HOUSEHOLD OF FAITH EZINE

If you are not aware of what is going on in the Lord's church today, you do need to investigate. I, along with numerous others, have been presenting information for some time now concerning the ultra-liberalism that is sweeping through the brotherhood.

This liberalism has many faces, all of which are designed to increase the numbers of the congregation (not numbers living the Christian life, but numbers to fill the benches and dishonor God and Christ.) and one of the faces is that of the use of women in roles of leadership in the Lords body. I shall not attempt to show where and why this is contrary to His word because any student without ulterior motives, knows what the Bible teaches concerning this. Rather, I just want to show you what is happening and the pathetic excuse for an interpretation of God's word to justify it.

They use the scripture found in Galatians 3: 28 as their proof-text. Here it is in it's entirety: "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus." If, as they contend, this means that women may assume leadership roles in the church of the living God, then we are faced with a Bible thoroughly contradicting itself. If things are as they say, I may be married to a Male-Jewish-Slave!! They are without understanding.They need to read 2 Peter 3:16, "...which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction."

Here are some links to congregations who have bought into this part of the false doctrine of liberalism;

The Bible teaches that both men and women are created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27), that is, both men and women are equal bearers of the divine image. This means that both men and women are equally human beings. Consequently, women are not inferior members of the human race and are not to be counted as second-class citizens.

Furthermore, women are not second-class citizens of the kingdom of God either (Galatians 3:28). They are full members of the church of Christ (viz., the universal body of the saved) with access to all the spiritual rights and benefits of such membership. In other words, one cannot be kept from the saving blood of Jesus Christ by his or her nationality (“neither Jew nor Gentile”), status in society (“neither slave nor free”), or gender (“neither male nor female”). All human beings are equal in that they can become “children” and “heirs of God” through faith in Christ Jesus (Galatians 4:7). Consequently, the context of Galatians 3:28 deals with who can become a Christian and on what basis, not with male/female roles.

It is, therefore, unfortunate that so-called “Biblical feminists” have pounced on Galatians 3:28 as the crux around which all Scripture must be interpreted. Some have even called this passage the “Magna Carta” of all humanity. They have claimed it teaches that it is God's desire to see all sex roles completely obliterated in the family, church, and society. Equality, they have falsely reasoned, means getting rid of all role distinctions. “Equality and subordination are contradictions!,” they claim. They feel that “true egalitarianism (equality) must be characterized by what sociologists call role-interchangeability.” They argue that any subordination is “psychologically unhealthy” and “carnal.”

These “Biblical feminists” have bought into the feminist argument that true equality means monolithic, undifferentiated role-interchangeability. Any Bible passage that does not square with their predetermined feminist definition must be either rejected as un-Biblical or explained away. Mostly, passages that teach a woman's role is to be one of subjection (e.g., I Corinthians 11:3; 14:34; I Timothy 2:11; Ephesians 5:22; Colossians 3:18; I Peter 3:1) are interpreted as culturally mandated and not meant for all time. It is the teaching of those who hold this belief that the cultural submission of women taught in the aforementioned passages would eventually evolve into the total gender equality and role-interchangeability that they have erroneously thought Galatians 3:28 teaches. (Incidentally, I have talked to Christian women who have made this same argument.)

Chula Vista Books is owned and operated by Mark and Teah McWhorter. We carry a wide selection of Bible related materials--ladies' books, childrens' materials, commentaries, apologetics, lectureship books, missions books, class books, debates, sermon books, church history, topical studies, Bible covers, Bibles, tracts, BCCs and more.

We also send out used book lists from time to time. Unfortunately we do not have a catalog at present but invite your inquiries. If you would like to be on our mailing list, send us your email address.

Mark McWhorter, 420 Chula Vist Mtn Rd, Pell City AL 35125, Phone 205-338-1843

Does your congregation have a web site? Can you add, update and delete information from your existing web site easily? If you answered no to either question visit The Lord's Way. This new service allows you to create a web site for your congregation and update it yourself whenever you want by simply completing online forms. The service is designed for any congregation that wants a web site that contains current, updated and fresh information but does not want to invest the time and money in learning about the inner-workings of the Internet. Your new site will be packed with information about your congregation. Visit us and take a tour!

I believe in every young lady being reared in a Christ-centered and Bible-loving home directed by God-loving parents. That is liberation!

I believe in every young lady being taught the nobility of good morals, respect for others, compassion for everyone and profound allegiance to our great nation. That is liberation!

I believe that every young lady should be taught to practice the high ideals of honesty, integrity, due regard for rights and feelings of others and "second mile" living (Matthew 5:41). That is liberation!

I believe every young lady should be taught the Truth that she may obey it and enjoy freedom from the bondage of sin (John 8:32; Acts 2:38; Matthew 26:28). That is liberation!

I believe a young lady should live in a society where she is not pressured to experiment with drugs or encouraged to participate in permissive acts of sex and other degenerate behavior. That is liberation!

I believe every young lady should have the privilege of marrying a Christian, sharing her life with someone who will help her get to heaven (Ephesians 5:22-23). That is liberation!

I believe every young wife and mother should be able to express love and appreciation to her husband and children without fear, shame or reservation. That is liberation!

Yes, I believe in "Women's Liberation"---the kind that God believes in!

Former Republican presidential candidate Alan Keyes says America must be careful in efforts to invoke God's judgment on the foreign terrorists who killed so many innocent people on September 11. In a recent speech, Keyes gave the reason for his very impassioned but cautious urging: "We cannot call down the judgment of God Almighty upon those who -- with malice aforethought -- are willing to aim blows of destruction at the lives of the innocent unless we are willing to stand in the shadow of that same judgment which we call [upon others]." Keyes says America's shameful abortion on nearly one million innocent babies per year is what leaves the country under that same judgment.(Agape Press, 12/18/02)

The theme for SELTC 2003 is "Go!" Based on the book of Matthew, this year's study challenges each of us to allow God to rule in every area of our life. We pray that this year's study affords you the opportunity to grow closer to God and each other. The date for this year's convention is April 18-20, 2003. We will be meeting at the Adam's Mark in Mobile, AL. For more information please visit our website at www.seltc.org or call 205-988-5808.

The Bear Valley Bible Institute, Scottsboro Extension (BVBISE) is half-way through it's second year of operation under the oversight of the elders of the Broad Street Church of Christ in Scottsboro, Alabama. The school is an extension of the BEAR VALLEY BIBLE INSTITUTE of DENVER. 40 courses (and eight out-of-class mini-courses) completed over a four-year period lead to the Bachelor of Biblical Studies Degree. The Associates Degree may be earned in half that time.

One course is taught each month (except July and December) in two all-day Saturday sessions along with outside assignments. The school is TUITION FREE. The only costs to the student are for required texts & materials, and a $5 fee each Saturday to help cover the teacher's expenses. The teachers are academically well-qualified and experienced gospel preachers who know and love the Bible as the verbally inspired and authoritative word of God, and who volunteer their time and work as a labor of love.

BVBISE is committed to training sound and able Bible teachers (men and women), and faithful gospel preachers for service in the kingdom of Christ. The format is designed to make this training possible for men and women who must continue their jobs and other pursuits while they study. Credit is given for previous college or preacher-school study. A preacher-school graduate may be able to earn the Bachelor of Biblical Studies Degree in as little as four months of study. For more information please contact the Broad Street Church of Christ, 613 South Broad Street, Scottsboro, AL 35768. Phone: 256-574-2489. EMAIL

A Hare one day ridiculed the short feet and slow pace of the Tortoise, who replied, laughing: "Though you be swift as the wind, I will beat you in a race." The Hare, believing her assertion to be simply impossible, assented to the proposal; and they agreed that the Fox should choose the course and fix the goal. On the day appointed for the race the two started together. The Tortoise never for a moment stopped, but went on with a slow but steady pace straight to the end of the course. The Hare, lying down by the wayside, fell fast asleep. At last waking up, and moving as fast as he could, he saw the Tortoise had reached the goal, and was comfortably dozing after her fatigue.

Slow but steady wins the race....Aesop