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discipleship, Finding Answers to Stuff Churches Don't Discuss, Uncategorized

Know Your Enemy – Part Two

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In Part One, we learned that authentic God-fearing Christ-followers war against an unseen realm headed by The Adversary (Satan). Spiritual forces under his control rule nations, moving individuals to oppose God and corrupt creation. Here, we’ll explore how to resist the Evil One (Satan), protecting ourselves spiritually and enduring until the end of this world. First, avoid trouble!

Stay out of harm’s way! “… do not give the devil an opportunity.”(Ephesians 4:27)Avoid immoral sights, sounds, and activities or die by those things. Jesus makes this clear in Matthew 18:9: “If your eye causes you to stumble, pluck it out and throw it from you. It is better for you to enter life with one eye, than to have two eyes and be cast into the fiery hell.” (Matthew 18:9)

We can, like Job, make a righteous deal with our eyes ( Job 31:1) and vow not to look at anything vile and vulgar, as we see in Psalm 101:3. Here’s Paul’s advice from Galatians 5:17: “This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.” What else? Be holistically healthy to avoid spiritual distraction and entrapment.

Holistic health. We can resist our spiritual enemy and be an excellent ambassador to God’s Kingdom by being holistically healthy in these areas (as much as we’re able):

  • Spiritually through study, prayer, charity, and discipleship.
  • Mentally and emotionally by exercising the brain and managing feelings.
  • Relationally by treating others as we wish to be treated and seeking reconciliation.
  • Financially to not be distracted.
  • Physically to be movable by God.

Wear spiritual armor. In Ephesians 6:11-13, Paul teaches about the protection God’s children receive: “Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.”

  • Belt of truth. Jesus Christ’s truth secures our faith and is our foundation.
  • Breastplate of Righteousness. Just as the breastplate protects the physical heart, the righteousness of Christ protects our mind/spiritual heart.
  • Shoes of the Gospel of Peace. When we wear them, we share the good news of God’s Kingdom brought near to people through Christ’s sacrifice and resurrection.
  • Shield of Faith. Faith protects us from fear, doubt, or anxiety.
  • Helmet of Salvation. With it, we can take every thought captive and avoid sinful pursuits, knowing we will be rescued from God’s wrath.
  • Sword of the Spirit. – This weapon is “able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart,” according to Hebrews 4:12.  With it, we can discern God’s truth from the lies of the Evil One.

Summary. Avoid wickedness, stay holistically healthy, and wear the armor God gives you to resist your and His enemy! Next time: We’ll learn the need to unify the community of Christ (the Body) to magnify the Lord God! Remember that He wants you to BE the Church, not DO church!

Blessings and peace,

Dr. Ron Braley, MDiv, DMin.

discipleship, Finding Answers to Stuff Churches Don't Discuss, Finding the End of the World, Uncategorized

Know Your Enemy: Part One

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If you belong to God, you war against principalities from another dimension. The apostle Paul wrote about this in Ephesians 6:12: “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.” Evil spiritual forces move people to oppose God. How did this happen? What is the genealogy of their evil and leader?

Background. God and other disembodied spirits called Elohim were part of a divine council before our time (Job 38:4-7; Genesis 1:26). The one we’d eventually call Satan rebelled, taking others with him (e.g., Ezekiel 28:12-16). Then, angelic watchers, sent to oversee humanity after their exile from Eden, also rebelled (Genesis 3:22-23; 6:1-2 & 4). After the Great Flood, meant to eliminate their offspring, God disinherited all the nations except Israel.

Those Elohim in charge of the disinherited nations have caused people (especially rulers) to rebel against God ever since. Think of them as other-worldly puppets. Their puppet master and ruler of this world is called in Hebrew Ha Satan—The Adversary. He’s your main enemy—don’t underestimate him, as he and his minions search diligently for the spiritually weak and isolated (1 Peter 5:8)! Let’s consider these things in more detail.

The Course of Evil: Until the Watchers. Initially, God and others comprised an innumerable council of spiritual Elohim. There was no apparent rebellion until one Elohim became an adversary. He fell from grace and tricked humans into revolting, too. Their disobedience caused their expulsion from Eden (Genesis 3:22-24). Other Elohim sent to watch over them afterward also disobeyed. Then, the Great Flood came, after which God distanced Himself from most of creation.

The Course of Evil: Disinheritance, Influence, and the End. Read Deuteronomy 32:8-9 and Psalm 82, and you’ll learn that God temporarily gave control of nearly the entire world to other Elohim. He kept what would become Israel, though. Evil persists because those spirits are now in authority (e.g., Psalm 82). For instance, in Daniel 10:13, we read of the spiritual principalities manipulating Persian rulers in Daniel’s time. And we read that Satan will empower the Beast—Antichrist in Revelation 13:3-4. Finally, 1 John 5:19 reminds us that the world lies in Satan’s authority for now.

The good news is that The Enemy won’t prevail, as we see in Revelation 20:10: “And the devil who deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are also; and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.”

Summary. Evil exists because of free will gone wrong when Elohim rebelled and the one we call Satan became God’s adversary. Next? I’ll equip you to resist your spiritual enemy! Meanwhile, pray that God will protect you from that evil one as you resist him.

Blessings and peace,

Dr. Ron Braley, MDiv, DMin.

discipleship, Finding Answers to Stuff Churches Don't Discuss, Uncategorized

Perfect Completion!

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What is perfection? Can we be perfect? Our modern English dictionary defines perfection as flawlessness, blemish-free. However, the original language and context teach us that godly perfection is completeness.

Remember the Jerry McGuire movie? In it, Tom Cruise utters the infamous phrase, “You complete me!” This is similar to the perfection God desires and is what the ancient language teaches us. And 1 Chronicles 29:19 relates completeness (perfection) to God’s commandments: “and give to my son Solomon a “perfect” heart to keep Your commandments . . .” Here, the end goal resulting in completion is achieved by honoring God through obeying His commandments. To my point, check out 1 John 2:3-5: “The one who says, “I have come to know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him; but whoever keeps His word, in him the love of God has truly been perfected. By this we know that we are in Him.”

The New Testament word for perfection means to be complete, full, whole. In 1 Corinthians 13:10, perfection completes the incomplete: “but when the perfect comes, the incomplete will be done away.” The unfinished things of today, even in our worship or knowledge, will be completed when God moves creation to the perfection (completion with Him) it once enjoyed.

An example of the unifying property of perfection can be seen in Colossians 3:14: “Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity.” The point is that perfection is meant to be completion in a relationship with God through Christ, not flawlessness. Trying to be flawless is futile, especially today when so much immorality rules the day (and night). Here are a few biblical references by Jesus, Paul, and Jesus’ half-brother James that support the point that God seeks partners who ‘complete Him’ and whom He completes in a relationship:

  • Jesus (Matthew 5:48) says, “Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”
  • Paul (Colossians 4:12): “Epaphras . . . sends you his greetings, always laboring earnestly for you in his prayers, that you may stand perfect and fully assured in all the will of God.”
  • James (1:4): “And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” Run the race; achieve the end goal.

Summary. Perfection is achieved through completion. We are to be perfect (complete) as God is by entering into a marriage-like relationship with Him. You can do this! On the other hand, if you’re hoping to be blemish-free, good luck—it’s impossible and not what your heavenly Father desires. What’s next? I’ll introduce you to our and God’s enemy and equip you to stand against him. In the meantime, be complete with God by honoring your part of the covenant with Him and staying there.

Blessings and peace,

Dr. Ron Braley, MDiv, DMin.

discipleship, Finding Answers to Stuff Churches Don't Discuss, Uncategorized

Drain the Brain [Swamp]!

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During his 2016 campaign, President Trump pledged to “drain the swamp!” Whether the swamp is swampier now or not, I pondered, “Do others also need to be drained?” The answer? Yep—the brain/mind. Our focus is on defining, draining, and keeping it clean.

Name that brain! This organ controls all aspects of the body, from speech to movement. One of its functions is the ‘mind,’ from which everything flows. It receives input, develops thoughts, and facilitates action. Because it is central to everything, biblical writers call it the ‘heart.’ It can enable entering God’s Kingdom (Matthew 5:8). It determines what’s important to an individual (Matthew 6:21). And it processes temptations, sometimes permitting rebellion against God: “But the things that proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and those defile the man. For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, slanders.” (Matthew 15:18-19) Is having a swampy brain/mind/heart dangerous? Absolutely!

The dangers of a swampy brain. Feeding the heart swamp is easy because we usually do what seems and feels good. Here’s the process, according to Jesus’ brother James: “But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death.” (James 1:14-15) Feeding the swamp can produce a depraved and rebellious mind that will at least lead to spiritual death.

The apostle Paul confirmed this in Romans 1:29-31. There, he wrote that God abandoned those who rejected Him in favor of immoralities and rebellion stemming from a depraved mind. The outcome? Exclusion from God’s Kingdom (Galatians 5:19-21). How can we clean the heart and keep it swamp-free? Read on!

Draining, cleaning, and protecting the brain. The best course of action is to keep the swamp from forming in the first place by:

  • Guarding our ears and eyes (Matthew 6:22-23).
  • Walking by the Spirit God gives everyone devoted to Him (Galatians 5:16).
  • Immersing (clothing) ourselves with the things of our God and Christ instead of chasing what feels good but is immoral (Romans 13:12-14).

But what if we’ve already allowed a swampy heart to form? Repent by changing behavior because of a new heart in Christ, which leads to these things:

  • Putting aside evil things like slander and filthy speech (Colossians 3:8).
  • Transformation by renewing the heart through Bible study, discipleship, etc. (Romans 12:1-2).
  • Good habits formed through practicing physically and spiritually healthy things.

Summary. In the things of God, the mind and heart are usually synonymous. Chasing what seems or feels good can form a swampy heart that is useless to God. To drain it, don’t succumb to unhealthy temptations, avoid ungodly stuff, walk by God’s Spirit, and be transformed by renewing your mind/heart. Next time, we’ll ask, “Will the Real Love Please Stand Up?” Meanwhile,  follow Christ, not people!

Blessings and peace,

Dr. Ron Braley, MDiv, DMin.

discipleship, Finding Answers to Stuff Churches Don't Discuss, Uncategorized

The Master’s Voice

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A disciple seeks to be like the master, whom they imitate and then become something worthy of imitation. The process requires studying what is said and shown. My dog Aragon does this. When I leave the room, he waits and watches in earnest for my return. He stares intently when I’m with him, waiting for the next praise or instruction. So, he was easy to train. Listen. Watch and wait. Imitate. We should be like Aragon in our relationship with God. How? Always listen and watch, waiting on the movement of the Holy Spirit, biblical instructions, or admonishments from other Christ followers. Let’s examine the “listen, wait, imitate” rhythm from a biblical perspective.

The master’s voice. Read 1 Kings 19:4-18, and you’ll find a depressed Elijah on the run from Ahab. In verses 10 and 14, he cried to the Lord, “Am I the only one?” He didn’t respond through a great wind and earthquake. He didn’t answer through a fire. Instead, He replied gently, softly. In a small, still voice, the Lord God almighty whispered: “No! Seven thousand others are like you!” (1 Kings 19:11-18).

Aragon knows me. He knows my voice and responds accordingly. I speak, he listens. I go, he goes. He follows because he knows and trusts me. Similarly, Jesus knows those who belong to Him: “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; and I give eternal life to them . . .” (John 10:27-28). Besides listening, the obedient to God sometimes must wait patiently for a deed, a word.

Just wait! Aragon will wait patiently for hours for me. When he sees me, he’ll leap into action. The wait is worth it! The same holds for God’s children. The Psalmist wrote this: “I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I hope” (Psalm 130:5, ESV). We often wait for a word of instruction, admonishment, or comfort from the Lord through His Spirit, scriptures, or other followers of Jesus.

Imitate and replicate! Training Aragon was easy. He listened, watched, and repeated what he saw. He even tries to make the sounds I make when we play. As imagers of God, we, too, are meant to imitate what we see and hear related to Him and repeat the words and behavior. The apostle Paul confirms it: “Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ. Now I praise you because you remember me in everything and hold firmly to the traditions, just as I delivered them to you.” (1Corinthians 11:1-2).

Listen for the Master’s voice even if you must wait. Then, just like Aragon with me, imitate what you learn and become something worthy of imitation by others. What’s next?  Let’s reverse today’s upside-down church model with a church of house churches. While waiting, remember that God wants your loyalty, not your religion.

Blessings and peace,

Dr. Ron Braley, MDiv, DMin.

discipleship, Finding Answers to Stuff Churches Don't Discuss, Finding the End of the World, Uncategorized

When Two Kingdoms Collide

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Initially, God’s world and ours intersected and cohabitated. This was Eden until humankind rebelled and broke its relationship with the Creator. Now, the two separate realms (kingdoms) have two kings: God and Satan. Because we’re made of mammal fleshiness and God-made spirit, we feel the draw of this appealing-to-the-flesh earth ruled by Satan and heaven ruled by God. We can’t serve two masters and must choose one. And not choosing God’s Kingdom will put you in the other by default. Let’s learn more about each to help you choose well. By the way, I published “The Supernatural God: Rebellion & Disinheritance!” in May 2023. You might want to revisit it for more background.

Satan’s Kingdom. After the dispersion at Babel, God disinherited most of the earth and its people (except for Israel), giving them to others in His council (Deuteronomy 32:7-12; Psalm 82). Those other spiritual beings have managed most of humanity ever since. Satan is their ruler; he has authority over the earth and anyone who isn’t God’s. He couldn’t have offered Jesus his earthly kingdom in Matthew 4:8-10 otherwise! Other biblical examples of Satan’s rulership: “Satan, the ruler of this world . . .” (John 12:31) and “Jesus said, ‘The ruler of this world approaches . . .’” (John 14:30). Jesus also confirms “My kingdom is not of this realm” in John 18:36 and “the whole world lies in the power of the evil one.” (1 John 5:19) But, this won’t always be the case!

God’s (YHVH’s) Kingdom. Despite Satan’s temporary rulership of this earth, God’s Kingdom has been attainable since Jesus gave His life to satisfy our debt to the Creator. Why did He do that? To return us to our Maker (1 Peter 3:18). For now, His Kingdom is ‘already, but not yet’ because it is available through Jesus but isn’t physically among us. One day, the two kingdoms will engage in a final conflict, and the ruler of this world will be ousted and destroyed. God’s realm and ours will intersect again as they did in Eden. When? We don’t know for sure, but here are reminders of the certainty:

  • “Then the seventh angel sounded; and there were loud voices in heaven, saying, ‘The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ; and He will reign forever and ever.’” (Revelation 11:15)
  • “Now the salvation, and the power, and the kingdom of our God and the authority of His Christ have come . . .” (Revelation 12:10)

To summarize, the Devil runs things on earth for now, establishing lots of wickedness inside and outside the churches. However, God will one day reclaim what’s His and recombine His realm and ours in a new world. Where should we go next? Let me share my Orthodox Lent journey with you in an enlightening multi-parter. Meanwhile, choose your king and kingdom wisely and stay!

Blessings and peace,

Dr. Ron Braley, MDiv, DMin.

discipleship, Finding Answers to Stuff Churches Don't Discuss, Finding the End of the World, Uncategorized

Dirt & Fruit

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I once heard the saying, “No root, no fruit!” It’s true, especially where God is concerned. Dirt that lacks nutrients, whether natural earth or spiritual soil, stunts root growth. Here, we’ll look at the spiritual stuff.

Jesus addressed spiritual seeds, sowers, and receivers in Matthew 13:1-9 and 18-23. The “seed” is an introduction to God’s Kingdom made by a sower (e.g., teacher, evangelist, or disciple-maker); the soil is the recipient. Depending on the sower and receiver, the result can be spiritual fruit or fuel for the burn pile (John 15:4-6). In Matthew 13, Jesus offered examples of the different seed recipients and their conditions to illustrate growth opportunities and outcomes. I’ll present each scenario one at a time.

Roadside (13:4 and 19): “When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what has been sown in his heart.” A lack of wisdom hides God’s Kingdom; erroneous church leaders and teachers can be at fault. Flawed or incomplete evangelism, encouraging someone to enter a one-sided selfish relationship with God without understanding the terms and conditions, is also at fault. The cure? Find a mature Christ-follower and imitate what you see and hear!

Rocks (13:5-6 and 20-21): “… this is the man who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; yet he has no firm root in himself, but is only temporary…” This person understands at least the appealing parts of Christianity and perhaps entered it emotionally. Once the feelings are gone, so is any motivation for growth. As with the roadside receiver, causes include bad teaching, inadequate evangelism, and the absence of discipleship.

Thorns (13:7 and 22): “… this is the man who hears the word, and the worry of the world and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful.” This person probably understands the Kingdom but chooses self-centeredness, where the “lust of the flesh and eyes” rules over all else (1 John 2:15-17).

Good soil (13:8 and 23): “… this is the man who hears the word and understands it; who indeed bears fruit and brings forth, some a hundredfold, some sixty, and some thirty.” This person likely benefitted from truthful teaching and has a fertile heart, ready to take in and put to work what they learn about God and His Kingdom! No burn pile in their future!

To summarize, receive truth and engage in foundational discipleship and formational spiritual disciplines to grow fruit! Live and prosper by imitating authentic Christians who teach and model the Kingdom. What’s next? It’s often difficult to reconcile God’s realm “in the skies” and Satan’s kingdom on the earth and see how all things will be fixed one day as God takes back what’s His. So, let’s go there next time. Meanwhile, always test what you hear or read to ensure it resonates with God’s nature and desires.

Blessings and peace,

Dr. Ron Braley, MDiv, DMin.

discipleship, Finding Answers to Stuff Churches Don't Discuss, Uncategorized

God Versus Evil: Part Two

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In Part One of this two-parter, we learned that biblical evil represents something bad, adversarial, distressful, or disagreeable and can be trouble disguised in beauty. Disobedient spiritual beings from God’s Counsel were evil. Satan and Christian leaders who misrepresent God’s ways and allow wickedness into their churches are also evil. The cure? Build a solid Christian foundation to recognize and resist what God hates.

I also explained that God doesn’t test or tempt people, trip them up, or do evil to them. But He has used distress, adversity, and evil people to accomplish His plans. I promised examples, so let’s begin with Joseph and his brothers!

Joseph. Roughly 3,700 years ago, Joseph’s brothers sold him into slavery. Why? Jealousy! But, instead of calamity, Joseph gained great fame and position in Egypt, second only to Pharoah. During a later famine, his brothers confronted the now-powerful Joesph as they sought food in Egypt. How did he respond? Lovingly, as he said, “What you meant for evil, God meant for good.” (Genesis 50:20)

God works all things for good. Read Ephesians 1:11 and Romans 8:28, and you’ll find that God works all things, good or evil, to accomplish His desires. Please note that the verses do NOT mean that God works all things for the benefit of self-centered individuals!

Other examples of bad-for-good. Proverbs 16:4 states, “The LORD has made everything for its own purpose, even the wicked for the day of evil.” In Genesis chapter 38, you’ll read about Judah and Tamar and how sexual evil paved the way for God’s salvation. And Romans 5:3-5 reminds us that tribulations—things that may seem ‘bad’—can build perseverance, character, and hope. Finally, God used the ancient and evil Chaldeans to turn Israel’s hearts back to Him (Habakuk 1:5-11).

Hardened hearts and lying spirits. Egypt’s Pharoah subjugated God’s people and worshipped a plethora of lesser gods. God the Creator took advantage of his wicked heart and religious practices to show him that the mighty YHVH (the God) always wins as He crushed personifications of Egypt’s gods and liberated His people. In another example of bad-turned-good, an Elohim from God’s Divine Council took advantage of evil King Ahab and his wicked priests by making them lie (the king loved tickled ears!). Why? To set the king and his prophets up for destruction and clear the way for God to fulfill His plans (see 1 Kings chapter 22).

Jesus’ death. Finally, seemingly evil torture and death by crucifixion were predetermined predecessors to Jesus’ resurrection and our hope (Acts 2:22-24).

To summarize, anything against God’s instructions and Christ’s charitable love is evil and must be avoided! Yet, God has used human-designed adversity/bad for good to show His greatness and fulfill His plans. Spring is nearly upon us, so we’ll have fun with dirt and fruit next time. Until then, remember that God asks for your devotion, not religion.

Blessings and peace,

Dr. Ron Braley, MDiv, DMin.

discipleship, Finding Answers to Stuff Churches Don't Discuss, Finding the End of the World, Uncategorized

God Versus Evil: Part One

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Just as the word ‘God’ can conjure different ideas from a benevolent cosmic dude to a celestial judge, ‘evil’ may mean various things—usually because of different cultures and worldviews. The truth is that ‘evil’ probably doesn’t mean what you think, and its use By YHVH (God) has produced good. Let’s dig in by defining it first.

Evil defined. The word usually evokes responses like ‘scary’ or ‘spooky’ and images of fiery demons or people with spinning heads. However, these aren’t biblical representations of evil but imaginations working overtime. The truth is worse because evil is more subtle and can sneak up on you! Original biblical language and contexts suggest that it more or less represents something bad, adversarial, distressful, or disagreeable. Not spooky or frightening, but trouble often clothed in beauty that can be disguised as good despite the distress it brings.

Who’s evil, anyway? The disobedient Elohim (spiritual beings from God’s Divine Counsel) were evil. The devil we call Satan is evil. So were the ancients who opposed God’s instructions. And so is anyone behaving in wicked ways that oppose God whether they call their actions ‘good.’ Church leaders and teachers allowing distressful, adversarial, and disagreeable-to-God doctrine and people into the assembly of believers are evil. The apostle Paul called them out 2,000 years ago while also reminding Christ-followers that evil and its deceit can be beautiful: “For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. No wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. Therefore, it is not surprising if his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness, whose end will be according to their deeds.” (2 Corinthians 11:13-15)

Guarding against evil. It’s easy to be deceived by evil or call bad good if you don’t know what good looks like! This is why a solid Christian foundation is critical to discerning good from bad and righteousness from evil. Learn well and surround yourself with godly people, practicing what you see and hear. Deal with temptation in the mind before thoughts produce bad speech or behavior. Don’t give the adversary—the ‘evil one’ of Matthew 6:13 —a foothold! And always determine how your thinking or actions will affect your relationships with God or people.

Can evil be used for good? God doesn’t test or tempt people, trip them up, or do evil to them. However, He has used distress or adversity (often termed ‘evil’) and evil people to accomplish His plans. From Joseph’s brothers and Abimelech and Saul to the prophets of King Ahab, God has turned evil into good. I’ll explain more about this in Part Two.

In summary, evil can be anything opposed to good (e.g., God’s instructions). Next time, we’ll examine how God has used evil (adversarial things) for good in Part Two.  Meanwhile, behave, be kind, and beware of evil—inside the church and out!

Blessings and peace,

Dr. Ron Braley, MDiv, DMin.

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The Kingdom and Culture: Part Two

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In Part One of “The Kingdom and Culture,” I explained that much of the Bible describes thoughts, feelings, events, and problem-solution situations besides providing historical information. We can use much of what we read to understand YHVH (God) and Christ better and sometimes assist our Christian walk. On the other hand, the Bible prescribes instructions that apply to all people and are non-negotiable. They include the Ten Commandments and further moral instructions. Unfortunately, we tend to make the descriptive, prescriptive—force behavior not meant for everyone in all situations. Let’s dig deeper into my previous three examples of hair, women’s leadership, and Eldership.

Long hair for heaven? Some claim that Paul commanded all women to have long hair (and men short). The misinterpretation has resulted in many foreign church leaders believing their female congregants will go to hell because of cultural baldness or short hair. Understand that 1 Corinthian 11 describes Paul admonishing Greek Christian women to honor their culture, which believed long female hair and short male hair were essential to fertility. Why admonish them? To reduce the risk of creating barriers to God’s Kingdom through unnecessary contention between the culture and the Christian community. The requirement is certainly not going to pertain to all women everywhere!

No women leaders or preachers? Many Christians teach this by misapplying Paul’s localized instructions. For instance, in 1 Corinthians 14 and 1 Timothy 2, Paul addresses unruly women who were falsely teaching and bucking the Greko-Roman-Jewish cultures through newfound Christian freedom (causing scandal). He didn’t prohibit women Church leaders and teachers in general! Anyone claiming women can’t lead or ‘preach’ should remember there was an ancient Jewish judge over women and men (Deborah), and female leaders and teachers were instrumental in establishing the early churches. Who? Mary Magdalene, Philip’s daughters, Priscilla, Deaconness Phoebe (Romans 16:1–2) …

No polygamous Elders? Paul established moral guidelines for being a deacon or elder (e.g., 1 Timothy 3:2-5). Included is marital fidelity (being a ‘one-woman man’). Unfortunately, some claim that no elder anywhere can have multiple wives (or have been divorced). Recently, a Ugandan Christian with two wives asked about leading in his church, part of a polygamous community. Someone demanded that he honor the [English] ‘letter of the law’ and not allow anyone with multiple wives to become an elder. What was his suggestion instead? Pray that God would kill one of the wives so that he will have only one and be able to be an Elder! Sigh … Christ’s Law of Love and the need to effectively manage the church in a unique culture certainly trump Pharisaical-like law-mongering and biblical misinterpretations!

In summary, keep the descriptions and applications of Biblical texts in their contexts unless they prescribe behavior for all people all the time! Next, let’s understand evil better in “God Versus Evil.”  In the meantime, honor God and care for people.

Blessings and peace,

Dr. Ron Braley, MDiv, DMin.