Words of Jesus Christ in "Red" 
"Why do Hindus teach that woman has no soul and do not permit her to read the Veda or to eat at the same table with her own husband? Why is it that the Muslims do not educate their women, do not permit them to enter a mosque, and make them serve as concubines? Why did Buddha say that a wise man should avoid married life as if it were a pit of burning coals and that the Buddhist religion has 18 hells for its Buddhist women? Why does Confucianism consider women a necessary evil, buy and sell her for domestic services, the stage, and immoral purposes, and let her kill her girl babies? It is because these religions consider women to be far inferior to men.
Women are just as important as men. Those who are truly saved are "heirs of God," and "joint heirs with Christ." They play such a vital role in the work of the kingdom of God. How women can rejoice in all that the Lord Jesus had done for them on the Cross of Calvary - imagine for a moment:
Christian women can shout from the highest rooftops and praise and worship God for all eternity for sending Jesus Christ to straighten out the warped and demented views that many men have had concerning women. Unfortunately, some still hold to these beliefs even to this very day. Thank God for every Bible that fills every nation across this globe. May God send forth His Word this day as a Mighty Sword to cut down every lie of Satan that would demean His female creation. May He command deliverance for every woman who is presently in religious bondage to Satan and man. There is no doubt that God has a special place of honor for women. In fact, the Holy Spirit inspired King Solomon to dedicate an entire chapter in the Book of Proverbs - Chapter 31 - to the dignity of a "virtuous woman." He remarked that "her price is far above rubies" or pearls. "Far above." All the value of all the precious stones could not compare to her worth. "She is priceless!" She is a woman of strength and power, deriving all her graces from her "fear of the Lord." She is holy and under the command of the Holy Spirit and the Word of God. She is honest and industrious, not idle or a busybody in other men's matters. She is a woman of conviction, high standards, and principles. "Strength and honor are her clothing." Contrary to what others may think, she is to be honored and not degraded. The Scriptures abound with example after example of such women who were honored and celebrated by God. Some were even recognized by name. They were recorded in God's Wonderfully Inspired Book - the Bible - so that all would be touched by their lives and examples. Some of them are as follows:
Mary - the mother of Jesus, Mary Salome(her sister), Mary Magdalene(the one out of whom Jesus cast seven devils), Mary(the sister of Martha and Lazarus), as well as Mary of Zebedee's children(James and John) were at the crucifixion "standing afar off" and "beholding" Jesus as He suffered intense agony for the sins of all mankind. Throughout His ministry, these women ministered unto Him by providing for His wants and physical needs like food and a place to rest and lodge. They weren't about to abandon Him at this hour of need, either. They possibly were standing at such a distance from Him at this time - not because they were afraid - but because of the large gathering of soldiers near the cross as well as for the fact that the three who were being crucified that day were totally naked. But where were the men? Where were Jesus' disciples at this time? Can we only find the women here? Barnes' Notes gives this comment - "While multitudes of people joined in the cry, 'Crucify Him!' and forsook Him in His trying moments, it does not appear that ANY of His female followers were thus unfaithful. In the midst of all His trials, and all the contempt poured upon Him, they adhered to their Redeemer. Never did female constancy shine more brightly, and never was a happier example set for all who should afterward believe on Him!" Adam Clarke said - "To their everlasting honour, these women evinced more courage, and affectionate attachment to their Lord and Master, than the disciples did, who had promised to die with Him rather than forsake Him." Matthew Henry added - "...many women who followed Him from Galilee. Not His apostles(only elsewhere we find John by the cross...), their hearts failed them, they durst not appear, for fear of coming under the same condemnation. But here were a company of women, some would have called them silly women, that boldly stuck to Christ, when the rest of the disciples had basely deserted Him..."
On this particular day, many men were casting money into the treasury. But Jesus took notice of one woman's offering. Why? What made hers so special? The others were giving "of their abundance," but she was giving "of her want." Jesus was extremely moved by her liberality. This "certain poor widow" had very little in her possession. A "mite" was considered the smallest of coins. It was broken down in this manner - A penny was marked by an indented cross. If it was cut in half, the pieces became a half-penny. If it was cut into four pieces, they each became a farthing. In order to understand the minute value of a mite, consider this. It took two of them to equal the value of a fourth part of a penny. And to think that this was "her living" - "all that she had." Most people would hold onto this little amount. At least it was something. But this miserably poor widow gave it up for the Glory of God. Because she honored God in this manner, He honored her and continues to do so even in this very message. Her example of sacrificial giving has been read and studied, noted in innumerable books over the years, as well as preached about in countless pulpits and continues to be so.
Every Jewish girl yearned for the honor of one day being the mother of the Messiah. That distinction finally came to a poor peasant girl from Nazareth by the name of Mary. It certainly did not come with a small introduction. She was visited by the Angel Gabriel, announcing the news that she was "highly favoured" of God and that all of the blessings of heaven were upon to descend upon her - "the Lord is with thee." He then announced - "blessed art thou among women" which simply meant that she was the happiest of all women to be selected for such a noble honor. (It certainly "did not mean" that she was to be worshipped, prayed to, or idolized. The word "blessed" throughout the Scriptures means happy or oh! to be envied. Mary was definitely to be envied by all for this inexpressible honor given to a woman.)
Lydia was an educated businesswomen whom God honored in His Word, even mentioning her by name. She was a "seller of purple." Purple was a prominent color worn by princes and the rich. It derived its color from a certain shellfish, whose dye was used for cloth or silk She was born and raised in Thyatira but settled in Philippi due to marriage or business reasons. She was a religious person and a proselyte to the Jewish religion - "which worshipped God." One day, at a prayer meeting by a river side outside of the city, she heard the Apostle Paul preach the Gospel, and the Lord opened her heart to believe in and receive Jesus as her Lord and Savior. She became the first convert to Christianity in that area.
The Apostle Paul gives Phebe an honorable commendation here. Rightfully so, for she was a servant in the church who maintained a dignified reputation among the believers. She was a "succourer of many," including Paul himself. She was a "patron" who helped others in need and defended them in their cause before the courts. She was highly qualified to teach and instruct other women. She held a notable position in the church. That is why the Apostle bid others to "receive her." In other words, acknowledge her position in the church and resultantly, "assist her in whatever business she hath need of..."
Here we have a husband and wife team of disciples who worked together in the ministry. Priscilla was recognized by Paul along with her husband Aquila. Both of them were considered as "helpers in Christ Jesus" - fellow workers with him. They both received recognition from Paul for they "laid down their own necks" for his sake. "Laid down their necks" is terminology taken from the actual practice of one laying his head on a block with the neck exposed so the executioner could cut it off using a long sword. Actually, what it means is that Priscilla and Aquila hazarded, endangered, and risked their own lives in order to save Paul's. For such noble deeds, they were recognized by him and all of the Gentile churches.
How many preachers attribute the success of their ministry to the prayers and faith of their Christian grandmother or mother. Timothy was no exception. His grandmother Lois was the first convert to Christianity in their household with his mother following afterwards. They had an "unfeigned faith" - one that was real, genuine, without hypocrisy, and able to stand up against the fiercest of tests or trials. What these women had, spiritually speaking, they were sure to pass it on to their grandson and son, Timothy. Paul commended them both for this.
Throughout the Scriptures, we see that there is:
God loves women. He has a very special place for each one in His kingdom. Just as He uses men, He uses women as well, and sometimes even more so, for they are the "weaker vessel" who can bring greater glory to His name because of it. They are never to be demeaned, mistreated, abused, deprived, or considered as being less than men. "The Bible forbids this treatment." May every woman reading this message feel encouraged and uplifted today by the Word of the Lord. May they strive like never before to be the Woman of God whom He ordained for them to be. And may every man have a deeper honor, respect, and appreciation for the women in their lives. As the Body of Christ, may we also pray ever so fervently that this Gospel will be preached in every nation so that women across the globe may be liberated by the Mighty Word of God from all bondages and come to know their rightful place of honor in Christ Jesus. When the Lord Jesus - the Creator of heaven and earth - is in control of a people, there is liberty. When Satan and others have control, there is bondage.
 Send E-mail to Russ: webslave for Christ ( russ@jesuswept.com ) with questions or comments about this web site and it's content. Last modified: 12/04/2002 |
