“Neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female.”
Why then is the equality issue between men and women still an issue in the church, even today?
Historically and Scripturally
Eve was deceived by Adam and so women are more easily deceived than are men. Therefore, women should not teach in the church in case they are deceived and lead others astray. So goes one argument for holding women from leading or preaching.
Although I don’t fully acknowledge the logic, it’s the most valid I think and warrants that women have a covering and particularly when they are leaders; but so must men be accountable, for all are vulnerable to stumbling.
When Corinthians were being instructed by Paul in 1 Corinthians, a significant part of the church was being “told off” for carnal behaviour. This included the telling-off of the women for blabbing too much in services. ‘Talk to your husbands at home’ he said, for it is ‘shameful for women to speak in church.’ So goes the second argument… women must not teach or preach.
Ever since, we’ve had women suppressed in some congregations.
But Paul also wrote, there is no distinction in the Spirit between men and women. (Galatians 3:28) So logically, the two references cancel one another out. That would be logical wouldn’t it?
Women’s chatter
In matters of behaviour, women need to exercise self control. But in matters of the Spirit, we are equal to men and ought to be heard. The Holy Spirit is our teacher, comforter, protector, convict-or. Do we not all have access to the Holy Spirit in equal measure?
That’s my stand. In a nutshell, that’s my position. One of my callings is to convey this message, in grace, humility, boldness and steadfast faith.
Stocks of grain, a matt, and the Sabbath
When Jesus allowed his disciples to pick grain on the Sabbath (Matthew 12), the leaders asked him why? And when the man whom Jesus healed was carrying his matt on the Sabbath (John 5), the leaders were very cross. Was Jesus tempting others to break the Sabbath? According to Jesus, he was not. He said, “Do not think that I came to destroy the law of the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfil.” (Matthew 5:17)
Men and Women are not the same… but they are equal
There are two keys to my believing what the Father wants me to do: to warn as a watchman and to stand in faith for righteousness, sometimes with words. It is not that I seek it nor do I “want” to do it. Sometimes it terrifies me; sometimes it is combative. If I get it wrong, I could cause someone to stumble and that would be on my watch. This is not my will, but to speak what I discern is my character and is my calling — or rather to say it is His calling for me.
Reason 1: My entire personality and experience confirms I am a watchman and as such, according to Ezekiel 3 and 33, if I do not warn as I’m called to do, if a person stumbles, their “blood” is on my head.
And Reason 2: The Holy Spirit is not confined to our understanding of law. By holding the view that women must not lead based upon Paul’s reference for women to keep silent in church (1 Corinthians 14:34), Jesus’ wander in the wheat fields on the Sabbath and allowing his disciples to eat grain, or his encouraging the cripple to collect up his matt on the Sabbath, Deborah the Judge and Priscilla at teacher to Apollos (Acts 18:26) and other examples are each a contradiction to this RULE.
Did GOD make a mistake?
I am not perfect. But GOD is perfecting me as He perfects each of us who seek to surrender to His will. “Be perfect as your heavenly father is perfect” said Jesus.
Whilst I do not wish to cause anyone else to stumble, I don’t wish to remain silent on this issue. And for even raising it, I am blocked from ministry by those who disagree. This is sad.
Did I make a mistake?
And yet, those who fear GOD, respect and keep His word. Those who turn a deaf ear to the equality of women at least in their conscious mind, do so out of reverence for GOD. Although I may see they are wrong, they are doing it for the right reasons.
“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28)
And so, I know that I am correct in believing GOD gave me a calling I did not ask for, and for which He created me just as He willed. He placed me in contact with those who would disagree and would block my message. He did not make a mistake. So long as I am doing what I know to be right in His eyes, in love for my bothers and sisters, the rest is His responsibility and not mine.
Side-bar
For two reasons at least, there is an undeniable imbalance of men in ministry over women, both in the Bible and in our world today. Why is this? For one reason, women have children and bear the greatest portion of raising them. That is both cultural and (I believe) biological. Therefore, they’ve less time and perhaps their anointing/ministry is first and foremost for their children. Another reason why there are fewer women leaders, including in the Bible, is cultural. The rule is that men lead, but Biblically and historically, there are exceptions.
I don’t mind being an exception. I do mind, however, being blocked and ignored on the basis there are no exceptions.
Peace and Joy
But never mind. GOD is sovereign and in His sovereignty, I have gifts which some will not accept. But I accept the gifts, and I accept those who don’t accept me.
Hallelujah and Amen. The truth does set us free! How we respond to the truth brings a consequence that can only draw us closer to our Father, Jehovah GOD, if we choose to allow it to do so. I leave others’ journey with the LORD.
Shalom and GOD bless.
One reply on “Equality Issue between men and women in the Church”
Sarah as one of the Chosen People, simply meaning, a Jew whose family blood line goes back to when Elohim made a >cutcovenant< In the Sea of Reeds – (Red Sea), even if any of my Jewish ancestors became a remnant, by rejecting their Meshiach – Messiah, I freely excepted Yeshua Messiah, as my saviour and Passover Lamb, the blood covenant He agreed to on the execution cross, circumcised my heart, if I could put this into writing, it would explain my First Love, and the reason why I am now a Jew inwardly.
Sadly, some media programs, also Synagogues and Churches, do not teach why Yeshua – Jesus, told His disciples to continue the practise of the Passover, which He and they celebrated, then He freely offered His body as a human blood covenant, when the Roman Soldiers made a cut in it, so a blood covenant could be offered, to all who repent of their sin, make Him Lord of their lives, and fetch fruit of the Holy Spirit – Ha Kodesh Ruach, worthy of our repentance.
Sadly, many people, call Yeshua – Jesus Lord, but do not make Him Lord of their lives.
The purpose of Elohim – God for creating His Son, was not to turn Jews into Gentile Christians; Please read Numbers 15:37-41. Romans 11:1-5. Nor Gentile Christians into Jews: Romans 16:24.
Sarah.
By Through repentance of sin, and fetching fruit worthy of that repentance, Elohim – God, has made both male and female in the Kodesh – Spirit equal. So if any person attempts to prevent, another person from fulfilling the purpose of Elohim – Adonia in their lives, which is to fetch fruit worthy of that repentance, if by sharing the Word of Elohim and His Son, then only a man who is not in the Spirit of Elohim – Adonia, may assume he can stop this. Please remember Pauls message in Romans 11; about the manifestations of arrogance and unbelief, which will cut both a Gentile or Jew, out of the Spiritual Cultivated Olive Tree of Israel. When this happens that person becomes a stranger to Israel.
I would like to share with you some of the woman in the Spirit of Elohim, who God purposed for them to teach both male and female. Sarah I can wittiness personally, whilst working beside Jean Neal of Christ for all Nations, I saw many men and woman, repent of their sins, and encouraged to join fellowships that teach the full gospel of Messiah Jesus. If any man will not let you fulfil the purpose of God for creating you Sarah, wipe your feet walk away taking your shalom with you.
Although Satan deceived the women Eve, in Genesis. After Yeshua – Jesus made a blood covenant on the cross, then eventually sat at the right side of His Abba – Father, any women that repented of the original sin Eve was deceived by, also any issues that would stop their fellowship with Elohim in His Son Jesus, then that woman is completely freed from the binding of the original sin of Eve, being deceived by Satan, God then forgets that you ever did that sin, so He will not condemn or stop your rights in the Spirit, due to any sin you have repented. This is the get out clause and why there are female Rabbis Sarah.
Adam was deceived by Eve and not by Satan, however both Adam and Eve were warned by Elohim – God, not to eat from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, so Adam was guilty of sin also, by disobeying the command of God. So, it is the same when man repents of his sin, making Yeshua – Jesus Lord of his life, (instead of blaming the Adams and Eve’s in this world) he becomes completely free from the original sin which Adam and Eve were bound by… Unbelief in God! Will get anyone cut out of His will in His Son Yeshua – Jesus, unless they repent.
Sarah anyone who is manifesting signs that rejects the Word of Elohim, this could be due to demonic reasons (like the cockerel crowing in Peters life) which are preventing that person from being regenerated by the Word of Elohim – God, after repenting, and being fully immersed in the baptism of repentance, then Satan can still demonically oppress them, but cannot possess them, if they have made Jesus – Yeshua their Messiah, but maybe not Lord of their lives.
If we suffer with a continual dead batterie, even after passing the Ministery of Transports Laws, that battery is never going to regenerate. It's the same for our journey with Elohim Adonia in Yeshua – Jesus, to continue in the Ministry of God, we have to be regenerated and born again.
In the Word of our LORD. The prophetess Huldah, not only taught the men what was contained in the Book of the Law – (Genesis Exodus Leviticus Numbers Deuteronomy), and even went so far as to prophesy about the future, and what God would do to Judah. God used this woman and spoke through her to the men and woman. Interesting Sarah, if those males and females were in the Spirit of Elohim Adonia, they would be with Elohim Adonia in the world. But not of it? Due to God having to send a prophetess to teach some spiritual principles.
In the New Testament, the office of prophetess continues. We read Anna in Luke 2:36-38, a prophetess who “gave thanks to the Lord, and spoke of Him to all those who looked for redemption in Jerusalem” (which would include men!). Then in Acts 2:17-18, we read of Joel’s prophesy coming true, and both men and women having the Spirit of God descend upon them, so in the Spirit they neither male nor female were led to prophesying… In Acts 21:8-9 we read of Philip the evangelist having four daughters who prophesied. First Corinthians 11:5 refers to women praying and (in the Spirit) prophesying in the fellowship services, known as the Messiah’s communities.
“Prophesying” means “to say in advance a thing which is going to happen” in the Kingdom of God, declaring “the truth by divine revelation”, teaching, reproving refuting, admonishing and comforting others, both the Old and New Testaments show not only men, but women also, when in the Spirit, doing these very things.
So a miracle could happen.
We read in John 2. At the wedding in Cana in the Galilee, that Miriam instructed the servants, to do whatever He (Yeshua – Jesus) tells you. Yeshua did not tell Miriam to be quiet, nor did He ask a man. He used His mother Miriam to give instructions to the people, which became an important teaching in Scripture. At my Messianic Jewish Wedding under the Tallit of Israel, my circumcised heart, was filled with such joy and respect, as I glanced at both Messianic Jews. And Gentile Christians from Kensington Temple Church in London, female and male servants, preparing our wedding reception. We were blessed by the New Wine and love of Elohim in Yeshua – Jesus.
Women are loved.
John 3:16. God “so loved” the world. His love extends to women also. Let’s take this to heart and consider it a truth to my beloved. Even when we feel unloved, whether caused by persecutions, turmoil within or the stresses of a loved one, child, parent, friend, or others, Jesus loves us. His love remains faithful always. I thank God also Sarah for His love that saved a wretch like me.
Women are forgiven.
Jesus came to earth to forgive sins, society considers big and bad, also false accusations, that cause self-guilt and shame, even those trivial white lies. The Messiah’s forgiveness extends to all, both men and women. Our Saviour Master Lord Yeshua – Jesus, shows no favouritism, but extends the freedom from sin and hope of heaven to all who turn to Him.
What Does Jesus Say about Women in the New Testament, and the Jewish seed of Abraham.
If we study the New Testament, especially the Gospels, the Bible unfolds story after story of Jesus interacting with women. It starts at the beginning of Jesus’ life when Elizabeth’s baby, John, leapt within her womb when Miriam, pregnant with Yeshua – Jesus, visited.
His life on earth then ends with many women standing witness, teaching even men! to the crucifixion of our Meshiach – Messiah, not to mention Miriam of Magdala (John 20), who was first to find an empty tomb and recognize Jesus’ voice after His resurrection. Miriam was the first evangelist to teach the other male disciples, of the Messianic Fellowship she was an equal member of also, that the Meshiach – Messiah had risen, as He taught them, Miriam also taught and reminded, the male disciples, who were about to leave the purpose of Elohim – God for their lives, and be part of the world fishing for fish in boats again. But praise the Lord, that Miriam did not have to put up with, men who considered God made them better than women, she did not suffer with unbelief.
All the time on earth whilst Yeshua – Jesus fulfilled the purpose of Elohim for His life, Yeshua – Jesus included women – in Word and action. He was concerned about their deliverance and healing, when others were not. For example, the disciples admonished the woman who poured perfume on the feet of Jesus. But Yeshua welcomed her, as her actions prepared him for burial, when someone makes Yeshua – Jesus their first love, Miriam of Magdala now in the Spirit, knew you cannot waste expensive perfume of the Meshiach – Messiah, who although innocent of our, rotten sins, He took them all upon Himself, so you and I can go free. Miriam once used that perfume to sin. What a wonderful wittiness, when she poured it all upon the only man, that did not abuse her.
Our Saviour never left women to fend for themselves. He met them at the point of their need, displaying His generous love and marvellous authority.
Woman's Role in both the world. And the Bible?
A quick look around the world today, allows us to see women filling a variety of roles: mothers, daughters, wives, judges, teachers, missionaries, lawyers, corporate leaders, journalists, and more. In the Bible, we find variety in roles women fill as well.
We read about women like Deborah, who held the valued and highly respected position of judge in Israel. As a result of her decisions, the Israelites experienced peace for 40 years. We find brave ones like Rahab the prostitute used by God. Who God chose to be in the lineage of Jesus, even though she worked in a brothel. her past might life would have caused many to cast her aside. I personally know a Synagogue and Church, who’s man made rules, would have cut her off from fellowship, also included in the Bible are Hannah a mother who offered her son for the sake of the Almighty, Anna, a prophetess used by God, and one of the first in using her gift, to see the Messiah, Miriam, the young mother who carried the hope of the world in her womb, Rhoda, the servant who was first to see Simon – Peter after his release from prison, and Phoebe, a faithful servant in the Messiahs Community. All these women filled different yet important roles.
More about the women God called:
Judges 4 (Deborah). Joshua 2, 6:22 – 25 (Rahab). 1 Samuel 1 & 21 (Hannah). Luke 2:36-38 (Anna). Luke 1:26-38. John 19:25-27 (Miriam). Acts 12:13-15 (Rhoda). Romans 16:1 (Phoebe).
It’s a privilege speaking with you Sarah, in the Manuscript I am writing, I am encouraging, anyone who has left their first love, to have courage and repent from sin. Sadly, my marriage broke down, because one of us, choose only to notice the others sin, I grateful to God for our first love.
Both ex-wife and I agree now being born again in Jesus – Yeshua, when we broke the marriage covenant, we made with Elohim, by agreeing to divorce, only the patience and love of our first love Yeshua – Jesus, through repentance removed any guilt, which Satan used to condemn us.
I pray that both men and woman in the Spirit, continue to bless other men and woman amen.
Shalom always and for all ways
Kenny
Kenneth Howard Weston. 11/08/2022.