Building on the Foundation

A topic debated of old in the Church of God is that of makeup. To wear it or not to wear it is the question, and many try to prove that only prostitutes wear makeup. In the Bible anyways. In spite of this it has long since been proven that the Bible has nothing to say against makeup directly, though nor does it have anything to say in favor of it. It seems to be entirely neutral on the subject, and since my desire and endeavor is to be strong where the Bible is strong and soft where it is quiet, it would seem that is that. Or so one would think. A certain video and the fact that women look more beautiful to me when they go all natural prompted me to revisit the topic from a slightly different angle. With this article, I hope not so much to push my opinion as to ask a series of what I hope are thought-provoking questions in the light of Scripture. My post on modesty covers the mindset we should carry toward uncovering ourselves, but makeup is the opposite; covering something up.  ...

Every Pastor, I’m sure, is familiar with Christ’s instructions to Peter, and the chances are good that these instructions are the guiding creed that they follow. The instructions are as follows. John 21:15-17 CSB When they had eaten breakfast, Jesus asked Simon Peter, "Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these? " "Yes, Lord," he said to him, "you know that I love you." "Feed my lambs," he told him.  16 A second time he asked him, "Simon, son of John, do you love me? " "Yes, Lord," he said to him, "you know that I love you." "Shepherd my sheep," he told him.  17 He asked him the third time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me? " Peter was grieved that he asked him the third time, "Do you love me? " He said, "Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you." "Feed my sheep," Jesus said.   These instructions should guide not only every pastor but every man ...

  What is the role of the Christian woman in the home and in the congregation? Is she, as many say, “useless?” Is she just there to make the meals and set up potlucks? This is the view that many in the various churches take. Women were just put here for the benefit and service of men. On the flip side of this issue, there are those who believe that women are to be at the forefront and the leaders, even to the point of taking control of either the family or congregation if the masculine leadership fails. Is either of these views correct? Well, let’s take a look at what we’ve got written in our instruction manual, the Bible.  The first story that I want to look at is in Judges, and it is the story of Deborah. This is a favorite story of those who seek to promote egalitarianism and push men and women into roles that they were not created for. This is a tremendous story that perfectly illustrates the role of the Christian woman, especially when taken in context with the rest of th...