I haven't visited SI in a while. It's really nice to read a thread with minimal conflict.

:-)

As many have already pointed out, I too believe that the Bible is pretty clear on this issue. Consider also the Old testament prophets that God gave a word for His people Israel - all men! I believe it's an issue of authority. It was men that exercised spiritual authority in the assembly of the people of God.

Here's my thoughts on the matter and Jim just alluded to the exact issue.

If our view of Christianity and going to church is one man steps up to a podium every week and everyone listens for an hour and goes home then the model is flawed and our 'default' is unbiblical because we only meet one time per week.

Good points. I for one am not big on the clergy laity idea. If the church is really the body of Christ, each member is a valid participant, each part is essential.
But, I do not thing the idea of women teaching men in the assembly, with Paul's implication that this would be authoritative, breaks down in the east/west issue. Throughout the nt, it seems to me that the instructions specific to women are not tinged by culture, in fact both Christ and Paul elevated women in contrast to the prevailing culture of that day.
This is not an equality issue either...in Christ there is no man, versus women, no Jew as opposed to Greek.
To me it seems to have more to do with the image of God, the redemptive plan, and God's desire to santify us. Whatever God's intent, we are left with this choice, and the wisdom He gives when we ask, not the wisdom of men. It is great to discuss this with you all.

Ginny rose, you make a great point about the Pharesses

All the fathers, from Abraham on, were recipients of grace. Hebrews says that it was by faith, though they saw only a far off,  they waited with anticipation the fulfillment of His promise.  

The first century teachers had so muddied this, that the truth could be only scarcely recognized when He showed up in the person of Christ. They had added burdens, and diluted the truth. Man had developed his own pattern, their own law.

hi, niether jew nor greek nor male or female.jimp

"hi, niether jew nor greek nor male or female.jimp"

The last I looked around there were still males and females in the church? This verse could not be taken more out of context dear brother. The same apostle who wrote that also wrote countless instructions on how men and women are to behave different and have different roles in the home and church including this:

1Co 14:34 the women should keep silent in the churches. For they are not permitted to speak, but should be in submission, as the Law also says.

Respectfully in Christ -Jim

Just an observation…why would God want us to interpret scripture to silence women who have sought Him and been filled with the Spirit with a message to edify the church body as long as she honors her husband and respects authority. This is almost like straining at a nat while swallowing a camel because we have so many other issues with sin and the flesh to deal with than in trying to silence the women with a true message from God who are under authority.

I can almost see it coming-because that is what the bible says…but there are other scriptures in the bible where they prophesied and worked along with the Apostle Paul and others. I think some need to study to show themselves approved unto God concerning how one feels toward women of God and their role in the great Kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ. Blessings to all!-brother rbanks

Do you both believe in the prophetic gifts? Do you both believe that prophesy and tongues operate today? Or do you hold that prophesy and tongues ceased after the first century? Just courious.

Blaine Scogin

hi jim, as i posted earlier that sat separately from the men as do the orth.jews do to this day and are and were to be silent in that situation.we are a new creation in Gods eyes but not yours for you see only what you can see. jimp