For full story go to http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,314023,00.html
Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton used an appearance at one of the nation's largest evangelical churches Thursday to sketch a broad agenda to take on disease around the globe, calling it "the right thing to do."
The centerpiece of a speech laced with Biblical references and reflections on her own faith was a call to spend billions of dollars to combat HIV/AIDS and other infectious diseases at home and abroad. She said she would try to stamp out malaria deaths in Africa within eight years.
Money and government alone cannot solve the problems, she said. AIDS "is a problem of our common humanity, and we are called to respond with love, with mercy and with urgency," she said.
With the presidential campaign intensifying in Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina, Clinton was alone among leading candidates to fly to coastal California to appear at Saddleback Church in Orange County, where pastor and best-selling author Rick Warren convenes a conference each year to highlight the global threat posed by HIV/AIDS.
Friday, November 30, 2007
Thursday, November 29, 2007
What's in the name?
Here are some of the reasons why we named our son Jude MacArthur Kolstad:
1. We liked the names. Let’s not get over-spiritual here.
2. When I get the chance to fill our Senior Pastor’s pulpit (Joe Flatt) I have been preaching through the book of Jude (see http://www.fbccarmel.com/). This Sunday will be my 11th sermon from this much neglected epistle. This book has been my companion for 2+ years now. It is a wonderful book written by the half brother of Jesus, Jude. It’s a great name with an even better message.
3. Pastor John MacArthur has had a major spiritual influence in my life and in my wife’s life. He has also had a big role in the spiritual development of my parents and in some measure in Andrea’s parents lives as well. People who love the truth love those who bring it faithfully.
4. Pastor MacArthur was my teaching pastor for 12+ years. I was apart of Grace Community Churches children’s ministries, teen ministries, college ministries, singles ministries, and there adult ministries. MacArthur taught me how to handle the Bible before I ever went to Bible college or seminary. In my estimation, he is the finest Bible expositor I have ever learned from. Al Mohler recently said, that "John MacArthur + Bible ='s expository preaching." You can make that determination for yourself at http://www.oneplace.com/ministries/grace_to_you/
5. Like the good Dr. (Martyn Lloyd-Jones), Pastor John MacArthur has been greatly used by God in his defense and proclamation of the truth. There is nothing more important in this life then the non-negotiable body of objective truth that makes up the Christian gospel. Jude 3 calls on all of us to “Contend earnestly for the faith.” John MacArthur has been exemplary in his efforts to protect, preserve, and proclaim the Word of God; and when the Word of God is faithfully preached Jesus Christ is glorified!
6. Two of the Pastors that John mentored (Jerry Wragg and Carey Hardy) discipled me. John’s ministry fingerprints were on those men and thus indirectly on me as well. My interaction with John has been predominately through letters. Since the 6th grade has always been faithful to reply to my notes.
7. Andrea and I both attended the Master’s College and I attended the Master’s Seminary. John MacArthur is the President of these Christian institutions. God used TMC and TMS to shape and mold both of our lives and ministries.
8. John MacArthur is a living hero of mine and thus the middle name is appropriate for our beloved first born son.
9. Jude's last name (Kolstad) is also rich with tradition. My parents Kent and Marie have left a wonderful legacy for their 4 children and 3 grandchildren.
Our prayer is that God saves Jude at an early age and that He will use him as He sees fit. We are thankful for this wonderful gift from God.
1. We liked the names. Let’s not get over-spiritual here.
2. When I get the chance to fill our Senior Pastor’s pulpit (Joe Flatt) I have been preaching through the book of Jude (see http://www.fbccarmel.com/). This Sunday will be my 11th sermon from this much neglected epistle. This book has been my companion for 2+ years now. It is a wonderful book written by the half brother of Jesus, Jude. It’s a great name with an even better message.
3. Pastor John MacArthur has had a major spiritual influence in my life and in my wife’s life. He has also had a big role in the spiritual development of my parents and in some measure in Andrea’s parents lives as well. People who love the truth love those who bring it faithfully.
4. Pastor MacArthur was my teaching pastor for 12+ years. I was apart of Grace Community Churches children’s ministries, teen ministries, college ministries, singles ministries, and there adult ministries. MacArthur taught me how to handle the Bible before I ever went to Bible college or seminary. In my estimation, he is the finest Bible expositor I have ever learned from. Al Mohler recently said, that "John MacArthur + Bible ='s expository preaching." You can make that determination for yourself at http://www.oneplace.com/ministries/grace_to_you/
5. Like the good Dr. (Martyn Lloyd-Jones), Pastor John MacArthur has been greatly used by God in his defense and proclamation of the truth. There is nothing more important in this life then the non-negotiable body of objective truth that makes up the Christian gospel. Jude 3 calls on all of us to “Contend earnestly for the faith.” John MacArthur has been exemplary in his efforts to protect, preserve, and proclaim the Word of God; and when the Word of God is faithfully preached Jesus Christ is glorified!
6. Two of the Pastors that John mentored (Jerry Wragg and Carey Hardy) discipled me. John’s ministry fingerprints were on those men and thus indirectly on me as well. My interaction with John has been predominately through letters. Since the 6th grade has always been faithful to reply to my notes.
7. Andrea and I both attended the Master’s College and I attended the Master’s Seminary. John MacArthur is the President of these Christian institutions. God used TMC and TMS to shape and mold both of our lives and ministries.
8. John MacArthur is a living hero of mine and thus the middle name is appropriate for our beloved first born son.
9. Jude's last name (Kolstad) is also rich with tradition. My parents Kent and Marie have left a wonderful legacy for their 4 children and 3 grandchildren.
Our prayer is that God saves Jude at an early age and that He will use him as He sees fit. We are thankful for this wonderful gift from God.
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Commentary on the death of Sean Taylor
I ran across this commentary by a black sportswriter that is worth your consideration...I don't agree with everything he wrote but he does make some great observations...
Here is a portion of what he said. For the full article go to http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/7499442?MSNHPHCP>1=10637
"There's a reason I call them the Black KKK. The pain, the fear and the destruction are all the same. Someone who loved Sean Taylor is crying right now. The life they knew has been destroyed, an 18-month-old baby lost her father, and, if you're a black man living in America, you've been reminded once again that your life is in constant jeopardy of violent death. The Black KKK claimed another victim, a high-profile professional football player with a checkered past this time.
No, we don't know for certain the circumstances surrounding Taylor's death. I could very well be proven wrong for engaging in this sort of aggressive speculation. But it's no different than if you saw a fat man fall to the ground clutching his chest. You'd assume a heart attack, and you'd know, no matter the cause, the man needed to lose weight.
Well, when shots are fired and a black man hits the pavement, there's every statistical reason to believe another black man pulled the trigger. That's not some negative, unfair stereotype. It's a reality we've been living with, tolerating and rationalizing for far too long.
When the traditional, white KKK lynched, terrorized and intimidated black folks at a slower rate than its modern-day dark-skinned replacement, at least we had the good sense to be outraged and in no mood to contemplate rationalizations or be fooled by distractions. Our new millennium strategy is to pray the Black KKK goes away or ignores us. How's that working?
About as well as the attempt to shift attention away from this uniquely African-American crisis by focusing on an alleged injustice the white media allegedly perpetrated against Sean Taylor.
Within hours of his death, there was a story circulating that members of the black press were complaining that news outlets were disrespecting Taylor's victimhood by reporting on his troubled past
No disrespect to Taylor, but he controlled the way he would be remembered by the way he lived. His immature, undisciplined behavior with his employer, his run-ins with law enforcement, which included allegedly threatening a man with a loaded gun, and the fact a vehicle he owned was once sprayed with bullets are all pertinent details when you've been murdered."
Here is a portion of what he said. For the full article go to http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/7499442?MSNHPHCP>1=10637
"There's a reason I call them the Black KKK. The pain, the fear and the destruction are all the same. Someone who loved Sean Taylor is crying right now. The life they knew has been destroyed, an 18-month-old baby lost her father, and, if you're a black man living in America, you've been reminded once again that your life is in constant jeopardy of violent death. The Black KKK claimed another victim, a high-profile professional football player with a checkered past this time.
No, we don't know for certain the circumstances surrounding Taylor's death. I could very well be proven wrong for engaging in this sort of aggressive speculation. But it's no different than if you saw a fat man fall to the ground clutching his chest. You'd assume a heart attack, and you'd know, no matter the cause, the man needed to lose weight.
Well, when shots are fired and a black man hits the pavement, there's every statistical reason to believe another black man pulled the trigger. That's not some negative, unfair stereotype. It's a reality we've been living with, tolerating and rationalizing for far too long.
When the traditional, white KKK lynched, terrorized and intimidated black folks at a slower rate than its modern-day dark-skinned replacement, at least we had the good sense to be outraged and in no mood to contemplate rationalizations or be fooled by distractions. Our new millennium strategy is to pray the Black KKK goes away or ignores us. How's that working?
About as well as the attempt to shift attention away from this uniquely African-American crisis by focusing on an alleged injustice the white media allegedly perpetrated against Sean Taylor.
Within hours of his death, there was a story circulating that members of the black press were complaining that news outlets were disrespecting Taylor's victimhood by reporting on his troubled past
No disrespect to Taylor, but he controlled the way he would be remembered by the way he lived. His immature, undisciplined behavior with his employer, his run-ins with law enforcement, which included allegedly threatening a man with a loaded gun, and the fact a vehicle he owned was once sprayed with bullets are all pertinent details when you've been murdered."
Monday, November 26, 2007
Friday, November 23, 2007
I have a SON!!!!
Jude MacArthur Kolstad was born on Thanksgiving day! He is 9 pounds 12 ounces (a big boy) and is 21 inches long.
The Lord answered so many prayers along the way. Dr. Jim did the C-section which was a blessing since he is a Christian doctor. He had me pray before the surgery and was playing Christian music during the operation. I really appreciated his Christian testimony!
Praise God and HAPPY THANKSGIVING! (
Caleb, Andrea, Evelyn, and Jude
(Pictures to come)
The Lord answered so many prayers along the way. Dr. Jim did the C-section which was a blessing since he is a Christian doctor. He had me pray before the surgery and was playing Christian music during the operation. I really appreciated his Christian testimony!
Praise God and HAPPY THANKSGIVING! (
Caleb, Andrea, Evelyn, and Jude
(Pictures to come)
Monday, November 12, 2007
A must read on Teen Ministries
Phil Johnson has posted this over at Pyro and it is really worth your time and consideration:
At last June's Founder's Conference, Roy Hargrave delivered a powerful message that got me thinking about why so many churches lose their young people. (That wasn't the theme of Dr. Hargrave's message, but he brought up the subject in one of the points he made.)Here's a really brief summary of some of my thoughts on the matter:The very strategies many churches adopt to try to keep their young people involved in the church are the main reasons they lose so many of them. The dominant philosophies of youth ministry today are spiritually lame or worse—and almost completely counterproductive.Specifically, it's time we faced the fact that systematically dumbing down the teaching ministry and ramping up the party atmosphere while isolating our young people from the rest of the body is not a very good strategy for increasing the rate of retention among our youth.
Think about it: Youth ministries (not all of them, of course, but the vast majority of squidgy evangelical ones) deliberately shield their young people from the hard truths and strong demands of Jesus. They tailor their worship so worldly youth can feel as comfortable in the church environment as possible. They squander the best opportunities of those formative student years by minimizing spiritual instruction while emphasizing fun and games.
They let their teens live with the false notions that believing in Christ is easy, sanctification is optional, and religion is supposed to be fun and always suited to our liking. They fail to equip their high school students for the rigorous defense of the faith they will need in college. They neglect to integrate them as young adults into the adult community of the church.And then they wonder why so many young people abandon the church about the same time they leave home.How hard can it really be to understand why the "Youth Specialties" approach to student ministry has been such an enormous failure?
At last June's Founder's Conference, Roy Hargrave delivered a powerful message that got me thinking about why so many churches lose their young people. (That wasn't the theme of Dr. Hargrave's message, but he brought up the subject in one of the points he made.)Here's a really brief summary of some of my thoughts on the matter:The very strategies many churches adopt to try to keep their young people involved in the church are the main reasons they lose so many of them. The dominant philosophies of youth ministry today are spiritually lame or worse—and almost completely counterproductive.Specifically, it's time we faced the fact that systematically dumbing down the teaching ministry and ramping up the party atmosphere while isolating our young people from the rest of the body is not a very good strategy for increasing the rate of retention among our youth.
Think about it: Youth ministries (not all of them, of course, but the vast majority of squidgy evangelical ones) deliberately shield their young people from the hard truths and strong demands of Jesus. They tailor their worship so worldly youth can feel as comfortable in the church environment as possible. They squander the best opportunities of those formative student years by minimizing spiritual instruction while emphasizing fun and games.
They let their teens live with the false notions that believing in Christ is easy, sanctification is optional, and religion is supposed to be fun and always suited to our liking. They fail to equip their high school students for the rigorous defense of the faith they will need in college. They neglect to integrate them as young adults into the adult community of the church.And then they wonder why so many young people abandon the church about the same time they leave home.How hard can it really be to understand why the "Youth Specialties" approach to student ministry has been such an enormous failure?
Another day in the NFL
Well the Taco6 clan was eager to post a comment after the Colt's game last night. I fell asleep after the 3rd Qtr so i missed some of the fun. It was a wonderful game for those who are not Manning fans. I thought during the first half the Colts traded for Griese or Grossman. 6 Ints??? I guess that only proves that great players need help from teammates when they are not playing well.
The Chicago Bears at this point are not very relevant. I know that. They could only put up 17 against the Raiders...All i want for Christmas is a Quarterback.
None the less, if the Pats don't sustain any major injuries I don't know if Indy or Dallas or G.B. can beat them. I know the Bears can't. But then again anything can happen in this league which is why they play the game.
The Chicago Bears at this point are not very relevant. I know that. They could only put up 17 against the Raiders...All i want for Christmas is a Quarterback.
None the less, if the Pats don't sustain any major injuries I don't know if Indy or Dallas or G.B. can beat them. I know the Bears can't. But then again anything can happen in this league which is why they play the game.
Monday, November 05, 2007
A Great Day in the NFL
I wonder if our faithful Colts fans will comment today? I have long argued with my Indiana friends that i would pick Tom Brady over Peyton Manning in a big playoff game. Until last year Mannings QB rating/record and Bradys QB rating/record during the playoffs were not even close. Now this year Mr. Tom cool is on pace to smash the regular season records of Mr. Manning.
I had church Sunday PM so i was not able to see much of the game. I was able to see the end which was the best part...Tom Brady makes some clutch plays and leads the Pats to a come from behind victory in Indy no less. Manning has a chance to be a hero but he fails. He holds on to the ball too long has it knocked out of his arms into a Pats player to seal the Colts fate. He then pounds his hand into the turf knowing full well Mr Brady is the best QB in the game right now and that the Pats are the best team.
The NFC North showed its grit with G.B beating K.C. and Minn beating San Diego and Detroit defeating Denver.
The AFC South is probably the best division in football this season. The Colts and Titans are great teams. New Orleans did defeat Jacksonville yesterday though. When the Titans get Pacman Jones back next year and if they can sign a few quality wide recievers during the off season look out. They have one of the best D's in the league.
The AFC East (minus N.E.) and the NFC West are horrible. The NFC East and The AFC South are probably the two best divisions in football right now.
NFL Power Rankings
1. New England
2. Indy
DROP OFF
3. Dallas
4. Pittsburgh
5. Green Bay
6. Tennesssee
I had church Sunday PM so i was not able to see much of the game. I was able to see the end which was the best part...Tom Brady makes some clutch plays and leads the Pats to a come from behind victory in Indy no less. Manning has a chance to be a hero but he fails. He holds on to the ball too long has it knocked out of his arms into a Pats player to seal the Colts fate. He then pounds his hand into the turf knowing full well Mr Brady is the best QB in the game right now and that the Pats are the best team.
The NFC North showed its grit with G.B beating K.C. and Minn beating San Diego and Detroit defeating Denver.
The AFC South is probably the best division in football this season. The Colts and Titans are great teams. New Orleans did defeat Jacksonville yesterday though. When the Titans get Pacman Jones back next year and if they can sign a few quality wide recievers during the off season look out. They have one of the best D's in the league.
The AFC East (minus N.E.) and the NFC West are horrible. The NFC East and The AFC South are probably the two best divisions in football right now.
NFL Power Rankings
1. New England
2. Indy
DROP OFF
3. Dallas
4. Pittsburgh
5. Green Bay
6. Tennesssee
Thursday, November 01, 2007
1 Corinthians 11:2-3: Biblical Manhood and Womanhood
Biblical Manhood and Womanhood
1 Corinthians 11:2-3
This is one of the key New Testament texts that highlight many essential principles of Biblical manhood and womanhood. Verses 2-16 address the roles of men and women in the worship service or during some other setting where believers gathered together. Dr. Schreiner believes this section addresses actions that were taking place during the public worship service while Dr. MacArthur believes that Paul is addressing problems in a different context. It appears to me that Paul is trying to correct some of the problems that where taking place during the church worship service in chapters 11-14.
None the less, Paul goes back and forth with statements about men and women (see Garland’s chart below). Clearly this passage is very applicable to the subject at hand. David Garland notes, “Whatever the motivation, the structure of Paul’s argument makes clear what the issue is:
11:4 Every man who prays or prophesies
11:5 Every woman who prays or prophesies
11:7a On the one hand (men gar ) the man. . .
11:7b On the other hand (de) the woman
11:7 A man ought not (ouk opheilei) . . . the head
11:10 A woman ought (opheilei) . . . the head
11:11a Neither a woman apart from the man
11:11b Neither the man apart from the woman
11:12a For just as the woman . . .
11:12b Thus also the man . . .
11:13 It is shameful for a woman to pray to God uncovered
(no parallel)
11:14b On the one hand (men) the man . . .
11:15 On the other hand (de) the woman . . .”
1 Corinthians 11:2-3
This is one of the key New Testament texts that highlight many essential principles of Biblical manhood and womanhood. Verses 2-16 address the roles of men and women in the worship service or during some other setting where believers gathered together. Dr. Schreiner believes this section addresses actions that were taking place during the public worship service while Dr. MacArthur believes that Paul is addressing problems in a different context. It appears to me that Paul is trying to correct some of the problems that where taking place during the church worship service in chapters 11-14.
None the less, Paul goes back and forth with statements about men and women (see Garland’s chart below). Clearly this passage is very applicable to the subject at hand. David Garland notes, “Whatever the motivation, the structure of Paul’s argument makes clear what the issue is:
11:4 Every man who prays or prophesies
11:5 Every woman who prays or prophesies
11:7a On the one hand (men gar ) the man. . .
11:7b On the other hand (de) the woman
11:7 A man ought not (ouk opheilei) . . . the head
11:10 A woman ought (opheilei) . . . the head
11:11a Neither a woman apart from the man
11:11b Neither the man apart from the woman
11:12a For just as the woman . . .
11:12b Thus also the man . . .
11:13 It is shameful for a woman to pray to God uncovered
(no parallel)
11:14b On the one hand (men) the man . . .
11:15 On the other hand (de) the woman . . .”
The crux of the argument is probably found in verse 13. 1 Corinthians 11:13, Judge for yourselves: is it proper for a woman to pray to God with head uncovered? No parallel statement is made here as Garland’s chart above shows. That is a significant observation to keep in mind.
There are only two commands in 1 Corinthians 11:2-16. The two imperatives in this passage are found in verse 6 (let her cover herself) and in verse 13 (judge for yourselves). With that said, certain details in this section are very difficult to understand. This is not an easy portion of Scripture to understand yet the central theme of the passage can be discerned and applied. In the words of Dr. Schreiner, “There is an abiding principle in the text that is applicable to the 20th century.” It is an important principle for all Christians to understand and apply.
So how does verse 2 relate to vv 3-16? Verses 3-16 indicate there were some problems in the Corinthian church. Why then does Paul open this section with a commendation in verse 2? 1 Corinthians 11:2, Now I praise you because you remember me in everything, and hold firmly to the traditions, just as I delivered them to you.
There are only two commands in 1 Corinthians 11:2-16. The two imperatives in this passage are found in verse 6 (let her cover herself) and in verse 13 (judge for yourselves). With that said, certain details in this section are very difficult to understand. This is not an easy portion of Scripture to understand yet the central theme of the passage can be discerned and applied. In the words of Dr. Schreiner, “There is an abiding principle in the text that is applicable to the 20th century.” It is an important principle for all Christians to understand and apply.
So how does verse 2 relate to vv 3-16? Verses 3-16 indicate there were some problems in the Corinthian church. Why then does Paul open this section with a commendation in verse 2? 1 Corinthians 11:2, Now I praise you because you remember me in everything, and hold firmly to the traditions, just as I delivered them to you.
In parenting, it’s normally wise to reinforce positive Christ-like behavior in the lives of your children. If your child does something well or is obedient I believe it’s wise to draw attention to those behaviors. Some parents on the other hand focus exclusively on their children’s sins and mistakes. That is not good parenting. Why? Because encouragement is an essential medicine of life. Before Paul corrects the “Corinthian problems” in chapters 11-14, he seeks to encourage them for the things they’re doing right. In the words of one commentator, “The situation of the church is not bleak in every respect.” They were doing some things well which Paul wanted to draw attention to and reinforce. If you’re a boss or a Pastor or a parent or a teacher there is biblical wisdom in Paul’s approach to shepherding/leading. Notice his example in 1 Corinthians 1:1-6; "Paul, called as an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother, 2 to the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who have been sanctified in Christ Jesus, saints by calling, with all who in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours: 3Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 4 I thank my God always concerning you, for the grace of God which was given you in Christ Jesus, 5 that in everything you were enriched in Him, in all speech and ball knowledge, 6 even as the testimony concerning Christ was confirmed in you...” Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians are amazing in light of all the problems this church had. Just read 1 and 2 Corinthians and you’ll see what I mean. Let me encourage you to follow Paul’s example and encourage others as much as you can!
After praising the Corinthians in verse 2, Paul addresses some of their problems in 1 Corinthians 11:3-6. But I want you to understand that Christ is the head of every man, and the man is the head of a woman, and God is the head of Christ. 4 Every man who has something on his head while praying or prophesying, disgraces his head. 5 But every woman who has her head uncovered while praying or prophesying, disgraces her head; for she is one and the same with her whose head is shaved. 6 For if a woman does not cover her head, let her also have her hair cut off; but if it is disgraceful for a woman to have her hair cut off or her head shaved, let her cover her head.
I believe verse 3 is jam-packed with theological significance. It is probably the most important verse in the entire section. If you get this verse right you’ll probably understand the rest of the passage as well.
Before moving ahead a few questions should be considered. We know Eve was taken from Adam’s rib, but Andrea (my wife) did not come from Caleb, did she? Did the man originate from Christ? How did God create the first man in Genesis? Should the Greek words in verse 3 be translated husband/wife or man/woman? Are their any textual or grammatical reasons to interpret the words more specifically as husband/wife over the more general terms man/woman?
Most importantly, what does the word “head” (“kephale”) mean in this particular context? Complementarians believe it means “Authority.” Egalitarians believe it means “Source/Origin”
Let’s examine how Paul uses this same word (head) in a similar context. Here the word is also used figuratively though more specifically in the context of husbands and wives. Observe Ephesians 5:22-24, 22 Wives, be subject to your own husbands, as to the Lord. 23 For the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ also is the head of the church, He Himself being the Savior of the body. 24 But as the church is subject to Christ, so also the wives ought to be to their husbands in everything. Women should submit to their husbands (their God-ordained authority figures), as the church submits herself to Christ.
Let’s also observe the inspired words of Ephesians 1:20-23, "Which He brought about in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead, and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age, but also in the one to come. 22 And He put all things in subjection under His feet, and gave Him as head over all things to the church, 23 which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all." Head (kephale) clearly means authority here. Jesus Christ is the leader of the Church. He is our glorious head. He has authority over the Church.
Before we move on let’s also check out a usage of this word in Colossians. Colossians 2:9-15, For in Him all the fulness of Deity dwells in bodily form, 10 and in Him you have been made complete, and He is the head over all rule and authority; 11 and in Him you were also circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, in the removal of the body of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ; 12 having been buried with Him in baptism, in which you were also raised up with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead. 13 And when you were dead in your transgressions and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He made you alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our transgressions, 14 having canceled out the certificate of debt consisting of decrees against us and which was hostile to us; and He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. 15 When He had disarmed the rulers and authorities, He made a public display of them, having triumphed over them through Him. The concept of Jesus’ authority and supremacy is clearly declared in this wonderful text.
The word “head” in I Corinthians 11:3 clearly implies “authority”. Let’s read this verse using “authority” in place of “HEAD”. But I want you to understand that Christ is the authority of every man, and the man is the authority of a woman, and God is the authority of Christ. (Note: A few of the good modern day English translations use husband and wife instead of man and woman).
Some of you lay theologians may object to this understanding: “I thought the members of the Trinity (Father, Son & Spirit) are totally equal in essence, nature, personhood, and being? Isn’t that true? Is that not what you taught us in lessons 1-5?” If I answer ‘no’ here I would rightly be labeled a heretic. Why? Because the Bible clearly teaches us that the Father is God, very God, the Son is God, very God, and the Holy Spirit is God, very God. I love to sing the following Christian song lyrics, “Praise the Father, praise the Son, praise the Spirit, three in one!” The doctrine of the Trinity is central to biblical Christianity. The Bible also says that though perfectly equal in nature and being the members of the Trinity have different functions and roles! This understanding is absolutely crucial! If you miss this point you won’t understand the gospels or the Trinity or Biblical manhood and womanhood.
After praising the Corinthians in verse 2, Paul addresses some of their problems in 1 Corinthians 11:3-6. But I want you to understand that Christ is the head of every man, and the man is the head of a woman, and God is the head of Christ. 4 Every man who has something on his head while praying or prophesying, disgraces his head. 5 But every woman who has her head uncovered while praying or prophesying, disgraces her head; for she is one and the same with her whose head is shaved. 6 For if a woman does not cover her head, let her also have her hair cut off; but if it is disgraceful for a woman to have her hair cut off or her head shaved, let her cover her head.
I believe verse 3 is jam-packed with theological significance. It is probably the most important verse in the entire section. If you get this verse right you’ll probably understand the rest of the passage as well.
Before moving ahead a few questions should be considered. We know Eve was taken from Adam’s rib, but Andrea (my wife) did not come from Caleb, did she? Did the man originate from Christ? How did God create the first man in Genesis? Should the Greek words in verse 3 be translated husband/wife or man/woman? Are their any textual or grammatical reasons to interpret the words more specifically as husband/wife over the more general terms man/woman?
Most importantly, what does the word “head” (“kephale”) mean in this particular context? Complementarians believe it means “Authority.” Egalitarians believe it means “Source/Origin”
Let’s examine how Paul uses this same word (head) in a similar context. Here the word is also used figuratively though more specifically in the context of husbands and wives. Observe Ephesians 5:22-24, 22 Wives, be subject to your own husbands, as to the Lord. 23 For the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ also is the head of the church, He Himself being the Savior of the body. 24 But as the church is subject to Christ, so also the wives ought to be to their husbands in everything. Women should submit to their husbands (their God-ordained authority figures), as the church submits herself to Christ.
Let’s also observe the inspired words of Ephesians 1:20-23, "Which He brought about in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead, and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age, but also in the one to come. 22 And He put all things in subjection under His feet, and gave Him as head over all things to the church, 23 which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all." Head (kephale) clearly means authority here. Jesus Christ is the leader of the Church. He is our glorious head. He has authority over the Church.
Before we move on let’s also check out a usage of this word in Colossians. Colossians 2:9-15, For in Him all the fulness of Deity dwells in bodily form, 10 and in Him you have been made complete, and He is the head over all rule and authority; 11 and in Him you were also circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, in the removal of the body of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ; 12 having been buried with Him in baptism, in which you were also raised up with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead. 13 And when you were dead in your transgressions and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He made you alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our transgressions, 14 having canceled out the certificate of debt consisting of decrees against us and which was hostile to us; and He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. 15 When He had disarmed the rulers and authorities, He made a public display of them, having triumphed over them through Him. The concept of Jesus’ authority and supremacy is clearly declared in this wonderful text.
The word “head” in I Corinthians 11:3 clearly implies “authority”. Let’s read this verse using “authority” in place of “HEAD”. But I want you to understand that Christ is the authority of every man, and the man is the authority of a woman, and God is the authority of Christ. (Note: A few of the good modern day English translations use husband and wife instead of man and woman).
Some of you lay theologians may object to this understanding: “I thought the members of the Trinity (Father, Son & Spirit) are totally equal in essence, nature, personhood, and being? Isn’t that true? Is that not what you taught us in lessons 1-5?” If I answer ‘no’ here I would rightly be labeled a heretic. Why? Because the Bible clearly teaches us that the Father is God, very God, the Son is God, very God, and the Holy Spirit is God, very God. I love to sing the following Christian song lyrics, “Praise the Father, praise the Son, praise the Spirit, three in one!” The doctrine of the Trinity is central to biblical Christianity. The Bible also says that though perfectly equal in nature and being the members of the Trinity have different functions and roles! This understanding is absolutely crucial! If you miss this point you won’t understand the gospels or the Trinity or Biblical manhood and womanhood.
There are no “ontological” differences between Father and Son but they do have different roles. That qualification in no way undermines their fully equality. The Nicene Creed was 100% correct here. Jesus is of the same substance as God the Father. There are three members that make up one Godhead. Three distinct persons but just one God.
A distinct role does not logically imply inferiority! The Son submits to the Father in various Bible passages (Observe I Cor. 15:28, Jn 3:17, 14:28) The Father commands and sends and the Son obeys and comes. Bruce Ware has done some wonderful research that further proves this point if you want a more detailed study of this.
The subordination the Bible talks about deals with order and relation not being or essence. God is the head over Christ yet He is not essentially greater than Christ. Generally speaking Christian women are under male authority but they are not inferior to men. God gave women different gender defined roles that in no way undermine their full equality with men. The same is true in regards to the Trinity. Christian feminists and radical feminists miss God’s mark when they try to promote equal roles in the church and the home. If you don’t believe me study the Holy Trinity! Carefully follow Paul’s logic in I Corinthians 11:3. Do an in depth research project on the role of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit has willingly taken on a role in which He eternally exists in the backdrop. The Spirit lives to bring glory to the Son and seeks to bring about the will of the Father. What an amazing example of Divine humility and submission for all of us to consider. Examine Bruce Ware’s wonderful book “Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.”
When Kephale (head) is used figuratively (speaking of people or relationships) it always conveys the idea of authority. Dr. Grundem adds this helpful comment, “Therefore there is no linguistic basis for proposing that the New Testament texts speak of Chirst as the head of the church or the husband as the head of the wife can be read apart from the attribution of authority to the one designated as ‘head.’” [For a more detailed article that supports this claim check out “Recovering Biblical Manhood and Womanhood” Appendix 1, pp 425-468]
The holy Trinity proves that men and women can be totally equal yet they can also have different functions and roles that are gender defined by Divine design.
The subordination the Bible talks about deals with order and relation not being or essence. God is the head over Christ yet He is not essentially greater than Christ. Generally speaking Christian women are under male authority but they are not inferior to men. God gave women different gender defined roles that in no way undermine their full equality with men. The same is true in regards to the Trinity. Christian feminists and radical feminists miss God’s mark when they try to promote equal roles in the church and the home. If you don’t believe me study the Holy Trinity! Carefully follow Paul’s logic in I Corinthians 11:3. Do an in depth research project on the role of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit has willingly taken on a role in which He eternally exists in the backdrop. The Spirit lives to bring glory to the Son and seeks to bring about the will of the Father. What an amazing example of Divine humility and submission for all of us to consider. Examine Bruce Ware’s wonderful book “Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.”
When Kephale (head) is used figuratively (speaking of people or relationships) it always conveys the idea of authority. Dr. Grundem adds this helpful comment, “Therefore there is no linguistic basis for proposing that the New Testament texts speak of Chirst as the head of the church or the husband as the head of the wife can be read apart from the attribution of authority to the one designated as ‘head.’” [For a more detailed article that supports this claim check out “Recovering Biblical Manhood and Womanhood” Appendix 1, pp 425-468]
The holy Trinity proves that men and women can be totally equal yet they can also have different functions and roles that are gender defined by Divine design.
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