Here is a basic fact: there are two genders--male and female. This is true according to theology and biology. Yet, when objective truth is abandoned for subjective "my truth," it leads down the blackhole of ever more degenerate thinking. Paul put it bluntly in Romans 1--that the result of denying the Creator is to worship the creation instead, supplanting God for idols, truth for error, and gender reality for gender fluidity.
18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19 because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. 20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, 21 because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Professing to be wise, they became fools, 23 and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man— and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things.
24 Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, 25 who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.
26 For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. 27 Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due.
28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; 29 being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil- mindedness; they are whisperers, 30 backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31 undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful; 32 who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them.
The church has to decide whether we will hold to Biblical clarity or choose cultural conformity. The pressure is on--and too many churches are waffling.
It does not happen all at once. Compromise is like erosion that eats away little by little at the tower of theology until it topples. It is like termites, quietly gnawing away until the floor collapses beneath our feet. It is a cancer that grows without visible symptoms until at the last it is terminal.
Is it any wonder that there is gender confusion in the culture when the church which is meant to be a bastion of truth has failed to speak with clarity concerning the fact that men and women are created by God and though equal in dignity, different in design?
Men were designed to be the initiators, the protectors, and providers--leaders of the home and in the church. Women are suited to be the heart of the home, responsive to needs, supportive of their husbands and pastors, and nurturers of the young. Working together, God blesses the family and the church fellowship.
God has appointed that the elders of the church be men. Women may do many other ministries--and do them better than men, but this is the role God has assigned. Paul dealt with this in 1 Timothy 2:8-15, when he said this:
8 I desire therefore that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting; 9 in like manner also, that the women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or costly clothing, 10 but, which is proper for women professing godliness, with good works. 11 Let a woman learn in silence with all submission. 12 And I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man, but to be in silence. 13 For Adam was formed first, then Eve. 14 And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived, fell into transgression. 15 Nevertheless she will be saved in childbearing if they continue in faith, love, and holiness, with self-control.
If the church is confused on gender roles, then is it any wonder that the culture is warped concerning gender? What is tolerated today will be celebrated tomorrow.
Let us hold fast to Biblical clarity. If we do not dig in our heels, set our jaw, and stiffen our spine, the prevailing winds of cultural conformity will sweep us along like tumbleweeds. If preachers are not rooted in sound doctrine, then what hope is there for the congregation?
"I write so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth," (1 Tim. 3:15).
Yours for Biblical Fidelity,
Dennis Thurman, AMS
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