There are those in every generation who have tried to explain away Scriptures that annoy. One of the classic doctrines that has suffered at the hands of modern man is the teaching of male leadership of the church.So why is the Church looking for "explanations" of the passages regarding female leadership in the Church? Who is asking that these explanations be made? Are we being betrayed? Are we afraid of political powers that now reign in the world? What is wrong with the Scriptures as they are, and as they have been believed all these many years?
Some may feel the preceding comments and questions to be a bit too harsh a way to introduce the subject at hand, which many believe to be a topic of relative insignificance. I stand with the tone given on the following grounds:
1. Every Word of God is pure, Proverbs 30:5. And Jesus, in Matthew 5:19 says that any man who breaks even the least of the commandments and teaches men so shall be called least in the Kingdom... God speaks today. The Holy Spirit still quickens His Word to the hearts of man. Whatever He says is pure and holy. Let no one despise even the smallest of the commandments of God. And yes, in dealing with our present topic, we are dealing with commandments, not suggestions, of true prophets and true apostles. Let every mouth be silenced as He speaks.
2. Consider how important this topic is even in the Word. First there are direct statements in Genesis , saying that woman was taken out of man, man shall rule over woman. And in I Corinthians , Let your women keep silence, as the law says, and I Timothy's "I do not allow a woman to teach." These concepts are backed up by a goodly number of examples throughout Scripture.
3. Consider the effects of this teaching on men. A strong woman in a local church will tend to put male leaders in the background. Many of them will not rise up and take their proper place. In the secular world , for example, much male unemployment can be attributed to too many females in the job markets.
4. A feminized church cannot model the marriage of Christ and His own. A feminized church cannot picture the Fatherhood of God. Oh indeed, as the poet said, God, give us men!
5. Even if this is were a "little truth" (forgive the expression!) , is it not a truism that when "little" lies become embedded in a congregation, it will not be long before bigger ones are at home also?
6. If any reader still believes this to be a "minor" issue, let him hear Isaiah's lament over backslidden Israel (3:12) "As for My people, children are their oppressors, and women rule over them. O my people! Those who lead you cause you to err, and destroy the way of your paths. "Let us now consider the Scriptures. Surely the Lord has not left us without guidance on such a serious matter. Let us go to the beginning of all things.
I urge those who wish to follow the risen Lord to search out what God has said on this matter and obey Him fully.
Consider also the great numbers of women affected by this teaching. As the spirit of lawlessness continues to abound , especially in the Western Church, more and more women will be drawn into this restless desire for authority over men.
http://chosunhouse.com is a website I put together a few months back to get the word out to believers that they need to pray for North Korea. Just about every day I'm writing a blog featuring some news, a book, or a story of North Korea. There's a live news feed on the site, lists of resources, picture essays, and ways to respond to the overwhelming need in North Korea. Let's love Chosun together!
And who am I? A man found of God over 50 years ago, called to the ministry, serving the Lord as needed in my world. Married, member of a local church in the Chicago area, with full time work in public education. Who are you? Would love to fellowship with believers who respond on my site.
No comments:
Post a Comment