Wednesday, November 19, 2008

When May a Christian Woman Speak

by Tim Nichols
http://www.cvillechurch.com/

I have been asked to address this topic and I am pleased to do so. It may be that this will not answer some more specific questions that some would like to have answered. Although I am aware that questions exist in the minds of some, I have not yet been made aware of precisely what those questions are. So I will begin with a "shotgun" approach to the broader question in the hopes that more specific questions will be answered in the process. If questions remain I hope that they will be asked in more specific terms. We will be pleased to attempt an answer when such questions are received.

Women spoke with Divine approval on several occasions during the life of Christ. The woman of Canaan had a verbal and public exchange with Christ that demonstrated her faith and won the approval of our Lord (Matthew 15:21-28). Martha spoke to him in the context of a "Bible study" and received instruction (Luke 10:38-42). Jesus had another "Bible study" with the woman at the well in which she was free to ask and answer questions (John 4:7-29). Jesus had a verbal exchange with Mary Magdalene in which He instructed her to go and tell the brethren of His ascension (John 20:11-18). Many others could be mentioned (Mark 5:25-34; 7:25-30).
Women spoke while other Christians were gathered* without being rebuked. Sometimes they were invited by inspired men, on such occasions, to speak. Rhoda spoke to a gathering* of Christians (Acts 12:13-19). Sapphira was questioned and invited to speak in an gathering* of the apostles and other Christians (Acts 5:7-10). Anna the prophetess "spoke of Him [Christ] to all those who looked for redemption in Jerusalem" (Luke 2:38). The widows who were present when Peter came to raise Dorcas apparently spoke as they showed the things that Dorcas had made (Acts 9:39-41).

Women engaged in teaching in the early days of the church. Priscilla assisted her husband in explaining to Apollos the way of the Lord more accurately (Acts 18:26). All Christian women, like all Christian men, have a duty to "always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks... a reason for the hope that is in [them]" (1 Peter 3:15). Older women have a duty to teach the younger women their Christian duties and opportunities (Titus 2:3-5). Women were among the "saints who are at Ephesus, and faithful in Christ Jesus" to whom Paul was inspired to write (Ephesians 1:1) and they were commanded to participate, jointly in "speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs" (Ephesians 5:19; see also Colossians 1:2 and 3:16). Philip the evangelist had four virgin daughters who prophesied (Acts 21:9). They were miraculously endowed with the ability to teach God's truth.

If we were left with only these instructions and examples, we would have to conclude that Christian women are authorized to speak and to teach in all ways and in all places just as men. But there are at least two additional passages of scripture that somewhat modify the Christian woman's general duty and privilege to speak and to teach. First, Paul was inspired to instruct Timothy to "[L]et a woman learn in silence with all submission. And I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man, but to be in silence" (1 Timothy 2:11, 12). The word that is twice translated "silence" here is hesuchios and it means "quietness, causing no disturbance to others..." (Vine). So women are to be taught not to usurp authority over or to teach over a Christian man, but to have a humble and meek disposition. Second, Paul was inspired to instruct the church in Corinth concerning abuses in their assemblies in which miraculous gifts were being exercised (1 Corinthians 11:17-14:40). His use of the word "church" here, obviously has reference to THE assembly upon the first day of the week when all of the members of the local church were assembled and during which the Lord's Supper was eaten and, in their day, miraculous gifts were exercised (1 Corinthians 11:17-34; 14:23). In this setting, several categories of Christians were to remain silent (this word, sigao, means silent). Those who could not speak so as to be understood by the hearers were to remain silent unless an inspired interpreter was present (14:13-28). All those who were not among the two or three speakers for the occasion were to be silent (14:29). Among those two or three, those whose turn to speak had ended were to be silent (14:30). Their wives (or their "women" -- same word in Greek) were to remain silent (14:34, 35). Obviously, the vast majority of those present were commanded to remain silent during the greater part of the assembly for worship. Otherwise there would have been much confusion and "God is not the author of confusion" (14:33).

Obviously, the wives of the prophets could ask their husbands at home if they had questions remaining unanswered. But this reasonable alternative did not mean that they were not permitted to ask someone else a question at some place other than in their own homes. I, for one, would love to have the opportunity given to the wives of the prophets at Corinth (and to every other man and woman there). If I could get into a time machine today and take my sincere questions to an inspired prophet in order to obtain an inspired answer I can assure you that I would jump (maybe take a "quantum leap") at such an opportunity!

The fact that these women (and anyone else with questions left unanswered in the public prophesying) were to ask the prophets for answers outside of the assembly does not remove the general obligation on the part of all Christians to teach others the truth of God's word outside of the assembly in which the whole church is brought together to, among other things, partake of the Lord's Supper.

Arranging to get together at other times (other than the assembly of the whole church together when the Lord's Supper is eaten upon the first day of the week) to study the Bible is essential and Bible class is an expedient and a very helpful opportunity for all to learn and for some to teach in ways that are completely according to God's expressed will. Obviously, both teaching and learning are activities in which all Christians are commanded to participate. Doing so is authorized. Describe these activities in any accurate way and the authority for having them does not disappear. Call them Bible studies, Bible classes, Bible drills, recitations, lesson presentations, teaching opportunities, learning opportunities, scripture training sessions, or anything else that accurately describes them. God is pleased when His children both learn and teach His word in ways that are authorized. Those who teach, both men and women, should have the honor and respect of all.

YOU ought to be a teacher by now. If you need to spend some more time as a student, that is understandable, but aim to become a teacher. "For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God..." (Hebrews 5:12).
* Editor's Note: The author used the word "assembled" and "assembly" in these places. The scripture uses the term "gathered" (Acts 12:12). I have substituted the Biblical description to avoid confusion between the occasions cited and the assembly of 1 Cor 14.

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Tuesday, November 04, 2008

"In God We Trust"

by Mark Larson
www.cvillechurch.com

“The motto IN GOD WE TRUST was placed on United States coins largely because of the increased religious sentiment existing during the Civil War. Secretary of the Treasury Salmon P. Chase received many appeals from devout persons throughout the country, urging that the United States recognize the Deity on United States coins… As a result, Secretary Chase instructed James Pollock, Director of the Mint at Philadelphia, to prepare a motto, in a letter dated November 20, 1861: ‘Dear Sir: No nation can be strong except in the strength of God, or safe except in His defense. The trust of our people in God should be declared on our national coins’… IN GOD WE TRUST first appeared on the 1864 two-cent coin… A law passed by the 84th Congress (P.L. 84-140) and approved by the President on July 30, 1956, the President approved a Joint Resolution of the 84th Congress, declaring IN GOD WE TRUST the national motto of the United States.” – “Fact Sheet: Currency and Coins. History of ‘In God We Trust’” - the United States Department of the Treasury.

Is “In God We Trust” still our motto in America today? Though the phrase may be found on U.S. dollars and coins are Americans truly putting their trust in God? With an economic crisis looming, it will be interesting to observe the behavior of the citizens of our society in the months to come.

The Uncertainty of Riches

“Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy” (1 Tim. 6:17, NASB). Our confidence as a nation cannot be sustained by riches alone. We who are rich (Yes, we are rich!), who tend to think of ourselves as the last world “superpower” equate our enormous wealth with great power. So when economic challenges or financial hardships arise, many Americans feel unstable and insecure. Yet, why should it? If God is truly who we trust, we will put our trust in God instead of trusting in wealth or in the government to fix everything and supply all our needs.

Riches are uncertain. Even the most clever investor or hard worker who stores his money wisely runs the risk of loss and disappointment. The truth is, the only “sure investment” comes from putting our complete trust in God who will continue to provide for our needs as we serve Him faithfully throughout life. “Do not be anxious then, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'With what shall we clothe ourselves?' For all these things the Gentiles eagerly seek; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you” (Mat. 6:31-33).

We have a responsibility to provide for our own (1 Tim. 5:8). To make sure our family has enough to eat, we must work (2 Thes. 3:10). Yet, no matter how hard we work, we must still put our trust in God and understand our dependency in Him every step of the way. As a result, we will not fear or be anxious about our future with the help of God.

Money Doesn’t Solve All Our Problems

There is a tendency to believe that if we had lots of money, we would be so much happier and would have no worries. Yet, no amount of money can solve all our problems. Just look at the millionaires (or billionaires) in our society and the heartache and misery that they often experience in their families and the deadness of their spiritual lives. True happiness can come only when we trust in God and follow His wisdom. “How much better it is to get wisdom than gold! And to get understanding is to be chosen above silver” (Prov. 16:16).

Again, in what or who do we place our trust? Instead of believing the lie that “life is good” only when we have lots of wealth and material possessions, let us recognize that life can only be good when we have a right relationship with the Lord. We Americans have a hard time with the phrase: “And if we have food and covering, with these we shall be content” (1 Tim. 6:8), when often we want and expect so much more. “He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves abundance with its income. This too is vanity” (Eccl. 5:10). There is a real danger in having too much wealth or too many possessions. Instead of looking to our money and things as the source of joy and security, let us seek “the balance” that will help to keep us near to our Lord: “Two things I asked of Thee, do not refuse me before I die: Keep deception and lies far from me, give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with the food that is my portion, lest I be full and deny Thee and say, "Who is the LORD?" or lest I be in want and steal, and profane the name of my God” (Prov. 30:7-9).

What Do You Treasure in Your Heart?

What we treasure the most in our hearts demonstrates what we trust in the most: “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also” (Mat. 6:19-21).

If God is indeed the one in whom you trust, then God will be given top priority in your heart and life. Total commitment to the Lord – to worship Him, to obey Him, to teach your family the gospel, etc. will be demonstrated by putting God’s will above your concern for riches or material possessions. Courage of heart does not come from the amount of money in our bank account, from the things we own, or the houses we live in, it comes from the Lord.

It is God We Must Serve and in God We Must Trust

Though society has forgotten its motto “In God We Trust,” may we as God’s children never, ever forget it. It is easy to make compromises and over time lose our sense of dependency on God. Let us always remember who it is that we serve and who it is that deserves our trust from day to day: "No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will hold to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon” (Mat. 6:24).

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E-Mail: larryrouse@cvillechurch.com