WOMEN PREACHERS Are 1 Corinthians 14:34-35, and 1 Timothy 2:12 teaching adamantly against women in the ministry? Watch what the scriptures teach... Joh 3:6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Rom 8:1 "There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk **not** after the flesh, but after the Spirit... What is the condemnation that the scriptures are speaking of against women? There is only one- Gen 3:16 Unto the woman he said... thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee. But guess what? Have you ever heard of the gospel salvation plan of Jesus Christ? Gal 3:13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: 14 that the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. These are scriptures, my friend! Rom. 8:5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit... 9 ...Ye are not in the flesh, but in the spirit, if so be that the spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. 10 And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness... 13 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. 14 for as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the **sons** of God." Can women not then be- "Led by the Spirit of God"?? Of course they can! Therefore, this scripture says they are *sons* of God!!! And if they are *sons* of God they are joint-heirs with Christ, and are also the *seed* of Abraham!!! Gal 3:28 "There is neither... male nor female: for **ye** are **all** one in Christ Jesus. 29 And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's **seed**, and heirs according to the promise." Now consider this question- Does God "not impute sin" unto women if they have obeyed Acts 2:38 and are born-again, and walking after the Spirit? The scripture specifically says this blessedness is for the man, the "aner"... Rom 4:8 "Blessed is the man (aner- man) to whom the Lord will not impute sin. 9 ...for we say that faith was reckoned to Abraham for righteousness... 11 And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe...; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also: 12 And the father of circumcision to them who are not of the circumcision only, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had being yet uncircumcised. So then, if women can be "of faith", then they also are the *seed* of Abraham, and if they are the seed of Abraham, they are, according to the scriptures- **sons** of God! Do you or don't you believe that scripture? Rom 8:14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the **sons** of God." Joh 3:6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do the women in your church get born again of the Spirit? Or are you one of those hypocrites who shuts up the kingdom of God against them? Mat 23:13 But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in. 14 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widows' houses... But if the woman is born again, then she is what? The scriptures, not me, teach clearly and specifically, that she is *a new creature*! 2Co 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And what is the new creature supposed to do? Rom 8:1 "There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit... 14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the *sons* of God... 17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together." 2Co 4:16 "For... though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day." Rom 7:18 "For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. 19 For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do... 22 For I delight in the law of God after the inward man..." Have you ever heard of the inward man? Do you know who He is? Allow me to introduce Him. He is a mystery to the worldly minded. But He is no mystery to his saints... Col 1:26 Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: 27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is christ in you, the hope of glory: And guess what the Bible says about women who have been born again? 1Pe 3:1 Likewise, ye wives.. 3 whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning... 4 But let it be the hidden **man** of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. What's this? The New Testament teaching that within the woman is a hidden **man**? How can that be? The scriptures tell us... Joh 3:6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the spirit is spirit. Gal 3:28 "there is neither... male nor female: for **ye** are **all** one in Christ Jesus. 29 And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's **seed**, and heirs according to the promise." Act 10:34 "Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: 35 But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him." --- But we also need to look at the other side of the coin. Now we need to look at the women who may not be walking after the "hidden man" of the heart. Those who aren't "walking after the Spirit." For those ARE the women that certain Bible passages do definitely speak out against! Rom 9:6 For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel: Rom 9:7 Neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children: but, In Isaac shall thy seed be called. Rom 9:8 That is, they which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed. Rom 9:9 For this is the word of promise, At this time will I come, and Sarah shall have a *son*. What promise are we talking about? The Bible teaches that the promise that was really being talked about, is the promise of the Holy Spirit, Jesus Christ come to dwell inside the human heart and soul, as the inner man! Gal 3:13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: 14 that the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the spirit through faith. That's what it's all about- receiving, or not receiving the promise of the Spirit. And then, walking in, or not walking in that same Spirit... Rom 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. That's the qualifications. They cannot be annulled or ignored. we must walk after the Spirit if we want to be the sons of God!... Rom 8:2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. Rom 8:3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: Rom 8:4 that the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. Rom 8:5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the spirit. Rom 8:6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Rom 8:7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. Rom 8:8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. Rom 8:9 But ye are **not** in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. Rom 8:10 And if Christ be in you, **the body is dead** because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. Do YOU believe those scriptures that teach that we are NOT in the flesh if we are in the Spirit? Do you believe that whoever is in Christ, and Christ is in them that their body is dead? Because it isn't the redeemed, walking in the spirit, after the inner man, women that the Bible says to keep silent. It is the other one's. The one's who walk after the flesh. Watch the scriptures, and believe them... Here is what Paul said about the Corinthians... 1Co 3:1 And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto **carnal**, even as unto babes in Christ. 2 I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able. 3 **for ye are yet carnal**: To these carnal "Christians" Paul wrote: 1Co 14:34 Let **your** women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience as also saith the law. 35 And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church. Paul wrote this to them for a specific reason... Rom 8:5 For they that are after the flesh (carnal) do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. 6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7 because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. 8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. And carnally minded women, who are not walking after the Spirit, have no right to claim that they are redeemed from the curse. For... Rom 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk *not* after the flesh, but after the spirit. But those Corinthians weren't walking after the Spirit, were they? Rom 8:9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. 10 And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. Do you believe these scriptures? --- Now let's look again, and afresh, at 1 Timothy... 1Ti 2:11 Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. 12 But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence. 13 For Adam was first formed, then Eve. 14 And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression. 15 Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety. First Paul reminds women of their fallen condition, reminding them of the curse. But, knowing that Christ has redeemed us from the curse, Paul also gives them hope- 1Ti 2:15 Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety. Surely you don't think that "saved in childbearing" means that she has to have babies in order to be saved, do you? This can only mean, that in being born-again of the Spirit, she shall be saved, and that, from the curse of the law. For the scriptures teach this so plainly in other places... Joh 3:5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, ye must be born again. 8 The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit. And Paul reminds the women that they must continue in faith, simply because salvation is not "once saved, always saved"... Rom 8:1 There is therefore now **no condemnation** to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. (Adam and Eve's original sin, and consequent curse) 3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: 4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. 6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. 8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. 9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. 10 And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. 11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. 12 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. 13 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. 14 for as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. They are the sons of God. Do you believe that scripture? Act 10:34 Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: 35 But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him. Gal 3:28 "there is neither... male nor female: for **ye** are **all** one in Christ Jesus. 29 And if ye be christ's, then are ye abraham's **seed**, and heirs according to the promise." -------------------------------- Now let's look at some of the women in the New Testament Bible. First off, the Bible specifically says, what they who prophesy do... 1Co 14:3 But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort. 4 He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church. Those are SCRIPTURES, they are not my words! Let us not forget the first testimony of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, and who gave it! And that while the (more spiritual?) men sat around in disbelief! Furthermore, let us not forget who commanded her to go and preach, not just the foretelling of future events, but of the past and actual resurrection of our Lord! Mar 16:9 Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils. John 20:16 Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master. 17 Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: **but go to my brethren, and say unto them**, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God. 18 Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that he had spoken these things unto her. Mar 16:10 And she went and told them that had been with him, as they mourned and wept. 11 And they, when they had heard that He was alive, and had been seen of her, believed not... 14 Afterward (Jesus) appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and **upbraided** them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, **because they believed not them which had seen him** after he was risen. Now you tell me, if ever were spoken words of edification, exhortation, and comfort, which are what prophesy is defined as in scripture, were these not those kinds of words? And those spoken by a woman to the whole church! Furthermore, did Jesus reprimand the woman for speaking when it was not her place? No, not at all, rather Jesus reprimanded the men for not believing her!!! Mar 16:9 Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils. 10 And she went and told them that had been with him, as they mourned and wept. 11 And they, when they had heard that He was alive, and had been seen of her, believed not... 14 Afterward (Jesus) appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and **upbraided** them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, **because they believed not** them which had seen him after he was risen. Do you believe these scriptures? 1 Cor 13:1-4 He that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort. 4 ...he that prophesieth edifieth the church. Those who don't believe women can speak in the church don't! They have to lay all these scriptures aside to keep their own traditions! Mar 7:9 And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition. 10 For (The Bible) said... Gal 3:28 ...there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise. Act 10:34 ...God is no respecter of persons: Act 2:17 ...your sons and your daughters shall prophesy (speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort. 4 ... edifieth the church. 1 Cor 13:1-4) --- Here's a woman evangelist in the Bible- Act 18:24 And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus. 25 This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John. 26 And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila **and** Priscilla had heard, **they** took him unto them, and **expounded** unto him the way of god more perfectly. "...Aquila and Priscilla... expounded... the word of God more perfectly" -Acts 18:26. ("Priscilla... the wife of Aquila, in connection with whom she is always mentioned- Acts 18:2, 18, 26; Rom. 16:3; 1 Cor. 16:19. She seems to have been in full accord with her husband in sustaining the "Church in their house"- 1 Cor. 16:19, in helping the apostle Paul- Acts 18:18, and in... theological teaching... -v.26" -Ungers Bible Dictionary, page 889.) In fact, in three out of six times this couple are mentioned, Priscilla is honored in the scriptures by being mentioned first- Rom 16:3 Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus: Act 18:18 ...Paul... sailed thence into Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila... 2Ti 4:19 Salute Prisca and Aquila There she is- Priscilla, an evangelist, in the Bible, in full accord with her husband, "expounding the word of God more perfectly"! What is the definition of an "Evangelist" other than one who preaches the gospel of Jesus Christ? If that is the definition of an "Evangelist, which it is, according to Strong's, then how can anyone ho believes in the Bible deny that women evangelized? How about the Samaritan woman... Joh 4:28 The woman then left her waterpot, and went her way into the city, and saith to the men, 29 come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ? 30 Then they went out of the city, and came unto him... Joh 4:39 And many of the Samaritans of that city believed on him for the saying of the woman, which testified, He told me all that ever I did. Do you believe these scriptures? --- And then we have Phoebe, a deaconess... Rom 16:1 "I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea 2 That ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you: for she hath been a succourer of many, and of myself also." Now, this word "servant" above, is the word "diakonos" Strong's reference number: 1249, Definition: "an attendant, i.e. (gen.) a waiter (at table or in other menial duties); spec. a Chr. teacher and pastor (techn. a deacon or deaconess)" -Strong's Here briefly are some other applications of Strong's #1249 "deacon" in scripture, which there are definitely and specifically women of in the Bible: Mat 20:26 him be your [minister; 1249 ] Mat 23:11 shall be your [servant. 1249 ] Mar 9:35 of all, and [servant 1249] of all. Mar 10:43 shall be your [minister: 1249 ] Rom 13:4 he is the [minister 1249] of God to thee for good. But if thou Rom 13:4 he is the [minister 1249] of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon Rom 15:8 Christ was a [minister 1249] of the circumcision for the truth Here is what Unger's Bible Dictionary has to say on the subject of Deaconess: "Paul mentions Phebe as a deaconess... and it seems probable that Tryphena, Tryphosa, and Persis, whom he commends... were deaconesses... (Rom 16:1, 12)... They were inducted into their office by the imposition of hands. of this there is abundant proof..." I would like to quote for you the passage as it appears in the Greek Interlinear- "'But I commend to you Phoebe, our sister, being servant (minister) of the assembly in Cenchrea; that her ye may receive in [the] Lord worthily of saints, and ye may assist her in whatever of you she may need matter; for also she a succorer of many has been, and myself of me." -George Ricker-Berry's Interlinear Greek. Now how many of those who teach that women shouldn't be preachers or ministers would actually be able to obey those specific, scriptural words of the Apostle Paul himself? Now please look a little closer at what Paul was saying about Phebe when he said she was "a succourer (S#368) of many, and of myself also."- Strong's #368. prostatis, pros-tat'-is; fem. of a der. of G4291; a patroness, i.e. assistant:--succourer. 4291. proistemi, pro-is'-tay-mee; from G4253 and G2476; to stand before, i.e. (in rank) to preside, or (by impl.) to practise:--maintain, be over, rule. Now, not only do we have deaconesses, and evangelistesses in the Bible, but we also have more Prophetesses also: Act 21:8 ...Philip the evangelist, which was one of the seven... 9 ...had four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy." Act 2:17 "And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God... your daughters shall prophesy..." Why, might you ask might it be SO important that there were women who prophesied, and evangelized, and deaconessized, and therefore we don't have to point directly to a woman "pastor" to know that that office was not withheld from them either? It is simply, for one, because of the "order" of God's hierarchy for ministry... 1Co 12:28 "And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues." Surely you are familiar with the order of the "five-fold" ministry?... Eph 4:11 "And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry (S#1248), for the edifying of the body of Christ:" Do you see that order? The pastors are listed after the prophets and evangelists! There are, very specifically in scripture, both women prophets, and women evangelists and they are both listed in authority before, and therefore above, pastors. --- Jam 2:1 "My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons... 8 If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself, ye do well: 9 But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors." --- I think I finally figured out what the real problem is with those who deny women in the ministry- they think that Pastors and Preachers are to be authoritarians over the saints!!! Mar 10:42 But Jesus called them to him, and saith unto them, Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them. 43 But so shall it ***not*** be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister: 44 And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all. 45 For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many. Here's an exerpt from "Women, Priests, and Tabernacles" ---- 1.G. Is It Confusion To Have A Married Woman as a Pastor Over Her Husband and the Congregation? Okay, let's start at the beginning, and get some definitions, and some scriptures down for our foundation... Strong's reference number: 1249 Greek: diakonos (deacon) Definition: an attendant, i.e. (gen.) a waiter (at table or in other menial duties); spec. a Chr. teacher and pastor (techn. a deacon or deaconess) Strong's reference number: 2233 Greek: hegeomai Definition: to lead, i.e. command (with official authority); fig. to deem, i.e. consider Strong's reference number: 1247 Greek: diakoneo Derivation: Derived from 1249 Definition: to be an attendant, i.e. wait upon (menialy or as a host, friend or [fig.] teacher); techn. to act as a Chr. deacon Strong's reference number: 2634 Greek: katakurieuo Derivation: Derived from 2596 2961 Definition: to lord against, i.e. control, subjugate Luk 22:25 "And he said unto them, The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and they that exercise authority upon them are called benefactors. 26 But ye shall not be so: but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is (chief = S#2233 to lead), as he that doth (serve = S#1247-act as deacon). 27 For whether is greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth? is not he that sitteth at meat? but I am among you as he that (serveth = S#1247 act as deacon)." 1Pe 5:2 "Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; 3 neither as being (lords = S#2634 controls) over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock." Heb 13:7 "Remember them which have the (rule = S#2233 lead) over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation." Heb 13:17 "Obey them that have the (rule = S#2233 lead) over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you." Rom 13:1 "Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. 2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: 4 For he is the (minister = S#1249 deacon) of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the (minister = S#1249 deacon) of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil." 1Ti 3:8 "Likewise must the (deacons = S#1249) be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre; 9 Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience. 10 And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless." Now, the Bible says that the leaders must be servants to all, and these servants (deacons) will be the chiefest of all. But to say a woman can't be a deacon, it would stand to reason, is the same as saying a woman can't be a servant(!!!) (minister, deacon) to all, which would include her husband. After all, a deacon is supposed to be the servant, and if your contention is that a deacon can only be a man, therefore you would be saying that the wife should actually be exercising (usurping) authority over her husband, since she can't be the deacon (servant). Do you see what confusion is made in not allowing a woman to be a "servant"? If a woman, as an example of holiness, is proven to be a servant to all, including her husband. And if that same woman is also able to exhort from the scriptures, including to her husband, not by constraint, but willingly. How is this confusion? How is this contradicting 1 Timothy 2:12? My brethren, I pray those who have denied women in the ministry so long are taking a good look in the mirror through this- for by their attitude they have not been bearing the cross of Christ- "I am among you as he that serveth" -Luke 22:27 But they are attempting to force the worldly view of an overlord on the servants (deacons and ministers) of Christ- Luk 22:25 "...The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them... 26 But ye shall not be so: but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve." They have made themselves likened to the "Gentile" in their desire to have the pastors "exercise lordship over them..." Furthermore, in actuality, they have also unwittingly forced their women to take a place where they can be more blessed of God than their men!!!... Mat 5:3 "Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." While they who have done this have taken unto themselves the deeds of the Pharisees (which we know are hypocrites!)... Mat 23:2 "The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat: 3 All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe (i.e. to submit yourselves one to another?), that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not. 4 For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on (wo)men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers." Mar 9:35 "And he sat down, and called the twelve, and saith unto them, if any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all..." ----------------------------------- Now, an example in the scriptures of an obedient wife, who preached to her husband, but didn't usurp authority over him... 1Pe 3:1 Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your **own** husbands; (it doesn't say to be in subjection to everybody else's husbands also!) that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives;... 6 even ***as*** sara obeyed abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement. So, how did Sara obey her husband? Was she always quiet and submissive? Did God keep her from ever teaching or telling Abraham to do anything? Gen 21:9 And Sarah saw the son of Hagar the Egyptian, which she had born unto Abraham, mocking. 10 Wherefore she said unto Abraham, cast out this bondwoman and her son: for the son of this bondwoman shall not be heir with my son, even with Isaac... 12 And God said unto Abraham, Let it not be grievous in thy sight because of the lad, and because of thy bondwoman; in all that Sarah hath said unto thee, hearken (shama- obey) unto her voice; for in Isaac shall thy seed be called. Strong's reference number: 8085, Hebrew: shama` Derivation: A primary word. Definition: to hear intelligently (often with impl. of attention, obedience, etc.; caus. to tell, etc.) Another example of the word "shama"- Gen 22:18 And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed (shama- obeyed!) my voice. Therefore, we have Sara speaking to Abraham, her husband, and Abraham being commanded by God to obey her voice. But Sara herself never usurped authority over the man. Same thing, again, and no less, when Mary "preached" to the men, but "usurped" or exercised no authority over them. She just preached the word... Joh 20:16 Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master. 17 Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God. 18 Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she **had seen** (past tense) the Lord, and that he **had spoken** (again past tense) these things unto her. Mar 16:9 Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, He Appeared First To Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils. 10 And she went and told them that had been with him, as they mourned and wept. 11 and they, when they had heard that he was alive, and had been seen of her, believed not... 14 Afterward (Jesus) appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and **upbraided** them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, **because they believed not** them which had seen him after he was risen. Act 18:26 ...Aquila **and** Priscilla had heard, **they** took him unto them, and **expounded** unto him the way of god more perfectly. Joh 4:28 The woman then left her waterpot, and went her way into the city, and saith to the men, 29 come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ? 30 Then they went out of the city, and came unto him... Joh 4:39 And many of the Samaritans of that city believed on him for the saying of the woman, which testified, He told me all that ever I did. Again I ask- Don't you believe these scriptures? Those are God's words, not mine! Be not deceived, but believing! ---- I have only scratched the surface of the significance of "Women Preachers" in this rebuttal to the erroneous doctrine condemning and refusing women in the ministry. Please don't get me wrong and think that I have bowed to feminists, or that I'm ready to change the Bible like the pro-feminists do. I definitely am not a "feminist." Nevertheless, the scripture is very clear that there is NO male or female in Christ. We who are born of the Spirit, are spirit according to Jesus. Therefore, it stands to reason, that those who are not in Christ are still carnal, and so are their roles. Therefore, I see a definite right and wrong reason for having women in the ministry. The right reason is because they have been born again of the Spirit, and have been proven to be found blameless… 1 Tim 3:1 This is a true saying, If a man (tis) desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. 2 A bishop then must be blameless,.. 8 Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre; 9 Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience. 10 And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless. For further study, to show just how deeply rooted the necessity to allow women, led of the Spirit of Jesus Christ to preach is, please read my Bible study called "Women, Priests, and Tabernacles". If you don't think that denying women in the ministry is the same as being a "respecter of persons" please read, in that study, Part- 1.E. Does The Sin Of "Respecter Of Persons" Apply Equally To Racists And Sexists? That Bible study is located here: http://www.1lord1faith.org/wm/Apostolic/apostoc.htm Yours in the service of Jesus Christ, Tom Raddatz |