June 23, 2020 – From The Darkness Into The Light

WIN WORLD ISRAEL NEWS

Posted on June 23, 2020 by Child Of God

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NEW TESTAMENT READING PLAN

Posted on June 23, 2020June 23, 2020 by Child Of God

View today’s reading at Bible Gateway

Acts 7:22-43

²²Moses was educated in all the wisdom of the Egyptians and was powerful in speech and action.

²³“When Moses was forty years old, he decided to visit his own people, the Israelites. ²⁴He saw one of them being mistreated by an Egyptian, so he went to his defense and avenged him by killing the Egyptian. ²⁵Moses thought that his own people would realize that God was using him to rescue them, but they did not. ²⁶The next day Moses came upon two Israelites who were fighting. He tried to reconcile them by saying, ‘Men, you are brothers; why do you want to hurt each other?’

²⁷“But the man who was mistreating the other pushed Moses aside and said, ‘Who made you ruler and judge over us? ²⁸Are you thinking of killing me as you killed the Egyptian yesterday?’ ²⁹When Moses heard this, he fled to Midian, where he settled as a foreigner and had two sons.

³⁰“After forty years had passed, an angel appeared to Moses in the flames of a burning bush in the desert near Mount Sinai. ³¹When he saw this, he was amazed at the sight. As he went over to get a closer look, he heard the Lord say: ³²‘I am the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.’ Moses trembled with fear and did not dare to look.

³³“Then the Lord said to him, ‘Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground. ³⁴I have indeed seen the oppression of my people in Egypt. I have heard their groaning and have come down to set them free. Now come, I will send you back to Egypt.’

³⁵“This is the same Moses they had rejected with the words, ‘Who made you ruler and judge?’ He was sent to be their ruler and deliverer by God himself, through the angel who appeared to him in the bush. ³⁶He led them out of Egypt and performed wonders and signs in Egypt, at the Red Sea and for forty years in the wilderness.

³⁷“This is the Moses who told the Israelites, ‘God will raise up for you a prophet like me from your own people.’ ³⁸He was in the assembly in the wilderness, with the angel who spoke to him on Mount Sinai, and with our ancestors; and he received living words to pass on to us.

³⁹“But our ancestors refused to obey him. Instead, they rejected him and in their hearts turned back to Egypt. ⁴⁰They told Aaron, ‘Make us gods who will go before us. As for this fellow Moses who led us out of Egypt—we don’t know what has happened to him!’ ⁴¹That was the time they made an idol in the form of a calf. They brought sacrifices to it and reveled in what their own hands had made. ⁴²But God turned away from them and gave them over to the worship of the sun, moon and stars. This agrees with what is written in the book of the prophets:

“‘Did you bring me sacrifices and offerings
forty years in the wilderness, people of Israel?
⁴³You have taken up the tabernacle of Molek
and the star of your god Rephan,
the idols you made to worship.
Therefore I will send you into exile’ beyond Babylon.

New International Version (NIV)

How Can I Address Misogyny (Hatred of Women) Like Jesus?

Posted on June 23, 2020June 23, 2020 by Child Of God

Dale ChamberlainCrosswalk.com Contributing Writer

How Can I Address Misogyny (Hatred of Women) Like Jesus?

In recent times, a number of headlines have generated public conversations around misogyny, both within the Church and in the broader culture. The #MeToo movement has ignited the #ChurchToo movement and has begun to open the eyes of church leaders and culture shapers alike.

It’s important to know what the Bible has to say about misogyny and how followers of Jesus can fight against it—wherever we encounter it. To that end, a definition of terms is helpful in shaping the discussion.

What Does the Term ‘Misogyny’ Mean?

By dictionary definition, misogyny is a hatred for women. The word comes from a combination of two Greek words. Misein mean “to hate,” and gynē means “woman.”

Misogyny is an attitude, but it’s also a way of living—both for individuals and cultures. It’s a mentality that sees women as less capable and less important than men. It’s a culture that believes that women exist only for the service of men.

Individuals can live by this mentality. Organizations (including churches) can be plagued by it. And entire cultures can be shaped by it.

What Is ‘a Misogynist?’

A misogynist is anyone who supports, propagates, or endorses systems and structures that privilege men to the detriment of women, or who personally speak to or about women in negative, dismissive, or degrading ways.

However, I would be careful in wielding this term or attaching it to anybody who doesn’t agree with you about leadership in the Church or who isn’t as “woke” as you are.

While we can never stand for any disrespect, harassment, or degradation of women, we also need to keep in mind that many people are on a journey to understanding. While it may be frustrating when people aren’t as progressive as you are, that doesn’t necessarily make them a misogynist.

If we want to move the needle toward better understanding and mutual respect, it’s best not to lead with open hostility towards those who have shown no open hostility toward us.

Are There Biblical Examples of Misogyny or Misogynists?

Unfortunately, we don’t have to look very far to find misogyny on the pages of scripture. One of the more well-known offenses came from God’s own patriarchal leaders: Abraham and Jacob, the progenitors of God’s chosen people. Both Abraham and Jacob took multiple wives, some of whom were actually their slaves (Genesis 16:3; Genesis 25:1; Genesis 29:23-24, Genesis 28-29).

This constitutes an egregious distortion of marriage and abuse of women.

However, it was never God’s plan for men to oppress and disregard women. The image of God’s plan is found in Genesis 2, where he instituted marriage as a bond between one man and one woman, who mutually dignify and respect one another, so that they might become one.

The presence of misogyny does not constitute God’s blessing over it.

It merely records what took place at a particular point in history within the context of a specific culture. It also illustrates how God uses people who are deeply flawed to accomplish his good purposes.

On the other hand, as we look at the Old Testament law, God actually gave women protections that they didn’t have in surrounding cultures. For instance, if a man had sex with a woman, he was obligated to marry her or pay her bride price (Exodus 22:16-17). While it may not be immediately transparent how this law benefited women, it becomes clearer when we understand the historical and cultural context.

In the ancient near east, a non-virgin woman was not likely to ever be accepted as a bride. Furthermore, women did not tend to be the heads of households, but rather came under the protection of their fathers (and later their husbands). And so in the absence of such protection, women could be left vulnerable.

To be sure, this case law doesn’t describe the ideal situation, but it seeks to offer women extra protections in the midst of a less than ideal circumstance.

Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/Yacobchuk

Does Jesus Have Anything to Say about Misogyny?

Though Jesus stepped into a culture with misogynistic norms, his actions toward women constantly went against the grain of that culture. Jesus cared for women, dignified them, and blessed their leadership.

Here are three specific instances that show us Jesus’ heart for women:

1. The Woman at the Well

In John 4, Jesus engages in an extended conversation with a woman by a well in Samaria. What’s striking is that most men of his day wouldn’t be caught dead speaking to a woman in public, lest they be accused of impropriety.

What makes Jesus’ encounter with this woman even more striking is that she wasn’t exactly a dignified individual. She was known for her multiple sexual partners and was likely a social outcast for it. That’s why Jesus finds her by the well alone on the outskirts of town, long after all the other women had gathered their water for the day.

More striking still is that she was a Samaritan, and Jewish people didn’t associate with Samaritans. However, despite all this, Jesus dignifies this woman and speaks life into her. And as a result, she becomes what appears to be the first evangelist to Samaria (John 4:39-42).

2. Mary (the Sister of Martha and Lazarus)

Jesus once came to stay with his friends Mary and Martha. And since Jesus always seemed to bring with him a crowd of people wanting to experience healing and hear him teach, the house was quite full. So Martha was incredibly busy as host, likely cooking and serving everyone. And in the culture of her time, this is what was expected of her as a woman.

But not Mary. She was sitting at the feet of Jesus, listening to him teach. She was acting as a fully-fledged follower of Jesus. That’s something women simply did not do. They did not become disciples of rabbis. So Martha naturally becomes upset with Mary and urges her to come back to her womanly duties of cooking and cleaning. But Jesus has something different to say.

“Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her” (Luke 10:41b-42).

Jesus saw women not as an inferior class of people, but as spiritual equals to men.

3. The Women at the Tomb

The telling of any historical event, particularly one as unbelievable as the resurrection, requires reliable witnesses. In first century Israel, that would not have been women. In fact, the testimony of a woman wasn’t even admissible in court.

Yet the first ones to discover the empty tomb were women.

Mary Magdalene, Mary (Jesus’ mother), and Salome were coming to anoint Jesus’ body with embalming spices when they discovered the empty tomb and were greeted by an angel who told them that Jesus had risen (Mark 16:1-8). They were the first to know.

Furthermore, Mary Magdalene was the first to physically see the risen Jesus (John 20:11-18; Mark 16:9).

God appointed these women to be the first carriers of the good news about Jesus, the single most important event in human history—his resurrection.

Does Misogyny Persist Today?

While we see all the ways Jesus began to break patterns of misogyny during his earthly ministry, misogyny does persist today. And, unfortunately, we can find it in the Church.

However, misogyny isn’t necessarily linked to any particular theological conviction on women in leadership—whether you are complementarian or egalitarian. This isn’t an occasion to throw stones in theological debate.

Misogynistic abuse of women has been uncovered at complementarian churches (as in the case of Andy Savage), as well as egalitarian churches (as in the case of Bill Hybels).

Furthermore, women who have sought to express leadership in churches and Christian organizations have often been met with undue suspicion and harsh public criticism (as in the case of Beth Moore).

What’s more is that sexual misconduct and abuse against women continues to be a major concern both in the church and in other organizations. While the public conversation is catalyzing change, we must continue to look with a critical eye on how we can better protect and dignify women.

Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/Fizkes

How Can Christians Overcome Misogynistic Stereotypes?

The unfortunate truth is that genuine followers of Jesus have been mischaracterized as misogynists in the minds of many because of the very public and very grievous abuses of some of the powerful leaders within our movement.

Nevertheless, abusers don’t speak for all of us.

We can (and must) begin to turn the tide. Here are a three ways we can do just that.

1. Empower women to use their gifts.

Churches need to empower women to use their God-given spiritual gifts. And complementarian church leaders don’t have to sacrifice their theological convictions to do so. We simply need to be intentional about finding ways to make space and give permission for women to explore who God created them to be.

And that means reevaluating our systems to discern whether our specific leadership limitations on women are completely biblical, or at least partially cultural. If we’re willing to do this hard work, the Church will be better for it.

2. Admit where sin has occurred and people have been hurt.

One of the worst things we can do is to (in any way) justify the actions of abusers. There is no excuse. There is no defense.

We may have benefited from the teaching and leadership of people who did horrible things. And it’s not wrong that we benefited from their leadership. But it is wrong if we then use that to dismiss the horrible things.

We lose all credibility and moral authority when we don’t call out sin wherever we find it in our midst—especially among our respected leaders.

3. Celebrate the women in our lives and tell their stories.

God has placed incredible women in our churches, families, and communities. So celebrate them.

Whatever measure to which you have a platform, use it to champion the gifts, accomplishments, and faithful work of the women in your life. Compliment them privately. Celebrate them publicly. Be their biggest advocate. This is the work of Jesus.

A Prayer to Honor Each Other Biblically

Dear God, it’s easy to get discouraged. But we know we don’t engage in this battle against misogyny without hope. The power of the Cross is the forgiveness of sins, even the most grotesque and despicable ones. And the power of the resurrection is the transformation away from what is broken and wicked…into what is beautiful and true. So, God, help us battle on. Because the power of the Holy Spirit rests on the Church, show us that we’re able to make a difference. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

As followers of Jesus, when we battle misogyny, we must do so humbly. We must do so with conviction. And we must never lose hope. As we honor one another as image-bearers of God, we are becoming everything God intended us to be.

Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/Fizkes

Dale Chamberlain (M.Div) and his wife, Tamara, are authors and speakers who are passionate about exploring what it means to live life to the full in Jesus. You can connect with Dale and Tamara at herandhymn.com.

When you meet someone filled with doubts, show them mercy.

Posted on June 23, 2020June 23, 2020 by Child Of God

Listen Archives Podcast More… Listen Live!

Behind the Scenes – Holy Land Moments with The Fellowship – June 23

Behind the Scenes

Korah son of Izhar, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi, and certain Reubenites—Dathan and Abiram, sons of Eliab, and On son of Peleth—became insolent —Numbers 16:1

Each week in synagogue, Jews read through the Torah from Genesis to Deuteronomy. The Torah portion for this week is Korach, which means “Korah,” from Numbers 16:1–18:32.

Since stepping into the role of President and CEO of The Fellowship, I have assumed a highly visible profile. People know me because of the job I do. They see me welcoming new immigrants to Israel who have arrived on The Fellowship’s Freedom Flights. They see me visiting elderly Holocaust survivors to bring them lifesaving food and medicine. I interact with government officials and media on behalf of the people we serve.

I love my job. I love being able to help all these people and bring Christians and Jews together for God’s purposes. But it’s the job I do behind the scenes that is truly most important to me. That’s the job of being a wife, a mother to my four beautiful children, being a daughter, sister, and a friend.

And, as is so often the case, the most important jobs are the ones that people don’t see.

This week’s Torah portion opens with the infamous rebellion of Korah and his followers. Three men, aside from Korah, are singled out in the first verse: “Dathan and Abiram … and On son of Peleth.” Interestingly, while we hear plenty about Dathan and Abiram in the following verses, nothing more is said about On. What was his fate?

According to Judaism’s Oral Tradition, it was On’s wife who acted powerfully upon his behalf. She reasoned with him to reconsider serving Korah. She gave him a strong drink, so he was asleep when Korah’s men came to get him. And finally, she prayed for her husband’s life to be spared, and her prayer was answered.

So it might seem strange that the story of On’s wife isn’t recorded in the Bible, but that’s exactly the point. The world is often moved by those working behind the scenes. It’s the mother who encourages her child. The wife who advises her husband well. The friend who supports another friend during a hard time. The teacher who inspires a student who goes on to do great things.

Like the wind that goes unseen but powerfully blows a ship towards its destination, we can quietly and humbly support our loved ones and help them become all that they can.

As we honor the fathers and men in our lives this month, download this complimentary chapter about teaching our children wisdom from Yael Eckstein’s book, Generation to Generation: Passing on the Legacy of Faith to Our Children.

Won’t you join The Fellowship in supporting Israel and her people, and in helping fulfill prophecy?

Hear

Be merciful to those who doubt (Jude 1:21).

Believe

Do you want to know how you can make a difference in this world? There is a simple way to minister to those around you. The short book of Jude tells you: Be merciful to those who doubt (Jude 1:21).

You don’t have to go very far to find someone living in doubt about something. Maybe they doubt:

that God loves them,
that God has forgiven their sins, or
that they are genuinely saved.

As humans, we all carry doubts. It’s one of the consequences of sin. It left us insecure and un-certain about all the most important issues of life.

When you meet someone filled with doubts, show them mercy. Don’t judge them, berate them or disassociate from them. Instead, reach out to them with understanding and compassion.

Why?

Because God showed you mercy. When you were full of doubt, He reached down to you with love and was merciful to you.

When you were doubting that your sins had been forgiven, his Spirit reminded you of the once for all sacrifice of Christ and spoke these words to your heart, “In Christ, you have redemption, the forgiveness of sins” (Ephesians 1:7).

When you were struggling with salvation, these words assured your heart, “I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God that you may know that you have eternal life” (1 John 5:13).

When you doubts were filling your mind with fear, God was merciful to you.

Live

Are you doubting the love of God right now? Do you worry that you are beyond the reach of God’s forgiveness? Do you wonder if you’ve done enough?

Don’t be ashamed or afraid to bring those worries and fears to God. God wants you to live with the conviction that nothing can separate you from his love. He wants you to rest in the for-giveness that is yours in Christ. He wants you to walk daily with the confidence that you are his and that you are eternally saved.

Trust him today. He is merciful. He will turn those doubts to assurance and peace.

In Him,

Bob Christopher

For more information, please visit Basic Gospel at BasicGospel.net and OnePlace.com.

About Basic Gospel

Hear it. Believe it. Live it.

Basic Gospel, through a live, question and answer format, brings the simple, powerful, life-changing good news to everyday life. The practical, grace-oriented, New Covenant teaching helps listeners connect to and grow in the love of Jesus Christ.

About Bob Christopher and Bob Davis

Bob Christopher: Born and raised in Marietta, Georgia, Bob grew up in a Christian home and received Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior at the age of 13. During his high school and college years, Bob’s deepest desire was to be “God’s guy” and yet he struggled with the question of how to live the Christian life.

His “roller-coaster” experience in living the Christian life eventually led him to a bible study where he discovered what he was missing—the life of Jesus Christ.

Bob says: “Salvation isn’t a self-improvement program. Salvation is receiving and experiencing new life altogether. It’s a life-changing relationship with Jesus Christ based on His love and truth”.

Bob Davis: In the summer of 1977, at the age of 33, Bob Davis met the living Christ and invited Jesus to take control of his life. Much of his first five years in Christ found Bob attending Bible conferences and seminars, listening to Christian radio, and performing volunteer ministry services.

Bob spent many years in the fields of broadcasting and audio production for Christian radio and as a result of this work, the message of grace penetrated his heart and he embraced his new life in Christ.

Bob says: “I thank God I’ve had the opportunity to serve these many years. It has been an incredible journey of learning, growth, and opportunity for ministry.”

Andrew Farley: Andrew is a member of the Basic Gospel board of directors, senior pastor of Ecclesia: Church Without Religion in Lubbock, Texas, and bestselling author of five Christian books. Andrew is a weekly contributing host of Basic Gospel and shares the life-changing message of the finished work of Jesus Christ in a calm, sometimes comical, always passionate way.

Andrew says: “Basic Gospel Radio proclaims the finished work of Jesus Christ and the beautiful, liberating implications of what it means for us to live under God’s new covenant of grace.”