Judgment Has Begun

A word from Nathan Leal of The Watchman's Cry about the current days we are in.

Don't Forget Deborah - Part 5

Common Objections to Biblical Patriarchy

We reviewed in the previous posts (linked at the bottom) how God's authority is patriarchal and how the authority in the church and in the family is a reflection of that.

However, there are a number of objections one might hear when discussing this truth.  While one who has his/her heart set on rebelling against God will find any excuse to do so, we have attempted to address some of the more common objections people have in this area.

Don't Forget Deborah - Part 3

The Beauty of Submission

• What the Scriptures say about Godly authority 
• Deborah as an example for women
  
• The beauty of the woman's role & purpose
  
• The root of resistance to God's ordained roles (coming)
• Answers to common questions

 In the previous articles, we searched the Scriptures to establish that the authority of God is patriarchal. We also examined the story of the judge, Deborah, as the epitome of a woman in service to the Lord: one who was wise, prudent, proclaimed God's word and supported the patriarchy of God.

What then is the purpose for which woman was created and why is it so critical that she submit to man? One could simply say, "God commanded woman to submit to the man, and that's enough." While that is accurate, God doesn't do things arbitrarily. There is a reason for everything He does...even when we cannot understand it (Isaiah 55:9, Romans 11:34).

Don't Forget Deborah - Part 2

What About Deborah?

• What the Scriptures say about Godly authority 
• Deborah as an example for women
  
• The beauty of the woman's role & purpose
  
• The root of resistance to God's ordained roles (coming)
• Answers to common questions

We established in the previous article how the authority of God is patriarchal. In other words, the headship rests in/with man, and women are called to submit to that authority.

"In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established." II Corinthians 13:1

When discussing women in leadership, many are often quick to point to Deborah. Yet even if we accept Deborah as an example of women having authority over men, she would be the exception and not the rule. There are no other Scriptural examples to support this premise that women are raised by God to be authorities over men.

However, does Deborah really represent a woman who had authority "over" men? To examine this, we must look more closely at the role of a judge.

Don't Forget Deborah - Part I

The Role for Women

The role of women in society is often the subject of much debate. In this series of articles, we will examine that topic from a biblical perspective, including:

• What the Scriptures say about Godly authority 
• Deborah as an example for women
  
• The beauty of the woman's role & purpose
  
• The root of resistance to God's ordained roles (coming)
• Answers to common questions

It is our prayer that reading this series will help to cause a deeper appreciation for the precious gift that God has given men in women and birth a desire in the hearts of women to be all that God has ordained.

Don't Get Too Close To Jesus, He May Have the Swine Flu

A Magician's Trick?

Apparently, across the United States and in other countries, the Roman Catholic Church (RCC) is modifying church services to take "common sense" precautions against spreading the Swine Flu. Clearly gathering in public places can heighten one's risk for contracting this virus and everyone should take steps to ensure that they are safe.

One of the changes some parishes are implementing is to dispense of the shaking of hands during the Rite of Peace. This is understandable as direct contact with other people can also increase one's risk of exposure.

However, many churches are also changing the way that Communion is served. In particular they are not placing the eucharistic wafer directly on the parishioners' tongues and are foregoing the sharing of a common cup. So my question is: What does this say about the RCC's faith in the efficacy of the eucharist and even transubstantiation?