Issue One: A woman’s vote.
When Mendi, from central WV began praying over the offering the new pastor stopped her in her tracks! He said, “It’s not lawful for a woman to pray over men and women in the service.” Then, he asked her to sit down! Mendi was so humiliated and felt unwanted. Finally, they held an all male meeting and determined praying and voting would be done by the men of the church. Later, those same women were not permitted to cast a vote for the new preacher or secretary and they were certainly not allowed to pray (aloud) over the offering or at anytime during the service.
Today’s questions is as follows: Is it right for women not to vote during church business meetings? Is is right that women are not called on to pray to God for the dismissal prayer? What does God tell us in His scripture?
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How did Jesus react to women? Jesus did the opposite of the Pharisees. The Pharisees were obsessed with everyone following the customs and rules of Scriptures. Sometimes, the doctrine man has created to separate the church resembles the attitudes and the actions of the ancient Pharisees. Jesus had no sin! He simply did the will of the Father who sent him. So, according to what you witnessed Jesus doing in the scriptures would He limit women and not give women the same rights as men in ministry and in life? Would Jesus give knowledge and wisdom only to men?
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The argument that women should not vote is based on the scripture Paul states, in 1 Corinthians 14:34, for it is not permitted unto them to speak; that is, in public assemblies, in the church of God, they might not speak with tongues, nor prophesy, nor preach, or teach the word. How did Jesus react to women? Did Jesus shun them or push them away?
My first dilemma, comes from the fact that Paul states that: this is the way I would do it and not Thus Says the Lord God; informs me that this is man’s law not God’s law. The laws at this time and still today in the Middle East state that women can’t learn to read or speak in public. These are not the laws of God! These are the laws of men. The Jews believed that the men should teach and the woman should hear, but if you do not hear the word of God who would be saved? The men only?
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The apostles and men of this time would suggest that women are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law. Those men base their strategy from the words recorded in Genesis 3:16, (“thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee”.) I would argue that when Jesus arose he broke all the bonds of men and women! Scriptures states that God is not a respecter of persons. (Galatians 3:28)
I heard it said that God only looks at the heart, but then good Christian men and women turn around and say gender matters and women remain in second class citizenship! In the word of God there are many occasions noted where God choses people based on their hearts condition. Consider Samuel 16:7. God said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” On the contrary, the opposing side would also signify, that the reason why women are not to speak in the church, is because this is an act of power; which, they consider the breaking of the law that women should be under subjection and authority of all men. According to Genesis chapter three, women became subordinate to her husband not all men. We have Satan to thank for the controversy to women not Jesus. In addition, Jesus came not to be the oppressor to mankind, but to set the captives free. It seems that all women are under oppression! Isaiah 61:1-3 King James Version (KJV) (61 The 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;) I do not believe Christ would be happy with oppression, because it is hard to work for Christ in oppression. It is hard to create fruit in oppression. It is scarce to see any saved, because rules like this create hard feelings, discord, and injustices within the walls of the church.
Scripture after scripture urge all Christians to come together in one accord and minister to each other. (Romans 15:6) The Holy Spirit is directed by God to give out the roles He wants us to to gain. Through the Holy Spirit God gives us each gifts and when we come together in one accord, that means we allow the anointing of the Holy Ghost to work through us. The Holy Spirit does not permit gifts based on gender or anything else! In our last chapter we will discuss this topic in more detail. As for this study, How is keeping the ladies quiet going to effect the ministry? (note all personal experiences)
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Will congregations die if there are no men to take over the role of Shepard? Teacher? Is there not a shortage in Christian Men?
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If one truly takes the position that women do not have the right to vote or speak at church then perhaps the church should hold a silent vote? If you properly divide the word of God one would conclude that the authority is in the home only! How can my husband be responsible for all women? He can’t and that’s Jesus’s job! According to God’s Word the man is head of the household. For man to rule over every woman is wrong, because Jesus is a Lord (man) and He has the authority (given by God) over the church! We will study this concept further in our study!
Why does scripture inform us in Acts 2:17 that in the last days for all women?
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How are men suppose to minister to the issues of women?
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What do you think about voting in the church-house? (Based on scripture is your opinion right or wrong?)
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Who is qualified vote? (Based on scripture is your opinion right or wrong?)
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
