Dear Sarah,
This letter is not written with the intention to demean or insult you on any level. Rather, I have a deep appreciation for you in many ways. We have many things in common—I am a Christian wife and mother of five children (one in Heaven, lost to miscarriage) and the grandmother of seven. I attended public schools where my mother, aunt and grandfather taught and was encouraged by all of them, as well as all my teachers, to attend college which I did, graduating with a B.A. in English. My family has always taken strong public stands, especially when serious issues are at stake, even as you do. When my husband ran for U.S. Congress during President Reagan’s second bid for office, my children and I threw ourselves into the battle with all our time and energy. We have since supported several political candidates and are ready to do whatever we can to bring our nation back to its constitutional roots. We have taken a strong pro-life stand and given many women with unwanted pregnancies food and shelter in our own home.
But the primary basis for this letter is not simply superficial interests and commitments. I believe that we are sisters in Christ and, therefore, both subjects of His rule of law from Scripture. It would appear that we share the belief that, “...in Christ Himself are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” - Col. 2:2b,3. I assume the following statement of faith, taken from your church website, summarizes your personal faith:
The Centrality of Christ
By God’s grace everything in the life of this church will revolve around the reality of Jesus Christ - who He is, what He has done, what He is doing, and what He will do. In the words of the early Church “He is Lord” and will be recognized as such in this church with an absolute allegiance that lifts Him above all others in our hearts, in our homes, and in our congregation. It is His commands that we will obey, His warnings that we will heed, and His promises that we will hold. In every endeavor we will rely upon His power, cherish His presence, and honor His name. We will, in sum, love Him. (John 14:6)
Apparently, we also share the belief that God’s Word is the only solid base upon which to build our lives.
The Authority of Scripture
In order to experience and enjoy the centrality of Christ in our congregational life, we will submit to the authority of the Scriptures. They will be the foundational source of information and direction guiding our exploration of Christ’s reality. The Bible will be used to determine our doctrine, to shape our practice, and even, when needed to settle our differences with the conviction that it is the very Word of God. In all the confusion of varied opinions and above all the claims of religious authority we will hold to the scriptures as the Truth for both faith and practice. In them God has spoken and to them we will listen. (2 Timothy 3:16, 17)
The serious Christian is one who wants to think God’s thoughts after Him, to shape every thought, word and deed according to His Word. Is God’s Word silent about the role of the woman and how we are to shape our relationships with men? No, it’s clear in its mandate:
But I want you to understand that Christ is the head of every man, and the man is the head of a woman, and God is the head of Christ. — ...he is the image and glory of God; but the woman is the glory of man. — For man does not originate from woman, but woman from man; for indeed man was not created for the woman’s sake, but woman for the man’s sake.- I Corinthians 11:3, 7, 8, 9
My friend, Susan Hunt, an Atlanta-based pastor’s wife, has written her commentary on the role of women in the church:
We write out of the realization that our personal pilgrimages for the last fifteen years have solidified our adherence to the position of male headship in the church. We are increasingly convinced of the theological rightness of this position. But the more urgent motivation is to help Christians move beyond confusion and debate over our roles toward active concern about the needs around us. We are convinced that the church provides that most appropriate context for Christian women to serve the Savior. We further contend that rather than being restrained by our exclusion from ordination, women are actually freed from the restraint of positions of authority to be exquisite expressions of the Biblical meaning of a helper-leader. When women insist on role interchangeability within the church, everyone loses. — Susan Hunt and Peggy Hutcheson, Leadership for Women in the Church, pp. 10, 11.
If these principles apply in the realm of the home and church, surely they apply more broadly in the civil realm. Because you are so gifted, Sarah, your talents are in great demand in the world at large right now. What tremendous sacrifices you, your husband and children have made over the past few years as more and bigger opportunities to serve your fellow-man have been set before you, not only in your community and state, but now nationally. I do not hesitate to recognize that you are a remarkably talented woman. But I have some serious questions I hope you will consider.
As a Christian woman, a wife and mother, surely you have wrestled with what has God called you to do. How are you to order your priorities according to Scripture? Are you over-stepping the boundaries His Word has set for you when you hold public office? I believe you are. Will you really be able to devote the time and energy necessary to raise your children as a public officer holder? What sacrifices will your husband be required to make? What message are you sending to the young women of our nation concerning their God-given role? These are difficult questions, especially since it would appear that you have already set a course that can’t be altered. The question in your mind should not be, “What am I capable of doing,” or, “What are the opportunities I have to serve;” rather, I believe only one question is a valid one: “What does God’s Word tell me I should be doing.”
One of my favorite authors was a little-known, brilliant Southern woman of the 19th century named Augusta Jane Evans. In her great novel, St. Elmo, through her main character, Edna Earle, she battles to save a Christian moral and social order, “taking her stand on the principle that woman can be most influential in society as a woman.” (italics mine) - Richard Weaver, Southern Tradition at Bay, p. 275.
Believing that the intelligent, refined, modest Christian women were the real custodians of national purity, and the sole agents who could arrest the tide of demoralization breaking over the land, she [Edna] addressed herself to the wives, mothers, and daughters of America; calling upon them to smite their false gods, and purify their shrines at which they worshipped. Jealously she contended for every woman’s right which God and nature had decreed her sex. The right to be learned, wise, noble, useful, in woman’s divinely limited sphere. The right to influence and exalt the circle in which she moved. The right to mount the sanctified beam of her own quiet hearth-stone; the right to modify and direct her husband’s opinion, if he considered her worthy and competent to guide him; the right to make her children ornaments to their nation, and a crown of glory to their [people]; the right to advise, to plead, to pray; ...the right to be all the phrase ‘noble Christian woman’ means. But not the right ... to trail her heaven-born purity through the dust and mire of political strife; to ascend the rosta [sic] of statesmen, whither she may send a worthy husband, son, or brother, but whither she can never go, without disgracing all womanhood.- p. 395
Sarah Palin, God calls you to a higher position than the vice-presidency of the United States. He calls you to be the most influential woman in the world today, perhaps in history, by taking your stand on the Biblical principle of His divine model of womanhood. I implore you to see yourself, not as a candidate for political office, but as a cherished child of Christ, in subjection to His will. I earnestly pray that you will make every effort to “arrest the tide of demoralization breaking over our land” as you call upon the mothers and daughters of America to “smite their false gods and jealously contend for every woman’s right which God has decreed upon us: the right to be learned, wise, noble, and useful in our divinely limited sphere; the right to mount the sanctified beam of our own quiet hearth-stone; the right to modify and direct our husband’s opinion, if he considers us worthy and competent to guide him; the right to make our children ornaments to the nation and a crown of glory to our people; the right to advise, to plead, to pray;...the right to be all the phrase ‘noble Christian woman’ means.” [paraphrasing Augusta Jane’s quote above]
I pray that you will demonstrate an even greater humility and strength of character than we have seen thus far by admitting you have taken the wrong path by accepting the nomination for vice presidency and ask to be released from this commitment. I will persevere in praying for you and your family. May God richly bless you as you are faithful to Him. I would be happy to talk with you or to correspond in any way that may prove helpful. My contact information is at the bottom of this letter.
“See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the traditions of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ.” - Col. 2:8
Yours truly in the bonds of Christ,
Rebecca B. Morecraft
26 comments:
I can't say that I totaly agree with her letter, but I don't totally disagree either. What do ppl say about the prophetess Anna in the book of Luke? Verses 36-38 36And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity;
37And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.
38And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.
It says he spoke to all them that looked for redemption...and she never left the temple. Was she wrong or going against God's Word by "preaching" and sharing God's Word with others? Could Sarah Palin be any different in her possition? I have to say, that as in the scriptures that we all must work out our own salvation with God and what He has called us to do. Perhapes this is Sarah's calling. Some say she is wrong and some feel she is okay. I say we can't push our own convictions on others. We must allow GOD to deal accordingly. And again, I don't totatly disagree with your friend's letter. But I just question. Are we to judge others for what perhapes God has called them to do?
Have you considered that maybe this letter is wrong? Have you considered the judge Deborah? who stepped up to rule Israel when no man would follow God's leading? I believe Sarah Palin did pray about this decision and just because you don't agree with it spiritually does not make it wrong. Not everyone shares your conservative beliefs.
I don't believe this is something we can just pick and choose, it's not about sharing their conservative belief but believing what the Bible says. Even if there are not any godly men to lead, it is not our responsibilities as women to step up to leadership. In 1 Timothy 2:11-15 "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. For Adam was first formed; then Eve. And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression. Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety."
Also what comes to mind a lot is the verse from Isaiah. Isaiah 3:12 says, "As for my people, children are their oppressors, and women rule over them. O my people, they which lead thee cause thee to err, and destroy the way of thy paths." I know people can take this any way, but I've always been taught that it was a prophecy of women and children leading or ruling. I never believed it would even come to this, a woman as president or vice president, but it has. Kind of scary.
:{} :)
As Christians, we are called to discern the Word of God, which is very different from judging. Scripture is clear on the differences between male and female, and a woman should never hold a position over a man. Gary DeMar (americanvision.com) has written a piece on Deborah as the judge of Israel, and in it, he says this:
"There is no doubt that the judgeship of Deborah is out of the ordinary, but the period of the judges is not a normal period in Israel’s history. The men are weak, as Barak’s response indicates (4:8), and the people were generally unrighteous with every man doing “what was right in his own eyes” (17:6). We see what this type of society produces if the men don’t assume their proper leadership roles. The people will choose a king like all the nations (1 Sam. 8), but not before adversely affecting the family and church."
Are there women leaders in our society? Yes, and from a biblical perspective, it is a disgrace. Are they in office providentially? Yes, but why? The majority of men in this country are spiritually dead or weak.
For me personally, based on Scripture, I cannot in good conscience vote for Palin because she is a woman, a woman with young children no less. Do we justify her abandoning her children because she is a good leader? I am a wife and mother, and you cannot lead a country and raise your children biblically at the same time. In the case of Deborah, she was not a mother. As a Christian, Sarah Palin is not exempt from Titus 2.
If McCain is elected and she is the VP of the US, will it be God's will? Absolutely. Could Sarah Palin be part of God's will at this time for the US? Absolutely. But we must see it in proper biblical context -- when women rule over men, it is a sign of God's judgment for moral and leadership decay.
Gary DeMar's piece with others comments:
http://74.255.56.30/blog/?p=171
Doug Phillips' Blog:
http://www.visionforum.com/hottopics/blogs/dwp/
I grew up in a very conservative religion very much like the one you all attend. I am in subjection to my husband and all of that, but who is saying her husband isn't backing her doing this. And do you know hear the part about her getting Alaska out of debt? Do you not here the democrats... supporting higher taxes on the middle class or are you all so rich it doesn't matter? would you rather someone in office who does not care about the affects of abortion on our society? or who does not support the education of your MULTITUDES OF CHILDREN? What kind of heritage do you want to leave your daughters? DO you want them stuck in the dark ages doing nothing but cleaning and cooking, barefoot and pregnant and uneducated? Come on this is the 21st century.. Women do go to college right now.. Women do have the right to vote.. Women can have families and work.. IN fact some women HAVE to work to make ends meet.. Not every woman has a wealthy husband that can support a massive family and a wife who stays home..
I think you need to realize this is NOT bible times this is the 21st century. Not the days of creation... You aren't living in a cave to be oppressed by a religion or a man.
I would have to agree with Jules on this...the Proverbs 31 woman was a WORKING woman who had a husband and worked outside the home as well. I am assuming you do not vote because that would give you a voice...God help our country if Obama/Biden get into the White House...I think we should be MORE concerned for their lack of morals and interest in the family then whether or not McCain's VP is a female...
"Are there women leaders in our society? Yes, and from a biblical perspective, it is a disgrace. Are they in office providentially? Yes, but why? The majority of men in this country are spiritually dead or weak."
This is demonstrated by the fact that the country is all excited about Sarah Pahlin, as if she will lead the country. John McCain is hiding behind her skirt using her to bring back the conservatve vote. When they win McCain will be president and continue in his anti-life position, pro illegal immigration, crossing the aisle ways. Sarah will be attending state funerals etc. not making policy. We were not excited about McCain before Pahlin, noting has changed
WE HAVE BEEN DUPED.
No matter your opinion, there is no need to speak about Miss Cindy or the Morris' so disrespectfully. It is obvious most of the 'anonymous' posters don't know the family at all.
I agree with the poster that the reason we need woman in leadership is because there are so few godly men willing to do the right thing. Is it a disgrace? I don't know . . . myself- I am glad she is there to stand in the gap.
By KIM SEVERSON Published: September 4, 2008
WASILLA, Alaska — People here in Sarah Palin’s hometown learned science from her father. They remember how she led the Warriors to an unexpected high school basketball championship, her success as a beauty queen and how her family grew along with the Wasilla Bible Church.
Janet Kincaid, with Senator Ted Stevens, said that she admired Ms. Palin’s intelligence and integrity but that, above all, “she’s a mom, and she has an understanding of what being a mom is.”
So when Ms. Palin, then a young mother, ran for the City Council in 1992, of course they voted for her. And they kept doing so, for mayor and then for governor — especially the women who, like her, had small children, hated abortion and prayed every day.
“I admire her intelligence and I admire her integrity, but first and foremost she’s a mom, and she has an understanding of what being a mom is,” said Janet Kincaid, a grandmother and Republican who last summer opened her lakeside Wasilla home for a $20,000 Palin fund-raiser.
As Ms. Palin, a first-term Republican governor, sampled the curried tuna puffs and gave her speech, Ms. Kincaid recalled, even the woman who cleans Ms. Kincaid’s house decided to give money.
Although some liberal Democrats dismiss them as “Palinbots” for their reflexive devotion, these women are as dedicated to Ms. Palin as the women Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton, Democrat of New York, called her sisterhood of the traveling pantsuits were to their very different version of the modern female politician.
These are women who dip in and out of the work force, believe in prayer and spend their days trying to keep the crayon off the walls. They feel they have been looked down on by Clinton feminists and ignored by the power structure in the Republican Party. The fact that Ms. Palin has five children, including Trig, a newborn with Down syndrome, only makes her that much more part of the sisterhood.
“I’m not that into politics,” said Delores Field, an Alaska Inupiat from Eagle River, near Anchorage, who does not consider herself a Democrat or a Republican. “I’m just going to vote for Trig Van Palin’s mom.”This segment of Ms. Palin’s supporters are not the women of Phyllis Schlafly’s deeply conservative generation of Republican women, nor are they the polished women who might have enjoyed lunch with the first lady, Laura Bush, in her Texas days.
Like many women in the valley where Ms. Palin comes from, her appeal here, and in recent days across the country, is more about who she is — that is, a devout Christian with a husband who supports her career, but a person who is not afraid to show up in public with a baby on her hip.
“She didn’t create this, but she showed up at the right time,” said Darla Shine, whose Happy Housewife Club franchise includes a talk radio show, a book and a Web site that receives millions of hits a month. “She represents a huge pocket of women who have been the ignored community for so long.”
Although strong opposition to abortion and an evangelical approach to Christianity are often shared traits among the Palin women, they do not necessarily walk lock step with Republican politics, said Serrin M. Foster, president of Feminists for Life, a lobbying group with 28,000 members, including Ms. Palin.
Some of the group’s members are vegans who might not appreciate Ms. Palin’s penchant for hunting moose. Others might consider themselves moderates who could vote for either party.
“There is a spectrum within the pro-life movement,” Ms. Foster said, “and Sarah is proof that you can be pro-life and pro-woman.”
Rick Mystrom, a Republican who was the mayor of Anchorage when Ms. Palin was Wasilla’s mayor, said other women in Alaska who are politicians, like Senator Lisa Murkowski, also a Republican, are seen differently, as part of the Alaska political machine. (Ms. Murkowski supports abortion rights.)
“Sarah’s appeal,” Mr. Mystrom said, “is that she is every woman and she became what every woman thinks she can become.”
Ms. Palin’s evangelical Christian beliefs were an asset in this conservative state, and they also helped propel her to the Republican ticket as Senator John McCain’s running mate. She is part of a generation of Christian women who began serving on school boards and small governmental bodies in the 1990s, and often look out for one another.
When she bucked her party and then ran against the Republican governor in 2006, she did not get much support from the traditional channels. So Republican women’s clubs around the state came through by raising tens of thousands of dollars for her campaign.
Ms. Palin’s political career has grown along with her church, which began with a few families and recently moved to a new building that seats 400 and hosts three services on Sunday.
Steve Menard, a member of the church who is running for Wasilla mayor next month, said that although the church helped Ms. Palin’s rise, a political climate ready for someone like her was helping her national profile.
“You needed the right candidate at the right time,” Mr. Menard said, “to open doors for working women who share a set of values.”
Her ability to mix church, family and politics is part of the draw. Through connections with other longtime family friends, including political allies and members of her church, she was able to raise the sales tax in Wasilla as a way to help finance a $15 million sports complex that featured a new hockey rink for her son Track to play on.
This summer, several Christian groups came together for a day of prayer at the arena. Ms. Palin was there with her infant Trig in her arms and a daughter, Piper, nearby.
Some of Ms. Palin’s critics say that her popularity, to a degree, is superficial.
Mike Doogan, who for 14 years was a columnist with The Anchorage Daily News before he became a Democratic state legislator, said he understood her appeal to a certain type of female voter.
But Mr. Doogan said her image was carefully cultivated to do just that.
“There is no more unlikely hockey mom on this planet,” he said. “They are usually not this politically ambitious or cut-throat.”
Anne Kilkenny, who said she voted for Ms. Palin in city elections, said she became disillusioned with her after participating in Wasilla city government and seeing Ms. Palin up close.
“You’ve got to remember,” Ms. Kilkenny said, “we are not much bigger than a high school and she is the homecoming queen.”
None of that matters for the women who see Ms. Palin’s rise as their rise.
“Sarah Palin is a different kind of feminist,” said Joy Ng, who lives in Kodiak with her husband of 35 years. “She is a strong woman who can wear a skirt and be proud of it...
To the commenter who said the the Proverbs 31 wonman worked outsid the home....I respectfully disagree with you. She may have had a home-type business, but the Bible says in Proverbs 31:27 "She looks well to the ways of her household." This means that whatever she was doing outsid the home, her household was in order. Howcan we say that Sarah Palin's household is in order? She has a teenage daughter that is pregnant! That isn't in order.
If you really read the chapter in Proverbs, you will see all what the Proverbs 31 woman did...making her family's clothes, providing their food, planting a vineyard, making clothes to sell (again a HOME business), etc, etc. How could she do all of that for her household if she wasn't AT HOME!
While I agree that we don't want Obama, we certainly don't want someone in office who is going against scripture either.
Blessings,
Cindy
Oh my goodness, some of you are just SO mean... :(
To the Last Post:
Tell me the location in the bible it teaches us to pick between the better of two evils. The bible teaches us to choose Good even if everyone is not!!!!
The bible is very clear on the qualifications of leaders. Both parties don't fit what the bible says of leaders we should endorse.
If you know anything of the Morris family, you would know they don't try to JUST protect the BLESSING GOD HAS GIVEN, they choose to obey what the BIBLE teaches about children..... THEN they pray daily that God protects them.
I would challenge you to do the same. Turn to the bible for the truth on voting and child training.... then if you still have a problem the bible says to Go to your brother in LOVE!!!
I am writing this out of biblical Love for you and expressing the TRUTH from his word.
If you would like me to backup all my statements with biblical facts... just post on my blog and I will be more than happy to write up a post on what the Bible says!!!!
My Spouse and I have found that many of the truths that the Morris family LIVES by are directly from the BIBLE! Reminds me of a Hymn we love to sing as a family during our mornings together.
FYI The Morris home has more than 4 walls and a foundation that is the God of the Bible.
Whoa,
Twice in one day at blogs who have posted this almost same thing, this will turn into a hornets nest.
I will just say on this topic, I am going to take it to the polls, but ultimately have to believe that God is soveriegn and whom ever gets put into office, God already knows it and No amount of debate is going to make everyone happy, God is the only one who can lead our world and physically that won't happen this side of heaven, so until we are in heaven, I will just keep making the choices I believe God leads me to make.
In Sunday School this year we went into the teaching of the roles women should play in the home. I think that Proverbs and any other readings you do you should also point out that this is a very different time. That was before the world had evolved into what it is today.
The world more than two thousand years after the Old Testament is a far different world. Most families need two incomes and women must work outside the home. Are women supposed to turn down a promotion because there may be some leadership involved? Are women supposed to let their families want for something because YOUR concept of what women should or shouldn’t do in today’s world?
Did you know if a Muslim lies to you he doesn't see it as a lie unless you are Muslim. I think before anyone votes you should do your homework. Why would we vote in a man that has NOT denounced his so called religion just because there is a woman running for a leadership role.
I will also say I was SO upset when I read this, this morning that it has taken me all day to decide what to say.
Here is another thing to think about a parent can bring up a child but it is still that childs life to live no matter their age and Palin shouldn't be judged because her daughter is pregnant. Look at what the Bush girls did out partying and drinking under age at bars. And the Reagan kids weren't much better as I recall. Just because your parent is someone of importance and you should act a certain way doesn't mean you will.
After reading your comments, I’d like to ask you to step down and not write in this column any more. This is not the place to have a political stand off.
TO The Last post:
Is our God not the same God as in the days of Abraham, is he not the same yesterday today and forever. Just because culture changes because of sin. Our culture does not change our God. But Our God can change our culture.
I am so Blessed to have been Given a spouse from God that Fears him and not our culture or what MAN can do..... BUT believes in the POWER OF JEHOVAH!!!!! He is the father of TRUTH. Lord Please guide and protect my spouse in YOUR truth when I am not able. Guide us in your way, not in mans way.....
Give us the strength to live in your truth when the world has rendered us powerless with the prince of the air.
When we are weak..... You make us strong..... When we are given lies, your word gives us truth.
How wonderful it is to stand in your presence o Lord and worship you as one day and night.
The Heart of my spouse fully trusts in me. And I in my spouse.
The Lord doesn't change but the world does and we choose to live in the here and now and not in the past. How many of you actually go to the polls and vote? How many if you do vote actually vote for the person you want or do you let your husbands dictate to you how to vote. Thank the Lord this is a free country and we no longer live under rulers and dictators. If the Lord didn't want us to have opinions and knowledge he would not have given us a brain to make choices in our own lives.
The following is a CNN Video link of Voddie Baucham debating the issue with two feminists.
http://www.chalcedon.edu/blog/2008/09/rebellion-with-smile.php
aaron thanks for posting that I have watched it and after doing so, I would think never attend a Voodie Baucham's church or any church that feels this way. I think this is a personalized issue and too each his own. If my church felt this way and was as out spoken as some of you are I would have to think long and hard about just staying home and not going to church or studying the bible anymore.
Yes indeed, the world does change. It is fallen and is still falling.
As wisely stated earlier, God, I AM, is the same, yesterday today and forever, as is the Word (the Word was God, John1:1). The Truth (I am the...Truth, John14:6) is transcendent, and does change through time, or because of culture and personal opinion. "Our culture (religion externalized) does not change our God, But Our God can change our culture."
It is necessary to once again point out that the belief/conviction that says a woman's place is beside her husband furthering his God-given vision, nurturing and raising future generations with him, submitting to God by submitting to the authority He has given her husband, managing the home, furthering the culture transforming work God does through the home, and teaching others to do likewise is not just some idea that the Morris family and others have concocted in their own minds. It's not our concept, it's what the Bible plainly states. The Creator specifically and specially designed women for the blessed role and calling of being her Beloved husband's helpmeet, mission completer, and mother of their God-given children! If someone wants to disagree with it, then they can disagree with their Creator (Is45:9; Rom9:20-21). He is the One who created men and women, designing them as different yet complimentary; He is the One who ordained specific roles and callings for each; and He's the One who had it written down for us to see, understand by the Spirit, believe by faith, and apply by His enabling grace! It's not one man's word against another man's, it's God's Law-Word against humanism and human reasoning. In our day, as in former days, it is ever so common for us to foolishly, and to our own demise, re-translate the YHWH's Word according to man's ever changing reasoning. The Church, the Bride of Christ, is called to "come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord" (2Cor6:17; Is52:11), "what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?" (2Cor6:14), "Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works." (Titus2:14), "But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light." (1Peter2:9) "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." (Rom12:2), "Come out of her, my people, so that you will not participate in her sins and receive of her plagues." (Rev18:4b) Yes, today is different from yesterday and the years before, but The God, The Word, and The Truth remain the same, and just as applicable and life giving as before!!!!!
The last verse above mentioned "plagues". This leads us to Isaiah 3:12 "As for my people, children are their oppressors, and women rule over them. O my people, they which lead thee cause thee to err, and destroy the way of thy paths." It is a curse, plague if you will, for women to be in authority over men. It is direct defiance to YHWH's created order, and defying God isn't going to bring about blessings! It's Not that women are stupid and incapable, but that is not the position God has designed for them.
Now, things such as finances were brought up. Because of our fallen world and the curses that the feminist tidal wave here in America is drenching us in, it is more difficult for the husband/father to be the sole provider for the family he is blessed with. There's no denying it! Our culture (religion externalized) hates God-designed patriarchy, women fulfilling their blessed roles in the mighty and influential sphere of the home, and families working for the Kingdom together and being productive. In their deceived strivings, feminists demanded so-called equality, and have thus destroyed the possibilities of a family wage. They are against the family. The present trend and push of this world is to be a consumer. But God's Word exemplifies family life as a source of economic vitality, where the each member of the family works for the benefit of the whole family.
Biblically and historically people were not viewed as individualistic loners but as part of a family and community. Hence the Bible presents, and our nation was founded upon, the principals of representative government. (Ex18:21) For more info on that I highly recommend reading an article by Jennie Chancey titled Should Women Vote found here: http://www.ladiesagainstfeminism.com/artman/publish/Hot_Button_Issues_21/Should_Women_Vote_12661001266.shtml and one by Brian M. Abshire titled Biblical Patriarchy and the Doctrine of Federal Representation found here: http://www.visionforumministries.org/issues/family/biblical_patriarchy_and_the_do.aspx. 1Corinthians11:3 "But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman in the man; and the head of Christ is God."
It is an inexpressible blessing to have a father/husband that is bold enough to defy our culture to obey God and strive to be the leader and head of his family. It is not easy to go against the flow, but it is a blessing! We must examine ourselves to determine whether we fear God or man. I humbly confess that this is something I struggle with at times, it's not easy, but it's worth it! Oh how it's worth it! 2Peter1:3 "his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue." May we walk in the light of the Truth and claim the boldness of Christ to fear Him and follow His ways, alone..... Deut10:12-13 "...fear the LORD thy God, to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve the LORD thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul, To keep the commandments of the LORD, and his statutes..." 2Tim 1:7 "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." .....Hallelujah!!!!!.....
Incidentally, Obama and McCain aren't the only choices. For those wrestling with the belief that all they can do is vote utilizing the unBiblical philosophy of "the lesser of two evils", have a look at Chuck Baldwin. http://www.baldwin08.com/
( : Jeremiah 6:16a " Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls."
Psalm 1 :)
I have to say I am quite puzzled. You say you cannot vote for someone who is "going against scripture." Does this mean that you believe that Obama does not go against scripture?
Oh my dear! I feel like I am among a bunch of Pharisees here dictating me as a woman much like they dictated to Jesus...erroneously tying him to religious law and neglecting to see God moving outside the box to accomplish His works.
My God does not shove me in a box. He has given me gifts to use to glorify Him, and part of that call for me is the service I offer my community outside of my home.
What a fabulous example Palin is to women in our country. I am quite thankful for her and feel she would be shining example of God for our country.
I am curious if you would simply vote for Obama as a "default" measure because you feel Ms. Palin is out of line. I hope, with your views, you do not plan to vote at all. If you think Obama is a better example of Christ to our nation, I hope your eyes and your heart become open very quickly.
It is attitudes like this that contribute the problems in our world and attempt to limit God's work. I am glad that God is bigger than this attitude, and pray He has mercy on our country. The deception I see here is frightening!
To the person who posted last, are you calling the Apostle Paul a Pharisee?
I think these views are what leave the church looking like a cult and draw people away from the church as a whole...
Would be curious to hear Mr. or Mrs. Morris' understanding or explanation of Deborah the judge and military leader in Judges 4 and 5. . . including the peace mentioned at the end of chapter 5. She was married, yet was a leader, and all indicators point to her being viewed as a godly leader (she praised the Lord and God blessed her nation during her leadership.) When I look at all of scripture, I don't believe that this letter is the most biblical response to Mrs. Palin's nomination. I pray for her, and for God to give her wisdom and discernment. She will need it if she is elected.
I just read this ( http://vaughnshire.com/2008/09/11/commentary-on-voddies-segment-on-cnn/ ) [in case that link doesn't work just go to Vaughnshire.com and it'll be a recent post.] commentary concerning Voddie Baucham's CNN interview. This commentary addresses both things already addressed here, (fearing God or man..... Sola Scriptura and letting Scripture interpret itself) and also some things that weren't greatly expounded upon here. I hope you have the time to look at it... ( : it was really neat and I benefited from reading it! : )
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