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The Role of Women
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe role of women, as presented in this discussion, encompasses a broad spectrum of responsibilities and spiritual significance within the framework of God's plan. Women are portrayed as vital companions and helpers, as seen in the creation of Eve from Adam, designed to complement and complete man as a partner of free will and shared responsibility. Despite Eve's susceptibility to temptation leading to the fall, her inherent traits of love for beauty, food, and knowledge remain admirable and enduring. In societal and historical contexts, figures like Deborah stand out as exceptions to traditional patriarchy, raised by God to lead and shame the men of Israel for their lack of faith, demonstrating that women are capable of leadership with divine support. However, such instances are often depicted as judgments against a disobedient nation rather than a norm. Isaiah's prophecy further illustrates this by associating the rule of women with national shame due to sin, yet it affirms women's potential for leadership under God's guidance. Jesus Christ elevates the dignity of women by engaging with them directly, as seen in His conversation with the Samaritan woman at the well, revealing spiritual truths to her and showing respect that transcends societal prejudices. He entrusted women, such as Mary Magdalene, to be the first witnesses of His resurrection, affirming their worth despite cultural dismissal of their testimony. While maintaining a structure of male leadership by appointing only male apostles, Jesus Christ demonstrates profound respect and spiritual equality for women through His actions and teachings. As wives and mothers, women hold a pivotal role in family and society. The Bible contrasts negative traits, such as nagging or unfaithfulness exemplified by figures like Jezebel, with positive examples of godly women like Abigail, Jerusha, and Jedidah, who influence their families and nations through wisdom and righteousness. Mary, the mother of Jesus, exemplifies exceptional strength and competence, nurturing a stable home environment that shaped His teachings and character. Society often devalues the role of stay-at-home mothers, portraying them negatively, while idealizing the modern career woman in a deceptive manner. In contrast, the true calling of a homemaker is likened to that of a corporate executive, requiring skills in time management, decision-making, problem-solving, delegation, and maintaining morale—skills essential for ruling in God's Kingdom. Proverbs 31 celebrates the virtuous woman as a capable and energetic manager of her household, embodying stability, maturity, and productivity. Ultimately, women share equal spiritual potential with men for character development and qualification for God's Kingdom. Both genders are made in God's image, with equal opportunities to live in ways that please Him. In marriage, women are called to submit to their husbands as the church submits to Christ, reflecting a divine order of mutual respect and love. The spiritual imagery of women in Revelation contrasts the whore of Babylon with the Bride of Christ, highlighting the importance of submission to God. Women, like men, are in training for eternal roles in God's Kingdom, where gender distinctions of this physical life will no longer apply, and all will serve together with Christ.
Should Women Work Outside the Home (Titus 2:4-5)?
Bible Questions & AnswersThe primary responsibility of all married women should be the home and family, even if they also hold outside jobs. Mothers of young children are especially encouraged to avoid working away from home. Young women should be taught to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, and obedient to their own husbands, so that the word of God may not be blasphemed. However, in cases where a husband is unable to provide adequate support due to illness or other extenuating circumstances, it may be necessary for the wife to work temporarily to support the family. The happiness and security derived from being a wife and mother should not be sacrificed for minor financial gain or material possessions. Any outside work that hinders a woman from fulfilling her responsibilities in the home is not worth the monetary benefit it may bring.
Should the Church Ordain Women as Ministers (I Timothy 2:12)?
Bible Questions & AnswersThe role of women, as outlined by the apostle Paul, is rooted in the order of creation and the events of the Fall. Paul teaches in I Timothy 2:12-14 that a woman should not teach or have authority over a man, citing that Adam was formed first, then Eve, and that Eve, being deceived, fell into transgression while Adam's sin was disobedience. This establishes that woman should not take the lead from man, as it generally leads to problems according to the biblical example of our first parents. Paul concludes that a woman, formed as a helper to Adam and more inclined to deception, should not teach or lead men in the church. God considers this a matter of difference between the genders, not one being better or worse. Men and women have distinct roles within society and the church, as God created each sex with various strengths and weaknesses, determining which roles fit each gender. In terms of salvation, God gives men and women equal opportunity to enter His Kingdom. The New Testament provides precedent for the ordination of deaconesses, as seen in I Timothy 3:8-11 and Romans 16:1. Additionally, Aquila and Priscilla, serving under Paul, together instructed Apollos in God's way more accurately. Scripture also records examples of instruction from outstanding women, such as Hannah's prayer, Deborah's song, and the teachings of Lemuel's mother, as well as examples of prophetesses within the church.
Wonderful Women
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsFrom the first chapter of Genesis to the final verses of Revelation, women are portrayed with significant imagery, sharing the image of God at creation and symbolizing the spiritual bride of Christ at the Second Coming. Women hold a high and holy concept, equal in dignity to men, though their roles are often depicted as wife, mother, daughter, sister, and widow. In the Old Testament context, women lacked the same social rights as men, with property inherited by sons and little legal power, including the inability to divorce their husbands. Despite this, in God's system, women are treated with respect, as seen in Numbers 27 where Zelophehad's daughters inherited property in the absence of sons. Genesis 1 establishes that humankind, both male and female, is created in God's image, affirming women's equal spiritual essence and potential for good and evil. Genesis 2 describes Eve as a companion and helper to Adam, sharing his work and responsibilities in the Garden, becoming one flesh with her husband. Though Eve's susceptibility to temptation is noted, her love of beauty, food, and knowledge persists despite the curse of pain in childbirth. The prophets of Israel, while challenging cultural injustices, did not critique patriarchy but interpreted rule by women as a sign of divine judgment against a sinful nation, except in cases like Deborah in Judges 4, where her leadership as a prophetess and judge shamed the men of Israel for their lack of faith, yet did not establish a new norm for female authority. Jesus Christ elevated the dignity of women by conversing with a Samaritan woman in John 4, revealing spiritual truths to her despite societal prejudices, and entrusting women like Mary Magdalene as the first witnesses to His resurrection, rewarding their devotion. Though He did not appoint women as apostles, He valued their service and friendship. Women as wives can exhibit both virtuous and flawed characteristics. Negative traits include nagging, deceit, unfaithfulness, and ungodly influence, as seen in examples like Jezebel, while positive traits are evident in women like Abigail, who countered her husband's folly, and mothers like Jerusha and Jedediah, who raised righteous sons, contributing to societal transformation through family devotion and stability. Mary, the mother of Jesus, exemplified exceptional qualities as a homemaker and mother, nurturing a stable home environment that influenced Christ's teachings, reflecting everyday family life in His parables. Her role encompassed numerous responsibilities, from counselor to teacher, demonstrating the profound impact of a dedicated homemaker. Proverbs 31 portrays the virtuous woman as a capable home manager, embodying strength, stability, and diligence in caring for her household, with skills in decision-making, problem-solving, and delegation, preparing her for significant roles in God's Kingdom. The role of women, particularly as wives, involves submission to their husbands as part of God's established order, as outlined in Ephesians 5, where mutual submission and love reflect the relationship between Christ and His church. Women's character development, like men's, is central to God's purpose, with daily life providing opportunities to build holy, righteous character for service in God's Kingdom. The homemaker's role is as high a calling as any, equipping women with skills akin to corporate executives, and is not diminished by societal deceptions that undervalue such contributions. Ultimately, women's spiritual worth and potential for service in God's Kingdom are equal to men's, grounded in reverence and submission to God.
Men and Women, Hats and Hair
'Ready Answer' by Earl L. HennUnder God's government, as outlined by the apostle Paul, there is a chain of authority where a woman is subject to her husband, who is subject to Christ, who is subject to God the Father. This principle of subjection to authority is central to the discussion of head coverings. Paul teaches that a woman should wear her hair long as a symbol of her submission to the man's authority, showing her willingness to honor her God-given role. If a woman prays or prophesies with her hair short like a man, she dishonors the man, as it is akin to having her head shaved, which is shameful. Paul emphasizes that long hair is a glory to a woman, given to her as a covering, and it should be groomed and styled to enhance her femininity and honorable appearance. God has decreed that women should accede to the role of submission, reflected in a feminine appearance and demeanor. These instructions about hair length, grooming, and dress apply at all times and in all situations, honoring God and the chain of authority He has established.
Does the Bible Prohibit Women From Cutting Their Hair (I Corinthians 11:6)?
Bible Questions & AnswersBecause Paul mentions long hair, some have been afraid to cut their hair at all. Yet I Corinthians 11:15 does not read 'uncut hair'; it reads 'long hair.'
In the Wake of An Unnatural Disaster (Part Four)
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Jimmy Carter left the Southern Baptist Church because of looking at the story of Adam and Eve through the eyes of a humanist instead of believing God.
Is God a Male Chauvinist?
Article by David F. MaasDoes God have something against women? On the contrary, the sexes are equal, and distortions of Scripture such as 'gender neutral' Bibles are unnecessary.
A Woman's World
'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. RitenbaughIt is no longer primarily a man's world, and God's Word has a great deal to say about a society when feminism rules the day.
Our Help
Sermon by Bill OnisickThe woman was created to be a strong, equal, complementary partner. Marriage was intended to mirror the intimacy between Christ and the church.
The First Prophecy (Part Two)
'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. RitenbaughIn Eve's curse lies the beginnings of both women's difficulties in childbearing and the battle of the sexes. The effects of this curse are still being felt daily!
The Politicization of Motherhood (Part One)
'WorldWatch' by Mike FordThe facts indicate that children - and society as a whole - function better when mothers fulfill the role of nurturers in the home.
God's Pattern of the Family
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe family structure, with assigned orders of responsibility (not orders of importance implying superiority or inferiority), is paramount to God's plan.
Bad Is The New Good For Girls!
Commentary by Martin G. CollinsThe transition from girlhood to womanhood has been made difficult because of impossible societal demands requiring young women to become sexy supermodels.
The Perfect Wife
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughBiblically ordained marriage roles are at odds or in conflict with cultural expectations, especially the influences of radical feminism and postmodernism.
The Politicalization of Motherhood
Sermonette by Mike FordMothers are crucial in developing the baby's nervous system during the first three years, something that husbands, fathers, or day care centers cannot do.
Leadership and the Covenants (Part Five)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Becoming equipped for leadership requires that we discipline ourselves in following God's way of life, allowing the mind of Jesus Christ to be in us in.
Remembering Who We Are
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John O. ReidWhen we consider the awesome contrast of what we were before God called us and what we are now, we cannot allow ourselves to commit spiritual fornication.
Genesis 3:16: Consequences for Eve
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughSpiritually, male and female have equal potential. Rights and legalities are far less important than spiritual development, subject to God-ordained gender roles.
God and Gender
'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. RitenbaughGender-neutral language in Bible translations is a spill-over of radical feminism, which also endorses goddess worship and other non-Christian practices.
Can You Handle the Truth?
Sermonette by Austin Del CastilloWe must be willing to allow God to make changes in our thinking, even when those changes discomfort the beliefs to which we have acclimated ourselves.
Leadership and Covenants (Part Six)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughDespite having served mankind well for millennia, marriage is crumbling under a three-pronged attack. Marriage is vital to understanding God's purpose.
Loyalty and Submission (Part 2)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughLoyalty and submission to God (not always easy) empowers and guarantees ultimate success and leadership, actually freeing us from the fear of death.
Parenting (Part 3): Mothers
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe mother provides a gentle, cherishing quality to child rearing compatible with the strength provided by her husband.
Matthew (Part Twenty-Five)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughJesus contrasts the enormity of what we are forgiven to what we forgive others. Our forgiveness is directly connected with our forgiveness of our brother.
Displaying a Good Conscience: Politeness
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsTrue politeness is not mere social formality but a sacred expression of Christian virtue. Genuine courtesy flows from love, humility, patience, and integrity.