Poetry With A Mission

...a thought provoking poetical exercise.

Heresy is clearly the opposite to what our Lord has said,
And that is, man’s word rather than God’s word being implemented,
The Scriptures corrupted, twisted; and there's misinterpretation,
Which also misleads, deludes, and receives God’s strong condemnation.

So would we dare to ignore God’s wishes, do things differently,
Or perhaps via carelessness, even acting ignorantly,
And thus please man instead of God, put ourselves first, sadly compromise,
And somewhere down the track, our folly or even fate then realise?

Therefore,

Is ordaining women as pastors — even elders — heresy?
Is such the opposite to what God has stated biblically?
Did God say that we could do such, or did the apostles say so,
And is there a passage within God's Word that will clearly such show?

If there isn't a clear passage in Scripture that says that we can,
Then surely we’re simply relying on the shaky words of man.
But tell me, why would we buy into humanistic philosophy,
And thereby, foolishly superimpose such un-biblically?

You see,

Going by the Bible, pastors and elders are one and the same,
And therefore, once women are made elders, a pastor’s role they can claim.
And fair enough too — in that context, that is — but I’ve yet to see
Where in God's Word it says that women such officially can be.

No,

Any evidence in favour of such comes via the words of men,
And not directly from God’s mouth, nor any Bible writer’s pen.
And why Bible texts are oft taken out of context to defend
Some totally unacceptable pagan and Christian blend.

But God's a God of order, and He drawing demarcation lines,
And thus via His Holy Word, roles for both men and women assigns.
And there are roles in Heaven too, even within the Trinity,
Where we see Jesus submitting to His Father, and willingly.

And therefore, why not some roles on earth, ecclesiastically,
And within marriage, where men and women function differently?
Though differing in function, they’re still equal in worth and being,
So why would Christians over such roles be disagreeing?

And yes, Satan’s behind anything that’s wrong, anything askew,
And this is why Christians just can’t afford to Scripture misconstrue.
And why we should surrender to the will of God, and never man,
For rebellion, alias self, is where man’s troubles first began.

Thus I fear a pagan priesthood has entered Christianity,
Something that we've never seen before in this planet’s history.
For only within pagan religions was a female priest seen,
So tell me, why are women pastors now appearing on the scene?

Therefore, has Christendom foolishly strayed from the straight and narrow,
And have certain Christians just been pushing a personal barrow?
Has feminism and humanism also falsely advised,
And as a consequence, the modern Church such error authorised?

And some might say, “Quite frankly, women pastors just don’t bother me,”
But if they’re bothering God, not even one such pastor should we see.
Because it’s His will that matters, and thus it His will we’re to seek,
And hence why on behalf of women pastors I choose not to speak. 

By Lance Landall


This poem was upgraded on 14 May 2016.


EQUAL IN WORTH AND BEING, DIFFERENT IN FUNCTION.
THEOLOGICAL, NOT CULTURAL.

If Christ is male,
if Christ and the Church are supposed to be Husband and wife, Bridegroom and bride
(and husbands and wives having an intimate relationship),
if the pastor represents Christ (the Bridegroom), and the Church represents the bride,
and you replace the male pastor with a female pastor, you then have a female being
intimate with a female, a lesbian situation.

See my page: The Two Dividers.

2.  Ordination's Become A Red Herring

The question’s not one of ordination but more whether women have the right
To act in the capacity of a pastor, and God’s smile or wrath invite.
Scripture clearly stating they can or can’t, it either so or the view of men,
That troublesome human reasoning that has got things wrong time and time again.

Well, such approval’s conspicuously absent, and thus no “Saith the Lord,”
Who gave us His Word, and who regarding it, told us to walk in one accord.
And so, we should be erring on the side of “No,” though err I can hardly see,
’Cause it states just men, and there’s the importance of biblical imagery.

Another cause for caution is, that errant view so many feminists share
That God’s not male but female, thus that bride and Bridegroom a lesbian affair.
More why only men should represent the Father, who wants same priests in the home,
And hence why when we treat women as pastors, it’s from the path of right we roam.

If the Church is the bride, and our male God is the Bridegroom, it’s patently clear
That but a distorted representation any women pastor would bear.
And the reason why is, with the pastor representing God, we’d simply see
Another lesbian correlation wherever that pastor was a she,

’Cause she’s not a male, yet a representation, and so, what sex might God be?

Hence why we won’t recall some apostle or prophet of God having told us
That they got things wrong, or that there’s been a change, and not a murmur from Jesus.
That bride and Bridegroom still featured in the book of Revelation, no change there,
But confusion on Earth, a modern last minute rush to please the itchy ear.

Usurpers they appear, like Rome’s Mary Queen of Heaven, who intercedes too,
When it’s only Christ who does; and who only men the role of pastor gave to.
They not just priests at home, but pastors too, guiding their children, guiding their flock,
Femininity hardly representative of that solid manly Rock.

Yes, women served Christ when He was on Earth, but never jostled for position,
Despite Him being able to oblige by making some apostles women.
And yet, many women today, seeking that sphere that He clearly didn’t intend,
And how the God of truth and light, and many members of His flock, they offend.

It’s God who has chosen both male pastors and male imagery, and therefore,
It’s not for us to question, but comply with, just as grace doesn't void God’s Law.
Though we all have male and female characteristics, that doesn't stop us being
A male or female, and so it is with God too, which many aren’t quite seeing.

All why ordination’s become a red herring, ’cause women aren’t meant to be
Acting in the capacity of a pastor full stop, or elder, clearly.
And thus those who feel they’ve been called, simply mistaken, and their supporters too,
Who’ve exchanged that Jewish-Christian distinction for a paganized view.

By Lance Landall

3.  A Couple Of Critical Points

A male pastor represents the Bridegroom who’s Jesus (the Church being the Bride),
And Christ a male, His Father too, ’cause Christ is His son, who we mustn’t deride.
No, not in any form, thus a female pastor not blameless here, but astray,
Creating lesbian imagery, a God and Church that’s apparently Gay.

And male pastors also being a clear Jewish and Christian identity,
Which has Christian female pastors indulging in what’s akin to blasphemy.
Yes, a very clear challenge, an effrontery that’s nothing but heresy,
All courtesy of the erring, and that age old warned of new theology.

And force, pressure and push they will, as do all who go contrary to God’s will,
Their faulty cries of bias and unfairness becoming rebelliously shrill.
Determination ensuring successes, but hey, hardly eternity,
’Cause such is for those who’re doing God’s will, not the will of our adversary.

Once again, only a male can represent a bridegroom, hence why God chose men
(Pastors and elders one and the same thing), but out comes the devil from his den.
Yes, another substitute taken from paganism, women priests their thing,
Thus modern Eves biting another apple, which could cost them everything,

Because they’re feminising the Godhead, paganising Christianity.

By Lance Landall

                         

    4.  Where Women Dare

Wherever there’s a push for the ordaining of women as elders and pastors, one thing is very clear,
And that is, that such is always connected to a liberality that is devoid of godly fear.
And by that I’m meaning, a healthy respect for both God and His Word, such losing out to audacity,
For when it comes to women elders and pastors, not one single word of Scripture gives such authority.

Yes, its quite some cheek, for though men and women are equal in every way, God drew a clear line in the sand,
And by that I mean, He assigned certain roles to each; and there’s another thing that we need to understand,
And that is, that when we mess with God and His Word, we do so at our peril, for those who add or subtract,
Will one day seriously regret that they even thought to, for against such tinkerers, God will soon act.

And rightly so, for how dare they create such a schism within any church, thus assaulting unity,
And, by the way, not taking the moral high ground by refraining, they selfishly bucking authority.
Yes, God’s authority, and while they’re at it, they indulging in underhand tactics to achieve their goal,
Or so it has been with many, for they’ve no legitimate quarrel, and endanger Scripture as a whole.

Yes, modern Eves who’re surrounded by those who’re also fulfilling prophecy, for they’re leading folk astray,
All of which hinders and thwarts the Church’s mission, and declares to unbelievers that all is not okay.
Oh yes, how such damages the Christian witness, and why it’s not of God, but rather, our adversary,
Who loves to create discontent, a longing for forbidden fruit, heresy supplied conveniently.

Yes, make no mistake, for God never intended that His Church have a female priesthood, and nor a confused one,
For no female can stand before the flock and rightly represent either the male Father or the male Son.
Such being why the evangelical feminists attack such imagery, for their ends, such hardly suits,
And it’s that “doesn’t suit” that’s so often at the root of things, and why we’re told that we’ll know them by their fruits.

Well,

Where women dare, they suffer the consequences that come with such straying, hence that back-lash from feminism,
For women are less respected today, feminism having generated greater chauvinism.
And why women have become mere sexual objects in the minds of many men — such a sad way to learn —
And here they go again, squaring off with men, and what will result? For God’s “No” they’ve once again chosen to spurn.

The facts are, that if Christ (who some folk deem a radical), had wanted women to be elders and pastors too,
And the apostles knew so, both He and they would’ve conveyed such — and way back then, pursued that avenue.
After all, it was Christ who condemned the mistreatment of women, He not culture bound, nor a chauvinist,
Therefore, had He wanted women to be elders and pastors too, such would’ve been high on His “to do” list.

Thus, the only “to do” list that women elders and pastors are figuring on is man’s, and wrongly so,
Such being a clear departure from what God has laid down via His Word, the sad results having begun to show.
For such has opened the door to other wrongs, each one bearing evidence of a divine “I told you so,”
And that sad rebelliousness that has plagued God’s people all throughout Earth’s history, who far better should know.

By Lance Landall


The word elder in the Greek means masculine. 

5.  Though God Loves Women...

No woman need question God’s love for her, nor for any woman, every eye on Calvary,
For there, Christ showed the same love for all, no one lower or higher, all fallen humanity.
But loved nevertheless; and though certain roles were given to men that no woman was to seek.
Such never suggested women were inferior, nor less equal, incompetent or weak.

And in fact, look at Christ’s earthly mother — Mary — she being the most blessed woman among women,
Though let me make one thing very clear, and that is, that Mary wasn’t blessed above all women.
And hence why she mustn’t be seen as any different to any other woman, but hey,
What an honour to be Christ’s earthly mother, which such a lot about a woman’s worth must say.

Yes, what man has been honoured so greatly (not that he could be here, but I’m sure you get my point),
And yet, despite such an honour, no woman as an elder or pastor Christ sought to anoint.
And nor the apostles, their instructions in line with their Lord’s and the Spirit’s leading, and why
Women shouldn’t seek what’s been allotted to men, for though equal with men, God’s Word they’d defy.

And such is no small matter, for no man or woman should think to go contrary to God’s will,
We always putting His will before ours, lest like Adam and Eve, we soon sense that same ill chill.
Yes, at first a warm feeling, perhaps, a sense of having achieved some greater height, then that fall,
And why those sad consequences of straying that the Scriptures expose, we all need to recall.

Oh yes, how God loves women, their femininity complimenting man’s masculinity,
Never competing with it, for women are women and men are men, just as Christ meant it be.
In other words, they both equal in worth and being, yet different, each created uniquely,
Their role distinctions appointed by Christ himself, who showed the same love for all on Calvary.

Being a pastor doesn’t give one greater worth, but brings one under greater accountability,
Therefore, even men should check their heart and mind before accepting such responsibility.
But when women seek what God in His wisdom has withheld from them, they not only badly err,
But lose more than they gain, and in this case, God’s creational design and intent badly blur.

The part that women play within the Church, their home and society — their contribution, say —
Equals that of men in importance and value, and always has done, and so it is today.
Therefore, any who somehow put women down are acting very wrongly, for Christ never did,
Though when it comes to women elders and pastors, we must remember that such Christ prohibited.

By Lance Landall

6.  Called Or Not Called?

Though God has called us all to service, that doesn’t mean the same role,
And thus why all personal desires should be brought under control.
For many folk have convinced themselves that they were doing God’s will,
When the truth is, it was their desires they were trying to fulfil.

Though they were appointed to some role, it wasn't God who did so,
But rather, fallen humans who did that, who oft poor judgment show.
And thus why some thought that they were called when they were not called at all,
For it was simply their fellow humans who wrongly made that call.

By Lance Landall





"Means we use must be as pure as the ends we seek."
Martin Luther King Jr (1929-1968)

7.  To Certain Disgruntled Women

I have seen and heard those very negative responses that are coming from you,
Which suggests an unfitness, in my view, (you wanting women to be pastors too),
But shouldn’t you be emulating the One whom you wish women to represent,
 JESUS?
Who must surely be shaking His head at all the grumblings and rumblings-cum-that fuss.

Oh, how you’re pushing so hard, as if God needs your help! For were such really His will
(As you all seem to think it is), wouldn’t you only need to trust in Him until?
But no, there you go again, snapping at another “No” vote and crying foul play,
And if Jesus were to suddenly appear, I wonder what He would have to say.

Would it be, “Well done my faithful servant,” and in modern jargon, “I like your style,”
Or would there be tears in His humble eyes, an absent smile, and He pausing awhile.
You remembering those tweets, those Lucifer-like insinuations — and tell me,
Have any of you been involved in anything that may’ve lacked transparency?

You’ve redoubled your efforts, I see, are more determined than ever, quite clearly,
But is that what Jesus really wants, and are you not happy with democracy?
And given your raw feelings, how you’re so hit up, seems you don’t handle defeat well,
And what about some kind of parish crisis, say, some “We won’t acknowledge you” yell

(And is this why an apostle called women the weaker sex)?

Just as the discontented Lucifer took a third of the angels off with him,
There will always be supporters behind and ahead singing the same old tired hymn.
It more about them than Christ, and why those wanting to be first will be last, He said,
For pride and rebellion argue while humbleness and obedience just accept,

Consider others instead.

Yes, you all so sure you’re right, but didn’t rebellious Korah think that he was too?
And discontent with what they consider a lesser role why many go askew.
And when there’s a “No” vote, they not prepared to move on, but digging their big toes in,
And here is where so many may well turn their foolishness into a grievous sin.

But tell me, was Jesus ever into pity parties? No, just the old liar,
That deceiving serpent who gets foolish humans chasing what will also backfire.
And by the way, this whole women pastor thing being a terrible distraction,
For isn’t this a time when unity is paramount, not what might well become:

Some fatal attraction?

Yes, to certain disgruntled women, and certain disgruntled male sympathisers.

By Lance Landall





The following poem is a secular one that I've added a verse to here.

8.  The Power Of A Woman

The power of a woman is found in her uniqueness as a feminine creature,
Her appointment higher than that of any pastor, president, judge or teacher.
She charged with the early moulding of characters, kids who’ll become women and men,
And therefore, should those children be farmed out to others and their influence, what then?

Yes, who knows, those early years critical, they the men and women of tomorrow,
Who’ll prove a blessing to society, or who’ll bring naught but pain and sorrow.
And hence that early training, that motherly influence that shines like a lighthouse,
And that in the order of things, carries far more weight than any roles of her spouse.

And therefore, when women covet any position men may hold, some role of theirs,
They seek a lesser honour than that given to them, the lesser of the two spheres.
And thereby, they sell their womanhood short, forsake their natural appointment, which
Can only but lower their status, and why such a precious role they shouldn’t switch.

Though men may be the protectors, and authority figure in the home, thus in sync,
Such doesn’t give them greater importance, this world hardly Males First And Foremost Inc.
Only roles varying in importance, though every role playing its part in life,
And hence those roles within the home that are better suited to a husband or wife.

No, I’m not saying that women should only raise kids and stay at home, but simply
That they shouldn’t feel lesser for doing so, it elevated territory.
And men not having that same touch here, their forte belonging to another sphere,
Which women shouldn’t pursue (though capable) at the expense of their higher sphere.

All why the devil and evil men want to wrest those children from their mother’s hold,
That holy influence and bond, so that their souls may be seared, corrupted and sold.
And how better to do it than when they’re tiny, child care centres playing their part,
Those critical pre-school years stolen, godly mothers and worldly ways worlds apart.

By Lance Landall

9.  Contemporary Eves

I can just imagine the following conversation
Between Satan and his mates over women’s ordination —
That is, making women pastors, ordaining them officially;
A role God only gave to men ecclesiastically.

------------------------------------

“Alright, lads, now listen up, we’ll work from within the Church,
We’re going all-out, okay. I’ve done my homework, research.
It’ll be a piece of cake, as they don’t study like before,
In fact, would you believe it, they have a swinging back door.

You’re going to enjoy this — yes, you’ll really have a ball,
As only a few watchmen are standing upon the wall.
The rest are clearly dozing, distracted, or plain misled,
The latter I’ll be using, they think that they’re streets ahead.

Now, ’though women are equal in worth and being to men,
God gave men specific functions, He set these apart for men.
I want these distinctions gone, I want Christians fed a lie,
So, tell them these roles are just cultural, no longer apply.”

“When do we start?”  “Well, to tell the truth, I started long ago,
Had Eve seeking greater heights, I’ve the gift of the gab, you know.
Yes, I completely duped her, had her feeling hard done by,
And the rest is history, you know how things went awry.”

“So, we’ll finish what you began?”  “That’s right, you’ve a head start,
I’ve set it all up for you, I think ahead, I’m very smart!
Just like I did with Eve, tell women that they’re missing out,
That way you’re bound to succeed — of that, I don’t have a doubt.

“Women are getting restless, there’s many a modern Eve,
Most aren’t content with their role, thus flattery they’ll receive.
Convince some that they’ve been called, that they’ll make a good pastor;
’Though good pastors some may make, it’ll rile their Lord and Master.”

“You really hate God, don’t you?”  “Too right, look at what He did,
Threw me out of Heaven, even though I’m so talented.
He’s taken glory from me, I won’t have a bar of it,
So I’ll marry my things with His, then I too will benefit.

Okay, let’s get cracking, lads, folk are ripe for leading astray,
They’re worldly, Laodicean, thus it’ll be like child’s play.
Head straight to the churches, muddy the waters, create doubt,
And get women in those roles God wants men to carry out.

“We’re not going down without a fight, are we lads?”  “Never!”
“And don’t forget, good comrades, we’re all in this together.
I want things turned upside down, in falsehood I’ll see truth drown,
For I deserve the glory, only I deserve the crown.”

“Don’t forget our part.”  “Oh no, no, noooooo, comrades, of course not,
What I reap, you’ll be reaping, just don’t blow this one last shot.
Where Korah failed, you must succeed, tell folk they’re all pastors/priests,
’Though only true in context, women pastors you’ll see increased.

Have them upset their Master, mislead them with heresy,
Have them sincerely thinking they’re acting biblically.
Be subtle, be cunning, and where you can, be blatant too,
Convince them “The end justifies the means,” and Scripture skew.

Remember: As with Korah, God will let these things play out,
Thus, we will be successful, our wishes will come about.
Fetch these modern Eves support, the higher up the chain the better,
Then when women seek man’s role, clout will say, “Go on, let her.

Opposition will be scant, for who likes to rock the boat,
However, discredit opponents, malign and misquote;
Say they’re traditional, conservative, legalistic too.
Go on, lads, it’s easy, target the young, get at the new.

Empower the liberals, push their theology hard,
Yes, take down the old waymarks, silence trumpeters who guard.
Rubbish man’s headship role too, for how can men head their home
When their wife’s heading the flock ’neath the Church’s sacred dome.

Yes, I know Christ submits to His Father, and yet they’re one,
But submission thwarts my plans, when everything’s said and done.
It shows that there’s an order, and that functions have their place,
Which certainly doesn’t help me when I’m pushing my case.

Yes, there’s order in everything, there are things that shouldn’t change,
And more so, things God instructed, set in place, said don’t rearrange.
But I don’t want order, as order doesn’t suit my grand plan,
Hence why I’m fooling women, who want roles assigned to man.

So, while you’re at it, lads, just rubbish any gender role,
Foster unisex, and whenever you can, put women in control.
People are demanding change, they’re tired of the old ways,
So, capitalize, comrades, utilize this current phase.

Plunge them into darkness — after all, they are spurning light,
And don’t go feeling guilty — after all, it serves them right.
We’re giving them what they want. Is that a crime? It’s their choosing,
And to tell you the truth, lads, I find it quite amusing.

They know about Eve’s folly, how ancient Israel went astray,
And they know that they’ve been told: Do things God’s way, not man’s way.
They know they’ve also been warned that they’re not to veer off track,
Therefore, they can’t blame us, lads, as knowledge they hardly lack.

Yes, another apple, another tree, another Eve,
In fact, many Eves, repeating history and destined to grieve.
We’re clever aren’t we, lads?”  “Yes! For we’re able to deceive,
But this time, Satan, they’ve less reason to claim they were naive.

Yes, lads, they’ve had time and chance, hindsight, warning, direction,
So, they can’t plead ignorance -- no, it’s plain insurrection.
Admittedly we’re playing a part, but they know the score,
It’s clearly rebellion — been there, done that, seen it all before.”

“So, go on, lads, we’re on the home straight, things are moving fast,
And primarily because Christians haven’t learnt from the past.
Yes, get women into men’s roles, there’ll be strife in Church and home,
And with men feeling threatened, some will give up, abuse or roam.”

“You’re a genius, Satan, they’re eating out of your hand,
You’re plundering and pillaging their Church, their home, their land.
Many do your bidding now — yes, many now worship you,
Some willingly, some indirectly, and some, unwittingly do.”

By Lance Landall


“For where there is envy and selfish ambition, there will also be disorder and wickedness
of every kind” (James 3:16).

10.  God's Will Or Our Will?

Please allow me to remind what displeases God so much:
Error parading as truth, holding Christians in its clutch.
Yes, such evil down through time has plagued the Church from within,
And is still plaguing the Church, giving Satan cause to grin.

Heresy within the Church is something we can expect,
But unless we’re wide awake such we simply won’t detect.
Such might be introduced by a member or a leader,
Thus, each Christian should be a deep and committed reader.

As an example of something that must rile our Master,
Take ordaining women as an elder or a pastor.
Such is contrary to Scripture, contrary to God’s will,
For He never intended that a female such roles fill.

I can imagine that Satan’s doubled up with laughter,
Crowing over another thing he has got, been after.
Seems smack within the sanctuary he’s hit the floor running,
With a pagan female priesthood achieved via his cunning.

You see, making women elders puts his plan on castors,
Because an elder’s role is the same as that of a pastor’s.
Yes, once Satan gains some ground it’s not long before we see
His evil shadow hovering over more territory.

Not a shred of evidence can be biblically endorsed,
Supporting Satan’s plan here that he wants to see enforced.
Hence his mixing of God’s word with humanistic thinking,
Helped by worldly influence and agencies he’s linking.

And why we’re now seeing (due to Satan’s clever old tricks),
Sound doctrine being exchanged for a truth and error mix.
You see, women can’t represent God the Father who’s a male,
Which is why God chose men, and why His wishes should prevail.

Scripture states explicitly: Only men must fill this role;
Clearly ruling out the evangelical feminists’ goal.
When we go contrary to God’s will, we simply invite ill,
And thereby, within the Church Satan’s heresy instill.

When folk begin to question certain things that they should not,
It’s not long before doubt sees some questioning the lot.
Tampering with this doctrine built on pre-Fall creation,
Just undermines those others that have this same relation.

The apostles upheld man’s role; and each denomination
Until humanistic thinking introduced it’s new creation.
Christians should make sure that it’s only truth that they uphold,
And should thoroughly examine everything that they’re told.

This issue isn’t a small one, so all should know it soundly,
As getting this one wrong dishonours our God profoundly.
So deeply theological is this role that God gave man,
That those trying to disprove it are just building on sand.

By the way:

Functional role distinctions exist within the Godhead,
For God’s the head of Christ, and, “I do His will,” Christ has said.
Yet, “the Father and I are one,” Christ has also stated,
Showing headship and submission clearly aren’t outdated.

By Lance Landall

11.  Worth's Not Tied To Function

That Christ loves women, no less and no more than men, we know is true,
And that their best interests, when He was here, He sought to pursue.
Yes, He sought to uplift them in worth and being, but never via roles,
And He also let them have their say — for Christ, no one buttonholes.

Therefore, in worth and being they stand as equals with men (and why not?),
But certain roles Christ gave to men, to women He didn’t allot.
For even though He was a ground-breaker, the Holy Bible shows
That very different functions for men and women our Lord chose.

Our Saviour simply sought to remove a corrupt cultural yoke,
That wrongly, via men, the Edenic rights of women sought to choke.
And today, Christ still opposes that which a woman oppresses,
And via His word, His great love and care for them clearly expresses.

Yes, Christ indeed loves women, and knows that in their rightful sphere, they,
A major and vital role, and equally important one, play.
But lest they desire a man’s role, and somehow that role try to fill,
Christ via the Bible conveys: Don’t go there, for that will just bring ill.

Giving women the very same roles as men, hardly uplifts them,
And nor will any role do that, for worth from roles does not stem.
No, a role can’t uplift, for it’s simply a function, nothing more,
Thus one salutes the rank, not the person, as roles one can’t ignore.

True happiness is only found when we surrender to Christ’s will,
And though capable of other roles, our allotted roles fulfil.
You see, a man and woman were made to complement each other,
Which role interchangeability will simply blur and smother.

When men and women function as our Saviour intended them to,
They not only honour Him, but greater blessings thereby ensue,
For Christ knows what is best, He’s a God of order, our Creator,
Who, midst allocating roles, also acts as a liberator.

Our worth? Our worth is found in Jesus Christ alone, the Cornerstone.

By Lance Landall


Regarding the biblical role distinctions, bear in mind the following texts:

“We also constantly give thanks to God for this, that when you received the word of God that
you heard from us you accepted it not as a human word but as what it really is,
God’s word, which is also at work in you believers” (1 Thess 2:13).

“These things God has revealed to us through the Spirit; for the Spirit searches everything,
even the depths of God. And we speak of these things in words not taught by human
wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual things to those
who are spiritual” (1 Cor 2:10,13).

12.  Turn The Clock Back

We have wandered so far from those apostolic days and ways,
Thus our present condition folly and rebellion displays.
We have sought to please man, we’ve fallen victim to compromise,
Yes, we’ve strayed from truth, our actions no longer harmonize.

A case in point?

Elders were meant to shepherd (pastor) each church, not just one man,
Thus pastors as we know them, aren’t part of that original plan.
Biblically, a pastor and elder are one and the same,
There’s no distinction, no separate office, as many claim.

Yes, a number of elders, and not a pastor, was the plan,
For where’s the wisdom in control being in the hands of one man?
Not that any elder should control, as such, but humbly serve,
Hence the ways of the Great Shepherd Himself, elders should observe.

Yes, even elders can err via domination or ego,
Acting like Pharisees when self-interest they should forgo.
Each elder should study the life of Paul who served selflessly,
And who never misused his apostolic authority.

Now back to the main point:

The brotherly oversight by elders got replaced, you see,
By bishops, clergy — yes, a most unbiblical hierarchy.
Thus church eldership soon disappeared, hence why today we see
A free for all, as it were, or an unbiblical clergy.

A pastor’s nothing more than an elder — head elder, presumably,
He shouldn’t be some lone ranger who’s ruling the roost locally.
He might be engaged in church planting though, and overseeing;
That is, keeping an eye on existing flocks, and their well-being.

And if doing the latter, he shouldn’t be tied locally,
But should be allowed to rove, spreading the Gospel as his ministry.
And only in that sense should he differ, be out on his own,
An apostle, as it were, evangelist, sent by the Cornerstone.

Meantime, it’s the elders that should be shepherding the local church,
Working together (lest one man at the helm cause it to lurch).
And guiding, nurturing, upholding truth, lest members go astray;
And each elder out in the workforce, thus paying their own way.

When roles are elevated, as these days pastors’ roles can be,
Pride is often the outcome, and misuse of authority.
Paid and settled pastors simply soaking up precious money
That’s better spent on a roving elder's Gospel ministry.

Settled pastors (unlike those roving), largely preach to the converted,
Therefore, their ministry can become somewhat introverted;
That is, more focused on believers, not non-believers, you see,
Which leaves souls in darkness, while pampering members unwisely.

Settled pastors can weaken a church, create dependency,
Members becoming spiritual weaklings, eventually.
Also, eldership is robbed of its authority, potency,
And the church robbed of energy, no longer visionary.

Yes, it’s time we turned the clock back, returned to the better way,
The way that the apostles were led — Spirit led, that’s to say.
Yes, let the elders shepherd each church, each flock, not just one man,
Thus acting in accordance with the Spirit led apostolic plan.

By Lance Landall


Worth reading: "Biblical Eldership" by Alexander Strauch


“And when they had APPOINTED ELDERS for them in EVERY CHURCH, having prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord in whom they had believed” (Acts 14:23, NASB).

“The ELDERS who DIRECT THE AFFAIRS OF THE CHURCH well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching” (1 Tim 5:17, NIV).

“Therefore, I [Peter] exhort the ELDERS among you, as your FELLOW ELDER and witness of the sufferings of Christ, and a partaker also of the glory that is to be revealed, SHEPHERD THE FLOCK of God among you, exercising OVERSIGHT not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not for sordid gain, but with eagerness; nor yet as lording it over those allotted to your charge, but proving to be EXAMPLES to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. You younger men, likewise, be subject to your elders; and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble” (1 Peter 5:1-5, NASB).

“But we [Paul, and others] request of you, brethren, that you appreciate those who diligently labor among you, and have CHARGE OVER YOU IN THE LORD and GIVE YOU INSTRUCTION, and that you esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Live in peace with one another” (1 Thess 5:12,13, NASB).

“Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you OVERSEERS [elders], to SHEPHERD THE CHURCH OF GOD which He purchased with His own blood” (Acts 20:28, NASB).

“If a MAN does not know how to MANAGE HIS OWN HOUSEHOLD, how can he CARE FOR [manage] GOD’S CHURCH?” (1 Tim 3:5, RSV).


NOTE:
The word BISHOP in the following texts is not to be confused with bishops as we understand them today, hence why in Titus 1:5-9 (KJV) we also see the word ELDER used.
Regarding the word BISHOP the NKJV has OVERSEER in the footnotes.
The NIV (as one example) uses both the word ELDER and OVERSEER.


“For this cause left I [Paul] thee [Titus] in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting [the organizing of the Cretan church], and ordain ELDERS in every city, as I had appointed [directed, previously instructed] thee: If any be blameless, the HUSBAND of one wife, having faithful children [ones who were Christian believers] not accused of riot [without restraint] or unruly [rebellious, undisciplined]. For a BISHOP must be blameless, as the STEWARD of God [the faithful and correct manager of God’s affairs]; not self-willed [arrogant], not soon angry [quick tempered], not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre; But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men [rather, “goodness”], sober, just [upright], holy [devout, of appropriate conduct, respectful of God, dutiful], temperate [self controlled]; Holding fast [clinging to] the faithful word [the gospel] as HE hath been taught, that HE may be able [as an apt and humble teacher, having the intellectual ability] by sound doctrine [must have a firm grasp of God’s word, and use Scripture correctly] both to exhort [urge, encourage by argument, admonish, advise], and to convince [convict] the gainsayers [those who speak against]”
(Titus 1:5-9, KJV). Note also 1 Tim 5:17,22.

“This is a true saying [worthy of trust], If a MAN desire the office of a BISHOP [elder/pastor role], HE desireth a good work. A BISHOP then must be blameless [must have proven moral fitness], the HUSBAND of one wife [married only once; an elder divorced for any reason would be handicapped as a spiritual leader. An elder/pastor must have an untarnished record of marital fidelity, which would serve as a worthy pattern for his flock], vigilant, sober [self controlled], of good behavior, given to hospitality, apt to teach [skilled in teaching]; Not given to wine [one who does not drink alcohol], no striker [not quarrelsome, but instead have a conciliatory peacemaking disposition], not greedy of filthy lucre [money]; but patient, not a brawler [but instead a conciliator], not covetous; One that RULETH WELL HIS OWN HOUSE [proven leadership in his own home], having HIS children in subjection with all gravity [have obedient and respectful children]... Not a novice [spiritually immature], lest being lifted up with pride HE fall into the condemnation of the devil. Moreover HE must have a good report of them which are without [be respected generally]; lest HE fall into reproach and the snare of the devil”
(1 Tim 3:1-7, KJV). Note 2 Tim 2:15).

“For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice” (James 3:16, NIV).

“For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted” (Luke 14:11, NIV).

“For rebellion is no less a sin than divination, and stubbornness is like iniquity and idolatry…”
(1 Sam 15:23).

FOUR QUESTIONS, EACH WITH AN ANSWER

Does Galatians 3:28 show that the ecclesiastical role distinction between men and women is now invalid?

“There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male or female, for all of you are one in Christ Jesus” (Gal 3:28).

Answer: No. The phrase “male and female” refers to human beings in their sexual differentiation, not in their social roles as the words man and woman would convey. The context — any person irrespective of race, social status or sex can be saved only by faith, thus, all persons stand on an equal footing before God — in other words, ‘spiritual equality.’

Does the statement made by the apostle Peter in 1 Peter 2:9 effectively make the ecclesiastical role distinction between men and women invalid now?

"But you [Christians] are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own people, in order that you may proclaim the mighty acts of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9).

Answer: No. Peter here, is simply referring to the fact that all Christians enjoy freedom of access to God by virtue of Christ’s mediatorial work in the heavenly sanctuary and therefore need no human mediator, no human priest (Heb 8:1,2,5; 9:24; Rom 8:34).
When people become citizens of Christ’s kingdom [spiritual Israel] they join a ‘Holy Nation’ whose task is to manifest the glory of their master in the sight of men as priests in their individual relationship to God, not as ordained priests representing the community.

Doesn't Ephesians 5:21 say that both the husband and wife are to submit to each other?

“Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God” (Eph 5:21).

Answer: Ephesians 5:21is referring to Christian relationships in general. The context is citing a general principle of conduct. Submission, humility and subjection are essential characteristics of the believer. The point — self must be suppressed.
Where as, Ephesians 5:22-33 is referring to creational functions ordained by God Himself. Different context!

What about head Coverings?

“But I want you to understand that Christ is the head of every man, and the husband is the head of his wife, and God is the head of Christ. Any man who prays or prophesies with something on his head disgraces his head, but any woman who prays or prophesies with her head unveiled disgraces her head [Paul emphasizes the importance of respecting a custom which in his day helped to maintain the creational role distinctions. While woman can participate in the worship services they should do so in ways that indicate submission to the divinely established structure. Paul appeals not only to cultural but especially to theological reasoning] — it is one and the same thing as having her head shaved [a highly visible sign of a woman’s shame resulting from her repudiation of her husbands authority]. For if a woman will not veil herself [misguided/rebellious emancipated Corinthian woman, that is], then she should cut off her hair; but if it is disgraceful for a woman to have her hair cut off or to be shaved, she should wear a veil. For a man ought not to have his head veiled, since he is the image and reflection of God; but woman is the reflection of man. Indeed, man was not made from woman, but woman from man. Neither was man created for the sake of woman, but woman for the sake of man. For this reason a woman ought to have a symbol of authority on her head, because of the angels [good angels present at public religious exercises who would be offended at such a disregard of God’s word and insult to the creator of whom they have such an exalted understanding of]” (1 Cor 11:3-10).

Every Christian should be aware of the dangers of feminism and the feminizing of the church. You might like to read my secular poem: "Feminism".

Home - Poems - Quotes - Purpose - Author - Contact

Site best viewed at a screen resolution of 1024x768
Tested with Opera 9, Safari 3.1, Internet Explorer 6 and 7