To answer whether polygamy is acceptable, we must go back to the beginning, before man sinned. The Bible says that when God instituted and ordained marriage, it took place between one man and one woman. When God created a helpmeet for Adam, He created one woman—not two, three or four—and He said that those two people would become one flesh (Genesis 2:21-24).
Debt-free living is certainly God’s best!
There is no question that it is God’s will for you to live debt free. His Word says He will make you the head and not the tail…and bless all the work of your hands…and you will lend and NOT borrow (Deuteronomy 28:12-13). That means He will help you get there!
On becoming debt-free, Gloria Copeland says, “You are only one decision away from debt freedom.”
Years ago, Kenneth Copeland weighed 263 pounds. He doesn’t hesitate to share his testimony about how he was delivered from food addiction and from fueling his body with wrong food choices. Once he got revelation from God and allowed His supernatural power to help him crucify the flesh, he was delivered from all food addiction, lost the weight, and never looked back. He has maintained his healthy weight for decades through a determination to stay fit for the Kingdom.
In the Old Testament, under the old covenant, some foods were deemed unholy to eat. But Jesus changed all that with the establishment of the new covenant.
In 1 Timothy 4:3-5 (NLT), the Apostle Paul says, “Some…will say it is wrong…to eat certain foods. But God created those foods to be eaten with thanks by faithful people who know the truth. Since everything God created is good, we should not reject any of it but receive it with thanks. For we know it is made acceptable by the word of God and prayer.”
Under the old covenant, the people of Israel were given dietary laws which outlined clean and unclean foods (Genesis 9:2-4; Exodus 23:19; Leviticus 7:23-27, 11:1-47, 17:10-16; Deuteronomy 14:3-21). Not only were these laws protective of their health, but they were also required to be obeyed in order to be in right-standing with God. If they obeyed, they were blessed; if they disobeyed, they came under the curse of the law (Deuteronomy 28).
The Bible speaks strongly and clearly against the sin of fornication, which is sexual intercourse outside of marriage. In fact, the Apostle Paul was strong in his writings about this (1 Thessalonians 4:3; 1 Corinthians 6:18, 7:9; Hebrews 13:4).
The Bible says in 1 Thessalonians 5:22 that we are to avoid the very appearance of evil. Living together without being married gives the appearance of evil and therefore should be avoided. It suggests that the couple involved is willing to limit their commitment to one another based on current feelings, instead of long-term commitment based on God’s design for marriage and His laws governing the duration and nature of the relationship. It also invites great temptation for sexual immorality, which includes sexual relations before marriage.
Hebrews 10:38 (KJV) says, “Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.”
The Bible is clear that believers are to live by faith. Like many people, you may wonder where faith comes from. Some people may believe that faith comes from tragic experiences in life or it comes from some desperate hope not based in reality, but that’s not what the Bible says.
Second Corinthians 6:14 instructs us, “Don’t team up with those who are unbelievers. How can righteousness be a partner with wickedness? How can light live with darkness?”
We cannot express strongly enough how important it is to marry someone with whom you can be in unity and agreement according to God’s Word. Marrying someone who has not made Jesus Lord and Savior will pose more challenges for you than you may be thinking of right now.
If your heart is longing to find that special someone to talk with, dream with and enjoy life with, you may be on the brink of discouragement. Maybe you’ve even fallen into the trap of praying, waiting, feeling lonely and discouraged, then repeating the process all over again. You may even be wondering…
Joseph Pilates developed the Pilates Method (or simply Pilates) as a physical fitness system in the early 20th century. Pilates called his method “Contrology,” because he believed his method uses the mind to control the muscles.
Your vote is important because when you vote, your ballot becomes your seed. By seeking the direction of the Lord and voting in faith, you are sowing toward God’s will coming to pass in our nation.
But how do you know who to vote for? How do you choose the right candidate? Start with your focus. Make sure it is on moral issues rather than on economic policies. When we understand that God—and not man—meets our needs (Philippians 4:19), it frees us to make decisions based solely on the direction of the Holy Spirit.
Many people don’t realize how devastating pornography is to those who view it. Just as the devil intended, it causes untold damage to a person—spirit, soul and body. That’s to say nothing of the hurt it causes the loved ones of those who view it. It can lead to divorce, mental problems and even physical issues.
The devil has tried to convince people that pornography is just “harmless fun.” It can be difficult to talk about, but here is what pornography really is:
The Bible has a lot to say about the dangers of alcohol. The abuse of alcohol can lead to addiction, health problems, legal trouble, strife and can destroy marriages and other relationships. That is why we are instructed in Ephesians 5:18 (NLT), “Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit.”
God’s blueprint for marriage and sex is found in Genesis 2:24, where you’ll find His design is for man and woman to be joined together with no other option suggested. Throughout the Bible, you’ll find God’s praise of marriage between a man and a woman and only strong rebuke for homosexuality.
Leviticus 18:22 and 20:13 refer to homosexuality as “detestable” and an “abomination.” And in 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, we read that homosexuals, along with others who are unrighteous, will not inherit the kingdom of God. Romans 1:22-27 offers the most extensive reference against homosexuality:
Living on the streets of Philadelphia, functionally illiterate, parents in and out of prison, Nashon Walker became a bitter and violent young man. Sentenced to 85 years in prison at the age of 19, he met Jesus and his future was forever changed.
Romans 13:1-5 states that those in civil authority are ministers of God for our good. For those who observe and obey the authorities and the law, the law will work to their benefit. But judgment awaits whoever rebels against the law and resists that authority. Disobedience to the law permits those in authority to have the right to execute judgment.
When God made us, He gave us the ability to choose. It was an act of mercy and love. God’s desire was for pure love to exist between Himself and His creation. God did not want to create robots that could only do what they were programmed to do, nor did He want to make slaves out of any creature. God gave man a will as part of His goodness, knowing the potential for love and sin is there.
It can be difficult to have a strong conviction about something as important as tithing, but it not be shared by your spouse. The enemy would like you to think you cannot have financial success because of your spouse’s objection to tithing.
Proverbs 3:9 gives clear direction for tithing on gross income (before taxes) vs. tithing on the net (after taxes): “Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the best part of everything you produce.” Tithes should be given from the first fruits—your income before any expenses or other obligations are taken out—the gross, not the net. (Also read Deuteronomy 26.)
Brother Copeland tithes off the gross and considers the money that goes for taxes as a seed into the government. Since he started doing this, he has never failed to have more than enough to pay his taxes when they are due.