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Proclaim Truth Regardless

Proverbs 14:25 Updated American Standard Version (UASV)
²⁵A truthful witness saves souls,
but he who utters lies is deceitful.

This proverb is like verse 14:5. Also, see also 6:19; 19:5, 9; and 21:28. I gave quite the lengthy interpretation in 14:5 but will go another direction here.

A truthful witness saves souls: A truthful (אֱמֶת emeth) witness is one that is worthy of our trust and can always be believed, as he will be truthful in all things.

We preach God’s truth, regardless of how others may feel. Yes, we do it with respect and gently, but we do not water it down or deny it, or not take a stance because it might offend.

but he who utters lies is deceitful:

but a false witness utters lies: He who utters lies (וְיָפִחַ כְּזָבִים) is a person that lies as easily as he takes a breath and has no pause in bearing false witness under oath, or in life. The one who sends out discord between brothers belongs to a person that takes pleasure in causing trouble with his family and friends. This person causes havoc on society, from the friend to the family, to the community, as well as the court of law. In our ministry, such a person does great damage as well.

Our proclaiming the good news of the king, teaching, and making disciples involve being a truthful witness to the truth of the Word of God. By doing so, we save souls. The truthful witness saves right hearted persons from Satan’s world and saves lives. The apostle Paul says, “Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in these things, for as you do this, you will ensure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you.” – 1 Timothy 4:16.

A female Christian apologist who is a member of a major female Christian apologist organization said of their group that they do not take a stance on female pastors because they have members in churches that have female pastors. Really? So, we ignore Bible truth because it might offend someone when they are in an apologetic group that is based on defending the Word of God?

She said, “what can you say to a person who says they are called to be a pastor?” Really, God does not call people to do things that are against the Word of God. That would be like a homosexual saying God called him to be a pastor. We would point out the verses that say otherwise. So, if a woman claims God called her to be a pastor, we say no, and point out verses that say otherwise. It is about defending the Word of God even when it is at odds with our feelings, family or friends’ feelings, and modern-day feminist feelings. Let’s look at this topic more in-depth and the issue of one claiming they have been called by God, and who are we to call God’s choice into question.

1 Corinthians 7:12 Updated American Standard Version (UASV)
¹²But to the rest I say, not the Lord, that if any brother has a wife who is an unbeliever, and she consents to live with him, he must not divorce her.

Notice that Paul is saying, I am inspired by God, so I can say this and the Lord (Jesus), did not touch on this, but I am. Let us take a look at the context and historical setting.

1 Timothy 2:12 Updated American Standard Version (UASV)
¹²But I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man, but to be in silence.

Here again, we notice in 1 Timothy 2:12 that Paul is exercising the authority that he has been given and his word is, in essence, God’s Word. So, the Bible says so that you cannot pastor a church at any level, including deacons. The other thing to consider is what if a homosexual man says he has the gift to pastor a church, or a man with many wives says he has the gift to pastor a church. The Bible says homosexuality is a gross (severe), unseemly, shameful sin and that the homosexual “will not inherit the kingdom of God.” (Rom. 1:26-28; 1 Cor. 6:9) Not every emotion that moves one to think they are gifted to do something gets to carry that out. Just because you feel like you have the gift to do something does not give you the right to overrule, set aside the Word of God. God said, ‘the office of the elder must be the husband of one wife’ (1 Tim. 3:2), which means the office is held out to men alone. The Bible clearly states that women are not to teach or exercise authority over men. There is absolutely no justification or feeling of a calling for a woman to hold the office of pastor/teacher or exercise that authority. No one’s feelings of being called can conflict with the plain language of the Bible. If one is wrong, it will be the one who has the feeling of being called and all who participate in that sin.

As stated, women can be ministers or teachers in other capacities. They can evangelize and teach unbelievers, unbaptized boys and girls regardless of baptism, and women in church Bible studies. They can serve as missionaries.

1 Corinthians 14:34 Updated American Standard Version (UASV)
³⁴let the women keep silent in the congregations, for it is not permitted for them to speak, but let them be in subjection, as the Law also says.

What Did the Apostle Paul Mean Women to Keep Silent in the Congregations? Are The Women Not to Speak at All?

“Let the women keep silent in the congregations,” wrote the apostle Paul. (1 Corinthians 14:34) What did Paul mean? He was not saying that they could not even speak at all or that they could not teach in any capacity which would require speaking. No. In fact, he that “they are to teach what is good” in certain capacities. (2 Timothy 1:5; Titus 2:3-5) In the letter to the Corinthians, Paul told not only women but also persons who had the gift of tongues and prophecy to “keep silent” when there was another believer speaking. (1 Corinthians 14:26-30, 33) It is possible that some of the Christian women may have been so thrilled because of the newfound faith that they spoke up with questions interrupting the brother who was speaking, which actually was the custom in the first century throughout the Roman Empire. But Paul was moved by the Holy Spirit to avoid disorder; Paul urged them, “If there is anything they desire to learn, let them ask their husbands at home. For it is shameful for a woman to speak in church.” – 1 Corinthians 14:35.[1]

[1] FIRST TIMOTHY 2:12: What Does the Bible Really Say About Women Pastors/Preachers?

(https://www.amazon.com/dp/1949586944) – ISBN-13 : ‎978-1949586947