Should Women Be Pastors and Elders?
In a social climate of complete equality in all things, the biblical teaching of only allowing men to be pastors and elders is not popular. Many feminist organizations denounce this position as antiquated and chauvinistic. In addition, many Christian churches have adopted the "politically correct" social standard and have allowed women pastors and elders in the church. But the question remains, is this biblical? My answer to this question is, "No, women are not to be pastors and elders." Many may not like that answer, but it is, I believe, an accurate representation of the biblical standard. You make the decision after reading this paper. First of all, women are under-appreciated and under-utilized in the church. There are many gifted women who might very well do a better job at preaching and teaching than many men. However, it isn't gifting that is the issue, but God's order and calling. What does the Bible say? We cannot come to God's word with a social agenda and make it fit our wants. Instead, we must change and adapt to what it says. In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth, the garden of Eden, and Adam and Eve. He put Adam in the garden and gave him the authority to name all the animals. Afterwards, God made Eve as a helper to Adam.(1) This is an important concept because Paul refers to the order of creation in his epistle to Timothy when he discusses the relationship between men and women in the church context. Let's take a look. "But I do not allow a woman to teach or exercise authority over a man, but remain quiet. For it was Adam who was first created, and then Eve. And it was not Adam who was deceived, but the woman being quite deceived, fell into transgression" (1 Tim. 2:12-14 -- all quotes from the Bible are from the NASB). This passage has several interesting areas of discussion, but for our purpose we will focus on authority. At the very least, there is an authority structure set up by God. The woman is not to have authority over the man in the church context. But this does not extend to the political/economic world.
In the Old Testament Deborah was a judge in Israel over men. Also, in the New Testament, Phoebe played an important role in the church at Cenchrea (Romans 16). There is no doubt that women supported Paul in many areas and were great helpers in the church (Act 2:17; 18:24; 21:8). But what Paul is speaking of in 1 Tim. 2 is the relationship between men and women in the church structure, not in a social or political context. When we look further at Paul's teachings we see that the bishop/overseer is to be the husband of one wife (1 Tim. 3:2) who manages his household well and has a good reputation (1 Tim. 3:4-5, 7). Deacons must be "men of dignity"(1 Tim. 3:8). Paul then speaks of women in verse 11 and their obligation to receive instruction. Then in verse 12, Paul says "Let deacons be husbands of one wife..." Again, in Titus 1:5-7, Paul says, "For this reason I left you in Crete, that you might set in order what remains, and appoint elders in every city as I directed you, namely, if any man be above reproach, the husband of one wife, having children who believe, not accused of dissipation or rebellion. For the overseer must be above reproach as God's steward..." Notice that Paul interchanges the word 'elder' and 'overseer'. In each case, the one who is an elder, deacon, bishop, or overseer is instructed to be male. He is the husband of one wife, responsible, able to "exhort in sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict" (Titus 1:9). We see no command for the overseers to be women. On the contrary, women are told to be "dignified, not malicious gossips, but temperate, faithful in all things" (1 Tim. 3:11). Why is it that it is the men who are singled out as the overseers? It is because of the created order of God that Paul references (Gen. 1-2; 1 Tim. 2:12-14). This is not merely a social custom that fell away with ancient Israel. Additionally, in the Old Testament in over 700 mentions of priests, every single one was a male. There is not one instance of a female priest. This is significant because priests were ordained by God to hold a very important office of ministering the sacrifices. This was not the job of women. Therefore, from what I see in Genesis 1-2, 1 Timothy 2, and Titus 1, the normal and proper person to hold the office of elder/pastor is to be a man.
What About Galatians 3:28?
"There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus," (Gal. 3:28). This verse is often used to support the idea that women can hold the offices of elder and pastor because there is neither male nor female in Christ. The argument states that if we are all equal, then women can be pastors. Unfortunately, those who use this verse this way have failed to read the context. Verse 23 talks about being under the Law "before faith came" and how we are brought closer to Jesus and have become sons of God by faith. We are no longer under law, but grace and we are "Abraham's offspring, heirs according to the promise," (v. 29).(2) The point of this passage is that we are all saved by God's grace according to the promise of God and that it doesn't matter who you are, Jew, Greek, slave, free, male, or female. All are saved the same way, by grace. In that, there is neither male nor female. This verse is not talking about church structure. It is talking about salvation "in Christ." It cannot be used to support women as pastors because that isn't what it is talking about. Instead, to find out about church structure and leadership, you need to go to those passages that talk about it: 1 Timothy 2 and Titus 1. Being a Pastor or Elder is to be in Authority
God is a God of order and balance. He has established order within the family (Gen. 3:16; 1 Cor. 11:3; Eph. 5:22-33; Col. 3:18-21 ) and the church (1 Tim. 2:11-14; 1 Cor. 11:8-9). Even within the Trinity there is an order, a hierarchy. The Father sent the Son (John 6:38) and both the Father and the Son sent the Holy Spirit (John 14:26; 15:26). Jesus said, "For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me," (John 6:38). It is clear that God is a God of order and structure. In creation, God made Adam first and then Eve to be his helper. This is the order of creation. It is this order that Paul mentions in 1 Tim. 2:11-14 when speaking of authority. Being a pastor or an elder is to be in the place of authority. Therefore, within the church, for a woman to be a pastor or elder, she would be in authority of men in the church which contradicts what Paul says in 1 Tim. 2:11-14. But Doesn't This Teaching Belittle Women?
No, male leadership does not belittle women. Jesus was given his authority by God the Father (Matt. 28:18). He was sent by God (John 6:38). He said the Father was greater than He (John 14:28). Did this belittle Jesus? Of course not. Women are of great value in the church and need to be used more and more according to the gifts given them. Does the wife's submission to the husband mean that she is less than the husband, less important, or belittled? Again, not at all. Not having a place of leadership in the church does not mean a woman is less of a person, less important to God, or inferior. All are equal before God whether it be Jew, Gentile, free, slave, male, or female. But in the church, God has set up an order the same way he set one up in the family. The chain of command is Jesus, the man, the wife, and the children. What About Women Who Say They are Called By God to Be Pastors?
There are women pastors in the world who love their congregations and have stated that they are called by God to be pastors. Of course, I cannot agree with this considering the previous analysis of the biblical position. Instead, I believe they have usurped the position of men and gone against the norm of scriptural revelation. Additionally, those who state that they are called by God because of the great job they are doing and the gifting they have received are basing their theology upon experience and not scripture. The issue is simple: are they submitting to the word of God or are they making the word of God submit to their desires? What About a Missionary Woman Who Establishes a Church?
Scripture establishes the norm. As Christians we apply what we learn from the word, to the situations at hand. So, what about the situation where a woman missionary has converted a group of people, say in the jungle somewhere, and she has established a church? In that church, she is then functioning as a pastor and teacher having authority over men in the church. Should she not do this? First of all, she should not be out there alone. She should be with her husband or, at the very least, under the oversight of a church body in the presence of other women and men. Missionary work is not a lone endeavor to be handled by single women. Second, if in some highly unusual set of circumstances there is a woman in a lone situation, it is far more important that the word of God be preached and the gospel of salvation go forth to the lost than not. Whether it be male or female, let the gospel be spoken. However, I would say that as soon as there is/are males mature enough to handle eldership, that she should then establish the proper order of the church as revealed in scripture and thereby, show her submission to it. Does this also mean that women shouldn't wear jewelry?
"Likewise, I want women to adorn themselves with proper clothing, modestly and discreetly, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly garments; 10 but rather by means of good works, as befits women making a claim to godliness. 11 Let a woman quietly receive instruction with entire submissiveness. 12 But I do not allow a woman to teach or exercise authority over a man, but to remain quiet. 13 For it was Adam who was first created, and then Eve," (1 Tim. 2:9-13). Some argue that if we are to forbid women to be elders then the context of 1 Tim. 2:9-13 demands that we require women to no have braided hair, wear gold, or have costly garments. Since no one wants to put that sort of a demand on a woman (since it is cultural), then why should we also demand that they not be elders since it would logically follow that it was also a culturally based admonition? The problem here is that multifaceted. First, the objection ignore what the scriptures plainly teach about the elder being the husband of one wife. Second, it fails to address the real issue of biblical headship residing in the male. Third, it fails to properly exegete the scripture in question. In 1 Tim. 2:9-13 Paul tells us that women should be modestly dressed. He uses the example of then present day adornment as an example of what not to do, definitely culturally based assessment by Paul. Notice that Paul emphasizes good works and godliness as a qualifier (as does Peter, see 1 Pet. 3:2). This is not a doctrinal statement tied to anything other than being a godly woman in appearance as well as attitude. In verse 11, Paul says that a woman should quietly receive instruction. Please note that "The word, heµsychia, translated “quietness” in 1 Timothy 2:11 and silent in verse 12, does not mean complete silence or no talking. It is clearly used elsewhere (Acts 22:2; 2 Thes. 3:12) to mean “settled down, undisturbed, not unruly. A different word (sigaoµ) means “to be silent, to say nothing” (cf. Luke 18:39; 1 Cor. 14:34).”3 Paul is advocating orderliness in this verse. Then in verse 12-13, Paul says, "But I do not allow a woman to teach or exercise authority over a man, but to remain quiet. 13 For it was Adam who was first created, and then Eve." Notice that Paul directly relates the authority issue with the created order. He does not do this with the woman's dress code. Therefore, the dress code can be seen as cultural and the authority issue as doctrinal since the later is tied to the creation order and the dress code and authority issue are not, especially since they are separated by the conjunction "but" which is showing contrast, i.e., here we have one thing, but over here we have another. Conclusion
God's word clearly tells us that the elder is to be the husband of one wife. A woman cannot qualify for this position by virtue of her being female. Whether anyone likes it or not is irrelevant to the fact that this is what the Bible teaches.
1. An important note here is that the Holy Spirit is also called the Helper and is no less God than Jesus and the Father. 2. The Promise is God's promise to Abraham to bless all the nations in Him (Gen. 12:3; Gal. 3:8). 3. Walvoord, John F., and Zuck, Roy B., The Bible Knowledge Commentary, (Wheaton, Illinois: Scripture Press Publications, Inc.) 1983, 1985.
What Ever Happened To Sin?
We live in a society in which this word is rarely, if ever mentioned. It is sadly, common to blame our ills on others. Alcoholics and drug addicts may claim, “I’ll be like this forever, I’ll never be able to change.” Other statements such as, “I’m like this because of my parents” or “I’m like this because I’m Puerto Rican, German, Irish, Italian.” We can come up with a million excuses, but at the root of it is sin. So what is sin? There are several words used in Scripture in the Hebrew and Greek that clarify the definition of sin. The Strong’s (NASV) Exhaustive Concordance defines sin as the following: 2398 - (chata) to miss, go wrong; 817 - (asham) from 816 (asham) to offend, be guilty; and in the Greek it is defined as 264 - (hamartano) to miss the mark. It is better to define sin in the way Scripture does, in relationship to God’s law and moral character. John tells us that “sin is lawlessness” (1 John 3:4) from the Greek word “anomia” from the root word “anomos” without law. Where there is no law there is only chaos. Sin is any failure to conform to the moral law of God in act, attitude, or nature. Our very nature is depraved and sinful. Before we were redeemed by Christ (Believers), not only did we do sinful acts and have sinful attitudes, we were also sinners by nature. So Paul can say that “while we were yet sinners Christ died for us” (Rom. 5:8) or that previously “we were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind” (Eph 2:3). And as we read in Romans 3:23 “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” We will all miss the mark because of sin. Even if we have lived a hundred years and have committed only one sin, (very doubtful) we have transgressed against God’s law. Another we to look at it is, you can line up a bunch of folks in New York City and ask them to jump to Los Angeles; sounds silly I know, but people will jump different distances, but no one will jump from New York to L.A. It’s not possible, we will always come up short; we will miss the mark and that is what Romans 3:23 is telling us. God demands holiness, because He is holy and since we are sinners from birth we are in need of a Savior. People don’t like to be told they are sinners, it’s an attack on their pride. How dare you call me a sinner, “I’m not a bad person” “I’ve never killed anyone” “I’m honest” I treat people well” “I’ll work my way to heaven.” That is precisely the problem, we want to do it on our terms and we can never do it. We are sinners from birth and depraved; if left to our own devises we would be whistling all the way to hell. Sinful acts, thoughts, and words, it all separates us from God. None of us deserve eternal life, but Jesus who is eternal, born physically of a virgin, lived a sinless life and died on the cross for my sins and was raised again for my justification is the ONE and ONLY way to the Father (John 14:6). If we’ve sinned once, we don’t deserve anything but hell. In my opinion one of the many reasons people want to eliminate “sin” from our vocabulary is that without “sin” we’re not accountable to anyone, namely God, and we can do as we please and be our own authority. Ignoring sin doesn’t make it any less real. At the core of who we are, there is sin; and we are sinners; but Christ came that you might have life. Recognizing who we really are and coming to the cross, broken and repentant and accepting what Christ has done on our behalf is only the beginning of joy unspeakable!
Miguel
Are You a Spiritually Mature Man?
Maturity can often be measured by how we respond to adverse situations. All of us have had problems, struggles and tragedies in life. Some of us have responded well and others have not. The book of Job gives us insight into how a spiritually mature man should respond to adversity. In the first chapter of Job (verses 1-5) Job was so spiritually conscientious that he not only kept his life right before God, but he offered sacrifices for his children on just the presumption that they may have thought something in their heart that was wrong and he wanted to be sure that sin was covered. Job 1:5 (NASV) “When the days of feasting had completed their cycle, Job would send and consecrate them, rising up early in the morning and offering burnt offerings according to the number of them all; for Job said, “Perhaps my sons have sinned and cursed God in their hearts.” Thus Job did continually.” He as the spiritual leader of his home demonstrated the depth of his spiritual devotion to God, he led by example. Now that we’re under the New Covenant we don’t have to continuously offer sacrifices because Christ died once and for all for our sins as Hebrews 7:26,27 (NASV) says, “For it was fitting for us to have such a high priest, holy, innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners and exalted above the heavens; who does not need daily, like those high priests to offer up sacrifices, first for His own sins and then for the sins of the people, because this He (Jesus) did once for all when He offered up Himself.”
My point is to help us examine how a true Man of God should take the lead in his own family, come hell or high water. Even after Job lost everything (Job 1:13-19) verse 20 states, “Then Job arose and tore his robe and shaved his head, and he fell to the ground and worshiped.” What an incredible statement. And verse 21 goes on to tell us, “He said, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I shall return there. The Lord gave and Lord has taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord.” Through all this Job did not sin or did he blame God.” God made a point to the devil and to all who have ever read this account. And the point is that true saving faith is NOT dependent on circumstances!!!
Unwavering faith in God; not because of what God could give but because of who He is. Job didn’t sin by blaming God for his circumstances. How many of us blame God when things don’t go the way we would like? Christians are to submit to trials and worship God, not because they see the reasons for them, but because God wills them and has His own reasons which believers are to trust. I know that may be a hard pill to swallow. James 1: 2-4 (NASV) states, “Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trails, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let your endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect (mature) and complete, lacking in nothing. The tests and trials of life should drive us to deeper communion and trust in Christ. God is Sovereign and does not owe us an explanation for what we go through. As the old hymn tells us, “Trust and Obey for there’s no other way, to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.” God calls everyone one of us, man, women and children to trust Him in spite of what we go through. Men, as God has called us to lead, let us lead by the example Job’s life give to us.
Miguel
Why Does God Love Me?
Have you ever wondered why God loves you? I’ve wondered many, many times and many times have wept over the fact that He does. I can’t recall anywhere in scripture where God explains why He loves us; only that He does. From Genesis to Revelation ever since the fall of Adam, God continuously shows His love toward us in order to reconcile us to Him through the Blood Atonement of His Son Jesus Christ. Does that touch your heart? That God who had no reason to redeem us chose to do so by letting His Son suffer and die for our sins, in our place and rise again for our justification. If I may borrow a quote from John Piper, but substitute my own name, I’ll say “Miguel Soto is Bad” a depraved wretched sinner, save for the grace of God. When I think of that I weep. That God would love me in spite of myself, what a wondrous love that is! I can’t even begin to grasp why God loves me, only that He does. The cross is the full expression of God’s love for me. In Romans 5:6-11 (NASV) Paul writes “For one will hardly die for a righteous man; though perhaps for the good man someone would dare even to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. And not only this, but we also exult in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation. That is so beautiful, that God loved me even when I was a rebel. Jesus suffered a violent death and shed His blood for me. John MacArthur in his commentary on these verses states that references to the Savior’s blood are not simply pointing to the fluid, but His death and entire atoning work (cf. 3:25, Eph 1:7, Col 1:14,20, Heb 9:12, 10:19; 13:12, 1 Pet 1:2-19, 1 John 1:7, Rev 1:5). Christ bore the full fury of God’s wrath in the believing sinner’s place and there is none left for him. Full payment, paid in full, there is nothing left over for me....incredible! Jesus loves me, this I know, for the bible tells me so....The more that I read and study scripture the more I discover the wonders of God. As John Piper wrote in his book, The Legacy of Sovereign Joy, in speaking of John Calvin wrote, “Henceforth he would be a man utterly devoted to displaying the supremacy of God’s glory by the exposition of God’s Word.” That’s how God is revealed and in His Word we continuously discover His love for us! In a song I heard years ago, “I don’t know why Jesus loved me , I don’t’ know why Jesus cared, I don’t know He sacrificed His life, but I’m glad, so glad He did.” Don’t occupy your mind with the ‘whys” of God’s love for you, but know for sure that God Loves You and the cross proves it!
Miguel
Where Are The Bible Expositors?
We live in an age where most of the preaching we hear is full of story telling, anecdotes and other seeker friendly messages with little or no biblical exposition. Exposition is defined at the following:1: a setting forth of the meaning or purpose (as of a writing)2 a: discourse or an example of it designed to convey information or explain what is difficult to understand. Is this what you hear from the pulpit in the church you are attending? Are you getting well equipped as Paul wrote to Timothy in 2 Timothy 3:16 (NASV), “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness,; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.” When you are equipped you are enabled to meet all of the demands of godly ministry and righteous living, not by anything we have done, but by the grace of God. 2 Timothy 4:1 (NASV) states, “I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom; preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction.” It is a very serious undertaking, to preach the word. When it’s popular and when it’s not. We live in a time when it’s not politically correct to be antithetical; to be absolute in anything. So many of today’s preachers have given themselves all sorts of labels.
If you are a preacher you are not a CEO, and entrepreneur, a quiz show host, lifecoach or a salesman. John Piper in talking about preachers said, “You are a man utterly devoted to displaying Gods glory by the exposition of Gods Word.” God is revealed in the exposition of His Word. John MacArthur said it best when he said , “Great preaching is both profound and transcendent” In other words a preacher needs to go deep into the text and truth of the Word of God and mine out those truths and carry the people up into praise. In learning about the wonders of God in His Word, the believer can not help but praise God. I am always cautious when someone says to me, “I’ve got a word from the Lord for you” or “God told me to tell you”, God gave us His Word we don’t need anything outside of it to guide us.
Luther said in 1545 “Let the man who would hear God speak, read Holy Scripture.” When a preacher feeds his people the Word of God and nothing else, he is faithful to his calling. Even the apostle Paul stated he did not come to preach with mans wisdom or clever speech (1 Corinthians 1:17) Those who have been taken advantage of from the pulpits; or as some of my brothers in Christ state, “getting pimped” are those who are not reading and/or studying their bibles. So this type of preaching prospers because of the ignorance from the pulpit and those who attend these sorts of churches. The gospel you hear at these churches focus on making “me” feel better. My prosperity, comfort....my,my,my...nothing that resembles the sacrifice that the True Gospel requires. The reformation was born out of bible exposition; the Word as the only source of divine truth. The springs of the church have been poisoned by a different gospel. A falling away from the truth is truly upon us. Seeker friendly churches, so-called purpose driven churches, homosexuals in the pulpit, female pastors, churches that doubt the inerrancy of scripture; what a mess! The only way to right these wrongs is to pray that God would raise up those who would preach the gospel without compromise. It is very difficult to find a good church, one that does not compromise the gospel. Don’t be afraid to question your pastor if he is preaching something contrary to the Word of God; because if he won’t answer your question that should be your clue to leave. For the sake of your wife, children and family; standing for the truth nowadays is not very popular, but since when does God call us to be popular. He calls us to be obedient to His Word....period!
Miguel
Do You Know What Your Pastor Believes?
This may appear to be an odd question, but it shouldn’t be. I dare say in most churches no one ever questions the pastor, because he is the pastor. Some may say he must know what he’s doing, he must know his bible, who am I to question him; and other such questions. But, do you know what your pastor believes. Have you ever asked your pastor where he stands on such issues as salvation, justification, baptism, spiritual gifts, false teachers? You may be surprised or even horrified at what you find out. James 3:1 (NASV) tell us “Let not many of you become teachers, my brethren, knowing that as such we will incur a stricter judgement. The word translated “judgement” usually expresses a negative verdict in the New Testament and here refers to a future judgement. This is not meant to discourage true teachers, but to warn the prospective teacher of the role’s seriousness. In most churches, pastor’s are sloppy in how they handle the Word of God. This is why we have such a problem in the church. When you have a biblically illiterate pastor, that will translate into having a congregation of biblical illiterates; it’s as simple as that. Who’s responsibility is it to find out what my pastor believes? It is MINE!
I was in a church not too long ago and just before I left found out something very disturbing to me. About six months or so prior we were talking about the end times in our Wednesday night bible study. The discussion centered around false Christs and false teachers. I had mentioned to the pastor the false teachings of Benny Hinn, Kenneth Copeland and others and he agreed that their teachings were “way out there” and didn’t believe them. Come to find out a few months later I was in his office to get something for him and what do I see, a collection of Kenneth Copeland material. I was speechless and knew then and there I needed to leave that church. After all, how could I sit under a pastor who espoused the teachings of a heretic. I know that sounds strong but Kenneth Copeland is a man who has made such statements as, “Satan conquered Jesus on the Cross” and that God was the biggest failure of all time. As well as “You don’t have a god in you, you are one” made back in 1987. This man has also made numerous false prophecies. How could I in good conscience as a Christian sit under someone who has a collection of these teachings. The truth is I can’t nor should I. But it took me almost 3 years to find this out to my own shame. This is precisely why before I started going to another church I asked the pastor where he stood on all of these issues and if I didn’t get the biblical answer I was looking for, I moved on. You may ask, was he teaching any false doctrine? The answer was no, but if he has it in his library then he must believe some of it and that was enough for me to leave. People will follow leadership and if the leadership is inclined to believe biblical error the church will follow along. And even after I shared audio and video evidence he would not admit to me he had a collection of Copeland material, truly sad. My decision was easy, obey God’s Word first and leave the consequences to him. My meeting with him was only to let him know I was leaving to pursue God’s calling on my life somewhere else. No need for further explanation. Some out there may think this is harsh, but it is our obligation as Christians to follow God first.
No matter how nice someone may be we should not or dare not compromise the Word of God for no one! We must do what Jude 3,4 (NASV) tells us, “Beloved, while I was making every effort to write to you about our common salvation, I felt the necessity to write to you appealing that you contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all handed down to the saints. For certain persons have crept in unnoticed, those who were long beforehand marked out for this condemnation, ungodly persons who turn the grace of our God into licentiousness and deny our only Master and Lord Jesus Christ. The write of Jude was compelled to write to a call to battle for the truth. To wage war against error in all forms and to fight strenuously for the truth, like a soldier who has been entrusted with a sacred task of guarding a holy treasure. We have to be willing to confront error because God’s people may be lead astray and those in the pulpit need to know that those listening will be like the Bereans in Acts 17:11 (NASV) who were “examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so.
Miguel
Who Are You to Judge?
Jesus said in John Chapter 17 that we “believers” are in the world but not of it. If you have a ship on the ocean that begins to take in water, if the water is not bailed out it’s only a matter of time before the ship sinks. The world has had too much of an influence on the church instead of vice versa. It’s about time that The Church gets the world out of the church. What I mean by that is “the worlds influence.” The most quoted passage of scripture isn’t John 3:16, but rather Matthew 7:1 “Do not judge so that you will not be judged.” So the question is, should we judge? Matthew 7:1-5 is not a blanket statement against all critical thinking but a call to be discerning rather than negative. Many pastors who are biblically illiterate tell us not to judge, focus on what we have in common, touch not the Lords annointed and other silly statements in order to take the focus off of their erroneous teachings. What Jesus is talking about in the first verses of Chapter 7 is that we should examine our motives when we judge. If someone is teaching error we’re obligated to speak the truth in love so that others may not be lead astray. As you keep reading in verses 15-20 Jesus himself warned us of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves (vs 15). Is He not judging between right and wrong?
So who are you to judge? Who are you to say that Jehovah Witnesses’ doctrine is wrong? Who are you to say that when people fall over and claim they are “slain in the spirit” after they’re touched by someone that, that’s not done by the Holy Spirit of God; who are you to say that it’s wrong? God’s Word is His standard for judging what is right and wrong. When we remove that we have chaos and all sorts of foolishness that happens in the name of God. Bill Haman heads a network of so-called prophets, Chuck Pierce, Cindy Jacobs, Kim Clement, Dutch Sheets and the like. He (Bill Haman) advises people to ignore reason, logic and the senses when attempting to discern the truth. “Our traditions, beliefs and strong opinions are not true witnesses to prophetic truth. The spirit reaction originates deep within our being. Many Christians describe the physical location of its corresponding sensation as the upper abdominal area.” Read that very carefully, if you want to know truth it comes by a reaction to your upper abdominal area! So let me get this right, I should read scripture then wait for some sort of reaction in my stomach. What nonsense, he goes on to say, “if our thinking is causing this sensation then it must be a soulish reaction.” Where do you find this in scripture? You will find nothing in scripture that would recommend this sort of idiocy.
When we don’t speak up and confront erroneous teachings someone like the late Kenneth Hagin can say I’ve got a new revelation from God and he gets away with it. The word of faith movement was born from his heretical teachings which he plagiarized from E.W. Kenyon; some of his disciples are Kenneth Copeland, Fred Price and many others. Should we not question a T.D. Jakes who doesn’t even believe in the Trinity? Who are you to judge? Should Christians speak up? Well, if Jesus confronted error why shouldn’t we? We should never make it a personal attack, but rather on what’s being said. When a Benny Hinn says, “there’s nine of them” when he refers to the Trinity, I confront what he said, not who he is. In Galatians chapter 1:6-9 Paul confronts and tells us in verse 8 “but even if we, or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, he is to be accursed!” The translation of the Greek word “anathema, which refers to devoting someone to destruction in eternal hell. Wow, that my friends is God’s Word and not my opinion! That’s why we ever have to be so careful in what we take in and what we believe. To judge - “to form an opinion.” God’s opinion is all that matters, everything else is secondary. Judge according to the highest standard, “God’s Word” and do so in love. Let everything be done in love.
Miguel
Where have all the Real Men gone?
This is a continuation of the article I had titled “How do you define a Man?” I have of late been wondering “Where have all the Real Men gone?” That is the real men within the church. To reflect on what Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 16:13 (NASV) - Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love.” Paul gives 5 final commands as he closes his first letter to the Corinthians. Many folks out there like myself may have grown up in a single parent home, without a father; so I like many didn’t have that role model growing up and when he was around he was not a good role model for me to follow. I thank God for my grandparents and some of my uncles who gave me direction in my younger years. As much as I love my mother, she could not teach me how to be a man, that has to come from another man. As boys are growing up, they are looking for those models and good or bad they will mimic those they perceive to be their role models. Nowadays, it’s athletes, actors, musicians, etc...boys are looking for that affirmation from somewhere and if they don’t get it at home, they will look for it elsewhere. I say all of this for a reason; after becoming a believer I noticed very quickly there where not many men in the churches I attended. And this isn’t just in one part of the country, but virtually everywhere I’ve been and I’ve been fortunate enough to have traveled to Europe, the Far East, Central America, Mexico and all over the U.S. and without exception the church is dominated by women. Now, hear me out I don’t want to sound like a sexist, but this should not be. Most men in church are not involved in serving or ministering, these areas seem to have been filled with the women of the church. And the men.....remain silent in voice and action.
It is God who has called Men to be involved! Be on the alert....he’s called us to be the watchman against dangers, spiritual or otherwise and ever since the fall in Genesis 3. Adam who was with Eve when she was tempted, decided to say and do nothing and we are still reaping from that decision. This is what we see in today’s churches. Men who will not get involved because they are afraid of what others may think if they speak up. So as the enemy floods the church with false teachers, false prophets and heretical teachings, very few of us speak out. Are you more concerned about what man thinks or God? Next, stand firm in the faith; (the Christian faith i.e. sound doctrine as in Philippians 1:27; 1 Timothy 6:21 and Jude 3) even if it’s just you and God, you stand! The Word of God is the final arbiter in how to live the Christian life. Not your pastor, not someone’s book, God’s Word Alone, Sola Scriptura. When most hear biblical error being taught from the pulpit they don’t challenge it because they don’t know their bible. How can you stand firm if you don’t know what you’re standing on.
Know what you believe and why you believe it so when a counterfeit comes by you can identify it and discard it. In my opinion, fear is the biggest hindrance for men becoming all they can be in Christ. Philippians tells us, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” If men in the church recognized that it’s not us, but Christ that’s in us, the courage would come more easily. But that comes with prayer, reading, studying and applying God’s word on a daily basis, after all it’s a walk isn’t it? Act like men, The Greek word for act is pronounced “andrizo” - meaning, to behave like a man, to play the man; - act like men. The New Linguistic and Exegetical Key to the Greek New Testament defines it as; “to conduct oneself in a manly or courageous way, to be brave, to display courage.” It’s an action word, we have to do something in order to demonstrate courage.
Our soldiers who are defending this nation are courageous, many have given their lives in order what we can enjoy the freedoms of a free nation. If we did not defend, the enemy would easily walk in; but this is what exactly has happened to the church and the men of the church have stood by silently as true biblical Christianity is disappearing ever so quickly without much of a sound. Be strong, in my opinion there is not a more pathetic site than a “wimpy man.” A man who will not stand for anything, has no opinions or has no voice. I will not speak for women, but I’m sure that this resonates with them as well. Women and children are looking for our lead, I didn’t say “dictatorship” but our lead. If you’re married ,your commanded to love your wife as Christ loved the church and gave His life for her Ephesians 5:25. Finally, let all that you do be done in love. Love people enough to tell them the truth. It’s not such a popular thing nowadays, but nevertheless do it. Jesus did it all the time. In Mark 10:17-25 you can read about the rich young man. The rich young man stated he had kept the commandments from childhood on and verse 21 says, “Jesus looked at him and loved him.” but as you read on, Jesus loved him enough to tell him the truth because next He says, “One thing you lack....” So His love for the rich young man did not blind Jesus from telling him the truth and that’s how we should be. Can I ask you pointed question? Will you act like a man and stop acting like a woman? That may be hard to read, but it’s an honest question. And again, I love women and have nothing against them :) but God has not called men to be women or women to be men. So Men of God, let’s rise up and be what God has called us to be! Judges 6:12
Miguel
How do you define a man?
Many times as men, we look to the wrong places for validation. From where will I learn to become a man. Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 16:13 (NASV) - Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. If we examine this closely we can see men being directed to (1) be on the alert against spiritual dangers. Listen men, not everything you see on "so-called" Christian television in Christian. Not everything you hear on Christian radio is Christian. Be on the alert for those false teachers and false prophets and don't be afraid to call them out and expose them for who they are. If we don't stand watch, then tell me; "Who will? Who's watching out for the spiritual welfare of your family? That is YOUR responsibility. Stop being passive and take action. Be so familiar with the truth, that when a counterfeit comes along you can identify it and protect yourself and family from biblical error. Secondly, Paul writes to stand firm in the faith; listen men if you are not reading, studying, praying and living out your faith; your family will follow suit. Ask yourself where I am leading them? Be the priest and prophet of your household and see what God will do in your family. They are looking for your leadership (take the lead). Standing Firm - God would not ask you to do something He has not equipped you to do. Thirdly, act like men; we as guys don't really hear that too much any more, do we? Act like men!!! Stop acting like a woman, not that we are better than women; but we are created as men, let’s act like men. Cultivate manly traits, and I say this with all seriousness; if you don't know what manly traits are; find a man you can confide in and ask. Cultivate those things which God has put in you as a man. And last, be strong; the strength God has put in you is to be used for His glory and to be offered to others who are in need of that strength . Who are those around you who are in need of your strength? A friend, wife, children, co-worker, your community? God has placed you where you are so you can rise up and be who He has called you to be A MAN!!!
Miguel