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Faith or trust? |
FAITH OR TRUST
Hebrews 11:1
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
This particular verse of scripture is one that many professing Christians are able to quote when asked what faith means to them. I wonder sometimes if it used merely to avoid the deeper issue of what it means to have and exhibit faith in the scriptural sense.
Let us look at what this scripture verse is saying through the eyes of someone who does not know what the meaning is when we speak the word faith. Most would see the verse as follows: we trust that something we hope for will happen, even though we have not seen the results as yet – for sports fans it could be their team winning the grand final, for someone with stock market investments – a dramatic gain in the value of their shares. You can probably see where I am heading with those sort of statements, there is a basis for people trusting that their hopes will be realised, that their dreams will come true – even though they have not yet seen the evidence, their trust may very well be based on factors that in human reasoning seem solidly grounded on the available facts. There is a saying that although we know all the facts there is always one we do not know about and that unknown fact is always the one that changes the outcome of our expectations.
Let us now look at the difference between the worldly version of our text verse and the scripture quotation. The main difference is the word ‘trust’ – Christians use the word ‘faith’ – this amongst other things also implies ‘trust’ – but it means more than that. It is a word translated from the Greek that means we are persuaded, have a moral conviction of the truthfulness of God but especially a reliance upon Christ for salvation, an absolute assurance or belief in the truth of the Gospel itself. I see faith as being something one can only have in God. He, and only He, is able to keep ALL the promises He makes
Those that have come to Christ and have accepted Him as their Lord and Saviour, which means obedience to all His requirements as shown in scriptures, (John 14:15, 23 and John 15:10) can have that faith that is spoken of in our text verse. It is a faith which convinces us that if we are obedient to His ways then we will see (obtain) the substance of the things hoped for – that is eternal life in heaven.
The whole of Hebrews chapter 11 is taken up with a description of how important faith is and in particular verse 6: “But without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.”
May you, dear reader, may you seek Him and live and walk in the faith that our scripture text refers to.
J.v.L.
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Let your women keep silence - unknown |
We find two verses in the New Testament that speak directly to this
subject of how women are to conduct themselves in public worship services:
I Cor. 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 Tim. 2:11–12 Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. But
I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man,
but to be in silence.
Regarding I Cor. 14:34, this chapter in Paul's letter to the
Corinthians focuses on order in public worship services, especially on
speaking in tongues and prophesying. In these verses Paul writes to
the brethren (verses 6, 20, 26) in the church. So the commandments to
those who speak in tongues and those who prophesy are for men.
It is important to note that three separate groups are commanded to be
silent in I Corinthians 14:
1) A man who speaks in a "tongue" with no interpreter (I Cor. 14:28).
2) A prophet when another prophet receives a revelation (I Cor. 14:30).
3) Women in the churches (I Cor. 14:34).
In German, the same verb is used each time to give the meaning, "keep
silent." This is true also of the original Greek, where the identical
verb is used in each instance.
What if someone who spoke in a "tongue" stood up during church
services and began to address the people without an interpreter?
Would we accept this? It is clear that we shouldn't, according to the
Scriptures.
What if a prophet whose turn at speaking was over would insist on
interrupting the one who was preaching so he could say more? Would we
allow this? We should not, as clearly stated in the Word of God.
Why would we presume that the command for women to be silent should be
interpreted any differently? Remember, the identical Greek word for
"keep silent" is used in each of the three cases.
Note that those who speak in tongues are permitted to speak in the
churches if an interpreter is present. Also, prophets are permitted
to speak if it is their turn to do so. Neither is prohibited from
speaking in the proper time and place. Paul carefully explains the
conditions under which these men are commanded to be silent.
Similarly, the command to women is also for specific circumstances.
They are commanded to be silent "in the churches." The obvious
meaning is that women are to be silent within the public worship service.
Women are commanded to "ask their husbands at home" if they wish "to
learn anything" (I Cor. 14:35). Asking a sincere question is not
speaking in tongues, nor is it prophesying, yet Paul expressly
prohibits a woman from asking questions during public worship.
Some people claim there was a problem in the Corinthian church with
women blurting out questions during worship. The fact that Paul did
not indicate that reason for his admonition makes this an unlikely
suggestion. The only logical conclusion as to why women are commanded
to "ask their husbands at home" is that they are required to be
"silent in the churches" -– truly silent.
The fact that women are not even to ask questions during church shows
that the speaking issue goes far beyond that of women as ministers.
It says that any woman (not just a "minister") speaking during a
public worship service is out of place.
Some have asked: "What about singing? Should women be permitted to
sing in the worship service, if they are commanded to be silent?" The
answer is found in I Cor. 14:34 where Paul writes, "It is not
permitted unto them to SPEAK" (emphasis added). Here, he clarifies
what is meant by "silent." Singing is acceptable, speaking is not.
The same clear lesson is taught in I Tim. 2. In verse 9 we find one
of the commands for a woman's outward adornment:
"…that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness
and sobriety..." Obedience to this verse (and a similar reference in I
Pet. 3:9) is one of the defining elements of plain Anabaptism. If we
believe and obey verse 9, why would we make excuse for being obedient
to verse 11?
Often, it seems, people turn their focus to the opening portion of the
verse that follows, "But I suffer not a woman to teach nor to usurp
authority over the man..." The implication is that as long as a woman
is not teaching or seizing authority for herself, she is permitted to
speak. Yet this is not in keeping with Paul's words at all. He
writes that a woman should "LEARN in silence" (emphasis added). He
also writes, "if they will learn any thing, let them ask their
husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church."
In other words, Paul does not focus on women not teaching, he focuses
on women learning in silence.
Also, I Tim. 2:12 ends with the plain words, "...but to be in
silence." Silence is much more than not teaching or usurping
authority. If we tell our children to be "silent," what do we mean by
it? What do we expect of them? Do we only expect them not to teach?
Paul follows his discussion about proper order "in the churches" in I
Cor. 14 by:
I Cor. 14:37 If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual,
let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the
commandments of the Lord.
We also find:
Heb. 13:8 Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.
Now, why would we believe the Lord's commandments change with time if
He does not change?
The sisters among us have very important roles -– many of which a man
cannot do. (A man cannot be a mother!) There is no reason to cry
"unfair" because a woman is disallowed to speak during church.
Paul concludes his discourse in I Cor. 14 by: "Let all things be done
decently and in order." When each of us takes our proper and
God-given place in the church, the result is that all things are done
decently and in order. That would be my prayer for each of us.
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Women in Pants - Dr Hal Webb, Evangelist |
"The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a men, neither shall a
man put on a woman's garment: for all that do so are abomination unto the
Lord by God." Deut 22:5
The time has come for Christian men to ask the question. "Who wears the
pants in our family?" Christian girls and women need to learn to dress in a
manner pleasing to God, not according to style. The pants-wearing believing
woman often puts self and the world ahead of God. Please consider these
facts and study the scriptures. A woman who wears men's clothes.....
COMMIT ABOMINATION
Nether sex is allowed to wear clothing that resembles the other. This
clearly is forbidden (Deuteronomy 22:5). God's law was for the good of His
people. Thought believers are not now under the law, the holy nature of God
does not change. What God hated then He is still against in our day as well.
God's warning concerning what He calls abomination extends into every
generation. For instance. He is against homosexuality (Leviticus 18:22 and
20:13). He restates this in the New Testament (Romans 1:26-27; 1 Corinthians
6:9; Colossians 3:5). He does the same with His order of sexes (1
Corinthians 11:3, 8, 9; 1 Timothy 2:12). Women who dress like men break a
type of God's order in this world (Genesis 2:21-22). To wear men's clothes
is to symbolically take the place God never intended for the woman. Like
Satan's rebellion (1 Samuel 15:23), many women wearing pants seek to become
equal, even take the place of their leader - man (Genesis 3:16; 1
Corinthians 11:3. The women's lib crown have no regard for bible principles
when they dress and make demands that are forbidden by God. The woman who
insists on wearing pants..............................
AIDS THE UNISEX MOVEMENT
Today's style is much dedicated to change God's revealed order. ERA and all
women's lib groups are filled with women who cry out for equality and even
superiority to men. When God took the rib from Adam, He provided a helpmate,
not his leader or even coequal (1 Timothy 2:12). Christ is man's head, and
the man is to be the women's head (1 Corinthians 11:3; Esther 1:22). The
unisex crown cuts their hair short (1 Corinthians 11:15), adopts man's
pant-wearing style (Deuteronomy 22:5) seeking to force all mankind to accept
their clear disobedience under the guise of the first amendment. Such
foolishness.....................
BLURS SEX DISTINCTION
Even the public rest room doors use the symbol of a man in pants and a women
in a dress. Pants-wearing women soon forget to walk, sit or even act like a
lady. Many do not even own a dress. The enemies of Christ, our nation, and
our homes and families are hard at work. They sissify men with effeminate
apparel, styled unisex hairstyles (1 Corinthians 11:14) necklaces, and
pretty shoes with high heels. Meanwhile women must adopt clothing styled
like a man and set aside pretty dresses that enhance the beauty of a true
lady. This is all in the plan of those who seek to destroy the family
structure as the bible teaches it. The woman who wears pants..........
LOSES WOMANLY TRAITS
Modesty, purity, grace and the beauty of womanhood can be lost in the
wearing of pants. The pants-wearing woman often becomes coarse, develops
brazen mannerisms, stances and mannish actions. Christian women should be
discreet, chaste, keepers of the home, obedience to their husbands (Titus
2:5. They should be modest (1 Timothy 2:9-10), wise (Proverbs 14:1),
virtuous (Proverbs 31:10) and gracious (Proverbs 11:16). Their clothes
should be beautiful (Proverbs 31:22), not form fitting pants or faded jeans.
A pants-wearing woman..............
INJURES HER TESTIMONY
One cannot teach younger women (Titus 2:4-5) while wearing proof of her own
disobedience to God. Pants certainly can give the appearance of evil (1
Thessalonians 5:22). The pants-wearing woman is often cheapened by her
attire, obstructs her own witness to others and leads those younger than
herself into outward rebellion. A book is known by it's rapper, and a women
is known by her apparel. If you are not for ERA and the unisex, then why do
you dress like them? You disgrace your husband and dishonor the name of
Jesus. Many pants-wearing women kindle the fire of adultery in the hearts of
men. This.....................
CAUSES MORAL DAMAGE
Perhaps it will surprise you to learn that a men's sexual appetites are
stirred by what he sees. Many of you women reading this are very aware of
this and shop accordingly. Women in tight pants, shorts, skimpy bathing
suits and even short or slit dresses are strong instigators of temptation.
The bible warns if a man lusts with his eyes, he has already committed
adultery (Matthew 5:28). Tight pants have a tendency to outline and reveal
body shape in such a way that it's hard for a man to maintain pure thoughts.
Thin T-shirts and skimpy tops further fan the flames of lust in men today.
Most teenage girls dress habits make it nearly impossible for young men to
"flee youthful lusts" (2 Timothy 2:22). In the judgment women will face
their deeds including the effect of their clothes upon men (2 Corinthians
5:10). There is more than a commercial in the phrase. "Show me your
underalls". Designers well know the effect of their product. Outwardly the
pant-wearing woman...................
SHOWS HER REBELLION
I'm sure many Christian women do not see their error ow wearing pants.
Others have said. "I don't care what the bible says. I'll wear my pants
anyway!". This clearly constituted rebellion, which is like the sin of
witchcraft and idolatry (1 Samuel 15:23). Rebellion exalts self (Psalm
66:7). It is evil (Proverbs 17:11). And brings judgment (Isaiah 1:20). The
pants-wearing women..................
LIFTS SELF AND STYLE ABOVE GOD
Certainly God must be first in the consideration of the clothes you wear (1
Corinthians 10:31). A Christian woman should dress to please God above all.
Her beauty is to be inward (1 Peter 3:3), with a meek and quite spirit (1
Peter 3:4), and subject to her husband (1 Peter 3:5). Christian discipleship
demands total surrender to Christ and nonconformity to the world (Romans
12:1-2). One must measure style by the standards of the Word of God
(Philippians 4:8) and love not the world (1 John 2:15-17). The pants-wearing
woman usually is filled with...............
ARGUMENTS AND JUSTIFICATIONS
1. "Mine are really woman's apparel."
The real truth is that most are designed to make women look like men. The
location of the zipper or the color really does not keep them from
resembling the attire of a man. Jeans are especially offensive for they are
just alike...made so for the desired effect on unisex-oriented teens.
2. "The ones I wear are modest." Wrong again! They are bound to cling and
conform to the shape of your hips and legs. Teen girls especially tend to
pour themselves into their jeans and teen boys are very much excited
sexually. When topped by a thin T-shirt with little or nothing under, such
attire is an explosive threat to decent men and a clear "come on" to lustful
males.
3. "I wear them just because of style."
Really! Isn't it more truthful to say you must conform to the mode of dress
worn by those around you? You can't stand the ridicule at school or the
comments at the office. Style following which violates Scripture is simply
sinful rebellion and shows lack of love for Christ.
4. "I don't think they are wrong."
Could they trip others? Might they not cause someone to fall or be offended?
(Romans 14:13). Isn't there at least some doubt in your mind about wearing
them? (Romans 14:23). If your pants trip one man into adultery will God not
bring you to account? (2 Corinthians 5:19). Can you wear pants and be
against unsex?
5. "In bible Times they all wore robes."
Perhaps so, but with a difference. Men's were wrap around, where women's
were put on over the head and more ornate. Deuteronomy 22:5 clearly taught a
difference that God wanted maintained.
6. "I have to wear them at work."
Not usually so, and even if required you could wear a dress to and from work
as a good testimony. Many men would rather see you looking like a lady
anyway.
7. "I have arthritis or it's too cold."
Strange, the same people wear them in the summer! We hear the same excuse in
Florida and Vermont. There are other options like long underwear, long
dresses, or put a dress over them in extreme situations.
8. "Well, I don't wear them to church."
Good for you! That's a good start. If you were to meet the Queen of England
you would select a beautiful dress. Isn't worship in God's house more
important? Good pastors are constantly offended by pants-clad women
worshipers. Of course, an unsaved woman should never be refused worship
except perhaps extreme immoral exposure in attire. Godly women should have
enough sense to know how to dress before the King of Kings. No matter where,
dress as ladies who seek to honor and please Jesus Christ.
9. "Oh, you are just being legalistic."
No indeed! Legalism is unnecessary trappings of religion. "Tacked on,". To
follow clear prohibitions of God's Word is proof of a great surrender,
obedience and love. God's Word urges us to die to self and self-desires.
(Matthew 16:24: John 14:15: Romans 6:11-13; Romans 12:2).
IN CONCLUSION
Please remember it is your souls that counts most of all. Without the mind
of Christ you will probably take exception to this message. Remember I do
not expect unsaved readers to agree since you don't believe in Christ as
your Lord and Saviour. How you dress has nothing to do with your salvation.
You must first be born again (John 3:3) into the family of god. First, get
your heart right, then you can learn how to live and dress as God's
children. We have written this to help wayward, weak, compromising
believers. Not one verse of Scripture justifies wearing pants while many
verses and bible principles forbid it. Whatever you wear, be sure you will
be thankful you did so when you stand in judgment before Christ. God bless
you.
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Men Who Advise Women |
One of the local churches experienced a problem with one of its ministers. It seems this man needed to constantly boost his self esteem by spending too much time giving spiritual advice to women who were already under the headship of a husband. Eventually this resulted in some rather unspiritual affection and created a situation fraught with spiritual dangers for both the women and the minister. A few weeks ago a guest minister emphasized that he does not want to take the place of the husband who should be the spiritual head of the house. What to do? Our women's fellowship discussed this at length as this is a serious matter. The following is the solution we developed and which our pastor/bishop approved. If a woman experiences problems that for which her husband cannot or will not provide leadership, first she must pray. She should also consult the wife of the bishop or pastor and ask her for assistance. This may take the form of advice or the pastor's wife may intercede by asking her pastor husband to address the problem directly with the husband who cannot/will not solve the problems. We have found this to be the best solution. It still provides assistance for women with husbands and avoids a situation in which another replaces her husband as spiritual head of the household. This procedure also promotes the direct relationship between a pastor and the husband in which the pastor can help the husband on the road to righteousness. The same procedure should be used by women who are not married and are under the spiritual headship of their fathers. Again, it will promote a direct relationship between the pastor and the father who is the spiritual head of the home.
A Seasoned Sister in Christ
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