I am not trying to offend babes here. If you are a babe in Christ, please find something you can readily digest. You need not read this. You will learn soon enough. I am going to declare something that is not popular. I am good at this because this is what GOD has given me to do... He lets me do some of the so-called "dirty work", the stuff most people dare not touch lest they upset the applecart or rock the boat. I am honoured. Though it is not my desire to bring strivings and divisions among my brethren, it is written in the Volume of the Book, "Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend." (Proverbs 27:17) Much of what I share touches on the strong meat of the true doctrine and I realize that the hard sayings of true doctrine are often more than what babes in Christ are able to bear. Howbeit, at some point, the servants of the Living GOD are called to mature in Christ. They are to grow up in Christ. They are required to establish the law, says the Word. Men, this means you. You can see that the present state of our nations in the world is not good. Through the licentious lies of pastors and politicians alike, man has wrought this folly on his own head. Yea, not even the said "rulers" and "authorities" of our nations in this day, obey those laws that they feign to uphold.

Their constitutions are compromised and hypocrisy reigns in the proposed pinnacles of power. As Christians we should be clear on this: “There is no power but of GOD”. How is it then that corruption reins throughout our nations, even though it was so long ago declared that "the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through GOD to the pulling down of strong holds"? Yet, as mature men of GOD (and not necessarily as babes in Christ) is it not abundantly clear that far too many of us have failed to cast down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of GOD, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ? Our so-called "rulers" and "leaders" also exalt themselves against the knowledge of the Lord. Wherefore are these sons of Belial not a terror to good works? And if these devils are not a terror unto good works (though I hardly see how not) why then, do they exalt themselves against the knowledge of GOD? Do these "leaders" proclaim Christ?

Mature, Christian men ought to be ashamed if they disagree with these findings. Think of your children and your grandchildren if my words fail to ring true for you. Rather it would seem too easy for the self-congratulatory to war after the flesh and zealously support those war-mongers who do likewise; but bear with me gentlemen, as I beseech you in all good sincerity in the gospel of Liberty. Our burden is not grievous to be borne if we are indeed the children of GOD. His yoke is easy and His burden is light. GOD has called us to peace. Obey them that have the rule over you indeed. If you do well and are faithful, you needn't fear the power. Alas, how many forget that those who are a terror unto good works are no leaders at all! GOD did not call us to be sissies but to stand up for the things that are true and amen. Obey them that have the rule over you indeed. Never obey a pretender in service to an immoral law, which is contrary to the Word of GOD. I trust that some of you already know what I’m talking about: Just because the world follows their favourite puppet does not mean that Godly men and women must also follow suit. We do not obey powers, principalities, and the rulers of the darkness of this world, but follow them that walk in the true light of the everlasting Father. We do not empower evil. We are not the servants of the anti-Christ. We must be prepared to lay down our lives, if need be, for truth’s sake and we are not to deviate or to waver: “For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed." (James 1:6) Do not waver in the ways of the LORD; but let thine eye be single unto the purpose!

Every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God”, says the scripture. (1 John 4:3) Now I must ask you frankly, what power hath Satan over your lives? What rule do the powers, principalities, and rulers of the darkness of this world hold over the saints of the Most High GOD? Brothers, are we not called to establish the law? Wherefore do we give heed to seducing doctrines and commandments of men who so boldly exalt themselves against the knowledge of the Lord? Are we then so bewitched to declare that the faces seen on National Television are the faces of them that have the rule over us? Rather, let us purpose in our hearts to set our faces as flints before the enemy and to declare the full Bible truth! Is it not already apparent that too many pastors have sold out to the enemy and are already caught up in the snares and lies of perverse politicians? Did Paul and Peter apply to the secular government of their day for a license to preach? PREACH IT! Don't wait for the pastor's permission to preach the living truth of the only wise GOD, just preach it. Our present day leaders (so-called) are corrupt. Our rulers (so-called) care not for the things of GOD, nor do they confess Christ. PREACH IT! Why fear ye, except your works are not good? Yea, but we would be distracted by those false-dignities who are a terror to good works!

Where are the Godly rulers today? The ones who openly lift up the name of JESUS today? I will tell you where they are: They are lying in the gutters, whipped, battered, bruised, and bleeding. They are in the jail houses and are cast out of their communities, they are spat upon, ostracized, and despised of this world while so-called pastors and imposters pontificate over them to give them "a word" that they should obey them that have the rule over them. Hypocrisy! These churls have sold out to the system! They are licensed to take tithes of you because they are contracted by men who declare things like, "America is not a Christian Nation" while they proceed to mock the Word of GOD. Yea, these pretenders are a terror to good works! They exalt themselves against knowledge of the LORD and they shall be brought down to the pit for their lies. They have no power but that power granted them as a result of GOD's people allowing themselves to be misled by the very men that sign contracts and make covenants with secularist (that word "secularist" means "godless") government. Yet it should be stated that even the powers of the darkness of this present world will play into the Hands of the Living GOD in the end. Amen. I look forward to that day and I shall be glad and rejoice in it. Hallelujah! There is no condemnation to them that are found in Christ Jesus.

Now as GOD’s people, let's take a closer look at this so-called "LAW OF THE LAND" thing whereby so many today have suffered to be brought under the yoke of bondage to the law of sin and death. What do you suppose the Law of the Land is? Is it, "When in Rome, do as the Romans do?" GOD forbid. Where is this false commandment found in the Holy Word of GOD? I encourage my brethren to read carefully what Paul and Silas did and the things they declared to the magistrates in their day in the Book of Acts, Chapter Sixteen; for they boldly spoke before the magistrates that chastised them and even withstood them to their faces! (See: verses 35 through 38). Think not that the injustices committed by magistrates against the true saints of GOD are so readily printed in your local evening news. But what is the LAW OF THE LAND? Does anyone really know? Is it, "observe all the customs and all the laws of the people do them"? Some would say yes. Nay, this is not the word given by Paul to the saints of GOD. To understand the Law of the Land, one must turn to the Law of the Lord. Turn with me to The Book of Deuteronomy, Chapter 24, and verse 4:

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.” Please allow me to elaborate:

"…thou shalt not cause the land to sin, which the LORD thy God giveth thee for an inheritance."

You see that “Thou shalt not”? One more time:

Thou shalt not cause the land to sin, which the LORD thy God giveth thee for an inheritance.

This is the LAW OF THE LAND: Every time someone causes the land to sin, they have broken the LAW OF THE LAND. Every time a man takes an adulteress into his bosom, he causes the land to sin. Every time a man forgives a fornicating wife and takes her back into his marriage bed “because he has forgiven her” he causes the land to sin. Let him forgive her and let him let her loose; for after that, she is defiled saith the Word. Now I know what some of you are thinking. Some of you reading this want to say, "Oh, but that was Old Testament Law! We don't do it that way anymore!" No? Well then, that would explain the main problem so many have.

Considering the majority of souls alive today are still living under the Old Testament law (whether they know it or not) these having failed to repent and remain unwashed, unclean, and dead in their sins, they surely don't "do it that way" and never did. In fact, I don't think there's really that much about the whole of the Old Testament they actually care about. (Sort of like our illustrious "leaders" - so-called.) They are condemned under the law. Rather, we've all been “well-informed” that it's time to burn the Ten Commandments and to cast them out of our court rooms in favour of the NEW WORLD "Ten Suggestions", so yes, "we" (meaning the world) don't do it that way and "we" never did ... But GOD's people do. GOD's people don't fornicate. GOD's people don't commit adultery. GOD's people don't cause the land to sin! Amen. GOD's people obey the LAW OF THE LAND because GOD’s people know the LAW OF THE LAND belongs to GOD. Yes indeed, this is the Old Testament Law: The Ten Commandments. Brethren, are you with me on this? The Ten Commandments are the LAW OF THE LAND!!!

Why do GOD's people obey the LAW OF THE LAND? A: Because the LAW OF THE LAND is in truth, GOD's Moral Law. GOD's Moral Law (among other laws) commonly called Common law, is found written in the Book of Deuteronomy. Now admittedly, some of the laws written in the Book of Deuteronomy are already fulfilled to them that are in Christ Jesus; but this does not mean that Christ abolished GOD's Moral Law. There are overlaps in the Book of Deuteronomy, such as the dietary laws wherein the laws of Levi were also regarded as GOD's Moral Law at the time that Deuteronomy was written. The Apostle Paul graciously explains to the Church which of these laws were abolished in fulfilment as these pertained to the Law of Sin and Death, which was nailed on the cross with Christ, the Son of man (our High Priest) Who became the perfect sacrifice, the old covenant being completely fulfilled in Christ Jesus. Christians need not burden themselves with such laws because Christians are not called to follow the Levite Priesthood the Israelites were commanded to follow. The New Covenant concerns the Priesthood of Melchisedec of which even the Levites paid tithes in the loins of Abraham. One need not be surprised to learn that there are no dietary laws, or laws concerning circumcision addressed in the Ten Commandments. Howbeit, GOD did not abolish the Ten Commandments even though Christ fulfilled the whole of the law never falling short of the slightest jot or tittle. The Apostle Paul stated that we are to establish the law. We do not make the law void. (Romans 3:31).

Paul said of Christ, "For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; and that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: and came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh." (Ephesians 2:14-17) Praise GOD. And again, in another place, "But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter." (Romans 7:6 - I trust it should be evident that those who are not born again live "under the law" unto this day.) And again, "In that he saith, A new covenant, he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away." (Hebrews 8:13) But GOD's Moral Law does not change.

Yea, we can have bacon for breakfast if we are able to eat it in faith, but we may not faithfully have our neighbour's wife in marriage: It is sin! "Thou shalt not commit adultery". In other words, (GOD’s words) Thou shalt not cause the land to sin! Now all things are fulfilled in Christ Jesus and we are to establish the law; for it is written: "Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law." (Romans 3:31) All things are lawful unto them that are in Christ Jesus, but not all things are expedient, or even convenient; for no person transgressing GOD's Moral Law is found in the Body of Christ; but only them that have fully repented of their sinful works and turned away from all iniquity (lawlessness). “And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: and he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.” (1 John 1:1-2) The LAW OF LAND is the LAW OF THE LORD. Don't ever think otherwise. To whom does the land belong? Why, it belongs to the LAND LORD! Those who breach the LAW OF LAND also risk being evicted by the LAND LORD. I can think of a few so-called "rulers" and "leaders" that stand to get evicted for having caused the land to sin. We need not obey imposters. An imposter is no dignity; but a thief and a liar. Brothers and sisters, we must be diligent. Obey only Godly rulers and obey Godly laws; by all means, obey the Law of the Land: Obey GOD's Moral Law.

May JESUS bless you in the knowledge of full Bible truth.

Daily light on the daily path

Devotional compiled by Jonathan Bagster

*****

August 9

MORNING

Thou art all fair, my love; there is no spot in thee. Song 4:7

The whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint. From the sole of the foot even unto the head there is no soundness in it; but wounds, and bruises, and putrifying sores: they have not been closed, neither bound up, neither mollified with ointment. Isa. 1:5, 6

We are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags. Isa. 64:6

I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing. Rom. 7:18

Ye are washed.... ye are sanctified.... ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. I Cor. 6:11

The King's daughter is all glorious within. Psa. 45:13

Perfect through my comeliness, which I had put upon thee, saith the Lord GOD. Ezek. 16:14

Let the beauty of the LORD our God be upon us. Psa. 90:17

These are they which ... have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Rev. 7:14

A glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but ... holy and without blemish. Eph. 5:27

Ye are complete in him. Col. 2:10

*****

EVENING

Broken cisterns, that can hold no water. Jer. 2:13

Eve ... bare Cain, and said, I have gotten a man from the LORD. Gen. 4:1

Go to, let us build us a city and a tower, whose top may reach unto heaven. The LORD scattered them. Gen. 11:4, 8

Lot chose him all the plain of Jordan; it was well watered every where, even as the garden of the LORD. But the men of Sodom were wicked and sinners before the LORD exceedingly. Gen. 13:11, 10, 13

I gave my heart to know wisdom, and to know madness and folly: I perceived that this also is vexation of spirit. For in much wisdom is much grief: and he that increaseth knowledge increaseth sorrow. Ecc. 1:17, 18

I made me great works; I builded me houses; I planted me vineyards: I gathered me also silver and gold. Then I looked on all, and, behold, all was vanity and vexation of spirit. Ecc. 2:4, 8, 11

If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. John 7:37

He satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness. Psa. 107:9

Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. Col. 3:2

NO, this is only the beginning of the END. It's gonna get a whole lot worse before it gets better. I apologise if some are offended by this, but Jesus did say that offences would come. I'm only the messenger. I'm not trying to be a great "prophet" or anything... I'm no Benny Hin. I'm just spreading the word out there peradventure someone might be listening. Did I not state in an earlier post on this thread that the proverbial "mark" would more likely manifest as an "inoculation" than the simple insertion of an rfid chip? I believe that I stated something to that effect. After all, it only makes sense.

--------------------------------------------------------------
The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.

OnenessWoman 1#  Rank:GOLD Score:208200 Posts:1642 From: USA Registered:11/17/2008 Time spent: 14644 hours Re:Deeper Discussions / Husbands and Wives? (Date Posted:07/24/2010 8:52 PM) Are there any other opinions on this topic (or the multiple topics) in "Deeper Discussions" that relate to polygamy? While I COMPLETELY disagree with this man, I will show him respect and Christian love. For a while I didn't even discuss this topic, but I do feel led to share some things concerning this now.  I do believe I have grown a lot since I first started discussing on the internet.  I know I have certainly learned a lot.  One thing I would like to stress is the manner in which we should treat others.  How should we treat other people? How does Jesus say we should treat others? [We should treat other people the way we want to be treated.]  How does Jesus ask us to treat our enemies? Jesus wants us to love our enemies, and be good to everyone who hates you. How do sinners treat people who love them and are kind to them? [Sinners love people back when they are loved, and they are kind to those who are kind to them.  They often seek revenge on those that treat the wrongly] What does Jesus ask us to do? [Jesus wants us to love and to give without expecting anything in return.] -------------------------------------------------------------- The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Achintya_Ajatashatru Rank:none Score:400 Posts:3 From: USA Registered:12/05/2008 Time spent: 14310 hours RE:Deeper Discussions / Husbands and Wives? (Date Posted:07/25/2010 12:45 AM) Adultery rips at the fabric of our society and  tears apart marriages and families. God’s law in general, and the 7th commandment  is held up as the standard for Christian behavior. Why is 'You shall not commit adultery' in the Ten Commandments? God established the institution of marriage as being between one man and one woman in Genesis 2:24; this was reiterated by Jesus in Matthew 19:5. Marriage is sacred and it’s no wonder that God would seek to protect this union from defilement (Hebrews 13:4), and prohibit adultery which is the violation of the sacred marriage union. Men and women are not meant to share their mates.  After the fall in the garden they attempted to go about doing so, but it was not the original plan of God from the beginning, and it is certainly not the plan of God for the Church of today. I see polygamy as adultery in the New Testament. Adultery refers to the sexual sin of married people with someone other than their spouse, and the word is used in the Old Testament both literally and figuratively. God only made one woman for Adam. . You can read in  Mark 10:6 - Male and female (not "females"). God ordained monogamy, not polygamy. "One Flesh" Concept Speaks Against Polygamy - 2:24 (Eph. 5:31).  Only one man & one woman can unite together in one flesh. (Cleave to his "wife," not wives!)  Malachi 2:14 - Covenant of marriage is with one woman. Under this figure, polygamy would imply that there are multiple bodies (fleshes) in marriage!  This is not the case. It is evident and plain to see that monogamy is the only way for men and women of God to live their lives. Joy attends monogamy - Proverbs 5:18. Marriage is a figure of Christs relationship with His Church - Eph. 5:23, 28-32. 1. Eph. 5:23 - If a husband can have many wives, then Christ can have many churches (bodies) - Eph. 4:4. 2. Eph. 5:28 - Yet we know there is only one way to God, and there is only one bride of Christ.  You cannot climb up another way and have many churches, for any man that climbs up another way is a thief and a robber.  If a man can love many wives, Christ can love many churches -- But, Eph. 5:25 says He loved "the church." 3. Eph. 5:31-32 - If polygamy is true, Paul's (God's) entire teaching about Christ and His church is destroyed! This will never be the case.  1Cor 2:8 Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. The princes of this world didn't recognize Him then and they don't recognize him now. 1John 3:16 Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. John 14:9 Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father? See how those who don't know Jesus as God the Father don't really know Jesus at all? Col 2:8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. Col 2:9 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. So are you really "Jesus Only"? John 8:58 Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am. John 8:59 Then took they up stones to cast at him: but Jesus hid himself, and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by Carnal folks get really upset about Jesus Christ being the Great "I AM". Only one throne in heaven and Jesus Only coming in the clouds...  Only one Church and one Bride.  JACOBS_TROUBLE Rank:GOLD Score:15900 Posts:140 From: Canada Registered:11/27/2008 Time spent: 0 hours RE:Deeper Discussions / Husbands and Wives? (Date Posted:07/25/2010 12:49 AM) In my opinion, there are many topics that relate to biblical marriage in the "Deeper Discussions" topic board that can be understood to relate to what modern man refers to as "polygamy" however erroneously so. While I personally disagree that biblical marriage should be referred to in this fashion because of what this new age term means to the world, I do believe that there are cases in modern day times and numerous examples also in the Holy Bible where a man may indeed lawfully have more than one wife.  While I may not be so quick as to deal with this thread presumptuously, I feel that I know which man is being referred to in the scarlet letter communication. In all honesty, I am of the persuasion that it is indeed possible for an Apostolic man to have more than one wife and that GOD's moral law does not change. If the man being referred to in the above missive is not me I would be delighted to meet his acquaintence as I have been seriously praying that GOD will open the eyes of those learned men in these latter days, who know and love GOD, to the full Bible truth regarding what GOD called marriage. Learning is good and I fully agree that as Christians it should be our aim to deal amiably with one another, acknowledging one another's faults and weaknesses, and engaging in respectful dialog with one another. Over the course of many years I have also learned much and I also believe that this has greatly impacted many of my previous views about communication. I would imagine that there are some who will still consider me an "enemy" of the truth but then that will always be the case, regardless of how right or wrong I may be — at least until Jesus returns in the glory of the Father. As for myself, I would advise any man having more than one wife to avoid bragging about it. In truth, the experience can be quite humbling and to whom much is given much is also required. I feel that I have some authority concerning this subject as I am not entirely foreign to it. Nonetheless our heavenly Father will not place any burden upon us that is too great for any of us to bear. GOD is good. I haven't looked at the link provided above yet and I am a very busy man (as usual). Perhaps I'll take a peek tomorrow. GOD bless the reader -------------------------------------------------------------- GOD's Moral Law does not change. IronSharpener Rank:Silver Member Score:4000 Posts:26 From: USA Registered:04/10/2009 Time spent: 11248 hours RE:Deeper Discussions / Husbands and Wives? (Date Posted:07/25/2010 12:32 PM) Why would one believe in "plural gods", when the Bible teaches monotheism (Deut. 4:35,39, 1 Kings 8:60, Isa. 43:10, 44:6,8, 45:5,21,22, 46:9, John 17:3, 1 Cor. 8:4-6, etc.)?  Why would one believe in plural brides when the Bible teaches one Church, one Lord, one salvation, and one bride? Why would one believe that "plural wives" is a true principle, to be practiced in our generation, when the Bible teaches that monogamy is God's standard, and that polygamy is a sin (namely adultery, Matt. 4:32, 1 Cor. 7:2)? JACOBS_TROUBLE Rank:GOLD Score:15900 Posts:140 From: Canada Registered:11/27/2008 Time spent: 0 hours RE:Deeper Discussions / Husbands and Wives? (Date Posted:07/25/2010 5:49 PM) Achintya_Ajatashatru Praise Jesus I think it is very important not to confuse godly unions between men and women for polygamy, adultery, divorce, or fornication. For this very reason I refrain from the use of modernist terminology not found in the scripture when referring to godly marriage. There is no scripture in the Old or New Testament that forbids, condemns, or disapproves a man having more than one wife. Having more than one wife is not what the world is calling "polygamy". Having more than one wife is polygyny. Please note spelling. According to the world and those who determine the definitions of words, polygamy is when a man or a woman has multiple sex partners regardless of whether the alleged unions are made consensually with adults, homosexual, bisexual, bestial, or worse. I believe that when people lend themselves to worldly terminology to describe Biblical subjects they are setting themselves up for confusion. Polygamy per se is not found in the Holy Bible. “Two wives” is biblical. There is a difference. The unwavering GOD of Abraham, Moses, and Elijah blessed, directed, and regulated marriages of one man to more than one woman, never once condemning, cursing, or renouncing this practice. I repeat: GOD never once condemned it or called it "sin". This statement, of its own merit, should provide enough evidence that it is not ungodly or immoral for a man to have more than one wife. Hebrews 13:4 Reads as follows: Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge. I find it interesting that this scripture plainly states that "GOD will judge" such persons as adulterers and whoremongers, making no mention of mortal men (or women) doing the judging. "Marriage is honourable in all" — not "some", but all. NOT all marriage is honourable, but rather marriage is honourable in all. I hope this makes sense to you because most people are so prejudiced, biased, and bigoted that they are more inclined to follow what seemeth right unto them based on pride and self-rightness and not what thus saith the LORD. You can see that I stand alone here, in this forum. There is no one here to defend me or my words, but I stand alone with the WORD of the LORD and that is all the defence I need. The topic is supposed to be "Husbands and Wives?" but if the subject is polygamy you can count me out because polygamy is a deceitful word that is not found in the Holy Bible. No woman in the LORD should be joined to another man while her husband yet liveth. It is adultery. Everything in Creation had an original. There was a first man and a first woman. GOD does all things in His own time. Every time that a man and a woman join in the flesh they marry and this is that ordinance of GOD you mentioned in your post. The Holy Bible does not define adultery the way that you have defined it and the Holy Bible does not say that GOD made "only one" woman for Adam either. This "only one" view is merely assumption and conjecture founded upon man-made ideas and not based upon what thus saith the LORD. I could just as easily state that GOD intended to make yet another help meet for Adam and Eve with that odd rib that GOD left behind in Adam's body. Such a statement is no less plausible than stating "only one" woman was made for Adam and second-guessing GOD's intentions as though mere flesh and blood could fathom the Mind of GOD. The Holy Bible says nothing of the sort; but since it would appear that license by extrapolation is the acceptable standard here, I will play by these rules also: Had Adam declined from partaking in the eating of the fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil things would have likely been much different. Adam had plenty of ribs to spare. Instead, Adam made the grievous error of worshiping Eve and following her leadership above GOD and against His Holy Word. Adam made Eve his "one and only" and valued her above his relationship with GOD Who could have made a million Eves for Adam, all of them a thousand times better than Eve if He wanted to; but Adam knew something else. Adam knew that no matter how many "wives" GOD could give him, none of them would have been the original Eve. So instead, Adam fell prey to woman worship and let Eve be his head instead of GOD. Adam's knowledge became carnal and his carnality separated him from GOD. For this reason GOD put away Adam and expelled him from the garden. The "only one wife" argument is moot because the scripture clearly states that godly men were also the husbands of wives (plural). The only way that this can be reconciled is that each of the women referred to in this context is indeed the wife (singular) of that godly man (singular) who took each woman to wife. In all of the dozens of examples found in the holy scripture concerning this practice, never once does GOD admonish or reprimand these godly men for taking wives (plural). Each time one man took one woman to wife that woman was that man's wife regardless of how many wives he took to himself before he married her. The marriage rule applies in every case: They twain shall be one flesh. Malachai 2:14 reads as follows: Yet ye say, Wherefore? Because the LORD hath been witness between thee and the wife of thy youth, against whom thou hast dealt treacherously: yet is she thy companion, and the wife of thy covenant. Evidently, this scripture has made a distinction between the wife of one's youth and other wives (plural). In nowise is it an admonishing to receive "only one" wife and the scripture does not say "only one wife". Again, believing that this is what the scripture says is merely conjecture. If a man cannot deal forthright and honestly with the wife of his youth how shall he deal righteously with his other wives? Every time a man takes a woman to wife he makes a covenant with her. Every time GOD receives a soul in His Kingdom He makes a covenant with that person. I would not venture to guess how many covenants GOD has made with every soul that He has saved, but I do know that GOD is no respector of persons and that this does not translate to "GOD is the respector of only one person". You have stated that "marriage is a figure of Christs relationship with His Church" and I fully agree with this statement. I also agree that the New Jerusalem is the new wife and bride of Christ. Again, we do not read in the Holy Scriptures those specific words "only one" concerning the bride of Christ in the vision of John. No, these words are only added to the scriptures by those adders who consistently pervert what is written in the Holy Bible. Rather what the reader beholds is a great multitude, so great that John could not count the number, praising GOD. I suspect it should be safe to assume that GOD joins with each one of them. You also stated, "If a husband can have many wives, then Christ can have many churches (bodies)”. Again, I agree with this statement of yours and the Scripture supports it: 1 Corinthians 14 34 Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience as also saith the law. Revelation 2 7 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God. 11 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death. 17 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it. 29   He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. Revelation 3 6 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. 13   He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. 22   He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. Surely we know that these churches were all the LORD's or He would not have bothered with them. Some of them did well, and some less so. The LORD even held ought against a couple of these, but the Spirit verily spoke to them all. Personally, I have little doubt that the FIVE WISE VIRGINS that Christ spoke of were among that number and even less doubt that Christ will be joining to those FIVE WISE VIRGINS because GOD cannot lie. So if we would resort to the spiritualism of this revelation we must allow for what saith the WORD and lean not on our own understanding. There is verily only one way to GOD and the way to GOD is the Bridegroom not the bride. The bride would do well to avoid confusing herself for the Bridegroom as this is the same mistake that Roman Catholic Jezebel made, declaring " I am, and none else beside me" (Isaiah 47:8). The scripture does not declare "only one bride" and the churches would do well to take heed to their spirit lest their candlestick be moved out of its place! GOD could raise up brides from the very rocks of the earth before any of us could blink an eye. Well did our LORD and SAVIOUR say, "And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd." Now I am not going to tell Christ what he can or cannot do and I am not going to accuse Christ of being a thief and a robber, though evidently, some do. JESUS said, "As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten" and I am certain that He was not referring to "only one". So yes, JESUS loves His Church and His churches. Let the churches of GOD take heed to their spirit, lest they fall prey to vanity and arrogant pride as did the church of Rome in their "only one" true church doctrine. The bride is not the Bridegroom and the Bridegroom will decide whom He marries. Long before there was a New Jerusalem there was Jerusalem and GOD will not forsake His covenant with the wife of His youth! Wherefore let the churches of GOD take heed to their spirit. There is no "only one bride” spoken of in the scripture, but if any man seem to be contentious, we have no such custom, neither the churches of GOD. I hope this helps

Daily light on the daily path

Devotional compiled by Jonathan Bagster

*****

July 23

MORNING

Then cometh the end. I Cor. 15:24

Of that day and that hour knoweth no man no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father. Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is. And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch. Mark 13:32, 33, 37

The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. II Pet. 3:9

The coming of the Lord draweth nigh. The judge standeth before the door. James 5:8, 9

Surely I come quickly. Rev. 22:20

Seeing ... that ail these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness? II Pet. 3:11

The end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer. I Pet. 4:7

Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning; and ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately. Luke 12:35, 36

*****

EVENING

Brethren, pray for us. I Thess. 5:25

Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him. And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up. Pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months. And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit. James 5:14-18

Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints. Eph. 6:18

Without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers. Rom. 1:9

Always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. Col. 4:12

*****

Daily light on the daily path

Devotional compiled by Jonathan Bagster

*****

July 22

MORNING

In that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. Rom. 6:10

He was numbered with the transgressors. Isa. 53:12

Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many. Heb. 9:28

Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. I Pet. 2:24

By one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified. Heb. 10:14

This man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood. Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. Heb. 7:24, 25

While we were yet sinners Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. Rom. 5:8, 9

Forasmuch . . . as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God. I Pet. 4:1, 2

*****

EVENING

Keep yourselves in the love of God. Jude 21

Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. John 15:4, 5

The fruit of the Spirit is love. Gal. 5:22

Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love. John 15:8-10

Whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected. I John 2:5

This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. John 15:12

God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Rom. 5:8

God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. I John 4:16

*****