Greetings of peace and joy to you, my friend. I was delighted with your response to my latest challenge, and thankful to receive you reply. It is difficult to draw lines in the sand, especially knowing that I too am accountable for the "judgments" I am making, but it is made even more difficult, because society - on the whole - really does not care to know these things. Lines in the sand are somewhat meaningless when the world cannot even recognize the beach!

The value of the truth, however, and my concern for your search for that truth, has never diminished. Speaking out against social ills is very much a part of the ministry that The Holy Spirit has given me, and that is the primary reason for the Concordance, and for all of the Scriptural referencing that I provide throughout The Letters. I was concerned about how my last letter might affect you, because my perception of Elohim's truth will be unacceptable to some; but your eagerness to hear more encourages and emboldens me.

It would be a simple task for me to merely state that, by enduring His crucifixion (tc), YEHOWAH offered His life as a sacrifice for our sins, and that by personally accepting His sacrifice, we receive complete forgiveness (tc) and acceptance from our Father in heaven. And, that in that acceptance, we receive eternal life. But being told these facts does not really explain how to apply YEHOWAH as the cure for sin today. Additionally, I can tell you that through YEHOWAH you are saved, but if I cannot produce examples of what His deliverance provides, what motivation is there for you to deal with Him?

YEHOWAH said, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me" (John 14:6ENB). While many ignore this statement, or view His remark only in its application to eternal life, the fact of the matter is that His deliverance also came that, "He would grant unto us, that we, being delivered out of the hand of our enemies, might serve Him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before Him, all the days of our life" (Luke 1:74-75ENB). In order to serve Him in holiness and righteousness, "all the days of our life", His deliverance must provide the means whereby our lives can be changed day to day - Today... And it does!

Everything changed with the fall of mankind in the Garden of Eden, but another change transpired as YEHOWAH hung from the cross and died for our sins. Through His sacrifice, He provided restoration to all who would receive Him as Messiah, Master and King. Our failure to adhere to Elohim's rules introduced us to the curse of submission, authority and death. Man was meant to have a helpmate, not a subordinate, and woman was meant to have a partner, not a boss. And we were meant to live forever. Our knowledge of good and evil, however, has in fact made us, "Like Elohim" (Genesis 3:5), inasmuch as we now know good and evil. But unlike Elohim, we do not possess His righteousness, holiness, truth, or eternal life, until we declare our faith and belief on, and in, the Messiah. Upon declaring our faith, however, we receive the power and authority to abide within the boundaries of submission and authority unto Him, and death no longer holds sway over our eternal existence. And, His Holy Spirit is given to us, to the same degree that YEHOWAH possessed, so that we can exert His righteous authority in our lives, and so that we can walk with Elohim obediently in the garden once again.

Deliverance through YEHOWAH comes in two waves for us: First, in accepting the reality of His crucifixion, we accept Him as Messiah. We are delivered by His sacrifice. His Blood is our atonement - our covering. When we approach our heavenly Father, He cannot see our sins, because the Blood of YEHOWAH covers those sins. The second wave of our deliverance is found in accepting the Mastership of YEHOWAH - in, through and over our lives. We are not delivered because of anything we have done, or can do, but we are delivered to live unto Him for the glory of our Father in heaven; and obedience to the call and leading of Elohim is imperative to maintaining our walk of faith - in His power - and for His glory.

Obedience to the Mastership of our Messiah does not impel every soul to a life of evangelism, apostleship, pastoral ministry, or any other set of duties. Not all have the same gift. Nor does His Mastership commit every believer to a life of poverty; or promise every disciple a life of abundance. We each have a unique call. Obedience to the Mastership of our Messiah means that we willingly follow His direction, and abide within His will for us. We may never be called to evangelize, but our obedient lifestyle may offer a testimony to thousands of souls throughout our lifetime. The fact remains, however, that if He commands His children to obey, it must be possible for them to honor His command. He provides the tools we need.

Listen to His Word: "His divine power has given unto us all things pertaining to life and piety, through the knowledge of Him who called us to glory and excellence. For by these He has given unto us exceedingly great and precious promises, so that by these we might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith, virtue; and to virtue, knowledge; and to your knowledge, self-control; and to your self-control, patient endurance; and to your patient endurance, reverence; and to your reverence, brotherly kindness; and to your brotherly kindness, love. For if these things are in you, and are increasing, they make you neither useless nor unfruitful in the full knowledge of our Master YEHOWAH ha Mashiach. But they who lack these things are blind or short-sighted, having forgotten that they were purged from their old sins. Therefore, rather, brethren, be diligent to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall. For in this way an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the eternal kingdom of our Master and Deliverer YEHOWAH ha Mashiach" (2 Peter 1:3-11ENB).

These Words do not present an obscure promise of future victories, but clearly speak of application and victory - Today! As His disciples, sin and the curse may cause us difficulty as we attempt to partake of the divine nature, but as His disciples, these things are no longer masters over us. YEHOWAH is our Master when we submit to Him, and His sacrifice provides a complete atonement, a complete covering - not something that is partial or flawed. The full Gospel provides victory now, as well as for eternity.

Scripture says we can overcome sin (Genesis 4:7). Elsewhere we are admonished to, "Choose life" (Deuteronomy 30:15-20). We have been told to, "Depart from evil and do good deeds" (Psalm 37:27ENB), and, "Whoever offers praise glorifies Me, and to those who order their course aright, I will show the deliverance of Elohim" (Psalm 50:23ENB). Therefore, it must be Elohim's will that we do these things. How?

By accepting the sacrifice of Messiah, and through our faithful obedience unto His Mastership, we are released from the power and authority of sin (Romans & Galatians). Satan simply cannot stand before the Blood of the Lamb!

You see, sin caused a rift between humanity and Elohim. And once mankind submitted to sin, we effectively surrendered ourselves unto Satan's dominion. But Elohim, knowing what was going to happen beforehand, developed a plan whereby we could elect to return to His kingdom. It is important to know though, that just as Adam and Eve chose to defy Elohim, we have the same freedom of choice today. And just as YEHOWAH chose to submit Himself unto His Father, and suffer on the cross - on our behalf, each person now has the right to choose whether they will "overcome" evil through YEHOWAH, or not... This is our free will.

The word, 'sin', by the way, simply means, "Missing the mark". When Elohim says, "There is not a just person upon earth, that does good and never sins" (Ecclesiastes 7:20ENB), He is saying that no human is capable of always hitting the mark. We ALL miss, and we ALL fall short. While our goal is to live above the curse, as humans we sometimes miss the mark. The difference that should be noticeable in the life of every Disciple of YEHOWAH, however, is that Elohim's children should be missing the mark much less frequently as we mature.

Furthermore, the Word of Elohim offers a parable to those who believe they are without sin (Luke 18:9-14), and any who doubt that they miss the mark should hear what He has to say on that point. Yet, as disciples, born-again unto life anew, we are told that sin is not to overtake us. In Genesis 4:7, the Master told Cain, "Sin crouches at the door; and its desire is for you, but you must rule over it" (Genesis 4:7ENB). Elohim says we can master sin. He also says that sin is crouching at the door, and it desires us. I am compelled to ask, "Why is sin crouching at the door - desiring me?" And, "Why does sin exist at all?"

I believe that understanding Lucifer is essential to answering these questions, because Satan is sin's originator. Elohim created Lucifer as a magnificent being (Isaiyeh 14:12-17 and Ezekiel 28:11-19), but as children of Elohim, our position, authority and splendor will exceed even that which Lucifer enjoyed... Elohim is offering His kingdom to His children. Nothing will be withheld from us. If the power, authority and splendor given to Lucifer made him think that he was greater then Elohim Himself (Who just happened to be Lucifer's own Creator), what makes us think we would be more prepared to handle these things any better than did Lucifer?

Life is intended to prepare us for Elohim's kingdom; that, "By these we might be partakers of the divine nature" (2 Peter 1:4ENB). Life is meant to teach us who we are in relationship to Elohim. Without sin, our pride could be as Satan's, making us useless unto Elohim. Through sin though, we learn humility - and a great deal more, because sin has become our tutor (Galatians 3). Although Elohim says, "I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more" (Hebrews 8:12, 10:17ENB), He never promised that we would ever forget them! The remembrances of our sin (s) will remain with us, and will keep pride in check - eternally.

I recall my experiences in Vietnam as if they occurred yesterday. I left that country in November, 1968. I recall them, but I cannot experience the pain of those memories any more (not really). I recall when my parents died, but while I may still miss them, I am unable to feel the anguish of their passing today. Sin, in our eternal memory, will be like those recollections. Forevermore in our remembrance, we will humbly throw our crowns before our Father's throne, and fall on our face in praise, worship and thanksgiving - unto the Elohim Who loved us enough to die for us. Our repentant sin prepares us to humbly meet Elohim, and it prepares us to take on the full role of a child of Elohim. Lucifer was provided as an example!

Furthermore, Elohim says, "Now a mediator acts not for one party only, whereas Elohim is One. Is the law then against the promise of Elohim? Elohim forbid! For if a law had been given, which was able to give life, then righteousness certainly would have been based on law. But Scripture has sealed all in sin, so that the promise by faith in YEHOWAH ha Mashiach might be given to those who believe. But before faith came, we were protected under the law; being sealed unto the faith that was later to be revealed. Therefore, the law was our tutor unto Messiah, that we may be justified by faith. But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor" (Galatians 3:22-25ENB).

Knowledge of sin came through the law (Romans 3:20), and if the law produces sin, and the law is our tutor (Galatians 3), then sin is a tool of the law, as a tutor. If the intent of sin is to teach humility and obedience unto Elohim, and to remind us of His Greatness and our lowliness, then once we learn these things, sin becomes an encumbrance; sin is no longer necessary. Through YEHOWAH ha Mashiach, our Father in heaven has given us His divine power, glory and excellence, that by these we could, "Escape the corruption that is in the world through lust "(2 Peter1:4ENB).

In other words, the law (tc) was introduced to teach us about sin. Once we learned the truth about sin - its purpose (humility), effect (death), and its cure (YEHOWAH ha Mashiach), and once we accept THAT CURE, sin becomes unnecessary. The Books of Romans and Galatians teach this truth, but the institutions which desire to enslave the Ekklesia openly deny these things. Once we discover the truth about sin though, which comes only through an outpouring of Grace from our Father, and once we humbly bow unto the throne of glory, confessing our sin and claiming the redemption of our soul through the Blood of YEHOWAH, sin is no longer needed. We have learned the lessons intended by the law, and we can now rebuke all temptation. Paul said that we do not nullify the law through faith, we establish it (Romans 3:31). We establish the law in our very confession of sin and acknowledgement of our need for the Messiah. Then, as life proceeds, we offer and plead the Blood of our Messiah daily, as His priests; and we abide under the covering (atonement) that He has provided.

WE ARE NOT PERFECT, JUST FORGIVEN!

In this understanding of sin, we can come to terms with the fact that once we learn the truth about sin, we can master it in Him. "What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin so that grace may abound? Elohim forbid! How shall we who are dead to sin still live in it? Or know you not, that as many of us who are baptized unto YEHOWAH ha Messiah have been baptized into His death? Therefore we are buried with Him through baptism into death, so that as like Messiah was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too should walk in newness of life "(Romans 6:1-4ENB). Just as we choose YEHOWAH as our Messiah, we continue to choose Him as our Master, ordering our lives right before Him. We can do these things! Unfortunately, most have not been taught this truth.

The spiritual battle takes on an entirely different complexion when we understand that victory has already been won in YEHOWAH. We have the victory, but the race is not yet over (1 Corinthians 9:24-27; Hebrews 12:1-3). As mankind struggles daily with issues of life, Elohim's children are free to produce the Fruit of The Holy Spirit. And it is the bearing of fruit which provides evidence of His indwelling within us, and stands in direct conflict with the deeds of the flesh (tc) (Galatians 5:16-24). Every disciple has the authority to declare their life aright, and the indwelling Holy Spirit is provided to help us make it so. But - we also have the freedom to elect to not do those things. We can choose! If we select correctly, our lives will change:

Dealing with humanity, as a should, should be different for Elohim's children. We are commanded to, "Love your neighbor...Love your enemy...Love them as I have loved you." We must recognize that our Father in heaven created each and every soul, and we are free to love His created beings.

Elohim's children should treat the environment (tc) with utmost respect. We know who Created the world, and declared it "Good", and as wise stewards, we must guard everything He has given us. We do not worship the creation, as many are now inclined to do, but we prize and care for that which He has given us.

The disciple's view of material possessions (tc) should be different too. If all things are from Elohim, and if we surrender everything back to Him, then we acknowledge that we actually possess nothing - here. Our kingdom is not of this world, and our riches are stored in heaven with / and by / our heavenly Father, through YEHOWAH our Messiah. The material possessions He permits us today are to be used for His glory.

While tribulation is part of every life, Elohim's children have the capacity, through YEHOWAH, to face tribulation with unswerving faith. Troubles do not go away because of faith, but our understanding of these things, in the Light of He Who is in charge, allows us to endure situations differently than mankind.

Our lives are to be a testimony unto the Gospel of YEHOWAH our Messiah. And as His children, what we say and do can reflect the fact that, while we are sinners, we have been set free from sin. In spite of our errors, we can press on, repenting when we do miss the mark. We are His ambassadors, and the application of His Mastership to our everyday lives should give us the courage to confront whatever issues befall us.

The plan laid out in Elohim's Word requires that we wholeheartedly submit, "As unto Elohim". Man unto YEHOWAH, and woman unto YEHOWAH through man; and this, in spite of our knowledge of good and evil. Everything here is temporary. Whether pleasant or troubling, everything here will pass. We do not know the number of our days, and each day may be our last. Therefore, our submission is a daily act of faith. Can we set ourselves down humbly before Elohim, and submit to Him? And in our understanding of these things, can we also submit unto each other on a moment-by-moment basis?

In our discussion on prayer, I said that as we determine the will of Elohim, and faithfully ask for fulfillment of His will, He would provide the means. If we lack the capacity to do any portion of His expressed will, we need only ask, "In the name of YEHOWAH", and our Father will strengthen us in our desire to please Him. YEHOWAH's Blood demolishes the curse, therefore, as we confront the enemy in spiritual battle, we plead the power of The Blood of The Lamb upon every evil, rebuking it in YEHOWAH's name, and in so doing, we force every evil to flee from HIS presence - and ours. This is how we overcome.

Am I perfect? Absolutely NOT! Do I always hit the mark? Absolutely NOT! Does every act of my life please my Master and Messiah? Elohim forgive me, NO! "I do not consider myself as having apprehended it yet; but one thing: forgetting the things behind and reaching forth unto those things that are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of Elohim in Messiah YEHOWAH" (Philippians 3:13-14ENB). This is precisely what Paul was speaking of, my friend, but we have learned to disregard what The Holy Spirit has already taught us. Prayerfully, we will not disregard Him any longer.

And, spiritually speaking, the curst of Genesis 3 is also meant for our good. In Matthew 6:25-34, YEHOWAH offered His counsel regarding matters of life: food, drink, clothing and time. His command is simple, "Be not anxious". In contrast, He says we should "Seek" our Father in heaven, and His kingdom. Favorable application of the curse is possible only through faith in the Son of YEHOWAH, because in Him it is no longer a burden (He carried our burden for us). Our not being anxious must also be applied to the areas of sex and race, or anything else that is totally out of our control, because as we seek the will of our Father in heaven, these matters become insignificant. The curse becomes beneficial - in this lifetime - as we submit unto Him.

The relationship between the sexes was marred greatly by our fall in the Garden of Eden, but the repair completed by YEHOWAH at Calvary, restores our relationships. His cure though, is the only reconciliation available between Elohim and humanity.

Unquestionably, many women are capable of teaching spiritual things to men, just as many women are better than men in matters of mathematics, science, athletics, or any other area of endeavor. To consider otherwise would be a sin. But women cannot become overseers, elders, pastors or teachers of/over men in the Ekklesia. Simply, Elohim has given men these responsibilities - as part of His Spiritual Law! Our finite knowledge of good and evil, coupled with the fact that we live in a world temporarily under Satan's influence, dictates that we are in no condition or position to debate the goodness or "correctness" of Elohim's Law. Like spanking and physical discipline and abuse, we lose by following humanity instead of following Elohim, but Elohim's cure sets us free from being "anxious" over these matters, and gives us the power to abide by His commands.

Spiritually, ability is not at issue; obedience and submission are! When we consider YEHOWAH, we see a faithfully submissive Servant, whom we can imitate (Hebrews 3:1; Ephesians 5:1). Our gifts, calling or sex, can never be a source of pride, because even though spiritual leadership and decision making fall upon the man, everything must be based upon the Word of Elohim, through prayer and in submission to our Messiah, and must be applied in the love of YEHOWAH.

While Jezebel insists upon leading and having her way, and punishes her spouse, mentally, physically and/or sexually, whenever he might decide against her over a matter, apostate Ahab will either surrender leadership and the decision making process, or be arbitrary and contentious at every opportunity. The Blood of our Messiah, however, empowers us to submit and obey Elohim's will, as well as submit and obey each other, as unto Elohim. Mankind frequently uses Scripture as a whip, applying a verse to their benefit, while ignoring the context of the fullness of Elohim's Word. If YEHOWAH is the cure, His Word will be the source of healing, not pain - a source of exhortation and conviction, for repentance and deliverance, not for abuse or personal edification.

The following points offer some of the most abused passages, in the area of gender, and in full, expose the true nature of Elohim's Word. Please read the passages, my friend, and consider the context of the verse. Then, in your understanding, you will more easily recognize when a passage is being used as a whip:

1 Corinthians 14:34-36, directs women to maintain silence in the Ekklesia, and instructs them to be in subjection to their husband. In context, this passage:
     Follows teachings on the use of the gifts, which are given equally (with some restrictions) to every member of the body (1 Corinthians 12).
     Follows the definitive teaching on love (1 Corinthians 13).
     Precedes a command that all things must be done properly and in an orderly manner, including submission and authority - applied to both sexes (1 Corinthians 14:40).

Ephesians 5:22-24 & 33, speaks of subjection and respect, and in context:
     Follows a reminder that all are sinners saved by grace (Ephesians 2).
     Follows a teaching on faithful stewardship (Ephesians 3).
     Follows a chapter defining the unity of the body in YEHOWAH, and confirms our purpose (Ephesians 4).
     Is mingled between extensive commands to men: to love, sanctify, nourish and cherish their wives, which applied properly, make it impossible to disobey the rules of submission and authority.

Colossians 3:18-25, talks of subjection, love and obedience. In context it:
     Follows Elohim's desire that the Ekklesia be filled with the, "Knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding" (Colossians 1:9ENB).
     Follows a teaching of being built-up through discipline (Colossians 2:5).
     Follows instructions to conquer false teachings (Colossians 2:15).
     Follows the command to "put on the new self" (Colossians 3:2).

The husband / wife relationship is a spiritual type of the Messiah. A faithful marriage is a testimony to the unsaved world. The faithful presentation of a submissive wife, and the faithful exercise of Elohim's authority by the husband, presents the love of Messiah to the world. There is no room here for physical, mental or spiritual abuse in this type of relationship, and capitulation of authority violates the pattern provided as well. Elohim hates divorce and abuse, because they present a picture of abandonment to the world, but YEHOWAH never abused His Ekklesia, nor did He surrender it to Satan. Otherwise, we would be lost in our sin - eternally.

Our sin has placed both men and women under the curst of submission and authority, but just as marriage is a type of the Messiah, through marriage we can also see the fullness of our release from the curse in Him. The Blood of the Lamb, applied to marriage, parallels the application of His Blood to our life, because we are His Bride, and He is our Bridegroom.

Husbands are to protect their wife and children, not belittle, overpower of ignore. And the wife is to faithfully submit, not rebel or dominate. We must not miss the point that, "We wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenlies" (Ephesians 6:12ENB). The false shepherds have neglected to protect the sheep by not teaching about spiritual warfare, humility, or faithful submission, and by not teaching about our victory through His Blood. We must apply our knowledge to these matters though, and glorify Elohim, because abiding in faithful submission complies with the will of Elohim. We have found His will! Therefore, in YEHOWAH, we can abide.

That is reconciliation! And that is the victory we have through Elohim's Cure!

Now the family began the moment Elohim created woman. In Genesis 2:21-24, we are told that, "Elohim made into a woman the rib that He had taken from the man, and brought her to the man" (Genesis 2:22ENB). Upon seeing Eve for the first time, 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" (Genesis 2:23ENB). And Elohim then added, "Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave to his wife; and they shall become one flesh" (Genesis 2:24ENB).

THE TWO SHALL BECOME ONE FLESH!
How can this be?

In Elohim's eyes, He sees a married couple as one. As long as married couples view each other as individuals, they remain individuals. But if a couple will put on "Spiritual" glasses, and look at each other through Elohim's eyes, they will see "One Person". That is exactly what Elohim sees, and that is exactly what Elohim wants us to see.

Elohim says the two are one flesh. They are one flesh so much so that an unbeliever is saved through marriage to a Disciple of Messiah. This salvation comes about for the sake of the children - provided they remain together (1 Corinthians 7:12-16), which means that reconciliation through YEHOWAH is all inclusive.

THE TWO SHALL BECOME ONE FLESH!
What else does Elohim say about marriage?

."The wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does; and likewise also the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does" (1 Corinthians 7:4ENB). "So ought husbands to love their own wives as their own body. He who loves his wife loves himself; for no one ever hated their own flesh; but nourishes and cherishes it, even as Messiah also the church" (Ephesians 5:28-29ENB). What Elohim is saying is, in marriage, we are one, and as one, we are the sole authority of the other's body. We are to cherish our mate's body as if it were our own - because it is!

If I violate the physical body in which I dwell, spiritually I am violating my mate, because she has authority over my body. If I use the body I occupy illicitly, I am using her possession sinfully. If I deny her pleasure, I am denying myself. If I strike her, I damage myself. My actions involving the body I occupy either sanctify or desecrate her, and what she does to the body she occupies, sanctifies or desecrates me. In pleasing each other, we actually please ourselves.

Through YEHOWAH, we can surrender rightful ownership of our bodies out our partners, and be reconciled to our spouse. Imagine the impact that a complete surrendering can have upon a marriage. Imagine the ecstasy of a sexual relationship so united and anointed. The Song of Solomon is our standard and goal in this area, and this is the will of Elohim for us. We can actually enjoy this harmony if/whenever we permit the Blood of the Messiah to cover our marriage.

THE TWO SHALL BECOME ONE FLESH!

If we view each other in spiritual unity, adultery, abuse and divorce would end. through YEHOWAH we have the liberty to freely submit to each other, and in our submission, we become one. the command, that any found in adultery, be stoned to death, has new meaning, when we know that the sinning partner has actually defiled their mate's body. The innocent partner is released from the bondage which the sin has placed "their" body, through the death of their sinful mate, because the marriage bond is nullified upon the death of a mate. Even though repentance is important to this issue, we must also acknowledge the spiritual implication of divorce, because divorce is also a type of death.

And, while oneness is a spiritual truth, divorce (tc) is also a reality of Scripture and life, which necessitates that we understand this issue as well. Elohim has provided divorce as a means whereby we can live with the consequences of our sin, because we do miss the mark. Once again though, the matter of divorce has been distorted, and many brethren are caught up in the maelstrom of an angry, spiteful and financially corrupt legal / divorce system. Instead of displaying the loving reconciliation of YEHOWAH, many professing "christians" are falling in line with the rest of the world when confronted with separation.

Elohim provided for divorce (Matthew 5:31-32, 19:9; and 1 Corinthians 7:12-16), but His provision is not for the way we do it today!

The first provision for divorce is connected to what we'll call, "The first command of marriage". Simply, the command is that we, "not be unequally bound with unbelievers" (2 Corinthians 6:14-16; 1 Corinthians 10:21ENB). As Disciples of YEHOWAH, we are not to date or marry unbelievers. This is a difficult order, but implementing this command is easier than living a lifetime with a mate who does not believe as we do. (And please keep in mind that this is not speaking of a Disciple who finds the Master after they marry an unbeliever). The dating Disciple of YEHOWAH must never be deceived into believing they will "convert" their mate after marriage, because although possible, Satan can bind a marriage for years, and the life of Discipleship will probably be damaged during that time.

Elohim has allowed for His children who find themselves unequally bound, (1 Corinthians 7:12-16), and as we consider these matters, we must keep in mind that the Word of Elohim has literal and spiritual implications. When we are told to "let" an unbelieving mate leave, we need to recognize that the spiritual and mental aspect of "leaving," is as important as the literal, because the effects are the same. Hear what Elohim says on this issue:
In 1 Corinthians 7:12-13, Elohim speaks to the believer who is married to an unbeliever, and the unbeliever "Is pleased to dwell with" the believer. The Greek word for "pleased" is SUNEUKOKEO, and it means to be like-minded. Having like-mindedness with a disciple of YEHOWAH, means that the non-believing mate allows for, and cooperates with, the spiritual and physical demands of their partner's faith.
1 Corinthians 7:15 speaks to the believer who is married to a non-believer, and the non-believer leaves on account of their partner's faith. If the non-believer physically leaves, we are told that the faithful servant, "is not under bondage". Divorce under this circumstance is permitted.

I also personally believe that this passage provides for the faithful Disciple who is married to an abusive mate, and the abusive non-believer does not physically leave. Physical, mental and sexual abuse are all types of denial of the conditions found in 1 Corinthians 7, because spiritual "consent" is absent when abuse is present. Like-mindedness is absent whenever abuse exists. Every Disciple of YEHOWAH must protect his or her self from an abusive situation - as well as protect any children they may have. Therefore, I contend that 1 Corinthians 7 provides an umbrella covering for those children. If a non-believing mate abuses the Disciple or their children, the Disciple is required to same themselves and their children from that abuse. The believer is free to "send away", or leave the non-believing and non-complying spouse. They are not under bondage.

The second area of sanctioned divorce involves chastity and immorality.

What should a Disciple do when they discover their spouse has committed adultery? As Disciples, we cannot bow to Baal one moment, return to Elohim the next moment, and expect Elohim to be pleased. If we repeatedly stray from the Master, we trample underfoot the Blood of the Lamb. Adultery parallels idolatry, and just as Elohim seeks faithful servants, He expects His children to remain faithful unto each other. Sexually transmitted diseases, especially HIV and AIDS, may very well represent the plague of idolatry, as Elohim views it, and we must rightfully ask how the offended mate can ever trust their partner again, following an adulterous affair. What security is there in an adulterous union? While Elohim speaks against allowing an errant spouse to return (Jeremiyeh 3), He also speaks of forgiveness. How should we apply this today?

On the matter of reconciliation, including chastity and divorce, we are to be forgiving, so that our Father in heaven can forgive us. Sins have been committed; repentance and forgiveness must pour from our hearts. YEHOWAH must be our focal point, and reconciliation in His name must be our individual goal. Separation cannot be laden with hatred, and divorce between Disciples cannot be Satan's playground. Because we miss the mark, Elohim has provided a means whereby we can live with the consequences of our sin, but divorce between Disciples must nevertheless display our Messiah's love.

Ezra was faced with a situation where the nation of Israel, including the Priests and Levites, had intermarried with their heathen neighbors (Ezekiel 9:2). By so doing, they were all called, "unfaithful". The decree from Elohim to us about adultery, divorce and intermarriage, are as strong today as they were then. We who believe on YEHOWAH are a nation of priests, but through our infidelities we are "defiling" the nation, and are indeed being, "unfaithful"

Men and women who have divorced, for whatever reason, must repent, seek forgiveness - and be forgiving; and they must reconcile, insofar as they are able. In light of the Word of Elohim, divorced couples should reunite whenever possible, but where circumstances make that impossible, they must truly reconcile and forgive. And in this process, all unfair and suppressive "settlements" must be renegotiated in the sight of our Elohim; making right that which is unfair, unjust and / or unrighteous. Elohim will not be mocked!

Elohim's children must wake up, and come alive to the fullness of YEHOWAH in our lives, because all who believe on Him as Messiah, Master and King are Children of Elohim. The precious Blood of The Lamb cleanses us. And in that Light, how do you believe Elohim would have us act?

The outline of marriage provided by Elohim, presents exciting realities and prospects for all of His children, but Satan has distorted every teaching that has come from the Throne of Glory. Reconciliation through YEHOWAH overcomes all evil though, and truly does allow us to live for Him - Today!

We must also unite in the spiritual battle being fought for our children, and repent from the spirit of abandonment. Reconciled once again with Elohim, we need to fight for the children whom He has entrusted unto us and be the disciplined and disciplining children of Elohim - to His praise, honor and glory.

The reconciliation of these issues within the world will be a product of revival, to be sure; and as people reform their lives under YEHOWAH, and acknowledge His Mastership, revival will sweep around the world. A spirit of humbly victory must accompany revival though, because revival comes at a great cost: The Blood of The Lamb! As we plead His Blood upon the circumstances of our lives though, we must also seek for the destruction of those fortresses which stand against Him. We are commanded to pray for these things, so it must be our Father's will for us that the victory is attainable. May we remain humble in that victory.

As the return of Messiah nears, every living soul will have an opportunity to reassess their life in the Light of YEHOWAH. While many will reject Elohim's cure, the daughters of YEHOWAH will find and apply the truth of Elohim's plan for them. And as the world laughs and mocks, the sons of YEHOWAH will fully acknowledge their role, applying Elohim's truth in submission unto His Mastership. Our Messiah prayed that we would be "one" (John 17); therefore, it is His will that we be united in love once again; like in the Garden, before the fall. He has provided the way!

The Good News, the full Gospel of YEHOWAH our Messiah, sets us free from bondage to sin, and from the curse. We all have sinned, and we are all born under the curse, but the sacrifice of The Lamb releases us from that bondage. We are free to serve Him in newness of life, because His Blood covers us. As we determine to follow Him, however, we must grasp the completeness of reconciliation - not only man's reconciliation to Elohim, but man to man; man to woman; man and woman to the world, and the world to Elohim, because His Blood covers everything that He originally declared, "Good".

And the Good News comes in two waves; with the second wave causing tremendous uproar and failure within Babylon, the false religious institutions. YEHOWAH is our Master, just as much as He is our Messiah. Obedience to His commands are fundamental to deliverance and a fruitful life. While many cling to the cross, proclaiming deliverance, they are choosing to ignore His Mastership, thereby defiling the very cross to which they cling. Obedience is our free choice, however, and we can either elect to obey or disobey. We can elect to abide, or not. Elohim will not force His will upon us, but by ignoring and denying the truth of our choice, and by rejecting His Mastership in the process, the false religious institutions are about to pay a very steep price - as you will see.

We have already received forgiveness, my friend, if we have chosen for YEHOWAH. We have already inherited the kingdom of Elohim, and eternity future has already begun for all who have freely chosen YEHOWAH as Messiah, Master and King. And these things are freely given to each of us, if we so choose; our Messiah already paying the price of our redemption with His Blood. When our Father in heaven looks upon us, the Blood of His Son which covers us, prevents Him from seeing the sin that would otherwise be evident. And, in the purity which His Blood provides, we can stand before our Father's throne as His children. And as children of Elohim, eternal life is ours - and that life begins today!

Enjoy the freedom and liberty of the Messiah. Find the fullness of everything that you are seeking. He is standing at the door of your heart, knocking. Will you invite Him in?

My heartfelt prayer is for you, my friend; that you may know beyond doubt the fullness of your search. It is found only in YEHOWAH ha Mashiach.

My peace I give to you!

As always, I remain faithfully and humbly your servant in YEHOWAH our Messiah,

larry vosen

Topical Concordance:

Anxiety/Depression - Vs - Hope/Trust:
Old Covenant: Psalms 12:25, 37(all), 38:18, 55:22-23; Isaiyeh (all).

New Covenant: Matthew 6:25-34, 10:19-20; Mark 13:11; Luke 10:41-42, 12:4-7, 12:11-12, 12:22-32; Philippians 4:6; 1 Peter 5:7.

Commandments, The Ten:
Old Covenant: Exodus 20; Deuteronomy 6:4-9, 7:9, 21:23, 27:26; Yehoshuwah (Joshua) 22:5; 1 Chronicles 22:13, 28:8-9; Proverbs (all), 2:1-5, 3:1-12, 6:23-24; Isaiyeh (all), 58; Jeremiyeh (all), 6:16-21.

New Covenant: Matthew 5:18-22, 7:12, 12:11-12, 19:16-19, 22:36-40; Mark 7:8,12:28-24; John 8:31-32, 13:15,21,34-35, 14:21, 15(all); Acts 15:1-35; Galatians 3:13; Titus 1:14-15; 1 John 2:3-11, 3:2-3,22-24, 4:21, 5:2-3,17; 2 John 1:4-9.

Deeds of the flesh:
Old Covenant: Genesis 9:20-27; Exodus 15:26; Deuteronomy (all); Job 11:20, 24:13, 28:28; Psalms 4:4-5, 5:4-7, 37:27, 50:23; Jeremiyeh 7:8-11; Micyeh 2(all); Habakkuk 1-2(all).

New Covenant: Matthew 15:19-20; Mark 7:14-23; Romans 1:32-2:3, 6:15-22, 8:5-8, 12-14(all); 1 Corinthians 3:3, 6:9-11, 7:2,9; 2 Corinthians 5:13-15, 7:1, 12:20-21, 13:7; Galatians 5:16-24; Ephesians 1:4, 2(all), 4:31, 5:3-14; Philippians 4:8; Colossians 3:5-17, 3:25; 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8, 5:22; 1 Timothy 1:8-11, 5:6-25, 6:3-5; 2 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:6-9, 2:11-13; Hebrews 2:18, 6:7-8, 10:26-31, 12:1-2, 13:4; James 1:14-21, 2:2-6, 3:6, 3:14-15, 4:1-2; 1 Peter 1:14-16, 2:1,11-12, 4:3-5; 2 Peter 1:4, 2:1-19, 3:3; 1 John 3:4-10; 2 John 1:9; Jude 7-16; Revelation 9:20-21, 21:7-8, 22:15.

Divorce: (Also see Marriage).
Old Covenant: Exodus (all); Leviticus (all); Deuteronomy (all); Ezra 9-10(all); Jeremiyeh 3:1-5; Malachi 2:14-16.

New Covenant: Matthew 5:31-32, 19:3-12; Mark10:2-12; Luke 16:18; Romans 7:2-3; 1 Corinthians 7(all), 11:3,7,11-12; 2 Corinthians 6:14-16; Ephesians 5:22-32; 1 Timothy 4:1-3, 5:9; Hebrews 13:4.

Environment:
Old Covenant: Genesis 1:28-30, 2:15-19, 9:2; Job 39; Psalms 8:6; Jonah 4:5-11.

New Covenant: Hebrews 2:6-8; Revelation 11:18.

Forgiveness/Forgiving:
Old Covenant: Genesis 45:1 ff, 50:17-21; Psalms 25:6-7, 32:1-7, 79:8-13, 103 & 130(all); Isaiyeh 44:21-23, 65:17; Jeremiyeh (all), 31:34; Jonah (all); Zechariyeh 3(all).

New Covenant: Matthew 6:14-15,23-24, 16:19, 18:15-35; Mark 4:24-25, 11:25-26; Luke 7:47, 17:3-10; John 5:14; Acts 7:59-60, 26:18; 1 Corinthians 1:8; 2 Corinthians 2:6-11; Colossians 1:19-22, 2:13-15; 1 Timothy 1:12-16; Hebrews 8:12, 9:22, 10:17.

Marriage:
Old Covenant: Genesis 1-3(all); Leviticus 18:18; Proverbs 5:15-19; Song of Solomon (all); Malachi 2:14-16.

New Covenant: Matthew 19:3-6, 19:10-12; John 2:1-11; Romans 7:2,3; 1 Corinthians 7(all), 11:3-12; 2 Corinthians 6:14-16; Ephesians 5:21-33; 1 Timothy 4:1-3, 5:9; Hebrews 13:4.

NOTE: 1 Corinthians 7 speaks of marriage, and within that chapter, we are told that men and women are either; virgin (never been married), unmarried (divorced) or widowed (surviving mate). Whenever the word "unmarried" is used, it is the Greek, AGAMAS, and it speaks of someone divorced). Through this passage, we see that the rules of marriage for virgins, and remarriage in the case of those divorced or widowed, are identical. (1 Corinthians 7:10-11 is a perfect example). Therefore, when Paul gives directions to the unmarried and widows in 1 Corinthians 7:8&9, he is speaking to those divorced or widowed, and his reference in 7:32 shows that the "unmarried" can be male or female. So, we find the Word of Elohim instructing His children, whether virgin, widowed or divorced.

Materialism:
Old Covenant: Exodus (all); 1 Kings 11(all); Job 1:21; Psalms 49(all), 127:1-2; Proverbs 8:18-21, 23:4-5; Ecclesiastes (all); Isaiyeh 55:1-3; Jeremiyeh 9:23-24; Daniel (all), Habakkuk 2(all); Zephaniyeh 1:13.

New Covenant: Matthew 6:19-24, 10:9-10, 13:44-46, 19:21-30, 23:23; Mark 8:34-38, 10:21-25; Luke 6:24-25, 6:38, 12:15-21, 12:33, 14:12-14, 14:33, 16:9-17, 18:29-30; John 3:27, 6:27; Acts 2:44-47, 4:32-37; 1 Corinthians 4:7, Philippians 3:7-11; Colossians 3:2; 1 Timothy 6:7-11, 6:17; James 5:1-6; 1 Peter 1:14-16; Revelation 3:14-18.

Righteousness:
Old Covenant: Psalms (all); Hosea (all); Micyeh 6:8.

New Covenant: Matthew 5:10,13-20,48: Mark 4:24; Luke 16:1-13; Romans 6:4, 13:13; 1 Corinthians 15:33-34; 2 Corinthians 6:1-10; Ephesians 4:1-3; Philippians 1:9-11,27-29; Colossians 1:21-23; 1 Thessalonians 1:6-7; 1 Timothy 4:8-9.

YEHOWAH (Jesus):
Understand the Old Covenant name of YEHOWAH, “I AM”, when you study the New Covenant passages. Historically, the Yehudi (Israel tribe of Jude / the Jews) totally eliminated all use of the Exalted name from their speech and writings, and replaced His name either with the phrase, "The Lord", or with the tetragrammation (YHWH). This is also true of the phrase, "I am", because that was the Name given to the nation of Israel in Egypt when they asked Moses who had sent him. Moses was instructed to say, "I AM WHO I AM" (Exodus 3:14ENB).
Many false teachers and detractors would have us believe that YEHOWAH never declared His Deity during His lifetime, but the evidence of His Deity, and His declarations of His Deity are overwhelming, both in and through the use of His name, and through His use of the phrase, "I AM". Read The Gospel according to John with this in mind. You will be astonished.

For a complete teaching on this matter, please see Letter #22 - through this link... And then, for a complete explanation of all the names used throughout The Letters of Faith and Righteousness, please visit The Exalted Name Bible™
Old Covenant: Exodus 3:14-15; Psalms 2:12, 23 (all), 78 (all), 99 (all), 100 (all); Micyeh 7:7-20.

New Covenant: Matthew 9:2-7, 11:27-30, 16:13-17, 22:41-45, 26:63-66; Mark 2:5-11, 5:19-26, 14:61-62, 15:2; Luke 1:26-38, 8:26-39, 22:66-70, 23:3; John 3:16-21, 4:25-26*, 5:37, 6(all)*, 8(all)*, 10(all)*, 11:25-26, 12:44-50, 13:12-20, 14:6,9-11, 15(all), 17:6; Acts 2:36; Romans 1:4; Colossians 1:13-20, 2:9; Hebrews 1:3,8-9; 3:6, 4:14, 5:8-10, 13:8; 1 Peter 1:18-21; 1 John 2:22-23; 4:2-3,15; 5:1; Revelation (all) see: 1:4-7,8,17-18, 22:12-16*.

YEHOWAH, Crucified:
Old Covenant: Leviticus 17:11; Psalms 22(all), 34:20, 118:5-14.

New Covenant: Matthew 20:18-19, 26:2, 27(all); Luke 1:74-75; John 1:9; Romans 3:23-26; 1 Corinthians 2:2; 2 Corinthians 4:4; Colossians 1:13-20; Hebrews 2:9-18.

YEHOWAH, Currently:
Old Covenant: Psalms 110:5; Habakkuk 26:62.

New Covenant: Matthew 26:64; Mark 16:20; Acts 2:32-33, 5:31, 7:56; Ephesians 1:18-21; Colossians 2:9-10, 3:1; Hebrews 1:3, 2:9-11, 2:18, 3:1, 4:12-16, 6:17-21, 7:3, 8:1-2, 9:11-12, 10:11-13, 12:2; 1 Peter 3:21-22; Revelation (all).

YEHOWAH, Deity: (Please see YEHOWAH (Jesus), above for a brief explanation of His claims to His Deity).
Old Covenant: Psalms 2:12, 23(all), 78(all), 99(all), 100(all); Micyeh 7:7-20.

New Covenant: Matthew 9:2-7, 11:27-30, 16:13-17, 22:41-45, 26:63-66; Mark 2:5-11, 5:19, 14:61-62, 15:2; Luke 1:26-38, 8:26-39, 22:66-70; John 3:16-21; 4:25-26, 5:37, 6(all), 8(all), 10(all), 11:25-26, 12:44-50, 13:12-20, 14:6, 14:9-11, 15(all), 17:6; Acts 2:36; Romans 1:4; Colossians 1:13-20, 2:9; Hebrews 1:3-9, 3:6, 4:14, 5:8-10, 13:8; 1 Peter 1:18-21; 1 John 2:22-23, 4:2-3, 4:15, 5:1; Revelation (all), see: 1:4-8, 17-18, 22:12-16.

YEHOWAH, In Prophecy:
Old Covenant: Genesis 3:15, 22:8, 22:18; Exodus 17:8-13; Leviticus 14:49-53; Numbers 7:89, 21:6-9; Deuteronomy 18:15-19; 2 Samuel 7:12-13; 1 Chronicles 17:12-14; Psalms 16:8-12, 21-22(all), 45:2-7, 68:18, 69:7-9, 69:20-21, 72(all), 78:2, 91:11-12, 110(all), 118:22-26; Proverbs 8:22-31; Isaiyeh 2:2-4, 7:14-16, 8:14, 9:1-7, 11:1-5, 28:16-18, 30(all), 35(all), 40:3-11, 42(all), 5:22-25, 49:4-10, 50:6, 52:13-53:12, 59:16-21, 60:1-3, 61:1-3, 62:11, 63:14; Jeremiyeh 23:5-6, 31:15, 33:15-16; Daniel 7:13-14; Hosea 11:1; Micyeh 5:1-4, Hg. 2:6-7; Zechariyeh 6:12-13, 9:9-10, 11:12-13, 12:10, 13:1, 14:1-11.