by Joel V Webb | Jan 17, 2024 | Uncategorized
We look at the world around us and wonder what is going on!? We see so much polarization, conflict and no matter what issue it seems there is either one side or the other.
What do we do? What is our path forward?
The question among most faithful Christians is “do we have the right position?” This is an important question to ask. Is the position we have truly grounded in a faithful interpretation of Scripture. Are we in line with what Christians have believed for most of our history and is it in line with God’s story seen in Scripture.
I don’t think for most of us this is the issue. For many we seem to be inside the big tent of orthodoxy. Yes, we don’t all line up exactly on every single issue, but overall, we are in agreement about the big stuff.
So, then what is the problem? Why is it that in some towns there needs to be 2 pastor’s prayer groups. Not because of schedule, but because some feel they can’t be in the same room praying as others. Why are we so quick to circle the wagons when our issue of choice comes up?
This comes down to not being an issue of position, but of posture. We spend so much time making sure we are thinking the way Jesus wants me to think about this thing (which does have importance), and taking no time to think “how would Jesus have gone about this?”
If we are honest, we realize that in most cases we would be with the group of people who were ready to stone the woman in adultery. How many of us would truly be the ones standing in the way of that. Yes, we are to follow Jesus faithfully in all things. Though we seem to get that confused with living our lives with rigid legalism, that if no one lines up then “TO HECK WITH EM”.
The last couple days I have spent a lot of time thinking about this. This side of new creation we are ALL going to image Christ imperfectly. No matter how hard we try, or how good we think out theology is, it’s going to be imperfect.
Maybe what needs to happen in a world that is rife with conflict, and people going to either side of the spectrum on any given issue to be the person standing in the middle. Yes, having a position that is consistent with a faithful Christian witness, that does not compromise the truth. And a posture that is loving and merciful, being a healing balm to a world that is hurting and in search of something more than the next talking point.
by Joel V Webb | Dec 24, 2023 | Uncategorized
Merry Christmas!
We often say it is the birth of the newborn king. But what does that mean? Our contemporary society has in many ways lessened the depth of the phrase to a mere rhyme in the songs we sing.
The birth of Christ is the beginning of the enthronement of the King who would bring more than just individual salvation. His arrival signals the powers of this world that their influence is short lived. The King has arrived, and His kingdom will begin the work of redemption to what God intended.
For those who recognize the King born of this night, our mission is to demonstrate that with allegiance and fidelity to Him. In a world full of vice and other ways of doing things, do we demonstrate that we truly follow the King?
The call is more than just a prayer for the sake of not going to hell,it is soo much more. It is a call to represent the King in every part of our lives, and to transform the world around us with His message of hope, truth and love, empowered by the Holy Spirit.
That King’s name is Jesus. He Lives, He Reigns; and He calls us all today to follow Him.
Christmas is just the beginning of the story, I invite you to explore who this Jesus is, who He says He is, what He did, and what that means for your life.
O come let us adore Him, all hail the newborn King!!
by Joel V Webb | Dec 18, 2023 | Uncategorized
Women in Ministry
In 1 Corinthians 14, Paul is specifically addressing issues of orderly worship, not establishing who can and cannot be elders in the Church.
1 Cor 14:34–35 – Women should be silent during the church meetings. It is not proper for them to speak. They should be submissive, just as the law says. 35 If they have any questions, they should ask their husbands at home, for it is improper for women to speak in church meetings.
Some would argue this is Paul making a blanket command for all time. But when you look at the context of the day (because Scripture was not written in a vacuum) we know that in that day women were most likely not educated, and likely would have had many questions about what they were hearing in church services.
So, in order to ensure church continued orderly, Paul is specifically addressing the issue of a bunch of side conversations that would have been very distracting. In other parts of this very letter, Paul lays out orderly worship that does not specify men and women prophesying, speaking in tongues or speaking in other contexts.
How we exegete Scripture is important. And part of that process is understanding the cultural context in which it was written. Even outside of that, within context of the surrounding verses there is no argument here not allowing women to participate in church services.
You can read PART 2 and PART 3 of this article series
