Letters
LETTERS FROM 2005
9/11/2005 I was so thankful when a member of a Christian
group I run online lead me to your site! I am just barely begining to
realize that I am equal and that I am not less than men. The
doctrines holding women back have been pounded into my head, and I find
myself doubting my position so often. And yet, I know God's voice, and
this is not His. Unfortunately the attack is so subtle sometimes I
don't even notice its getting in.
Having said that, I am hoping you can help me. I have recently
entered Bible college. Its not something I ever thought I would
do. But there was no doubt about the call and I've followed.
I also have a deep desire to be ordained. This is of God because
NEVER in my life have I even considered this. I don't have any
idea where the determination for this comes from, but I keep pursuing
despite the countless dead ends and slammed doors I come up against.
My pastor takes a week to respond to any of my emails regarding this,
and his answers are vague and shallow. I've found that most
denominations who will ordain women would not ordain me because I
believe in the 5th point of Calvinism (that once you have accepted the
gift of salvation it can not be taken from you, no matter your actions).
I am told this leaves only non-denominational, independent churches and
Charismatic churches. I don't care really what denomination
ordains me since I see us all as God's children. Our bickering
over views of the Bible is just childish foolishness that we will all
regret once we reach heaven.
I have been seeking this diligently, but so far I can only find people
who can point me in a general direction, none that can directly help.
I am grateful for them as they have helped me understand and narrow
things down, but I still don't really know where to look.
I am writing with the hope that there is even a small chance that you
might be able to help me in my quest for ordination.
I am currently ministering through an online community in a blog site
called Live journal. My community can be found at
www.livejoyrnal.com/community/judjedchristian.htm there I
minister to those who have a need and provide a daily verse with a short
rant/devotional. I am serious about my commitment to God, and I
don't want to receive my ordination through some "order by mail" program
like "universal life church". If there is anything that you could
do to help I would greatly appreciate it.
Dear Melissa:
I believe that it is God who ordains. What we do is to recognize
what He has already done. So, if He has already done it, don't let
a piece of paper slow you down. Sometimes I think that ordination
makes for hierarchy. People need to all be ministers in the place
that God has called them. This idea of hired holy men/women is not
what Christianity is supposed to be. The early church met in homes
and everyone participated. Kind of like the blog!
Where are you going to Bible College? I'm asking, because there is a new
program just starting up under Hyatt International Ministries. It
would lead to ordination and they will be offering a Christian Women's
Studies Program as a field choice. I will be teaching a course for
them Oct. 21-22 in Cool, Texas on what Jesus taught about women.
It is to be filmed and put on DVD, so that attending in person is not
required for every course. You might want to take a look at what
they are going to offer. Go to www.icwhp.org. and take a
look.
I went to the website. We three or older--I don't get enough
opportunity to participate with your generation. It was good to
see young people working through the questions of their hearts.
You're doing a good job with the answers that I read. Seems like
quite a ministry. You need to read how God put our ministry
together.
www.godswordtowomen.org/God_thing.htm For us,
He put together something that we could never have come up with in the
natural. After 7 years we are still able to come to one mind on
every issue that arises.
OK, time to cut this off. I look forward to hearing from you.
Blessings, Pat
8/25/05 Dear Gods Word to Women,
I feel sad that I must write to a website halfway around the world to
help me, but I feel isolated in my bible studies and would appreciate
any answer you can give to my question, no matter how brief.
Several years ago I prayed desperately about the "male headship" issue
because I felt in my heart and spirit that there was something wrong
with what we were being taught. Specifically I felt there was a
need for females in ministry to minister to the needs of other women,
yet all around me were males. Graciously, the Lord led me to
Charles Trombley's book. He has the wonderful ability to explain
complex biblical and Greek terms in manner I could understand.
Even though his book had been around for 15 years by that stage I had
NEVER heard anything like his arguments talked about in any church I
attended. A huge weight lifted off my shoulders as I felt some
validation. I have since read several other books and I believe I
have come to a "Complementarian without hierarchy" position or
egalitarian position before the Lord.
But every now and then something comes along to "throw a spanner" in my
thinking. Yesterday I went to a major Christian bookstore and was
shocked to discover that the majority of the major recently published
bible commentaries still clearly teach that the male authority is
ordained from Genesis 3:16 and from the other well known New Testament
passages. The commentary edited by FF Bruce whom I really respect
differed at least on Gen 3:16.
I needed a compact bible commentary for the Old Testament studies I have
started, and the best I could find was the very popular Nelson's Compact
Bible Commentary by Radmacher, Allen and Wayne House, published by
Thomas Nelson 2004.
In reference to the Ephesians 5 passages about submission, it has this
to say on page 840.
_______________________________________________________________________
" What kind of submission is Paul advocating in Ephesians? Some hold
that Paul is speaking of mutual submission in this passage (5:21-6.4).
They point to the phrase "submitting to one another in the fear God"
(5:21) as the overall theme of the verses following it (5:21-6:4).
According to this view, husbands and wives, parents and children,
masters and slaves all submit to each other in different ways.
This passage certainly teaches a proper Christian response to each other
at different levels, as the mutual submission view holds. It is
clear that Paul develops two ideas side by side- submission and the
appropriate response of the one to whom submission is given. But
the mutual submission view does not adequately reflect the meaning of
submission in Greek. The Greek term for submission has military
origins, emphasising being under the authority of another. The
word does not connote a forced submission, instead it is voluntary
submission to a proper authority. Thus, Paul seems to be saying
that wives should voluntarily place themselves under the authority of
their husbands. The same word is used to describe Christians
voluntarily submitting to governmental authorities (1 Peter 2:13) and
younger people submitting to the wisdom of their elders (1 Pet 5:5).
In this passage, Paul gives the illustration of the church's submission
to Christ. After encouraging wives to submit to their husbands,
Paul goes on to describe how children should obey their parents, and
slaves their masters. Their subordination is described in terms of
obedience, instead of in terms of voluntary submission.
But Paul's major emphasis is this passage is not on the submission of
wives, but on the duty of those who are in authority. Husbands
should imitate the love of Christ. Parents should not provoke
children. Masters are not to threaten their slaves. The
apostle argues that serving is more important than being in authority
over others. Christ should be our model. Although He, as
God's son, could demand obedience from all, He did not shrink from
performing duties that were customarily the task of a servant.
Jesus washed the feet of his disciples. A husband is to be a Godly
leader, he is to be a servant leader. His role is to lead his
wife, but to do so by taking everything about her into consideration and
by using his position to give her the greatest opportunity to succeed."
_______________________________________________________________________
Firstly, I have absolutely no problem with voluntary submission to the
military and government for the purposes that they have been set up for,
and I have no problem with submitting to the "wisdom" of my elders.
The problem I have with this is nature of the authority of the military
and the government as used in the analogy. Here in Australia, it
is highly emphasized that the government is "for the people, by the
people" to represent the people and to enforce laws to keep the country
safe. Thankfully most of the laws we have here are based on
biblical laws, but not all of them.
Secondly, the military are under the command of the people via the
government. While in times of war, the public obeys them because
they respect them for their knowledge, training and intelligence
gathering, in peace time, they come under the authority of the people
again. If they continually used their authority over the people,
we would have a military dictatorship. I don't see any examples of
military dictatorships being advocated by God in the Bible. God
used the military to achieve His purposes. God was always the
authority to which the people had to give their submission and
allegiance. Also, God leaders, (some of whom were women) were
appointed by God and if they didn't obey God he punished and removed
them. They were to impart God's wisdom and his laws to the people.
Judges and courts were set up to resolves disputes, and these were
representatives from "each" of the tribes, a clear precursor to the kind
of democracy we have today, in my view. If a Government abuses
it's position of trust over the people, we vote them out.
I have trouble drawing from this analogy that the husband's authority
over the wife is a "permanent" thing for all time, in fact I see the
military analogy as being a perfect description of mutual submission
with authority being shared.
Can someone shed some light on this for me? I will appreciate any
thoughts you have or internet links you can provide to help me
understand this.
Thank you for being there. Yours sincerely, Ann
Dear Ann:
You write, "I see the military analogy as being a perfect description of
mutual submission with authority being shared." In that statement, you
describe what Ephesians 5:22 truly portrays. In my KJV Bible, the
word "submit" is not in italics, denoting an added word. However,
the word "submit" is not found in the original Greek. Actually,
verses 18-21 give us characteristics of the Spirit-filled
life--speaking, singing, making, giving, and submitting in the ways
described. Writing on v. 21, Katharine Bushnell in her book,
God's Word to Women, says that "submission is a mutual function where
one yields personal preference to the other when principle is not
involved. In the quote you give from Nelson's Compact Bible
Commentary, I've never considered the "submitting" of v. 21 to
continue through 6:4. In 6:1, Paul is admonishing children to obey
their parents and rightly so. However, the meaning of "submit" and
"obey" are worlds apart as the authors acknowledge. I've always
considered the "submitting" of v. 21 as an application to the
scriptures following on wives and husbands.
Considering the present status of the US military, the submission is
voluntarily chosen. However, that's where it ends. From then
on, after the initial choosing, the man or woman is under the authority
of the US military and does not make decisions along the way based on
whether they voluntarily choose a course of action. When I join
God's army (I'm never conscripted), I place myself into His hands for
strength and safekeeping. Yes, I may choose to disobey the
leadership of His Spirit for what I may consider very valid reasons.
However, I must be prepared to pay the consequences for disobedience.
I love the way Katharine Bushnell puts emphasis on the word that KJ
chooses, "and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over
thee." On "shall be" having been added, see Lesson 16 #127 and the
difference between "shall" and "will." I'm not going to steal her
thunder but will suggest that you read some of her early lessons that
cover the creation as well as Genesis 3:16. Check it out The more
recently published Bible commentaries are based on poor translations.
Yes, male authority is given in Genesis 3:16 after the Fall. God,
however, wants to restore His people to their pre-Fall condition where
they were co-regents and co-rulers over His creation. The "someone
who can shed some light on this" is, of course, the Holy Spirit.
He is the one commissioned to be our teacher, leader and guide. He
wants you to know the truth more than you do! At the present, momentum
is building for the release of women. Truly, Psalm 68:11 (See
Amplified) is being fulfilled right before our eyes as the Lord is
raising up that great army (company) of women to go forth and proclaim
and publish His Word. Ann, I believe you're a part of that army!
8/25/05
Dear Barbara,
Thank you very much for your reply. I hope one day to learn the Greek and
Hebrew languages myself. I will also have a look through the many
articles here on your website.
I can see that I need to put some more thought into the military
analogy, but when someone signs up to the military, clearly the military
can only dictate in those areas that are directly related to the job
(just like any job really), and obviously there are a myriad of areas in
the person's life that the military cannot dictate to.
You say - "Yes, male authority is given in Genesis 3:16 after the Fall."
I am afraid that I must agree to disagree with you on this. When I
prayed desperately and earnestly about this issue the Lord led me, I
believe miraculously, to Charles Trombley's book "Who Said Women Can't
Teach". I note that you list his book on your site. I am
going to trust God's heart on where he led me. Charles says that
this is not an accurate translation of Gen 3:16. Please see
Chapter 11 of this book. The commentary edited by F F Bruce that I
read yesterday in the Christian bookstore (sorry I forgot to write down
its title) also says that the correct translation of "he will rule you"
in this verse is NOT a command by God.
Thus it is difficult to interpret this as meaning that male headship was
ordained by God at the fall. It is given in the futuristic tense
as a prediction of the damage that sin was going to do in the
husband/wife relationship (Charles Trombley's view).
I think the correct interpretation of Gen 3:16 is the most crucial thing
in this whole issue, as it seems that how the rest of the bible is
interpreted (or misinterpreted) is coloured or biased by this verse.
You say - "God, however, wants to restore His people to their pre-Fall
condition where they were co-regents and co-rulers over His creation.
The "someone who can shed some light on this" is, of course, the Holy
Spirit. He is the one commissioned to be our teacher, leader and
guide. He wants you to know the truth more than you do! At the
present, momentum is building for the release of women. Truly,
Psalm 68:11 (See Amplified) is being fulfilled right before our eyes as
the Lord is raising up that great army (company) of women to go forth
and proclaim and publish His Word. Ann, I believe you're a part of
that army!"
Yes I agree. It is the TRUTH and nothing but the truth that will
set BOTH men and women free (as in John 8:32.), to be the co-regents and
co-rulers over his creation as outlined in Genesis. While I feel
that I can freely preach God's word (whether my denomination will allow
me may be another matter!), I do not feel that I can teach male headship
to other women. At best, I feel that all I could do is direct them
to the best of the arguments from all angles of this issue, and
encourage them to seek the Lord themselves. I worry that many
women feel intimidated from questioning this, because they feel that to
do so is "usurping" male authority. That makes me very sad.
Thanks again for taking the time to reply to me. I have signed up
to receive the newsletter from your site and also some of the other
women's ministries you have listed in your links.
God bless and have a great day! Ann
Dear Ann:
You're right! I was in too much of a hurry to get things done that I
could have said it better. Only is "male authority" given in
Genesis 3:16 based on the poor translations that "support" most of the
traditional pablum that we are fed. Trombley is absolutely correct
in that an inaccurate translation is used. I, too, have his book
and have had it even longer than I have had Bushnell's. Bushnell
makes quite a point of the word "teshuqa," (Lesson 16 #128),
particularly when she made the accompanying chart on that word.
Because, in conclusion, on that chart, we see how the word "teshuqa"
originally meant "turning" in that "Eve must have turned from God and
followed Adam out of Eden." (#122). The chart reveals how the word
"turning" actually became "lust" and was translated "desire." Another
major point that Bushnell makes is the difference between the words
"shall," which is an imperative and "will" which is simple future and
warning woman of the consequences of her action. (#127).
We're on the same page!
I love your statement, "I think the correct interpretation of Gen 3:16
is the most crucial thing in this whole issue, as it seems that how the
rest of the bible is interpreted (or misinterpreted) is coloured or
biased by this verse." In that sense, we are in total agreement with
Bushnell as she felt the same way, thereby giving much space to the
correct interpretation of that verse. You say, "While I feel that
I can freely preach God's word (whether my denomination will allow me
may be another matter!) . . . " Your denomination
mistranslates Genesis 3:16 and draws its initial ideas on "male
headship" from that little phrase, "and he shall rule over you." I will
pray that you are released from that denomination in order that you can
truly and freely preach whatever the Holy Spirit has taught you
including the "doctrine" of male headship! Or, perhaps, as you stay
there, you would have the boldness to stir up a virtual "hornet's nest!"
You write, "I worry that many women feel intimidated from questioning
this, because they feel that to do so is "usurping" male authority.
That makes me very sad." Wouldn't it be wonderful if those same women
had enlightenment on the word used for "authority" in I. Timothy
2.
You say, "It is my view that children need to see male leadership PLUS
female leadership working together in a mutually submissive environment.
God is neither male nor female, but possesses qualities of both males
and females, as he says that he made "them" (males and females) in his
image (Gen 1:27)." All I can respond is to say Amen, my sister, Amen!!
Because of Him, Barbara
Dear Barbara,
Oh what a blessed relief your answer has been! I just want to let you
know that God has used your small error in not "wording it quite right"
to teach me a big lesson and grow my faith! I was deeply disturbed by
what you wrote, considering I thought you meant that male authority was
ordained in Gen 3:16 as it has taken me years to learn and understand
just the opposite. I see you as a woman (and your colleagues
there) of much greater knowledge, understanding and intellectual ability
than me. Therefore I am easily thrown by the strong opinions of
people like this and my faith tumbles. But yesterday, when I read
your answer, I thought back to my despair over the issue and remembered
God's faithfulness to my cry for help and the way he provided Charles
Trombley's book. I decided to trust anew that God would not have
led me at that time to an answer that was not true.
So yesterday, when I wrote to you that I would trust God's heart in
where he had led me, that was indeed a big step of faith for me.
Standing up to strong women is not something I can easily do. But
in the end, it seems the Lord has led us both the same understanding!
This has been very validating and faithbuilding. Thank you!!
I would love God to use me within the denomination I am in. I have
just started a Bible course at the College run by my denomination, and
am troubled that the teacher of Old Testament studies is teaching male
headship, and the arguments he has used in the course notes are very
flimsy indeed. I need to write an appraisal at the end of the
semester, and I am asking for God's words to write that will encourage
this teacher to at least acknowledge the controversy about this, and
encourage students to seek the truth for themselves. My
Father-in-law is a clergy man helping to run the college and he still
believes in male headship, although I know he is open to other opinions.
So this is a tough thing for me. Pray for me!!!
Thanks again. I am a fan of your website! God Bless, Ann
Brisbane Australia
7/25/05 Hello, I came upon your web site today,
and it was a great encouragement to me. As a young woman, I have
been struggling a lot lately between what I have been taught about women
ministering in churches and what I find myself believing now. In
my own experiences, women in my church have not been allowed to serve as
elders (ministers or deacons) and neither can they teach classes where
men are in attendance (even if it is a young, married couples class like
the one my husband and I attend). I feel that words like "submit"
and "authority" have been taken out of context and have been used to
promote something that isn't Biblical.
I say all this to tell you that it's nice to know that I am not alone.
I don't want to be considered a feminist, as the term implies something
that I am not. I didn't know there were so many other Christian
women of all different ages who believe that scripture has been
interpreted incorrectly over the years, and that we are continuing to do
things out out of tradition and not Biblical basis.
One question I am hoping you might be able to answer. I am looking
to attend a local (Baptist?) church, and specifically one that supports
women in ministry. Would you happen to have a list of churches in
the Fort Worth or Arlington, Texas area that I could look into joining?
If not, do you know of a way I can find out which local churches do?
I really appreciate your help! I greatly look forward to hearing back
from you! Rachel
Dear Rachel:
How glad I am that you found our website. It was women, like
yourself, that we pray would discover GWTW. What we have been
taught is tradition. Rather than being encouraged to get our heads
in the Book and find out for ourselves what the Bible actually says (in
the original languages) about woman's place in marriage and ministry in
the church especially, we have been spoon-fed what others think it means
with their interpretations being based on mistranslations. In the
God's Word to Women book, Katharine Bushnell, the author, adequately and
thoroughly addresses this consideration. The book is on our
website as well as Jessie Penn-Lewis' book, The Magna Charta of Woman.
The GWTW book has a wonderful Index to look over while Magna Charta
takes some of the hot-button topics about women and condenses them.
Penn-Lewis gives full credit to Bushnell. You are so right on in
your first paragraph.
In the "Who We Are" section of our website, we particularly address the
use of the word "feminist" in what we're about. Actually, the Lord
is preparing a mighty, massive move in behalf of and with women in the
days ahead as the prophetic word of Psalm 68:11 (See Amplified) is
fulfilled when that great company of women go forth publishing and
proclaiming His word. As one who grew up in the Southern Baptist
faith, I am aware of the limitations placed on women.
Rachel, when you go to
www.godswordtowomen.org/summer%202000.htm
you'll find the article on Women Pastors, Wifely Submission and Southern
Baptists. In finding the church that is right for you, you'll just
have to rely on the Holy Spirit 's leadership. When you visit a
prospective church and it seems right to you, you could call or make an
appointment with the pastor or his representative about what they
believe about women. They may say they believe in women in
ministry; however, the truth is they don't believe in women elders.
Be sure that one of your questions is, "Do you have any women elders?"
The proof is always in the pudding! Ask them if any women serve on the
Board that governs the church.
My favorite church in the area is Shady Grove Church. Check 'em
out - www.shadygrove.org
It's located in Grand Prairie.
Because of Him, Barbara
5/29/05 Our church is involved in outreach mission work to
African nations. As we are seeing men with multiple wives come to
Jesus, is there a biblical argument for or against polygamy? Lynda
Dear Lynda:
The answer would be in Genesis 2 and Matthew where Jesus refers to the
Genesis passage when talking about God's original plan for marriage.
However, you need to seek God for what to do with a situation that is
already in effect. He allowed it for the patriarchs to have
multiple wives. You can't just throw these women and their
children out into the cold.
I'm going to send this on to the Gay and Barbara for their thoughts.
Blessings, Pat
Dear Lynda:
According to the scriptures, polygamy is not right - "Neither shall he
multiply wives for himself, lest his heart turn away . . ."
(Deut. 17:17). As Pat shared, God's plan for marriage is
found in Genesis 2:24 (repeated in Mt. 19:4-5), which tells us
that a man is joined to his wife and the two shall become one flesh.
Evidently, it was tolerated because the scriptures are full of those who
practiced it--Job, Abraham, Esau David, Solomon, and on an on.
With a sincere, heart-changing salvation experience, the Holy Spirit
shows that He is quite capable of straightening up a person's life
without human help. When Jesus speaks of bringing forth fruits
worthy of repentance (Mt. 3:8), He is speaking of life changes
that attest to a true work of repentance in a human heart. It is
not so much a Biblical argument to be presented as it is our seeking and
calling out to the Lord for His Holy Spirit to establish a new convert
in their salvation.
Because of Him, Barbara
5/20/05 Hello! I just discovered your site and
it looks really good. I come from the Reformed and am just
beginning to see the truths of egalitarianism. I completely left
the Reformed Tradition about a month ago. I have been attending an
AOG Church on Wednesdays for nearly a year. I was a bit shocked
when I quickly discovered a female Pastor there. But thank God it
didn't chase me away. Instead I've watched her with fascination.
My question is how do you answer those who insist that Jesus was and will
always be equal but submissive to the Father and use this as a model for
marriage.
Thank you for your help. Blessings, Beth
Dear Beth:
I'm glad you didn't run away from the female pastor! Biblical equality
means just what it says--biblical equality without regard for gender. In
answer to your question about the Trinity, let me refer you to Kevin
Giles who wrote a superb article entitled, "The Doctrine of the Trinity
and Subordination." Let me encourage you to read it at http://www.cbeinternational.org/new/free_articles/Kevin%20Giles.shtml.
I wouldn't be a bit surprised if Kevin answered every question you have
in this article. Should you desire, please feel free to write me.
Because of Him, Barbara
3/30/05 Hi my name is Ronna. I just wanted to thank you for the
information on your website. As a spirit filled woman whom God has chosen
to be a leader in the Body of Christ, as you're well aware, the opposition is
disheartening. I'm so grateful that you've taken the time to put your site
together. It's a great resource and an encouragement.
God bless you! Ronna
Thanks Ronna, it has been a work of all three of us plus all the wonderful
people who have let us have their material. I think the Lord may have had
a hand in it too ( : We're delighted for you to put up our link.
I have just gone to your website. It is wonderful. Your poetry,
particularly the last ones that you will sing. Awesome! I love the
mountains, the space, no cities and buildings. Wonder if that is something
God just puts in us, to see His work and delight in His creation. Our
daughter now lives in Canada, Snow Lake, MB. A couple of summers ago we
spent time in the Canadian Rockies. What a blessing to grow up near such
beauty. I spent my early years in Denver and the call of the mountains
remains in my soul.
I copied the poem beginning "In the storm I see the Lord." I want to print it
out where I can read it again. If you get that CD finished, be sure to let
me know. I want one. Also would like to buy the piano CD that you
have available. Let me know how to get it. I love music like that in
the morning when the Lord and I get together for some fellowship. It seems
to help me turn loose of all the "stuff" and tune in to Him.
Blessings, Pat
3/23/05 COULD YOU RECOMMEND A STUDY FOR OUR SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS ON PRAYER
WITH AN EMPHASIS ON FASTING? THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME. IN CHRIST, BECKY
Dear Becky: I am going to send this on to Barbara and Gay and our intercessors
so they can give you their thoughts. My favorite books on prayer are With
Christ in the School of Prayer, A classic by Andrew Murray and Intercessory
Prayer by Dutch Sheets. The Murray book has short chapters which would
accommodate a Sunday School class study. I don't remember if either of
these books teaches of fasting. The book on fasting that meant the most to
me was The Coming Revival by Bill Bright. This may have just been personal
but God really spoke to me through that book. It probably would not do for
Sunday School. Another book on fasting is God's Chosen Fast but I can't
remember who wrote it. See what you get from the others. Blessings,
Pat
Dear Becky, These books Pat has recommended are exactly the ones I would suggest
for your needs, but as to my knowledge no work books are available. I
believe Herbert Lockyer wrote a book, All the Prayers of the Bible. These
records of prayer would also include fasting and the marvelous ways God moved on
behalf of the intercessors. This will be a blessed study for your Sunday
School class, and I do encourage you all to apply the principles you learn, and
come back with good reports to the class.
We are glad you have visited our web-site and pray our Lord's richest blessings
upon you. Gay
Dear Becky: One of my favorite books on prayer is entitled, Love on its Knees by
Dick Eastman by Chosen Books, Fleming H. Revell Company, 1989. One of the
subtitles is, "How to make your life a ministry of intercession." On fasting,
Arthur Wallis wrote, as fart as I am concerned, one of the classics on fasting
entitled, God's Chosen Fast, Christian Literature Crusade, 1973. Another
book, which I have not read, is entitled, Seven Guides to Effective Prayer and
subtitled, "Secrets of intercession and spiritual warfare from seven great
prayer warriors: George Mueller, Hudson Taylor, Praying Hyde, Charles Finney,
David Brainerd, Rees-Howells, Madame Guyon" by Colin Whittaker - Bethany House
Publishers, 1987. I have read of these named separately but not altogether
like in this book.
I trust these suggestions will help you in your search. Of course, no one
can put you right on the path needed for your Sunday School class like the Holy
Spirit! It's not learning the principles of prayer alone that's important, but
the practice of those principles. As Colin Whittaker rightly reminds us,
"throughout the ages Bible teachers have taught that in order to be effective,
the study of prayer must be biographical." We cannot hope to catch the truth of
prayer except as we closely examine the prayer lives of men and women who have
made a worthwhile and valuable contribution to the study of both the principles
and the practice of prayer.
May the Lord richly bless this upcoming study! Because of Him, Barbara
Dear Pat, I don't know if you remember me, but I wrote to you a year or more
ago about what God was doing with a workshop dealing with traumatic birth issues
from a Christian perspective. You sent me Helen Wessel's book on Natural
Childbirth that a missionary had given you, because you would need to give it to
someone someday. Thank you so, so much.
The work that you women do is truly life-changing. Thanks for being
obedient to God. We have ruined our local librarian for traditional
male-dominant church thinking! She is a believer who has known for some time
that Jesus loved women, but she believed that Paul and the rest really did not
like women. I referred her to your website, and she is hooked! The other
day she had printed off a huge stack of articles from the website, bought
herself a Hebrew-Greek Key Study Bible, and has gotten down to some serious
study. There is such a light in her eyes now - since she now knows that
God really does love women!
I am preparing to do a workshop in Flint, Michigan next month addressing birth
related emotional wounds. The brochure is geared to both Christians and
non- Christians, and I really want the women who come to leave with the
understanding that God did not curse them, and that He loves them. I am
hoping that the things they learn there will be a catalyst for further research
and for setting women free!!!! Kathryn Bushnell's book God's Word to Women is
one of the sources for the workshop, and the bibliography refers people to your
website. Would it be appropriate for you to list the workshop in your
events section? I would very much appreciate it. I look forward to hearing
from you. Sincerely, Terri
Dear Terri: I was thinking about you a couple of days ago and wondering what had
happened with your vision. This is fantastic. I'll get it on the web
today. You can not begin to know how much it means to us to find out about
someone like your librarian. I'm sending this on to the rest Barbara and
Gay and our intercessors. Such an encouragement! How about a report after
your workshop is completed? Blessings, Pat
3/10/05 Good morning, Looking for Charles Trombley's web site (I translated
his book "Who said women can't teach" into French) the other evening through a
search engine, I found your web site.
Katharine's Bushnell's work is a truly amazing lady and the extent of her
studies and the light she sheds on the Word are what is needed. I am an
ordained minister of the Gospel and have told people about the Word being
twisted with regards to women. I have also experienced the rejection of
what the Lord has invested in me and other women I know by leaders in churches,
both in France and the UK, where I have lived mostly. I have been a
Christian for 20 years (I met the Lord in England) and believe in the fivefold
ministry (Ephesians) and gifts of the Spirit (Galatians). I pray for
healing and deliverance and have a (small) housegroup each week in my home,
mostly out-of-church Christians. I would very much like to translated this
book into French (there are over 50 French-speaking countries in the world) at
some stage, as soon as I can. I have just accepted a work of translation
for an American book recently, so I must do things in order.
I would appreciate your input and views as to the feasibility of publishing this
work in French at some stage. Just now there is no way I could finance the
printing and publishing, but could perhaps interest some Christian publishers I
know here, once the translation is completed. With joy in Him @nne
Dear Anne: What a wonderful offer. The full text is on the website.
Feel free to use it. I will be glad to send you the timeline that we added
to the book when we republished it this past winter. Our website also has
a wealth of information for women who are looking for biblical truth. If
there is anything we can do to help, please let us know. The more people
who can discover that the traditional teaching about the place of women is not
scriptural the sooner the walls will come down.
I'm sending this on to Barbara and Gay my partners on this website. Would
love to hear from you again. Blessings, Pat
Thank you Pat for your very prompt reply. My experience with the US/Canada
is that it's often difficult to get a quick reply, but you have proven me
wrong... I already downloaded the full book and passed it on to several
people both in the UK and France.
Charles Trombley's book is very useful as an introduction to the subject and he
has thoroughly researched material for 2 years before actually writing the book,
but K Bushnell's in-depth study is a delight for those who seek Truth. I
met Charles Trombley and his wife in Tulsa last August, and I also met TL
Osborne, as I was visiting a Christian friend who lives there. Meeting TL
Osborne was for me a revelation of the Father's heart towards the French and the
French-speaking world. I saw such divine love in his eyes when he spoke
about France, it moved me deeply in my inner being. I just knew it was not
the man speaking but the Spirit within him. Awesome !
Europe: is there anyone teaching what you teach in Europe ? In the UK for
example ? I would be very interested to know. Thank you for your replies.
With joy in Him @nne
Praise God! What a wonderful "connection" here. We shall keep this
before Him and trust this is another one of His divine appointments.
Love,Gay
Dear Anne: Wow! What an exciting thought of the GWTW book being translated into
French. I'm certain that as we begin to pray into this project that the
Lord who has led thus far will continue to lead on into the fulfillment He has
in mind. It is wonderful that you have a house group that meets in your
home each week. Actually, you are avant garde in the Body of Christ; for
in days ahead, the world will see the church being transformed through house
churches.
I'm a firm believer in this statement: "Where God guides; God provides . . ."
When the time comes to print the book, the funds will be there. Because of
Him, Barbara
We have responded to questions from Mohammad by putting our answer
immediately following his question in bold.
3/8/05
Description of "Death" , "Soul" & "Spirit" in Qura'n
Is human including "body" and "spirit" (ghost) ?
If a person dies , is there anything to live hereafter ? ----- "Spirit" (ghost)
"Spirit " is sometimes translated as "ghost," but the Holy Spirit is not some
weird aberration that appears in spooky places. Man is body, soul (mind,
will, and emotions) and spirit. Man's spirit was created in the image of
God as God is spirit. So what lives after physical death is the soul and
spirit. Christians believe their physical body will be raised to one like
Jesus had after His resurrection when He came to earth the first time.
Sura 4:71
"O followers of the Book! do not exceed the limits in your religion, and do not
speak (lies) against God, but (speak) the truth; the Messiah, Isa son of Maryam
is only an apostle of God and His Word which He communicated to Maryam and a
spirit from Him; believe therefore in God and His apostles, and say not, Three.
Desist, it is better for you; God is only one God; far be It from His glory that
He should have a son, whatever is in the heavens and whatever is in the earth is
His, and God is sufficient for a Protector."
The word translated "apostle" in English from Greek only means "sent one."
Certainly, the Messiah was sent from God; and to prove it, God raised him from
the dead. He is more than others in that none have this kind of
confirmation from God. In the Bible, God is described as One but
represented in three persons, Father, Word (incarnate as Son) and Spirit.
Some Prophecy points! ("Smoke")
"Saints" = "144000" = "Moqarraboon" in Qura'n
"Seal 6" in Bible(Rev.6) = "Assa-aat" in Qura'n (Great earthquake)
There are many parallels in beliefs in religions. The Bible was written
before the Qura'n. The problem is that only one is true. As one who
has studied the Bible for years, I am awed by its consistency and the patterns
that follow from Genesis to Revelation. I am convinced that only God could
have been the real author of this Book, the Bible. He used men to write
it, but He gave these faithful servants His words that we might know Him.
People of "Sabbath": Why do you keep "Sunday" holy !!!? "Law" or "Grace" !?
The word "Sabbath" simply means "rest" or cessation from work--the works of man.
God worked six days in creation and rested on the seventh day and sanctified it,
setting it apart from the remainder of the working week (Hebrews 4:9). The
weekly Sabbaths in Israel pointed back to creation's rest as well as forward to
redemptive rest which would come at the close of God's working week (Hebrews
4:9).
Through Ezekiel, the prophet, God said that He had given His Sabbaths to be a
sign to Israel (Ezekiel 20:12). The Lord commanded Israel to keep the
Sabbath by ceasing work, in general, and the doing of one's own pleasures on
this day set aside as a holy convocation or a time to delight oneself in the
Lord. No business was transacted on the Sabbath day (Nehemiah 10:31-33;
13:15-22). Over the years, Sabbath- keeping became not only polluted, but
it also became a real mockery to God. The Jewish Commentaries (the
Talmud), for instance, ended up having 1,521 rules for the Sabbath.
Jesus had a lot to say about the Sabbath regarding the plucking of ears of corn
to healing and doing good deeds on the Sabbath day. To give you a little
idea of the corruption into which Sabbath observance had fallen, when Jesus
healed the man with the withered hand or the woman with an infirmity (Luke
13:10-17) or the impotent man Jesus healed at the pool of Bethsaida, or the man
born blind (all of which were healed on the Sabbath day), Jesus was showing them
what it truly meant to keep the Sabbath. All he received was angry and
hypocritical resistance to his actions. Jesus truly wanted them to see
that the Sabbath was kept by worshiping the Lord God, teaching, preaching,
healing and blessing those in spiritual and physical need. What was
lacking in the Jewish Sabbath was the atoning blood of Jesus Christ, which alone
can bring true rest and give true Sabbath. The Sabbath day pointed to the
Person. The Jews in Christ's time became so involved in the day of rest
with all its distortions that they crucified the One who could give them rest.
(John 18:28; 19:31; Acts 13:27). When sin is ultimately dealt with and
brought to an end, then Messiah Jesus will bring in the seventh Day of Rest or
the Millennial Kingdom Rest. This is the Sabbath that remaineth for the
people of God but can only be entered into and enjoyed by accepting the blood of
redemption (Hebrews 4:9).
There are believers today who would impose Sabbath keeping, as well as other
ceremonial laws, on the church. Sabbath keeping and circumcision were two
of the greatest signs of God's covenant with the chosen nation of Israel.
These signs were not given to the Gentiles. The New Covenant had its own
sign and seal, the true and spiritual rest, which is the baptism of the Holy
Spirit (Isaiah 28-9-11; Acts 2:1-4) To take the Sabbath day and impose the
keeping thereof upon Christians today, Jew or Gentile, is to take the sign and
seal of the Old Covenant and add it to the sign and seal of the New Covenant.
The keeping of the Sabbath is a loving privilege and not a legal obligation
Under the New Testament, there is absolutely no command to keep any special day.
The keeping of the Lord's day was a voluntary, spontaneous day of worship and
service to the Lord. The day was kept, not because it was a legal
obligation, but because New Testament believers loved to keep it. That
same attitude should be the reason believers keep it today.
All of the Ten Commandments are repeated in one form or another by Christ and
the Apostles in the New Testament except the keeping of the Sabbath mentioned in
the fourth commandment which is never once commanded in the New Testament.
Christ is the Rest-bringer and the Rest-giver, which emphasizes not the keeping
of a day but the receiving of a Person--Christ Jesus, our Lord. That's the
way to find the rest of God.
Why is the "blood" of Christ clean ?
The blood of Christ is clean because He was "fathered" by the Holy Spirit who
came upon Mary and the one conceived was Holy. The scripture teaches that
God did not want sacrifice and offerings but obedience. Jesus came into a
body prepared for Him in order to be that obeidient one--a completely obedient
man to replace Adam who sinned and passed his sin on to all his offspring.
Sin comes through the male, not the female for the female was deceived but Adam
knew exactly what he was doing when he chose to be disobedient. "And Adam
was not deceived . . ." (I. Timothy 2:14) Since Jesus was conceived without sin
and did not sin during his life, His blood is clean. Through the offering
of His blood on the altar of Calvary, those who have believed and now believe
and have asked Him or now ask Him into their lives are no longer condemned by
God. Salvation through Christ is a free gift. You cannot earn your
way into God's favor. A loving God has made a way for human beings to come
back into relationship with Him.
May these responses be richly blessed by His Holy Spirit. Pat
3/6/05 Ephesians 5:22-24 What Christ created women to be is a help to her
husband and to be (vs 24) subject to their own husbands in EVERYTHING.
Consider 1 Peter Chapter 3 vs. 1-6, vs. 6 says "Even as Sarah obeyed Abraham,
calling him Lord;". What Katharine considered truth was her truth, not the
truth of the Bible. The wisdom God has granted me comes from the knowledge
of the Bible, not traditions of men!
Where in the Bible does it say that half of His army is being held captive and
needs to be set free? You can be everything God created you to be! But you can't
be more than He created you to be.
The truth of your role in Jesus Christ does not come from a heretical book
written by Katharine Bushnell, it comes from His Holy Word.
Pray for understanding before reading God's Word and you will find exegesis.
Sincerely, Travis
Too late, she's died in 1946. An awesome woman of God who knew the
truth. May God grant you the wisdom to at least consider that what you
have considered truth is the tradition of men. God is wanting to set the
other half of His army free to be everything that He created them to be.
We do not want to take your place, we only want to add our gifts to yours.
Only Christ can be my Lord, not a man. Blessings, Pat
3/6 Dear Pastors, Hi! How are you? I hope all is well with you in Texas.
I'm sorry I have not kept you up-to-date on this situation but actually nothing
has happened yet. I sent the second set of 22 questions to my pastor on
August 30 and am still patiently waiting for him to respond. I questioned
him about it six weeks ago and he kindly said he had been too busy and has just
not had time to answer them yet. He said he still intends to answer them.
But now I feel that I have become sort of a burden to him by loading him up with
so many questions and feel that I have strained our relationship. I'm
praying that he will have all the time he needs to seriously consider the
questions (without causing him stress) and also that he will develop an interest
in women's leadership so he will want to continue a friendly discussion with
me.
I'll let you know what happens. Thanks again for all your help and prayers.
Love, Ann
Dear Ann: So, you've been waiting six months for a reply? The time has come for
him to answer. The fact that he hasn't answered confirms his choice of not
answering at all. Sounds like he's leading you on. I would give him
2, 3 or 4 more weeks to respond, and that is being more than generous. For
him to say that he still intends to answer the questions is simply to put you
off. You need to give him a cut-off date for his response. You are
NOT putting a burden on him and loading him up with a lot of questions.
The reason you sense a strain in your relationship with him is that for him to
be open and transparent in answering your questions would cause him to move out
of the traditional rut he's been mired in for years. He is NOT too busy,
and he's had TIME to answer you in the past SIX MONTHS. I do not join you
in your prayer that he "seriously consider the questions (without causing him
stress)." Rather, I pray that he will indeed be stressed out by his duplicity in
trying to hold you back by failing to respond so he doesn't have to confront and
tell you that he believes something that he really doesn't; or if he has any
backbone, that his position is contrary to yours.
All discussions should be friendly, and participants should be able to "speak
the truth in love" without reprisal or rejection. However, I would never
compromise my beliefs to maintain a "friendly discussion" with anybody.
Because of Him, Barbara
Pastor, Thanks so much for your prayers and support. Also, thanks for
the website. If it were not for the GWTW website I would not have been
properly equipped to discuss this with my pastor. My questions have
definitely forced him to have to think outside his box. He also knows that
I have studied this topic in depth and will not just accept the standard
answers. I do get the feeling he is torn on this issue but would probably
prefer to remain in the comfortable rut he has been in for over 30 years.
I do intend to continue the questions until I have an understanding specifically
of why he believes what he does and why our churches policy is the way it is.
I will keep you up-to-date. Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!! Love, Ann
Dear Ann: We appreciate your kind words about the website. Encouraging
emails like yours give us the impetus to keep on keeping on! We're believing
with you that your pastor will be uncomfortably forced to re-examine the cliches
that he's used for so long. We pray that his box will be made so unstable
that he will let all his defenses down and begin to re-examine some of his old
patterns that have served him for too long. Keep us posted. Because
of Him, Barbara
2/25 It is really a disturbing thing to hear the ignorance that goes on
amongst our fellow "Christians." The Bible tells you clearly a women's role in
the church in 1st Timothy 2:11-15. It has come to my revelation that a lot
of women pastors ignore this passage to maintain their innocence of the matter.
So, please explain to me how a women in a church can Pastor if she is to be
always under subjection. And then too, to cause confusion in the order of
creation is to be out right disrespectful. The Bible teaches us that men
are to lead because women are more open to be deceived taught by Paul. I
am not a male chauvinist and do believe women have a place in the church but 1st
Timothy 3:1-5 (paying close attention to verse 5) should really seal the deal.
My dear brother: If you will give us your name, I'll be glad to respond to your
email. Because of Him, Barbara
2/15 Barbara, Gay and Pat, It is good to see you website expanding with a
vast wealth of knowledge and liberating information. The second edition of
God's Gals is releasing March 28th online and the 29th in stores. It can
be pre-purchased at any of the online bookstores now and after release. It
should be in bookstores everywhere on March 29th.
The second edition of God's Gals is all about excellence. After
seeing the impact it had on the few women who changed by the one week seminar in
2002, I had to prepare it for an aggressive nationwide push. The new
format is ready for seminaries, Bible schools, church associations, and anywhere
truth is welcome. Each chapter also includes study questions to help make
the information stick and root the reader in the truth
With the new publisher and mass distribution the price has dropped as well.
Thank God! The second edition is exactly what God's Gals was intended to be.
Here is the link to the new publisher's website. Tate Publishing.
www.publishingcom/bookstore/book.php?w=1-9331481-3-6 The new cover can
be viewed at the publisher's page link. The new cover is not as busy and
makes the same or greater impression. Two other books will be releasing
soon after if not on the same day. House of God of Den of Demons?: Get The
Hell Out Of The Church and Unusual Calling: The Value of Pain and Suffering.
God bless you abundantly, Gerald McCray
ps As of 12/24/04 I stepped out into full time ministry. Although I am an
ordained deacon and licensed minister, my main ministry is teaching and God has
chosen book writing to do it. Your prayers are greatly appreciated.
It was tough to do with a wife and three children in elementary school but God
gave me an ultimatum. I know it is for his glory.
Dear Gerald: This is wonderful. It's good to hear from you. I'm
forwarding this to Gay and Barbara so they can share the excitement. It
means a lot to see our brothers take up the case for equality. Keep us
posted on how this is received. Blessings, Pat
Dear Gerald: We join in Pat's excitement. I really like the cover with the
broken chain on the front. Too, the teacher in me likes the questions
added at the end of the chapters. The other two books sound like winners
as well. You'll have to send us some "blurbs," giving the essence of those
books' contents. The one on the value of pain and suffering is a neglected
message in the church. Something needs to be said!
I'm delighted to hear about your taking up the ministry full time.
Something that was so emphasized during my Bible college days was, "Where God
guides, God provides; where God provides, He promotes; where He promotes, He
protects." May that truth in its fullest be yours, brother. Keep in touch.
Because of Him, Barbara
Hi there:
I love your website. It is so freeing! I have recently been
introduced to the patriarchy movement, who threw me into a spin spiritually.
I was starting to wonder who God really was, and how could I possibly love a God
who devalues women and would force a woman to live in an abusive marriage.
Anyway, I started posting on the forum for
www.fullquivermission.com
I soon discovered how they seemed to devalue women (although they would strongly
deny that) and think that women simply need to smile and eat you know what with
a knife and fork, while her husband is abusing her. I mentioned that I
divorced my ex-husband because he was mentally, emotionally and spiritually
abusive to me and have since remarried. I was told that because he did not
commit adultery, that I had no right to divorce him and that I HAD TO divorce my
husband because my marriage was not valid to God. I started going into
more detail of how I was abused, how I didn't even know who I was anymore, and I
was laughed at on these forums, saying I was being dramatic and basically told I
was stupid and rebellious. Before long I was called vile, a man hater, a
bad wife and a whore. I left that forum, but what they wrote to me stayed
with me for a while, and threw me into a spin. I started thinking "what if
they are right, what if God really is like that".
Since then I have found your website among others which have put me at ease
somewhat. I still sometimes wonder if I am actually living in adultery,
even though I was legally married in a church by a Minister, and we now have a 2
year old son, and my husband is more of a father to my daughter than my ex ever
was. How could I love a God who would want to tear my family apart,
especially when I left my ex because of abuse!!
Could you please tell me what you think of divorce, done by the woman, in
circumstances of mental, emotional and spiritual abuse? I think I did everything
I could to save the marriage, went to many Christian counselors, but nothing
worked. My love completely dried up, and I was so happy to be out of that
marriage. I even gave him many chances to prove to me he had changed and
was separated for 3 years before divorcing him.
I would really appreciate a reply, and look forward to it. God bless.
In Christ Jennifer
Dear Jennifer: Sorry to be slow in answering, I've been out of town. So
sorry that patriarchy had to rear its ugly head. It breaks God's heart as
it does yours and ours. Please don't let others condemn you.
Remember, there is not condemnation in Christ. When the Holy Spirit
convicts us, He does not give us those feelings of guilt and condemnation.
He shows us what we need to see in such a way that we can confess it to the
Lord, repent and be forgiven. It's over and done. What's the saying
about God throwing our sins into the depths of the sea and telling us that there is "no
fishing" --no going back to look at it again.
You left what was not a marriage after doing all you could to set things right.
God knows your heart. He has given you a new mate, a child and a father
for your daughter. Accept the gift and thank Him for it. Don't let
the evil one destroy your peace. Recognize him as the enemy and tell him
to get lost in the Name of Jesus. Then fill your mind with "what is good,
true, pure, right, lovely, admirable" The good stuff. Personally, I sing,
or pray in the Spirit or answer with a scripture and remind myself who I am in
Christ.
Many people are going to tell you that God did not intend for men and women to
be equal, but Jesus said that if we wanted to know how God had it planned we
should go back and see how it was in the beginning. Take a good look at
Genesis 1 & 2--we have a scripture study on those verses. Also look at
Genesis 3 to see what cause this mess but be sure that you check out the God's
Word to Women section that is suggested so that you get a clear understanding.
Father we ask you to give Jennifer Your peace that passes understanding.
Lord, let her know that she is loved by you and not condemned. Holy
Spirit, give her understanding of the freedom that she has in Christ and lead
her to Your will and purpose for her life. In Jesus name we ask.
Please feel free to write any time. We're here to answer your questions or
just to support. Blessings, Pat
Dear Pat: Just a quick note to say thank you so much. I truly believe
that this website is inspired by God and is just so freeing and liberating.
I am going to recommend it to all my friends. You are right. God has
blessed me with a wonderful husband, a father for my daughter and a gorgeous
little son. Each day I thank Him for his blessings. God bless you
all heaps, while you share the love of God. In Christ, Jennifer
2/16 Thank you for the information on Islam's view of women. I know
much of this information, but to have it brought to my attention again is
necessary. We like all Christians must see the world that Christ died for,
its peoples, their struggle, their pain, their victories.
It still concerns me that in the twentieth first century we continue to have the
same plight as women in the first century; having our value marginalized and
negated, in many places being treated as non-persons and sadly, having women buy
into and accept these oppressive systems.
The march goes on, we can and continue to impact and empower. I
was filled with joy when I saw my letter in your news letter. As matter of
correction! I'm a man not a woman. Blessings, Kassim
Dear Kassim: A MAN!!! We are thrilled to know that we have a brother who is
taking up the cause. Please forgive us for misrepresenting you in the
newsletter. Where are you located. We have all been guessing but
considering how poorly we did on knowing your gender, we just better ask.
Sorry, for the slow reply. I was taking a course and had to finish the
work by the 10th and leave for a week-end in Dallas on the 11th. I'll get
some information off to you tomorrow. Promise! Blessings, Pat
Dear Pat, Thanks for showing interest and welcoming me into the cause, I was not
sure of what was going to happen once I told you my gender, I even said a prayer before sending it over. But thank God I have
sisters!
I m presently running Jesus Christ Ministries (J.C.M) together with my pastor
and seven women, trained by ourselves with the Vision of Preaching the Gospel to
all nations.90% of this Ministry is made up of women. Malawian women think
that preaching is for men only, but we are saying Jesus Christ had female
disciples as well.....You can see how important are gwtw materials to this
Ministry...But I'm located in the Nandolo area. This is where we are
based. We are mainly reaching out to rural areas where women think
preaching is for men only and Jesus did not die for them....Kassim
Dear Beloved in the Lord: What a Blessing to land aboard to your website.
Best wishes and congratulations to you for the work you have undertaken.
May God pour out His sweet anointing and Glory in this dynamic ministry.
May the Lord continue to INCREASE you in all you are doing for His kingdom.
Abundant Blessings to you and your family. Together in the Harvest: Pastor
Devin & Simla
Thank you so much for your kind encouragement. I am sending this to my
partners in this venture, Gay and Barbara, and our intercessors so that they too
will be blessed. In His love, Pat Joyce, God's Word to Women
2/1 I want to thank God's Word To Women for your faithfulness in educating
the Kingdom of God about the power of women and their roles in the Body of
Christ. The women in my community, who are striving to serve the Lord have
been sent excerpts from your recent News Letter.
We are truly Co-Labors together in a world that need to know our Lord ands
Savior in these end-times. Stay Blessed. "...A Gift unto
Men..."Dr. Junius--D. Min.
1/27 I thank and praise God for being able to log on to such a powerful link
of information. I have received the call from God to Pastor and I just
didn't think or see any possibilities that such a role as this could be possible
for a women. I received much confirmation from you link and it only
brought tears to my eyes on how disobedient I am in doing what God has called me
to do. Thank you again, please email me more information that will help me
to go forward. God Bless, Minister Cheryl
1/25 I read your article on Women and lies the church tells them.
I have to say, that in my 52 years I have heard them ALL. I have also been
told that if I did not do what my husband said or left my husband, I would
become a prostitute.
Well, my husband and I have been married 35 years this year, '05, and I can say,
I am NOT a prostitute and have been faithful. I can also say God does
speak to women specifically and apart from their husbands.
Thank you and keep up the good work you are doing by telling the truth about
women. Debra
Dear Debra: Glad you found the chapter from the 10 Lies the Church Tells Women
by J. Lee Grady. Ten? Is that all? Where are the women who will now
swallow everything they are taught but will search the scriptures daily to
determine if the word they have received is so. The comparison is with the
Bereans mentioned in Acts 17:11.
Certainly I agree with you that God can speak to a wife separately from her
husband. Yes, you are to be commended for being faithful these last 35
years of marriage. I'm so thankful you never became a prostitute! Keep on
reading. The website is full and running over with good stuff to help
women many of whom really don't know exactly who they are in Christ. Won't
the world be amazed when they do? Because of Him, Barbara
1/6 How should we handle gay rights in America. Should gays be given
civil union rights? I am a Christian married women taking a very liberal women's
studies course in college. It is making me more empathetic towards the
plight of gays. I wonder what Jesus would do. what do you think?
Bobbi
Dear Bobbi: I was checking our e-mails and discovered that you had not received
an answer. I figure you have finished the course by now and I wonder what
you decided.
I think that Jesus would have loved them. When Billy Graham was asked what
he would to if one of his children were gay, he replied, "I would love them even
more." Our Lord goes out of his way to look for lost sheep. It doesn't
make homosexuality right or acceptable but it does show us how we are to
minister to them. blessings, Pat
Dear Pat, Thanks for responding, I had totally forgotten I had sent an email out
to your organization. I knew that was the right heart attitude to have but
had really become blinded and judgmental about some things. There are so
many Christians today that are judgmental about certain issues that we forget
without love we are only a clashing symbol. I am teaching a bible study to
high school senior girls, they are so awesome. I would like them to know
the women's role and would appreciate any help in recommending a study that
would help them see they are not under men or their husbands but side by side
and of course back this up biblically. I love your web site, it was
encouraging to me. Thanks Bobbi
1/1 I thank God for the testimony of Mrs. Pickett. I am called to the
ministry as well. Your web-site is beautiful. Continue to bless
others as myself, and God will continue to bless you!
1/1 It is such a delight to visit a site for women of God. I am an
ordained evangelist in Dallas, Tx. It is such good news to believe that
there is a few people like myself, who believe that our Lord calls women to be
ministers to carry and preach His Word without being fearful of man.
I am constantly reminding God's people that God is no respecter of persons.
Praise the Lord for your faithfulness to stand in the these last days. I
like your healing words. Keep the good works in Jesus name. Amen.
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