In today’s email:
About that ‘pastor’ and his two wives… 🤯
The Lost Art of Communication: A Single Christian’s Guide
Meet this week’s bachelors & bachelorettes! 🎉
The “Pastor” and his two wives
Rich Tidwell — a little-known pastor from Missouri — suddenly found himself trending on X and Instagram this week.
He made headlines after announcing he’s taken a second wife — now pregnant with her first child and his eighth. 🤯
Now, Tidwell isn’t the first to take a second wife. And he’s certainly not the last to drag God’s name into his mess.
What made him go viral, though, was his defense — claiming ‘plural marriage’ is biblical, and that God Himself was a polygamist because “He had two wives — Israel and Judah.”
And he’s loving the spotlight — posting photos of his wives and children, smiling smugly, and firing back with cherry-picked verses.
The Devil Still Likes Conversations
All week, I’ve seen the same thing — Christian influencers battling this out online. Verse against verse. Argument against argument.
Exactly what the devil wants.
His strategy hasn’t changed. All he needs is for you to engage him in a discussion.
He doesn’t mind (and isn’t scared) if you know Scripture. He knows it too — and, more importantly, how to twist it, quote it out of context, and make our Lord look bad.
It worked in the Garden.
One question, one seed of doubt, one clever distortion of God’s Word — and Eve fell, taking Adam with her.
Rich Tidwell’s just the latest pawn in the same old play— stirring the pot, dragging believers into endless online arguments about the Sabbath, patriarchy, toxic masculinity, Zionism — and now, polygamy.
The enemy knows how to pick his topics. Because let’s be honest — we all have something to say.
The Strategy That Works
Don’t engage. Don’t debate. Don’t ‘just have a conversation’ with them.
Eve is the perfect example….. of what NOT to do. You can’t have a harmless discussion with the double-tongued serpent or his followers.
They’ll gladly use God’s Word to pull you down.
That’s why Scripture warns us not even to receive them into your homes or greet them (2 John 1:10).
When Things Seem ‘Grey’
When Scripture feels unclear, here’s something I often remind myself of — a simple lesson from an old mentor:
First, remember this: the Bible is descriptive, not always prescriptive.
It records what people did — the good, the bad, and the foolish.
So yes, Scripture describes certain men who took multiple wives, and it also shows the heavy price they paid for it. But not once does it prescribe that path.Second, go back to the beginning — and then to what our Lord said about it.
In Genesis, when God instituted marriage, He made one woman for Adam — not many.
And when our Lord Jesus Christ spoke about marriage in Matthew 19, He reaffirmed it: “A man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.”Notice — He said wife, not wives.
Don’t Be Like Tidwell
We live in a fallen world — that’s no secret. Some of us like prodigals, repent and turn back. Others justify sin and blame God for it.
Just like Adam, who said, “The woman YOU gave me…,” or the wicked ‘1-talent’ servant who accused his master of being a “hard man.”
Tidwell’s doing the same — blaming God for his sin.
That’s not ignorance. That’s not confusion. That’s defiance. It’s taking God’s name in vain, and weaponizing the Bible to ‘sanctify’ personal sin.
Protect The Weaker Brother
False teachers thrive on attention. Be it applause or outrage — they don’t care as long as people are listening.
Every comment, every debate, every reaction fuels them. It gives them oxygen.
Their goal is simple: to stand on your shoulders and amplify their deception.
While you join these devil-inspired discussions, weaker brothers and sisters are watching — seeing God’s Word quoted, distorted, ripped out of context… and stumbling because of it.
Sometimes, the only wise response is the one Jesus gave:
“Get thee behind me, Satan.”
We’re not called to out-argue error. We’re called to outshine it.
Be the light — not a noisy gong.
The Lost Art of Communication: A Single Christian's Guide
“Why won’t he ask me anything?” If that’s your dating struggle, “The Lost Art of Communication” is for you.
We live in a world that’s always online, yet strangely, not many know how to talk anymore.
In this blogpost / podcast we get real about what’s behind the silence — how to tell if it’s a red flag or just awkwardness — and how to bring back fun, honest, back-and-forth conversation again.
Click here to listen.
Prefer reading? Click below👇
Who’s in the Singles Spotlight this week?
NIKITA
Compassionate & Kind, with an Adventurous Streak!
31F | 150 cm | Chennai, IND | Born-Again | Masters in French Literature | English, French, Tamil | Missionary Teacher
Nikita is the definition of ‘more than meets the eye’. At 31, she’s not just a teacher, but also a missionary in West Africa - & a motorcycle aficionado!
Brimming with energy and big dreams, Nikita is originally from the sunny south of India, and is fluent in multiple languages (English, French, and Tamil).
When she’s not teaching or writing, Nikita enjoys cooking, riding her motorcycle, or curling up with a good book.
She dreams of a partner who shares her deep love for Jesus, is rooted in Scripture, and embodies kindness & responsibility - but can also be a tad goofy! She’s open to long-distance relationships if both are committed to making it work.
ESTHER
Successful & Vibrant
37F | 165 cm | Dubai, UAE | Born Again (AG) | MBA | English, Tamil | Director of HR
Dubai-based Esther is always on the go. By day, she’s the Director of HR in the hospitality industry - but outside work, she’s on the lookout for her next adventure.
She’s passionate about staying active, being outdoors, & taking in the sights, but also appreciates a relaxing spa day or quality time with friends.
What truly sets her apart is her unwavering faith in Christ, which has shaped every step of her life.
Now, Esther is ready to meet a man who shares her joyous, active nature - bonus if he likes cooking!
More singles you shouldn’t miss:
Andrea
Christ-centered, with Anglo-Indian roots
33F | ~163 cm | Trichy, IND | Christian - Anglo Indian | BCA | English | Graphic Designer
Ideal Match: Looking for someone with high EQ, who exemplifies kindness. Open to matches from India/abroad.
George
Dentist under desert skies
29M | 175 cm | Nevada, US | Brethren | DDS | English, Malayalam | Dentist
Ideal Match: He seeks a partner who is born-again, baptized, and actively involved in her local church. Brethren preferred, but willing to consider other similar churches.
Jesveena
Loyal. Ambitious. God-fearing.
31F | 163 cm | Bangalore, IND | Goan Catholic | MBA | English, Hindi, Konkani | Real Estate Consultant
Ideal Match: She seeks a God-honoring man with an entrepreneurial spirit, preferably involved in business and settled outside India.
Priscilla
Devout. Sociable. Thoughtful.
29F | 155 cm | Bangalore, IND | Reformed Brethren | Masters | English, Malayalam & Hindi | Auditor
Ideal Match: A kind, light-hearted partner grounded in shared values and faith, excited to build a future together through learning, travel, & tackling life as a team.
Victor
Goal-Driven & Family-Oriented
37M | 183 cm | Taguig, PHI | Born-Again | B Tech (CS) | English & Tamil | Sr. Director
Ideal Match: A God-fearing woman with strong work ethics, good listening skills, and a heart for family. Pleasant personality and athleticism are welcome bonuses.
Samuel
Successful. Authentic. Adventurous
34M | 179 cm | Bangalore, IND | Assemblies of God | BCA + (MBA) | English & Tamil | Manager at a US MNC
Ideal Match: A Christ-centered woman who values trust, transparency and mutual respect.
Brendon
Open-minded, athletic, & business-savvy
32M | 172 cm | Dubai, UAE | Roman Catholic | BBM | English, Hindi, Konkani | Revenue and Reservations Agent
Ideal Match: He’s in search of a loyal and understanding partner, who shares his faith and is younger than him.
Priyanka
Professional Journalist. Passionate about Christ
36F | 160 cm | Bangalore, IND | Brethren | Master's | English, Bengali | Editor
Ideal Match: Looking for a fellow born-again soul (preferably Brethren), who is professionally qualified and in India, and whose life and choices are Christ-centered.
Kristie
A true outdoors-woman, with a gentle spirit
40F | ~170 cm | Florida, US | Non-denominational | English | Equestrian Trainer
Ideal Match: She is looking for a gentleman who trusts Christ, does not buy into mainstream media, and mirrors her passion for animals (especially horses!)
All done for this week! Thanks for reading and being part of The Equally Yoked community. We’ll see you next Friday with more advice, real stories, a spotlight on amazing singles, and a dash of humor. Until then, a little nugget to remember from Gary Thomas: "The secret to a long marriage? A short memory."
Talk soon,
The Equally Yoked Team
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👉 Simply forward this email or share this link: https://www.theequallyyoked.com
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What started as a small mustard seed of an idea is now a growing community—and that’s exciting!
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