|
Letters 2006
The letters are posted in ascending order--the ones from January will be
last with the most recent closest to the top. Our responses
are in italics and there is a horizontal line between each post.
12/23/06
Dear In Christ,
Warm greetings in Jesus name of Nazareth. Just to wish you merry
Christmas by this lovely
prayer :
Father, I ask You to bless my friends, relatives and those that I care
deeply for, who are reading this
right now. Show them a new revelation of your love and power. Holy
Spirit, I ask You to minister to their
spirit at this very moment. Where there is pain, give them your peace
and mercy. Where there is self-doubt, release a renewed confidence
through your grace. Where there is need, I ask you to fulfill their
needs. Bless their homes, families, finances, their goings and their
comings. In Jesus' precious name. Amen.
May the Lord richly bless you. Amen!!! NB: We will like to inform you
that we haven't received yet the gift you promised us. We are still
waiting for your assistance to move forward the work of God in Togo.
Stay blessed in Jesus name of Nazareth.
Pastor Emmanuel from Togo.
11/01/06
Hi,
I am so excited about finding you that my hands are shaking, and I'm
dancing around the house! I've already ordered three books, and YES I
would love to receive your quarterly newsletter. Next I'm going to check
out the blog, and send all this information to my sisters. Then I'm
starting a bible study out here in the woods. Something I've been aching
to do for so long, but all the while I've been praying for the Truth, or
should I say, confirmation of the Truth that I have known for some ten
years now, but eventually caved to the nagging voice that said, "Eve was
deceived, Eve was deceived..."!
Thank you ever so much.
Don't worry, I'm going to proceed with caution, and prayer.
Love,
Cyndi
Dear Cyndi
It is such a joy to hear from someone who is rejoicing over the website
and the truth that is found on it. Thanks you so much for letting us
know. If there is anything we can do to help, we're here for you. You
may want to go to Online Books and look at the study by Carrie Miles,
Male and Female in Christ. It is available from the website at no
charge. We met Carrie last summer at our "Gathering" and were delighted
with her.
Keep us posted on your progress. I'm forwarding this to the rest of the
GWTW partners and to our intercessors. They'll love it!
Blessings,
Pat
9/27/06
Dear servant of God,
Greetings of grace to you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. I am
pastor Fred Wabwire from western part of Kenya in Africa. I am apastor
ministering in Watoya mustard seed Church. I am married to Sarah Wabwire
Barasa and we are all ministering in the same church. I have come to
know you through web search and I have really been touched with what you
are doing to promote the kingdom of God on the face of the earth God
bless you. Would you please pray with us of your coming to be a blessing
to us in the year 2007 --2008 if God opens a door. I also request you to
send us teaching materials even if it means used bibles this will be of
great use in our missions. Hope to hear from you.
Blessings,
Pastor Fred Wabwire Barasa.
Dear Pastor Barasa:
It is so encouraging to us when we hear that the website is reaching
people. Oh, how we would love to come to Kenya! However, it is not
possible at this time. We do have one suggestion. Take a look at
http://godswordtowomen.org/maleandfemale.htm.
would you be able to print these materials for your use? As you will
see, Carrie has given them to the church so they can be used at no cost.
These materials open up the truth that we would bring if we were able to
come.
Blessings,
Pat Joyce
9/09/06
Hello,
I just finished reading your article, women pastors in the early church, and I
have so many questions, I don't know where to start. First off, are you saying
just because a women had a house she was a pastor or leader? According to your
article, that met in the houses and their households were baptized, I don't see
how that makes them a pastor or leader? Secondly, did Paul misspeak, when in 1
Timothy 3; 1-7, when he gave the qualifications to be a leader? I didn't notice
anything in the qualifications of owning a house or opening up your house for
prayer meetings. Maybe I'm looking at this the wrong way, but I've studied the
Bible through and have NEVER found 1 example of a woman leading a congregation.
God set the order; 1) God, 2) Jesus, 3) man, and 4) woman. Thanks for your time,
David
Dear David:
I'm going to assume that since you took the time to write you really want to
find out the truth. So much of what we know is church tradition that has origin
in places other than scripture. Before I found out the truth of biblical
equality I wondered why the God who loved and saved me would make women second
class. If you were a woman you might know the frustration of being told that you
gender prevents you from serving God in the way that you believe He is asking
you to serve. It is strange when the Holy Spirit leads one way and church
tradition another. So, I ask you to take a long look and see what the Spirit is
saying to the church.
First: "God set the order; 1) God, 2) Jesus, 3) man, and 4) woman." Problem,
Jesus is God. Take a look at
http://godswordtowomen.org/trinity.htm
Does your Bible mention an apostle named Junia? Junia is a woman's name
and an apostle is a leader.
http://godswordtowomen.org/juniapreato.htm
Also note from an article by Richard Riss
http://www.godswordtowomen.org/richardriss.htm "Another
associate of Paul's, Lydia, a seller of purple dye, opened her home for ministry
(Acts 16:40), as did many other Christian women in the Roman empire, including
the "elect lady" to whom John addressed his second epistle. Close examination of
II John would suggest that she was functioning in a pastoral capacity, as would
also have been the case for Lydia (Acts 16:40), Nympha (Col. 4:15), and Chloe (I
Cor. 1:11). Phoebe was a leader of the Church at Cenchrea. In Romans 16: 1,2,
Paul commanded the members of the church at Rome to receive her as such, and to
help her in whatever manner she requested. Paul also mentions that Andronicus
and Junia were outstanding among the apostles (Romans 16:7), and there is little
doubt that Junia was a feminine name. Both John Chrysostom and Jerome made
reference to her as a woman apostle, and no commentator referred to her as a man
until the late thirteenth century."
Gilbert Belzekian wrote "Ten Challenges for Proponents of Female Subordination.
"
To Prove Their Case from The Bible. Challenge #8 is:
Cite a biblical text that exclusively disqualifies women from exercising church
leadership ministries.
The Facts
The one passage that is ultimately adduced to claim that the New Testament
prohibits women to teach or to have authority over men is found in 1 Timothy
2:11-15. However, the same section of Scriptures imposes similarly restrictive
leadership and ministry prohibitions on men. According to it, a man's family
status provides the indispensable credential for his ability to lead the church
(3:4-5, 12). The only men who may aspire to positions of church leadership,
which include the ministries of teaching and managing the affairs of the church,
must be married ("husbands of one wife"), and have children who are submissive
and respectful, and who are believers (Titus 1:6). According to this text,
ability to manage family provides indispensable proof of ability to manage the
local church.
Such requirements disqualify from service not only women, but also all men who
are single; all men married but childless; all men married but who have only one
child; all men married but who have children too young to profess faith; all men
married but who have one unbelieving child or children; all men married and
whose children are believers but not submissive; all men married and whose
children are believers and submissive but not respectful.
These exceptionally harsh and restrictive requirements are all the more amazing
since the New Testament favors singleness for both men and women as preferred
status to do ministry (Matt. 19:11-12, 1 Cor. 7:25-35), and since the New
Testament emphatically requires the total utilization of all available spiritual
gifts in the ministries of the church, regardless of marital status or gender.
Of course, the Scriptures provide an explanation for those apparent
contradictions. The singularly restrictive structure of ministry prescribed in 1
Timothy and Titus was established as a remedial measure for churches that had
fallen into a state of terminal crisis. Its underlying principle of restricting
ministry in sick or immature churches to few leaders of proven managerial
competency is relevant today to churches that find themselves in similarly
extreme situations. However, the prevailing New Testament model of full
participation of the total constituency in the ministries of the local church
applies to healthy churches (See Bilezikian, Community 101, pp. 82-128).
It should be sternly noted that, for the sake of biblical consistency and
integrity of practice, churches that insist on keeping women out of ministries
of leadership on the basis of the prohibitions of 1 Timothy 2, thereby make
themselves accountable to keep also men out of the very same positions on the
basis of the similarly restrictive provisions stipulated in 1 Timothy 3 and
Titus 1, and listed above.
To read the whole article go to
http://www.godswordtowomen.org/bilezikian.htm
There is so much more. I pray that God will grant you the grace to hear truth.
Blessings, Pat Joyce
8/15/06
Dear GWTW:
I have been on your website and I must say, I was somewhat surprised and
jealous. Jealous in the
sense that you all are walking out the plan of God for your lives. How wonderful
that must be to know
that you are exactly where God wants you to be. I want to do the
same thing, but it seems as if I am
just stuck.
I am married and I love my husband. Sometimes I just want to run away
though. He loves God, but I don’t
know if he is hearing God when he makes decisions. We are really struggling
financially and I know that is
not the will of God. We are both “tithers” and I know God honors that…in fact,
it probably would be worse
if we weren’t. He is self employed and there are times when I wish he would get
a job. He has this huge
vision and he says that God placed it in him, but won’t God give provision w/
vision?
Help me please !!! I don’t want to get weary and I know my husband needs my FULL
support, but sometimes I just don’t know. I feel like I will never have
happiness and walk in what God has ordained for my life.
Thanks for reading this and I hope it makes some sense.
God bless you and your staff. --D
Dear D:
Remember, we are "older" ladies. I wiggled for years feeling I had led weights
around my feet. Sometimes, I still feel that way. I think we always want more.
Right now, the more I want is more in relation to Him.
Financial pressures are extremely difficult in a relationship. You said that you
tithe so I assume that you are working. Does it seem that his vision is
swallowing up all the resources? Have you shared how you really feel? Have you
really, I mean really, sought God as to what He thinks about your husband's
vision? God doesn't always make things easy, so lack of provision alone can't be
the deciding factor. Be careful that it does not color your perception. You may
need to go to some kind of counseling. Someone who can see both sides of the
question and help you sort through it. That means you'll have to be up front
with your husband so that he too will be able to see the need for help.
On the happiness part--happiness is an inside thing. Rest is in the Lord, not
circumstances. Jesus waited 30 years before he began the task that God had for
Him. I have discovered that God's idea of success is definitely not the world's.
The word says that we were created for His pleasure--our purpose is to worship
and serve. Find Him in the secret place and the happiness that you seek will be
there with Him.
This website is totally done on volunteer labor, so that makes us all staff. We
accept and thank you for your blessing. I'm going to send this on to the rest of
the crew. You may be hearing from them. There is wisdom in many counselors!
Blessings, Pat
Dear GWTW,
Thank you so much for your response….so simple to understand. I receive your
counsel in that we both have talked about counseling. You have blessed me on
this day (and I do mean “empowered” me)…God is so faithful and so awesome. I am
encouraged and will continue to worship and serve.
I got so tickled when I saw the pictures of you all (where I’m from, we say
y’all) on the website…you look so happy and free. Continue to declare to other
women like myself the wisdom you receive from God. Continue to seek Him so that
the anointing on your lives can be used to destroy yokes and remove burdens. I
pray that you all are protected and insulated from every attack of the enemy and
you walk in wholeness (Shalom-nothing missing and nothing broken). Thanks
again…be empowered !!!!
I have book marked the website and I have checked it everyday since I found
it…may every resource be available to do what God wants to be done…I think you
have found a way to reach so many women that don’t do “seminars or conferences.”
- -D
8/01-06
Hi Pat!
We were just in the states and finally able to pick up our mail from the
last four months from the stateside office in NM. The letter from you
which accompanied the check for the books sold through the website was
in the stack, and upon finding it, I became concerned that I had never
let you know I had received the check! Or thanked you so much for
sending it! I honestly cannot remember, as things have been so busy here
since the first of the year. If you never heard from me, please accept
my deepest apologies. I did appreciate the check so much – it was a real
blessing and boost to our work here in Mexico. May the Lord continue to
pour out of His manifold grace in your life and keep you close to His
heart. Thank you for the wonderful ministry you are doing through the
website!!
Love, Dee
7/26/06
Hello,
I have a situation that I need help on. At the age of 19 I got married
with the man I loved.
After we got marry we start it having arguments and fights for small
things. Then after 2
years I decided to leave his house because it was to much for me.
Everytime I tried to kiss
him or touch him he would push me away and I felt that he wanted me to
leave. One night
before I left his house we had a talked concerning our marriage. What he
said was that he
didn't feel anything anymore and that he didn't wanted me to be the
mother of his children.
When he said that to me, my dreams fell into the ground. It has been 6
months of separation
and we had not talked about our problems. I know I made a big mistake by
leaving his house
but it was to much for me. People had told me that he is talking to
another woman, but I had
forgiven him for everything. What should I do about this? I ask God
everyday to guide me
because I know that there will be bigger battles in my life. Thank you.
sincerely,
L.
God Bless you
Dear L,
First of all, thank you for your recent email. We are not marriage
counselors, but I will try to answer your email as a friend, as well as
a sister-in-Christ. You didn't say where you're from, but I hope there
is somewhere that you can get some counseling for this situation that
you find yourself dealing with. Is your
husband open to counseling? If so, that would be the best route for now.
However, from what you told us in your email, I suspect that he is not
open to counseling. We have many articles on marriage and divorce on the
web site. I hope that you will look at them, if you haven't already. The
Franscisco articles are very good, as well as Germaine Copeland's
article. They all provide excellent insight into the Biblical nature of
marriage and divorce. I'm wondering why you feel you made a big mistake
in leaving your husband. It would appear that, by his treatment of you,
he has broken the covenant of marriage by not loving you as he loves
himself:
Ephesians 5:
25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave
himself up for her 26 to make her holy, cleansing[b] her by the washing
with water through the word, 27and to present her to himself as a
radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy
and blameless. 28In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as
their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself.
Also, from some of what you report, he may even be behaving in an
adulterous manner.
L, God loves you! You are his precious daughter! You deserve to love and
respect a man who loves and respects you.
Are you concerned about finances? If so, there are places that can help
you, and help you find a job if you need one. Is there anyone close to
you that you trust, someone who can help you during this time? I pray
for your provision, guidance, and comfort now.
You are in all of our prayers. Please let me know what happens.
In His Service,
Karen
6/25/06
Dear Barbara, Pat, and Gay,
This is a letter to my pastor's wife after a confrontation Sunday night
regarding women who feel called to
preach. Once again, it was suggested that I leave the church for
another:
I apologize for any "distraction" I may have caused the class. I know
that it is too late for me at RBC. As I was told about six months
ago, "you need to accept that you will never preach at RBC". But,
for those who are young and have their full lives ahead of them, I keep
"pushing the rock".
Yes, we will know in heaven. But, why wait until then?
Did you know that a man using magic or illusionism as a "teaching tool
for the gospel" is more acceptable that a woman preaching the Gospel of
Jesus Christ? If the practice of divination was condemned to death by
stoning in the O.T., that puts a woman preacher beneath a male
practicing magic and calling it good. Did you know that puppets
originated for the sole purpose of "giving voice to demons" and yet we
"christianize" them in to a teaching role in the church. And yet,
it was to a woman that Jesus said, "Go! Tell my disciples that I am
risen!" The most important message the world would ever hear was first
given to a woman and told to tell the men; thus causing some theologians
to call her "the apostle to the apostles".
Our Pastor has said before, "I don't know what I would do if I couldn't
preach." If he really wants to know, I can tell him. He'd
survive with a broken heart that burned from within day and night.
He would pray for God to simply "take me home." He would think about
suicide. He would cry for joy at church; and cry all night at home
for the call upon his life. He wouldn't be able to attend other's
ordinations/ licensing, because the literal chest pain would be too
intense...yet he would find that he always had to go "to support the
other person". But it would take him three weeks to "recover"
enough to go back to work. It goes on and on.
Leave? Maybe. But where would I go? I never said I wanted or
felt called to pastor. I can't just walk in to another church and
start building another trusted relationship that takes years upon years.
I've been at RBC since 1992. I don't have that kind of time
anymore. So, I'll just keep "pushing the rock". Every time I
hear "hairy legged preacher boy" a little of me dies inside. I
always thought that if I lived a "perfect" life, someday, someone would
notice and say, "you know what? I believe she was called after all."
Until I lost everything and responded to the only person who seemed to
love me back. Now, my life isn't "perfect" anymore. Now, I
know "brokenness". Now, I know the reason for grace. Now, I
know that I can't do it alone. Now, it's too late anyway. I
know that I cannot change your feelings, but I know who has the answer.
Lord God, Almighty, show one of us before my heart explodes.
Literally.
Sherry
Dear Sherry:
Haven't you received correspondence from us before? I believe so.
When you release yourself totally and fully into the Lord's hands and
count ALL things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ
Jesus, you will clearly know what to do in your dilemma.
It seems that you have been given the left foot of fellowship. So,
why not get up, dust yourself off and proceed forward. Forward is not a
static position of your hanging on and into this church. You say,
"I can't just walk in to another church and start building another
trusted relationship that takes years upon years. I've been at RBC since
1992." Who says you can't? The Lord may lead you anywhere at any time,
don't you agree? Giving your all to God includes all our relationships,
even including the "trusted" ones. Who says you don't have the
"time any more?" Building a trusted relationship is only with the Lord
any way.
Knowing brokenness is part of our mission on earth. To not know it and
be introduced to it somewhere along life's way is to render ourselves
useless for the kingdom. The loaf of bread can't be eaten until
it's broken.
Neither can one drink grapes without them first being crushed. Then, and
only then, can our lives become broken bread to feed the hungry and
poured-out wine on the altar for Him.
Go ahead and let your heart explode in passion for Him. Minister
where you are accepted. Surely your town has assisted living
centers, prisons, hospitals, etc., where you could release the
word of the Lord. What you
don't need are credentials and acceptance from your church. You
are "accepted in the Beloved." You don't have to be "sent" by your
church. The Lord must be the one to send You, and you will have
the anointing because you have the Anointed One in you--those are your
credentials.
You say, "Now, I know that I can't do it alone. Now, it's too late
anyway." Sherry, you had to come to the place where you confessed that
you can't do it alone. Relax, and let the Lord do it through you.
It is not
too late. In fact, the Lord is applauding you for having made this
confession. Only now are you ready, and it's not too late!
Ever His, Barbara
6/20/06
Hi Ladies,
Please read this email exchange below. M says that the truth of scripture is
that women are not supposed to teach men and that women in relationship to their
husbands are subordinate.
Let me know what you think regarding his response to S.
Regards, Andrea
Who Can Women Teach?
S wrote:
Hi M,
I read most of your writing on women prophesying and speaking. These Scriptures
refer to women who are married. What is the situation of a single woman who is
separated/divorced from the husband on a biblical ground? Does not the Scripture
say that The Lord is the Husband to the husbandless? So if such a woman is in
total submission to The Lord and called of God to minister to/teach women, is
that permitted?
--S
Hi S,
Thank you for your questions.
You ask if the scriptures say that 'Christ is a husband to the husbandless?'
While that is not a scriptural phrase, it is a scriptural concept and here is
why?
2 Corinthians 11:2 For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have
espoused you [married or single] to one husband, that I may present you as a
chaste virgin to Christ.
You also ask if women can teach other women. They certainly can, and it does not
depend on being married or being single. The words man and woman in Greek mean
both man and husband and woman and wife respectively. Whether the subject is
married or not is determined by the context. Context certainly does have its
place and its function. As I have pointed out in my letters, women are actually
commissioned to "teach the young women."
Titus 2:4 That they [older women] may teach the young women to be sober, to love
their husbands, to love their children,
I have just written an e-mail on "as also saith the law." Nowhere is it written
in the law of Moses 'let your women keep silence in the church.' But what is
written is "Three times in the year shall all your males appear before me."
Under the law of Moses no woman, married or single, was even to "appear before
Me [God]." Paul was not putting Moses above "the law of the spirit." He was
merely pointing out that if this law "for the lawless" tells us that men are to
be leaders, how much truer is it in spirit. If we are not to commit adultery in
the "law... for the lawless" then we are not even to "look on a woman to lust
after her" in our hearts under the "law of the spirit." According to "the
doctrine of Christ" the one thing in any woman which is specifically mentioned
as being "of great price in the sight of God" is "a meek and quiet spirit." It
is her greatest 'sermon.' It is proof that she "does the things that I [Christ]
say."
Luke 6:46 And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?
Titus 2:4 and all the other New Testament scriptures on this subject are "the
things which I say."
Sandya, I know that a woman's calling is a hard one. But so also is the calling
of any man who insists on being faithful to God's Word. It is a sin worthy of
stoning in the "streets of that great city" to stand fast on this subject in
this upside down, feminist world in which we live. All of us, men and women,
must be faithful to God's Word. When men do not lead, women are forced to make
the decisions. It is all of God. Deborah led Israel into battle. Deborah's
leading Israel into battle typifies "the Israel of God" today. Here is where
'God's Israel' is today:
Isaiah 3:12 As for my people, children are their oppressors, and women rule over
them. O my people, they which lead thee cause thee to err, and destroy the way
of thy paths.
"They which lead you" are 'they which rule over' you. And all too often "they"
are women who are there by default, because men have given themselves over to
serve their flesh and to take the easy way out, instead of being the leaders
they were created to be.
1 Corinthians 11:9 Neither was the man created for the woman; but the woman
for the man.
Having children as oppressors is not a positive thing. It is accompanied by
having women who do not have time for their children because they are earning
livings which men ought to be earning. They are leading our schools, counties,
states and our nation. It only follows that they are also teaching and
preaching. "They which lead thee cause thee to err."
But all the while the scriptures are consistent: "I suffer not a woman to
teach... Let your women keep quiet in the church... a meek and quiet spirit is
in the sight of God of great price..." etc. The scriptures do not change to fit
in with the circumstances of the day. Truth is not, as Babylon wants us to
believe, relevant to the age in which we live.
I am personally acquainted with several women who must be their husbands's
spiritual leaders. But these women do not dominate their husbands. Instead they
take every opportunity, as did Deborah, to encourage the men in their lives to
take the lead. This is what Godly women do. When they must decide between Christ
and His Word and a husband who is not leading them spiritually, then they follow
Christ. But they do not take over the house and church. As Deborah told Barak,
'Because you refuse to take the position of a leader, a woman will take your
honor:'
Judges 4:6 And she [Deborah] sent and called Barak the son of Abinoam out of
Kedeshnaphtali, and said unto him, Hath not the LORD God of Israel commanded,
saying, Go and draw toward mount Tabor, and take with thee ten thousand men of
the children of Naphtali and of the children of Zebulun?
Judges 4:7 And I will draw unto thee to the river Kishon Sisera, the captain of
Jabin's army, with his chariots and his multitude; and I will deliver him into
thine hand.
Judges 4:8 And Barak said unto her, If thou wilt go with me, then I will go: but
if thou wilt not go with me, then I will not go.
Judges 4:9 And she said, I will surely go with thee: notwithstanding the journey
that thou takest shall not be for thine honour; for the LORD shall sell Sisera
into the hand of a woman. And Deborah arose, and went with Barak to Kedesh.
Deborah judged Israel, because Israel was so far from God that not one single
man was in a position to lead Israel. Not even Deborah's husband. Barak's
reticence to lead without Deborah by his side cost him the honor of winning the
battle. Oh yes, Deborah and Barak are mentioned in Hebrew 11, along with Samson.
But being mentioned in Hebrew 11 does not change the fact that both Samson and
Barak were chastened for their lack of faith. Both of these stories are given to
us "for our admonition."
1 Corinthians 10:11 Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples:
and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are
come.
Why did this happen to Deborah and Barak? Was it primarily for their own
learning? No, not primarily. This fact was actually revealed to the prophets of
the Old Testament. These things happened to Israel and all those who are
mentioned in the Old Testament for one primary reason: "for our admonition, upon
whom the ends of the world [aions] have come."
1 Peter 1:9 Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.
1 Peter 1:10 Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched
diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you:
1 Peter 1:11 Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which
was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ,
and the glory that should follow.
1 Peter 1:12 Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us
they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have
preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which
things the angels desire to look into.
Can we learn from all of these Old Testament admonitions? Are they consistent
with the teachings of the New Testament? As much as we tend to cringe at this
truth, here it is for all those who can accept it:
1 Corinthians 14:34 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.
I have pointed out many times that 'silence' is a bad translation and should be
quiet. Paul is not saying that women cannot speak to others in a congregation.
What he is saying is that it blasphemes God when a woman teaches or preaches to
men:
Titus 2:3 The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh
holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;
Titus 2:4 That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their
husbands, to love their children,
Titus 2:5 To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own
husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.
It matters not how much 'fire' from God's Word, a woman preacher "calls down
from heaven in the sight of men." While she is doing so, she is still
"blaspheming the name of God" and she is ignoring "these sayings of mine
[Christ]."
I hope this has answered your question about whether women can teach other
women. They can. And the very best 'sermon' any woman can 'preach' is by obeying
the words of God and Christ and their apostles and prophets on this subject.
God's Word is "the same yesterday, today and forever."
--M
Dear Andrea:
His heart is in the right place and I think that it is to his credit that he
took the time to really give her an answer. Unfortunately, the answer is
incorrect.
He has completely ignored the partnership of equals in Genesis 1 & 2, the
multitude of statements by Paul about women participating in all ways in the
service. He admits that nowhere in the law does it tell the women to keep silent
in the church and then he quotes it down at the bottom as a reason for them not
to be able to minister.
If I remember correctly, women were not required at the feasts, but no one said
that they could not go. We know that they participated if only because we have
the story of Mary and Joseph taking Jesus when he was 12. Women were part of the
worship in the Tabernacle of David.
His thoughts about Deborah are a case of imposing his own doctrine on what the
scripture actually says. It does not tell us that God chose her because he could
not get a man to judge. Read what it says! We listen to others because we do not
take the time to search the scripture for ourselves.
Refer her to our website. Let her read and seek God for the answer to her
question. Isaiah 3:12 is a mistranslation. The word translated children in this
verse is a plural masculine participle of the verb meaning "to glean," "abuse,"
practice." The word is never translated as children except here and it occurs 21
other times. The word translated "woman" is like the problem with Genesis
3:16--the vowel signs. They are the only difference. With the vowel mark the
word means women without it the word means exactors. Remember that vowel signs
are a recent invention and not in the original Hebrew. The Septuagint translates
it "As for my people, tax-gatherers (prakotores) glean them and exactors (apaitountes)
rule them. About time somebody taught the truth!!!!! If you read it in context,
you will see that the Septuagint translation makes sense.
In Titus--very good for older women to teach the younger, but who says they are
limited to that. Only a few scriptures can be used to indicate that women are in
any way limited. There are many more that say they are not. Look in your Source
to see the definition of "subject."
Refer her to our teaching on Genesis 1 & 2 either in the podcast or on the net
under Scripture Study for answers to many of the other points. Genesis 3
teaching is also very critical. It is up on the net, and part of it is on
podcast. We should have the complete teaching in podcast form up in a couple of
weeks, maybe sooner.
Read The Source for 1 Cor 14. Paul is answering a question. He first quotes
their statement and then says, What, or Utter Nonsense" or "Your kidding"
however, you want to put it and refutes their statement. I would also suggest
that everyone take a long look at the traditions that Jesus came against in
regard to the treatment of women. I plan to write on that, but it will be a few
months before we get it up. Until then, go to Sue Hyatt's In the Spirit We're
Equal. I think it's also in Cunningham's Why Not Women.
She needs to get a TNIV or the Source or some Bible that shows that most
of time the word translated "men" is really a word that means either men or
women--people, human beings--not gender specific!
It's time we quit listening to every negative voice and begin to look for
ourselves. That's what set me free and it is the only way that I know of that
anyone is going to have confidence it what God is saying to them. You have to
hear for yourself and part of hearing is to know the Word accurately. If
something doesn't jibe with what God's Spirit is saying to you, study is in
order. It is good to ask questions, but in the end, you have to have the Word
planted firmly in your own heart. So, that's what I think!
blessings, pat
Pat,
Trust me, I agree with everything you say and what we talked about at the
conference. I know that it is long overdue for the “church” to get over the
“woman” issue. What amazes me is on one hand, Mike says we are not to be
governed by the law and then in the same breath says it is the law that keeps
women in a subordinate position.
I will refer him to GWTW.
I thank God for revealing this truth to all of us who are asking, seeking, and
knocking.
As I have told you in our face-to-face encounters, you are truly a mother in
Zion and I feel honored and privileged to know you and fellowship with you.
Continued blessings to you, Andrea
6/19/06
What a blessing to have found your web site. I spent 6 years
studying and completing the same ordination requirements as men in my
denomination, only to be told that I cannot be ordained (read that, be a
pastor) and that my education, and more importantly, my calling from
God, allow me to work in the nursery or kitchen! Women, I am told, can
be "consecrated," (I thought the Holy Spirit did that for us all!), and
the designation, within the church, is meaningless.
I have three daughters and cannot let them grow up under the same
gender-based bigotry that I have. But try as I might, I have not
been able to find a Christian, evangelical church that will allow women
to use their spiritual gifts without artificial limitations.
Can anyone offer suggestions?
Thank you, and may God continue to bless your ministry! -Kellie
Dear Kellie:
You might now have a fellowship in your area, which you don't mention.
We have many people write us to ask if we know of a fellowship in their
area that practices biblical equality. When we know of one, we
certainly let the inquirer know about it.
Too, many today are finding that house church satisfies the desire for
biblical equality which seems to be acknowledged in a greater way than
in a traditional church. I will forward you a couple of articles
that I have recently read that may help you. Certainly, you would
be unwise to keep your three daughters in the present atmosphere you
have in your church that causes a female's spiritual gifts to be subject
to "artificial limitations." Like Philip's four daughters in the book of
Acts who "did prophesy" (Acts 21:9) along with the promise in Acts 2:17
that says, "your daughters shall prophesy," is a call for all of us to
prepare our daughters to do what the Spirit says they "shall"
(imperative) do in the book of Joel that is quoted in Acts 2.
I'll forward you the material mentioned above.
Because of Him, Barbara
5/27/06
Dear Prayer Partner
Hello Barbara
After the Christian's of the world's long prayer to the heavenly Father
for Religious Freedom in Nepal, Nepal's House of Representatives on
Thursday boldly declared that NEPAL SHALL BE A SECULAR STATE after years
as the world's only Hindu kingdom, taking along other historical step.
Here after His majesty's government will be changed to government of
Nepal, Royal Nepal Army will be Nepalese Army, Royal Palace will be a
part of Civil Service and many other declaration. Thank you for
praying for Nepal.
Dear Br. Reuben:
Let me say that not only is it our privilege, but it is our pleasure to
be praying for you there in Nepal. God really is doing something
great in your midst. Just think, He brought forth a nation in a
day. In fact, the Lord once asked the question of Israel: ".
. . or shall a nation be born at once? for as soon as Zion
travailed, she brought forth her children." The church presently is
Zion; and as Zion (the Body of Christ) travails, the children will come
forth!
The body of Christ in Nepal is preparing for great increase. As
intercessors, we help you pray in the harvest.
Because of Him,
Barbara Collins
Subject: RE: Nepal Update: Historical Change, Nepal a Secular State now
onwards
Dear Barbara:
What we can expect from these??
I believe the Lord has open us more door with double opportunity to
serve him in this nation which was, for years, a restricted and hostile
nation for Jesus and His gospel. So Partner Please pray and plan
for a greater measure of involvement directly in the ministry.
This all happen because you prayed for Nepal.
Serving the Lord Together Reuben in Nepal
Dear Br. Reuben:
How grateful we are that you sent such an encouraging word about Nepal
having now taken off its Hindu clothing. Although it still remains
to be seen what happens during this transitional stage, we rejoice with
you and believe for those greater doors to open for the ministry of the
gospel. Wow! What a difference a single day has made in the life
and history of your country. Even the national anthem will be
changed!
You asked us to pray about a greater measure of involvement directly in
the ministry. We'll take you up on that challenge and do just
that. Even now as I am sensing your exhilaration, I capture some
of it for myself. In fact, I see the woman who greets our readers
on the GWTW website with her arms upraised saying, "If I may touch the
hem of His garment, I shall be made whole." Matt 9:21. Br.
Reuben, a wholeness is coming to the women of Nepal, not because it is
now a secular state but because it no longer carries the trappings of
the Hindu religion. The gospel just gained "light years" in your
country. There's a new freedom that causes the heart to beat and
the feet to skip!
A new power is being released in prayer. A lot of the plodding and
plowing is being replaced by sowing, watering and harvesting a bountiful
crop for His kingdom. God wants to clothe you with a new
custom-made and custom-fitted mantle, giving you all the authority,
power and gifting that God has for you. Pick it up, brother, pick
it up. Even as Elisha picked up Elijah's mantle, pick it up.
Because of Him, Barbara
4/14/06 Hello Ladies: I came upon your website quite by
'accident'. I was looking under the wording Dangerous Women! I
live in California; have been born again & spirit-filled since 10/19/73;
divorced (not my choice!); Mother of two grown sons and Grandmother of
two wonderful Grandsons; recently retired from working full time.
I was 'raised up' through the ministry of Women's Aglow Fellowship
Int'l. from 5/76 through 12/90. What a joyous experience! I
noted that Dr. Fuchsia Pickett mentored one of you ladies.
What a treasure she was! I sat under her ministry as often as I could.
Several references you note in your website are familiar to me. I
noted, also, about the conference in June for the Apostolic Women
Arising. Will you ladies be speaking at that conference? Without
further ado, I intend to Bookmark your website so I may continue to
learn from you ladies. God bless each of you and your families.
Happy Resurrection Sunday. Sincerely, Carol
I love being a dangerous woman!!! We must be about the same age both
physically and spiritually. I came to the Lord 4/4/74, have two
grown children, Scott, 46 and Cindy 41 and 4 beautiful grandchildren,
Jennifer & Britt both 16 and Jeff 13 and Katie almost 12. I am not
divorced, only by the grace of God. I came to the Lord through
Lenten teachings at the Episcopal Church but I was active in Aglow after
that. Played the guitar and led worship for our chapter and now,
after many years of not having any contact with the organization, I have
spoken to a couple of chapters on what God is saying about women.
Barbara Collins was the one who had a close relationship with Fuchsia
Pickett. She was with her at Fountain Gate--her Bible school in
Plano. She still lives in Plano. Gay Anderson lives in Eagle
Lake which is about 40 miles west of Houston and I'm in Wharton about 35
miles SW of Houston on Hwy 59. Gay and I have known each other for
years and God led us to Barbara about 1996 in preparation to start this
website.
We won't be speaking at the Apostolic Women Arising Conference but we
are having our own Gathering preceding it--June 12-13. Barbara and
I went to the AWA conference last year and were favorably impressed.
We figured we could meet before it started and that way if people wanted
to come for ours and stay for AWA it would save on airfare for those
coming from a distance--a two for one approach. Hope you'll
consider coming.
Thanks so much for the encouragement. This website is a joy to us
and when others share our enthusiasm it brings large smiles.
Please keep in touch. I'm forwarding this to the rest of the team.
The Spring Newsletter will be out in a few days. Blessings,
Pat
Dear Pat:
Thank you for the swift response! I appreciate it more than you can
imagine! After I sent my e-mail to you girls I thought to myself: "Self:
What is it you are looking for? And the answer was: Somewhere to connect
and fit in!!!" I've been to Texas a couple of times for the Aglow
conferences years ago! Dallas-Ft. Worth & San Antonio. I
consider that my involvement in Aglow was a blessing in so many ways
because it afforded me opportunities to serve, meet new women who love
Jesus and travel.
After my husband left (31 years of marriage), I wrestled with all kinds
of stuff, as you might imagine. That being said, I'll move on.
As a child I joined the Catholic Church. My parents were not
involved in my spiritual up-bringing at all. The decision to
become Catholic was made by me as a child. I was trying to find
God! It wasn't until I was 34 (in 1973) that I became born again and He
baptized me with His Holy Spirit. PTL! Our sons were 6 years & 3
years old at the time.
One week to the day of my salvation I received a phone call from a man
threatening to kill my husband because, it turned out, my husband was
having an affair with his wife. Whew! It was like being hit with a
2 x 4!!! After a brief conversation with the man and explaining to him
that our little boys needed their Daddy, he broke and said that though
he was so hurt, he wouldn't kill my husband because HE HAD JUST BECOME A
BORN AGAIN CHRISTIAN!!!! Now, is that the Lord or what! (Thank you for
listening to my ORGAN RECITAL!) (: I promise that I won't 'write' you
girls lengthy tomes on a regular basis!!!!
I continued attending church but after 5 years in the Roman church the
Lord permitted me to leave. I continued to grow in my relationship
with Him through church attendance; Bible studies; etc. In 1980 I
attended a 2 year Bible training school; graduated and received my
ministerial license. All of this, of course, was while still
married, raising my sons and with my husbands permission. Yearly I
attend a meeting to maintain my accountability and ministerial license.
With that license in the State of California I am permitted to MARRY &
BURY & DEDICATE BABIES & PREACH. Although most of my preaching is
to the furniture & the 4 walls! (:
In 1988 I established a small, small town ministry aimed at women and
patterned after what I learned in Aglow. It was called: SPREADING
HIS WORD MINISTRIES. After a time I found that I wasn't permitted
to use that title so I changed it to: BREAD BROKEN MINISTRIES.
After several years of wonderful fellowship; speakers teaching &
preaching, etc., Whenever Dr. Pickett was in town, I
cancelled the meetings so that we could all sit at her feet and learn.
About four years ago I began hosting the meetings in my home.
Every now and then I will facilitate gatherings for those who desire to
attend. It is a blessing. Smaller, but a blessing.
After being divorced I found employment and as stated in my original
'letter' I recently retired at the age of 66! (Whew! 66 sure arrived
here FAST!!!) I am no longer involved in the intuitional church and have
been in the prayer mode for stating a house church. Last July I
attended some House Church functions and actually facilitated a 2-day
seminar with Mr. & Mrs. Robert Fitts who participate with
others in establishing House Churches. They have a ministry of
long-standing; have been married for approx. 52 years with 7
children, all of whom are married and are serving the Lord as well.
All of their Grandchildren are serving Him as well. I'd say that
that is a pretty amazing testimony.
If you're not blurry-eyed by now from reading this lengthy 'letter', I
don't want to be responsible for affecting your sight so I shall close.
(I hope that by several of my comments you get the jist of my feeble
attempts at 'humor'!)
Thank you again for your reply to my first letter. It truly warms
my heart and actually makes me cry to think that there is anyone OUT
THERE, with skin on, who understands!
God's continued blessings to you & yours and ALL of you girls!
Sincerely, Carol
Dear Carol:
I'm sitting here at my computer working on the newsletter and I can't
resist responding. there are lots of people with skin that know
the truth. It is amazing how many. You fit! We are getting
about 5000 visits - that's people a week coming to the website.
Many are return visitors, so, it doesn't mean that there are 5000
individuals. Regardless, that's a lot of interest.
I wanted you to know that Gay and I have been in a house church for the
last 10 years. We were not welcome at the charismatic church that
we had attended because of our egalitarian stand. It was the Lord
that moved us out. The house church has been an awesome experience
and none of us would go back. There are six of us, just got a new
one a couple of weeks ago. There have been more, but some have
moved and most think we are very strange. Living small towns means
that everyone knows when something different is happening even if they
don't understand it.
Barbara is committed to house church but at present is taking care of
her aunt who has Alzheimer's and can't be part of one. I expect
that one day their will be a meeting at her house.
Keep praying, but move as soon as he says move. It is a fantastic
experience and so freeing. Getting away from hierarchy and back
into a New Testament format is blessed by the Lord.
We really hope that you'll consider coming to the "Gathering." We want
to meet you.
4/11/06 What an enormous blessing it was to come
upon this website! I am 22 years old and have always felt that the traditional
teaching about women in the Church was wrong but I didn't know how to back up my
feelings. Now I do! May God truly bless you and prosper you and your
ministry. I believe now is the time for women to realize the fullness of
our freedom in Christ Jesus! I was wondering if you could let me know how I can
help get the word out and seek justice for women. I feel as though I could
burst! I want everyone to know the truth! I also wanted to recommend that you
offer the book What Paul Really Said About Women on your website as a
resource as it offers a lot of tremendously helpful information.
Your Sister in Christ, Olivia
Dear Olivia:
Thank you so much for your words. It is letters like yours that keep us
pumped up and excited that the word is being discovered. We recommend Who
Said Women Can't Teach under "recommended books." You can buy it from Amazon for
a good price. I believe that Christians for Biblical Equality also carry
it. It was one of the first that I read and it is truly a blessing.
We re-published God's Word to Women by Katharine Bushnell to keep it in
circulation because we think it is foundational to all the other works.
Trombley quotes her! We also sell From Bondage to Blessings by Dee Alei who published it in England.
I'm going to put you on the list for our quarterly Newsletter. The Spring
edition should be out in a week or so. I'll send you the Winter one.
Anyway, one way to spread the word is to let people know about our website and a
way to do that is to forward the newsletter to everyone that God prompts.
I don't know where you live, but you would profit greatly by coming to our
Gathering and then on to the Apostolic Women Arising conference in June.
The information link is on the main page. It's going to be great.
Our Gathering will allow for dialogue on the issues along with response to
questions on areas that are giving problems. Not only that, the networking
is priceless.
You may also want to take a look at the CBE website,
www.cbeinternational.org
They have a bookstore and lots of excellent material. Have you checked out
the podcasts and the blog. I think these are going to be important tools
in getting the message out.
So glad you wrote to us. Blessings, Pat
Dear Olivia:
My face is red. I looked at your email again and
discovered that I was thinking of the wrong book. What Paul Really Said
About Women was one of the three books that I read when I started my quest for
truth on biblical womanhood. Trombley's and GWTW were the other two.
You are absolutely right, it's a great book. I have a copy and we can see
if it is still under copyright. It may be. If not, we'll get started
on putting it up. It's a project. Scanning usually doesn't do a very
good job and the corrections take time, but it can be done. We've done a
number of them.
Blessings again, Pat
3/22/06 Hi not sure who will be reading this but I just
read the 10 lies in the church against women, please can you pray for our family
at the moment. My husband was once a caring loving family man, we even had a
small group we were both leaders of. He left church and back slide for 18 months
and has only started going again the past 2 months. I was so happy that we were
back in fellowship in a wonderful church that is supportive loving and community
based. The trouble is my husband has announced he is leaving because of the
scriptures man cannot teach a woman also he is strongly against tithing. He has
also changed his views around the home and is commanding authority. I say this
in a arrogant way he is like commanding I am the head of the home. He makes
large purchases for himself with no talking about it with me. He is rude and so
arrogant he has really changed into this person that’s very hard to like. He is
demanding I leave the church because he is and if I don’t God will judge me in
heaven for not supporting him and Gods truth about mans authority over women
would be revealed and I will be be found guilty. We are starting to go into huge
debt for the first time and he just does not seem to care. He wont talk about
anything else and has approached our pastor whom is a male that he refuses to
attend the church unless all women are stripped from there leadership roles.
That means the pastors wife the prayer leader whom is a woman and any form of
women going up to share a testimony.
I am struggling so much with this, his new plan is to start his
own church with his beliefs and move to the country. Please pray for us I have
an 11 year old daughter as well this is no example to her of a healthy marriage
and relationship with Jesus. I want her to grow up and believe all things are
possible she can grow up and do whatever she sets her heart to and honour God
with her life. The scary part is he has a small group of people from various
places not this church that believe the same things and cannot find a church to
suit their beliefs. Please any advice greatly would be received and pray as well
man or woman, God hears all our prays Jesus did not die so my daughter and I
would become slaves and second class citizens. I still wish to remain married
but find it impossible to support ripping myself away to not attending church
again after settling in to a church that I believe loves God and preachers the
word he even told me that God brought us to this church. Thank you
Dearest___
I am going to dive right into this one say DO NOT LEAVE YOUR CHURCH COMMUNITY.
You are going to need immense support.
http://www.divorcehope.com/marriagevowscovenantsagreements.htm
I have included this link for you; don't be alarmed at the word "divorce." This
is a site full of information on Biblical views of marriage and support in the
case of divorce.
Listen to the Holy Spirit and obey! You already know in your heart what is
right--"Jesus did not die so my daughter and I would become slaves and second
class citizens--" protect that!
You sound like a very strong woman, sure of your place in God's hand--do not let
anyone steal that from you. I am so sorry that your husband has changed so
drastically, and I do believe that he needs your prayers, but you are not
required to give your life for him. Jesus already did that.
I asked God for a Word for you:
Colossians 1:9-14
For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying
for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of His will through all
spiritual wisdom and understanding. And we pray this in order that you may live
a life worthy of the Lord and may please Him in every good way: bearing fruit in
every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all
power according to His glorious might so that you may have great endurance and
patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to
share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. For He has
rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the
Son He loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sin."
Please, please keep us updated, and we will continue pray for you.
Alice
3/20/06 Dear folks at God’s Word to Women,
If you haven’t already, you will shortly receive a copy of my new book, The
Redemption of Love, Rescuing Marriage and Sexuality from the Economics of
a Fallen World (from Brazos Press, a division of Baker Publishing
House). As you already recommend my Bible study guide, Male and Female in
Christ, I would like to ask you to consider adding the new book as well.
Your website looks very nice, by the way. I hope your work is prospering. Carrie
Dear Carrie: Can't wait to get the book. The
address is fine. I'll let Gay know that it is coming--that's her house. I am
going to send you a letter announcing some additions to our ministry and our
first conference. I also found that you have not been getting our newsletter.
The next one is going to have an article on marriage. I put you on the email
list. If you want off, please send us an email with unsubscribe in the subject
line. I know you may get too much stuff so feel free. Blessings,
Pat
Dear Pat, Forgive me if this is too much to ask, but would
you mind giving me some information about GWTW? Do you have a membership? If so,
how many? And how many people are likely to come to your gathering? How are you
different from Christians for Biblical Equality? From this Apostolic Women
Arising?
I am very happy to hear about these things happening and I am
seriously considering coming. Carrie
Dear Carrie: We don't have a membership except for the
newsletter list. We've had the website for nearly 8 years. You can read
about how we got together
www.godswordtowomen.org/God_thing.htm We used the money
from book sales to republish the book God's Word to Women in January of
2005. Our mini bios and a statement tell you more
www.godswordtowomen.org/about_us.htm Also our mission
statement tells what our ministry is
www.godswordtowomen.org/mission.htm
We have managed to get some additional works by Katharine Bushnell and have put
most of them up. We still have a couple to go but we'll eventually get it done.
We do everything on a volunteer basis. Gay does most of the book mailing,
Barbara is our proof reader and editor, I am webmaster. We all answer mail--we
answer all of the mail that we get. We have recently put up two podcasts.
Podcasts give us a way to teach and hopefully to reach some of the younger
generation that don't do as much reading. We have recently taken on two younger
women so that they can begin to see how the website works and be ready to take
it over as we are unable--hopefully no time soon. One of them is doing our new
blog.
Actually the GWTW meeting is June 12-13 and that is what I
was talking about. The Apostolic Women Arising conference follows. They are
reaching people and giving legitimacy to the word on biblical equality. We set
ours up thinking about transpiration costs and getting two for one, but there is
no requirement to stay.
Now, that's a better answer. We all feel called to this ministry and we love
doing it.
blessings,
Pat
Dear Friends at God's Word to Women:
I hope you have a very Merry Christmas. I wanted you to know
that my Web site is finally up.
Go to
www.themaordecaiproject.com Please let your readers
know. Also I would be happy to post a link on my site
to the God's Word to Women site and tell about the book.
Lee Grady
Dear Lee:
Just want you to know I watched the Paula White program yesterday where
you did a great job in standing up for women and biblical equality.
Thanks for your representation! Because we slipped up and never sent you
the God's Word to Women ministry link, here it is!
"Lee has two articles up on the GWTW site - Ten Lies the Church Tells
Women For centuries, a patriarchal system of control has kept women in
spiritual captivity through distortion of the scriptures.
This article takes on the myths. Also, Women of Fire where
Lee presents stories of women to whom God has given dangerous ministries
and gives four reasons why American women shy away from the challenge of
such ministry. His contribution to our website is invaluable
and incalculable when it comes to lives that have allowed hope and
encouragement to be sewn into their lives.
GWTW supports its ministry through sales of the God's Word to Women book
by Katharine Bushnell (1856 - 1946), who was a physician, missionary,
crusader, reformer, author and speaker as well as a brilliant and
original scholar who spoke seven languages and was grounded in Greek and
Hebrew. The scriptural status of women was of intense
concern to Bushnell who came to believe that mistranslations were
responsible for the social and spiritual subjugation of women.
God's Word to Women is a ground-breaking study that carefully examines
every scripture relating to women. Her book provides the
"mother lode" for all who desire to know what the scriptures really say
about women. Visit us - www.godswordtowomen.org."
Because of Him, Barbara
3/21/06 I was hoping you could help me. I have
written an inspirational/ Christian romance novel about a female charismatic
pastor who believes that the scriptures teach mutual submission between the
sexes and that God did not intend women to have a lower leadership role in God's
kingdom. The lady pastor accepts an extremely traditional pastorate
and ends up in a mess with her church board. She also places her
daughter in a fundamentalist Christian school during this time which also causes
trouble. She further complicates the chaos by falling for her sixth
grade daughter's Christian school teacher.
I'm sure it comes as no surprise to you that that I am having a hard time
finding a publisher who likes my topic. It's considered too Christian for
the secular publishers and not traditional enough for the Christian publishers.
I was hoping you could suggest some inspirational / romance Christian publishers
that wouldn't be afraid of my topic. Thank you, Vicki
Dear Vicki:
Thanks for writing to the God's Word to Women website. If I were
in your presence, I'd shake your hand and give you a hug for having
obeyed the Lord thus far. Vicki, I've never even heard of such a
"plot" in a romance novel before, but the time has arrived!
Our experience with publishing is very limited. Central Plains
Publishing Company did our re-run on Bushnell's, God's Word to Woman
book. That's all we've done. We'll certainly pray with you
as you seek the Holy Spirit's direction, and we'll believe with you for
a Christian publisher who won't shy away from the topic.
Let us know when you get a publisher! Because of Him,
Barbara
Barbara,
I jumped out of my chair and praised God for five minutes after I
received your message. I live in the heart of the Bible Belt (
Huntington, WV) and it is such a blessing to have someone catch the
vision besides just me and my family. I felt so anointed when I
wrote "Literally Translated" that I couldn't wait to see what I was
writing next. I know this book is going to reach the women who
blindly listen to preachers and do not study and get God's word's true
revelation on their own.
I will definitely keep Central Plains Publishing Company in mind.
Thank you so much for telling me about it. Leslie from GWTW also
told me about Strang Communications and Creation House. Now I can
get back to work and send out some more queries.
I feel like I'm in Heaven when I get on your web site. GWTW will
be the first place I will send copies of "Literally Translated" to.
Thank you again. God bless. Vicki
Dear Vicki:
Not only women, but men as well, don't study the scriptures. It
just seems the church is so deceived by whatever Gnostic idea floats by
next. Witness the Da Vinci Code for one. Or, the "spiritual
truth" some say may be found in Matrix, Harry Potter, or Star Wars.
It behooves us all to always weigh things of our culture with the
spiritual truth revealed in the Bible. Yes, alas, so few
Christians are consistently reading the Bible. The Lord says He
will send a famine in the land not of bread or thirst of water but of
hearing the words of the Lord (Amos 8:11). That famine is here,
and by its neglect, the church itself has spurred it on.
Although I mentioned Central Plains simply because it was the publisher
that we used to reprint the GWTW book, I don't think it's a very good
suggestion for a romance novel. Leslie gave you a couple of good
ideas to which I would add Destiny Image publishers. I must say,
Vicki, you are the first one I've ever heard who felt like our website
was a taste of heaven.
Hey, I'll be waiting for a copy of Literally Translated. Just let
me know when to expect it!! Agape, Barbara
3/1/06 Hello Barbara Collins
Greetings from the Himalaya. We had privilege to visit your web
site of God's Word to Women. We want you to pray for Nepal. Nepali
women are backward in every area and we want to reach them with God's Word and
want to show them who they are in Christ. We want to organize women
conference to uplift and encourage women.
If you can visit Nepal in future for the purpose of women conference and
ministry that will be great.
Pastor Reuben & Rita
Dear Br. Reuben:
Thank you for your encouraging email regarding the women of Nepal. The
GWTW website is about to launch podcasts which are messages that could be
downloaded to your computer. The first two should be up by next week which
were done when our partners, Pat and Gay, came here to Plano (North Texas) for a
board meeting. On the first one, the three of us talk about how GWTW came
about, and the second one starts in the book of Genesis. You will be able
to pick and choose which podcasts you would like by downloading them to your
computer. Just bear with us as we learn how to work with this new system.
Those messages would be in English. You could just make a recording on a
CD yourself, using our podcasts - listen, stop the podcast, record the
translation and then continue that process until you were through.
Thank you so much for your gracious invitation to come to Nepal. As the
Lord leads in coming days, perhaps that would be possible. Give our love
and greeting to your wife Rita. Let me know what you think about your
doing the translation.
Because of Him, Barbara
2/15/06 Hi, Do you know if there is an article
anywhere which tells the difference between a bride price and a dowry?
What do they constitute? Is it money? Who gives it, who gets it and
when? When did that tradition change? Perhaps one of you can write about
it.
I totally enjoy your website and also my new bible, the Source. I
am anxiously waiting for Dr. Nyland to translate the Old
Testament.
Also, I am really enjoying Dee Alei's book, From Bondage to Blessing.
She is the first one to address the verses referring to Job's beautiful
daughters that I have come across. Because they were more
beautiful than all the daughters of the land, they had no need of an
inheritance as every king and wealthy man from all the countries around
would have wanted to marry them so they would have been very well looked
after. But it appears that that is the only thing Job changed
after he got restored with all his wealth and new family. God must
have made an issue about that. The people of his region must have
also. It is hard to go against what society and tradition expect
of us, but what a grand finale for the book of Job.
Thank you so much ladies for your website. Adele
Dear Adele:
A challenging question! When I looked at Ralph Gower's book, The New
Manners and Customs of Bible Times, I found on p. 61 - "Girls, on
the other hand, were valuable only for the work they could do while they
were young and for the bride-price that would be paid as a form of
compensation when they moved to another family." In New Testament times
when a man such as Joseph became formally betrothed (an act more binding
than the "engagement" of today), "he gave a present to the girl and
said, 'By this, thou art set apart for me according to the laws of Moses
and of Israel.'" One of the best illustrations is in Gen. 24:47,
53 where Abraham's servant presents gifts to Rebecca for Isaac.
Also, James Freeman's, Manner and Customs of the Bible, says, "The dowry
comes not with the bride, but for the bride. The custom in those
days in regard "to the father of the bride as entitled to some
compensation for the trouble had in her training, and for the loss of
service experienced by her departure from home. If this
compensation cannot be rendered in money, jewels, or cattle, it may be
given in labor. It was in this way that Jacob became herdsman to
Laban. Moses probably served Jethro in a similar manner for the
sake of having Zipporah. Comp. Ex. 2:21; 3:1.
Shechem offered to Jacob and his sons any amount of dowry he was pleased
to ask for Dinah. Gen. 34:12." The bride is undoubtedly
bought.
As you can see above, it continued through New Testament times. I
have no idea when the custom was formally stopped. I rather
suspect that it was lost some time during the Dark Ages if not before.
Because of Him, Barbara
Hello,
My name is Sarah and I would like to know if you have any Biblical basis
for divorcing your husband if he is beating you. I am in the
process of opening a shelter for women and children suffering from
domestic violence. In the process of doing this, I have run into a
Christian who is not convinced that it is okay for a woman to leave her
husband for any reason other than adultery. Do you have any verses
to back up the reality that these women need to leave sometimes? If you
do, I would be thrilled if you would share them with me.
Thank you so much for your time.
By His Grace,
Sarah
Dear Sarah,
I believe the Spirit of Scripture rises above any and all dogmas and
assertions concerning divorce, separation, etc. The Lord has
called us to peace,love, holiness, righteousness and all those things.
Any man who would abuse his wife is certainly not walking in any of
those qualities and the Lord cannot and will not abide in that situation
and environment, and would never give license or freedom to any man to
abuse his wife or call her to stay in that bondage. That is the
opposite of love, and is demonic, to say the least. If a man is
beating his wife, he no doubt is unfaithful to her, as well. God
is love and calls us to live in Him, pursuing peace and holiness without
which no one will see the Lord.
Ephesians 5:25-29 This is the Lord's presentation of marriage. A
husband is to love, protect, nourish, supply; and any man who beats his
wife or harms her in any way, has broken the marriage covenant.
God's people are told to flee or run from evil, and a husband who beats
his wife falls into that category.Abused women need to flee for their
lives and the lives of their children!
I realize there's not a lot of Scripture here, but others surely will
have more.
Bless you in your ministry, In Christ's love, Gay
We now have a section on divorce on the website. Take a
look at
www.godswordtowomen.org/francisco1.htm and
www.godswordtowomen.org/franciscod.htm
1/29/06 Dear Ladies: It was my delight to run across your
web site while doing research.
I read as far as the "Magna Carta" paragraph 5 of your home page where
you referenced and quoted Jessie Penn-Lewis. Only question without
reading further at this point, does GWTW subscribe to the teachings of
Penn-Lewis?
Blessings, Ed
Dear Ed:
Thanks for your email regarding Jessie Penn-Lewis. That's a loaded
question, asking whether or not we subscribe to her teachings. Her
book on The Magna Charta of Woman is a short version of the essence of
Katharine Bushnell's book, God's Word to Women. She gives full
credit to the contribution of Bushnell's work, for instance, as she
writes in the Introduction to her book: "We gratefully recognize also
that Dr. Bushnell, in doing this invaluable service to Christian
women at this time, does her work with scholarly dignity and soberness
of language, revealing the mind of a true scholar . . ."
She ends the Introduction with these words, "With Dr. Bushnell's
permission, I have sought to give as simply as possible the main points
of some of the lessons concerning those aspects of the subject which
affect the ministry of Christian women in the service of God." I commend
the reading of the entire Introduction, if not the remainder of the
book, to you.
I am well aware that Jessie Penn-Lewis slipped into error in her latter
days. That lapse, however, was after she had compiled this
remarkable book. It is unfortunate that such "lapse" tainted the
quality of her previous works in the minds of those who never read her
writings.
Because of Him, Barbara
1/25/06 I have lived with abuse for 44 years. I want
to leave so badly at times but dont have anywhere to go. He always
makes me feel like everything is my fault. He is not physically
abusive now at 68 years old but emotionally abusive. I get
very lonely at times because I live out is the country. If I
mention it he tells me I cant be satisfied with anything. He
hardly ever talks to me unless it is negative. He never shows any
affection. He is happy just to sit and watch TV all time or read
western books.
Thanks for listening. Carol
Dear Carol:
I believe we've talked about this a little before. There is no way
that we can change another person. The only one we can change is
ourselves. What is God saying to you about the situation? The Lord
says that He will meet our needs.
We know from many testimonies that He has been all that was needed to
those in prison, in circumstances over which they had no control,
slaves, even wives. Madam Guyon's marriage was neither happy nor
fulfilling. She developed such a relationship with the Lord that
she longed for time to be alone so that she could fellowship with Him.
We make choices. We can choose to look at our lives and say that
they are totally unsatisfying. We can look to our husband or
another person to meet our needs. It never works. They will
disappoint us every time. Only in our relationship with the Lord
can we find peace and rest that can not be shaken.
I know you live in the country and that you don't have a lot of
companionship. What are your interests--your God given talents?
Pursue them. Self-pity is not going to help. To the world,
it may seem justified, but you are a citizen on the Kingdom and as such,
it is not an option. God has given us life. It is a precious
gift that we are to use for His glory. We were created for His
pleasure. What can you do with your life that will please your
maker and lift you up out of the hole that you are in. Ask Him.
He has a plan for each of us at any point in our lives.
It is not hopeless, but the choice is up to you. It may be two
steps forward and one step back, but you have to make the first step and
trust even when you fail that He will give you all that is needed to
keep making progress. Nobody said that it was going to be easy!
I'll be expecting to hear from you. Father, you know Carol's heart
and her need. I ask, that as she reaches out to You with all her
heart, You will answer in a way that lets her know that you have heard.
Have mercy on our weakness, You know without You we are but dust.
May Carol's life come to a place of victory that will glorify Your name.
Blessings, Pat
1/4/06 To whom it may concern.
I am the great-great granddaughter of Sarah Bushnell McCaleb, eldest sister of
Katherine Bushnell. I though that you may be interested in having a copy
of this picture of her taken in California in about 1930. Katherine is on
the right. I believe I also have a post card sent by Katherine when she
was in China. I can send you a copy of that if you would like.
Sincerely, Gayle
Dear Gayle:
This is wonderful. We would love to have a copy of the postcard and
anything else that you might have. We have all fallen in love with Aunt
Kate. Have you read the Heaven on Earth? It is a commentary on Revelation
that she wrote to her nieces and nephews. It is up on our website at
www.godswordtowomen.org/heaventable.htm
We can never thank you enough for this treasure.
Katharine Bushnell made a huge difference in all of our lives. It's almost
like we know her. To know what she looked like when she was about the same
age as Barbara, Gay and I is really a treat. We appreciate your taking the
time to send this to us. We will post it on the website and include it in
our next newsletter. Blessings, Pat
We used the picture in the Winter Newsletter. Gayle
also sent us a copy of a postcard written from China in the 1930's.
You can see them both at
www.godswordtowomen.org/winter2006.htm
|
