Category: Women
Subject: Women
Women Leaving the Church
I just finished reading an article on my phone from USA TODAY titled, “Americans are become less religious. None more than this group.” The emphasis of the article was the departure of many from Christianity (especially younger people), and the fact that for the first time in American history, more women are leaving their faith than men.
Two statistics from the survey: Those who nominally identify as Christians in America are 63%, down from 90% in the early 1990’s. Second, “Among generation Z, however, the pattern has flipped (regarding men and women leaving their childhood faith): 54% of those who’d left the church are female. Meanwhile, nearly four in 10 Gen Z women identify as religious unaffiliated, compared to a third of Gen Z males. Continue reading “Women Leaving the Church”
Sermon: How Should a Woman Define Her Purpose?
Aaron Collier, in this short lesson, explains that women, and in fact everyone, should define their purpose in life in accord with God’s will.
Sermon: The Curious Case of Micah and His Idols
Micah was one in Israel (like many others) who did what was right in his own eyes (cf. Judges 17:6). His willful, uninformed worship of God teaches us much about the dangers present in our own day.
The Patternists: Cultural Arrogance
Our culture can color our view of what God does and does not allow for mankind. The culture of the first century differed greatly from our own. In fact, there were numerous different cultures in the first century, and cultural views caused problems in the early church. It shouldn’t surprise us that those same influences would cause problems today.
The scriptures stand in stark contrast with changing cultural mores. Here is an example. American culture in the 21st century demands that women be given the exact same consideration regarding positions of leadership in the local church. In contrast, the scriptures teach that leadership positions such as elder and deacon are limited to men (cf. 1 Timothy 3:1-13; Titus 1:5-9) and that women are to be in submission (cf. 1 Timothy 2:11-14).
The thing to remember is that the words of Paul in these verses are the product of the Holy Spirit inspiration (cf. 2 Timothy 3:16-17). They are not, as commonly claimed, a function of Paul’s cultural biases.
In fact, the Holy Spirit reveals that the limitation on women is a function of creation, not culture. “For Adam was formed first, then Eve” (1 Timothy 2:13).
Let us not be so arrogant to assume that our culture knows best. While men may trumpet present day sophistication and evolved morals, we place our trust in the words of God.
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Sermon: Women in the Church
Sermon 7 of 9 by Carl Allen.
The lesson deals with 1 Corinthians 11 and 14, as well as 1 Timothy 2, as brother Allen discusses the regulations regarding a woman’s role in the church.
Sermon: Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth
The sermon is in two parts. Part 1 reviews the concept of patternism in scripture. Part 2 shows the need for common sense in interpreting scripture.Keys to a Successful and Happy Marriage
For years the divorce rate in America has been at the 50% mark. While the rate is lower among members of the Lord’s church, it is still common to see marriages fail. There are a number of reasons why it happens. In the case of each failed marriage there is sin. The husband, or wife, or both, are living in a rebellious state before God. Such unfaithfulness leads to the dissolution of the marriage bond. The problem may be marital infidelity, pride, selfishness or dishonesty, but sin is present.
The simplest answer when seeking a cure for marital discord is to live faithfully before God. If a husband and wife are living righteously, their marriage will be successful and happy. However, it is necessary to explain what is righteous living in regard to domestic responsibilities. Above and beyond putting God first in our lives, here are a few “needs” that should be considered to ensure a strong and lasting marriage.
In the News: “We didn’t have the luxury”
President Barak Obama, on April 6, 2012, addressed the Women’s Economic Forum at the White House, appropriately praising his wife for her diligence in raising their daughters. He also had praise for his mother and grandmother. They are/were apparently industrious women who he praises as chief contributors to his character and success. In his speech he mentioned the fact that his wife was conflicted while working outside the home. Consider the following from the transcript.
Once I was in the state legislature, I was teaching, I was practicing law, I’d be traveling — and we didn’t have the luxury for her not to work. And I know when she was with the girls, she’d feel guilty that she wasn’t giving enough time to her work. And when she was at work, she was feeling guilty she wasn’t giving enough time to the girls. And like many of you, we both wished that there were a machine that could let us be in two places at once. And so she had to constantly juggle it, and carried an extraordinary burden for a long period of time.
Invitation: Saved in Childbearing
Invitation delivered by: Justin Carrell
Justin supplies an explanation of the text of 1 Timothy 2:11-15, as well as making proper applications regarding the teaching opportunities and responsibilities available to women.
In the News: Lutheran Leader Drives Drunk
Last Tuesday Reuters reported that the head of the Lutheran Church in Germany, Margot Kaessmann, 51, the Lutheran Bishop of Hanover, was cited for running a red light while driving under the influence of alcohol. A state prosecutor told the German Newspaper Bild that Kaessmann had a blood alcohol level that was three times the legal limit. She is under investigation, and could lose her driver’s license for a year.
The Reuters article also noted that Kaessmann was a controversial choice to head the Lutheran church, because she had had a divorce.
(Protestant Leader Regrets Driving Drunk, 2/23/10, Christopher Lawton)
Continue reading “In the News: Lutheran Leader Drives Drunk”
Sermon: Marriage Roles and Authority
The divine wisdom of God has established the roles of men and women in the home. The husband is the head, and must be deferential and loving in his treatment of his wife. The wife is submit to the leadership of her husband in the home (Ephesians 5:22-33; 1 Peter 3:1-7).
Sermon Audio: Click Here .
AOTS: True Beauty
AOTS Number 14
Scripture reveals that true and lasting beauty is acquired, not inherited. It is also an inner rather than outer beauty, developed by a faithful and righteous woman.
To listen to this Podcast, click here.
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In The News: No More Navel Gazing in Church
ROME (Reuters) – An Italian priest is resorting to some innovative theology to rid his church of young women’s bare midriffs.
“God knew what your navel looked like even before you were born, so there is no need to expose it in church,” commands a sign at the entrance to the church in Cinisello Balsamo.
Guards at major churches in Italy routinely keep out people wearing skimpy attire. But Father Felice says he resorted to the signs because his parish cannot afford guards to keep out the low-cut jeans and high-cut tops, newspapers reported Monday.
Monday, 6/5/2006 Reuters
Analysis:
It is summer, and clothes are coming off… all over the world. It is to the point that people are not only willing to dress immodestly, but they are not hesitant to do so in places where it is offensive to others.
Continue reading “In The News: No More Navel Gazing in Church”
Women Who Fought to Become Faith Leaders
A MINISTER from Belsize Park has put together the stories of women of all faiths who chose to take up the cloth.
Uta Blohm has compiled testimonies from rabbis, ministers and priests for her book Religious Traditions and Personal Stories which is published this week.
The Lutheran minister (Uta Blohm), who lives in Belsize Park Gardens, spent six years researching the paths that different women across London and the southeast have taken to become ordained….
…”My advice to any woman who is considering a career as a rabbi, a priest or a minister would be to follow your dreams,” she said. “But be prepared for the road ahead, be prepared to dedicate your life and be ready for those surprised faces and the looks of shock.”
Her research revealed there were as many advantages as problems encountered by the women members of the clergy.
“Some people actually go out of their way to make sure that they get a man to conduct their service. But on the flip side, some people specifically ask for a woman to do the service. There are many advantages for lady rabbis and priests, for a start many women feel more comfortable discussing certain matters with another woman.”
Rene Butler
via Ham&High 24, UK
Analysis:
There is a reason why women who seek to become “church leaders” are received with “surprised faces and looks of shock.”
