We must not use our feelings, experience, opinions or our heart that is deceitful. (Jer 17:9) We must rely upon the WORD that reveals GOD's love and salvation. HE directs every guideline by love to protect us, as if HE was saying "...don't hurt yourself, don't hurt yourself..." We must listen to our Father who inspired “…But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence…” 1Timothy 2:12 and the verses around it. “…Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression.” GOD reveals that there is a fundamental reason that goes back to The fall, and being born in the 21st century, knowing GOD’s WORD, being wise, being skilled, being the daughter of Billy Graham, or Chuck Smith does not negate HIS warning.
people say
“…I have seen the amazing ways that the Lord has used many women (who at first I dismissed) in incredible ways.”
We cannot honestly even assess what we see as “good” by our understanding which falls short of perfect evaluation? Further more what of those that shrug off the WORD can they truly succeed in anything? Paul addresses whether we can do good by doing evil? (READ Romans 3:8) When we think that we can diminish one part GOD’s WORD that we don't understand or have failed to receive, the rest is compromised. This will diminish at least in our mind the incorruptibility of an unshakable hope found only in the whole counsel or “intention” of GOD's WORD. "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." Isa 55:9 or "Which doeth great things and unsearchable; marvelous things without number:" Job 5:9
people say: "...look at the life of Jesus and how much he did to change the view and way that women were treated within that society you have to wonder…”
HE did clear up that women are co-heirs of Salvation, and that man & woman bear the image of GOD, that they have responsibilities, and strengths that are unique. But HE did not change HIS mind on where they are to remain in the order that HE created. HE is so good to take away Satan's lie that “GOD has put an oppressive roll or burden on us.” HE sets free those that have been seduced by a pagan culture that forsakes the joy, and peace which come with HIS HOLY presence. Truly HE is best perceived as we honor our MAKER as being Just and True in all HIS ways.
Lets also be honest about men and women, look at our culture today, and how being “liberated” to search for what we think is best has impacted our society. When men or women approach one another there is always the selfish nature that is covered up one way or another. They are not buzzing around to pollinate flowers sister! Interacting between men & women would benefit from prudence that was scoffed out of practice years ago. No decent woman would pretend that walking around in a bikini 60yrs ago was not lewd, because even then they did not have any doubt about the ungodly nature of men and woman to lean toward sin which affects entire societies. It is such a lie to pretend that it is not an issue with acceptation to perverts, since man fell it has always been a stumbling block into carnal thinking, and carnally gained advantages.
I am grieved that a generation of preachers tip toeing around this subject of man's role, and woman’s role in the area of teaching, and authority to avoid the pressures of ignorant masses has left you to have to guess who you should be persuaded by, rather then it being fully revealed by the LIGHT of the WORD defended by men who LOVE the LORD with all their hearts, and lay down their lives for the truth. But as I see it most of our teachers have compromised addressing it clearly, and directly, leaving some of us to believe they have intended to gain unchallenged acceptance in a “liberated” generation , and win themselves wives in a backwards culture( "As for my people, children are their oppressors, and women rule over them. O my people, they which lead thee cause thee to err, and destroy the way of thy paths. " Isaiah 3:1) Being motivated to find comfort, strength, confidence, security, even status by pursuing a mate, is being like Jacob. HE say’s “No good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly” (Psalm 84:11), yet “he that finds a wife finds a good thing” (Proverb 18:22), we see that we are to seek GOD’s approval alone, and HE does not lie. Being motivated to capture the affections of any woman commonly effeminizes some men, and drives other to find an identity of manhood in this world through Harley's, big trucks, and trophy wives, rather then being a real man like Jesus Christ who sought not HIS own, was tough enough to lay it down, and mighty enough to take it back up. “…Narrow be the way…few there be that find it.“ (Matthew 7:14)
Some women say:
“…I have been amazed at how the Lord is showing me a new and libirating way of worship to Him and live to glorify His name…”
There are no new ways to worship the LORD, there has, and will always be one way.
"Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever." Heb 13:8
HE said:
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"...the true worshipers shall worship the Father in Spirit and in Truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship HIM." (John 4:23)
there is not any reality behind "evangelical" feminism, thats a false gospel, good news is GOD perfection heals a backwards world by HIS death
As for the main issue, Jesus Christ wants us “to be one as HE and The Father are ONE,” (John 17), but “Behold how good & pleasant it is…like the oil…” can only happen as a result of not cowering away from the WORD, so as not to lose those weak in the faith. Instead I dare say we must stand firm in the WORD, and patiently reason with those who have been submitted to false principalities, we are follow HIM in "Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;" 2Co 10:5 Do not forget that judgment starts at the house of GOD! I am grieved to say this is an issue for the entire Body, not just men who have usurped authority beyond measure that refuse to keep accountable to the WORD before the Body (Matthew 18:17) “The Called out” is ALL of those called out not just the chief servants (pastor, elders, deacons). Fellowship should include reasoning through the doctrine of the Apostles, as well prevent disputes from being dismissible as divisive challenges of authority. That is a lazy copout of those who are not fit to contend for The Faith, rather some seek as little resistance as possible, and use authority to intimidate submission, rather then enlist faith, reason, and HOLY Spirit. Whether it is Roger Oakland addressing globalism, or John Doe Bible college student addressing perceived compromises. But the Scripture should be the beginning, and finishing authority. Especially in the genuine training of bondslaves of the MOST HIGH. As for knowing psychology has no place in the church, that the “Old Earth Theory” is disbelief, and conforming to the world is wicked. These things are evidences we need to humbly repent, not to brazenly charge on. If we are to err, prudence would be to err in caution, rather then presumption. We are called to be HOLY because our goal is to be like HIM not persist on remaining in liberties as if carnality with “fire insurance” (eternal security) is as good as it gets. HE can show us HIS glory here, and taste goodness that will even benefit us in eternity! Why pretend by resisting the HOLY Spirit that it is some kind of courageous stand against legalism? GOD is good!
