Life Learning Series

Regardless of what we do in the church, if we do not do it for the right reason, then we are wasting time.  We are not just wasting our time, but we are also wasting the time of other members of the congregation.  We can try to say that we have no responsibility for emotions of others, but that is wrong.  As the apostle Paul taught us:  we all need to be aware that our area of service is somewhat optional, as pertains to location of delivery.  Consider this Scripture.

I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him it is unclean.  But if thy brother be grieved with thy meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died.

Let not then your good be evil spoken of:  For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.  For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men.

Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.  For meat destroy not the work of God. All things indeed are pure; but it is evil for that man who eateth with offence.  It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak.

Hast thou faith? have it to thyself before God. Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth.  And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.

(Romans 14:14-22)

Does this mean that I will not operate in the church unless there is a group consensus about what I am doing?  Of course, that is not the answer.  We do not have to give undue weight to group consensus.  However, we do have to present clear biblical doctrine that supports our position of service.  Among the times when this was clearly demonstrated was when Peter and the other apostles were told that they could not preach in Jesus’ name.  This is that episode of history.

Gender Bias – 14-Specialization

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If we are imprecise in our observation of where we are in the mix of environments of service, we can be the source of misuse of the doctrine of the Bible.  In consideration of our topic of this day, we say that sloppiness may persuade us that we should discard gender bias when we are in the church, in favor of some activist’s approach that may be appropriate in the family.  Sometimes, we do this as based on, what may be called, equal rights.

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Scripture persuades us to keep precision active in worship.  For instance, Scripture draws a distinction in the gender, by establishing a new title of reference.  An example of that is seen in the following Scripture’s use of the word, prophetess.

And it came to pass, when the king had heard the words of the book of the law, that he rent his clothes.  And the king commanded Hilkiah the priest, and Ahikam the son of Shaphan, and Achbor the son of Michaiah, and Shaphan the scribe, and Asahiah a servant of the king’s, saying, Go ye, inquire of the LORD for me, and for the people, and for all Judah, concerning the words of this book that is found: for great is the wrath of the LORD that is kindled against us, because our fathers have not hearkened unto the words of this book, to do according unto all that which is written concerning us.

So Hilkiah the priest, and Ahikam, and Achbor, and Shaphan, and Asahiah, went unto Huldah the prophetess, the wife of Shallum the son of Tikvah, the son of Harhas, keeper of the wardrobe; (now she dwelt in Jerusalem in the college;) and they communed with her.

(2 Kings 22:11-14)

In that Scripture, the woman is not referred to as being a prophet.  Moreover, as is obvious, the prophetess is not a priest.  Yes, these distinctions are important:  yes, they are very important.  A prophet could be called upon to carry out capital punishment, as was done with the prophet Elijah.  The action of this prophet of God begins with the gathering together of certain false prophets of Israel.

– Explore Gender Bias — Definitely: Part Thirteen –

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