On Women In The Ministry

I have a friend I work with who is adamant that the majority of the issues we face in our churches today can be traced to denominations permitting women to have positions of leadership over men.  He takes a very paternalistic, almost misogynistic view of Scripture.  He points to the classic passages in the Old Testament, as well as Paul’s admonitions in the New Testament, speaking against women having any form of leadership over men and extols the “weaker vessel” view of women.  It is God’s will, he believes, that women play a lesser role in Church leadership due to the way they are created and because of Eve’s failure in the Garden, being the first to be deceived.

Here’s my take on this matter…

In His Beatitudes, Jesus consistently stated, “You have heard it said…but, I say unto you…”   He took what was popular “religious” requirement and elevated it to the point of absolute simplicity and essential spiritual truth, based on one criteria….love. 

Using the same criteria of simplicity and love, I believe it is clear in Scripture that God would say to us that women have equal place in the Kingdom of God, where there is no longer male or female…but, we shall be as the angels of heaven (Mk 12:25).

In the last days (which I believe we are in) Scripture tells us that God will pour His Spirit out on all flesh, male and female alike, and that our sons and daughters will prophesy (Acts 2:17; Joel 2:28).  If you look at Paul’s writings about the ministry gifts, prophesy is second only to the calling of apostles, and well above pastors/teachers (Eph. 4:11).

Paul, who is often quoted by the misogynists in his writings about women being silent in the church (1 Cor 14:34), is also the same apostle who stated that in the Church there is “…no longer male and female…” (Gal. 3:28).  How do we explain this seeming contradiction?

Just as aspects of the Law were accommodations for the weakness and sinful bent of mankind (see Jesus’ discussion on divorce in Matt. 5), so rules regarding the lowered state of women in the church were, in my view, accommodations for a paternalistic, misogynistic culture of the day; as well as a response to various voices causing disorder in church gatherings (note: Paul also commands “tongue speakers” to be silent in the public gatherings). 

I believe the goal of the Holy Spirit, for the Church, is to elevate it out of this kind of “cultural” view to a spiritual “kingdom” view, that recognizes the equity and impartiality of the Holy Spirit in bestowing, on ALL FLESH, the gifts and offices He deems fit for the Kingdom…not what paternalistic, misogynists would permit.   I believe part of the purification of the Bride (Eph 5:26-27) is the removal of all forms of inequity, including a disparity between the sexes and restrictions on their ability to serve.  And isn't that the more "loving" way?

We are too late in this world to be arguing about the legitimacy of someone’s ministry because of their sex.  This is what Paul would call “carnal thinking” and he warned us specifically against such reasoning (Rom. 8:7; Col. 2:18).  We need to grow up in our view of the Kingdom and learn to see all aspects of church ministry and gifts with spiritual eyes, recognizing that we are all, male and female alike, equally able and equally responsible.

God bless you all, as you seek to be obedient to your call and respecting the gifts and ministries given to others, impartially and without respect to sex, age, station or status and, thus, honoring the Giver of the gifts and calling, humbly submitting to the authority of the Holy Spirit.

The Lords Table: Secret to Living in Power and Love

While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.”  Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you.   This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.   I tell you, I will not drink from this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.”  When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.

Matt 26:26-30


And when He had taken some bread and given thanks, He broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.”  And in the same way He took the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup which is poured out for you is the new covenant in My blood.

Luke 22:19-20

When was the last time you partook of the Lord’s Table?

Roman Catholics, Lutherans, Greek Orthodox all partake of the “elements” weekly.   But, in many of these cases, the meaning behind it is lost in church tradition and an improper understanding of the point of the Lord’s Table.  If you’re church is a mainline Evangelical denomination, odds are you might partake once a month…some churches celebrate even less often. 

While the meaning of the Lord’s Table may be debated between Catholics and Protestant/Evangelicals, it is my contention that nearly all churches are missing out on the real power and purpose of the Lord’s Table…to produce the conditions that work to bring holiness, unity in love, the fruit and the power of the Holy Spirit into the lives of every believer.

In Acts 2 we read that the early church had a habit of coming together daily…

“And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.  And awe^[e] came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles.  And all who believed were together and had all things in common.  And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need.  And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.”      Acts 2:42-47

 I believe it was more than simply having meals together….this was following thru with the command of their Lord Jesus, to “remember” Him thru the breaking of bread and sharing in the cup of wine.  It was also more than just an act of remembrance. 

In 1 Corinthians the Apostle Paul gave us rules of observance regarding the Lords Table. 

“For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you: that the Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread; and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, ‘Take, eat this is My body which is broke for you; do this in remembrance of Me.’ In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in My blood.  This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.’ For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes. Therefore whoever eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord.  But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup.  For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body.  For this reason many are weak and sick among you, and many sleep.  For if we would judge ourselves, we would not be judged.  But when we are judged, we are chastened by the Lord, that we may not be condemned with the world.  Therefore, my brethren, when you come together to eat, wait for one another.  But if anyone is hungry, let him eat at home, lest you come together for judgment.”      1 Cor 11:23-33

While on the one hand participating in the Lord’s Table is an act of remembrance…recalling what he suffered for us in his body, the blood he shed for the remission of sin.  It is also more than a simple remembrance.

Paul makes it clear in 1 Cor 11 that the practice of participating in the Lord’s Table is also a time of deep personal introspection and self-examination.  It is a time of discerning and confessing sin, in order to partake of the Lord’s Table in a worthy manner.

In short, no one was to partake of the Lord’s Table unless they had confessed their sins and cleared their hearts of all bitterness and things which acted to separate them from God and their brethren. 

Jealousy, envy, anger, bitterness, un-forgiveness…all these things work to keep us from holiness, unity and love.  Paul gave stern warning that to partake of Jesus’ symbolic “body and blood” with any “unresolved issues” is to bring God’s judgment upon yourself, grieving the Holy Spirit and diminishing the power and testimony of believers.  So grievous is this to the Holy Spirit that it can cause real physical illness…even death!  Recall the sin of Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 1) withholding the truth of their giving, resulting in both of them being struck dead by the Holy Spirit.

The proper participation in the Lord’s Table requires careful, honest introspection, prayer and submission to the searching gaze of the Holy Spirit into our hearts.  In this state of humility, God reveals the hidden darkness and sins we may not even be cognizant of.  Thru confession of those sins, privately and publicly where necessary, and thru the ready and immediate application of forgiveness and grace, no root of bitterness can take hold; hearts are kept clean and open to receive God’s provision; faith is increased as the Holy Spirit is free to move; the result being a boldness to step out in powerful witness and ministry. 

Why would we relegate such a beautiful opportunity for grace and mercy, witness and ministry to once a quarter, once a month, or even once a week?   If my reading of Acts 2 and 4 is correct, it is clear that this was a daily part of their lives and a focal point of every occasion to get together. 

It is my belief that because this was a daily occurrence, and a part of every gathering.  As a result, their hearts and lives were far more open to receive the power and prompting of the Holy Spirit.  Lives freed from sins grip were fertile soil for the development of the fruit of the Holy Spirit and ripe for the revelation of God’s presence in power gifts.  

Freed from issues that divide, these believers lives were a powerful testimony of unity in God’s power, love and grace in Christ Jesus.  Conversely, as 1 Cor 11 warns us, those that fail to practice it in a worthy manner suffer physically, emotionally and spiritually.

While serving in the Navy I had opportunity to serve on a six month deployment to Turkey.  While there, I had the privilege of participating in a Christian small group, from a variety of denomination backgrounds, who were committed to meeting together, daily, in the manner of Acts 2 and 1 Cor 11.  The only excuse for not participating was if we were on duty, sick in bed, or away from base. 

Every time we gathered, our first priority was to give account for our day.  We would ask each other if there were unresolved issues, if there were struggles with sinful behavior or thoughts.  We would confess our sins to one another and pray for God’s grace, forgiveness, mercy, lifting each other’s burdens to the throne of God.  After this time of accountability, thru confession and prayer, we would then participate in the Lord’s Table. 

As a result of our commitment to this practice, many hearts were mended, minds were renewed, and lives were changed.  My own life was changed in a dramatic way, healing my heart and restoring my belief in God’s call upon my life in ministry.  

I’m writing this, not only for the reader, but, as a reminder to myself that the power and grace and love I felt then can be experienced once again, if I am willing to commit to sharing in the Lord’s Table as it was meant to be shared. 

Do you want to see God present in your lives?  Do you long to see His displays of power in healing and miracles; prophetic words and revival; love and unity?  Start by instituting the practice of the Lord’s Table into your daily regimen.  As often as you get together, in your Sunday meetings, in your small groups, when guests come by for a visit…take time to celebrate the Lord’s Table…correctly.  Commit yourself to a small group of people you can trust and make this practice a regular and recurrent event, as often as the Holy Spirit prompts you. 

Be transparent with each other and gracious with each other.  The ability to confess ones sins to another requires and combination of humility and obedience on the part of the confessor who has carefully searched and judged their own thoughts, emotions, actions.   It also requires a great deal of grace and loving acceptance on the part of the hearer of the confession.  All of which builds the bonds of trust and a sense of oneness in Jesus.  While there may be need of loving rebuke and teaching to correct error...there is NO judgment of another's sin...there is only the knowledge that we are all sinners saved by grace, thru faith. 

When we are quick to confess sins and even quicker to forgive and apply God's grace, lovingly accepting each other in grace and humility, there is no room for roots of bitterness to grow, for walls to be erected between hearts.  In that unity of love, grace, faith and humility, we are FREE from the sin that had, at one time, so easily entangled us.  And we are FREE to serve God, unhindered and unstoppable.  Then, we can partake of the Lord's Table with gladness and sincerity of heart and we will stand back in awe as God begins to do marvelous things in our midst.

One last item of note...Jesus did not withhold the bread and wine from Judas Iscariot...the very man He knew would betray him.  Nor did he withhold the elements from Peter, who would deny him, three times, in only a few short hours.  What does this say to you?  It says to me, that even if I know someone is about to take advantage of me, betray me, sell me out, I must still be willing to share in the Lord's Table with them and offer forgiveness.   Whether or not they choose to repent, is between them and God. 

Failing to repent, Judas went away and hung himself.  This fact reminds of Paul's warning that... For this reason many are weak and sick among you, and many sleep.   Pray that you are not found as Judas, eating and drinking in an unworthy manner.  Pray that the Holy Spirit will give you discernment into your own heart and those whom you share this sacred practice with, and keep the Lord’s Table honorable.

This Christian Veteran's View of Veteran's Day

I begin with a heavy heart and a great sigh.  Veterans Day and Memorial Day always tear me up emotionally and leave me with a deep sense of sadness and foreboding about the future of our nation.

I served twenty years in the United States Navy as a Hospital Corpsman, Aviation Med Tech.  Seventeen years of that time was with deployable units.  I've travelled around the globe, taking part in numerous campaigns working to support front line troops in what I believed (for a time) was a worthy cause.  I am proud of the service I gave and prouder still to have worked with some of the finest people on earth.  And I was humbled and honored to have been selected to serve as a Chief Petty Officer and be accepted into the Chief's Mess with some of the best of the best.

I believe it is right and good to offer thanks for those willing to put their lives on the line in time of war.  And to honor those who have fallen.  It takes great courage and commitment, great love and sacrifice to sign up for service and spend months, even years, apart from home and hearth, risking their lives to defend freedom.  It is perhaps an even greater love and commitment on the part of family members, who stay behind, to support and love them from afar...and who must grieve and heal when their loved ones pay the ultimate price.

But, I believe it takes even greater courage, sacrifice and love to look deeply and more honestly at the weight of evidence that suggests that the reasons we thought we were fighting for were, in fact, manufactured, manipulated and outright lies...that we have been lied to by our leaders and the media...that our dedication, honor and commitment have been abused and misused by powers behind our government for profit and control.

On these occasions, what wells up in my heart, is a hope and longing that one day we will celebrate peacemakers and all those who put their reputations on the line to speak out against war and our war machine.  Who risk losing friendships, careers, and security when they bravely speak up and address the facts that point to an over-arching plan on the part of "The Enemy" to keep us in a state of war, for profit, for control, and, ultimately, for the purpose of setting the stage for the an even greater evil to manifest itself.

There is much time and effort spent in this country  properly honoring warriors and their sacrifices made.  But, it is my firm conviction that if we are willing to put equal time and effort into educating ourselves about the truth of what we have become as a nation (the very thing President Eisenhower warned us about in his farewell address) perhaps we'd be closer to that time and place spoken of in Scripture where swords are beaten into plowshares, spears into pruning hooks and men will learn of war no more.

 

If we continue on our present course, ignoring the facts behind our economy of war, we do so at the expense of a lasting peace we could have achieved, had we only been willing to honestly look into the mirror of truth and not walk away forgetting what God has revealed to us.

May God bless you, my friend, with the courage to make the bravest decision you'll ever make....to not only seek the truth, but to then choose to live by it.