Avoid Assumptions

Have You Been Making Assumptions?

Grape cough medicine sounded like a good idea to try for my children when they had a cold, however, once was enough. The officially let me know they would rather die than ever try the grape flavor again. Satan is like Children’s Grape flavored cough medicine. The things he offers sound good on the surface, but when you accept them they are just nasty (2 Corinthians 11:13-14). The Pharisees are also another like comparison in that they appeared one way, but were another (Matthew 23:27-28). Things are not always as they seem to be.

assumption

If it’s an assumption, don’t pass it as truth.

Man often makes assumptions about something he has heard or seen without closer examination. In part, this is done because there is so much information in life to process that quick judgments are often the rule rather than the exception. However, such judgment does not always guarantee accurate assessments. Men make assumptions about others all the time. They do so based on where a man works, how he looks, who he is seen around, how he behaves, the color of his skin, how tall he is, and more. Assumptions are recorded throughout the Bible. Job’s 3 friends held the belief: “Whoever perished being innocent?” (Job 4:7). Samuel when he went to choose a king in I Samuel 16:1-7 made assumption based on appearance. Paul indirectly spoke on assumptions in I Corinthians 2:1-5, 6-8, and 9-11 in regard to himself, the rulers of the time, and one man to another. Below are three common assumptions which Biblically cannot be confirmed.

Assumption Regarding Mary Magdalene
In 591 AD, Pope Gregory made a number of assumptions about Mary Magdalene. The result of his assumption caused many to identify Mary as a prostitute. Some even go further and say she married Jesus. What do we know about Mary Magdalene from scripture? Luke 8:1-2 establishes Mary had 7 demons which were cast from her. Matthew 27:55-56 shows she was present at the cross of Jesus. The later verses of 59-61 shows she was present at his burial. Later, she witnessed the empty tomb from which Jesus had arisen (Matthew 28:1-2). It was that same morning Mary became the first person to whom Jesus appeared (Mark 16:9). From this point she proclaimed the resurrection of Jesus (Mark 16:10). Though there are other minor details given, anything representing the claims of Pope Gregory is preposterous. The assumptions were made upon established relationships, environment, and false teachings. These types of assumptions cloud who Mary really was and her devotion to our Savior.

Assumption Regarding Zaccheus
“Zaccheus was a wee little man, a wee little man was he…” Many a child has sung the words of this “Sunday school song”. Luke 19:1-10 tells his story and how was to meet Jesus at his home. Was Zaccheus a bad man? Was he corrupt? Was he a sinner? Many preachers will tell you he was. However, is this an assumption? Looking closely at Luke 19:1-2, we gain only two characteristics of Zaccheus. First, he was the head of tax collectors. Second, he was rich. How did he become rich? Some will say he stole or skimmed prophets. Prove it through scripture! It cannot be done. Maybe his mother and father were bakers and their cookies were so good Zaccheus inherited a fortune. This has the same foundation as saying Zaccheus was dishonest at this point.

Verses 3-4, establish that Zaccheus was trying to see who Jesus was. There is no indication that Zaccheus had ever met Jesus before. Verse 5 shows Jesus calling Zaccheus by name. How did Jesus know his name? This is not an indicator that they had met at all. Perhaps someone in the crowed mentioned Zaccheus’ name. It is very possible someone said, “Hey look! Zaccheus is up in the tree! What a crazy guy!” This is as much an assumption as someone saying Jesus had previously met Zaccheus. Could Jesus have possible read his heart and mind? Matthew 9:4, 22:18, Mark 2:8, 5:30, Luke 5:22, Luke 6:8, Luke 9:47, and others point to the affirmative. Yet to state one way or another is assumption.

Verse 6 sees Zaccheus responding and receiving Jesus joyfully. However, verse 7 sees the crowd, the majority, saying Zaccheus was a sinner. Layman’s Bible Commentary gives the following statement by Donald G. Miller: “According to Judaism at that time tax collectors would not be included in the benefits from Christ’s coming.” From the first century, likely before, straight through till today, no one likes the IRS. There are few individuals who take as much grief. Are there and have there been corrupt folks working for the IRS? Most definitely this is the case. However, the discussion surrounds one man – Zaccheus. The crowd says he is a sinner. Are they speaking factually or with assumption? Romans 3:23 states “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” Appropriately, this identifies all men as those who have sinned. However, in this circumstance, Zaccheus would be no different from the crowd. They were intimating something else.

From verse 8, we see Zaccheus’ statement from which many people make assumption he was a corrupt individual. Many translations read “Behold, Lord, half of my possessions I will give to the poor, and if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I will give back four time as much.” From these words, it is assumed Zaccheus is saying he will straighten up his life. Unfortunately, this is a mistranslation. The word will is nowhere within the text. The Greek tense is the present tense. Zaccheus is justifying his life saying, “I give”, “I restore”. His life was one already of doing right, not of corruption, deceit, or fraud. Despite the assumptions of the crowd, Jesus established this tax gatherer was as welcome to the kingdom of God as any upright man.

Assumptions Regarding Onesimus
The letter to Philemon from Paul discusses a servant by the name of Onesimus. It is widely taught and preached Onesimus was a runaway slave who had stolen from his master Philemon. He then coincidently comes into contact with the apostle Paul who was under guard as a prisoner in Rome. This relationship converts Onesimus to Christianity. There are at least three problems with this understanding:

First – Biblical text never tells us Onesimus is a runaway slave.
Second – Biblical text never tells us he is a thief.
Third – Biblical text never tells us the meeting is by chance.

There are certain Roman laws regarding slavery are important to our study of Philemon. Roman law gave a slave no right of asylum. They were beaten to death in the presence of other slaves. They were also crucified for offenses far lighter. If Paul were aware Onesimus was a runaway slave, he neither by law or conscience could conceal the matter. Remember: Paul was a prisoner in Rome! The last place a runaway slave was going to be by choice is near Roman guards each day.

Paul in the letter returns Onesimus as a personal matter, not as a legal matter. In Philemon 9 Paul appeals to Philemon based love, age, and state of imprisonment to let Onesimus return to him. It is true from verse 11, there was a point in which Onesimus was useless to Philemon. We are not told why. Perhaps Onesimus was lazy or a host of other issues. Is it not far more likely to consider Onesimus was sent to Paul as perhaps a person who could bring about a change in Onesimus, rather than believing he was a runaway slave who by chance ended up in the midst of a heavily guarded prison where he would likely meet a sentence of death? Yet, assumption has long been taught as fact in regard to Onesimus.

Concluding Remarks
Though assumption is part of the lives of men, one must be careful to the conclusions they come to without facts. Mary Magdalene, Zaccheus, and Onesimus are individuals of which many false assumptions have been made. Proverbs 18:13 and James 2:1-4 give warnings about assumptions. One would be wise to heed these. Be as the Bereans (Acts 17:11) and search the scriptures when faced with the possibility of making assumption. As I Thessalonians 5:21 states: “Prove all things, hold fast that which is good.”

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Control and Choices

Making Choices

“To choose or not to choose” – That is the choice. How many decisions does a person make each day consciously and unconsciously? Wake or snooze? Oatmeal or cereal? Hat or no hat? Bus or car? Cranky or smiley? Pay bills or wait? Aaarrghgh! So many decisions are processed. In the grand scheme of things, most decisions are relatively simple; however, there are big hairy decisions that are always lurking. From the beginning it has been this way. How long did Adam and Eve go before they ate the fruit? What went through their minds before the decision was made? Did they ever talk about it before it happened?

You are in Control of your choices

You are in control of your choices.

Consider these four questions regarding choice making: First, what is the purpose of choices? Second, how does satisfaction relate to choices? Third, what is the relationship between control and choices? Finally, how should a person prepare for choices?

What is the Purpose of Choices?
Many people wonder why they were created. Two key scriptures sum up man’s purpose well. Ecclesiastes 11:13 establishes man is to revere God and keep His commandments. Ephesians 2:10 establishes man was created to do good works. These two verses work together to give man direction in his life. Still, this does not clarify the purpose of choice. When an individual does not have choice, they are slaves. They might as well be robots. However, God did not want this for man. God loves man dearly (John 3:16). God gave men choices so they might ultimately glorify Him. This is the first purpose of choice. Many would argue God has failed miserably when the vast amount of evil in the world is seen. Consider though, the blessing of the freedom God has given man to choose evil. In choosing evil, man demonstrates the superiority of walking in Godliness (I Peter 2:15). A person loving God chooses to be His bond servant. That is, they voluntarily choose to obey His will knowing it will result in far greater benefit than sinfulness (Isaiah 55:6-9). The concept is like understanding how white something truly is when it has a dark spot on it.

In addition to the freedom of choice ultimately glorifying God, it also enables man to mature. Without choices how would man develop knowledge? Certainly, man can make choices which are holy and pure and grow in Christ. However, if man chooses to do unwise things, he will gain knowledge there as well. If a child puts his hand in the fire, he will be burned. Wisely, he learns not to repeat his action. Sadly, many an adult chooses to engage poor decision after poor decision expecting a different result. To meet the objective of a life of doing well in God’s eyes, God has given the Bible (2 Timothy 2:16-17, Ephesians 4:14-16). This enables man to mature properly. God encourages man to awake to this growth (I Corinthians 15:34). However, the choice is not forced upon man. Glorification of God’s wisdom and the maturity of man is what God desires from man’s choices.

How Does Satisfaction Relate to Choices?
Not many years ago, families had phones which did not travel with them. The phones were attached to the wall. People were grateful to have the phones there. Again, not long ago, many families were able to receive one maybe two channels on their television sets. The pictures were sometimes fuzzy and the stations would stop broadcasting around midnight. Again, there was gratefulness. Today, phones can go practically anywhere and there is no sharing of a phone signal with multiple families. Televisions are an inch thick and get 1000 channels. They broadcast 24 hours a day. It would make sense if satisfaction were at 100% with the modern devices. Yet, this is not the case. Increased choices have not resulted in increased satisfaction.

Choices abound today! From breakfast cereal to laptop, dress material to hair color, and fast food to automobile, there is a never ending variety of decisions to be made. Yet, so many decisions have resulted in increased agony. How many couples drive an hour stressed about what restaurant they should stop at to eat? I know men who have stood shell shocked in the pasta aisle not being sure what noodle they should buy. Children watch television and see the next best toy they should own. They can’t be happy until they get it. Stop and think about how happy they were playing with Tupperware lids in the kitchen before they discovered they had choices? Making a decision is much less stressful when there are few choices. The more variables, size, scent, color, texture, attachments, accessories, etc. the more time consuming and fretful the decision becomes (Ecclesiastes 12:7-8).

How many choices do individuals make with good stewardship in mind? There are millions of practically new and unused items sold at garage sales and given to thrift stores each year because the “must have” turned out to be the “don’t need”. There are two consequences to all decisions: dissatisfaction and contentment. Certainly, all choices have a cost. To choose one item, you give up another. The man who chooses to go worship Sunday morning may miss a round of golf, a football game, or a chance to sleep in. When he chooses tacos for dinner, he misses out on pizza. Perhaps this is why buffets are so popular. So every possible choice can be made. Yet, at the end of the meal, bloated and woogie, dissatisfaction is often experienced. The challenge before man is to find contentment. When the proper choices are made, contentment can reign (I Timothy 6:6). Always prepared, God has given man a path to choose which will lead to contentment in all things. Is there food and clothing? Let there be contentment (I Timothy 6:8). Whatever a man’s position is in life, if he is with God, let him be content (Philippians 4:11). God will not fail those whose eyes are on Him and not the possessions of the world (Hebrews 13:5).

What is the Relationship between Control and Choices?
How many people are backseat drivers? There is a desire for control! What about arm chair quarterbacks? The individual believes if they were in control for a moment things would have turned out differently. Every young person looks forward to the day they will have more control. Senior folks often do not look forward to the time when they must relinquish control. There are three distinct phases to consider when examining control and choices. These phases are 1) obtaining control, 2) maintaining control, and 3) handing over control.

Obtaining control starts with youth. Toddlers will let you know this. “My toys, my game, my rules” has been an oft repeated refrain. Each individual believes they can make better decisions than someone else. However, oftentimes the desire is simply for the freedom to try something on one’s own regardless of consequence. Who wants to follow the recipe? Bah! Let’s throw in more garlic! Control is often associated with power. If you have power, it is assumed you will get reward and pleasure above those without power or be able to clearly display your decision making prowess. Thus, there is frequent struggle to gain control in many areas of life. Even in marriages there are battles over “who wears the pants in the family.” Every individual is given control over certain aspects of their life by God. He has given people complete control over their decisions regarding salvation (Philippians 2:12). Yes, God has established His Will in regard to the scope of control for man, but he does not stop man from choosing his own way (Ephesians 6:1, I Corinthians 11:3).

Maintaining control over choices is something with which many struggle. Once they have obtained the freedom to make choices, the fear is it will be taken away. Someone may sneak the television remote away at a time of distraction. Mom or dad may take the keys to the car. The boss may transfer an individual to another position. The government may force its citizens to buy health insurance. These are all classic concerns that come with maintaining control of choices. The biggest factor in maintaining control over choices is the individual’s own behaviors. Violating family rules results in removal of privileges. Politicians ignoring the voters get voted out or impeached. Trying crystal meth causes one to become a slave to a substance and give up control (2 Timothy 4:5). When man submits to false teachings, he cannot maintain control (Galatians 2:2-5). A Christian must maintain self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). Therefore, Christians must be careful by whom and what they are influenced because the pull of the world will bring about the loss of freedom (Galatians 5:1).

To have control, the Christian must hand over control. This is the paradox of control. It is like the Chinese finger trap. You must give up the struggle to find release. Many a senior reaches a point where they can no longer care for themselves and their possessions properly. Yet, a great many refuse to give up control to those who could help. Consequently, their surroundings fall into disrepair, their health fails, and they find themselves in a state of enslavement to weakness built on the decision to not release control. If the same seniors released a little control to those who could aid them, a larger portion of personal control would be retained and for much longer. The man of faith controls which master he serves (Joshua 24:15). He can choose to serve God or his own lusts in the form of sin (Romans 6:16-18). Being a slave of righteousness results in having more control and for eternity, but such control cannot be gained until the choice to hand over control is first made(Romans 2:6-8).

How should a person prepare for choices?
Can a man prepare for the choices ahead of him? Certainly he can. Successful diet choices are much easier when healthy food is stocked and available. The Red Cross is successful in providing blood to others because it chooses to gather donations before disaster occurs. The ant prepares for the hard winter, by making the choice to work when the weather is better (Proverbs 6:6-8). Is a man worried about how he will care for himself when he is old? He can prepare by putting aside a savings. He can prepare by living simply. He can prepare by surrounding himself with those who will aid him when the time comes.

Educating oneself to make proper decisions is important. If a person needs a vehicle, he should research the type of vehicles which will meet his needs. Choosing a college, but have a budget? Research inexpensive colleges! Searching for a woman or man to marry? Research! Educate yourself. Ask questions, talk to people, and consider where you need to look to find the mate for whom you are looking. Concerned about eternity? Educate yourself on what choices need to be made. “Seek and ye shall find!” (Matthew 7:7) The Bible has the answers you need for life and Godliness (2 Peter 1:3). Why would an individual not prepare for the choices ahead of him? (Luke 14:28)

When choices present themselves, prioritize them. The Christian has a mandate to put God first in his life (Matthew 4:10, Matthew 6:33, Matthew 22:37). If a man has the choice to pay his cable bill or pay his rent, he would wisely choose the thing of greater value… YES! THE RENT! Likewise, in prioritizing life choices, God comes before self. Self dies to serve the Lord (Galatians 2:20). A list of prioritization enables one to order their life. It makes the path clearer and sets chaotic stress aside. God is not a God of confusion, nor should a man’s life be one of confusion (I Corinthians 14:33). The passage of I Corinthians 14 discusses the assembly of worship before God. It declares things should be done “properly and in orderly manner”. If this is the proper mode of function for the Lord’s body, why should the life of man be directed in any other way?

Summation of Choice
Making choices is something every coherent individual must engage in. Choices await man from the simple to the grand. Knowing the purpose of choices enables the making of choices which lead to satisfaction. Control over choices is a desired state, but the proper balance must be met, knowing when to maintain control of choices and when to hand control over. If the individual educates and prioritizes his choices according to the principle of “God first”, he will find himself far better prepared to handle choices when they come. The first and wisest choice a person can make is to humble himself before God and clothe himself in Christ (Galatians 3:26-29).

Psalms 25:12 – What man is he that feareth Jehovah? Him shall he instruct in the way that he shall choose.

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Gold Rush

Is Your Treasure Gold?

Matthew 13:44 – “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.”

gold

Is Gold your Treasure?

Gold!  Treasure!  History records a great number of “gold rushes” throughout the world.  Americans experienced gold rushes in no less than Nevada, Alaska, Colorado, Washington, South Dakota, Wyoming, North Carolina, Georgia, Idaho, and California.  A number of people consider the gold rush to be something of the past.  However, a recent report on the Madre de Dios region of Peru shows gold rushes are modern too (1).  Whether in past or present, gold rushes not only exist as fascinating phenomena to study, but also good parallels to the life of a Christian.

All gold rushes begin with the same catalyst:  “Discovery!”  Multi-millions of individuals have dug holes in the dirt, a great number even hoping to find buried treasure.  For the great majority of these seekers, nothing is found.  When seeking uncovers a substance of value, discovery sparks joy as seen in Matthew 13:44.  It also sparks action.  Treasure found compels the seeker to engage in actions that assure he can claim it as his own.  Spiritually speaking, discovery occurs every time without fail for those who seek heavenly treasure (Matthew 7:7).  The value found in the treasure of salvation cannot be measured; what value can be put upon knowing one’s soul no longer carries the burden of sin (Matthew 16:26).

As a man acts to secure his treasure, others will take notice.  Observation declares an existing difference.  Why is this man selling all his possessions for a field?  Men become curious, even suspicious over the changes that occur.  One way or another, the truth frequently comes out.  “Gold! Gold! Gold from the American River!” Sam Brannon helped fuel the California Gold Rush as he proclaimed discovery on the streets of San Francisco in 1848.  At first men may not consider the truth they have heard or seen to be a reality:  “The Gold must be brotite (fool’s gold)” or “that guy could never make such a discovery”.  Yet, when the truth takes root, the rush takes hold.  The message may shoot around the world.  With the California Gold Rush, not only did Americans sell everything to get to California, but citizens of England, China, Germany, Canada, France, South America, Italy, and other countries did so as well.  They wanted to experience the California Dream.  “As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country.” (Proverbs 25:25).  With the arrival of good news of the Gospel, Jesus found no place to rest his head (Matthew 8:20).  Continually, multitudes sought Him out desiring to acquire the treasure freely given in Christ (Romans 3:21-24).

A number of treasure seekers enjoy success.  I myself panned for gold and my eyes watched mercury swallow up flecks of gold in a pan to later release them into a little vial for safe keeping.  Using a sluice box in a river to search for gold also produced minor flecks.  As a young boy, joy encompassed me fully when I found a stream full of shiny “fool’s gold”.  Success, to a degree, depends on expectation.  A little boy seeking to find neat rocks in a stream has great success.  An individual seeking only a few flakes of gold instead of a fortune he can retire on also experiences occasional success.  .  Yet, remember, spiritual success always accompanies those seeking heavenly treasure (Matthew 6:33).

Hard work most frequently characterizes the search for treasure.  Gold miners certainly experienced their share of this.  Perhaps their initial success meant only picking up gold off of the ground.  Yet, later on, hours of continual panning, digging, washing, or rock busting followed each day.  Mining results in happy, frustrating, sad, exciting, and depressing moments.  It’s filthy, dirty, muddy, dusty work which dries, tears, and toughens the skin.  Gold miners do not sit in the shade waiting for gold to fall from trees.  If they didn’t engage in working, they likely would find themselves lacking the necessities to provide food to live on.  Paul expressed the need for work in the lives of the Thessalonians (2 Thessalonians 3:10-12).   He told them if they did not work, were not to be provided food.  Individuals cannot continually enjoy success unless they work.  Jesus and His apostles not only instructed Christians to engage in physical work, but goodness, benevolence, evangelism, visitation, and other actions which demonstrated their obedience to Him. Such work identifies those who love Christ (John 14:15); it also ensures reward (success) and not punishment (failure) (Matthew 25:14-30).

The proverb “The poor man is hated even by his own neighbor, but the rich has many friends” (Proverbs 14:20) comes to life for the gold miner.  Truthfully, some folks may be honest faithful friends.  However, a great number of friends drawn by riches disappear with a changing of fortune.  Gold miners found themselves in the predicament of wondering who they should trust.  Would the shopkeeper cheat them?  Would someone rob their camp while they worked?  What about claim jumpers or robbers?  “Amen!” fuels the preacher, water attracts the thirsty, and gold draws corruption.  The treasure seeker finds persecution by the elements, strangers, enemies, or even his trusted friend (Psalm 41:9).  When Jesus walked the earth teaching and proclaiming the eternal kingdom of God, He knew anyone professing His teaching and the treasure by them would be persecuted (John 15:20). They might even need to separate themselves from their families due to the treasure (Matthew 10:34-36).

The final parallel exhibited in Christian lives seen in that of the Gold Rush is abandonment.  Most treasure seekers rushing off to find the joy of success abandon the cause after a period of time.  Perhaps, they would not do the work necessary or despite their work they quit for finding little to no success.  Again, they may quit the search for treasure due to abuses and persecution that arise from others.  “No treasure is worth such difficulty, there are better things!” might be reasoned in their minds.  Whatever the decision to walk away, the prize they desired fails to come to fruition.  Even a greater loss, some abandon hope of something better all together, their lives only characterized by futility.

Spiritually, abandonment is demonstrated well in the parable of the sowers (Matthew 13:3-23).  Abandonment from seeking God occurs by those not interested in seeking, ones who cannot handle the persecution, and still more who become distracted with other worldly dreams.  Common sense dictates that if you can do your best to find treasure and still fail, abandonment should be considered.  However, when one desires to serve God, truly seek, and endure in their service of him until their end, not abandoning their efforts, nor giving up hope, they always receive the treasure they searched to find.  Abandonment in this case should not be considered!  A spiritual gold rush should always be encouraged.  For all who choose to seek the treasure of heaven neither lack nor limit of success exists.  There is no next best alternative (Proverbs 15:6).

Gold Rush!  Discovery, joy, action, spreading of good news, success, hard work, persecution, and even abandonment can be expected in the search for treasure.  However, man should not abandon the heavenly for the earthly (Colossians 3:2, Luke 12:16-21, Proverbs 8:10).  The effort put forth toward seeking God despite enduring much trials proves more valuable than gold (I Peter 1:7).  Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honorable, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” (Philippians 4:8)  As when Mary sat listening to Jesus, despite the activities of Martha, let treasure seekers choose the “good part” which is everlasting (Luke 10:38-42) and that which moth and rust will not decay (Mark 6:19-20).

Footnote:

(1)   Steve Sapienza; “In Peru, Gold Rush Leads to Mercury Contamination Concerns”; PBS.ORG; December 27, 2011

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3 P’s (Speaking Woman)

The 3 P’s (Speaking Woman)

I have been asked the following very important question on many occasions: Can a woman in an assembly of the Church answer a question if she is asked one by the preacher?  The thrust of this question revolves around whether or not a woman can speak during an assembly of the Church.

Woman

Can a Woman Speak in an Assembly of the Church?

The short and simple answer to this is “Yes!” But how is this exercised?

The primary guidelines for the participation of women in God’s kingdom are established in I Tim. 2:9-15. Below I have listed the guiding principles:

1) Woman is not to usurp/exercise authority over a man.
2) She is to receive instruction with submissiveness.
3) Her remaining quiet is tied to her not teaching or usurping.

The concept of silence from I Tim. 2 is not silence. Rather, it is the attitude of quietness or submissiveness if you will. It is an understanding that the woman is not in control or the authority of a scriptural setting involving males.

We know how and to whom authority has been given in the church and Bible (I Corinthians 11:3, Ephesians 5:22, Titus 2:4-5, 2 Timothy 4:1-2, Titus 2:15) but again, how is it exercised in person?

It is my belief that an individual can attempt to exercise authority in at least 3 ways – The Three P’s.:

1) By Pitch – There is a clear distinction in someone speaking for clarification and speaking to establish their point. This is one of the problems of sin I believe that is rampant among many churches. Women in and out of classes take tones that are most certainly not of submission. Abigail approaching David would be a good example to follow.

2) By position – Standing up in front of the congregation and addressing them to make a point. Leading singing. Leading a prayer. Leading the Lord’s supper. Making the announcements. All of these require the person to be a leader. In the setting of women and children, this is acceptable in the eyes of God. In a setting involving males, this is not acceptable.

3) By presence – One can establish presence without saying a word. This can be accomplished by body language, by proximity, or by volume or duration of interaction. In other words, attention can be focused upon you as having the higher ground or stance.

If a woman is asked to read a verse in any context of the Church – husband and wife, meeting of Christians in a home, Wednesday night study, Sunday Morning Bible Class, or Sunday Worship and she establishes by pitch, position, or presence an authority that she does not have, it is sin.

I say directly, that any verbal output that does not take the form of above is acceptable. That would make “amen’s” ok. Quiet repetition of the words being spoken/read (as I have seen in many congregations) would be acceptable. Reading of scripture when in the pews. Answering questions that are not requiring her to establish her teaching or interpretation of scripture. It is my contention that none of these are taking any authority from any man. Only if one of these actions is a disruption to the service, would there be an infraction upon the word of God (See I Cor. 14 in regard to organization).

Having said all this, in answer to my question, a woman can answer a question given to her in the church and assembly. She may indeed speak. However, she may not speak in areas or in a way which would allow her to exert improper authority.

Here is my rule of thumb in regard to this subject. This personally goes for men and women. If you do not have to speak, don’t do it. If you do speak keep your commentary brief. Men for organization, women so that you do not assume authority by presence. I have seen women in classes (the church) talk for 35 min of a 45 min. class. I believe this is completely inexcusable. Questions can always be asked after services, class, etc.

By being aware of female behavior in regard to the 3 P’s, a woman can help guard her soul and others from inappropriate behavior. This will ensure her continued example of feminine holiness.

 

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Holiday Gatherings

Enjoy Holiday Gatherings

This Holiday season (Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year Celebration), a great number of families and friends will gather together. Some celebrating for secular reasons others for religious. Some of the greatest joys and disappointments are experienced this time of the year. Here are three suggestions to aid your holiday experience, so the entire celebratory package may be opened with joy. Remember your gathering is not a courthouse, a tennis court, or Golgotha.

holiday

Is Your Holiday Experience Like A Courthouse?

Courthouse
Leave your judicial robes in the closet. A holiday gathering is not the time for judgment and conviction. You have all gathered together at your own will. This is a time for patience and peace. The scriptures use the word “longsuffering”, which may be more appropriate in your case. Yes, your relatives may do or say things that drive you crazy. You are different people and different people have different lifestyles. However, you have not gathered together to ruin someone’s special day by telling them what is wrong with their life. There are other times to have those discussions. Realize these are people who are in the same crazy life that you are. They want the same thing you do, to have joy, which the world tries to steal away as often as possible.

Hebrews 12:14 – Follow after peace with all men, and the sanctification without which no man shall see the Lord:

Tennis Court
There are going to be comments made during the gathering that may be an irritant or even hurtful. Yes, you want to bring out your backhand… don’t do it. Do not engage in a volley of words. At first, it seems as if these things are subtle barbs, a little poke in the ribs. Perhaps no one notices, but you do. So you launch another comment back. Before you know it a full scale match of words is going on. You are each serving up one mouthful of pain after another. Is that why you are gathering? Is that going to make the others around you feel good? You don’t get set, point, match by seeing who you can hurt the most at a holiday gathering. The issue is one of humility. No one likes to be put down. To counter it, our conceit, or ego swings back. Instead, let us swallow our pride and take up the matter at a more private time and in a mature fashion.

Galatians 5:26 – Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.

Golgotha
Golgotha is the place to where Jesus carried His cross and died. First, you are not going to die at your holiday gathering. You may pass out from food consumption or get salmonella eating Aunt Hilga’s deviled eggs, but the chances of you dying are extremely small. Second, carrying your cross of burden and suffering can create a lot of damage around the house (think of the small amount of space in the kitchen!). Seriously, there are many folks each holiday season that act as if it is the biggest burden they have every engaged in by gathering together. The house is too full, the turkey kept them up 9 hour last night, there is dirt on the front door rug, there aren’t enough pickled beets for everyone, where are all the pies going to go, and oh, the dirty dishes – and they have to take care of it all! “Woe is me! Look how much I have to put up with to make this all happen.” Yes, someone out there is carrying an awful big cross. In the midst of a party, they are working hard to fill everyone up with a big, hot, steaming plate of guilt. Don’t let this be you. Remember, serving others is something we do out of kindness and love. Can you imagine Christ carrying his cross to Golgotha and complaining all the way? Christ did indeed suffer, but was silent as a lamb led to the slaughter. What he did, he did out of love. Perhaps, you can remember His Words if you really feel you are suffering by serving:

Luke 23:34 – And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”

Friends, if you gather during this time of year, remember this is a time you can lead by example. Make your example one of peace, humility, and love. You are not at a courthouse, tennis court, or Golgatha. There is a connection to those with whom you are gathering together. These are family and friends who want to have the best of the day for themselves, you, and the rest of those gathered. In the best of all worlds, your example allows you to influence hopeful future heirs to the kingdom of God (Revelation 21:7). In the least, you make it through your gathering and don’t leave with mash potatoes thrown into your hair.

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