“There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed evil.”

Job 1:1

Examining the life of a man that had many a trial. These trials and hardships did not just randomly happen in this man, Job’s life. The enemy, the devil accused Job before God, of being covetous and would turn on the Lord if all Job had was taken away. The Lord knew better: (“And the Lord said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil?” Job 1:8) However, allowed the enemy to take all that Job possessed.

 The LORD will at times allow us to be tested to prove what is in our hearts so we can be a bright shining testimony and light to others all around. We must consider this whenever hardship, despondency, or trials come our way. Also remember, the Lord will not allow the trail or hardship to be more than we are able to bear. (“There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” I Cor. 10:13) The Lord knows this writer has failed so often. (Lord forgive me)

 First, the Sabeans came took all the oxen and asses and killed the servants. Secondly, a servant came in and exclaimed the fire of God came down and consumed the sheep and servants with them. Thirdly, the Chaldeans with bands came and took the camels and slew the servants with the sword. Then fourthly, a great wind came and destroyed the house where Job’s sons and daughters were eating and drinking in. The house fell upon them, and they perished. My oh my, if just this last event had happened to any of us, it would have been the end of us. Yet not with Job, a great man of patience and faith, (“Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped, And said, Naked came I out of my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return thither: the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord. In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly.”Job 1:20-22) Wow! What a bright and shining light of faith!

 Now, this wasn’t enough for the devil. He still accused Job before God and wanted to completely destroy Job. The Lord again knew better: (“And the Lord said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? and still he holdeth fast his integrity, although thou movedst me against him, to destroy him without cause.” Job 2:3) Thus the Lord again allowed Job to be tried, allowing the devil to destroy Job’s health, but not to take his life. Job was covered with boils. Then his wife, one who is to support Job, came to him ridiculing him: (“Then said his wife unto him, Dost thou still retain thine integrity? curse God, and die.” Job 2:9) Let us watch and be on guard for it may be those closest to us, friends, or relatives, that would cause us to fail in our faith to our mighty God.

 Next came to Job three of his so-called friends. They only accused Job of hypocrisy, pride, etc., just like the devil, the great accuser. They were no comfort to Job. We must take faith and patience in all aversity looking for our Blessed Hope Jesus Christ.

 We must also guard ourselves not to allow any offense or sin into our lives, that our enemy could use against us or accuse us of. Also, not to be quick to accuse or offend another. (“Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.” I Peter 3:8-9)

 Job through all these trials kept his integrity, patience, and faith in the all-loving, caring, merciful, and omniscient God of heaven and earth. (“But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.” Job 23:10) Job’s comfort in patience and faith was the Lord our Redeemer, whom he knew we would one day see. (“For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God: Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me.” Job 19:25-28) Amen!

 Let us praise and thank the Lord for how great, merciful, and gracious He was unto Job and how He is now unto us. (“Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.” James 5:11)

“Then the tabernacle of the congregation shall set forward with the camp of the Levites in the midst of the camp: as they encamp, so shall they set forward, every man in his place by their standards.”

 Numbers 2:17

Can it be said of thee that thou art in thy place? One would ask, well now, where is exactly the place I ought to be? The answer David says in a very popular Psalm. (Psalm 23:6 “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.”) Amen.

 Whether thou art a believer or non-believer the Lord wants all to come unto Him, hear the good news of the Saviour Jesus Christ. (“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matt. 11:28-30) (Luke 14:23) Hear, my friend, listen, heed (obey) the gospel call. (“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.” John 3:16)

 Unbeliever, thou art already on the road that will end in your destruction. This is why God gave His beloved and only begotten Son Jesus Christ for you. Christ willingly laid His life down on that cruel cross and took your sin and mine upon Him, to die for our sin. (“Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” I John 4:10) Yes! Amen! Repent (change your mind), tell God you’re a sinner, look through the eyes of faith to the Saviour Jesus Christ who wants all to be saved. (“Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.” Acts 20:21) Childlike faith receive Him now as your Saviour. (“But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:” John 1:12) Call upon the name of the Lord, today.

 Believer, are we faithful and persevering in the house of God, like we ought to be? Sundays, Wednesdays, Workdays, etc. In His Word daily like we should be? David exclaimed (“One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to enquire in his temple.” Ps. 27:4) The house of God to hear and to heed His word (through preaching), to worship and praise His Holy name (by hymns and spiritual song), to enquire of the Lord (the house of prayer). (“…every man in his place…”)

“Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.”

Psalm 42:11

There are times, as David had, when our souls will be despondent, overwhelmed, and troubled. No doubt when David was run out of Jerusalem by his very own son Absalom. Absalom received the worst of it; though, and was caught up into a tree by his hair, then killed by David’s men. The whole dire account had saddened David to his soul.

 Often in scripture we find David pleading his complaint and troubles. Yet, in the end his mighty faith in God comes shining forth. (“…hope thou in God:…”) Giving God the glory, praise and thanksgiving. Declaring God is the lifter up of mine head and the artisan of my whole being. He is my God. The one adored, obeyed, worshipped, sought for, and whom I stand in awe of.

 Let us also, like David, yield the peaceable fruits of righteousness and a strong sound faith with charity and patience. (“And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ. Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.” Phil. 1:9-11)

“The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?”

 Psalm 27:1

David knew it was the Lord which made his way and his life, clear and crisp. Being his protector, redeemer, rescuer, and deliverer. Thus, we today can claim this same assurance from our Saviour. Christ Jesus: He is my light and my salvation.

 It is the enemy that wishes to tempt saying, “He (the Lord) doesn’t care for you, you’re sick and worthless to Him”. You don’t really believe that do you? You’re lost, you cannot be saved. On and on.

 Yes, indeed our enemy wishes to have us cowering in a corner and not living the victorious life we can have in Christ. Remember: (“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” II Tim. 1:7)

 Take and holdfast by faith, (“Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.” Heb. 4:14)

“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

People born into this world, no matter their race, color, standing, position, etc. are lost and likened unto sheep that have gone astray. People do as they please, being full of self, and going their own way. God does not approve. People must repent and realize they are dreadful and lost sinners before the Lord. David even declares, (“Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.” Ps.51:5) David: the great man of God, a man after God’s own heart, even knew he was a sinner! Born in sin. Lost and undone. Without God, Christ Jesus.

 All of mankind lost and sinful creatures, without hope in this world. (“But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Rom. 5:8) This is the point one must come to know in their heart. They are sinners, headed for God’s righteous judgement of hell fire.

 You cannot save yourself. Your position and standing is lost, undone, without any hope, a sinner. (“For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.” Rom. 5:6) No matter your physical being, or might, your power you may possess, or even all the religion and righteous acts you perform. One is an ungodly, lost, and poor sinner without any way of redeeming one’s own self.

 You are considered, my friend, an enemy of God. (“For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.” Rom. 5:10) Do not stay in opposition, or obstinance, repent, tell the Lord you are a dreadful lost sinner.

 People born into this world are dead people and are under their ruler of this world. Even though they live as if there is no tomorrow and full of self. (“And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:” Eph. 2:1-2) The devil is the lost sinners father. (“Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.” John 8:44)

 One’s position is quite already determined from conception. (“He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.” John 3:18) Also in (Romans 5:12 “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:”) Adam the first man, disobeyed God. Thus, man died spiritually: are born into this world dead in sin, with no hope.

 One must repent (change mind) realize, acknowledge, and tell God they are a lost sinner. (“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” Rom. 3:23) Thus you are under God’s wrath in this world. (“He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.” John 3:36)

 The wonderful, marvelous, and good news!!: (“…the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.”) (“…God commendeth his love toward us…”) (“…Christ died for us.”) (“…Christ died for the ungodly.”) (“…we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.”) (“And you hath he quickened,…”) (“He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life:”)

 (“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Rom. 6:23)

 Christ Jesus declares: (“Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life.” John 6:47)

 (“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”) Hallelujah! Glory! Amen! Thank you, Dear Lord. My friend, be saved today. Call upon the Lord, now. Today is the day of salvation!

“In those days there was no king in Israel, but every man did that which was right in his own eyes.”

Judges 17:6

Men with his finite wisdom thinks they have all the answers. If one would just sit back and realize man is finite: limited, having boundaries. Yet so many consider they are right. (“The sluggard is wiser in his own conceit than seven men that can render a reason.” Prov. 26:16) (“For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness.” I Cor. 3:19)

 No matter the Word of God, which is infinite. (“There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the Lord.” Prov. 21:30) Amen! (“The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.” Is. 40:8) God’s Word will accomplish the task He wishes for it to do and will not return to Him without the gain intended. (“So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” Is. 55:11) Glory! Yes!

 Man, yet goes forth in obstinance; no matter what God teaches, performs the thinking of his own heart. No humility, no Bible, no contrite heart, no church (pillar and ground of the truth), no listening to the preacher, no seeking the LORD; but plenty of pride, cockiness, self-will, own way, own religion, forwardness, and arrogancy. (“There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” Prov. 16:25)

 We must always be on our guard. Watching our lives and hearts to not allow these awful offenses that are against our Saviour to come ever into our hearts or lives. Producing a life filled with praise, thanksgiving, and prayer. Seeking to do His will in all things. (“For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.” Phil. 2:13)

“Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”

Matthew 6:19-21

Boy! If this one isn’t the grand idea which all mankind seeks today. (“For after all these things do the Gentiles seek🙂 for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. (“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matt. 6:32-33) Uncertain riches, this world’s treasures, working double time, triple time: by deceit, by vanity, by honor or dishonor, etc. For what? To have a heart attack, stroke, or even death and drop into hell. (“But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?” Luke 12:20)

 Covetousness: A strong or inordinate desire of obtaining and possessing some supposed good; usually in a bad sense, and applied to an inordinate desire of wealth or avarice. 1828 Noah Webster. One’s life or character is not composed of what he or she has in the bank or what one obtains of this world. (“And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.” Luke 12:15) What one does for the Lord (Deut. 12:28) and for others (Ps. 41:1, Prov. 22:16) shall be blessed and will build up treasures in heaven.

 To have serenity and tranquility one must live a life of godliness and contentment. Godliness: A religious life; a careful observance of the laws of God and performance of religious duties, proceeding from love and reverence for the divine character and commands; Christian obedience. Contentment: a resting or satisfaction of mind without disquiet; acquiescence (a quiet assent, a silent submission); and without external honor, producing humility. Noah Webster 1828. (“But godliness with contentment is great gain.” I Tim. 6:6)

 Even the church age we live in today is caught up into this sin. (“Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:” Rev. 3:17) Let us cast off the works of darkness, putting on that armour of light. So, we may be a shining light of hope in/for our Blessed Lord Jesus Christ.

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.”

Psalm 23:1

In other words, David is saying, “I do not worry, get anxious or fret”. (“The Lord is my shepherd;…”) The Lord provides my every need and according to His will, my desires (Ps. 37:4, Phil. 4:19). He guides and leads me to the right paths that my feet are to tread (Ps. 23:2-3, Ps.17:5). The mighty Lord God who made the heavens and the earth is the One who protects and delivers me from mine enemies (Ps. 5:8, Is. 45:12). These things are for all true believers, the saints of the Lord. Glory!

 David declares it is the omniscient, all-knowing, and all-wise Lord God which instructs and teaches mine hands to war and mine fingers to fight (Ps. 144:1) and giveth strength unto His servant (Ps. 18:1, Ps. 73:26). He is the One that cares for and healeth all my diseases and maketh my bed in sickness (Ps.41:3 Matt. 9:35). Let us with faith and love as David, claim and rely upon our mighty God and Saviour Jesus Christ, who loved us and gave Himself for us (Is. 53:5-6), knowing assuredly His Word doth not fail. (“But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.” I Peter 1:25)

“Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things.”

 John 8:28

Jesus Christ, declare we unto thee. (“…I am he,…”) The only Way, the Truth, and the Life. The only Meditator between God and man. The only Door by which any man enters may go in and out and find pasture. The only One lifted up upon the tree to bear and pay for your sin and mine. Yes! Glory to the Lamb. Blessed forever art thou, O most Holy One, thou Lamb that taken away our sin and hath redeemed us by thy precious blood. Amen! Thank you, Dear Lord. (“Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.” Rev. 5:12) Amen.

“And he saith unto them, Whosoever shall put away his wife, and marry another, committeth adultery against her. And if a woman shall put away her husband, and be married to another, she committeth adultery.”

 Mark 10:11-12

There is a scourge upon our land, destroying families. In years past it was an action that was scorned and whispered about. Today it is as common as the common cold. This sin is called Divorce & Remarriage, adultery. The Lord Himself clearly declared, even after rebuking the Pharisees for it, in this chapter. The Lord instructs the disciples plainly: if you put your wife or husband away (Divorce) and get another (Re-Marry) you are continually committing adultery. Clear as the nose on your face. It is those who wish to confuse and twist the scriptures: to fit their lives, instead of letting the scripture change them.

 It is interesting at the end of teaching the Pharisees the Lord states in (Mark 10:9 “What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.”) What is the Lord saying? Some would still ask. When you exchange vows and say “I do” before God in holy matrimony, you are joined in marriage to that woman or man. (John 2:1-11) No judge is to give you a piece of paper and say: “you can go now and find another wife or husband.” Plain and simple.

 This idea of Divorce & Remarriage is hatched right out of hell. Unfortunately, it is even taught in many churches today that it is OKAY and there are biblical exceptions. Many churches today follow the teachings of men and not of God. This devotional study will examine and disprove man’s teachings.

 First, (Matt. 19:9 “And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery.”) This must be the biggest allowance and the most miss-interpretated passage for D&R. Saying unfaithfulness (adultery) by the other spouse is grounds for D&R. The error lies in three parts:

1. The clause (“…except it be for fornication…”) is taken out of content,
2. The definition of the word fornication, and
3. This clause was given by our Lord because it was part of the Jewish law, and the law was still in effect till Christ died. Also, interesting it is only mentioned in the gospel of Matthew, a Jewish flavored book.

 Now, notice error number 1) out of context for in: (Matt. 19:3 “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?) These Pharisees did not come to the Lord with honest and good hearts. Rather, they came to hurt and cause trouble. The Jewish marriage union had deteriorated to where if a slighted offense was committed, it was off to get a bill of divorcement. These Pharisees did not care, for no doubt, they were some of the biggest offenders.

 Let’s study (Matt. 19:4-6 “And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female, And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh? Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.”) What is interesting, whenever the Lord is asked about marriage: He answers (“…at the beginning…”) Not the present or time of the law, etc. He points always back to Adam and Eve (male – female). Next (“…they twain shall be one flesh?”) Two become one. When? (John 2:1-11) The Lord attended a marriage ceremony supper at Cana. (Vows exchanged before God) Again, God joins a woman and a man in marriage; man does not have the right or authority to terminate that union. Kind of funny, Hank Snow knew it back in 1952, with the song, “Married by the Bible, Divorced by the Law.”

 This brings us to error point number 3) (part of the law) in the above paragraph. (Matt. 19:7-8 “They say unto him, Why did Moses then command to give a writing of divorcement, and to put her away? He saith unto them, Moses because of the hardness of your hearts suffered you to put away your wives: but from the beginning it was not so.”) This is where man gets the marriage exception (“…except it be for fornication,…”) It was part of the law (Deut. 22:13-21; Duet. 24:1-4), the law God ended when the veil was rent in the temple from top to bottom. When our blessed Saviour Jesus Christ said, (“…It is finished…”) Amen! The law ended and the dispensation of grace began. To use the Jewish law in (Deut. 22 or 24) to condone divorce and remarriage is not rightly dividing the Word of truth. Doest thou keep the whole law? (James 2:10)

 Also, to consider is this commandment that Moses gave was to the Jews only, under the dispensation of the law and it was given because they had hard hearts. The Lord also said, “Moses” not the LORD wrote you this precept. (“And Jesus answered and said unto them, For the hardness of your heart he wrote you this precept.” Mark 10:5) The Jews do not receive Christ Jesus as the Messiah, and still try to live under the law, which none can do. Look to Christ.

 Still again, back to our number 1) error given in the above paragraph: (“…except it be for fornication,…”) “Taken out of context”. Notice, at the end of verse 8 above, the Lord refers to the beginning. (“…but from the beginning it was not so.”) Again, back to Adam and Eve, the first marriage. God is saying: a marriage is not over till one dies (till death do us part). (See Rom. 7:2-3) Plain as day.

 The disciples were concerned, notice: (Matt. 19:10-12 “His disciples say unto him, If the case of the man be so with his wife, it is not good to marry. But he said unto them, All men cannot receive this saying, save they to whom it is given. For there are some eunuchs, which were so born from their mother’s womb: and there are some eunuchs, which were made eunuchs of men: and there be eunuchs, which have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven’s sake. He that is able to receive it, let him receive it.”) What the disciples were saying is that marriage is a very serious decision. The Lord was telling them a very hard saying to keep (till death do us part). Marriage must not be entered into willy-nilly, but with much prayer and biblical principles applied (believers of like faith). The Apostle Paul teaches one could better serve the Lord single (I Cor. 7:32-34), yet Paul also instructed better to marry than to burn (I Cor. 7:9) in the Lord.

 Now, again in reference to the number 2) reason error in the previous paragraph above: the definition of this word fornication. Those who advocate that this is an allowance to divorce and remarry say fornication is a general term for all immorality: adultery (outside of the marriage bonds), sensual relations before marriage, incest, lewdness, etc. This writer also once thought this. Due to the many Greek N.T dictionaries and Noah Webster of 1828. However, if one would go back to the time of the translation of the Greek N.T. Textus Receptus into the English KJV 1611 and study the definition of this word. The word fornication in the English 1604 dictionary meant a relation between two unmarried persons and that was all. Thus, one could conclude the translators believed this also.

 Now, saying all that, this writer must after much more study give adherence to the fact that the word fornication (porneia, Greek) may have a connotation of any immoral acts of sexual intercourse and prostitution and used metaphorically of idolatry. This being derived from mid-century Greek dictionaries. However, these Greek definitions seem to refer to sins of whoredom as in (Hosea 4:13). Noted as fornication in the New Testament. Insinuating a lewd pre-martial relationship between unmarried persons. The definition of this word fornication must be rightly divided throughout scripture. Yet, also remember what our Lord and Saviour stated in (Matt. 19:8 “He saith unto them, Moses because of the hardness of your hearts suffered you to put away your wives: but from the beginning it was not so.”) The Lord plainly states from the very time of Adam and Eve, God says: (“…it was not so….”) Thus, even if the word fornication in (Matt. 19:9) is defined as any immoral acts of sexual intercourse, etc.: You cannot justify Divorce & Remarriage using Moses and the law. (“…from the beginning it was not so.”) The Lord would never approve of Adam and Eve to get D&R, the same is true today. The Lord does not approve of Divorce & Remarriage. Plain and simple.

 Note, the Lord also listed adultery and fornication as two sensual sins in (Gal. 5:19 “Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,” (Also consider Matt.15:19) Notice the last part of (Hosea 4:13 “…therefore your daughters shall commit whoredom, and your spouses shall commit adultery.”) Daughters committing whoredom (O.T. fornication), spouses committing adultery. Common sense would thus tell you they are two different offenses. Why would the Lord list them as such? Men have sin in their hearts and thus will fight against God, confuse and wrest the scriptures, and resist the truth till they repent and get right with God.

 Number 2) error again (definition of fornication) above given: They are blinded and accused the Lord of being born of fornication. (John 8:41 “Ye do the deeds of your father. Then said they to him, We be not born of fornication; we have one Father, even God.”) This was blasphemous. Mary was with child of the Holy Ghost. Here the Jews thought Mary had relations before marriage, yet not so (Matt. 1:18). Mary was with child, which shows the word fornication to them meant a sensual relationship before marriage. Therefore, the definition of fornication is a physical relationship between unmarried persons before marriage and not as many of the dictionaries, even Greek ones, of today try to say it includes adultery. Balderdash. So, the Jews thought Mary had relations before marriage and thus accused the Lord of being born of it. Wicked! Thus, this allocation for divorce & remarriage does not hold water.

 Now, this next paragraph also takes in error number 2) (definition of fornication) and number 3) error (part of the Jewish law) listed in previous paragraph. The Gospel of Matthew is known to scholars as a Jewish flavored book. In other words, Matthew applies heavily to Jewish prophecies, teachings, etc. Thus, the account of Joesph and Mary in Matthew Chapter 1. Joseph was afraid to take Mary to be his wife, for she was with child, before they came together. Joesph and Mary were betrothed to each other and under Jewish teaching they were considered like husband and wife. Some ways as our engagement period today. Now, some thought Mary had committed fornication (sensual relation before marriage). Thus, Joesph was thinking of putting her away privily and had a right to do so under the law; (Deut. 22:13-21; Duet 24:1-4) “…except it be for fornication,…”) yet God told Joseph in a dream by His angel not to be afraid to take Mary thy wife, for the child in her was of the Holy Ghost. Amen! (Matt. 1:19-20 “Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily. But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.”) Mary had not sinned. Thus, Joesph could marry her. This again shows that this: (“…except it be for fornication,…”) clause was under the Jewish law, and by definition it means a sensual relationship before marriage, (marriage beginning when vows are exchanged before God). Again numbers 2) and 3) errors mentioned in this paragraph.

 One might say, “Well, I married an unsaved person, that gives me the right to divorce and remarry. Not so fast. First, you disobeyed (II Cor. 6:14 “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?”) You must live with the consequences of your actions. Secondly, God says (“But to the rest speak I, not the Lord: If any brother hath a wife that believeth not, and she be pleased to dwell with him, let him not put her away. And the woman which hath an husband that believeth not, and if he be pleased to dwell with her, let her not leave him.” I Cor. 7:11-12) God says you are not allowed to put away that spouse willing to dwell with you. Thirdly, marriage is honorable whether the person is saved or lost. (Heb. 13:4 “Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.”) For it is the institution of marriage that God blesses and has given man for the continuation of the family unit.

 Some teach divorce is a way to be loosened from a spouse. They use (I Cor. 7:27 “Art thou bound unto a wife? seek not to be loosed. Art thou loosed from a wife? seek not a wife.”) First, you are bound to that spouse by the vows you made before the almighty God. Secondly, death is the only way to be loosened from marriage, not divorce. (Rom. 7:2 “For the woman which hath an husband is bound by the law to her husband so long as he liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the law of her husband.”) You really have got to have a bad heart to twist this one. It’s as plain as the hogs like mud. If your spouse has passed on, you’re free to marry another believer in the Lord or remain, as Paul did, single. (“But I would have you without carefulness. He that is unmarried careth for the things that belong to the Lord, how he may please the Lord:” I Cor. 7:32)  Seek not a wife.

 Another one of men’s foolish reasonings to put their spouse away is the woman at the well in (John 4:16 “Jesus saith unto her, Go, call thy husband, and come hither. The woman answered and said, I have no husband. Jesus said unto her, Thou hast well said, I have no husband: For thou hast had five husbands; and he whom thou now hast is not thy husband: in that saidst thou truly.”) Some say, “see she had five lawful husbands”. Balderdash! The Lord was making a mere conjecture, in scorn. She knew she had no husband.

 This is a verse some use to justify a physical union constitutes a marriage. (“What? know ye not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body? for two, saith he, shall be one flesh.” I Cor. 6:16) Boy oh boy if this one isn’t a stretch. What a loony bin we would have if all the illicit and wicked sensual relations and affairs were bonified marriages in the sight of God. God says, (“Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.” Gen. 2:24) First you leave mom and dad, then cleave (to stick to or remain faithful too) your wife or husband. Your spouse becomes the one and only one to have that godly union. Fornication: a physical sensual union before marriage is a perversion of holy matrimony which is a godly union between a husband and wife. The marriage ceremony (Vows) John 2:1-11 is the start of a marriage, then they cleave unto their husband or wife and become one flesh.

 Others will use (I Cor. 7:15 “But if the unbelieving depart, let him depart. A brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases: but God hath called us to peace.”) This cannot be used as grounds for divorce and re-marriage. Because how can you obey (I Cor. 7:10-11 “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.”) This actually is a question for all that say divorce & remarriage is OKAY. How do you obey these verses? God says remain unmarried or be reconciled to your spouse. You really have to wrangle the scriptures, and it becomes a confusing mess. God is not the author of confusion, but of peace.

 Consider the passages of scripture that plainly express, (“…the wife of thy youth.”) (Prov. 5:18 “Let thy fountain be blessed: and rejoice with the wife of thy youth.” Mal. 2:14) (“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.”) These verses clearly indicate the first wife is the only God honoring and approved wife. Of course, there are those who are subverted and throw in all sorts of heretical and hypothetical situations, thwarting or making the Word of God of none effect.Also note (Eccl. 9:9 “Live joyfully with the wife whom thou lovest all the days of the life of thy vanity, which he hath given thee under the sun, all the days of thy vanity: for that is thy portion in this life, and in thy labour which thou takest under the sun.”) Boy oh boy, (“Live joyfully with the wife whom thou lovest all the days of the life…”) Now how is that possible if you divorce her or him and get another? It is impossible. Also, God said He hates putting away. (“For the Lord, the God of Israel, saith that he hateth putting away: for one covereth violence with his garment, saith the Lord of hosts: therefore take heed to your spirit, that ye deal not treacherously.” Mal. 2:16) God hates divorce.

 Now, there are those who say a marriage ceremony is not for today and comes from a pagan culture. Foolishness. It is interesting our blessed Saviour and Lord Jesus Christ attended one at Cana in (John 2:1-11). Also, performed His first miracle there (turning water into wine). This is all that needs to be said on this one.

 Remember, any who marries someone that is divorced is committing continual adultery. (Luke 16:18 “Whosoever putteth away his wife, and marrieth another, committeth adultery: and whosoever marrieth her that is put away from her husband committeth adultery.”) Marriage is a serious obligation and responsibility.

 Now, what are divorced and remarried people to do? Stay in that relationship? God calls it sin. (“So then if, while her husband liveth, she be married to another man, she shall be called an adulteress: but if her husband be dead, she is free from that law; so that she is no adulteress, though she be married to another man.” Rom. 7:3) Would our Saviour want us to continue in sin? No. It is a hard saying, “Separate”. In this writer’s opinion, if one of the parties has never been married before and leaves this already married before divorcee, he or she may go and get married to one (a believer) in the Lord who has never married.

 We witness and pray for all to be saved and to come unto the knowledge of the truth, no matter what their condition or relationships. Ye must be born again. (“Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. John 3:3) (“Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life.” John 6:47) (“He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.” John 3:36)

 Some would say it’s not good for the children. God says, (“Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.” Heb. 13:4) Is it better to stay in an adulterous relationship with God’s judgement upon it or to trust, love, and obey our precious Saviour Jesus Christ for and in all things? (“By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.” I John 5:2-3)

 All of us ought to consider that this subject is not popular today, nor was it during the time of Christ. John the Baptist was beheaded for preaching this truth. (“For Herod had laid hold on John, and bound him, and put him in prison for Herodias’ sake, his brother Philip’s wife. For John said unto him, It is not lawful for thee to have her.” Matt. 14:3-4) (“And he sent, and beheaded John in the prison.” Matt. 14:10) Where will you stand, my friend?