't it enough that you stole my husband? Now will you steal my son's mandrakes, too?" Rachel answered, "I will let Jacob sleep with you tonight if you give me some of the mandrakes." (Genesis 30:14-15 NLT)
• “Now there was a certain man of Ramathaim Zophim, of the mountains of Ephraim, and his name was Elkanah the son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu, the son of Tohu, the son of Zuph, an Ephraimite. And he had two wives: the name of one was Hannah, and the name of the other Peninnah. Peninnah had children, but Hannah had no children. This man went up from his city yearly to worship and sacrifice to the LORD of hosts in Shiloh. Also the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, the priests of the LORD, were there. ... And her rival also provoked her severely, to make her miserable, because the LORD had closed her womb. So it was, year by year, when she went up to the house of the LORD, that she provoked her; therefore she wept and did not eat. (1 Samuel 1:1-3, 6-7 NKJV)

And most importantly, let’s not forget what happened to King Solomon who had many wives. “But king Solomon loved many strange women, together with the daughter of Pharaoh, women of the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Zidonians, and Hittites; Of the nations concerning which the LORD said unto the children of Israel, Ye shall not go in to them, neither shall they come in unto you: for surely they will turn away your heart after their gods: Solomon clave unto these in love. And he had seven hundred wives, princesses, and three hundred concubines: and his wives turned away his heart.” (1 Kings 11:1-3 KJV)

So, we read that God warned that “they would certainly turn away your heart after their gods.” And unfortunately, that happened. “For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the LORD his God, as was the heart of David his father. For Solomon went after Ashtoreth the goddess of the Zidonians, and after Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites. And Solomon did evil in the sight of the LORD, and went not fully after the LORD, as did David his father. Then did Solomon build an high place for Chemosh, the abomination of Moab, in the hill that is before Jerusalem, and for Molech, the abomination of the children of Ammon. And likewise did he for all his strange wives, which burnt incense and sacrificed unto their gods.” (1 Kings 11:4-8 KJV)

So, what did God do? Well, sense there is much to read on this, you must open your bible and read it for yourself in 1 Kings. But I will say that it didn’t go well for Solomon. Therefore, my fellow brothers in Christ, please be happy with the one woman you have. For having more than one woman in your relationship can be adding much trouble to your life.

“But if the unbelieving partner separates, let it be so. In such cases the brother or sister is not enslaved. God has called you to peace.” (1 Corinthians 7:15 ESV)

We have read earlier that scripture only mentions men being able to put away their wives. Therefore, would this passage above be giving a divorced woman the right to remarry? For notice that Paul uses the Greek word which means to be “enslaved,” instead of the word “bound,” which means to tie the knot. Therefore, isn’t marriage a mutual commitment that binds two people together? But on the other hand, bondage (enslavement) is something that makes your life miserable. And this could be the case if you are married to an unbeliever? And remember that in verses 12 through 17, Paul is only giving his advice for their current situation. For he admits that he DID NOT receive this from God. For he says: “But to the rest I say, not the Lord” in 1 Corinthians 7:12.

Now, I like to point out some misconceptions concerning the words above which reads: “if the unbelieving partner Separates.” For there are some that believe this is an act of “desertion” by the unbeliever. But that’s not necessarily true. For it can simply mean that this unbeliever no longer wants to be married, and thus they get a divorce. And even if the unbeliever didn’t bother to get a legal divorce, it still doesn’t give a so called “deserted” woman a right to remarry. For if she does remarry, she is still committing adultery. Therefore, this passage in verse 7:15 only allows the unbeliever to leave (divorce) in order for a Christian spouse to finally live at peace? For being married to an unbeliever could make one’s life miserable. However, a Christian man or woman should be praying for their unbelieving spouse to come to know Christ. This of course would not only be for their salvation, but in order for their marriage to be restored as well.

So, I don’t believe that Paul wouldn’t go out on a limb and give a so called “deserted” woman the right to divorce, let alone to remarry. For that would be a contradiction not only to what Jesus said in the gospels, but what Paul himself said as well. For in his letter to those of Rome he said: “For the married woman is bound by law to her husband while he is living; but if her husband dies, she is released from the law concerning the husband. So then, if while her husband is living she is joined to another man, she shall be called an adulteress; but if her husband dies, she is free from the law, so that she is not an adulteress though she is joined to another man.” (Romans 7:2-3 NASB95)

• “A wife is bound to her husband as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is free to be married to whom she wishes, only in the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 7:39 ESV)

So, that all being said, let’s not believe that this so called “act of desertion” by an unbeliever allows a person to remarry. And wouldn’t it be an act of “desertion” as well in Jesus’ statement in both Matthew chapter 5 and 19? For Jesus didn’t make any distinction concerning the persons religious stance, nor does he give any details of the couple’s separation.

“Because of the impending crisis I think it best for you to remain as you are. The one bound to a wife should not seek divorce. The one released from a wife should not seek marriage. But if you marry, you have not sinned. And if a virgin marries, she has not sinned. But those who marry will face difficult circumstances, and I am trying to spare you such problems.” (1 Corinthians 7:26-28 NET)

Now, this passage above is another that’s being used to find some exception clause. But how can that be? For we must first take notice that verse 27 and the first part of 28 are speaking of a man who is ether married or unmarried. And couldn’t this only happen if his wife committed fornication or has died? Therefore, if he does remarry because of this, he has not committed any sin. However, in the middle of verse 28 Paul makes it clear that if an unmarried “virgin” woman marries, she has not sinned. Therefore, Paul is not giving a wife who was ether abandoned or divorced the right to remarry.

Now as said before, there may be times that a woman would flee from her husband for safety reasons. However: “But if she shall depart, let her remain unmarried, or be reconciled to her husband: and let not the husband put away his wife.” (1 Corinthians 7:11 Webster) So, Paul is saying here, “let her remain unmarried” which should clearly show that he is not allowing her to remarry. Therefore, if a man marries a divorced woman whose first husband is still alive, wouldn’t they both be living in adultery? Of course they are! Therefore, brothers and sisters in Christ, let’s stop looking for some “exception clause” and instead honor God by standing upon his word. Amen.

“They say, If a man put away his wife, and she go from him, and become another man’s, shall he return unto her again? shall not that land be greatly polluted? but thou hast played the harlot with many lovers; yet return again to me, saith the LORD. (Jeremiah 3:1 KJV)

In that passage above, we see a marriage illustration of Israel who has turned to other lovers. Yet, in this illustration, God is pleading for her to put away her sin of harlotry and return to him. This is true even though it says that he gave her a certificate of divorcement. For God still said: “I’m married to you” in verses 13-14 of this same chapter. So, isn’t this illustration showing us that a divorced woman still belongs to the man she first married? Also, wouldn’t God use an illustration that truly reflects a true marriage situation? Therefore, if a previously married woman remains is in the arms of another, wouldn’t they both be committing adultery? Of course they are! For scripture does say the only exception would be if her former husband has died.

So, the question; does God allow a divorced woman who marries another man return to her first husband? Well, even though this second marriage was not one which “God has joined together,” we do read: “And if the latter husband hate her, and write her a bill of divorcement, and giveth it in her hand, and sendeth her out of his house; or if the latter husband die, which took her to be his wife; Her former husband, which sent her away, may not take her again to be his wife, after that she is defiled; for that is abomination before the LORD: and thou shalt not cause the land to sin, which the LORD thy God giveth thee for an inheritance.” (Deuteronomy 24:3-4 KJV) So, Moses said: “for that is abomination before the LORD.”

Now that being said, this passage mentioned above was the latter portion of Deuteronomy 24:1-4. And according to Mathew 19:8-9, Jesus eliminated the first half of it. For he said it was Moses (not God) who gave that commandment. So, wouldn’t this eliminate the latter portion as well? Well for me, I would say yes. However, it’s up to you the reader to decide this one for yourself. So, my advice for all you women who are put away, stay single and pray that God would restore your marriage. This would be true whether you are the guilty party or not. For according to what we already read, if you do remarry another man, you are both committing adultery. So, please follow what Jesus said instead of what others are telling you. And yes, these “others” would include those who are preaching from the pulpit as well.

Below are a few scriptures to consider:

• “Then I saw that for all the causes for which backsliding Israel had committed adultery, I had put her away and given her a certificate of divorce; yet her treacherous sister Judah did not fear, but went and played the harlot also. ... “Return, O backsliding children,” says the LORD; “for I am married to you. I will take you, one from a city and two from a family, and I will bring you to Zion. “And I will give you shepherds according to My heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding.” (Jeremiah 3:8, 14-15 NKJV)
• And she shall follow after her lovers, but she shall not overtake them; and she shall seek them, but shall not find them: then shall she say, I will go and return to my first husband; for then was it better with me than now. ... Therefore, behold, I will allure her, and bring her into the wilderness, and speak comfortably unto her. And I will give her vineyards from thence, and the valley of Achor for a door of hope: and she shall sing there, as in the days of her youth, and as in the day when she came up out of the land of Egypt. (Hosea 2:7, 14-15 KJV)

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart. ... “It was also said, ‘Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce.’ But I say to you that everyone who divorces his wife, except on the ground of sexual immorality, makes her commit adultery, and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery.” (Matthew 5:27-28, 31-32 ESV)

In those passages above, we have two forms of adultery being committed. One, is to lust after another man’s wife, and the other is to marry another man’s wife. But, did you notice that I left out a verse that goes between these two passages above. And that verse would be: “If your right eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell.” (Matthew 5:29-30 NKJV) So, is Jesus in a metaphoric way pointing out the need to end an adulterous marriage relationship? And wouldn’t this be true even if there are children involved? I do believe so my fellow Christians. For this is not a marriage which God has joined together.

Now, let’s remember what the children of Israel did when they were exposed of their wrongful marriages. For we read: “And Shecaniah the son of Jehiel, one of the sons of Elam, answered and said unto Ezra, We have trespassed against our God, and have married foreign women of the peoples of the land: yet now there is hope for Israel concerning this thing. Now therefore let us make a covenant with our God to put away all the wives, and such as are born of them, according to the counsel of my lord, and of those that tremble at the commandment of our God; and let it be done according to the law.” (Ezra 10:2-3 ASV)

So, we read that the children of Israel separated themselves from their wrongful marriage relationships. This they did even for those who bore children to them. And wouldn’t this be a true act of repentance as well? For just saying “I’m sorry” doesn’t give us the right to continue in our sins? This is something that you need to seriously consider and pray about my fellow Christians.

“Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.” (Romans 12:17-18 ESV)

Now, there may be some of you who declare that two wrongs don’t make a right. And I agree that this is true. For the first wrong would be for a man to marry a divorced woman who still has a living husband. And the second wrong would be to remain in such a relationship. For we can see from scripture that this is not a marriage which God has not joined together. For as quoted earlier, God does not tolerate or condone evil. (Habakkuk 1:13) And let’s remember what John the Baptist said when he confronted Herod who married Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife. “For John said unto him, It is not lawful for thee to have her.” (Matthew 14:4 KJV) This John the Baptist said to Herod and ended up losing his head. Again, he said this because Herod was not in a relationship which God has joined together.

So, the big question. Should such couples be separating themselves from each other? Yes, I know that this is a hard thing to even consider. For even Jesus’ disciples said: “If such is the case of the man with his wife, it is better not to marry.” (Matthew 19:10) However, Jesus did say: “Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or wife or brothers or parents or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God, who will not receive many times more in this time, and in the age to come eternal life.” (Luke 18:29-30 ESV)

Now, as said before. Simply saying “I’m sorry” to God doesn’t give you a license to remain in your sinful state? And let me ask you this; if you stole someone’s wallet, can you now spend the money in it if you felt sorry and repented before God? No, of course not. So, true repentance should cause you to return the wallet you stole? We can see this to be true when Jesus confronted Zacchaeus. For after spending time with Jesus, Zacchaeus must have felt convicted. For he said: “‘Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor. And if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I restore it fourfold.’ And Jesus said to him, ‘Today salvation has come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham’.” (Luke 19:8-9 ESV) Yes, Jesus said: “Today salvation has come to this house.” So, this is something to seriously consider and be praying about fellow Christians.

“Your glorying is not good. Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump? Therefore purge out the old leaven, that you may be a new lump, since you truly are unleavened. For indeed Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us.” (1 Corinthians 5:6-7 NKJV)

Now, if we as a church don’t speak out against divorce and remarriage, wouldn’t it start flourishing in our churches? Because the reasoning would be, “if they can get away with it, we can do the same.” Therefore, let’s take heed to what Paul the apostle said instead: “Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.” (1 Corinthians 6:9-10 ESV)

So, it says that adulterers will not enter the kingdom of God. Therefore, brothers and sisters in Christ, shouldn’t we be doing our best to but away this sin from among us? And let’s remember what Jesus said to the adulterous women whom he saved from stoning, for his said: “go, and sin no more.” (John 8:11) Jesus said the same thing to the lame man whom he made whole. For Jesus said to him: “Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee.” (John 5:14 KJV) So, we need to put away our sins far from us.

Consider some other passages below:

• “Little children, let no one deceive you. Whoever practices righteousness is righteous, as he is righteous. Whoever makes a practice of sinning is of the devil, for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil. No one born of God makes a practice of sinning, for God's seed abides in him; and he cannot keep on sinning, because he has been born of God. By this it is evident who are the children of God, and who are the children of the devil: whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is the one who does not love his brother.” (1 John 3:7-10 ESV)
• “We know that everyone who has been born of God does not keep on sinning, but he who was born of God protects him, and the evil one does not touch him.” (1 John 5:18 ESV)
• “Thus shall it go also with the wife that leaveth her husband, and bringeth in an heir by another. For first, she hath disobeyed the law of the most High; and secondly, she hath trespassed against her own husband; and thirdly, she hath played the whore in adultery, and brought children by another man. She shall be brought out into the congregation, and inquisition shall be made of her children. Her children shall not take root, and her branches shall bring forth no fruit. She shall leave her memory to be cursed, and her reproach shall not be blotted out. And they that remain shall know that there is nothing better than the fear of the Lord, and that there is nothing sweeter than to take heed unto the commandments of the Lord. It is great glory to follow the Lord, and to be received of him is long life.” (Sirach 23:22-28)

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9 KJV)

So, the good news is, there is hope for anyone caught in the mess of adultery. I say this because the Lord Jesus Christ took our sins upon himself. So, shouldn’t you be taking the next step by repenting and putting away this sin from you? This way you can have true peace knowing you’re no longer in an adulterous relationship. And as said before, true love does no harm to one’s neighbor: “For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. Love worketh no ill to his neighbor: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.” (Romans 13:9-10 KJV)

Therefore, my brothers and sister in Christ, please consider what was mentioned in this article. Read and study God’s word for yourselves to test what I and others have said. For in the end, it all comes down to you acting on your own convictions. And let’s remember that God always gives us the strength to put away any sins that comes our way. This would be true no matter how deep we’re caught up in them. For God says: “Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land: But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.” (Isaiah 1:18-20 KJV)

God bless you as you seek to do his will. Amen.

Bible versions that were abbreviated in this article are clearly listed below for your convenience:

• KJV = King James Version 
• ESV = English Standard Version
• CSB = Christian Standard Bible
• NET = New English Translation
• NKJV = New King James Version
• ASV = American Standard Version
• LSB = Legacy Standard Bible
• DBY = Darby translation

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To the Reader: I am writing this article from my own personnel experience of 50 years of marriage. And during these years of marriage, I learned a few things along the way. This would include not only from what other couples have to say, but that which I leaned from medical science as well. And of course, we have the bible itself which is our main source we must learn from. So, that all being said, I felt it would be safe to share with you my views of marriage as well. This I did to encourage and help you the with any issues and struggles that you may encounter in your marriage relationship. So, please read with an open mind, always seeking what God’s word has to says in all things. Therefore: “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15 KJV)

The bible does rightly proclaim that: “Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge.” (Hebrews 13:4 EMTV) So, isn’t this passage declaring that marriage is good and that sexual intimacy shouldn’t be viewed as dirty, defiling or unholy? So, let us who are married embrace our union as an institution that God has created. Let’s bring him glory and honor by embracing each other whether in good times or bad, in sickness or in health, until death do us part. Amen.

Now, when it came down to marriage, we must first stand on what God has to say about it. For we first read: “For this reason a man shall leave his father and his mother, and be joined to his wife; and they shall become one flesh." (Genesis 2:24 NASB20) So, we clearly see that it says that a man shall “be joined to his wife.” Then further down we read: “God blessed them; and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth, and subdue it; and rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over every living thing that moves on the earth.” (Genesis 1:28 NASB20)

Therefore, any marriage relationship other than what was mentioned above would be a sinful one which God has not joined together. This would include not only homosexual relationships, but those who are having sex with someone they’re not married to and for those who are committing adultery as well. More on this below.

“But if you hate her and send her away,” says the Lord God of Israel, “ungodliness will obscure your thinking,” says the Lord Almighty. “So take heed to your spirit, that you do not forsake her.” (Malachi 2:16 OSB)

Now, marriage is meant to be for a lifetime according to God’s word. However, we can see so many marriages breaking up for one reason or another. And why is that? Are we believing the lies of Satan that says “the grass is greener on the other side of the fence?” For those who believe this will most likely never be happy with any relationship they’re in. And yes, there may be some lumps and bumps along the way for all of us who are married. For even Paul the apostle said: “But if you do marry, you have not sinned; and if a virgin marries, she has not sinned. But those who marry will face many troubles in this life, and I want to spare you this.” (1 Corinthians 7:28 NIV) Yes, there can be some trying times during any marriage relationship. However, by walking after the Holy Spirit and resisting the lies of the devil, couples can make it through even the most difficult of times. For it’s true that: “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13 ESV)

And finally, let’s take heed to what Jesus said to the Pharisees. For when being confronted by them concerning divorce and remarriage, they said to him: “Why then did Moses command one to give a certificate of divorce and to send her away?" (Matthew 19:7 ESV) And what was Jesus’ response? “Because of your hardness of heart Moses allowed you to divorce your wives, but from the beginning it was not so. And I say to you: whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery.” (Matthew 19:8-9 ESV) So, Jesus made it clear that marriage is to be for a lifetime. Therefore, “love the one you’re with” and resist the lies that say otherwise. Amen.

“Drink water from your own cistern, flowing water from your own well. Should your springs be scattered abroad, streams of water in the streets? Let them be for yourself alone, and not for strangers with you. Let your fountain be blessed, and rejoice in the wife of your youth, a lovely deer, a graceful doe. Let her breasts fill you at all times with delight; be intoxicated always in her love.” (Proverbs 5:15-19 ESV)

In that passage above, we can see that the marriage relationship should be delightful. For God created marriage and wants us not only to express our love to one another through it, but to richly enjoy it as well. Now, those of us who are married should know that the sexual act between a man and a woman can bring about the most intense physical pleasure. And it’s for a good reason. For it’s one of those pleasures of life that brings forth new life into this world. So, that being the case, doesn’t it make sense that God would make it intensely pleasurable? And let’s also remember that we ourselves are here because our parents had a sexual encounter as well.

Below are a few scriptures taken from Song of Songs showing a couple's desire for each other:

• The man speaks: “As a lily among thorns, So is my love among the daughters. (Song of Songs 2:2 ASV)
• The woman speaks: “Like an apple tree among the trees of the forest, so is my beloved among the young men. In his shade I took great delight and sat down, and his fruit was sweet to my taste. He has brought me to his banquet hall, and his banner over me is love.” (Song of Songs 2:2-4 NASB20)
• The man speaks: “A garden enclosed is my sister, my spouse, a spring shut up, a fountain sealed. Your plants are an orchard of pomegranates with pleasant fruits, fragrant henna with spikenard, spikenard and saffron, calamus and cinnamon, With all trees of frankincense, myrrh and aloes, with all the chief spices - A fountain of gardens, a well of living waters, and streams from Lebanon.” (Song of Songs 4:12-15 NKJV)
• The woman speaks: “Awake, O north wind; and come, thou south; blow upon my garden, that the spices thereof may flow out. Let my beloved come into his garden, and eat his pleasant fruits. (Song of Songs 4:16 KJV)
• The man speaks: “I am come into my garden, my sister, my spouse: I have gathered my myrrh with my spice; I have eaten my honeycomb with my honey; I have drunk my wine with my milk: eat, O friends; drink, yea, drink abundantly, O beloved.” (Song of Songs 5:1 KJV)
• The woman speaks: “My beloved is white and ruddy, the chiefest among ten thousand. His head is as the most fine gold, his locks are bushy, and black as a raven. His eyes are as the eyes of doves by the rivers of waters, washed with milk, and fitly set. His cheeks are as a bed of spices, as sweet flowers: his lips like lilies, dropping sweet smelling myrrh. His hands are as gold rings set with the beryl: his belly is as bright ivory overlaid with sapphires. His legs are as pillars of marble, set upon sockets of fine gold: his countenance is as Lebanon, excellent as the cedars.” (Song of Songs 5:10-15 KJV)
• The man speaks: “How fair and how pleasant art thou, O love, for delights! This thy stature is like to a palm-tree, And thy breasts to its clusters. I said, I will climb up into the palm-tree, I will take hold of the branches thereof: Let thy breasts be as clusters of the vine, And the smell of thy breath like apples.” (Song of Songs 7:6-8) Please note: To this day there a those who help get the pollination process going by climbing up the date palms trees. For there is both a male tree as well as a female tree. Thus, by taking a portion of the male pollen, they can dust the female palm tree with it. ( see Song of Songs 7:6-8 KJV) So, couldn’t this be referring to a man engaging his wife in sex?

“All things are lawful, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful, but not all things build up.” (1 Corinthians 10:23 LSB)

Now, from what I gather form the bible, I believe what couple’s do behind closed doors should not be judge by others. For it may be true that we’re not at the same level of faith when it comes to sexual intimacy. For some couples may limit themselves to the simple basics of sex while others faith may allow them to have more freedom in the marriage bed. In either case, we need to be careful not to put a stumbling block nor a guilt trip on others.

Therefore, those who limit themselves to the simple basics shouldn’t condemn those who do otherwise. And in the same way, those who have more freedom shouldn’t criticize or look down on those who don’t. For we need to take heed to what God’s word says and leave all judgment up to God. For it’s before Him that we stand or fall; and according to his word, he will make us stand. So, wherever your faith may allow you to go, give glory and thanks to God. Amen.

• Now accept the one who is weak in faith, but not for the purpose of passing judgment on his opinions. ... Who are you to judge the servant of another? To his own master he stands or falls; and he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand. ... Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather determine this - not to put an obstacle or a stumbling block in a brother’s way. I know and am convinced in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself; but to him who thinks anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean. ... The faith which you have, have as your own conviction before God. Happy is he who does not condemn himself in what he approves. (Romans 14:1, 4, 13-14, 22 NASB95)

“Then he said to the woman, “I will sharpen the pain of your pregnancy, and in pain you will give birth. And you will desire to control your husband, but he will rule over you.” (Genesis 3:16 NLT)

Now, because of Adam and Eve’s sin, troubles came into the lives of us all. And some of these issues can include couples struggling with sexual infirmities. Therefore, they would have to come up with ways to make things work out for them on the marriage bed. And as said before, I’m convinced that whatever happens in the bedroom shouldn’t be judged by others. For God knows all of our struggles and issues. For as said before: “All things are lawful, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful, but not all things build up.” (1 Corinthians 10:23 LSB) Yes, all things that are beneficial may be lawful if it’s not restricted in God’s word. But again, only go where your faith will allow you to go.

Now, for those who are struggling with conceiving a child, don’t give up hope. For let’s remember that Abraham and his wife Sarah, as well as Zachariah and his wife Elizabeth still engaging in sex even in their old age. (Genesis 21:1-2, Luke 1:24 KJV) And we know from the bible that both these couples were finally blessed with a child. And for those couples who may never be able to bring forth a child of their own, there’s always the option to adopt. So, whatever your outcome or age may be, don’t stop enjoying sex with your spouse. For God will always make a way for us, no matter what difficulties we may be facing. We just need to have faith.

I would like to point out that there are health benefits for both men and women who remain sexually active. For science studies have shown that semen may help enhance a woman’s mood. Also, there are studies that say it could help provide a safer pregnancy as well. And for those men who are sexually active, studies have shown that it could help fight-off prostate cancer as well (more on all this below). So: “Do not deprive one another, except perhaps by agreement for a limited time, that you may devote yourselves to prayer; but then come together again, so that Satan may not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.” (1 Corinthians 7:5 ESV)

So then, whether you’re young newlyweds or well advanced in years, let’s keep sexually active throughout our lives. Just make sure you’re doing it with a right frame of mind and in a way that is pleasing not only to one another, but pleasing to God our Father as well.

“Have you not read that He who made them at 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’?” (Matthew 19:4-5 KJV)

Now, there are studies showing that a woman could receive a man’s DNA during sex. They also mention that the components of a man’s semen being detected within her blood stream after a few hours of her receiving it. That would make the words of Jesus above not just some metaphor but an actual fact. Also, studies have shown that semen could help lessen the chances of a woman having a miscarriage. Therefore, we need to do our homework and be diligent, not only by studying God’s word, but to do some research on what science and medical studies have to say as well.

Below are some of those studies mentioned above. (Note: I do realize that a few of these articles may not be embraced by some. However, I’m just showing what medical science has to say concerning sex. So again, only go where your conscience allows you to go):

• Mood Enhancer
• Women receive and retain male DNA through sex - Article
• Women receive and retain a man's DNA through sex - Video
• Sex for a safer pregnancy - Article 1
• Sex for a safer pregnancy - Article 2
• Ejaculation Frequency for a healthy prostate

As mentioned at the beginning, the marriage relationship should be one that consists of love and pleasure for both the man and woman. This would be true for both the rich or poor. Therefore: “Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy.” (1 Timothy 6:17 NKJV)

Now, that all being said, we shouldn’t be so wrapped up in ourselves that we forget that there is a world full of people who desperately needs Jesus. For Paul reminds us of this by saying: “But this I say, brethren, the time is short, so that from now on even those who have wives should be as though they had none, those who weep as though they did not weep, those who rejoice as though they did not rejoice, those who buy as though they did not possess, and those who use this world as not misusing it. For the form of this world is passing away.” (1 Corinthians 7:29-31 NKJV) Yes, there is a world of people out there who need to be saved. So, enjoy your marriage relationship but don’t forget to: “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.” (Mark 16:15 NASB20) Amen.

Abbreviated bible versions used in this article are shown more clearly below. This I did to help you in your study of God’s word.

• NKJV = New King James Version
• NASB20 = New American Standard Bible, 2020 edition
• NASB95 = New American Standard Bible, 1995 edition
• ESV = English Standard Version
• LSB = Legacy Standard Bible
• NLT = New Living Translation
• OSB = Orthodox Study Bible
• EMTV = English Majority Text Version

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Then God said, “Let Us make mankind in Our image, according to Our likeness; and let them rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over the livestock and over all the earth, and over every crawling thing that crawls on the earth.” So God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. (Genesis 1:26-27 NASB20)

From the creation account above, we can see that both the man and the woman were made in the image and likeness of God himself. Also, we can see that God gave them authority over every living thing. Now, I also believe that there was unity and harmony between both the man and the woman as well. “And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed.” (Genesis 2:9, 25 KJV) But most of all, it was that beautiful relationship that man had with God. For Adam and Eve were not yet tainted by the evil desires of sin.

• And the LORD God planted a garden in Eden, in the east, and there he put the man whom he had formed. And out of the ground the LORD God made to spring up every tree that is pleasant to the sight and good for food. The tree of life was in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. (Genesis 2:8-9 ESV)
• Then the LORD God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone; I will make him a helper suitable for him.” And out of the ground the LORD God formed every animal of the field and every bird of the sky, and brought them to the man to see what he would call them; and whatever the man called a living creature, that was its name. The man gave names to all the livestock, and to the birds of the sky, and to every animal of the field, but for Adam there was not found a helper suitable for him. So the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and he slept; then He took one of his ribs and closed up the flesh at that place. And the LORD God fashioned into a woman the rib which He had taken from the man, and brought her to the man. Then the man said, “At last this is bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh; She shall be called ‘woman,’ Because she was taken out of man.” For this reason a man shall leave his father and his mother, and be joined to his wife; and they shall become one flesh. And the man and his wife were both naked, but they were not ashamed. (Genesis 2:18-25 NASB20)

And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat. (Genesis 3:6 KJV)

According to that passage above, we see that Eve gave into a deceitful temptation. For instead of listing to God’s instructions, she fell for Satan’s lie. And unfortunately, Adam listened to his wife and fell into sin as well. And what was the outcome? Well, first: “To the woman he said, "I will greatly increase your labor pains; with pain you will give birth to children. You will want to control your husband, but he will dominate you.” Now, we can see this same wording in chapter 4 of Genesis where we read concerning one of Adam’s sons: “Then the LORD said to Cain, “Why are you angry, and why is your expression downcast? Is it not true that if you do what is right, you will be fine? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at the door. It desires to dominate you, but you must subdue it”.” (Genesis 4:6-7 NET)

So, we can see from these two passages that there is going to be a desire to have ones will and way over another? So, I don’t believe that this is about a sexual desire that Eve is now going to have. For both Adam and Eve were commanded before the fall to be “fruitful and multiply.” So, they already and sexual desires for each other. And let’s take heed to what Paul the apostle said to Timathy: “Let a woman learn quietly with all submissiveness. I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; rather, she is to remain quiet. For Adam was formed first, then Eve; and Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and became a transgressor.” (1 Timothy 2:11-14 ESV)

Now, to Adam he said, “Because you obeyed your wife and ate from the tree about which I commanded you, ‘You must not eat from it,’ cursed is the ground thanks to you; in painful toil you will eat of it all the days of your life.” (Genesis 3:16-17 NET) So, there is no longer a simple tending of the garden. For now, we are to work harder for our daily bread. So sad but true.

So, brothers and sister in Christ. let’s be diligent to stand on the truth of God’s Word. For we shouldn’t try to water it down with our own theology or feelings. Because there seems to be this urge to twist or bend scripture in such a way that it would be appealing to all. (2 Peter 3:15-16) And why is this? Could it be because we’re so afraid of offending others? And It’s no wonder why we have such disorder in the church today as well as in our homes? Therefore, it’s time that we stand up for the truth of God’s Word and take our rightful places in life. This should be true for both the man and the woman and their children as well. Because for us to do otherwise would be a total disobedience to God’s divine commandment. Amen.

Below are a few passages concerning the roles of the man and woman:

• But I want you to understand that Christ is the head of every man, and the man is the head of a woman, and God is the head of Christ. (1 Corinthians 11:3 NASB20)
• Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything. (Ephesians 5:22-24 NIV)
• A woman must quietly receive instruction with entire submissiveness. But I do not allow a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man, but to remain quiet. For it was Adam who was first created, and then Eve. And it was not Adam who was deceived, but the woman was deceived and became a wrongdoer. (1 Timothy 2:11-14 NASB20)
• Wives, likewise, be submissive to your own husbands, that even if some do not obey the word, they, without a word, may be won by the conduct of their wives, when they observe your chaste conduct accompanied by fear. Do not let your adornment be merely outward - arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel - rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God. For in this manner, in former times, the holy women who trusted in God also adorned themselves, being submissive to their own husbands, as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, whose daughters you are if you do good and are not afraid with any terror. (1 Peter 3:1-6 NKJV)
• Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered. (1 Peter 3:7 NKJV)

Below are some Commentary References:

• If man had not sinned, he would always have ruled with wisdom and love; and, if the woman had not sinned, she would always have obeyed with humility and meekness; and then the dominion would have been no grievance: but our own sin and folly make our yoke heavy. If Eve had not eaten forbidden fruit herself, and tempted her husband to eat it, she would never have complained of her subjection; therefore it ought never to be complained of, though harsh; but sin must be complained of, that made it so. Those wives who not only despise and disobey their husbands, but domineer over them, do not consider that they not only violate a divine law, but thwart a divine sentence. By Matthew Henry, Who is Matthew Henry? | Matthew Henry | Learn to Pray the Bible
• “Your desire shall be for your husband.” Now let’s talk about the word “desire.” What does it mean? It’s an interesting word; it comes from an Arabic root and I have continued to survey this passage because it’s been a passage of some controversy. But it is of Arabic root meaning to seek control. Literally it could read, “You shall seek control over your husband...you will desire to exert your will,” that is a sign of the curse, “you will desire to take charge, to be in control, to master.” And that desire shows up in various women in various ways. In some of them it’s a quiet, silent desire that smolders, with others it is a shouting desire that isn’t much of a secret to anybody. And the more godless women are, very often the more hostile they are toward men. Sometimes that hostility takes the attitude of coldness, indifference, apathy. Because she can’t achieve what she wants, she eventually becomes totally indifferent and apathetic toward the man. But there is this desire, this seeking to have one’s own way, to get control. That’s why there have been through history always Feminist Movements, always. Even in the time of the Apostle Paul. I read some fascinating things about the time of the Apostle Paul. There was a liberation of women movement going on in the world of the Apostle Paul. Women were shaving their heads and going around bare chested with spears in their hands and trying to prove that they can do everything men did. There has always been that kind of movement in history because it’s reflective of this curse. The man has to deal with the fact that his wife wants to control him. By John Macarthur, Grace to You (gty.org)
• Your desire shall be for your husband, and he shall rule over you: The idea is to contrast the woman’s desire and the husband’s rule over her. This speaks of an inherent challenge in embracing the husband’s role as leader of the home and family. This same word for desire is used in Genesis 4:7 of the desire of sin to master over Cain. Because of the curse, Eve would have to fight a desire to master her husband, a desire that works against God’s ordained order for the home. The principle of Adam’s headship as a husband was established before the fall (see Genesis 2:18 and 2:22). Now the curse on Eve makes it much harder for her to submit and flow with God’s institution of male headship in the home. By David Guzik, Enduring Word - Free Bible Commentary from Pastor David Guzik

“But take heed to your spirit, and do not forsake the wife of your youth. “But if you hate her and send her away,” says the Lord God of Israel, “ungodliness will obscure your thinking,” says the Lord Almighty. “So take heed to your spirit, that you do not forsake her.” (Malachi 2:15-16 OSB)

It is obvious from this scripture above that God hates divorce. We can see this to be true as well in Matthew’s gospel which reads: “And I say to you, whoever shall put away his wife, except for fornication, and shall marry another, commits adultery; and whoever marries her who is put away commit’s adultery.” (Matthew 19:9 MKJV) So, if a man puts away his faithful wife, it would not only show a lack of honor for her, but it could put her in danger of committing adultery as well. And let’s take note to what Peter said to those of us who are husbands: “You husbands, in the same way, live with your wives according to knowledge, giving honor to the woman, as to the weaker vessel, as being also joint heirs of the grace of life; that your prayers may not be hindered.” (1 Peter 3:7 WEBA) So, just because the man has a God given authority over his wife, he shouldn’t look down upon her nor treated as inferior.

Now in Proverbs, it says: “An excellent wife, who can find her? For her worth is far above jewels.” (Proverbs 31:10 NASB20). Yes, a fine wife is priceless and worth much. We see this also to be true where we read: “A man who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the LORD.” (Proverbs 18:22 CSB) So, a woman is to be honored and loved by her husband. For she is someone that is precious and just as important in the eyes of God as any man. “So husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies; he who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as the Lord does the church. ... Nevertheless let each one of you in particular so love his own wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.” (Ephesians 5:28-29, 33 NKJV)

“But if anyone does not provide for his own family, especially for his own household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” (1 Timothy 5:8 CSB)

We read earlier that the man is to be the head over his wife and children. Therefore, they are be in subjection unto him in all things as the bible teaches. So then, a man should also be the main provider for his household as well according to that passage above. For he must do all he can to make sure that his family has food and a shelter over their heads. And of course, the wife plays an important part in this as well by preparing the daily meals and to make sure that her children are properly clothed. However, the man must make sure that these things for his family are met. In fact, for him to neglect these things would only cause him to be worse than an unbeliever according to what was said above. And let’s also remember that Gods word condemns laziness and anyone who is a slacker. For, “The one who is slack in his work is a brother to one who destroys.” (Proverbs 18:9 NET)

Now, I don’t believe that God is condemning those men who are struggling to make ends meet. For things do happen at times that are outside of one’s control. But that being said, God will help meet their needs if they truly trust and rely on him. So, for all you men out there, do your best to love your wives according to scripture and teach your children truth. This you must do without being harsh or provoking them to anger. For God’s word says: “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” (Ephesians 6:4 ESV)

Now, this might be controversial to some of you woman out there, but there are roles that should be done only by men. This would include the military as well as the police force. I say this because in the bible we read that all military and policing actions were performed by only men. For we read: “Take a census of all the congregation of the people of Israel, by clans, by fathers' houses, according to the number of names, every male, head by head. From twenty years old and upward, all in Israel who are able to go to war, you and Aaron shall list them, company by company. ... So all those listed of the people of Israel, by their fathers’ houses, from twenty years old and upward, every man able to go to war in Israel - all those listed were 603,550.” (Numbers 1:2-3, 45-46 ESV)

So, let’s put away this “woman’s liberation” nonsense and stand on God’s word instead. For there are those women out there who want to venture into those roles that should only be done by qualified men. For it seems that some (for one reason or another) want to prove that they can do everything a man can do. But according to God’s word, that is not true. For there are even some men (such as I myself) who may not be qualified to be firemen, policemen or to fight on the front lines of battle. This can be due to one’s size, personality, or even health conditions.

• Then the officers shall speak to the people, saying, ‘Is there any man who has built a new house and has not dedicated it? Let him go back to his house, lest he die in the battle and another man dedicate it. And is there any man who has planted a vineyard and has not enjoyed its fruit? Let him go back to his house, lest he die in the battle and another man enjoy its fruit. And is there any man who has betrothed a wife and has not taken her? Let him go back to his house, lest he die in the battle and another man take her.’ And the officers shall speak further to the people, and say, ‘Is there any man who is fearful and fainthearted? Let him go back to his house, lest he make the heart of his fellows melt like his own.’” (Deuteronomy 20:5-8 ESV)

“Older women likewise are to exhibit behavior fitting for those who are holy, not slandering, not slaves to excessive drinking, but teaching what is good. In this way they will train the younger women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be self-controlled, pure, fulfilling their duties at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands, so that the message of God may not be discredited.” (Titus 2:3-5 NET)

According to the scripture above, older women should be passing on to the younger women the important role of being keepers of the home. However, we see the opposite happening in our generation today. For young women are being shipped off to pursue a degree in some collage. Then, when these same women do marry and become mothers, they end up sending their young children off to some daycare so that they can continue working their career jobs. All this is not consistent with God’s word. For a women’s main priority is to be at home raising and instilling Godly values to their young children.

Unfortunately, this is all part of the fall of mankind. For as said before, there are those women who feel they need to prove that they are equal to men within the workforce. But the truth of it is, a woman’s role in the home is more vital and important that anything she can pursue outside it. For she has the God given role to: “Train a child in the way that he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.” (Proverbs 22:6 NET) So ladies, what job can be more important than raising your children and taking care of the home? Therefore, fulfill your role as a woman which is a blessing from God. For anything else would be in defiance to God’s word.

Now, I don’t believe that being “keepers at home” means that a woman must only stay within the confines of their house. For there are family own businesses which they can help run. This also would be a great way for their children to get involved, teaching them from a very early age how to be fruitful and productive in life. And there are also those women who may choose to be single or haven’t married yet. These same women can get involved in jobs within their community. But again, this would all depend on their situation at home. For if a single woman is needed to help out at home, they should forsake whatever job their doing and attended to their family first.

That all being said, I do realize that our current system has made it hard for couples to make it financially with only one person working outside of the home. Unfortunately, we have brought this upon ourselves because of greed. A get rich and let’s retire early mentality can bring a family and nation to ruin. However, as said before, a woman’s first priority is always to be there for her children as well as for her husband. This is not a commandment from me but from God himself as was quoted above in Titus 2:3-5.

Please note: Back in the day, children were included within the work force. This groomed them to be productive citizens who will become fruitful in our society. However, our corrupt government system has changed all that. For they think they know better than God when it comes down to raising children.

“Let a woman learn quietly with all submissiveness. I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; rather, she is to remain quiet. For Adam was formed first, then Eve; and Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and became a transgressor.” (1 Timothy 2:11-14 ESV)

According to that passage above, it is very clear that the leadership positions in a church should only be held by men. For this is true not only as quoted above, but also where we read: “Let your women keep silent in the churches, for they are not permitted to speak; but they are to be submissive, as the law also says. And if they want to learn something, let them ask their own husbands at home; for it is shameful for women to speak in church.” (1 Corinthians 14:34-35 NKJV)

Now, if we look at the Old Testament, we can see that all the priestly positions were only held by men. For we read: “Now take Aaron your brother, and his sons with him, from among the children of Israel, that he may minister to Me as priest, Aaron and Aaron's sons: Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar.” (Exodus 28:1 NKJV) Likewise, if we look at the New Testament Church, we can see that all twelve of the apostles were men whom Jesus personally chose. So, if Jesus wanted to have women in leadership positions in the New Testament church, wouldn’t he at least have chosen one woman, perhaps maybe Mary Magdalene. But it is clear from Paul’s letters that no woman should take on any form of leadership position within the church assembly.

Now, I know that some of you may be thinking about Deborah, who was: “a prophetess, the wife of Lapidoth, she judged Israel at that time. And she dwelt under the palm tree of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in mount Ephraim: and the children of Israel came up to her for judgment.” (Judges 4:4-5 KJV) So, while it is true that she was holding these two positions, this still wouldn’t qualify her to be a priest or a religious teacher. Prophets speak as God gives them utterance and Judges administer justice. But that doesn’t give them license to take on roles which were not assigned to them. “For every high priest taken from among men is appointed in matters pertaining to God for the people, to offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins. He is able to deal gently with those who are ignorant and are going astray, since he is also clothed with weakness.” (Hebrews 5:1-2 CSB)

And let’s remember that even King Saul, who was an anointed King in Israel, got into trouble for taking on the duties of a Priest. “Samuel said to Saul, “You have acted foolishly; you have not kept the commandment of the LORD your God, which He commanded you, for now the LORD would have established your kingdom over Israel forever. “But now your kingdom shall not endure. The LORD has sought out for Himself a man after His own heart, and the LORD has appointed him as ruler over His people, because you have not kept what the LORD commanded you”.” (1 Samuel 13:13-14 NASB95)” (1 Samuel 13:13-14 KJV) So, even though Saul was King over Israel, he still had no authority to take on the role of a priest, thus he was removed from being the King.

“The deaconesses too must be serious, not gossips; they must be temperate and perfectly trustworthy.” (1 Timothy 3:11 Williams)

Now, the bible does teach that women can take part within the church as prophets and deacons. For we already read above concerning Debora who was a prophetess in the Old Testament. So likewise, woman can be deaconesses as well. For in the bible, we read: “I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a deaconess of the church at Cen'chre-ae, that you may receive her in the Lord as befits the saints, and help her in whatever she may require from you, for she has been a helper of many and of myself as well.” (Romans 16:1-2 RSV)

Now it must be understood that this word deacon (and Deaconesses) does not mean a church leader or teacher but one who serves in the church. For in Acts 6:3, we read that Stephen was appointed as a deacon in the church to serve the people. And let’s take not to what the book of Acts says:“ And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy.” (Acts 2:17-18 KJV) So, we read that both men and women can be prophets with the church.

Now, let me make myself clear. I’m not saying that a woman can’t share and quote bible passages to others. For we all should be doing that whether we’re a man, woman or child. But when it comes down to leaders in the church such as Pastors, Elders, Bishops and Priests, only men can fill these positions. So again, let’s make sure we’re following God’s role for our life. For we need to study His word and follow His plan. And in so doing, we will surely be blessed. Amen.

Commentary Reference:

• Paul the apostle restricts women from serving as teaching and/or having spiritual authority over men. This precludes women from serving as pastors over men and women, which definitely includes preaching to them, teaching them publicly, and exercising spiritual authority over them.....Did Priscilla and her husband teach the gospel of Jesus Christ to Apollos? Yes, in their home they “explained to him the way of God more adequately” (Acts 18:26). Does the Bible ever say that Priscilla pastured a church or taught publicly or became the spiritual leader of a congregation of saints? No. As far as we know, Priscilla was not involved in ministry activity in contradiction to (1 Timothy 2:11–14). In Romans 16:1, Phoebe is called a “deacon” (or “servant”) in the church and is highly commended by Paul. But, as with Priscilla, there is nothing in Scripture to indicate that Phoebe was a pastor or a teacher of men or even of women in the church. “Able to teach” is given as a qualification for elders, but not for deacons (1 Timothy 3:1–13; Titus 1:6–9). The structure of 1 Timothy 2:11–14 makes the reason why women cannot be pastors perfectly clear. Verse 13 begins with “for,” giving the “cause” of Paul's statement in verses 11–12. Why should women not teach or have authority over men? Because “Adam was created first, then Eve. And Adam was not the one deceived; it was the woman who was deceived” (verses 13–14). God created Adam first and then created Eve to be a “helper” for Adam. The order of creation has universal application in the family (Ephesians 5:22–33) and in the church. Many women excel in gifts of hospitality, mercy, teaching, evangelism, and helps. Much of the ministry of the local church depends on women deacons. Women in the church are not restricted from public praying or prophesying (1 Corinthians 11:5), only from having spiritual teaching authority over men and women within the confines of a church. The Bible nowhere restricts women from exercising the gifts of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12). Women, just as much as men, are called to minister to others, to demonstrate the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23), and to proclaim the gospel to the lost (Matthew 28:18–20; Acts 1Y8; 1 Peter 3:15). God has ordained that only men are to serve in positions of spiritual teaching authority in the church...... Men are to set the example in spiritual leadership—in their lives and through their words. Women are to take a less authoritative role. Women are encouraged to teach younger women their roles in life (Titus 2:3–5). The Bible also does not restrict women from teaching children. The only activity women are restricted from is teaching or having spiritual authority over men. This precludes women from serving as pastors to men. This does not make women less important, by any means, but rather gives them a ministry focus more in agreement with Godʼs plan and His gifting of them. - Two Views on Women in Ministry, Revised by James R. Beck, ed. and Logos Bible Software. (Gotquestions.org)

Bible versions that are abbreviated in this article are shown in their full contexts below. This was done to aid you in your study of God's word.

• KJV = King James Version
• ESV = English Standard Version
• CSB = Christian Standard Bible
• NET = New English Translation
• NKJV = New King James Version
• ASV = American Standard Bible
• NASB20 = New American Standard Bible, 2020 edition
• DBY = Darby
• WEB = Webster Bible
• RSV = Revised Standard Version
• NIV = NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION
• OSB = The Orthodox Study Bible

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To the Reader: It would like to remind you my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, of what God’s word says concerning raising children. For we are to teach them straight from the womb to know God and to be respectable citizens. That’s because the first few years of a child’s life are the most important days for their development. Therefore, whether you’re a parent, grandparent, older sibling, babysitter, teacher, or one who can say a few words of wisdom, we should always: “Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.” (Proverbs 22:6 NKJV) God help us all to do just that. Amen.

“Older men are to be self-controlled, worthy of respect, sensible, and sound in faith, love, and endurance. In the same way, older women are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not slaves to excessive drinking. They are to teach what is good, so that they may encourage the young women to love their husbands and to love their children, to be self-controlled, pure, workers at home, kind, and in submission to their husbands, so that God’s word will not be slandered. In the same way, encourage the young men to be self-controlled in everything. Make yourself an example of good works with integrity and dignity in your teaching. Your message is to be sound beyond reproach, so that any opponent will be ashamed, because he doesn't have anything bad to say about us.” (Titus 2:2-8 CSB)

According to that passage above, we should be teaching the next generation God’s truths. For we should be educating them to be fruitful and productive individuals. Young boys at a very early age should be taught what it is to be a man. They should be nurtured and guided for a future career that will help them be able to support a family as well as be beneficial to our society. Likewise, young girls should be taught and trained on how to be a woman. For their mothers should show them what it takes to be a good wife and how to raise a family. But most of all, we should be teaching them about our Awesome God and Creator, showing them from birth what Christianity is all about. And let’s not forget to cover them in prayers as well. For there is an evil and deceitful world out there that’s ready to corrupt their innocent minds.

So, fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. What are we allowing to happen in our homes today? For are you one of those parents who allows your kids (and maybe even you yourself) to be caught up in mindless video games and action movies? And isn’t it true that these things are putting nonsense and violence into your kids’ heads. And then we wonder why our youth are numb to violence and are killing each other in schools and in our streets. Also, there are those silly cartoon kids shows, Disney movies, and foolish games that they’re being entertained with. Parents as well as our society are teaching and training children to be a bunch of goofballs instead of nurturing them to be productive citizens.

Now, because of this, we can see that our world is starting to reflect the nonsense that’s being taught. And yes, let’s not forget about the Smart Phone addiction that’s captivating not only our youth, but many adults as well. And if that’s not bad enough, we now have a society that’s not only confused over their own gender but are brainwashing their children to be confused over theirs as well. But what does God’s word say for us to do instead? Well: “Listen, Israel! The LORD our God is the only true God! So love the LORD your God with all your heart, soul, and strength. Memorize his laws and tell them to your children over and over again. Talk about them all the time, whether you’re at home or walking along the road or going to bed at night, or getting up in the morning. Write down copies and tie them to your wrists and foreheads to help you obey them. Write these laws on the door frames of your homes and on your town gates.” (Deuteronomy 6:4-9 CEV)  

Below is a website concerning child development in their early years:

• https://www.firstthingsfirst.org/early-childhood-matters/brain-development/

Now, let’s consider the child Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (whom we know as Mozart). He, even at the age of four, not only knew how to play different instruments, such as the piano and the violin, but he also composed his first piano concerto. Leopold Mozart, who was his father and teacher, looked at the ink blots put down on paper by the unskilled hand of his child with disbelief, realizing that all notes were correctly arranged following contemporary musical rules. From this time on he also taught his son the art of composing: Wolfgang played the melodies on the piano and his father put the notes down on paper. Wolfgang also himself enjoyed singing, a passion that would be his companion for the rest of his life.

So, I don't think this child was fed a bunch of nonsense like most kids get today. For instead, I believe that he was trained in the “way he should go.” And we can see this to be true with other musicians such as Johann Sebastian Bach and George Frederic Handel as well. All these men were not only musicians at a young age but were involved with the church of their day as well. Therefore, fellow Christians, let’s stop raising our children on worldly nonsense. For we need to raise them as productive citizens who will bear much fruit in their life instead. For each child is gifted in one form or another. So then, it your job as a parent to watch your child and recognize those gifts they possess.

Now, we come to the important subject of disciplining our children. For it seems our society today thinks it knows better than God on how to correct children. For His word tells us not to spare the rod of correction. So then by applying it, you’re actually showing more love than you would if you withheld it. But unfortunately, you can get into big trouble if you spank your child these days. That’s because of our corrupt governmental system that thinks they know better than God. But the truth is, all of us were born sinners. Therefore, we need to discipline our children when they get out of hand. For: “Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.” (Proverbs 22:15 KJV) So that being said, let’s not be teaching children foolishness. For we should be raising them to be Godly people instead.

Below are a few more scriptures from the Bible that speak on correction:

• “The one who will not use the rod hates his son, but the one who loves him disciplines him diligently.” (Proverbs 13:24 CSB)
• “Apply your heart to instruction and your ears to the words of knowledge. (Proverbs 23:12 NET)
• “The rod and reproof give wisdom, but a child left to himself brings shame to his mother.” (Proverbs 29:15 ESV)

Below is an article touching on the nonsense of our justice system:

• According to Fox News Latino – In Corpus Christi Texas, A mom was sentenced to probation and has lost custody of her children for spanking her daughter. The article said: Rosalina Gonzales of Corpus Christi pleaded guilty on Wednesday to injury to a child for swatting the 2-year-old on her buttocks. According to prosecutors, Gonzales in December hit the girl with an open hand, leaving red marks. Police arrested Gonzales after the child’s grandmother reported the injuries and took the child to a hospital. Gonzales will serve five yearsʼprobation, take parenting classes and follow guidelines laid out by Child Protective Services. KZTV10.com reports that the ruling judge in the case make it clear that spanking is a crime. “You donʼt spank children today.” Judge Jose Longoria is quoted as having said. “In the old days, maybe we got spanked, but there was different quarrel. You donʼt spank children.” Published June 21, 2011 / Fox News Latino.

Now, there is one last thing I want to touch on, and that is sex education. For I believe that all parents should teach them the do’s and don’ts of sex before they learn it the hard way. This would include the roles of marriage and why it’s important to refrain from sex until marriage? So, by hiding or refusing to talk to them about it, you could make it appear as though sex is dirty or wrong. For we know that God is the one who ordain sex in the first place, telling us to be fruitful and multiply. So, we shouldn’t make it so difficult to educate them in this very important part of life? Because let’s face it, they’re going to find out about sex one way or another. So, wouldn’t it be best that you teach them while they’re still young?

Now, I want to make one thing clear. I'm in no way suggesting that you have an open-door policy and let your children peek in on you while you’re in the act. For it’s true that you could end up in jail and have your children taken from you as well. However, you shouldn’t panic if a child does happen to walk in on you. For this will only convey the false message that sex is dirty and wrong. For this could be a good time to tell them how babies are made. Therefore, you should step up and teach your children all things that pertain to this life before they learn it the hard way. For we need to remember that God’s word says to “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” (Proverbs 22:6 NKJV)

“Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall. Better to be of a humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud.” (Proverbs 16:18-19 NKJV)

Now, I know that this section may not set well with most of you out there. But do you really believe that a child will become a better person if they get involved in competitive sports? And if so, in what way? For don’t children play to beat their opponent in order to show that they’re better than them? Yes of course. So, could this cause them to be prideful and arrogant? For that passage above said that: “Pride goes before destruction. And a haughty spirit before a fall.” So, is this really what you want for you and your children? Something to think about my fellow Christians.

So, wouldn't it be better to train a child in something that’s going to make them fruitful and productive? Because if you don’t teach them the right way to go while they’re young, you may surely regret it later. I say this because I witnessed the suffering that a Christian family went through after their son got injured while playing High School football. And because of his suffering, he eventually took his own life. And not only that, but I witnessed the devastation that it can cause on the rest of the family as well.

Therefore, train your children in some kind of skill or trade that is going to be a blessing not only to them, but to others as well? For I can remember as a child (maybe around seven or eight years old) that I received a lab kit that not only contained a working microscope, but chemicals, scalpels and a dead frog in formaldehyde. And sure enough, as an adult I landed a job working in a laboratory analyzing diseases using a microscope and other lab equipment.

• 7 middle and high school football deaths in a month
• Experts Alarmed Over 13 High School Football Deaths This Season 
• We Had No Idea This Many Kids Have Died Playing High School Football This Year 

So, brothers and sisters in Christ. Let’s dare to stand on God’s word instead of the false teachings we see happening in our world today. For we should be using God given wisdom and discernment in everything we do. And this would especially be true when it comes to raising children. Therefore, as said before: “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” (Proverbs 22:6 KJV)

• Seeing that Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him? For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him. (Genesis 18:18-19 KJV)
• “Only take heed to yourself, and diligently keep yourself, lest you forget the things your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. And teach them to your children and your grandchildren, "[especially concerning] the day you stood before the LORD your God in Horeb, when the LORD said to me, 'Gather the people to Me, and I will let them hear My words, that they may learn to fear Me all the days they live on the earth, and [that] they may teach their children.” (Deuteronomy 4:9-10 NKJV)
• “These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand and they shall be as frontals on your forehead. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.” (Deuteronomy 6:6-9 NASB95)
• “Give ear, O my people, to my teaching; incline your ears to the words of my mouth! I will open my mouth in a parable; I will utter dark sayings from of old, things that we have heard and known, that our fathers have told us. We will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the LORD, and his might, and the wonders that he has done. He established a testimony in Jacob and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers to teach to their children, that the next generation might know them, the children yet unborn, and arise and tell them to their children, so that they should set their hope in God and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments; and that they should not be like their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation, a generation whose heart was not steadfast, whose spirit was not faithful to God.” (Psalm 78:1-8 ESV)
• And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord. (Ephesians 6:4 NKJV)

Bible versions that were abbreviated in this article are clearly listed below. This I did to help you in your study of God’s word. 

• KJV = King James Version
• ESV = English Standard Version
• CSB = Christian Standard Bible
• NET = New English Translation
• NKJV = New King James Version
• CEV = Contemporary English Version

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