Issue 2. When a witness was needed a woman wouldn’t do, because it had to be a male leader.
The following topic is one that has formed a large chip on my shoulder! God has called me to teach a controversial topic that is hard for a lot of people to swallow. It’s a very hard topic for me as a Christian to discuss, because of all the persecution that has been placed upon me. I’ve been seeking Christ for the last 10 years for a final answer to many questions on womens roles in ministry. Some of those questions are as follows: should a woman teach a mixed congregation? Should a woman be permitted to be a preacher. Why can’t women hold the same offices that men hold? Every time, I began a study the Holy Spirit always brings me back to those suppressed questions held inside.
Anyway, today we are discussing the question of who can be a witness? Does gender matter? What does scripture teach us? I’ve been fortunate enough to attend many different churches and at one particular church a man was chosen over the woman to be a witness. I did check out the reputation of both parties and it was not a question of good character. The church was ran by men and they did not want to hear a woman. This idea of a woman’s worth begins as men in society saw a need for control. According to Old Testament and even in third world countries today; women are not permitted to be a witness in a court of law. Women are seen as baby carriers and nothing else. In the past and in many governments women are treated as property of the man; therefore, the man speaks for his property. However, Jesus allowed women to be witnesses, teachers, and evangelists. Scripture informs us that Jesus came to set the captives free and today that includes women!
Luke 4:17-21 “And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias. And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written, 18The Spirit of the LORD is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, 19To preach the acceptable year of the LORD. 20And he closed the book, and he gave it again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him. 21And he began to say unto them, This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears.”
Isaiah 61:1 “1The Spirit of the LORD GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;”
Later, in this book, we will examine the woman at the well and Mary on Resurrection morning. These women were called by God and given special privileges in ministry.
In many congregations today, the most common scriptures used to devour women is found in the following scripture: First Corinthians 14:34–35. This scripture is often used, because it has been taught by fathers and then passed down to their sons! Many preachers in the pulpit take this scripture out of context and use it to oppress women in the Church-house. 1st Corinthians 14:34-35 states: “Women should remain silent in the churches. They are not allowed to speak, but must be in submission, as the law says. 35 If they want to inquire about something, they should ask their own husbands at home; for it is disgraceful for a woman to speak in the church.”
On the surface, this scripture deals with women being silent in the church; however, this scriptural statement is only mentioned in the Bible one time and everyone knows that Jesus teaches the most important things over and over again. In addition, this passage is addressing a problem that was going on in their community. At this point in time, Ephesus, was a confusing place. Many people of that time were meeting in various location. As a result, the message was misconstrued and teaching falsehoods were delivered. These falsehoods were heresies and they were interrupting the church service. The issue was very localized and culture specific, because Paul in 1 Corn. 11:5 recognized women speaking in the church as part of the normal routine. Therefore, this topic is not important, because it mentions women being silent; instead, this scripture focuses on false teaching. This one scripture should not be treated as a basis of doctrine or rules for the church. Furthermore, Jesus allowed women to be witnesses, teachers, and evangelists on more than one occasion.
Below I’ve listed a few for your consideration.
Deborah (Judg. 4:4)
Miriam (Ex. 15:20)
The Samaritan Woman (John 4:7)
Huldah (2 Kings 22:14.; 2 Chron. 34:22).
Mary Magdalene (Mark 15:40-41; Luke 8:1-3)
The Holy Spirit has also directed me to note that Paul only states this one time and that Jesus never states this at all. Jesus never practiced this direction; which, should illustrate to us that women have vital roles of speech and authority in the church. Therefore, why does church doctrines teach these ideas; which, creates an environment that regards women as if they are not even human?
In this situation, my human side directly wants to give a rebuttal to that person/church, but that is not what God has called me to do for them. God calls us to be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger. (James 1:19 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:)) He has also called each one of us to meditate on his word day and night and pray without ceasing. (Joshua 1:18 and Psalm 1:2) Finally, if God wants us to reason among ourselves and allow the Holy Spirit to teach us right from wrong; then, why are people embracing these concepts in today’s church? The Bible does not want men only to come together and learn. (Isaiah 1:18) To mention one thing more, let’s consider one more scripture: the bible directs us about the end times women would not be treated as less than. Please read Acts 2:17!
When coming under attack I quickly, want to respond in the defense of myself ! I want to suggest that God wants me to give my blessed testimony to the world! God will always use what little we have if we allow Him. If God did not want women to hold the same positions of men then why did He qualify women for those positions?
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Consider the following two scriptures:
1. Psalm 71:15-16 I will declare your righteousness and your salvation every day, though I do not fully understand what the outcome will be. Lord God, I will come in the power of your mighty acts, remembering your righteousness—yours alone.
2. Mark 16:15
And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.
Jesus was not commissioning the men only! Jesus was speaking to all who believe. The Holy Spirit does not just give gifts and purpose to the men! God considers the heart and puts each member into the body of Christ where He sees fit.
Please read 1Corn.12:1-14. In the space provided make any notations that the gifts are given according to gender. We should view mankind’s perspective as void and with no effect, because the final authority of man comes from God. We find in first Corinthians 11: 1-11 that Paul is delivering Christ’s message to the very beginning of churches. In fact, can’t we all agree that some of the scriptures were written as History unfolded? ___________ In essence he is the king of church planters. The church of this time was being newly structured and built. Consider the last Bible study you attended. Did you not have some type of order? For example, I’m a teacher by trade, and when I set up the classroom, I have a certain agenda that I want to get accomplished; therefore, there must be a substantial set of rules that everyone must follow. These rules are based on teachings from society and laws written by our government. Paul in his time era had to do the same, but church and society has evolved. We live according to the living word of God. We are suppose to follow the guidance of the Holy Spirit and allow Him to order our steps. We are living in the last days, according to our society and the word of God. If you believe this then the tradition of Paul’s society should no longer be in effect. The scripture clearly states that in the last days that our sons and daughters will teach and preach God’s word. The spirit of God lives and breathes in both male and female. Men and womenfolk are equal in the eyes of God.
Analyze your congregation are there more men then women?
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In more that half of the churches I’ve been fortunate to attend the women out number the men! It is not ok for the men to dictate and only teach the men! Men and women learn and should be able to freely accept their callings by the Holy Spirit. Who are we to dictate who should fill the roles of the Church? God does and we are to obey Him only!
In summation, people seem to be quick to judge and to go on what other people say without reading and studying God’s word. Paul here is not saying women don’t say anything. Paul is saying all of us must preach, teach, and prophesies, but we must do it one at a time. Just as this is a rule in the classroom that when we answer questions that we answer one at a time. This does not mean that girls are to be silent in the classroom and everywhere in the community. It also does not mean women should tell the man so he can answer the question. I am thankful that I can go the God in prayer and He answers me just like he answers a man. I rejoice in the fact that I do not have to tell my husband to tell Jesus what I need.
Why do we throw out the idea of women not speaking in the congregation, but some organizations and doctrines forbid women to teach and preach.
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I think the Lord for this new focus today. I hope this daily devotion has helped you and brighten your day. Go in peace and may God bless you.
YouTube “Live Class Link” : https://youtu.be/SDnsSfLSNik
I’m a member of Hissom Tabernacle Church of the Nazarene. The church is located in the heart of Charleston, WV. I’m so glad that God lead me to a church where all the members love to study God’s word. The members are really good about giving their testimonies and praise reports. The church was established in the 1934. It’s mission is truly to serve others. Monday through Friday and Wednesday nights, we serve meals to the homeless. We also have an open food pantry every Tuesday and it serves between 100 to 200 families a week. Then, we have a free clothing closet open Monday through Friday! In addition, I am currently serving as the Youth Pastor. The church allows me to volunteer in all the above areas; plus, I’m granted the following privileges: to lead the teenagers quartet, teach Wednesday night Bible studies, and be apart of the praise team. Finally, I also have 14 Bible Study books published and are available for purchase on Amazon.com.
A portion of the profits from each book sold goes to fill the churches food pantry and feed the homeless.
Please search for this book @ https://www.amazon.com– Just type in the following in the search box: Jessica Linhart books
Check out my Book: Finding Healing In God’s Backyard. @ http://www.christianfaithpublishing.com/books/?book=finding-healing-in-gods-backyard
For further inspiration and encouragement to walk through a door God as opened –please view the following FREE classes on YouTube.
Women are called to be preacHERS: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SDnsSfLSNik&t=15s
Women are called to preach:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OXo3cPAYnkw&t=15s
Women can preach:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hPqGUW37ZK0&t=3s
Women can preach! Consider Anna in the New Testament:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HQvZxBCeFNg&t=45s
