Why were women asked not to preach in church?

The questioner may have the following scriptures in mind when asking this question.

1 Timothy 2:11-13 Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence. For Adam was first formed, then Eve. (KJV)

1 Corinthians 14:34 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. (KJV)

There are many brilliant women among the Lord’s people, well studied in scripture, and quite able to present, so why would there be a prohibition on women being permitted “to teach” in the church? We do find a clear hierarchal order laid out for us in the Bible. One instance of this can be found in the following text.

1 Corinthians 11:3 But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God. (KJV)

This represents a top down order of authority, God, Jesus, man, woman. The fact that many women would be quite capable to be teachers, yet not permitted to teach, must indicate that there is another lesson that God wishes us learn. These lessons would include; obedience, submissiveness, and humility. These are basic principles that every Christian must learn. (Even Jesus was so proven.

Hebrews 5:8 Although He was a Son, He learned obedience from the things which He suffered. (NAS) While Jesus was always obedient, the test he faced was to maintain perfect obedience under suffering.)

Respecting this order of authority must have been so important for us to learn that God decided to exemplify it in this manner, in the everyday activities of life. This should serve as a constant reminder for Jesus disciples, that God is above all, and we are all under Jesus as our head.

In the case of the Corinthian church the circumstances may have been somewhat unique. This was a church that needed some strong restraints placed over them due to the social setting and typical behaviors that they were accustomed to. That said, if we look at the words “to speak” from 1Corinthian 14:34 we find the following definition.

Strong’s Dictionary on "to speak" #2980  laleo (lal-eh'-o); can have the meaning of “an extended or random harangue.” So Paul is not saying a woman cannot say a word, but rather that the women in Corinth must not take a leading role over the men. Why? Again this would be disruptive to the order of authority that God has established in His creative wisdom.

One final point that should be noted. While there are established hierarchal roles in our earthly lives, the high calling to be members of “the Christ” carries forward no such roles in the resurrection. In other words, once we have finished our earthly life as male or female, if we are found faithful in our walk, and are raised to be with Jesus, there will be no such gender distinctions that carry over from this life.

Galatians 3:28 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. (KJV)

This is teaching us that any that are “called of God” can “run the race for the prize of the high calling in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:14

Observing these Biblical principles is one of the many ways that we can exercise obedience to God.

What is the position of the death penalty in the New Testament?

Punishment of criminals is a governmental responsibility. Under the Law Covenant, God promised He would direct Israel’s governmental affairs if they tried to obey Him. Deuteronomy 30:16, “If you obey the commandments of the LORD your God that I command you today, by loving the LORD your God, by walking in his ways, and by keeping his commandments and his statutes and his rules, then you shall live and multiply, and the LORD your God will bless you in the land…” “For the Lord will be judge of his people…” Deuteronomy 32:36.

However, the Lord has never promised He would direct the affairs of any nation beside Israel. “You only have I known of all the families of the earth: therefore I will punish you for all your iniquities.” (Amos 3:2) No where in the New Testament does God teach He will overrule the decisions of any Gentile nation.

What does the New Testament teach about earthly governments and rulers? Romans 13:1, “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.” This scripture does not teach God is directing each nation. It’s obvious that the nations are not obedient to the Bible! Look at all the injustices around the world. However, this verse does indicate that God is a god of order and He has instituted governments to deal with offenses in order to keep people safe. 

Continuing in Romans 13:2-4, “Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good…But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain…” Essentially, God is permitting the nations to use the death penalty as a punishment for murderers. Christian believers are not the government. We may individually forgive a murderer but we may not direct the government as to how to punish the guilty one. That decision is out of our control. 

How can we develop more faith in God?

“Without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that cometh to God must believe He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” Hebrews 11:6

It is important to develop our faith to be pleasing to God. If we want to have fellowship with Him, we need to take care of our spiritual development. So how does one grow in faith? Here are some of the possibilities:

-“The Apostles said unto the Lord, increase our faith.” Luke 17: 5
God will be happy to help His children to grow in faith. Begin by sincerely praying for it.

– “Ask and it shall be given you…” Matthew 7: 7
Prayer is the most beautiful form of conversation with our Father. There is never a missed call! You can talk at any time of the day or night and He will hear. Conversation is a very basic form of communication with people. It should be thus with God as well. Without this daily and honest conversation, our faith will not increase.

– “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Romans 10:17
This verse shows the steps to develop faith: Bible-Hearing-Faith. God teaches us through studying the Bible, and there we learn to do His will. Also, develop friendships with other Christians. Fellowship with them, ask Biblical questions, and follow their examples. “…many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized.” Acts 18:8

– “…so faith without works is dead.” James 2:26  When we observe the world of plants, we note that they are beautiful in themselves. Beautiful are the leaves and flowers. But the most important plant feature is bringing forth fruit and food. The same holds true respecting faith. If we have even a little faith, we need to bring forth fruit by practicing it in daily life.

– “Giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; and to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.” 2 Peter 1:5-7 How can we develop more faith? Here is some very simple advice. Is it easy? Certainly not. However, we have all of our life to work on it. So the sooner we start, the better! God is eager to help us.

How can I stop my temper?

God feels angry: “God judgeth the righteous, and God is angry with the wicked every day.” Psalm 7:11. Since God cannot sin, anger cannot be a sin. It is an important feeling which God gave us at creation. Anger alerts us that something is wrong or hurtful. Problems occur when people act sinfully when angry. 

If one of your challenges is temper, it will likely challenge you for the rest of your life.  The way you respond to hurtful experiences will impact your character development.

The fruits of the spirit are listed in Galatians 5:22-23: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Each of these could individually be seen as the opposite of temper. For example, when one is angry, he shows impatience toward others and is often unkind. He is certainly not gentle, and angry actions demonstrate the loss of self-control.

So how does one develop the fruits of the spirit to manage his behavior?

Galatians 5:16-21 talks about “living after the flesh” and having fallen, earthly goals, interests and habits. In contrast, a life “led after the spirit” leads to those beautiful fruits described above. 

Living by the spirit means following in Jesus’s footsteps and seeking to do God’s will first and foremost. “Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness” (Matt 6:33). Again, this is a lifelong battle. 

In Romans 7:14-25, Paul explained how sin worked in his life. He shared that even when he knew what was wrong and did not want to do it, he did it anyway. The fallen human is controlled by sin. Paul was not trying to give us the perfect excuse to go on sinning. Instead, he was trying to help us avoid discouragement. Even if you commit yourself to following in our Lord’s footsteps and are genuinely seeking to serve God and follow His ways, you WILL lose your temper again. You can’t turn it off like a switch. When it happens, seek forgiveness from the Lord and also from those you hurt. This can help develop humility, which will be one of the first steps toward the fruits of the spirit. “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble…draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” (James 4:6-8)

God will reward your efforts, but it will take just that: a lot of effort. And you must recognize that the struggle will be lifelong. All Christians struggle with different challenges, but we all need to seek the Lord first and come to Him for forgiveness. This will develop humility, keep us from discouragement, and allow us to eventually be perfected in character.

What is the role of character in Christian ministry?

Isaiah 61:1-3 describes the ministry and the purpose of the anointing of Christ, (Luke 4:16-21) and of his followers.  (2 Corinthians 1:21-22)  We are anointed, as Christ was, to preach, to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim deliverance! Our place in this ministry, in this work of deliverance begins with our own deliverance, which certainly includes every thought being brought into the servitude of our Precious Anointed Savior!  Thoughts and character surrendered to the authority of Christ equip and prepare us to be part of the work of the Deliverer by being a light and encouragement now, and in the future through the privilege of blessing all the families of the earth from heavenly glory!  2 Corinthians 5:20,  6:1-3; Revelation 1:6; Romans 8:17-21

“Giving no cause for offense in anything, in order that the ministry be not discredited, but in everything commending ourselves as servants of God…”  2 Corinthians 6:3-4  If our way of life does not match the values of our ministry and service to Christ, we can discredit that ministry.

 “Therefore if a man cleanses himself from these things, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work.  Now flee from youthful lusts, and pursue righteousness, faith love and peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.”  2 Timothy 2:21-22 

Our privilege of ministry or service is not real or effective unless we are being molded into the image of Christ in our hearts.   We are prepared to be of use to our Master as we pursue faith, love and peace, and as we cleanse ourselves from our old habits.  

“You are the light of the world.”  Matthew 5:14  We are not to just shine the light of the Gospel, we are to reflect the light of the Gospel in our hearts.  

Remember the saying: “Preach the Word. Use words if you have to.” Our ministry is powerful in Christ when the Word of God that we desire to share is consistent with how we live our lives.

What is spiritual warfare?

“For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ” 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 (ESV)

We live in the flesh, but we do not fight by fleshly means. Our weapons are mighty through God to the destruction of the imaginations of our body or of any high thought that exalts itself against the knowledge of God. Our weapons teach  us to submit to the obedience of Christ. Jesus’s soldiers have unusual armor. We have the “breastplate of righteousness”, the “helmet of salvation”, the “shield of faith”, and the “sword of the spirit”. Our feet must be “sandaled with readiness for the gospel of peace”, all the while wearing the “belt of truth” (Ephesians 6:11-18 HCSB).

“Strongholds” of our sinful mental fortress can only be destroyed by the power of the Holy Spirit. Our imaginations are filled with pride, selfishness, vices, evil tendencies to follow society’s standards, etc. The degradation of man is revealed throughout history. Therefore, “Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.” – Romans 6:12. Destroy those fortress, and use your bodies to obey God. 

With all our strength by God’s power, we must focus on spiritual things, as we read in Colossians 3:2: “Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.” We have to think about holy things, related to our salvation as we strive to be part of the Royal Priesthood.

When we want to subdue the old nature, we may examine ourselves through these questions:

1. Do my mind and heart enjoy sin in any form?
2. Do I justify my little sins as excusable?
3. Do I have a passion for justice, truth, kindness, gentleness, meekness, humility, patience and love? All Christian soldiers must recognize that their warfare will continue until death. There can be no question of considering any thoughts about withdrawing, if only for one hour, from the good fight of faith.

I am a Christian, so can I marry a Hindu girl?

No. When a Christian and a non-Christian marry, that couple is considered unequally yoked. 2 Corinthians 6:14-18 (NIV) “do not be yoked together with unbelievers”.  

Deuteronomy 22:10 tells us, “do not plow with an ox and a donkey yoked together”.  A yoke is a wooden crosspiece that is fastened over the necks of two animals and attached to the plow or cart that they are to pull. When two animals of unequal strength are yoked together, the stronger one will need to bear more of the burden and the weight will not be evenly distributed. 

In God’s sight, a man and a woman become one (or yoked) when they marry. Emotionally, spiritually, intellectually, and financially, the couple will need to work through the challenges of life together. It is especially important for the couple to pull together spiritually. 

So why does the Apostle Paul admonish us not to be unequally yoked with unbelievers? Apostle Paul warns us in Romans 12:2saying, “do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” As the saying goes, “be in the world, but not of it”. Christians are to live as new creatures in this unrighteous world while simultaneously not allowing it to influence us or lead us astray from the path of self-sacrifice. 

A non-Christian spouse will not be willing to sacrifice all to follow in Jesus’s footsteps. Remember Jesus’s words in Matthew 16:24, “Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” The natural spouse will appropriately want the good things of the world. But Jesus told His followers, “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth…” (Matthew 6:19). 

Therefore, a Christian believer should only marry another Christian. Jesus’s followers consecrate to do the Lord’s will in all aspects of their lives and that certainly involves choosing an appropriate life partner.

What is the importance of worship and what are its benefits?

Worship is defined in Webster’s Dictionary, 1828 as to “Worship is to honor with extravagant love and extreme submission.” Many honest and sincere Christians think that if you love God and give glory to God, that this is enough. Some quote the Apostle Paul: “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” (Romans 10:13) and believe that when you are baptized you will now fully enjoy the benefits arising from being His child. 

However, our Lord explained to be a true disciple is to follow in His footsteps. “Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.” (Matthew 16:24)  Thus, the act of worship involves adoring God above all else and submitting to His will in every aspect of our lives. Worship involves active choices not merely passive subjection. As the Apostle Peter exhorts, “be holy in all your conduct” (1 Peter 1:15).

Consider Jesus’ example. He so adored and honored His Father’s will that all of His words and actions glorified God. “…The words that I say to you I do not speak on My own initiative, but the Father abiding in Me does His works,” John 14:10. Therefore our hearts’ devotion and worship will be reflected in all we do and say.

How did the world respond to Jesus’ ministry? Our Lord incurred the hatred of the world. “If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you,” John.15:20. The Apostles met the same fate. In fact, all sincere Christians will be hated because they do not embrace worldly values. “If the world hates you, you know that it has hated Me before it hated you,” John 15:18.

Yet, our suffering develops our characters by teaching us to obey even under extreme persecution. Hebrews 5:8 explains that even Jesus, “though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered.” So, we too endure disciplines in order to be developed into His character likeness. “For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it,” Hebrews 12:11. Therefore, one result of worship is becoming transformed into His character image. (See Romans 8:29.)

A wonderful benefit of true worship is our heavenly reward. When resurrected, we shall be like Him (1 John 3:2) and be co-heirs with Him. “And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together” Romans 8:17.

What's your view on 12 step programs?

12 Step programs can be a great blessing. These programs are designed for people with addictions or behaviors they cannot stop. The first three steps help the person to acknowledge he is out of control, powerless over the addiction. Then he recognizes God can help restore his sanity. Finally, he gives his will and life over to God’s care. How wonderful! God wants all people (addicts or not) to give their lives over to Him.

As with any sin, our lives are damaged by engaging in it. Therefore the next nine steps address the decay of our characters and the injuries we have inflicted upon others. By recognizing, taking responsibility for our faults, and making amends, we mature. We leave the infantile state of being self-centered, irresponsible, and sinful and are able to grow into responsible, caring, mature adults.

Having said this, not every 12 Step meeting is healthy. Sometimes it takes a while to find a meeting where you might feel safe sharing your problems. By attending meetings, you will have the support, understanding, and friendship of other sufferers. One important aspect of meetings is you will not be able to pull the wool over other addicts’ eyes by rationalization. They will see through your denials, hold you accountable, and encourage you to recover! Through working a 12 Step program, you will learn of God’s power, receive the support of others, and may grow into a mature adult.

What are the gifts of the spirit?

The Apostle Paul records a lengthy explanation regarding the gifts of the spirit in 1 Corinthians chapters 12-14.  Paul specifically names the gifts of the spirit in 1 Corinthians 12: 8-11, “To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit,  to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, 0 to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues.  All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.” 

Jesus commanded in Matthew 28:19, 20 “to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them, and teaching them to observe all things…”  Gifts, such as speaking in foreign languages, were necessary to spread the gospel into foreign lands and establish the early church. In 1 Corinthians 14:22 (HCSB), Paul specified that  “…speaking in other languages is intended as a sign, not for believers but for unbelievers,” so that they would believe the message was from God. Then they could report with confidence that the power of God was at work. In the same manner, gifts of healing, wisdom, and prophecy provided strong evidence of the power of God to those unbelievers who witnessed them.

This word “gift” is translated from the Greek word, and it refers specially to a miraculous gift. In 1 Corinthians 12:27,28, Paul emphasized that the different miraculous gifts given to some members of the early church did not make one member better than another. Therefore they should not be boastful or proud when they were the receiver of a gift. The glory should go to God who made these distinctions in the church for the promotion of the Gospel.  

In 1 Corinthians 13, the Apostle warns about possessing these gifts without producing the fruits of the spirit, i.e, FAITH, HOPE and LOVE. These fruits of Christian character are of superior value in comparison to the gifts.  In verse 8, he instructs that love never fails, but the other gifts of the spirit will eventually cease.  Additionally there is strong evidence that only the Apostles could impart these gifts to others and after their death, these gifts did cease.  See Romans 1:11; Act 4:30,31; Acts 19:6.

In 1 Corinthians 14, Paul continues to counsel  to “excel to the edifying (spiritual instructing) of the church” (vs 12).  None in the church had these miraculous abilities greater than Paul and yet he states in vs 19, “I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousands words in an unknown language.”  Paul ends his letter to the Corinthians by teaching the doctrines of the ransom and the resurrection.

How can I be fruitful according to Matthew 13?

Jesus teaches the parable of the sower in Matthew 13:3-23.  In this parable, soil quality represents heart condition.  If the good seed (gospel /Kingdom message) falls on good ground (an honest, humble heart), it will bear much fruit (a Christ-like character).  “…the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, meekness, self-control…” (Galatians 5:22-23 ASV).

God may allow, not cause, the plowing up of the soil (heart) by allowing difficult experiences to humble a person. This prepares that one to receive the gospel with the goal of bearing spiritual fruit.  “…get rid of all moral filth and…evil…humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.” (James 1:21 NIV). In addition to God’s loving efforts on our behalf, we are responsible for actively maintaining pure thoughts and refusing to dwell on impure thoughts.  It benefits us to avoid tempting sinful environments. “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” (Proverbs 4:23 KJV).  Philippians 2:12 (ASV)states “… work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.”

We should study the holy scriptures daily, applying the lessons to all areas of our lives.  “…blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.” (Luke 11:28 ASV). See also 2 Timothy 3:16.

We may freely serve God, our brethren, and fellowmen. “…God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7 KJV). The heavenly Father expects us to lovingly serve our brethren, even those that seem to show us less warmth. “…let us do good unto all men, especially unto…the household of faith.”  (Galatians 6:10 KJV).

Developing perfect love is essential to entering the kingdom. By meeting with other Christians, we assist and encourage one another in spiritual goals (see Hebrews 10:25).   If we are willing, God will work in us, giving us desire, strength and ability to do His good pleasure (Philippians 2:13).   

We must pray continually (1 Thessalonians 5:17).   A constant trusting connection to Jehovah is vital to spiritual health and peace (see Isaiah 26:3).    

Although we try desperately to do good God’s will, sometimes we will fail, but  “…a righteous man falls seven times, and rises up again…” (Proverbs 24:16)

If possible, for our part, we should live peacefully with all (see Romans 12:18). “Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.”  (Hebrews 12:14 KJV).  And remember Jesus instructs us in Matthew 6:15 to forgive others just as God forgives us.

This is how we can be fruitful.

How do I know that I'm a true Christian?

First a person needs to recognize that he is a sinner, accept Jesus as his savior and renounce his own will to do God's will (Matthew 16:24). When God accepts this dear one into sonship, he is spirit begotten. God's spirit will slowly transform him into Christ-likeness. How does this happen? Romans 12:2 (NLT), "Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect." Disobeying God's will becomes painful and he seeks forgiveness to restore his close relationship with God. He sets his affections on things above and doesn't strive after earthly riches, status, power, etc. (See Matthew 6:19, 20.) He learns to love righteousness and hate wickedness (Hebrews 1:9).

Another evidence of spirit begettal is answered prayer. A Christian will petition God for help and God will answer him. (Always remember to include in your requests, "Not my will but thy will be done" Luke 22:42.) Sometimes God answers yes, sometimes no, and sometimes wait. The answers may seems like coincidences but one wise man said: "Answers may seem like coincidences, but when I stop praying, the 'coincidences' stop happening." 

However, it is also possible for a Christian to ignore God's word. The apostle Paul warns,  "Do not quench the spirit" 1 Thessalonians 5:19 (ESV). This means a man can ignore those little prompts to do God's will and harden his heart. He may think that a little waywardness is not that important. It's just a small thing. Song of Solomon 2:15 warns, "Take us the foxes, the little foxes, that spoil the vines." These foxes represent those little compromises and sins a person may commit daily. But these sins actually can spoil his walk with God. Remember, "He who is faithful in very little things is faithful also in much…" Luke 16:10 (ESV).

God loves His children so much that “even the very hairs of your head are all numbered…” Luke 12:7. Therefore, be “…confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it…” Philippians 1:6 (NKJV)

According Mark 3 verses 28-30, what types of blasphemies to the Holy Spirit cannot be forgiven?

Mark 3:28-30 finds a parallel reference in Matthew 12:31-32 which says, “And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him; but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Spirit, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come.”  Speaking against the Holy Spirit is denying the power of God.   

In the context of these passages, the Pharisees were making false accusations against our Lord and denying the power Jesus used to miraculously heal the afflicted as coming from God.   Although they were familiar with the Old Testaments scriptures (quoted in verses 18-21) which spoke of the works of the Messiah that would come, they renounced Jesus’ relationship to God and called him the child of Beelezub, that is, the devil.  It was to this accusation that the Lord responded saying that anyone who denies the power of God, shall not be forgiven, neither in this world or the world to come.

There is a principle that is involved in this announcement. The Holy Spirit is the spirit of truth (John 15:26) and so anyone that is educated in the truth is responsible for that knowledge. They would be going against their conscience in denying that truth. This was the case with the Pharisees. They refused to accept, through hardness of their hearts, what they had witnessed.  It was a sin against light, a sin of what they knew to be right.

This principle also applies to the Christian of this Christian era.  Hebrew 6:4-8 read, “It is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly Gift and were made partakers of the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the good Word of God and the powers of the world to come, if they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify it to themselves the Son of God afresh and put him to an open shame.”  What is this sin?  It is not one sin but rather living a life contrary to the will of God and the denying the value of the blood by which we have been saved.  A life contrary to God’s will would be living as hypocrites with hardness of heart. Essentially, in public a person might behave righteously, but in private his heart would be far from Christ-like. We need to ask ourselves: Do we love the Lord above all else? Are we willing to suffer as did our Lord?  Do we recognize that without Jesus we have no standing with God?   Are we striving to avoid all sin and enable the power of God to work in our hearts?  If that is so, then we are being transformed into Christ-likeness and not blaspheming against the Holy Spirit.

Can a pastor look at porn? My opinion is he should not but my husband tends to disagree. What is your take on this?

Pornography is designed to stimulate sexual feelings. Viewing pornography is part of a cycle of thinking, feeling, and acting which is used to distract and comfort people. When some men (or women) experience emotional pain like emptiness, stress, anxiety, loneliness, boredom, grief, depression, etc., they turn to pornography to alleviate their distress. When they see the arousing pictures of women, they become sexually stimulated and they forget their pain. Yes, powerful sexual feelings can subdue emotional pain. The behavior does give relief and it definitely works. However, these people believe this is a victimless solution as they are not acting sexually with another person. But pornography is highly destructive.

First, it hurts the person’s relationship with God. Whenever we are in pain, God wants us to turn to Him. “When troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.” (James 1:2) Why would James say that? How can pain bring us joy? Because when we turn to God for help, our relationship with God grows and we are transformed into Christ-likeness. Personally, I am very, very thankful for my painful experiences. When I look back, it was during those times of deepest pain, that I grew the most. I would not trade my trials for anything.

God has promised to be there with us in all of our hard experiences. Are you stressed and burdened? “Then Jesus said, ‘Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.’” Matt. 11:28. Are you lonely? “God places the lonely in families.” Psa. 68:6. Do feelings of grief and sorrow fill your soul? “Now let your unfailing love comfort me, just as you promised me…” Psa. 119:76. Are you bored? Then work. “For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” Gal. 6:8,9.  Are you full of doubts and don’t know what to do? “When doubts filled my mind, your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer.” Psa. 94:19, “I meditate on your age-old regulations; O LORD, they comfort me.” Psa. 119:52.

Some may say that they use pornography for sexual release. This is no where authorized in the scriptures. The Bible always tells men to “enjoy life with the wife whom you love, all the days…” Ecc. 9:9. Learning to love and find sexual joy with your wife can produce great character development. If a man is not married, ask God to bless you with a wife, “He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the LORD.” Prov. 18:22.

Can you see that by turning to pornography instead of God, that person is using sexual arousal as his god of comfort? No, we must resist the temptation to use pornography to help us. James 1:14, 15, 12, “Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allow to grow, it gives birth to death…God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.”