The Ministry of Women
“And on the Sabbath day we went out of the city [of Philippi] to the riverside, where prayer was customarily made; and we sat down and spoke to the women who met there. Now a certain woman named Lydia heard us. She was a seller of purple from the city of Thyatira, who worshiped God. The Lord opened her heart to heed the things spoken by Paul” (Acts 16:13-14).
A women’s prayer meeting turned into a city wide revival in the book of Acts. Lydia was a local merchant in Thyatira whose specialty was the sale of purple fabrics. Her fame was not that she was the local retailer of purple cloth, but that she worshiped God and frequented the local women’s prayer group that met along the river outside of the city of Philippi. As a result she was at the meeting one Sabbath day when Paul and Silas attended the meeting and spoke with them concerning the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Scripture records that she and her household were baptized after she opened up her heart to obey the message she heard from Paul. This was just the beginning of great revival that came to this city.
As the word of God spread and Paul and Silas preached, another woman began to follow them around proclaiming them to be “men of God.” Paul recognized the spirit of divination in her and after many days became annoyed with her continual proclamation. He rebuked the evil spirit within her and immediately she was delivered of the oppression. Not everyone was happy at her deliverance. Those who profited from her fortune-telling stirred up the crowds to oppose Paul and Silas.
Revival was rivaled with revolt. The preachers were arrested and imprisoned for their powerful ministry. But the power of God prevailed and the prison was broken up with a divinely ordained earthquake. The freed prisoners preached to the guard and his household and the revival continued. More conversions, more baptisms, and more of the power of God was demonstrated.
Willing and obedient women were instrumental in the great revival God brought to Macedonia. While we all know of Paul and Silas, how would the Gospel have been spread so rapidly had it not been for these wonderful women who responded to the call of God. God can use anyone who will respond in faith to His message. Without respect to age or gender, God will pour His spirit to all who will believe in Him!
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Saturday, May 24, 2008
The First to Know He Lives
The Ministry of Women
At least five women went to visit the tomb of Jesus on the first day of the week. Luke names three of them and mentions “the other women with them.” They spent the time after Jesus’ crucifixion preparing spices and fragrant oils. After the Sabbath had passed they met early the next morning to bring the spices to the tomb. Apparently, they did not know the tomb was well secured with the large stone at the entrance or they came hoping to find someone to remove the stone for them. However, when they arrived they discovered that the stone had already been rolled away and the tomb was empty!
We are familiar with the account of the resurrection and the events of the following days. What we may miss is the role of women in the news of Christ’s resurrection. Plenty of men were witnesses of the crucifixion and burial, but none of them were at the early morning discovery of an empty tomb. These women, being the nurturing caring individuals that they are, were the compassionate souls that make the early morning journey to minister to the deceased rabbi. It was these women who were puzzled at His absence and then elated to hear the words of the angelic messengers, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen!” (Luke 24:5-6). They quickly returned to their homes to take the news back to the disciples and the other men who were not present for this momentous event.
Women are naturally more sensitive and have the ability to minister to the hurting of others. God has given them this wonderful gift and allows them the privilege of ministry to those who are most in need. In the church community we must recognize the effective role of women serving the Lord in their unique ways to benefit the body of Christ.
It seems that Jesus honored the women who came to the tomb on Sunday morning with the special announcement of His resurrection. Seeing their commitment, their serving hearts, and their need to share the burden of grief, Jesus showed them the great favor of being the first to know that He lives forevermore!
Today we acknowledge the many ministries that God has allowed women to fulfill. Let us provide an environment for the fulfillment of God perfect plan for all people.
At least five women went to visit the tomb of Jesus on the first day of the week. Luke names three of them and mentions “the other women with them.” They spent the time after Jesus’ crucifixion preparing spices and fragrant oils. After the Sabbath had passed they met early the next morning to bring the spices to the tomb. Apparently, they did not know the tomb was well secured with the large stone at the entrance or they came hoping to find someone to remove the stone for them. However, when they arrived they discovered that the stone had already been rolled away and the tomb was empty!
We are familiar with the account of the resurrection and the events of the following days. What we may miss is the role of women in the news of Christ’s resurrection. Plenty of men were witnesses of the crucifixion and burial, but none of them were at the early morning discovery of an empty tomb. These women, being the nurturing caring individuals that they are, were the compassionate souls that make the early morning journey to minister to the deceased rabbi. It was these women who were puzzled at His absence and then elated to hear the words of the angelic messengers, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen!” (Luke 24:5-6). They quickly returned to their homes to take the news back to the disciples and the other men who were not present for this momentous event.
Women are naturally more sensitive and have the ability to minister to the hurting of others. God has given them this wonderful gift and allows them the privilege of ministry to those who are most in need. In the church community we must recognize the effective role of women serving the Lord in their unique ways to benefit the body of Christ.
It seems that Jesus honored the women who came to the tomb on Sunday morning with the special announcement of His resurrection. Seeing their commitment, their serving hearts, and their need to share the burden of grief, Jesus showed them the great favor of being the first to know that He lives forevermore!
Today we acknowledge the many ministries that God has allowed women to fulfill. Let us provide an environment for the fulfillment of God perfect plan for all people.
Saturday, May 17, 2008
A Mother became the First Believer
The Ministry of Women
Some religious traditions elevate Mary, the mother of Jesus, to be something more than human. They venerate the young woman chosen by God to bear His son into the world to the point of praying to her for intercession with her son. Though she is worthy of honor for her excellent spirit and her willingness to be a vessel for the birth of the Messiah, it is clear from Scripture that she also had the normal feelings and experiences of motherhood.
The conception was a miraculous event where the Spirit of God caused a virgin to become pregnant. The rest of her maternal experience was very normal. She suffered the discomforts of travel to Bethlehem to register for the census due to the fact that she was well advanced in her pregnancy. She had the same concerns that any other mother has when her toddler is in danger of being hurt from falling. Mary felt the panic of fear when Jesus was found missing along their journey from Jerusalem when He was twelve and the rush of relief when He was discovered at the temple. The pain of the passion of Christ was more intense for Mary than any other observer at His crucifixion. It seemed to be more than a mother could bear.
Most significantly, this mother believed in the message and ministry of her son. She followed His life with interest and kept His words in her heart (Luke 2:51). She visited Him, supported Him, and believed in Him. This is all the more evident when in the roster of those present in the upper room Mary, the mother of Jesus, is listed with the rest.
Yes, Mary, the mother of the Messiah was among those who waited expectantly for the “Promise of the Father” that Jesus had announced prior to His ascension. She waited with 120 other believers in anticipation of this promised event. “You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you” (Acts 1:8). Even Mary recognized her need of this experience and desired to be a part of the mission of her son.
Mary is not a mother to be worshipped, nor an advocate to get favors from her son, but rather a fellow believer, a disciple of Christ whom we shall meet in eternity as one who was transformed by the power of the Spirit into a child of God. Think of the irony, the mother of the Messiah became a child of God! The mother of Jesus was filled with the Spirit of Jesus! She was His first believer!
Some religious traditions elevate Mary, the mother of Jesus, to be something more than human. They venerate the young woman chosen by God to bear His son into the world to the point of praying to her for intercession with her son. Though she is worthy of honor for her excellent spirit and her willingness to be a vessel for the birth of the Messiah, it is clear from Scripture that she also had the normal feelings and experiences of motherhood.
The conception was a miraculous event where the Spirit of God caused a virgin to become pregnant. The rest of her maternal experience was very normal. She suffered the discomforts of travel to Bethlehem to register for the census due to the fact that she was well advanced in her pregnancy. She had the same concerns that any other mother has when her toddler is in danger of being hurt from falling. Mary felt the panic of fear when Jesus was found missing along their journey from Jerusalem when He was twelve and the rush of relief when He was discovered at the temple. The pain of the passion of Christ was more intense for Mary than any other observer at His crucifixion. It seemed to be more than a mother could bear.
Most significantly, this mother believed in the message and ministry of her son. She followed His life with interest and kept His words in her heart (Luke 2:51). She visited Him, supported Him, and believed in Him. This is all the more evident when in the roster of those present in the upper room Mary, the mother of Jesus, is listed with the rest.
Yes, Mary, the mother of the Messiah was among those who waited expectantly for the “Promise of the Father” that Jesus had announced prior to His ascension. She waited with 120 other believers in anticipation of this promised event. “You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you” (Acts 1:8). Even Mary recognized her need of this experience and desired to be a part of the mission of her son.
Mary is not a mother to be worshipped, nor an advocate to get favors from her son, but rather a fellow believer, a disciple of Christ whom we shall meet in eternity as one who was transformed by the power of the Spirit into a child of God. Think of the irony, the mother of the Messiah became a child of God! The mother of Jesus was filled with the Spirit of Jesus! She was His first believer!
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Even Jesus had a Mother!
The Ministry of Women
There is one thing common in every individual regardless of other distinctions. Be it prince or pauper, of notoriety or insignificance, a success or failure, one thing brings them all together. All were born of a woman. Regardless of race, culture, or ethnicity the common thread of motherhood unifies the fabric of all mankind. The knowing smile of a mother transcends the barriers and an unspoken communication is clearly understood.
No wonder Mother’s Day is such a unanimously favorite day. It is a day of honoring those who gave us birth. It is hope for posterity. Life shall continue. Another generation shall arise. Our failures may be compensated by another future society. This is not the end.
The Messiah to the world, himself, chose to be “born of woman” (Galatians 4:4). Man he could do without, but a mother was His choice of arrival into His creation. A virgin girl conceived the child through the miracle of spiritual insemination. She brought forth the child of promise: Jesus, the Christ.
He sought not to deify, but to identify. It was never His intention to bring worship or undue adulation to His natural mother, but rather to become a man and grow up experiencing our pain and identifying with our humanity through His. Due credit is given to this virtuous young woman, her willingness, her piety and strength. It was never the intention of Jesus to take away from her role, but to honor her with the everlasting life He had come to provide. In his dying moments He gave instructions for John to care for His mother.
Mary wept at Golgotha, rejoiced in the garden, and waited in the upper room for the promise of the Father. Mary, the Mother of Jesus, the birth-giver to His humanity, the one highly favored among women, was among the first recipients of the precious gift Jesus came to provide. Yes, Mary spoke in tongues as she received the gift of the Holy Spirit along with the other one hundred and twenty of the upper room crowd.
Her selfless sacrifice and humble acceptance of her role and the honorable reward of righteousness stand as an inimitable image of motherhood today!
There is one thing common in every individual regardless of other distinctions. Be it prince or pauper, of notoriety or insignificance, a success or failure, one thing brings them all together. All were born of a woman. Regardless of race, culture, or ethnicity the common thread of motherhood unifies the fabric of all mankind. The knowing smile of a mother transcends the barriers and an unspoken communication is clearly understood.
No wonder Mother’s Day is such a unanimously favorite day. It is a day of honoring those who gave us birth. It is hope for posterity. Life shall continue. Another generation shall arise. Our failures may be compensated by another future society. This is not the end.
The Messiah to the world, himself, chose to be “born of woman” (Galatians 4:4). Man he could do without, but a mother was His choice of arrival into His creation. A virgin girl conceived the child through the miracle of spiritual insemination. She brought forth the child of promise: Jesus, the Christ.
He sought not to deify, but to identify. It was never His intention to bring worship or undue adulation to His natural mother, but rather to become a man and grow up experiencing our pain and identifying with our humanity through His. Due credit is given to this virtuous young woman, her willingness, her piety and strength. It was never the intention of Jesus to take away from her role, but to honor her with the everlasting life He had come to provide. In his dying moments He gave instructions for John to care for His mother.
Mary wept at Golgotha, rejoiced in the garden, and waited in the upper room for the promise of the Father. Mary, the Mother of Jesus, the birth-giver to His humanity, the one highly favored among women, was among the first recipients of the precious gift Jesus came to provide. Yes, Mary spoke in tongues as she received the gift of the Holy Spirit along with the other one hundred and twenty of the upper room crowd.
Her selfless sacrifice and humble acceptance of her role and the honorable reward of righteousness stand as an inimitable image of motherhood today!
Friday, May 2, 2008
Revival, Here and Now!
Focus: Spiritual Renewal
Here?
What is the difference in the spiritual climate from one location to another? One city experiences renewal while another suffers stagnation. One region enjoys an outpouring of the Holy Spirit while another feels famine. One nation turns to God while another turns away. Is God selective of the location on which he will smile with the favor of his presence?
One principle of God declares His regard for “free moral agency,” another states He is “no respecter of persons.” Though there is an apparent tension between the two both are true. He will not take away our choice and he will not reject our invitation. Great revivals occur where prayer is made and hearts seek after God.
The apostle Paul visited Macedonia because women praying by the riverside prepared a spiritual climate. Philip visited an Ethiopian in his chariot and shared the Gospel of life and salvation because of an earnest searching of the Scriptures in his desire for God. Cornelius was visited by an angel and directed to call for Peter to give him instruction because he was a man who prayed and gave alms to the extent of making a memorial before God in heaven. Wherever people seek God, they will find him. Wherever people pray, God will prevail. Wherever people long for revival, they shall be satisfied!
Intercessors are needed to bring the power of God to cities of need. Thrust aside the timidity of Abraham who halted in his negotiations with the Lord for the salvation of a wicked city. When he halted at ten, might not he have pleaded for two or three? Jesus himself declared if Sodom had seen the mighty works done in Capernaum, they would have been spared. There is no place too hard for God!
Let us cry aloud with the voice of intercession for the multitudes of the lost in our generation. We have His promise; it is not His will for any to perish. This is our assurance!
Tremendous moves of the Spirit are occurring around the world. Revival reports come from every quarter. What about here? What about now?
Here?
What is the difference in the spiritual climate from one location to another? One city experiences renewal while another suffers stagnation. One region enjoys an outpouring of the Holy Spirit while another feels famine. One nation turns to God while another turns away. Is God selective of the location on which he will smile with the favor of his presence?
One principle of God declares His regard for “free moral agency,” another states He is “no respecter of persons.” Though there is an apparent tension between the two both are true. He will not take away our choice and he will not reject our invitation. Great revivals occur where prayer is made and hearts seek after God.
The apostle Paul visited Macedonia because women praying by the riverside prepared a spiritual climate. Philip visited an Ethiopian in his chariot and shared the Gospel of life and salvation because of an earnest searching of the Scriptures in his desire for God. Cornelius was visited by an angel and directed to call for Peter to give him instruction because he was a man who prayed and gave alms to the extent of making a memorial before God in heaven. Wherever people seek God, they will find him. Wherever people pray, God will prevail. Wherever people long for revival, they shall be satisfied!
Intercessors are needed to bring the power of God to cities of need. Thrust aside the timidity of Abraham who halted in his negotiations with the Lord for the salvation of a wicked city. When he halted at ten, might not he have pleaded for two or three? Jesus himself declared if Sodom had seen the mighty works done in Capernaum, they would have been spared. There is no place too hard for God!
Let us cry aloud with the voice of intercession for the multitudes of the lost in our generation. We have His promise; it is not His will for any to perish. This is our assurance!
Tremendous moves of the Spirit are occurring around the world. Revival reports come from every quarter. What about here? What about now?
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