Slaves that Don’t Work

Recently, a good friend of mine gifted a book to me called “Slave”.  The book is written by John MacArthur.  Though it ultimately contains a Calvinist flavor which is a sorely faulty doctrine, the information and viewpoint the book has to offer on the chosen slavery of Christians is exceptional.  I highly recommend the book.  However, the purpose of this article is not to provide a book review.  The objective is to demonstrate how the corruption of slavery has abounded in the world and how it is currently crippling nations.   Examined in this article will be the Christian, slavery in the first century,  slavery in the early United States, and even wider spread slavery today not only in the United States, but the world at large.  There is certainly a Godly message that will be shared, but also an important social and political message that will be conveyed as well.  Yes, men are slaves to sin (Romans 3:23, 6:23, 7:23), but this will not be the slavery to be discussed.

The greek term “doulos” used over one hundred times in the New Testament means slave.  Yet, many biblical translations (for many reasons) use the term servant, which certainly has a different connotation (all verses quoted in this article using the term doulous will be appropriately translated slave).  Christians should not avoid the term slave, but love it, for they are indeed slaves of Christ.  Christians are cared for by a good master (Luke 18:18, John 10:11).  Yet, Christ does not exist as some sort of Santa Claus to give Christians a life of luxury and ease, forgiving their every blatant disobedience as if they deserved it by simply calling themselves Christians. Yes, a number of Christian’s lives demonstrate they believe this as they fail to serve Christ each and every day.  Jesus is not fooled.  He knows whether or not a person loves him.  Jesus states in John 14:15: “If you love me keep my commandments.”  There is no reward for a lazy, disobedient slave (Matthew 25:24-26).  The relationship is very clear.  The disobedient to Christ will meet a horrible end (2 Thessalonians 1:8-9, Romans 2:7-11, I Peter 4:17).  The Christian is supposed to die to themselves and live for only Christ (Galatians 2:20).  Yet, many play church, play Christian, and pretend godliness.  Christianity is not about just avoiding things which are bad, but doing things which are good – and commanded (Matthew 5:44, 25:41-46, Galatians 6:1-2, 10, James 1:27, 2:15-16, I Thessalonians 5:15).

MacArthur’s book clearly demonstrates through the use of scripture that a Christian is a slave.  However, this is again, not the objective of this article.  So the focus will now turn to the life of a slave in the time of Jesus and the expectation of a slave.  In the first century slavery was wide spread.  Even former slaves would have slaves.  Mac Arthur states that “Roughly one-fifth of the [Roman] empire’s population were slaves – totally as many as twelve million at the outset of the first Century AD”. (1)   Slaves worked in all manners of professions and were of all ages, races, and sexes.  Loyal slaves received honor and were treated well, however, do not misunderstand their position.  Macarthur quoting the book “The Civilization of Rome” states “The slave had, in principle, no rights, no legal status whatsoever; he was a chattel owned by his master.” (1)  A Christian is in this exact state.  Their life exists only to serve Christ (Ephesians 2:10).  The Bible is provided so that man can do exactly that (2 Timothy 3:16-17)!

The Bible does not condemn slavery in any sense as some might expect.  Rather, it upholds slavery and gives guidelines for it.

Ephesians 6:5-8 – Slaves, obey your earthly masters with fear and trembling, with a sincere heart, as you would Christ, not by the way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, rendering service with a good will as to the Lord and not to man, knowing that whatever good anyone does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether he is a slave or free.

Colossians 3:22-25 – Slaves, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God:  And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.  But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.

1 Timothy 6:1-2 – Let as many slaves as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed. And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort.

Titus 2:9-10 – Exhort slaves to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please them well in all things; not answering again; Not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things.

The above verses are very clear that a slave must obey his master.  It is his duty and it ultimately glorifies God.  This does not give Masters any license to abuse their slave.  There are guidelines for care of the slave:

Colossians 4:1 – Masters, give unto your slaves that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven.

Ephesians 6:9 – And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him.

These verses express the responsibility of a Master to treat his slave with kindness.  That kindness does not excuse the slave from work or forbid the master from commanding it.  Ephesians 6:9 stresses a master’s kindness that is equal to that of the slave (see above verses from Ephesians 6:5-8), but of critical importance is the identification that they too have a Master who is in heaven.  This identifies the masters as being slaves as well.  None are exempt from serving God, for even Jesus humbled himself as a slave and did all that God commanded him:

Philippians 2:7-8 – But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a slave, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

John 5:30 – I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.

John 12:49-50 – For I spake not from myself; but the Father that sent me, he hath given me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak.  And I know that his commandment is life eternal: the things therefore which I speak, even as the Father hath said unto me, so I speak.

For those that think God is the kind of master who just wants you to be happy and never experience any discomfort in your life, consider the great work mixed with persecution and ultimately crucifixion that God expected of Jesus.  Is the Christian greater than Jesus?  Slaves of the first century, though cared for by their masters in either good or bad fashion, had the duty to serve.  They had no choice in the matter unless they desired punishment.  Work was expected of the slave.

In early American History, there were a large number of slaves.  Some had good masters, others did not.  Unfortunately, unlike the Biblical view of slaves being humans who deserved to be treated with kindness like their masters, a large number were not.  Was this different from a great number of slaves throughout the world, in many ages before, during, and after the first century?  Sadly, it was not.  Unfortunately, unkind slavery has struck practically every race the world has known at one time or another.  Yet, the slaves of America were provided for in one way or another by their masters.  Those slaves generally received food, clothing, medical care, and shelter as in the Roman times for they were considered an asset of a master by which he expected a profitable return.  As in past ages, a lazy, disobedient slave was punished. The slaves were expected to serve.  They were expected to work.  They did not have the choice to lay about and do nothing.

Today, it is this author’s privilege to have friends who have black skin.  We have talked about the slavery of black people in the past and also realized the slavery of other races today and in the past.  I greatly respect and cherish the friendships I have with these people and consider some as personal mentors, brothers, and sisters who have had profound impact upon my life.  However, it is also realized that this people is quite largely still in slavery.  What???  Yes, black Americans are still largely slaves.   No, not in the sense their great, great grandfathers and grandmothers were.  Nor are we talking about a slavery to sin which all men wrestle with in their lives.  The slavery they wrestle with today does, however, have a likeness to the slavery of Christianity.  It is a lifestyle which has been chosen.  Single parent households, abortions, joblessness, illiteracy, criminal records, drug use, and all manner of social ills characterize a disproportionate portion of black Americans.  This does not need to be so.  American history is full of successful black Americans.  Some of their beginnings were more meager than others, but their accomplishments were above the majority of all Americans.  There are and have been great black inventors, scientists, doctors, authors, evangelists, lawyers, teachers, and statesman.  So why is there a great slavery of social and economic woes to this people?

A great number of these people have been sold into slavery based on worthless promises.  They are largely no different than a growing population of Americans of all colors.  They have been promised by political parties and government that all their needs will be taken care of by someone else.  Can’t afford to put enough food on the table?  Don’t work harder, the government will provide.  Can’t afford a house?  Don’t take personal initiative, the government will provide.  Out of a job?  Don’t look for one, the government will provide months and years of unemployment for you.  Need an education?  The government has money for that.  What about medical insurance?  The government will cover that too!  In the 2008 elections for President of the United States, a woman was shown on camera raving about her belief that Barak Hussein Obama was going to pay her mortgage and get her a brand new car.  The difference between the black population and some other races of Americans is this: Obama and his party played on long past injustices to encourage a lack of initiative and dependency.  Whether through race bating, class warfare, or outright deception, everything is promised to gain power and little to nothing is delivered in return. If a promise is delivered it frequently results in further enslavement of the recipients.   It is the enslavement of a people who are told they don’t have to work.  They have chosen a master who is unkind, deceptive, and cruel.

When a mindset is created which thinks it is entitled to something or it is owed something by others, then improvement and growth stop.  All races of Americans have been enslaved by the master of low expectations and dependency.  They have become slaves who do not work.  Their spirits have been crushed, their hands are out, and they are declining as a people.  These declines exhibit themselves economically, socially, and morally as the slaves begin to do or say anything to get their myopic, self-indulgent needs met rather than serve others, improve themselves, and contribute to society.  The end result of such slavery is the loss of blessings the individual might have once had.  Ultimately, despite any brief illusion to the contrary, they will be forced to work for a master.  The master doesn’t give without expecting something in return.  The political party master wants his votes.  The Government master wants his power and money.  Some call it socialism or communism, but its result is an oppressed and disheartened people who have nothing and can do nothing for themselves.  If they resist they are punished by one means or another.  If they do not obey they are punished.  They no longer have freedom and it is because they chose to give it up long beforehand.

Americans are not alone in today’s enslavement of the masses.  Slaves who don’t work are found all over the world.  Greece is a prime example of a people who have chosen to put their hands out to a master who promised to care for them in return for nothing.  Larger than Greece, the European Union is falling apart because of nations who want to be given everything, while doing no work.  Slaves must work.  Sooner or later, they will work.  Their punishment comes through their self inflicted choices.  Historically, societies who chose not to work, but instead put their hands out expecting something for nothing, find themselves in depressed and trying times with cold and cruel masters.  Those who had good masters, but took advantage by not working, ruined them.  This is quickly becoming the case for more responsible countries of Europe.

What is the solution?  The solution is finding a good master and being willing to work hard for him.  America was founded on a strong belief in God.  The people who came to its land learned they had to be hard working or starve.  They dabbled with the concept of letting others care for them and freeloading off their work, but learned that their own hard work led to reward.  Along with the reward, came graciousness and aid to others who may have been less fortunate, but were also trying to work and provide for their families.  In early America the Biblical phrase, “If a man will not work, neither let him eat” (2 Thessalonians 3:10 ) was adopted rather quickly.  As the country grew and men enjoyed the fruit of their labors, they were able to hire other men and women willing to work and both benefited.  They understood relationships are built on the solid contribution  and responsibility of all parties concerned.  Certainly, the country grew with the aid of slaves, good and bad slaves with good and bad masters.  The point is the American system which later would bless the entire world with its goods and services was built on work.  It was built on a Biblical concept.  The country adopted the motto, “In God We Trust”.  They chose their master and He blessed them abundantly.  Now, as many Americans are choosing different masters promising much for nothing, history should be remembered.  Consequences should be recalled.   When the slave doesn’t work, bad times are coming.

2 Peter 2:1-3 – But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction.  And many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of truth will be blasphemed.  And in their greed they will exploit you with false words. Their condemnation from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep.

(1) Macarthur, John.  Slave: the hidden truth about your identity in Christ. 2010

Posted in Travis Main | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on Slaves that Don’t Work

Who is My Brother?

Who is my brother?

A firestorm has broken out regarding comments by Republican Governor Robert Bentley, who at his inauguration made some statements meeting backlash. The comments were religious in nature and analyzing those comments as well as some of the responses to it will be examined in this article. First, however, who made the following comments?

“My faith teaches me, that I can sit in church and pray all I want, but I won’t be fulfilling God’s will unless I go out and do the Lord’s work.”

“I felt I heard God’s spirit beckoning me. I submitted myself to His will and dedicated myself to discovering His truth and carrying out His works.”

“The final thing that I think the Moses generation teaches us is to remind ourselves that we do what we do because God is with us. You know, when Moses was first called to lead people out to the Promised Land…the Lord said I will be with you. Throw down that rod. Pick it back up. I’ll show you what to do. The same thing happened with the Joshua generation.”

And now, perhaps the statement which will make the speaker obvious:

“America is no longer a Christian Nation”.

This speaker is a famous politician. These words are his and they were said while acting as an official of the United States. Was there a big back lash by atheists, liberals, or Muslims? What did they think about all of this religious talk? Barak Hussein Obama spoke these words. He spoke them as he often speaks about religion and often has picked up the “preacher voice” as did Al Gore. While there may be doubts about his Christianity vs. his dedication to Islam, in general, the only backlash Mr. Obama received were from the false words in regard America no longer being a Christian Nation.

Now consider Mr. Bentley. Here are the words which he has spoken and has been attacked over:

“if you’re a Christian and you’re saved … it makes you and me brother and sister,”

“Now I will have to say that, if we don’t have the same daddy, we’re not brothers and sisters. So anybody here today who has not accepted Jesus Christ as their savior, I’m telling you, you’re not my brother and you’re not my sister, and I want to be your brother.”

It has never been a secret that Robert Bentley is a religious man. His own website bio describes him as a being a deacon and teacher at the church he attends. His views appear to be in accordance with his faith. It is these views by which he was elected by the fine people of the state of Alabama. What needs to be asked, despite outcry from those who don’t share his views, is whether or not he was speaking the truth with the words he shared? Was he being consistent with who he portrayed himself to be?

Mark 3:32 – And a multitude was sitting about him; and they say unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren without seek for thee. And he answereth them, and saith, Who is my mother and my brethren? And looking round on them that sat round about him, he saith, Behold, my mother and my brethren! For whosoever shall do the will of God, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.

These words are those of Jesus Christ. Jesus makes it clear that only those who are obedient to God are his brothers and sisters. The apostle Paul, a preacher of the gospel which Jesus shared, made the following statement:

Galatians 6:10 – So then, as we have opportunity, let us work that which is good toward all men, and especially toward them that are of the household of the faith.

Paul made it clear there are those that are of the household of God and those that are not. Those of the same household are brothers and sisters. Mr. Bentley was simply pointing out a fact to his audience. More importantly he expressed another truth. All men can become brothers and sisters if they so choose. And Mr. Bentley hoped that they would choose to do so.

Romans 1:16 – For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, the Jew first and also to the Greek.

The term “Greek” in the above verse was a reference to the rest of the world. The Jews being the first to have the gospel be brought to them by Christ as he was also a Jew. Thus, all people are invited to accept salvation through Christ. Mr. Bentley did nothing but share truth and open invitation to all those listening. He wanted to share with them a relationship that is very important.

What did Mr. Bentley not do? Mr. Bentley did not tell someone he would not fulfill his job to the best of his ability and help all people. In fact he stated he was: “governor of all of Alabama — Democrat, Republican and independent, young and old, black and white, rich and poor.”

Ashfaq Taufique a Muslim, was worried about being less important to Bentley than Christians. Christians actually would consider Mr. Taufique more important, because likely, Mr. Bentley considers Taufique a lost sheep. As by the parable of the lost sheep in Luke 15, Mr. Taufique is at the top of the list as far as importance. Jesus Christ himself stated that the faithful to God should love their enemies. This means Mr. Bentely will definitely be concerned about Mr. Taufique.

Taufique made the following statement: “Does he want those of us who do not belong to the Christian faith to adopt his faith?” The answer is yes. He does. In the same way, all Muslims want all non-Muslims to adopt their faith. However, there is a difference. Christianity does not demand anyone be a Christian. Christianity is interested in all men’s physical and spiritual welfare and offers them a choice. Islam, on the other hand demands acceptance. If acceptance is not received, then the individual will be forced into compliance or put to death.

Was the statement Mr. Bentley made unconstitutional? What about the constitutional “separation of Church and State” and government not promoting religion? Here is what the first amendment says:

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

First, as previously established, all the way to the White House religion is discussed. How? Because it is free speech and free speech cannot lawfully be suppressed. Second, Mr. Bentley did Mr. Bentley establish a law to which Christianity was demanded to be adhered. No. He was simply discussing personal issues which were widely known to the people he represents. This is completely within his right as an American. In no manner, shape, or form was anything Mr. Bentley said unconstitutional.

The final issue to be examined is whether or not Mr. Bentley said something offensive. Consider the words of Jesus:

Matthew 15:10-12 – And he called to him the multitude, and said unto them, Hear, and understand: not that which entereth into the mouth defileth the man; but that which proceedeth out of the mouth, this defileth the man. Then came the disciples, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the Pharisees were offended, when they heard this saying?

Woo! Jesus said something offensive! The creator of all things offended someone! The question is: Did he then grovel, beg to be forgiven, state he was wrong, and take courses on being politically correct?

Matthew 15:13 – But he answered and said, Every plant which my heavenly Father planted not, shall be rooted up.

In other words, he told his disciples when informed that he had offended someone, “They better get things straight or they are going to have to deal with God in the end”. No apology, no shame, no pc talk, just straight truth from the lips of Jesus. People are going to be offended by the truth. Especially, when it means it contradicts what they believe. What should be offensive is when individuals think they can suppress speech which is protected by law.

There may be those who do not like Governor Robert Bentley, but what he has done is not out of the ordinary. He spoke about religion. He spoke the truth. He expressed a desire for all to come to that truth. He did not reject anyone. He was within his constitutional rights by saying what he said whether or not they offended someone doesn’t make a difference. The bigger question is, will he betray his stated principles when faced with criticism? Hopefully not! If he stands by his convictions that would certainly be out of the ordinary for a politician.

Posted in Travis Main | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on Who is My Brother?

Attention

Does God Have Your Attention?

Much goes on today that nobody notices. These occurrences may be subtle or extreme. The subtlety may be as simple as your wife changing the color of her lipstick and you not noticing, or as drastic as a president spending away your children’s future while your country stands by in ignorance.

As a boy, I looked forward to the coming of summer each year. These were times I was not daily sitting at a school desk. I had a freedom inside of me that propelled me outside and into the woods. Every day I would get up and start a new adventure of swimming, swinging on an old rope swing, playing with my dog, or doing something with a ball. To my disappointment, time didn’t stop. The summer days came to an abrupt end with the announcement that school was the next week. This left me with a list of undone adventures and a frown on my face. The time had just slipped away.

How many of you are aware of when the daffodils show up each year? I saw them in the stores this week. If you don’t pay attention their arrival can pass you by and you never knew they came and went.

I trimmed my mustache this last week. No one said a word. That was a big deal! Did anyone notice? It didn’t appear as if anyone did.

How many of us have children or have had them? I have a son and a daughter. I am currently in Cody, Wyoming while they are in Saint Joseph, Missouri, preparing with my wife to move out here. My son has lost two teeth and had a black eye from bumping into a cabinet in the time that I have been Cody. By the time I see him, the black eye will be gone. I will have missed it. When did that moment happen where “Chutes and Ladders” and “Candy Land” became taboo for my kids? Did the moment your child decided to be interested in a girl or boy come as a complete surprise to you? These things always sneak upon me! I don’t see them coming. They fail to capture my attention.

Phil Jackson is the coach of the Los Angeles Lakers professional basketball team. He was a player and he has been a coach for quite some time. He has won championships as a coach and a player and in professional and semi-professional leagues. I read an article sometime ago that caught my attention. Phil Jackson has a unique way of getting the attention of his players. This is not an easy task at all times. Professional basketball games can house tens of thousands of screaming fans. Phil Jackson lets loose on a powerful horse whistle. That is, using his fingers and lungs, not a manufactured whistle; he grabs the ears of his guys. It is loud. It is piercing. It is effective. I cannot imitate the volume, but I do employ a similar strategy with my children.

Now, whether it is Phil Jackson with the Lakers or myself with my children, the whistle represents more than an attention getter. It represents a moment in which a message is going to be conveyed. Phil may use the instant to convey the need for unity among his players. It may be used to point out a fault or an opportunity. He may whistle at times when his players are being taken advantage of in a specific play set and don’t even realize it. His job is to oversee his team and get the best out of them.

God has used various methods of trying to get our attention throughout time. When mankind sinned in the Garden, He got their attention by providing dire consequences (Gen 3). Pain in child birth was increased, the ground was cursed, man had to work to eat, and after his days, he would return to the dust. Man was hopefully saying at this time, “Wow! There is no way I am going to mess up again!” Unfortunately, man continued in sin and God had to continue to grab their attention to get them on the right path.

In the time of Noah, we see him preaching righteousness and building an ark. People had to notice, didn’t they? If they did, they did not heed the message. So God sent the flood, delivering Noah and his family. He destroyed so many, because they were not paying attention. The Flood had to grab their attention! Yet, even as Noah and his family began to repopulate the earth, it was evident total attention was not achieved.
Sometimes, God uses some pretty extreme events to get our attention and at others he is more subtle.
Exodus 3:1-5, shows us how God gets the attention of Moses. He catches Moses’ eye with a burning bush, which is not burning up. This isn’t a worldwide event that is meant for all to see, but it is for Moses alone.

I Samuel 3:1-10, shows us how God gets the attention of Samuel. He calls to Samuel. Samuel hears and runs to Eli whom he thinks is calling. Samuel doesn’t dawdle, he doesn’t stay in his warm bed acting like he didn’t hear anything. This happens twice more and each time Samuel’s response is the same. He is listening and ready to respond. It is not until Eli gives him instruction that it is the Lord calling that he communicates with God himself. Not calling communication with God minor, God got the attention of Moses and Samuel in less obvious manners.

Note: God’s correspondence with Samuel did not go unnoticed by all others. I Samuel 3:11-17, details God’s message shared with Samuel of punishment upon Eli and his family. Samuel is afraid to share it with Eli, but Eli wanted to know the message of God. God got Eli’s attention too.

Today, God has given us His Word, the Bible, to get our attention, not to be ignored. This gives us a message of the blessings and curses of God. Properly paid attention to, it will lead us to eternal life. Ignored, it will seal our destruction as those in the days of Noah. It is a message the entire world has received in complete since the first century (Col. 1, Jude 1:3, Gal. 1:6-10). God is a patient God. He does not want to see us perish (Is. 30:18, Jn. 3:16, 2 Pet. 3:9). However, we have to pay attention.

I Samuel 3:13 details that Eli was attentive to the fact that his sons were in violation of God’s will, yet he did nothing (James 4:17). He wanted to act as if ignorant, a direct contrast to the behavior of Samuel.

When we talk about our children (and our brothers and sisters in Christ), we have the role to watch over them (Ez. 33). It’s that role that is kind of like Phil Jackson’s with the Lakers. If he does not engage in his role properly, problems will result. Certainly, ignoring the problems in our physical and spiritual families will not make them go away, we will be held accountable. We have to be ready to blow the whistle and get our Children’s attention. Do they know more about sports, cars, video games, a music group, farming, hunting, or fishing than the Bible? That is a whistle blowing moment (2 Tim. 2:15, Rom. 10:17, Eph. 6:15). They will be lost eternally if they are not prepared for the judgment day. Do they spend more time with friends in the world than Christians? That is a whistle blowing moment (Heb. 10:24-25, Acts 2:46, Phil. 4:8, I Cor. 15:33, 2 Cor. 6:14-18). Are your children’s (or brothers and sisters) clothes tight? Do they show the cleft of the breast, the form of their body, the navel, the knee or thigh? I am not talking just about at church! Have they become desensitized to God’s standard of modesty wherever they are? This is a whistle blowing moment (Jer. 6:15, 8:12, Gen 3:7,10,21, Ex. 28:42, Is. 47:1-4). Does God have your attention on these issues or you choosing to ignore Him?

Satan wants us to ignore God. He wants us to be so wrapped up in our lives that the only attention we pay to anything is our own appetites. He wants us to be so busy with the world and our own wisdom that we don’t spend time in the Word or with our brothers and sisters in fellowship or study. He wants us to stress over the length of 45 minute studies a few times a week. He wants us to have anxiety over messages presentations we would not have chosen. He wants us to fret over the singing of others and the songs our song leader chooses. He wants us to grumble, complain, and whine about prayers that are too long. Overall Satan wants our attention to totally miss the fruit of the spirit which should characterize a church (Gal. 5:22-23).

Sodom and/or Gomorrah are mentioned in 14 of the 66 books of the Bible. They are noted for their wickedness and immorality. God got their attention (Gen. 19:24-25). Yet, the wife of lot turned back. Jesus tells us in Luke 17:32 “Remember Lot’s wife.” She looked back to the things of the world. She was turned to a pillar of salt. Jesus is trying to get our attention. We must focus on the Lord not upon our own desires (Mt. 6:33). Gross immorality will be punished, but most men are simply guilty of following their own desire and not Christ.

As the greatest gift of grace and His greatest attention getter, God sent his Son to die on the cross for our sins. While he was here he performed miracle after miracle to get our attention. He healed the blind, made the lame walk, cast out demons, replaced body parts, and raised the dead. He told his disciples in John 14:15, if they loved him they would keep his commandments. He said in Mt. 7:21, “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father who is in heaven.” He said in Luke 9:23 “ If any man would come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.” Does Christ get your attention? Are you engaged more than one to three hours a week bearing your cross and filling up that which is lacking in Christ’s afflictions (Col. 1:24)? Do you know all the studies that are going on at your congregation right now? Do you see your brothers and sisters more than once a week? Are you actively engaged in the encouragement and comfort of the body or do you have time for that in your busy schedule of seeking worldly comfort and joy?

2 Pet. 3:10-18, is the final attempt to gather mankind’s attention. It establishes we need to be holy in conduct and godliness, spotless and blameless, looking toward the Day of Judgment, growing in the grace and knowledge of our Lord. That day will be a day of fire and destruction for those that are not prepared.

Our Father has raised the Alarm. “Fire” has been called. Will you respond to the call? Will you ignore the warnings? Are you ready for that day to come?

Much goes on today that nobody notices. These occurrences may be subtle or extreme. The subtlety may be as simple as your wife changing the color of her lipstick and you not noticing, or as drastic as a president spending away your children’s future while your country stands by in ignorance.As a boy, I looked forward to the coming of summer each year. These were times I was not daily sitting at a school desk. I had a freedom inside of me that propelled me outside and into the woods. Every day I would get up and start a new adventure of swimming, swinging on an old rope swing, playing with my dog, or doing something with a ball. To my disappointment, time didn’t stop. The summer days came to an abrupt end with the announcement that school was the next week. This left me with a list of undone adventures and a frown on my face. The time had just slipped away.How many of you are aware of when the daffodils show up each year? I saw them in the stores this week. If you don’t pay attention their arrival can pass you by and you never knew they came and went.

I trimmed my mustache this last week. No one said a word. That was a big deal! Did anyone notice? It didn’t appear as if anyone did.

How many of us have children or have had them? I have a son and a daughter. I am currently in Cody, Wyoming while they are in Saint Joseph, Missouri, preparing with my wife to move out here. My son has lost two teeth and had a black eye from bumping into a cabinet in the time that I have been Cody. By the time I see him, the black eye will be gone. I will have missed it. When did that moment happen where “Chutes and Ladders” and “Candy Land” became taboo for my kids? Did the moment your child decided to be interested in a girl or boy come as a complete surprise to you? These things always sneak upon me! I don’t see them coming. They fail to capture my attention.

Phil Jackson is the coach of the Los Angeles Lakers professional basketball team. He was a player and he has been a coach for quite some time. He has won championships as a coach and a player and in professional and semi-professional leagues. I read an article sometime ago that caught my attention. Phil Jackson has a unique way of getting the attention of his players. This is not an easy task at all times. Professional basketball games can house tens of thousands of screaming fans. Phil Jackson lets loose on a powerful horse whistle. That is, using his fingers and lungs, not a manufactured whistle; he grabs the ears of his guys. It is loud. It is piercing. It is effective. I cannot imitate the volume, but I do employ a similar strategy with my children.

Now, whether it is Phil Jackson with the Lakers or myself with my children, the whistle represents more than an attention getter. It represents a moment in which a message is going to be conveyed. Phil may use the instant to convey the need for unity among his players. It may be used to point out a fault or an opportunity. He may whistle at times when his players are being taken advantage of in a specific play set and don’t even realize it. His job is to oversee his team and get the best out of them.

God has used various methods of trying to get our attention throughout time. When mankind sinned in the Garden, He got their attention by providing dire consequences (Gen 3). Pain in child birth was increased, the ground was cursed, man had to work to eat, and after his days, he would return to the dust. Man was hopefully saying at this time, “Wow! There is no way I am going to mess up again!” Unfortunately, man continued in sin and God had to continue to grab their attention to get them on the right path.

In the time of Noah, we see him preaching righteousness and building an ark. People had to notice, didn’t they? If they did, they did not heed the message. So God sent the flood, delivering Noah and his family. He destroyed so many, because they were not paying attention. The Flood had to grab their attention! Yet, even as Noah and his family began to repopulate the earth, it was evident total attention was not achieved.
Sometimes, God uses some pretty extreme events to get our attention and at others he is more subtle.
Exodus 3:1-5, shows us how God gets the attention of Moses. He catches Moses’ eye with a burning bush, which is not burning up. This isn’t a worldwide event that is meant for all to see, but it is for Moses alone.

I Samuel 3:1-10, shows us how God gets the attention of Samuel. He calls to Samuel. Samuel hears and runs to Eli whom he thinks is calling. Samuel doesn’t dawdle, he doesn’t stay in his warm bed acting like he didn’t hear anything. This happens twice more and each time Samuel’s response is the same. He is listening and ready to respond. It is not until Eli gives him instruction that it is the Lord calling that he communicates with God himself. Not calling communication with God minor, God got the attention of Moses and Samuel in less obvious manners.

Note: God’s correspondence with Samuel did not go unnoticed by all others. I Samuel 3:11-17, details God’s message shared with Samuel of punishment upon Eli and his family. Samuel is afraid to share it with Eli, but Eli wanted to know the message of God. God got Eli’s attention too.

Today, God has given us His Word, the Bible, to get our attention, not to be ignored. This gives us a message of the blessings and curses of God. Properly paid attention to, it will lead us to eternal life. Ignored, it will seal our destruction as those in the days of Noah. It is a message the entire world has received in complete since the first century (Col. 1, Jude 1:3, Gal. 1:6-10). God is a patient God. He does not want to see us perish (Is. 30:18, Jn. 3:16, 2 Pet. 3:9). However, we have to pay attention.

I Samuel 3:13 details that Eli was attentive to the fact that his sons were in violation of God’s will, yet he did nothing (James 4:17). He wanted to act as if ignorant, a direct contrast to the behavior of Samuel.

When we talk about our children (and our brothers and sisters in Christ), we have the role to watch over them (Ez. 33). It’s that role that is kind of like Phil Jackson’s with the Lakers. If he does not engage in his role properly, problems will result. Certainly, ignoring the problems in our physical and spiritual families will not make them go away, we will be held accountable. We have to be ready to blow the whistle and get our Children’s attention. Do they know more about sports, cars, video games, a music group, farming, hunting, or fishing than the Bible? That is a whistle blowing moment (2 Tim. 2:15, Rom. 10:17, Eph. 6:15). They will be lost eternally if they are not prepared for the judgment day. Do they spend more time with friends in the world than Christians? That is a whistle blowing moment (Heb. 10:24-25, Acts 2:46, Phil. 4:8, I Cor. 15:33, 2 Cor. 6:14-18). Are your children’s (or brothers and sisters) clothes tight? Do they show the cleft of the breast, the form of their body, the navel, the knee or thigh? I am not talking just about at church! Have they become desensitized to God’s standard of modesty wherever they are? This is a whistle blowing moment (Jer. 6:15, 8:12, Gen 3:7,10,21, Ex. 28:42, Is. 47:1-4). Does God have your attention on these issues or you choosing to ignore Him?

Satan wants us to ignore God. He wants us to be so wrapped up in our lives that the only attention we pay to anything is our own appetites. He wants us to be so busy with the world and our own wisdom that we don’t spend time in the Word or with our brothers and sisters in fellowship or study. He wants us to stress over the length of 45 minute studies a few times a week. He wants us to have anxiety over messages presentations we would not have chosen. He wants us to fret over the singing of others and the songs our song leader chooses. He wants us to grumble, complain, and whine about prayers that are too long. Overall Satan wants our attention to totally miss the fruit of the spirit which should characterize a church (Gal. 5:22-23).

Sodom and/or Gomorrah are mentioned in 14 of the 66 books of the Bible. They are noted for their wickedness and immorality. God got their attention (Gen. 19:24-25). Yet, the wife of lot turned back. Jesus tells us in Luke 17:32 “Remember Lot’s wife.” She looked back to the things of the world. She was turned to a pillar of salt. Jesus is trying to get our attention. We must focus on the Lord not upon our own desires (Mt. 6:33). Gross immorality will be punished, but most men are simply guilty of following their own desire and not Christ.

As the greatest gift of grace and His greatest attention getter, God sent his Son to die on the cross for our sins. While he was here he performed miracle after miracle to get our attention. He healed the blind, made the lame walk, cast out demons, replaced body parts, and raised the dead. He told his disciples in John 14:15, if they loved him they would keep his commandments. He said in Mt. 7:21, “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father who is in heaven.” He said in Luke 9:23 “ If any man would come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.” Does Christ get your attention? Are you engaged more than one to three hours a week bearing your cross and filling up that which is lacking in Christ’s afflictions (Col. 1:24)? Do you know all the studies that are going on at your congregation right now? Do you see your brothers and sisters more than once a week? Are you actively engaged in the encouragement and comfort of the body or do you have time for that in your busy schedule of seeking worldly comfort and joy?

2 Pet. 3:10-18, is the final attempt to gather mankind’s attention. It establishes we need to be holy in conduct and godliness, spotless and blameless, looking toward the Day of Judgment, growing in the grace and knowledge of our Lord. That day will be a day of fire and destruction for those that are not prepared.

Our Father has raised the Alarm. “Fire” has been called. Will you respond to the call? Will you ignore the warnings? Are you ready for that day to come?
Posted in Travis Main | Tagged , | Comments Off on Attention

Moving Day

My family and I just finished a move to St. Joseph, Mo. In seventeen years, my wife and I have moved 17 times. At times, the moves have been a mere few blocks. In other instances, the moves have been across the United States.

Often when people year how many times we have moved, they ask if we are in the military (due to the relocation required). No, we are not US military, though we are in the army of God. Unique circumstances have simply brought about the moves each time.

We have found that many people may have moved only once or twice in their entire lifetime. It may have been a long time ago since they experienced a “Moving Day”. Yet, there will come a time in all of our lives, where we will experience “Moving Day”.

1Th 4:16-17 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

2Co 4:14 Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you.

1Co 6:14 And God hath both raised up the Lord, and will also raise up us by his own power.

Joh 6:44 No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.

Joh 6:40 And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.

Joh 11:24 Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day.

Rev 1:8 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.

From these verses, it is clear to see that there is indeed a “Moving Day” coming.  It is a day in which we shall leave this earth.  It is a day in which we shall be with the Lord in the heavens.

With each “Moving Day” I have experienced, there have been surprises.  A mirror may be hanging on the wall after the packing is done.  A drawer may not have been emptied.  Something may be dropped and broken.  The weather may pour down rain… or snow.  There is always an unexpected event waiting to occur on “Moving Day”.

When Jesus comes again to lift us from this earth and to Judge all of mankind, there will be no surprises for Him.

Heb 4:12  For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

Jer 23:24  Can any hide himself in secret places that I shall not see him? saith the LORD. Do not I fill heaven and earth? saith the LORD.

The Lord can see all things and knows all things, there will be no surprises for Him come “Moving Day”.   In regard to a Christian’s “Moving Day”, we can be certain of no surprises as well.

1Co 15:1-2  Now I make known unto you brethren, the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye received, wherein also ye stand, by which also ye are saved, if ye hold fast the word which I preached unto you, except ye believed in vain.

Dan 12:2  And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.

We make the decisions in our life as to how to behave.  Thus, good or bad, there are no surprises.  We know what decisions we have made in life and who we have chosen to follow.

Jos 24:15  And if it seem evil unto you to serve Jehovah, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve Jehovah.

Are you prepared for “Moving Day”?  I do not know who ever said it first, but the words “Preparation is the key to the start of any great adventure” hold fast in my mind.  There have been some moves I have engaged in where I was not fully prepared.  Even in small moves, if you are not prepared, the experience is not a pleasant one.  Over time, I have learned that an investment in boxes, tape, and a moving truck are great a great help!   Not waiting until the last second to start packing is also a plus on the preparation side.  It is important to call credit card companies, creditors, post office, water company, gas company, and all others who need to know about your address change.  What happens when you have a lack of preparation is called chaos.  This often results in destruction, anxiety, and unpleasantness.

Spiritually, we need to make certain we are prepared for “Moving Day”.  We need to spend our lives telling folks about our address change.  Letting them know that someday, we are going to spend our eternity with Christ.  Let them know they are going to be moving also and that Christ has room for all who follow Him.

Joh 14:2  In my Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you.

Heb 11:16  But now they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed of them, to be called their God; for he hath prepared for them a city.

If we have made investment in preparation our “Moving Day” experience is going to be great.

Psa 10:17  Jehovah, thou hast heard the desire of the meek: Thou wilt prepare their heart, thou wilt cause thine ear to hear;

2Co 8:12  For if the readiness is there, it is acceptable according as a man hath, not according as he hath not.

You don’t want to be unprepared for your own wedding day, your “Moving Day” is just that time!   The time when we move to be with the groom for eternity.

As with not being prepared for a physical move, if we are not prepared for the spiritual move we also will experience destruction, anxiety, and unpleasantness.

2Pe 3:7  but the heavens that now are, and the earth, by the same word have been stored up for fire, being reserved against the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men.

Are you ready for your “Moving Day”?  Normally, with a physical address change, we know the time in which we are leaving.  However, this is not always the case.  The date and time of the coming of our Lord to move us to heaven is unknown.

2Pe 3:10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.

Luk 12:40 Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not.

Dear friends, “Moving Day” can be a good or bad experience for us.  However, the experience of our spiritual move can be a joyous one.  We know moving day is coming.  We know we can avoid surprises on that day if we are prepared.  We know that regardless of the day of Christ’s appearing, if we are ready, we will rejoice!

Rev 19:7  Let us rejoice and be exceeding glad, and let us give the glory unto him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready.

Posted in Travis Main | Tagged , , | Comments Off on Moving Day

Women Keep Silence

“Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law. And if they will learn anything, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church.” (I Cor. 14:34,35)

This passage of scripture is frequently linked with First Timothy 2:11, 12 as companion passages. They are not, and should be kept separate in their application. First Corinthians 14 regulates women (and men, vs. 23, 30) when the “whole church be assembled” and when prophets were receiving revelations (vs. 29-33). First Timothy 2 regulates women everywhere and at all times.

THE CONTEXT: It is important, to observe the context of any passage in order to properly understand it. To fail to realize that the apostle Paul is here regulating men and women speaking under special conditions, i.e., during them exercise of spiritual gifts the assembly of “the whole church,” is to miss the point and give it an improper application. To apply the passage to all women under all conditions leads to several difficulties too important to be ignored. For example, no woman could sing (Col. 3:16) or confess since the passage prohibits vocal utterances and imposes utter silence. This will be considered later.

CHAPTER 12 enumerates spiritual gifts and states their purpose was “to profit withal” (v. 7). CHAPTER 13 shows their duration and the importance of love in which they were to be exercised. CHAPTER 14 regulates the use of gifts though out their duration. Since spiritual gifts have ceased (I Cor. 13:10; James 1:25), it is a misapplication to apply their regulation to circumstances today. This is not true of First Timothy 2:11, 12. Note also that the subject of spiritual gifts permeates First Corinthians 14 – “speak with tongues” (v.l); “psalm, tongue, revelation, interpretation” (v.5); “prophets speak” (v. 29); “anything be revealed” (v.30); “prophesy” (v.31); “women silence … not… speak” (vs 34,35).

The Passage Analyzed

” God is not a God of confusion but of peace” (v. 33). This should not be overlooked. It was confusion resulting from an abuse of spiritual gifts when the church assembled that brought forth Paul’s statement in verse 34.

“As in all the churches (assemblies) of the saints” (v.33). In every assembly of Christians all over the world though out all time under similar conditions, i.e., the exercise of spiritual gifts (v.l) and the whole church be assembled (v.23).

“Let the women keep silence in the churches” (v.34)

1. Women: The King James version says “your women.” That these women were wives is certain from verse 35. They were married women with Christian husbands capable of answering the wives’ questions at home. Paul did not direct this statement to single women for they have no husbands to ask. The statement was not directed to women with unbelieving husbands, or newly converted husbands, since they were not capable of answering questions. It is important that not only the women but also the men are commanded to remain silence under certain conditions. Note verse 27,28, “let him keep silence” and verse 30, “let the first keep silence.” Only two or at the most three were to speak at any one assembly. The others were to remain silence and “discern” (v.29). Obviously God did not command all men everywhere under all conditions to remain silence. Likewise the women (perhaps wives of the prophets and inspired men) who were adding to this confusion when spiritual gifts were being exercised in the assembly of the whole church were to remain silence. They were to remain silence under the conditions stated and if they would leam anything more ask their husbands at home. To be in subjection as the law says (Gen. 3:16, IPet 3:6-7, ITim. 2:11) to their husbands. They were bringing shame upon their husbands by causing confusion. To make the command general and applicable to all men and women under other conditions is to bind where God did not.

2.  Silence: This word in the First Corinthians 14:34 comes from the Greek “sige, sigao” – to keep silence, hold one’s peace, to be kept in silence, be concealed. (TTiayer, p.574.) It is not the same “silence” of First Timothy 2:11. “Silence” in 1 Timothy 2:11 comes from the Greek “hesuchia” and “denotes quietness” (W. E. Vine). Paul is saying shut up and stop causing confusion. The American Standard Version makes a distinction by using “quietness” in 1 Timothy 2:11 and “silence” in 1 Corinthians 14:34 – “sige” – means total muteness. “For it is not permitted unto them to speak” (v.34) The word “speak” is from “laleo” and means “to make vocal utterance to babble, to talk, in N. T. absolutely to exercise the faculty of speech.” (Vine, p. 243) Hence, the women commanded to be silence in this passage were not to utter a sound. If Paul meant all women in every situation then all women in every situation must remain mute. But God commanded women to sing (Col. 3:16) and to teach (2 Tim. 2:2; Titus 2:3-5). They did teach (Luke 2:36-38; Joel 2:28 and Acts 2:16; Acts 18:26; 21:9, 1 Cor. 11:5), and they can teach now as long as they do not violate First Timothy 2:11, 12. The kind of speaking prohibited is that which creates confusion and violates God’s principle of headship.

3.  In the churches; “Church” is from the Greek “ekklesia” meaning “called out” (Vine). Not as one called out but when the “whole church, the assembly of the church.” It does not specify any particular assembly but does specify “when the whole church be assembled.” Unlike First Timothy 2:12, this passage is limited in it’s application to the assembly. The woman can speak at home or in other situations. First Timothy 2:12 does not specify any condition but regulates the woman under every situation. As Paul says of the men in 1 Timothy 2:8 “I want men in every place to pray, lifting up holy hands”. When Paul says in verse 9 “likewise in the same way I want women everywhere to dress proper” Then thru verse 10 he tells them the proper way to dress. And in verses 11 and 12 he tells them the proper way to show respect to men.

“Let them be in subjection as also saith the law. (v. 34)

In this verse Paul gives the reason God imposed silence upon certain women under the stated conditions. Their speaking under the stated conditions took them from their rightful places of subjection to men. It has always been God’s plan that woman be in subjection to man (Gen. 3:15; 1 Tim. 2:12) and ruled by man. Though a woman may teach men (Anna, Luke 2:36-38; daughters, Joel 2:28; Priscilla, Acts 18:24-26; Phillip’s daughters, Acts 21:8,9) and speak in an assembly of men and women (Acts 5:1-11; 12:12-16), she may never do either if and when doing so usurps authority over a man or takes her from her rightful place of subjection to men (1 Tim. 2:11,12).

“And if they will learn anything, let them ask their husbands at home.”(v.35)

It is obvious from this statement that it was by speaking and asking questions in such a way as to take them out of subjection to man that certain women in Corinth were commanded to remain silence. In the absence of complete revelation (which women today learn by reading) the women at Corinth were seeking information by asking questions at a time when such added to confusion and violated God’s principle of headship “as also saith the law.”

Is Paul here saying a woman cannot ask a question except of her husband and at home? Certainly not for the following reasons:

1.  The context shows the conditions under which she was to refrain from asking questions (remain silence) were “when the whole church be assembled together” (v. 23,26) and when spiritual gifts were being exercised. Any woman today must remain silence under the stated conditions when speaking violates the principles of subjection to man and when it causes confusion in the assembly. Does the verse prohibit a woman asking a question or making comments in Bible classes? Not if she does so in the spirit of quietness and subjection (1 Tim. 2:11,12).

That silence imposed upon women in First Corinthians 14:34 does not apply to Bible class arrangements follows from the fact that the whole church is not assembled together but are divided into separate classes with different teachers teaching different lessons. No collections are taken and the Lord’s supper is not served. If verse 34 is binding then verses 27 and 31 are binding. Since more than one speaks at once in concurrent classes, such would violate the principle of orderliness if they constitute the whole church come together. In the latter case First Corinthians 14:34 is not applicable.

2.  The women commanded to refrain from asking questions were women with husbands capable of answering questions. Every woman does not fit that category. Some have no husbands. Some who do, have alien husbands. Others have husbands not capable of answering questions.

“For it is shameful for a woman to speak in the church.” The expression “in the church,” which is explained in verse 23 shows when it is a shame for her to speak.

Conclusion

The silence imposed upon women in First Corinthians 14:34,35 is binding “when the whole church be assembled together.” She is to refrain from speaking in such a way as to violate the two stated principles: (a) Headship of man, “let them be in subjection as also saith the law.” (b) Orderliness, “God is not the God of confusion but of peace.” “Let all things be done decently and in order.”

Also please notice these verses

These verses are what I call not BUT statements:

It seems to me that the emphasis is on the BUT part of the statement.

1 Cor. 14:20:

Brethren do not be children in your thinking yet in evil be babes. But inyour thinking be mature.

Verse 22:

So then tongues are a sign not to those who believe. But to unbelievers, but prophecy is for a sign not to unbelievers but to those who believe.

Verse 33:

For God is not a God of confusion but of peace as in all the churches of the saints.

John 6:27:

Do not work for the food which perishes but for the food which endures to eternal life which the Son of Man shall give you for on him the Father even God has set his seal.

Eph5:15:

Therefore be careful how you walk not as unwise men but as wise.

Verse 17:

So then do not be foolish but understand what the will of the Lord is.

Verse 18:

And do not get drunk with wine for that is dissipation but be filled with the spirit.

1 Cor 14:34 is such a statement.

Let your women keep silence in the churches for it is not permitted unto them to speak, but they are commanded to be under obedience, also saith the law. Gen 3:16,1 Pet 3:1-6, Eph 5:22-24.

I think from what I have said that you can understand we need to be teaching submission. Not that women cannot speak.

by Johnny Hicks

This article was prepared and submitted by brother Johnny Hicks of the Winston Church of Christ in Winston, Oregon.  Johnny has been an elder/preacher for over 40 years.  For questions regarding this article, please feel free to contact Johnny Hicks directly at (541) 679-8312.

Posted in Guest Authors | Tagged , , | Comments Off on Women Keep Silence