Old Testament Study of the Sabbath, New Testament Study to follow

 

Genesis 2:2-3 (KJV)

2 And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made.
3 And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made.

My notes: So this is a creation ordinance and not just an institution from the Mosaic law which was given to the Israelites. This ordinance set forth here in Genesis was made long before there were Jews or before Moses recorded the 10 Commandments (which are commands that we still live by today as most Christians would state, but there is a controversy about the 4th command). The giving of the fourth commandment in Exodus 20:8-11 is a restating of the holiness of the Sabbath Day. So what does it mean when it says "God blessed the seventh day"? Blessed=barak (Hebrew) which means to kneel, to bless God as an act of adoration, to bless man as a benefit, salute, greet, it's derived meaning is to bless someone ir something. So when we keep the Sabbath, we bless God as an act of adoration. God gave it to us as blessing for our benefit. Why wouldn't we want to bless God and also at the same time receive the beneficial blessing of a rest day? Isn't this better than working for more money and isn't better than being mindful of secular things? This is a rest day that is used for worship of Jehovah without secular distractions and also to give us much needed rest from the week we had.

What does it mean when it says God sanctified the Sabbath? Sanctified=qadash (Hebrew) which means clean (ceremonially or morally), appoint, bid, consecrate, dedicate, hallow, keep, proclaim, purify, sanctify, to be set apart, to be holy, to be treated as holy, to declare holy or consecrated. We see here that the Sabbath was set apart as holy by Jehovah from creation. He declared it and pronounced it. The Sabbath is to be a day of purification and sanctification in a spiritual sense. Even though we serve the Lord every day, it's the Sabbath with it's rest from worldly entertainment and our secular jobs that allows us to be purified spiritually from all worldly distractions that we had during the work week. Also, we enter a rest on the Sabbath that allows our cups to be filled physically so we don't burn out. And most important, by entering this rest we can devote fully to Jehovah the worship he deserves without having to do anything or go anywhere. The distractions and cares of the world so easily beset the Christian, so God has given us a day of rest for us to adore him and for our benefit as well.

Exodus 16:22-34 KJV

22 And it came to pass, that on the sixth day they gathered twice as much bread, two omers for one man: and all the rulers of the congregation came and told Moses.
23 And he said unto them, This is that which the Lord hath said, To morrow is the rest of the holy sabbath unto the Lord: bake that which ye will bake to day, and seethe that ye will seethe; and that which remaineth over lay up for you to be kept until the morning.
24 And they laid it up till the morning, as Moses bade: and it did not stink, neither was there any worm therein.
25 And Moses said, Eat that to day; for to day is a sabbath unto the Lord: to day ye shall not find it in the field.
26 Six days ye shall gather it; but on the seventh day, which is the sabbath, in it there shall be none.
27 And it came to pass, that there went out some of the people on the seventh day for to gather, and they found none.
28 And the Lord said unto Moses, How long refuse ye to keep my commandments and my laws?
29 See, for that the Lord hath given you the sabbath, therefore he giveth you on the sixth day the bread of two days; abide ye every man in his place, let no man go out of his place on the seventh day.
30 So the people rested on the seventh day.
31 And the house of Israel called the name thereof Manna: and it was like coriander seed, white; and the taste of it was like wafers made with honey.
32 And Moses said, This is the thing which the Lord commandeth, Fill an omer of it to be kept for your generations; that they may see the bread wherewith I have fed you in the wilderness, when I brought you forth from the land of Egypt.
33 And Moses said unto Aaron, Take a pot, and put an omer full of manna therein, and lay it up before the Lord, to be kept for your generations.
34 As the Lord commanded Moses, so Aaron laid it up before the Testimony, to be kept.

My notes: in verse 23 Moses told the elders of the congregation that the Lord had said that tomorrow which was the seventh day (Saturday), (is the rest, special holiday and time of rest) of the Holy (dedicated, hallowed, holiness, holy, sanctuary, sacred place or thing, consecrated), Sabbath (to be set apart to the Lord and kept holy, officially established by Jehovah, set aside at creation). This set apart holy day of rest established by Jehovah at creation and restated in the 10 Commandments is to be kept unto the Lord. It is day of rest for us as a gift from Jehovah and also a day of undistracted worship and devotion to him which is our gift to him but it also blesses us as we draw closer to him and delight in him.

Verse 25 restates that the seventh day is a day of rest unto the Lord, meaning we are to rest not only from our labours but also to rest in Christ by giving him full devotion that day without worldly distractions. This devotion can be manifest in prayer, worship, fellowship, ministry.
Verse 26 confirms that the seventh day (Saturday on our calendar) is the sabbath.
Verse 28- The Lord asks Moses how long will the Israelites refuse to keep (be circumspect, take heed (to self), mark , look narrowly, observe, preserve, regard, reserve, save (self), wait for, watch (man), his commandments (law, ordinance, precept). Even having this Law proclaimed by Jehovah didn't stop the Israelites from disregard for the rest day called the sabbath. We can all learn from this today and remember the Sabbath as told to us in the fourth commandment. Let's not be like those Israelites who were disobedient and out of greed and wantoness, disregarded God's Holy commandment.
Verse 29-See=raah (Hebrew) which means advise self, appear, approve, behold, certainly, consider, discern, (make) to enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, to see. To see so that one can learn to know, whether it be another person or God.

God is saying to Moses to "See" in other words discern and behold that he himself has given the sabbath to him and the people of Israel. That's why they were commanded to gather two fold the amount of bread on the sixth day (Friday).

Exodus 20:8-11 (KJV)

8 Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.
9 Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work:
10 But the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates:
11 For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore theLord blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.

Sabbath=shabbath (Hebrew) means Sabbath, day of atonement, Sabbath week or year, weeks. The Hebrew wors shabbathown comes from shabbath and means to rest, sabbath, a sabbatism or special holiday, a day of rest, a time to rest, a Sabbath feast.
God says in verse 8 to remember the Sabbath day and to keep it Holy which has the same meaning in Hebrew as sanctified which was described above after the Genesis passage. In verse 10, Jehovah makes it clear that the seventh day is his holy consecrated rest (sabbath) day. No one in the household, whether children or servants or animals of burden are to do any work. In verse 11 we see that even Jehovah rested on the seventh day after all his work in creating the heaven, earth, sea and all that is in them.

What can we learn from this as Christians? If even God rested on the seventh day from his labor, why do we as mere creation refuse the command and benefit of resting after our work week. Are we more able than Jehovah to not rest after a week of labors? We see that God blessed the seventh day, the Hebrew meaning of blessing was described above after Genesis passage. Most importantly Jehovah hallowed the seventh day. The Hebrew word and meaning for Hallowed is the same as Holy and Sanctified which is described above after Genesis passage. So we see that Jehovah takes this day very seriously and we have also learned that this command to keep the Sabbath was not just for the Israelites and not just one of the 10 Commandments, but for creation as stated in Genesis 2:2-3, as it was sanctified by him.

Deuteronomy 5:12-15 (KJV)

12 Keep the sabbath day to sanctify it, as the Lord thy God hath commanded thee.
13 Six days thou shalt labour, and do all thy work:
14 But the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, nor thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thine ox, nor thine ass, nor any of thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates; that thy manservant and thy maidservant may rest as well as thou.
15 And remember that thou wast a servant in the land of Egypt, and that the Lord thy God brought thee out thence through a mighty hand and by a stretched out arm: therefore the Lord thy God commanded thee to keep the sabbath day.

Verse 12-It is commanded to keep the Sabbath day as holy (sanctify) unto Jehovah. Keeping the sabbath day is resting from your labor (no working at secular job or at home) and setting that day apart for devotion strictly to Jehovah (by partaking of fellowship with the saints, prayer, worship, bible study, evangelism, other God centered activities). Commanded=tsavah (Hebrew) which means to appoint, bid, charge, command, send a messenger, put, set in order, to direct, to be ordered, to be commanded, to direct someone. There doesn't seem to be any wiggle room for disobedience when God gives a command. In verse 13, we are told that all labour should be done during the six othet days of the week which are Sunday-Friday. Verse 14- Again, it is restated that the seventh day is the sabbath of God. The Sabbath means to rest and set apart as Holy (consecrated). Saturday is to be a day of rest from all forms of labour for the believer and also a day set apart for strict devotion and adoration of Jehovah. Versr 15-Note where it says "therefore the Lord thy God commanded thee to keep the Sabbath day." Keep=Asah (Hebrew) which means to do or make, accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal with, labour, maintain, execute, exercise, hold, observe, be occupied, perform, practice, prepare, provide, put, sacrifice, serve. Commanded by God to keep the Sabbath day.

After reading the Hebrew meanings of these words, it is clear that Jehovah takes observance of the sabbath day seriously. In order for the requirement of sabbath observance to be undone, one would then have to argue that we no longer have to keep the 10 Commandments or that the Sabbath day was changed from Saturday (the seventh day) to Sunday (the first day). For either of these scenarios to be true, there would have to be clear scripture to indicate so. We will find it in the New Testament? You may be suprised but I'll hold off on my conclusion.

Isaiah 58:13-14 (KJV)

13 If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord, honourable; and shalt honour him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words:
14 Then shalt thou delight thyself in theLord; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.

My notes: Verse 13, turn away=shuwb (Hebrew) which means to retreat, to turn back (hence away), again, (cause to), carry again (back), answer, in any case, at all, averse, bring (again, back, home again), call (to mind), cease, certainly, come again (back), consider, continually, convert, deliver (again), deny, drawback, fetch home again.
Here in verse 13 it says, if you turn away your foot from the sabbath (turn away meaning to drawback, bring your foot home again to the keeping of the sabbath) from doing your pleasures on the day Jehovah made Holy. In this passage Holy is translated qodesh in Hebrew which means a sacred place or thing, consecrated (thing), dedicated (thing), hallowed (thing), holiness, (most holy day, portion, thing), saint, sanctuary, sacredness, holiness, a holy thing, something consecrated and set aside for sacred use only, not to be put into common use for if it is, it becomes profane and common, not holy.

Unfortunately, the Church has made God's Sabbath day common thereby removing the holiness of it. They have profaned it, by using it as a day of labour and/or a day of turning their feet TO their pleasures. This verse states that if we turn away (drawback to keeping the sabbath) our foot from the sabbath and from doing our pleasures on Jehovah's Holy day and call the sabbath a delight which is the Holy of the Lord. Holy in this case translated qadosh in Hebrew which means sacred (ceremonially or morally), God (by eminence), an angel, a saint, a sanctuary, Holy (One), it denotes someone or something that is inherently sacred or has been designated as sacred by divine rite or cultic ceremony. It designates which is the opposite of common or profane.

The Sabbath has been designated by God as inherently sacred and holy which should give us a very strong appreciation for the command of keeping the seventh day as a day of rest and adoration to Jehovah. Any use of this day that conflicts with Jehovah's divine rite in sanctifying the sabbath, is making common and profane what was inherently made Holy.

The word Inherently is key here: see the below definition
inherent
[in-heer-uh nt, -her-]
adjective
existing in someone or something as a permanent and inseparable element,quality or attribute; inhering :

This my brethren is what they call a game Changer regarding if sabbath keeping is still for today.
So if we keep the Sabbath as commanded by Jehovah and call it a delight (meaning we enjoy it) and also call it honourable (acknowledging the holiness of it) we will be honoured by our Lord. Shall Honour in this text is translated kabed in Hebrew which means to be heavy, to weigh heavily, to be honoured, to be made heavy, to multiply, to harden, to let weigh down, to get honour, to make dull, to make weighty, glorify, be (make) heavy, be heavier, lay heavily, prevail, promote (to honour), be rich.

The weightiness and heaviness and dullness in the meaning of Shall Honour is one of being strengthened. This is what we are promised by Jehovah if we keep the Sabbath holy by not doing our own ways, pleasures or speaking our own words.
Verse 14-When we keep the Sabbath, we are promised that we will delight ourself in the Lord. We are then told by Jehovah that by keeping the sabbath we will ride upon the high places. High places= bamah (Hebrew) which means elevation, height, high place, wave, this word may, refer to a physical high place like a mountain or a place of worship.

Do you see how much of a blessing keeping the sabbath is? We are promised to enter a high place of worship of Jehovah upon the earth. Earth=erets (Hebrew) which means common, country, earth, field, ground, land, it refers to the whole earth under God's dominion. So by keeping the sabbath, Jehovah will cause us to ride upon the high places of worship of the earth which is under his dominion. We will be blessed by our sabbath keeping, experiencing a closer relationship with our saviour than ever before. This high place of worship upon the earth for the believer is a spiritual gift and blessing of initmate worship of Jehovah which brings us to that high place. Upon the earth which means we will reign with Christ here and now as Kings and Priests of a Holy Nation. We will have power to cast out and bind devils as members of a royal priesthood.

We will be fed with the heritage of Jacob thy father by keeping the sabbath. Heritage=nachalah (Hebrew) which means something inherited, occupancy or (concrete) an heirloom, an estate, patrimony or portion, heritage, to inherit, possession, property, inheritance, the word implies property that was given by means of a will or as a heritage.

As Gentiles grafted into Israel, we have the inheritance promised to the ethnic Jews. We now are part of the Israel of God (spiritual Israel). By keeping the sabbath, we are fed along with the heritage of Jacob (Israel) therby being granted the inheritance originally given to ethnic Israel. This heritage of Jacob is no longer ethnic Israel but the Israel of God (spiritual Israel). The command to keep the Sabbath day as Holy is for Israel. However in the new covenant, Israel is made up of Christian Jews and Gentiles. This means all Christians are required to keep the Sabbath day as Holy as we are the Israel of God which is now spiritual not ethnic or national.

Note the last part of verse 14, "for the mouth of the Lord has spoken it". That should be enough to not only believe by mouth what was decreed in the above passage of Isaiah but also to believe in deed by keeping God's hallowed sabbath day.

Exodus 16:22-34 KJV

22 And it came to pass, that on the sixth day they gathered twice as much bread, two omers for one man: and all the rulers of the congregation came and told Moses.
23 And he said unto them, This is that which the Lord hath said, To morrow is the rest of the holy sabbath unto the Lord: bake that which ye will bake to day, and seethe that ye will seethe; and that which remaineth over lay up for you to be kept until the morning.
24 And they laid it up till the morning, as Moses bade: and it did not stink, neither was there any worm therein.
25 And Moses said, Eat that to day; for to day is a sabbath unto the Lord: to day ye shall not find it in the field.
26 Six days ye shall gather it; but on the seventh day, which is the sabbath, in it there shall be none.
27 And it came to pass, that there went out some of the people on the seventh day for to gather, and they found none.
28 And the Lord said unto Moses, How long refuse ye to keep my commandments and my laws?
29 See, for that the Lord hath given you the sabbath, therefore he giveth you on the sixth day the bread of two days; abide ye every man in his place, let no man go out of his place on the seventh day.
30 So the people rested on the seventh day.
31 And the house of Israel called the name thereof Manna: and it was like coriander seed, white; and the taste of it was like wafers made with honey.
32 And Moses said, This is the thing which the Lord commandeth, Fill an omer of it to be kept for your generations; that they may see the bread wherewith I have fed you in the wilderness, when I brought you forth from the land of Egypt.
33 And Moses said unto Aaron, Take a pot, and put an omer full of manna therein, and lay it up before the Lord, to be kept for your generations.
34 As the Lord commanded Moses, so Aaron laid it up before the Testimony, to be kept.

My notes: in verse 23 Moses told the elders of the congregation that the Lord had said that tomorrow which was the seventh day (Saturday), (is the rest, special holiday and time of rest) of the Holy (dedicated, hallowed, holiness, holy, sanctuary, sacred place or thing, consecrated), Sabbath (to be set apart to the Lord and kept holy, officially established by Jehovah, set aside at creation). This set apart holy day of rest established by Jehovah at creation and restated in the 10 Commandments is to be kept unto the Lord. It is day of rest for us as a gift from Jehovah and also a day of undistracted worship and devotion to him which is our gift to him but it also blesses us as we draw closer to him and delight in him.

Verse 25 restates that the seventh day is a day of rest unto the Lord, meaning we are to rest not only from our labours but also to rest in Christ by giving him full devotion that day without worldly distractions. This devotion can be manifest in prayer, worship, fellowship, ministry.
Verse 26 confirms that the seventh day (Saturday on our calendar) is the sabbath.
Verse 28- The Lord asks Moses how long will the Israelites refuse to keep (be circumspect, take heed (to self), mark , look narrowly, observe, preserve, regard, reserve, save (self), wait for, watch (man), his commandments (law, ordinance, precept). Even having this Law proclaimed by Jehovah and part of his 10 Commandments, didn't stop the Israelites from disregard for the rest day called the sabbath. We can all learn from this today and remember the Sabbath as told to us in the fourth commandment. Let's not be like those Israelites who were disobedient and out of greed and wantoness, disregarded God's Holy commandment.

Verse 29-See=raah (Hebrew) which means advise self, appear, approve, behold, certainly, consider, discern, (make) to enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, to see. To see so that one can learn to know, whether it be another person or God.
God is saying to Moses to "See" in other words discern and behold that he himself has given the sabbath to him and the people of Israel. That's why they were commanded to gather two fold the amount of bread on the sixth day (Friday).
Verse 30- The people rested on the seventh day. Rested=(shabath) which means to desist from exertion, (cause to, let, make to) cease, celebrate, keep (sabbath), suffer to be lacking, leave, put away (down), (make to) rest, rid, still, take away.

So we clearly see above what the word rest means. The Israelites in keeping the sabbath ceased from work and activities that brought on exertion. This wasn't to put a burden on them but actually to bless them with much needed rest. Physically, emotionally and spiritually. Notice in the above Hebrew definition it says to put away (down) meaning putting down and away those tools and objects of labour.

Verse 32-Moses said that this is what the Lord commandeth which we saw earlier means in Hebrew to bid, appoint, charge,. (Set) in order, to constitute enjoin. They were to fill an omer of manna as a remembrance of Jah's righteous command to keep the Sabbath as a day of rest. This remembrance is to be kept for all future generations. Generations=dowr (Hebrew) which means a revolution of time, an, age or generation, also a dwelling, age, x-evermore, ever, posterity, period of time, setting of life, indicates the time from birth to death.

This remembrance was twofold. To have a memorial of Jehovah's bringing the Israelites out of Egypt and also the command to rest on the seventh day. Notice a generation in above definition means from life to death and in the verse it talks about current and furture generations having this memorial, meaning it is to be kept from the time of birth to death for all generations from that point forward until Heaven and Earth passa away. Some will say this was just for the Israelites but they ignore clear Bible teaching that as the Church whether Jew or Gentile, we are the Israel of God and we are Jew's. Galatians 6:16 and Romans 2:28-29.

Verse 33 restates the command by Jehovah to keep the memorial of deliverance from Egypt and to keep the sabbath as a day of rest and worship. It is also restated that these this memorial and sabbath command is to be kept for generations of which there is no end until Heaven and Earth pass away.
Verse 34-the Lord commanded that this sabbath and memorial of deliverance from Egypt be laid up before the Testimony to be kept. Testimony=eduwth (Hebrew) which means "testimony, witness, precept, warning sign. It is always used in connection with the testimony of God. The stone tablets containing the 10 Commandments are identified as God's testimony. In time, this term came to stand for the laws or precepts that God had delivered to humanity".

So the sabbath is the testimony of Jehovah and they are precepts not just for the Israelites but also for humanity as this is a creation ordinance. If there was any doubt as to whether God also wanted humans to rest on the seventh day then this would have never been restated here and also in the giving of the 10 Commandments. If you say that this command to keep, remember and make holy the sabbath was only for the Israelites remember according to Galatians 6:16, we as the Church are the Israel of God. So not only was God giving a command to rest on the seventh day but he commanded that it be laid up before the Testimony to be kept. By laying this up in the testimony, it seals the permanence of the sabbath command as it is now of divine precept and part of God's Law which cannot be changed by human hands. It also says to be kept which means it is never to be removed from the testimony of Jehovah and inferring to be kept literally as a memorial by the Israelites and all their future generations which we as the Church are part of, being grafted into the olive tree according to Romans 11:24.

Exodus 31:15-17 KJV

15 Six days may work be done; but in the seventh is the sabbath of rest, holy to theLord: whosoever doeth any work in the sabbath day, he shall surely be put to death.
16 Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the sabbath, to observe the sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant.
17 It is a sign between me and the children of Israel for ever: for in six days the Lordmade heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he rested, and was refreshed.

Verse 15- So, it's restated that the seventh day is the sabbath of rest. Rest in this context in the Hebrew means a special holiday, a time to rest, it is a requirement of God's people to rest on the seventh day. Noted in the above scripture that the sabbath is holy to the Lord. Holy meaning consecrated, set apart.

Verse 16-This was a call for the children of Israel to keep the sabbath and to observe it. Observe=asah (Hebrew) which means to accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, commit, to make, to complete. This frequently used Hebrew verb conveys the central notion of performing an activity with a distinct purpose, a moral obligation or a goal in view.
So, here we see the clear command of the children of Israel to accomplish with moral obligation the keeping of the sabbath day. No work is to be done and it is a holy day set apart for worshipping Jehovah. They are to observe this holy day throughout their generations for a perpetual covenant. Perpetual=owlam (Hebrew) which means time out of mind (past or future), I.e. (practical) eternity, always, continuance, eternal, beginning of the world without with end, lasting, long time, ancient (time), forever.

Contrary to traditions of men, this command to oberve and keep the Sabbath is one of a practical eternal nature hence forever. Meaning until Heaven and Earth pass away confirmed by Jesus in Matthew 5:18.

Covenant=briyth (Hebrew) which means treaty, alliance, agreement, confederacy, covenant, league. It denotes an alliance, ordinance or agreement between persons. This word is used to describe God's making a covenant with humankind.

So according to verse 16, this is an alliance between God and the Israelites to be kept forever. You may say, well we are not Israelites so we have no need of keeping the sabbath. However scripture plainly tells us that the Church is the Israel of God and that we are grafted into the olive tree. It also says, that true jews are not ones who are Jews outwardly but those who are Jew's inwardly. The Israel of God is made up of Jews and Gentiles as there ia no more ethnic distinction in God's Kingdom, neither Jew nor Greek. Why as Christians are we so scared to claim what's ours? which is that we are spiritual Jew's and spiritual Israel which is the true Jew and the true Israel. Scripture clearly states that not all Israel is Israel which defines those as messiah rejecting Jew's which is the synagogue of Satan according to Revelation 2:9 and Revelation 3:9.

Galatians 6:16 (KJV)

16 And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God.
Romans 2:28-29 (KJV)

28 For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh:
29 But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.
 
Romans 11:24 (KJV)

24 For if thou wert cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature, and wert grafted contrary to nature into a good olive tree: how much more shall these, which be the natural branches, be grafted into their own olive tree?
 
Galatians 3:28-29 (KJV)

28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.
29 And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.
 
Colossians 3:10-12 (KJV)

10 And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:
11 Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.
12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;

My notes- Verse 12 above clearly states that as the Church, we are the elect of God not ethnic Jew's or national Israel. We are spiritual Jew's and spiritual Israel.

Revelation 2:9 (KJV)

9 I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan.

Revelation 3:9 (KJV)

9 Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.

The above describes Messiah rejecting Jew's and their ungodly Synagogues.
Why would Jehovah state that the sabbath is to be kept and observed forever by Israel throughout their generations if he knew that one day he would send his son to die on the cross? Remember, Jesus dying on the cross was always the plan and it was not some alternative plan B in case the Jew's rejected Messiah. He stated the command of perpetual observance of the sabbath day for the Israelites because he knew that one day there would be an Israel made up of Jew's and Gentiles to honor his Holy day. Jehovah would not make an eternal command like this if it would eventually be nailed to the cross. Jah is all knowing so it makes sense that the sabbath command is now for the Israel of God (The Church) to keep.

Verse 17- This is a sign between Jah and the children of Israel forever which in this text, forever is the same word in Hebrew as perpetual=owlam. The reference to the creating of the earth and heaven confirms that this was a ordinance of a sabbath day was set forth at creation. God exampled the rest day for us and he was refreshed. If God kept the sabbath day and was refreshed, then the same blessing of refreshing applies to us when we rest on the sabbath from our labours. If it is good enough and needed for Jehovah then it is good enough for us his precious children and very much needed. We also set apart this day as Holy and bless God with undistracted worship and devotion.

Romans 1 Study

Complete study of Romans 1. This is spiritual meat in due season.  Please be blessed by this!

Let's break down Romans 1:

And yes my primary reason for going through Romans 1 is to discuss the spiritual state of the homosexual and what God's word says not what some limp wristed lukewarm hireling who masquerades as a Pastor says. I have heard people the past week or so say we as Christians should stop talking about the subject of sodomite/lesbian pseudo marriage. If you know anything about the Faithful and Wise servant teaching, then you will understand that it is up to us to give our domestics spiritual meat in due season. Is this not the due season to teach and warn the brethren about the spiritual state of the sodomite and lesbian?  Your spiritual health depends on having a proper understanding of how we are to veiw the perverted filthy dreamers of our modern Sodom and Gomorrha here in Babylon. The false, apostate and lukewarm pastors/teachers/prophets of today are telling their congregants to just "Love" the perverted homosexual. This "Love" that they speak of, is not based on what the word of God teaches but rather the "Love" that the world teaches. The worlds "Love" is ineffective for the preaching of the gospel. In order to love someone the way the bible teaches, you must warn them if you see them headed for destruction. You must tell them of their sin and preach a message of repentance not just a sinners prayer. Once the homosexual rejects the gospel, which according to Romans 1 will be very likely due to being given over to a reprobate mind, then you kick the dust off your feet and let not your peace be upon them. You don't keep trying to win their soul and keep being their friend and spending time with them, like many of these milquetoast limp wristed Pastor's tell you to do.

Romans 1  (KJV)

1 Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,

2 (Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,)

3 Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh;

4 And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:

5 By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name:

6 Among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ:

7 To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.

8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world.

9 For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers;

10 Making request, if by any means now at length I might have a prosperous journey by the will of God to come unto you.

11 For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established;

12 That is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me.

13 Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you, (but was let hitherto,) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles.

14 I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise.

15 So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also.

16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.

18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;

19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.

20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:

21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.

22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,

23 And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.

24 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:

25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.

26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:

27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.

28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;

29 Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,

30 Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,

31 Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:

32 Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.

Verse 1-2, Paul was set apart for the gospel of Jesus Christ just as we who are "Begotten Again" are today. Note, we are set apart for the gospel of Jesus Christ not the rudiments and philosophies of this world. You must as a bond servant of Jesus be preaching his gospel not the worlds wisdom. If you call yourself a Pastor and you are preaching using wordly techniques and speech them you are a Wolf at worst and a hireling at best. This gospel of Christ was promised before by the prophets of God, his incarnation, death, burial and bodily ressurection. This was not a plan b scenario where only because the jews rejected him he went to the cross. That was the plan all along according to scripture.  Jesus never intended to rule as a literal earthly political king on this earth as his Kingdom is heavenly and it is present now on earth in the form of the new testament church. After his second advent we will have a new heaven and new earth. Even now he sits at the right hand of the Father on the throne of David in heaven. The thousands year reign of Christ is the church age and is presently taking place. When Jesus returns he will hand the Kingdom to the Father and reign with the Father forever in the new heaven and new earth.

Verse 3- This gospel concerns Jesus Christ who is of the seed of David via his mother. This is his fleshly royal bloodline.  We know that he was begotten as Jehovah's literal only begotten Son in the womb of the blessed virgin Mary (Luke 1:35). 

Verse 4- It was Jehovah that raised Christ from the dead (the ressurection) and this declared Christ to be the Son of God with power over all in Heaven and in earth. All his claims were vindicated by the resurrection. 

Verse 5- Obedience to the faith? Calvinists would tell you obedience isn't necessary for salvation but Paul makes it clear that the grace of God gives us the ability to be obedient. If obedience wasn't required for salvation, why is there such a emphasis on it in the scriptures? This obedience will come into play later on in this chapter of Romans as some are teaching in error, that even if you live a certain way that you cannot lose your salvation. 

Verse 6- We are the called of Christ Jesus and him alone.  We are not the called of any preacher, prophet, evangelist,  teacher,  theologian and or anything of this world.

Verse 7- Remember when we became Begotten Again, it was a call we were answering. This call was from God the Father Jehovah , The Son of God Jesus Christ  and their Holy Spirit. 

Verse 8- Note, God through Jesus Christ.  Some false cults will use the verbiage "In Union" rather than "through". This confirms the divinity of Christ as the Divine Son of God, He and His Father Jehovah are of one mind and Spirit. Jesus as the literal begotten Son of Jehovah is the inheritor of heaven and earth and has the fulness of His Father's divinity dwelling in him.

Verse 9- We always need to be praying for the brethen especially those in our midst.  The gospel that Paul preached was Jesus Christ and nothing else. When anyone adds man made commandments to the gospel l, do not be deceived as that is a false gospel. Jude talks about the gospel delivered once for all delivered to the saints and that is the one we contend for.

 Verse 10-Even the Faithful and Wise servants of God need the prayers of the Saints in order to run the race set before them. Pray for those doing the work of the ministry. It should be all of us doing the work but also give a point to pray for those laboring full time. 

Verse 11-With the spiritual gifts Paul has been given by the Holy Spirit, he seeks to establish those believers in Rome. Those spiritual gifts can be the actual miraculous ones bestowed upon the apostles or the strengthening and encouraging in the faith of the Saints in Rome through his ministry. I tend to go with the latter.

Verse 12-Our mutual faith as brothers and sisters comforts each other.

Verse 13 and 14- Paul is a debtor to both the Greeks and the Barbarians to preach the Gospel. Those within the Greek culture (Romans and Greece itself) and those without it (Barbarians). Paul's preaching was to the learned and unlearned. As it should also be today, when we preach that it should be able to be understood by the wise snd unwise of this world. Watch out for those who make their teaching of the gospel complicated and almost unattainable. 

Verse 15- Paul declares his readiness to preach the Gospel in Rome.

Verse 16- Look how Paul states boldly that he is not ashamed of the gospel. How many of today's Pastor's or even Christians as a whole can say this?  Not many I suggest. That's why you have many Institutional Church leaders watering down the gospel so as not to offend others. They substitute words for sin that the bible uses for words that are softer and easier on the ears. Itching the ears of their domestics and unbelievers. Paul makes it clear that it is the gospel of Christ that is the power of God unto salvation. It is not the philosophy of this world or the arguments and smooth speech of man that saves people but rather the pure unwatered down gospel of Jesus Christ and every word that is written for man does not live by bread alone. Ask yourself this,  are you ashamed of the gospel?  You might say "of course not" but I submit to you that if you are not using the words the bible uses to describe sin and rather are using softer words, then you are ashamed of the gospel. If you have not spoken truth to the sinner about his/her need for repentance and rather have misled them to thinking they are a child of God then you are ashamed of the gospel. If you have not told sinners that the punishment for their sins, unrepentant of, will lead them to the Lake of Fire which will be torment and suffering with brimstone and the blackness of darkness then you are ashamed of the gospel. If you have misled them in any way to thinking that God will understand their living in sin and have compassion on them in the day of judgment then you are ashamed of the gospel.

Verse 17- The just shall live by faith. Living in sin is not having faith but it is the fruit of unbelief. 

Verse 18- The wrath of God will be poured out on all unrighteousness and ungodliness at his second coming so this false teaching that you can live the way you want and still be saved and enter in God's Kingdom is heresy. Not only at his second coming but even after the millennium as the unrighteousness suffer the torments of Hell fire and are destroyed. And even in this life, as they receive in themselves the recompence of their error. These ungodly hold the truth of God in unrighteousness as they twist the word of God in order to justify their abominable sin. For example,  the false teaching that the sin of Sodom and Gomorrha was one of being bad hosts rather than them being filthy dreamers, defilers of the flesh, abusers of themselves with mankind, natural brute beast, men trading in the use of the woman for man and vice versa doing things that are unseemly.

Verse 19-20, There will be no excuse for anyone when they stand at the judgment seat of Christ. God has manifested himself in the invisible things of this world from creation until now and even the fact that we have physical life reveals this to all. It says that we who are made understand these things that God manifest himself in invisibly and in visible terms. Even His Godhead (His Majesty, divinity) and His eternal power are clearly seen by the creation and understand. Being without excuse, God's judgment on the unbeliever to be destroyed in the Lake of Fire is righteous and just.

Verse 21-Most today profess a belief in God but many don't glorify him as God. Whether they are Mormons, Jehovah Witnesses,  Muslims,  Messiah rejecting Jews,  those who are sodomites/lesbians,  those who practice other sins described in scripture. They are vain in their imaginations,  for the cultists,  it is denying the diety of Jesus Christ as Jehovah. For the sin practicer, it is glorifying a false God that co- signs on their wicked lifestyles. These people, not being thankful that Jesus Christ died for their sins as a once for all sacrifice have turned the grace of God into lewdness. Due to their vain imaginations of the false god they worship, their foolish hearts are darkened. Their hearts began as foolish per the reason they did not glorify the true God of the Bible. Because of their unthankfulness, their foolish hearts then darken which leads to a giving over to a reprobate mind and searing of the conscience. This is when repentance is no longer an option for them.

Verse 22- In their rebellion against Jehovah God, they speak as though they have wisdom and exclaim such arrogantly but in reality they became fools once they rejected the true God of the Bible.

Verse 23-This verse speaks to Idolatry which is not only when we erect statues of supposed diety's such as Mary, Buddha etc. But also those who call the earth "mother" or make statues of animals and consider them some sort of spiritual diety or even calendars of astrology that associates an animal with a persons birthday (chinese and astrological calendars). Any belief system that promotes any worship of a created being, place or thing. So, it is the unbelievers foolish heart that causes him to do this leading to a darkness of said heart. He changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. 

Verse 24- After all this, Jehovah gives these foolish unbelievers over to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts. So, this is not some thing where men and women one day people wake up and decide to defile themselves with others of the same sex. According to the word of God, it was a process of not glorifying the true God of the Bible then making a god of their own vain imaginations in order to fit whatever wicked lifestyle they were in or desired to be in. In the process, turning already foolish hearts even more dark changing the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man. Once this happens, they are then given over to uncleanness which results in them abusing and dishonouring their bodies with each other. This was not an immediate process but rather a progression of rebellion against God. When anyone who is a Christian starts buying into the world's lie that sodomites/lesbians are born that way or are that way because of their childhood read them these scriptures.

Verse 25- So, these defilers of the flesh turned the truth of God into a lie twisting and perverting the Bible and the person of Christ, either by denying his absolute deity or altering his character. They need to do this in order to justify to themselves so that they can live their wicked lifestyles thinking God approves of  it and them. The result of this twisting of God's truth into a lie is them worshipping creation rather than the Creator. This can either be, outright worship of false gods or worship of physical creation or representations of the physical creation.  Think earth,  stars,  planets and people such as the sodomites/lesbians and their worship of themselves by going after those of the same sex. Their rebellion of God's natural design for sex between man and woman has resulted in idolatry of men worshipping men by seeking perverted physical union with each other.  Women seeking perverted physical relations with each other have also fallen into the idolatry of women worshipping women as they rebelled against God's natural use of female and male union. 

Verse 26-God gave up these creature worshippers to vile affections.  That is what the practice of homosexuality is called in the Bible-"vile affections". It is not called same sex attraction or gay sex but it is called "vile affections". And note that it is God himself that gave them up. It is not something they are born with or a result of some traumatic child hood experience. Nothing says because you went through a childhood trauma that it means you have to practice sin as a result. It always comes down to obedience. The Bible doesn't mince words about the sin of sodomy and lesbianism. Note how it says "for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature". So the verse gives no pass to women who practice lesbianism, as this is also deemed a vile affection where God gave these women up. The last part of the verse has a tone of amazement and disgust that women are even practicing what is vile and unseemly. 

Verse 27-The Bible is clear that sodomite sex is unnatural and that lust is what drives the men burning for each other. Don't believe the world's wisdom that these sodomites and lesbians love each other thereby they should be able to get married. The  Bible says the root of sodomite/lesbian passions are lust and not love. Where a man and woman in marriage can sincerely claim Love as the basis for their relationship a sodomite/lesbian couple can never claim that. This verse says that when men engage in this disgusting behavior that it is UNSEEMLY. When a woman and man engage in affections and are not married, it is sin but it is not described as Unseemly or vile. They only need to get married to make themselves right before God in that case.  A sodomite or lesbian is not afforded the same privilege due to confirmation of marriage being the physical consumation of when a man goes into a woman. This is something that sodomites and lesbians can never do. The result of their vile affections which they are given over to by God almighty, is receiving in themselves the recompence (consequences) of their error (their practice of vile affections) which was meet. The word "meet" in the greek is "dei" which means necessary,  binding, ought, should, needful, unavoidable,  , what is right and proper in Itself or prescribed by law. So what are the recompenses of the error of the sodomites? Aids, colon diseases, other sexually transmitted diseases,  and oppression which brings depression. Many of these things bring about a literal early death for the sodomite and guess what? The Bible says that it is Just and Right "meet".

Verse 28- The Bible says these sodomite/lesbians did not like to retain God in their knowledge which is what led them to worship the creature rather than the Creator. The result of this is being given over to vile affections, burning in lust for those of the same sex and trading in the use of what is natural for unnatural. All the while, getting the Just and Right consequences of their error. Because they refuse to retain the God of the Bible in their knowledge, they are then given over to a reprobate mind. So just when these milquetoast false pulpit preachers tell their congregations to just love the homosexuals into the Kingdom we read in this verse that they are given over to a "reprobate" mind. Reprobate in the greek is "adokimos" which means unapproved,  rejected, worthless, castaway, not approved, worthy of condemnation,  useless. This to me doesn't sound like these sodomites/lesbians can repent but are actually rejected and worthy of condemnation.  This my friends is what they call "A Game Changer"!  So they do those things which are not convenient due to being given over to a reprobate mind. The word for convenient in the greek is "katheko" which means to reach for that which is not becoming or fit. These sodomites and lesbians have to actually reach and go out of their way to practice these vile affections as it is not convenient to do so. The convenient thing is what God made natural,  physical affection between a man and a woman. Think about it,  they have to purposefully go out and find those who practice such abominations as these vile people are not the norm in society. They are a very small percentage of people, so that's why they migrate to our modern day Sodom and Gomorrha's such as West Hollywood, San Francisco,  Manhattan,  Miami Beach,  Tel Aviv, Downtown L.A., Minneapolis, Palm Springs, Atlanta etc. They do this as it is not convenient to find fellow sodomites/lesbians in the suburbs or rural towns. Even physically, the sin of sodomy and lesbianism is not convenient as they have to bring gimmicks (objects) into the bedroom and use supplements (oils/creams) to accomplish their goal of lustful pleasure.

Verse 29- These filthy dreamers are filled with ALL unrighteousness not just the practice of sodomy/lesbianism. The sinful vile affections of their same sexcapades are just the fufillment and pinnacle of them being filled with all unrighteousness which this verse describes. Note the attributes ascribed to the sodomite/lesbian. They all apply. Fornication=Porneia (greek) derives from greek word "Porneuo"=Pornography-These filthy dreamers do pornographic things with each other such as indulging in unlawful lusting. Porneia=Harlotry which includes all forms of unlawful sex, Porneuo=to act the harlot, to indulge in unlawful lust. Wickedness=Porneria (greek)- Depravity, malice,  iniquity, (plural) plots and sins. Look at how the filthy dreamers plotted for years to get their agenda accepted and now it's a done deal here in Babylon. Their sins are many and not just of sodomy or lesbianism. When you have traded the natural use of the opposite sex for the same sex to do unseemly things and are given over to a reprobate mind then you are in depravity full throttle. They are malicious in that they not only push for their "rights" but they go after businesses of Christians in order to get them shut down. They don’t sincerely want the services of these Christians often times but do this purposely knowing that they will be refused service. Iniquity- It is abounded in the sodomite/lesbian heart which is evidenced in that they are practicing vile affections which was the result of not retaining God in their knowledge and creating their own false image of God. Covetousness- They desire and lust after those of the same sex that they have no permission to go after.  God tells them "NO" and they rebel and covet after those who are of same sex. A sodomite will even covet after a married man and a lesbian will covet aftee a married woman.  I have seen this happen where the result is divorce between the married man and woman. Full of envy-They cannot stand that men and women in marriage have the blessing of God and of society and that being fruitful they can bear children. The sodomite/lesbian in their heart of hearts knows that Jehovah doesn't approve of them or their filthy unions. They also have to adopt to have children and can't by nature do so. Envy is also a big issue within their communities, especially in regards to the sodomites. These men often trade in older partners for younger ones and steal each other's partners. They often exhibit unbridled wantoness in theit wicked lifestyles. Debate- If you as a Christian quotes the Bible and stands for truth they are quick to engage in quarreling and generate strife. Even if you quote something from the word that Isn't related to sodomy/lesbianism they often will angrily come against you. They know you are a representation of Christ thereby it convicts them just by being in your presence. Deceit- They will claim they just want their rights but they have an agenda to pervert the Churches with their vileness. They will come after Churches that refuse to compromise on validating their filthy pseudo marriages. There is a decietfulness in how they operate as a movement and on a personal level due to their lust. They will often use coniving means to get the man or woman they want. They will go after the heterosexual employing deceiving methods in order to pervert them. Malignity=Kakoetheia (greek word)-means to have bad character,  mischievous, evil habit, the desire to do evil to others. This fits the sodomite/lesbian to a "T". Many of them are not content to just live and let live but they desire the sexual corruption of others by going after the heterosexual even if they are married. They also go after children in the sense of having their agenda pushed on the schools. They go after the general population by having their agenda celebrated in media. Whisperers=Psithuristes (greek)-means to be an accuser, a backbiter who does his slandering openly, can also be secret slandering and whispering. Look at how those sodomites blasphemed the cross in Brazil with their filth.  They accuse the Saints of the Most High of being bigots and hateful. They slander us openly to the media. They also do this secretly in the shadows speaking false wickedness of Jesus true Church. They often are backbiters at the work place causing dissension because they have no peace inside them and hate those who love God.

Verse 30- Backbiters=Katalalos (greek) a couple of synonyms for this word are blasphemos and diabolos,  blasphemer and devil. Katalalos means to speak against, talkative against,  slanderer, slanderous, backbiter. As noted in verse 29 commentary, these sodomite/lesbian reprobates speak evil of the Saints thereby speaking evil of Jehovah's precious children who have been Born Again. They also speak evil against Jehovah himself. They speak evil against the Bible which is God's word which is Jesus Christ thereby speaking evil of our Lord. Never believe these filthy dreamers when they say they love Jesus as they hate him by hating his word which is him and hating his children which are the Saints of God. Haters of God-I think I have covered that above. Despiteful=Hubristes (greek)-means insulter, maltreater, despiteful, injurious, contemptuous,  insolent. Combines the idea of arrogance and violence against others. The very act of sodomy is violence against the body. Even agreed to, sodomite sex is a violent act. When men do this to their wives, they are commiting violence against her. Likewise men against men and even women against women as they will use objects to do their sodomy. Also, don't be suprised to see an Increase of physical attacks against Christians that open air preach or street witness as these sodomites/lesbians have violence bound in them due to being given over to vile affections to commit what is unseemly and unnatural.  Spend anytime with a sodomite/lesbian and you will see an insolence about them, they are not controllable in tongue or action often times. They are very open with their contempt of all things Biblical, be it the devout Christian and Jehovah himself. They have contempt for Christian values and speak regularly in the media against those values and those who hold to them. Proud=Huperephanos (greek)-means to be haughty, proud, arrogant. Those who show themselves above otheers. Often associated with those who despise God. I feel we have covered these filthy dreamers hatred of God which is pride on steroids. Boasters=Alazon (greek) which means braggart, boaster, This word comes from Ale (greek)-a wandering about. This word is a derivative of Alazoneia which means vaunting in those things one does not possess.  When these sodomites/lesbians boast about their perverted sexual conquests and brag about their partners they are in perverted union with, they are doing so of people they do not possess. God has not granted them permission to have those of the same gender, so when they say this is my boyfriend/girlfriend/husband/wife they are boasting of what they don't have permission to possess. A wife and husband do possses each other as one flesh and they have been granted this right by God. Inventors of evil things pertaining to their sin. Just look at the adult entertainment industry and the filth the sodomite/lesbian had contributed through videos and sexual help objects. Disobedient to parents-greek word for disobedient is " apeithes " which means unwilling to be persuaded, unbelieving, disobedient. These ungodly sodomites/lesbians start their rebellion often times in the home against their parents. They disobey their parents idea of how a boy and girl are supposed to behave. As they become older, they even become even more antagonist towards their parents values and they act out accordingly. 

Verse 31- Without understanding, these filthy dreamers reject Christ and his word and create a god of their own image which will fit into their desire for wickedness. They can no longer discern that their sin is against Jehovah's plan. Covenant breakers= asunthetos (greek) means a breaker of a covenant or agreement,  faithless,  treacherous. So when you hear sodomites and lesbians talk about how they love God and have faith in him they are lying. Their practice of their sin actually confirms that they lack faith. They are also treacherous,  you see this in society with their hatred and persecution of Bible believing Christians. Often times they go out of their way to trouble Christian businesses and Churches. They break agreement and covenant with Jehovah by doing the very abomination he hates which is going against nature by men lusting after men and women lusting after women. Without natural affection=astorgos (greek) which means without family love, without natural affection,  Inhuman,  hard hearted towards kindred. Wow! So these sodomites/lesbians are inhuman according to scripture. It makes sense since their sexual perversion is more suited to an animal than someone made in the image of God. They are without family love since they have no wife/husband in the Godly plan of life. Their pseudo wife/husbands are not their family as Jehovah doesn't allow sodomites/lesbians the blessing of true marriage and they can call their pseudo marriage partners husband/wife all they want but it is a Lie! They are often hard hearted towards their blood family especially those who profess Christ.  They know that their families no matter how much they say otherwise, truly look at them different and as a gimmick. This feeling of rejection they have causes them to be hard hearted towards blood family and even outright disrespectful at times. So the affection they show to their sodomite/lesbian partners is not natural but it is Vile and inhuman! Implacable=aspondos (greek) which means truce breakers, truceless, Implacable,  averse to any compact, without libation. So these filthy dreamers are adverse to making or keeping truces or devotion. That's why it is utterly foolish for Christians to try and satisfy and compromise with the homosexual community. They will will not make truces with us and even if they did, they would break them easily. The Church should not give these perverts an inch. Once we do, they will seek 100 miles. That's why the Church is to stand for Bible truth and not in any water down the message of the Word of God. We should never in even the slightest way show our approval of their vile sin. Unmerciful=aneleemon (greek) means unmerciful,  cruel, not compassionate,  merciless. Hang around the sodomite for any length of time and you will see an unmerciful spirit in them. They are rejected (reprobrate) due to being given over to vile affections so they have no compassion for others. Sounds like what happened to lucifer.  Those who are rejected by Jehovah have hate in their hearts especially towards those who profess the name of Christ. Absolutely no compassion shown by the sodomite/lesbian community when Christians lose their livlihoods for holding to their biblical values.

Verse 32 - Judgment=dikaioma (greek) which means a decree, as defining and establishing what is right and just, precept, law, ordinance, judgment,  justification, righteousness,  a statute or decision. So these perverts know the judgement of God according to this verse and guess what? The judgement they will receive according to scripture is just, righteous and equitable and establishea what is right. The judgment they will receive is eternity in the Lake of Fire and it is righteous that they are sent there. It is a law and ordinance decreed by Jehovah and no one is to question the justness of his decrees. The sodomite/lesbian is without excuse as they clearly see and understand the invisible attributes of God from the creation of the world. They even see and understand his eternal power and Godhead ( The Trinity ). They know in their heart of hearts that Jehovah's judgment of their sin is Hell Fire! But they did not retain God in their knowledge so they are given over to a reprobate (rejected) mind. Which commit=prasso (greek) which means perform repeatedly or habitually,  to execute,  accomplish, to do or conduct evil deeds, expressing an action as continued, continually.  So this verse and really much of the 2nd part of this chapter is talking about the continual practice of sodomy/lesbianism not a single act. I truly believe someone who commits this act as a one time thing can repent as they may have Godly sorrow after. However once they are practicing sodomy/lesbianism as a repeated evil they have become reprobate and repentance is not available to them. If God gives you over to something it's "Game over"! So these filthy dreamers are worthy of death according to this verse. We no that we no longer live in Old Testament times where stoning of certain sins took place so I believe this death spoken of here is the second death which is being cast into the Lake of Fire which burns with brimstone. This will be after the white throne judgment. However,  even in this life the sodomites often die young due the recompence of their error such as aids, other STD's and also colon related diseases. Here is the kicker though,  not only are the sodomites/lesbians worthy of death but those who approve of them and have pleasure in them that practice these vile affections.  So, if you are a Christian that in any way has supported homosexual pseudo marriage either by word or action (voting) then you are worthy of death according to scripture. Repent of your sin before it is too late. Jehovah will not want to hear your opinion that these sodomites/lesbians deserve the same civil rights that heterosexuals enjoy. God's law trumps civil law. Unbelievers who support this wickedness will also be deserving of death in the Lake of Fire!

1st Corinthians 2 study

1 Corinthians 2  (KJV)

1 And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God.

2 For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.

3 And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling.

4 And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:

5 That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.

6 Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought:

7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:

8 Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.

9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.

10 But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.

11 For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.

12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.

13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.

14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

15 But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.

16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? but we have the mind of Christ.

Faslely, many Christians have bought into the lie that one must attend a Bible college or seminary in order to be a Pastor. This is inbred into us when we attend the stated meetings of whatever denomination we belong to. Why are we told that one must attend a Bible college or seminary? Because they say that the only way we can truly understand the Bible is to learn more about history and philosophy and all the technical theological terms. Greek philosophy is often intermixed in these mortuaries of supposed Bible learning. Let's see,  in the early Church there was no such thing as Bible colleges or seminary or theologians.  The apostles were fisherman, a tax collector, a physician. Paul the apostle counted his religious education as nothing. 

The training and the equipping of the saints is supposed to be done at the local church not a Christian University or a seminary. Many theologians talk about the Bible and the various doctrines ad nauseam but do they live it out in, the streets, in the market place, in the other various public squares. They understand Greek, Aramaic and Hebrew but do they have the Holy Spirit in them that allowed the apostles to rejoice after they were scourged for their testimony of Jesus Christ. They counted themselves worthy to suffer for his name. Give me a humble villager who only knows one language and speaks in simplicity yet is sold out uncompromisingly for Christ, willing to forsake all for the pearl of great price than a haughty theologian who knows 5 languages and uses impressive words, yet goes home to his 5 bedroom house and has 2 luxury cars and doesn't know the first thing about what's it like to be hated and persecuted for the Lord.

What is the fruit of Bible colleges/seminary and theologians? 

Frozen Doctrine: Unwilling to let go of unbiblical doctrines even in the face of plain sense scripture because you trust in your degree and have put your denominations theologian on a pedastol instead remembering the scripture that says that it is the Holy Spirit that guides us into all truth. 

Pride: A certain haughtiness and arrogance towards those who didn't go to Bible college thinking you can't learn from them thereby commiting the sins of the pharisees. Knowledge puffeth up charity buildeth up.

Man worship: An unbalanced view of the theologian/s that you learned under. Almost having the view that they are God's gift to Christianity. Are you more impressed with those who speak the word of God with man's wisdom and philosophies and knowing all the biblical languages or the man/woman who knows the word but is still learning yet is out soul winning for Christ and being persecuted and hated yet is being faithful?

Verse 1- Paul declares that when he came with the testimony of Jehovah (notice, not his testimony) it was done with the Holy Spirit and not in man's understanding of what constitutes wisdom or excellent speech. If a Pastor or theologian starts using complicated words and explains doctrine in an unclear esoteric philosophical manner then he is not speaking with God's wisdom but rather man's wisdom. 

Verse 2- Paul preached a simple message of Christ crucified on the cross and didn't yearn to know anything about those in Corinth other than Christ in them. Today's Pastor's often go and on about their testimony yet it is the testimony of Jesus Christ that saves us, his incarnation, his death, burial and bodily ressurection. This is the gospel that saves unto eternal life. Do we really need to know about each others past lives in the world? Be wary of those in the Church that want to know too much about your past when you were In the world. They should be wanting to know what Christ is doing in your life. Also, be wary of those that often talk about their past lives in the world and are not letting you know what Christ is doing in them.

Verse 3-Look at Paul's humility,  a total reliance on Christ for his strength and not of himself. 

Verse 4 - Paul's desire was not to impress the Corinthians with eloquent speech or sophisticated words lest their faith rely on his abilities as a speaker.  He soley relied on the Holy Spirit for the hearers in Corinth to experience God's power. Theologians often do the very opposite of this.

Verse 5- Where does your faith stand? Is it in God and his infallible word or in the commandments and doctrines of man with their human wisdom and philosophies?

Verse 6- The wisdom of Presidents, Kings and the intellectuals of this world come to nothing but that wisdom which is perfect- The simple message of the cross, is what saves men unto eternal life. 

Verse 7- Jehovah ordained the message of Christ crucified on the cross before the creation of the world.  Jesus dying on the cross was never a "plan B" but has always been the plan in order to bring men unto salvation. It was a mystery that was revealed by God and apart from Him no one can understand it.

Verse 8- Just as today, the princes of Jesus time knew not the mystery of God which ordained the incarnation, death, burial and  bodily ressurection of Jesus Christ before the foundation of the world. That's why you have the politicians of Babylon making ungodly sodomite/lesbian pseudo marriage decrees because they know not the mystery of God which is revealed by the Holy Spirit.

Verse 9- Wow!! For us who love Christ (not just in word but also in deed) we have a mansion awaiting us in the Holy City the New Jerusalem which is in heaven. We have a heavenly hope not an earthly one in some supposed 1,000 year paradise Utopia with Christ reigning on an earthly throne instituting animal sacrifices when his ransom sacrifice in the Cross was forever and once for all! Our 1,000 year reign with Christ will be in Heaven and then pur eternal home will be in this very earth made new.

Verse 10- Only the Holy Spirit can reveal these things to us- The simple message of the cross,  the mansion in the heavenly Mount Zion, the deep things of God. If you have the Holy Spirit in you then you have no need of a theologian who can't possibly show you the deep things of God because he has put his trust in his own understanding and knowledge. The Holy Spirit searches all things not man!

Verse 11-The Holy Spirit is what reveals the gospel to man who apart from that, cannot perceive it.

Verse 12- Once we are Born Again, we no longer have the spirit of this world/age but rather the Holy Spirit which is the Spirit of God. Having died to the world, we no longer think and act like those of the world as we now have God's Spirit in us which gives us freely the things that are of Him.

Verse 13- Does your Pastor or if you go to a Bible college your resident theologian,  use the words which the Holy Ghost teacheth to describe sin or the words which the wisdom of man teacheth? For example:

The Holy Ghost teaches that homosexuals are called sodomites, filthy dreamers,  defilers of the flesh, abusers of themselves with mankind, those who go after strange (queer) flesh, natural brute beast and that the sin of homosexuality is an abomination. The Holy Ghost teaches that homosexuals have been given over by God to a reprobate mind to do those things which are not convenient and unseemly thereby receiving in themselves the error which was meet, think of aids and other diseases that affect the colon. The Holy Ghost teaches that these men and women continue in their reprobate lifestyle because they have pleasure in unrighteousness. The Holy Ghost teaches that homosexuals are given over to vile affections. The Holy Ghost teaches that homosexuals go against the natural use of the woman-man God intended use of sexual intercourse for the burning of lust for each other. The Holy Ghost teaches that whatever is filthy let it be filthy still. The Holy Ghost teaches not to let leaven in the Church and not to have fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness. The Holy Ghost teaches that many will be offended in last days and that the word of God is an offense to those perishing. The Holy Ghost teaches that those who practice sodomy/lesbianism are dogs. The Holy Ghost teaches that God will send them a strong delusion in the last days that they should believe a lie because they received not the love of the truth that they might be saved. 

Man's (False teachers and theologians Included) wisdom teaches that homosexuality is called "gay", same-sex attraction, and that homosexuality is no different than other sins. They say maybe homosexuals are pre programmed towards that lifestyle and they refer to homosexuals as though they may be their own gender unto itself. Man's wisdom teaches that homosexuals are no different from other sinners and that all we need to do is love them and they will come to Christ. Man's wisdom teaches that it is the breakdown of the Christian marriage institution that has led to the rise of homosexuality and now the implementation of homosexual pseudo marriage. Man's wisdom says that possibly, homosexuals are born with a chromosome that makes them lean towards the same sex. Man's wisdom teaches that let's just let them come to our church gatherings and love on them. Man's wisdom teaches not to offend them. Man's wisdom teaches not to hurt their feelings. Man's wisdom teaches that it may, be okay certain circumstances to attend their pseudo weddings. Man's wisdom teaches that all they need is for us to accept them and they will come to God.

Verse 14- The natural man cannot receive the things of the Spirit as they are foolishness to him. When a Pastor or a theologian waters down the word of God and uses man's wisdom instead to describe spiritual things, then that will tell you right there that they are unregenerate and not Born Again. Only those filled with the Holy Spirit can can discern spiritual things. This will be evident in how they endure sound doctrine and if they themselves use the words that the Holy Ghost teaches to describe sin and other spiritual things. If they use words that are of man's wisdom, understanding and philosophy then they are not filled with the Holy Spirit but rather they are unregenerate. They, being professed teachers of the things of God should know better and it is no wonder this happens, for even satan transforms himself as an angel of light.

Verse 15- We who are spiritual judge all things because our obedience is complete, so that we can then slay all other disobedience. We ourselves cannot be judged by any man because we are approved by Jehovah. 

Verse 16- Theologians often speak on the Lord's behalf yet not having the mind of Christ due to their trust in human philosophy,  wisdom, knowledge and understanding they speak presumptiously and we should not fear them. However, we who are Born Again and use the words that the Holy Ghost teaches to describe sin and other spiritual things have the mind of Christ. These presumptious theologians need to repent, that is if their conscience isn't already seared with a hot iron, and need to learn from the simple brother and sister who have the mind of Christ.

Women in Ministry, what is their role?

This has been a hot topic in Christendom as of late. Part of the reason I'm addressing this, is because recently a dear brother of mine rebuked me for posting a you tube video of a female evangelist who uses scripture to discuss current events from her office in her home. I respect this brother and I thank him for bringing this to my attention as it caused me to look further into the subject. 

We are ALL called to Preach the Gospel!

2 Timothy 4:2
"Preach the Word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching."

The above scripture is clear that Convincing, rebuking, exhorting & teaching are all components of Preaching. 

 Convincing is when we preach to unbelievers whether door to door, in the streets or at a park & even in congregations when brothers/sisters gather together & a unbeliever happens to attend your gatherings. As you know, not all of those that go to our fellowships are baptized Christians, some may not even be studying to be one so therefore when our elders are giving their talks if they are using scripture then what they are doing is preaching. To believers, their talks are teaching them but to unbelievers their talks are trying to convince them. So yes it is preaching when we are trying to convince unbelievers or when giving bible studies when discipling those who have come to faith in Christ or bible studies to those considering conversion, that teaching we are giving to other believers or potential converts is considered a form of Preaching if we are using scripture. 

 Rebuking is also a form of Preaching as in order to rebuke someone you need to use scripture to justify the rebuke. The rebuking is normally for other believers when they commit sin. Scripture will need to be used to show the brother/sister in sin why they are wrong & need to repent. This rebuking could also be used to an unbeliever when they are persecuting you.

 Exhorting is also a form of Preaching as this is used to encourage other believers to be steadfast in their walk with God & to continue in the work of the ministry by using scripture. Exhortation can also be used for potential converts for the purpose of bringing them to faith in Christ. 

 Teaching is also a form of Preaching when based on scripture, this form of preaching is mostly used for believers however it is also used for potential converts who are interested in learning God's word. ALL Baptized Christians are called to preach the Gospel, there is no clergy/laity distinction here. ALL Baptized Christians are ministers of the gospel.

Galatians 3:28-29 (KJV)

28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.

29 And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.

Matthew 24 :14 
"And this gospel of the Kingdom will be preached in all the world as witness to all the nations l, and then the end will come." 

Tell me, how can this be done if we are relying soley on Pastor's, Elders in particular and only men in general and we don't allow women to do this? After all, the elders are primarily preaching (teaching) to the congregations most of which consist of already saved Christians. Their primary responsibility is to equip the saints (last I checked consist of men and women) for the work of the ministry so that we can go out and fufill the great commission. Of course the Elders (Bishop's, Deacons, Pastors included) are to be doing the work of preaching to the lost as well. 

Some will say "well women are only allowed to be involved in certain types of ministry such as children's ministry or teaching in womens study groups or some other seemingly feminine activity"

Where does it say this in the Bible? First of all, there is no such thing in the Bible as "children's ministry". Men, women and children are not to be separated during the teaching of the word of God during our Church gatherings. We are all to learn together as we are one body. This goes for so called Jr. High, High school and college ministries as well. There should be no separation as the same word of God that is preached to adults is the same word of God that should be preached to children. 

This patriarchal teaching of women only being allowed certain limited roles in the Church has handcuffed and stifled the growth of the body of Christ. While Jehovah Witness women are out everyday preaching their false gospel and gaining converts by the bus loads, we Born Again Christian's with the true gospel are telling our women they need to stay home and mind the household if they don’t work rather than encouraging them to go street evangelizing or door to door preaching or any type of public witnessing of the gospel.  Sure, stay at home mom's need to take care of the household but what about when they have finished those responsibilities, do you as their husband exhort them to also be about the Lord's work and give them some grace on the household duties? 

We are losing potential converts everyday to the cults because we have this unscriptural view on a womans role in the Church. While they encourage their women to come alongside them in the street and door to door preaching and also to go on out their own, we limit the women in our Churches who have the truth and we also fail to equip them so that they can contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints. Because of our failure as men in this area, often times the women in our churches are not equipped when a Jehovah Witness comes to their door with their WatchTower doctrine. This leaves our Christian women feeling frustrated and not armed for battle.

Now as for eldership which includes being a Pastor that is a different story and the Bible is clear on that.

1 Timothy 2:11-14 (KJV)

11 Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection.

12 But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence.

13 For Adam was first formed, then Eve.

14 And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression.

This is when we come together as a Church body in our gatherings or even in group Bible studies where there is mixed company. 

You may ask, what about in one on one situations? We'll a believing women can certainly teach a potential male convert the word of God. Once that potential male convert becomes Born Again, then ideally another believing man should take the reigns of teaching this babe in Christ all things that Jesus commanded. However,  if no man wants to invest the time to do this or the new convert in Christ only feels comfortable with the woman who led him to the Lord teaching him, then so be it.

Matthew 28:18-20 (KJV)

18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.

19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

The above passage of scripture is known as "The Great Commission". I believe this is for all men and women of the pious faith to fufill. I will even say there is nothing in scripture that prevents a woman from baptizing a man. If a woman is out preaching in the streets or door to door and the potential male convert expresses his desire to become Born Again,  why would she wait until a man is available to do the baptism?  Baptism is to be done right away after Faith (belief and confession) in Christ and repentance not months later at a Church bbq. Every time in scripture in the new testament  when new converts got baptized it was right away without delay. So again, a woman who gains a convert should take that man and baptize him in whatever body of water she can find (full immersion). For one, there may not be a man available at the time of conversion to administer the baptism which is a requirement of salvation. Secondly,  there may be one available but he may be too busy watching the Dodger game. Therefore it is up to the woman to take the Kingdom of Heaven with force and step into it violently on behalf of the male convert and baptize the man so that he has remission of sins. 

Acts 2:37-38 (KJV)

37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?

38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

See, we have nearly silenced half of the body of Christ by drastically limiting a women's role in the Church. Their voice should be heard as well, lest we quench the Holy Spirit. I have and do glean from certain women who are solid in their word and this can be via blogs,  you tube channels and in personal relationships. Now, I will not sit under a Female Pastor for that is unbiblical and unnatural.

Titus 1:5-9 (KJV)

5 For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee:

6 If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly.

7 For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre;

8 But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate;

9 Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.

Note that verse 6 says "the husband of one wife" meaning a one woman man, not a womanizer or polygamist.  This also eliminates women from holding an office if eldership in the Church which also includes being a  Pastor. This goes right in step with 1 Timothy 2 :11-14 about women not to teach over men or have authority over them which is what the role of a Bishop is for: Teaching and having authority. 

Titus 2:3-5 (KJV)

3 The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;

4 That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,

5 To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.

Women who teach other women are to be in accord with the above passage of scripture. There is no place for feminist doctrine in the Church or for that matter male dominated authoritarianism. Feminism brings discord and division in the body of Christ.

1 Timothy 3:1-13 (KJV)

1 This is a true saying, if a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.

2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;

3 Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;

4 One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity;

5 (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)

6 Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.

7 Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.

8 Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre;

9 Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.

10 And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless.

11 Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things.

12 Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well.

13 For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.

Note verse 1 says "if a man" in regards to desiring the office of a Bishop. Verse 2 says "husband of one wife" not wife of one husband. Verse 5 says "if a man" in regards to taking care of the Church of God. Verse 4 says "his own house" in regards to ruling it well. Note none of these verses say "she or her". Verse 6 says "he" regarding avoiding pride. Verse 7 says "he must have a good report". Verse 11 in discussing Deacons, that their "wives must not be grave" note it doesn't say that their "husbands must not be grave". Verse 12 in regards to gender of Deacons "husbands of one wife" not wifes of one husband. 

The Holy word of God is crystal clear that the office of any Elder of the Church is for men and not women. Anyone who teaches otherwise is going against almighty Jehovah and they will have to make an account before him at the White Throne Judgment.

1 Corinthians 14:34-40 (KJV)

34 Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience as also saith the law.

35 And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church.

36 What? came the word of God out from you? or came it unto you only?

37 If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord.

38 But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant.

39 Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues.

40 Let all things be done decently and in order.

Paul clearly explains how women are to behave in the Church gatherings when the word of God is being preached. So many have tried to wiggle out this scripture citing culture,  history etc. but note in verse 37 where he says these commandments of his are from the Lord and if anyone think himself to be a prophet or spiritual he will acknowledge that very thing (that this is a commandment from the Lord). This is when we as the local church body gather together for our services and corporate worship for the preaching/teaching of the word. If the setting permits it due to smaller size, then a woman can certainly speak and ask questions in gentleness and meekness in spirit. Now, I believe this is in reference to when the Pastor/Teacher is giving his talk and not anything other than that.  Also, if the elders open the opportunity for prophecy or translation of tongues due to the working of the Holy Spirit then certainly women have an equal part in this. So clearly, women are not to be Pastor's or any office of eldership and are not teach over or have authority over a man in the Church. In mixed company, smaller Bible study settings,  women are not to teach those as well and must learn in gentleness. They can speak and ask questions but not be a disruption. One on one fellowship is a different ball of wax and we can learn from the women in our midst and we better, lest we silence half of the body of Christ.   Also, women can certainly teach unbelieving men.