The Persecution of Women in the Church

[Sister Alvear]

It would be nice if every one had the spirit of Ruth that said, "Let me now go to the fields and glean." My, what a golden spirit to possess amidst the clashing gods and national boundary lines. Her sickle is rusty, but the golden spirit of Ruth still prevails today among many of God’s handmaidens who take their call of God seriously. She must preach glad tidings regardless of the cost. Ruth is long gone but her notable qualities live on.
If the Lord shows you a need, it is usually His way of saying to do something about it. Dorcas, the disciple, saw a need. Deborah saw a people that needed to be led. Anna, long waited to proclaim the Messiah. Huldah saw a need to interpret God’s laws. Miriam saw a need to play the tambourine and lead a dance unto the Lord. Many of these women received messages from God and relayed them to the people. Such a responsible position represents a unique closeness to God.
Many women were God’s voice for that place and time. They were used mightily in the time of need. What if there had been no Deborah to rise against the enemy? What if Deborah’s voice had been silenced? What if Anna had not proclaimed the Messiah or what if Huldah had left the high priest, kings, and the people without the interpretation of God’s Word? You may say God would have raised up someone else. I agree with you in part, but what destiny would they have had if they did not obeyed the Word of God? I'll tell you the answer; they would have been lost as well anyone who does not obey God.
In the face of solemn reality, we must be careful not to try to laugh off or brush off the call of God on someone else’s life. If it were of God, time and eternity will reveal it.
Much has been said about women "learning in silence," "and not usurping authority", etc. But it has been forgotten that women labored in the gospel?
Some have tried to justify men preachers only, because the man is the head of the home. I too, believe the husband is the head of the home, but that doesn’t mean God can’t use a woman in the church.
God used Deborah, Priscilla, Huldah, and others that their husbands, were still the heads of their homes. But being a wife did not cause God not to use them. God giving a woman a message to preach does not change the fact that man is the head of the home. God would give her nothing that would be contrary to His Word (Galatians 1:1-8). Neither would God give man something against His Word.

[Sister Alvear]

God spoke to Samson´s mothers first, not his father. Would you say God was wrong? God will use whomever He will to deliver a prophetic message, just as He will use whomever He will to preach any type message.

[Sister Alvear]

Someone justifying his belief that men only could preach the gospel, said that preachers under the law of circumcision were all men. But remember baptism is for both men and women. What circumcision once represented under the Law, baptism now represents for us (both male and female) today (Revelation 1:6 Luke 20:35).

The difference in the priesthood and the ministry is that a person had to be born into the priesthood. Today, we are not born into the ministry but called into the ministry. The only priest in the Old Testament that was "called" was Aaron (Hebrew 5:4). The Levitical priesthood was abolished at Calvary.

Others have said He chose men only for disciples,. Well, they were Jews! Would that same reasoning mean that only Jewish men could be preachers? Of course not! O consistency thou art a jewel! He chose Jacob (younger), not Esau. He chose Moses instead of Aaron. He chose David instead of his brothers, and the list goes on. God does not work by man’s ideas, but He chooses whom He will. God had no trouble finding and using a donkey (female) to rebuke Balaam.

God knows how to humble the proud, and lift up the abased. He used a little boy’s lunch and that story is found in all four gospels. He knows how to use the widow’s two mites. And I’m sure He knows how to use redeemed women to proclaim His Word.

In His great foreknowledge, it is God that chooses who He wants to use. With or without man’s approval, God has and is using His spirit filled women today. They perform tasks which many say, "That’s not a woman’s place!" Just where is a woman’s place?

Some say the woman’s place is in the home. What if she can’t bear children and have the privilege to build a home? What if she is not married? Does she just sit around in a house and do nothing. Does she just live as a hermit of society? Just where is a woman’s place? This is God’s choosing. He chooses her place not another human being.

We can not act as the counselors of God. Some have tried to, but He must laugh at human reasoning. His own Word says, His ways are past finding out.

Some have said, Sis. Alvear, in synagogue services, women were not allowed to sit with the men. Yes, I know that; but when Christianity came there was no separation and no barriers. All became one in Christ Jesus (I Corinthians 7:19; Galatians 3:28; I Corinthians 12:13; Galatians 5:7-8).

It was the Pharisees and Sadducees that believed the woman to be inferior. Jesus was different. He did not hesitate to call a woman daughter of Abraham (Luke 13:16).

Jesus broke every tradition, crossed the boundary line and astonished them with His doctrine. Jesus does not condone one human being superior to another. He does not make slaves. He makes those who are enslaved, free!

I remember some years ago in a church in Alabama, the preacher got up and said, "Well, we have Sis. Janice with us tonight. She claims to be a woman preacher, but since we don’t believe in women preachers, we’ll ask her to come up here and prophesy to us." I just walked to the pulpit and began to tell some of the great things the Lord was doing in Brazil. Perhaps, he thought to hurt and embarrass me, no doubt. I really did not feel either hurt or embarrassed. I felt sorry for his spiritual poverty and elevated ego and his lack of support of God’s ministers.

But the word of God still reads, "Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm." This preacher had more than just guile in his mouth, he had lust burning in his heart. It wasn’t long till that preacher ran off with a woman who played the piano. A church and two homes were destroyed. His interests were not coming to the help of the Lord. He was more interested in building up his own sinful ego in front of a crowd. He risked everything by trying to cut down God’s anointed but ended up bringing a reproach upon the name of Christ.

I am not saying that every one who doesn’t believe in women preachers has a heart of an adulterer. God forbid! But I am saying there must be something, somewhere wrong when anyone would try to close the mouth of one of God’s messengers. ONE MAY NOT ENDORSE WOMEN PREACHERS, BUT WOE TO THOSE WHO CONDEMN THEM!

Jude admonished us, everyone, male and female to pull them out of the fire. How can you pull someone out of hell’s fire if you don’t preach Jesus? Speaking God’s word to the hearer as it is mixed with faith will pull anyone out.

Originally Posted by Sister Alvear

Some people say, Sister Alvear, we believe I Cor. 14:34, 35 exactly like it reads, I wonder why they don’t believe Acts 4:34, 35; Acts 5:1 exactly like it reads? Acts 4:34-35, Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, and laid them down at the apostles feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need. Acts 5:1, But a certain man named Ananias, with Saphira his wife, sold possession. Some one said they believed literally just as the Scripture was written well, I said it says except a man be born again of the water and spirit... does this exclude women? Of course not! The Bible contains a great variety of literary forms such as parables, fables, allegories, poetry, and symbolism. Few would take literally the words of Jesus, If your eye offend you, pluck it out - If your right hand offend you, cut it off (Matthew 5:29-30).
Strange how we read into the bible what we want it to say. We spiritualize what we don’t like, shy away from what we don’t understand.

AMEN PREACH IT SISTER!!! Some biblical historians explain Paul's comments concerning women to remain silent as simply a socio-cultural clash in the early church. We know the early temples were seperated by gender and according to historians the early church setting was a form of controlled chaos. Women would't understand or hear and would shout to their husbands across the room.

We obviously don't know because Paul isn't here to tell us what he meant and are not a part of that church setting.

I commend you on your studies and obviously the Lord is interested in women fulfilling their God ordained roles. My Godly mother is 81 and has always lead by example in the work of the Lord. She is a doer of the word and not a hearer only.

GOD BLESS ALL THE GODLY WOMEN WHO RISE ABOVE THE OPPRESION TO STAND IN THEIR CALLING AND GIFTINGS!!!

[Sister Alvear]

I don’t believe anyone can look around with a burden for this dying world and deny a woman the right to preach the gospel. It would be sinful of us to close a mouth that could bring life, light, hope and salvation. It is the necessity of the hour that has caused me to rise up against odds and write this book to try to stir up God’s people unto a fresh new hope.

Some read into scriptures what they want it to say. Some religious leaders do not agree with the call of God on women. Most religious leaders did not agree with Jesus also.

When He healed the woman that had been bent over eighteen years, they cried out against Him for breaking the Sabbath.

When He raised a dead man from the grave, they plotted how to kill Him. Simon and his religious friends condemned Jesus for letting the sinner woman wash His feet.
They were not happy about Zaccheus's conversion (Luke 19).

It is not the sinner that usually condemns the lady preachers. The condemning comes from the religious world. But our Jesus never condemned anyone except those that condemned.

It’s the religious world that does not agree with how God runs His business. But it make no difference to God what they think. He is sovereign!

I still remember many years ago a little village where we had gone to have service for the first time. After I had explained the plan of salvation and used the words that those that do not obey will be eternally lost, a little woman raised her hand and said, "Missionary, my mother died three months ago; She never heard; will she be lost?"

It’s a shame that anyone would try to close the mouth of a woman. Crucial issues are at stake when a preacher’s mouth is shut. Will we lapse into the stifling silence to the point that souls are lost? Will we champion the oppression of women by calling it “God's will?"

Men often attempt to control and limit women’s roles and the machinery of the bureaucracies, whether official or unofficial is right at hand to enforce such restrictive desires. Despite this discouragement and obstruction, women continue to come forward to proclaim their faith in vibrant, effective ways.

Nothing that present day scholars uncovered from the dust of the past can or ever will shake the fact that women were and are used of the Lord. In fact, more Deborah-like women will appear from nowhere and rise to lead armies of God’s people to victories.

More Huldah and Pricilla will appear to teach the Word of the Lord. For it is written your sons and daughters shall prophesy (speak under divine anointing). They shall only continue to prove with starling accuracy that the truths of the Bible have withstood man’s oppressions. These ladies mentioned in this simple Bible study are not mythical but are real persons who filled a real place in God’s plan of redemption.

Their lives were composed of great deeds. No wonder Psalm 68:11 says the Lord gives the word (of power). The women bear and publish (the news) are a great host. Isaiah 12:6: "Cry aloud and shalt joyfully, you women and inhabitants of Zion for great in your mist is the Holy One of Israel" (Isaiah 12:6).

The original church breathed into existence by the Spirit of God, knew no distinctions between male and female ministers in Christ. Soul winning is serious business. All help is needed to reach "every creature". Even with a full work force, we need a miracle to reach this lost and dying world.

God helps us not to be guilty of doing anything that would hinder His work. There may be some things about God’s choosing that we don’t understand, but we are on dangerous territory when we are brazen and bold to speak when angels remain in silence.

[Sister Alvear]

Dr. Adam Clark gives this literal translation of Psalms 68:11: Of the female preachers, there was a great host.

Isaiah 40:9: Dr. Clark’s literal translation is also enlightening, AO daughter that bring good tidings to Zion, get thee up into the high mountain. O thou woman that publishes good tidings to Jerusalem, lift up thy voice with strength; lift it up, be not afraid, say unto the city of Judah, Behold your God.”

Here is a list of translations of Psalms 68:11. One can certainly draw strength from. “The Lord giveth the word, the women that published the tiding are a great host” (Psalm 68:11 ASV).

“The Lord gives the word (of power): the women who bear and publish (the news) are a great host” (Amp. Bible).

“The Lord proclaims good news, or the word, women bearing good news” (New English Bible).

“The Lord gives the word; women bear the glad tidings” [a Vast Army] (New American Bible).

“The Lord gave matter to the women to tell of the great army” (The Geneva Bible).

“The Lord gave the command and many women carried the news” (The Good News Bible).

“When the Lord sent news of victory, the women who told it were a mighty host” (James Moffatts Translation).

The word “publish” in Hebrew is “basar” (Strong’s 1319), which means “to announce (glad news); messenger, preach, publish and shewforth.”

The Bible teaches a “vast army” of women proclaimers. According to Strong’s 6635, it means “A mass of persons.”


AND NOW PRECIOUS ONES I AM OFF TO TAKE CARE OF BUSINESS...MAYBE IF NEEDED MORE LATER...

IF ANYONE WANTS TO SEND ME AN OFFERING TO GO HIDE IN THE JUNGLE PM IT TO ME...HA.........LOVE YOU FOLKS.

Originally Posted by Sister Alvear

I don’t believe anyone can look around with a burden for this dying world and deny a woman the right to preach the gospel. It would be sinful of us to close a mouth that could bring life, light, hope and salvation. It is the necessity of the hour that has caused me to rise up against odds and write this book to try to stir up God’s people unto a fresh new hope.
Some read into scriptures what they want it to say. Some religious leaders do not agree with the call of God on women. Most religious leaders did not agree with Jesus also.
When He healed the woman that had been bent over eighteen years, they cried out against Him for breaking the Sabbath.
When He raised a dead man from the grave, they plotted how to kill Him. Simon and his religious friends condemned Jesus for letting the sinner woman wash His feet.
They were not happy about Zaccheus's conversion (Luke 19).
It is not the sinner that usually condemns the lady preachers. The condemning comes from the religious world. But our Jesus never condemned anyone except those that condemned.
It’s the religious world that does not agree with how God runs His business. But it make no difference to God what they think. He is sovereign!
I still remember many years ago a little village where we had gone to have service for the first time. After I had explained the plan of salvation and used the words that those that do not obey will be eternally lost, a little woman
raised her hand and said, "Missionary, my mother died three months ago; She never heard; will she be lost?"
It’s a shame that anyone would try to close the mouth of a woman. Crucial issues are at stake when a preacher’s mouth is shut. Will we lapse into the stifling silence to the point that souls are lost? Will we champion the oppression of women by calling it “God's will?"
Men often attempt to control and limit women’s roles and the machinery of the bureaucracies, whether official or unofficial is right at hand to enforce such restrictive desires. Despite this discouragement and obstruction, women continue to come forward to proclaim their faith in vibrant, effective ways.
Nothing that present day scholars uncovered from the dust of the past can or ever will shake the fact that women were and are used of the Lord. In fact, more Deborah-like women will appear from nowhere and rise to lead armies of God’s people to victories.
More Huldah and Pricilla will appear to teach the Word of the Lord. For it is written your sons and daughters shall prophesy (speak under divine anointing). They shall only continue to prove with starling accuracy that the truths of the Bible have withstood man’s oppressions. These ladies mentioned in this simple Bible study are not mythical but are real persons who filled a real place in God’s plan of redemption.
Their lives were composed of great deeds. No wonder Psalm 68:11 says the Lord gives the word (of power). The women bear and publish (the news) are a great host. Isaiah 12:6: "Cry aloud and shalt joyfully, you women and inhabitants of Zion for great in your mist is the Holy One of Israel" (Isaiah 12:6).
The original church breathed into existence by the Spirit of God, knew no distinctions between male and female ministers in Christ. Soul winning is serious business. All help is needed to reach "every creature". Even with a full work force, we need a miracle to reach this lost and dying world.
God helps us not to be guilty of doing anything that would hinder His work. There may be some things about God’s choosing that we don’t understand, but we are on dangerous territory when we are brazen and bold to speak when angels remain in silence.

Sis. Alvear, You bless me so much with the Word that you bring forth. I have the utmost respect for missionaries and their families, my mother's pastor was a former missionary to Santo Domingo, and my Pastor's wife's parents are World Missions Directors with UPCI. God bless your efforts and your ministries. God bless all the daughters of Zion! I have only one question for you and please feel free to answer, though it seem unimportant. Your reference to a woman's mother dying and not hearing the Gospel, According to your interpretation of the Word, what awaits those that do not have the privilege before they die?

[MissBrattified]

Sister Alvear, great posts! You are an ironic contradiction to the first post on this thread, being a conservative Apostolic.

[SDG]

Originally Posted by Dantheman1

Sis. Alvear, You bless me so much with the Word that you bring forth. I have the utmost respect for missionaries and their families, my mother's pastor was a former missionary to Santo Domingo, and my Pastor's wife's parents are World Missions Directors with UPCI. God bless your efforts and your ministries. God bless all the daughters of Zion! I have only one question for you and please feel free to answer, though it seem unimportant. Your reference to a woman's mother dying and not hearing the Gospel, According to your interpretation of the Word, what awaits those that do not have the privilege before they die?

Brother Burns? Vannoy?

Originally Posted by Daniel Alicea

Brother Burns? Vannoy?

Burn for how long and is that eternal damnation or just death...hmmmnnn, we won't go there. What about faith? Does God actually hold us accountable for what we don't know?

I know, im messing with too much, just having fun...the UC's will go WILD!