Prayers Of Protection Part I: Power In Prayer

Often we falsely believe that since God is in control of everything we are absolved from guilt for the bad things which happen in the world and amongst our family, friends and communities. While it is true that we are not necessarily directly responsible for others, it is equally true that we as individuals are more responsible than is often thought.

Much of the sin and maladies in the world whould not be if those claiming to be Christians took the Christian calling seriously and allowed it to permeate all aspects of their lives. By both failure in right action and failure in right thoughts, many perish and suffer needlessly. The priorities of professed Christians appear to be shuffled rather than placed in order.

We must take the time to insure right relationships with and godly growth in those whom we influence in all areas of our lives. There come times when those we know are making decisions and we are in a place to lead them either to Christ and his Word...or to the devil and his world. There are times when they are open to our influence and in need of our words and of our prayers. We must not wait till we think they need us, but we must provide the example or teaching at the opportune time, because it may be too late later. Later they may be closed to our influence. Later we may not be able to do anything. We must discern when is the right time and when the time has past. But if we see someone grow through their whole life and never do anything then woe unto us if we say we are leaving it in "God's hands." We are God's hands. At least we are called to be.

Death and life are wrought by the very words of our mouth. (Proverbs18:21) Thus we posses a power which is best not neglected. This is why also our prayers and prayer life are so important. This is why we must spend time alone with God, and time apart from this worldly society which loves pleasure more than God and entertainment more than wisdom and fantasy more than reality.

Never should our thoughts and prayers be so high elevated that our actions are considered irrelevant. No, rather our thoughts and prayers become our actions and our future. This is why we must spend time in prayer and have our thoughts rightly directed toward the word and will of our Lord Jesus Christ. This is why those who love the world, pleasures, entertainment, and fantasy more than God and his teachings do not merely have their priorities disorganized. They actually hate God, and toss him and righteousness aside because it is impossible for them to commune with the King of Glory when they love what he hates.

I came across some real gems (to me personally) when moving boxes of stuff from my basement to my shed. Some things I had written back in 2005-2006. I found a prayer I had written and marveled as I reflected on how God has answered it in the times that have elapsed since then.

Below is the prayer I penned in late 2005 or early 2006.

Almighty God thank you for all that you have done for me in my life. Help me to go and do throughout my life what you want me too. Help me to not limit myself or you by the expectations and false limits of the world, but God that only you would set limits and expectations in my life. Be with me as and when I study and take my finals, and when I start my new classes for the last half of 12th grade and when I go to college next fall. Help me to live as a true Christian and thank you that this is possible because of Jesus Christ. Lord let him be the way, the truth and the life for me. Help my car to run well until I have more money not too worry about it. But even then help me to remember what is important and not waste money on worldly possessions. Be with me and guide me always Lord,  if I stray bring me gently but surely back to you. Amen.

I had not seen nor remembered this prayer over the past years, but I am able to see now how the Lord heard me. Everything in this prayer was answered by the Lord as far as I can ascertain. I believe this is an example of how the Lord hears, answers and blesses us as we ask him in faith.

"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning." - James 1:17

Love Man More Than God?

I was thinking the other day about what my motivation is. Why do I want to see people saved? Why do I want people to be Christians? Why do I want people to live in accordance with the word and will of God?

So often I desire to see people find peace. There are those who are hiding running, and turning from God, and they are restless, troubled, and without peace. I see people suffering and living through trying and difficult days and times as a direct result of their sins. I have known men who suffered through the day because they drank too much alcohol the night before. I know those who are poor and overworked because they committed fornication, having children out of wedlock for which they have neither time nor money to care for. (Worse yet, there are those who have murdered there own children, taking upon themselves the curse of shedding innocent blood. Worse yet are they who live in the enjoyment of their sin bearing the guilt of murder but with out shame or pain living in complete callousness to God and his coming judgment.) I know those who have nearly been and who are divorced because they have neglected their duties, misdirected their affections, and ordered their life and responsibilities in a fashion contrary to the plan of God as it is so clearly prescribed in his Holy Word. His Word which so few retain in their knowledge and much less do they obey it. These are common sins of so many and the fruit of their sin is ever before them as they reap it day after day. Yet they change not and their hearts are hardened. As we get to know some of these people we feel sorry for them, we wish to help them. We try to brighten their day and cheer them as they go their way. Those who love men more than God so often will do things which appear to help men but are in fact prohibited by God. When we love men more than God humanism becomes our God and we endorse not only Idolatry but we in essence reinvent Christianity and change it into a lie, a blasphemy, and an alternative to the only true Christianity - Biblical Christianity. We must remember that Christ associated with sinners and sought their salvation - but we must not forget that he also boldly spoke against hypocrisy and sin. We can observe from the scriptures that it was the lost sinner who received much grace, not the self-righteous hypocrites who mistakenly thought they knew God. Thus by the scriptural example we show more grace to those who never had much chance to learn the righteous way. We invite them to church, we speak of Biblical principles, and we treat them with respect. We desire for them to find the peace that is only available through our Lord Jesus Christ. That name above all names – who they know only as a swear word – or a distorted distant memory.

If only they would find Christ and his salvation and live in accordance with the word of God: then so many of their problems in this life would simply cease to be. Then they would have the joy, peace, and grace of God to help and to lead them victoriously through the trials and difficulties that all must endure as they are yet in the body of flesh upon the earth.

But let us not forget the reason for desiring the salvation of lost souls. The greatest reason for seeking the lost is not to see them find peace. The greatest reason to see them find peace is not so that their life will be comfortable. These reasons are far too earthly minded, and could even be motivated by selfishness. The reason we should desire to see men saved is for the Glory of God and the sake of his kingdom. Further, we should desire to see men saved to have them avoid eternal Hell fire, rather than to merely see them live comfortably in this short time we have here upon the earth. We should be motivated by fear, heeding the word of God and knowing full well, the torment and fury to which the unsaved are to be subject!

It is vital not to lose our focus; for we stand in danger of loving man more than God, and of desiring peace for men rather than Glory for our Holy Father. We stand in danger of desiring peace on earth, more than, or instead of peace in the eternal. In fact, there are ministers who have done God disservice to this very end. They have overlooked truth and discarded righteousness and attempted to extend love beyond the limits of its character. They have cut some from the peace of eternal life in an attempt to bring them peace in this world, and the very prince of darkness applauds their efforts.

To keep the proper focus we must know, believe, and live the truth of the scriptures, not only to live righteously in the sight of God, (who sees all) but to live righteously in the eyes of men, to the end that we may turn them to Him. Him to whom all praise and honor and glory is due, to Him who is the author and finisher of our faith.

Let us see the greatest commandments spoken by Christ Jesus in Matthew 22:36-39 and regard their order. "Master, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself." These laws are very much intertwined, for we cannot possibly love God unless we love man. However, I believe that we can love man to a point without loving God, for even sinners love that from which they benefit. Even unselfish and sacrificial love is I believe possible without necessarily loving God. But loving man without loving God is like having zeal for God without knowledge. More harm than good could be done if we are not wisely and rightly directed. It is a love which is without understanding. Let us first Love God and seek his Glory, and in doing so we will love man and seek his benefit in the way which is right and pleasing to God in light of his will and the eternity into which we shall shortly pass. Amen.

http://thethoughtsofhans.blogspot.com/2011/12/make-difference-share-gospel.html

Playing With Fire: Befriending The World

The church's habit of playing with fire is getting the church burnt. 

The Christian church has befriended the world is so many ways, that it is unable to discern right from wrong (Hebrews 5:14). Popular cultural has so been absorbed into the church, that the church is blinded to its effects and unable to conceive in its mind what holiness or righteousness even are. This is an enormous stumbling block, and an obstacle which prevents the church from being what God has called it to be. Yet the true Church cannot ultimately fail, those who are the called are the true Church. It is the institutional "church" which fails to live up to its professed calling. 

This is not a process which happened over night, but a process that has been going on since Christianity began; only perhaps to be expanded and easily exampled in recent decades. This is a tragedy which can only be prevented or solved by radical faith, and a willingness to risk ridicule and temporary discomfort for the treasures of heaven (Hebrews 11:6). 

What is sad, very, very, sad, is that few professing Christians, know, or even care. This is only evidence of the craftiness of Satan, and the dominion he wields over those who fail to use the power for deliverance which is available through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 

To those who grow up in the worldly "Christian" church, this type of talk seems to them to be nonsense. Something must awaken them, and unblind them or they cannot understand. 

Reason for but a moment... Not only is the Church's love of the world condemned in scripture as sin, but it is not even logical. How can a Christian profess to be a Christian, when they fill their minds with the same things as those who are not Christian. Can we really continue to fool ourselves into believing that we are Christians when we watch and hear movies, music and television which blasphemy God and promote what His Word detests? How can we say "Oh, we're mature enough to handle it." Really? I guess that's what the devil wants you to think isn't it. God knows the saturation of the minds of individuals with television and modern music has corrupted them nearly beyond repair. Dare we promote what God hates and excuse ourselves by saying "it's just for entertainment." Entertainment in its self, (for no other purpose), is nothing other than an excuse to delay doing that which God has for us to do (James 4:17). That is why there is no excuse for "cheap" entertainment. "Cheap" entertainment is herein defined as entertainment that does not teach some lesson or value to make us the wiser and better equipped for the purpose we as Christians have. We must ask ourselves if our acting or thinking places us within the will of God as it is proclaimed by scripture; weather it diminishes or allows or enhances the fulfillment of verses such as Romans 12:1-21, Colossians 3:17 and Philippians 4:8. 

I would venture so far as to say that many professing Christians do not even know what "the world" refers to in the phrase "love not the world." Neither do they understand what "befriending the world" is. In part, they imagine it as gross materialism or illegal acts to avoid doing; they fail to realize that it involves every aspect of their life; that they have been living in error, deceived into thinking that music, television and dress do not affect who they are. To love God, and not the world, is not something which can be done without deliberate effort; and yet, it cannot be done by the will of man (John 1:13, Romans 9:16). We must actively guard against the craftiness of the devil, and not be unwise dealing with an enemy which we, apart from Christ, are powerless to withstand (Matthew 10:16). The cares of this world have choked the spiritual life of many, and the love of it has turned many aside to death and destruction, though they know it not (Mark 4:19, 1 Timothy 6:9).

Not only have churches befriended the world; they have redesigned themselves by the philosophies and standards of the world. To the extent that they have done this, they have lost the power of God and the gifts of the Holy Spirit; giving themselves to be naught but institutions of man, becoming fodder for the fire of the wrath of God (2 Thessalonians 1:8-9, Revelation 14:10-11, Luke 3:9).

The verses below have much to do with this subject, and their reading provides further insight into what it means to obey and believe the God of the Bible concerning the key topic of avoiding worldliness. We can see from the verses below that it is desirable to be unspotted from the word, and to deny friendship to the world. We also observe that those who love the world are enemies of God, and that those who are chosen by God are hated by the world. We also see that the Gospel is foolishness to the world which is perishing, but to those who are saved it is the power of God. 

Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God. – James 4:4 

Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world. – James 1:27

If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. – John 15:19

Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. – 1 John 2:15

For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.  – 1 Corinthians 1:18-24

We Know the Commands: The Witness Against Us

Moses received from God all of the law and the commandments and Moses made it all known to the Israelites. Now the commands were written down, in books, and in stone, and spoken unto the Israelites on many occasions. (see Deuteronomy 27:8, Deuteronomy 31:9-13, Deuteronomy 31:24-26, Exodus 24:7).

“For this commandment which I command thee this day, it is not hidden from thee, neither is it far off. It is not in heaven, that thou shouldest say, Who shall go up for us to heaven, and bring it unto us, that we may hear it, and do it? Neither is it beyond the sea, that thou shouldest say, Who shall go over the sea for us, and bring it unto us, that we may hear it, and do it? But the word is very nigh unto thee, in thy mouth, and in thy heart, that thou mayest do it.” - Deuteronomy 30:11-14

We cannot say “I did not know.” We cannot pretend to seek what God wants from us as if we do not know.

The scriptures are plain and clear. We have Bibles to read and yet we don’t know what God has commanded because we do not read our Bibles.

Christ has taught us. The Apostles have taught us. Their words are written for us to read, for us to believe, for us to obey.

As the Law of Moses was written as a witness against the Israelites, so are the words of Christ and the Apostles and the Prophets written as a witness against us (Deuteronomy 31:24-30, John 1:7-23, John 3:11, John 15:27, John 18:37, Acts 1:20-26, Acts 4:33, Acts 23:11, Revelation 20:4).

It is as if the words of Christ and the apostles are crying out to us. "You profess to be a Christian? THEN KNOW MY WORDS!" But Christ and the Apostles are not only a witness against those who profess to know him. They are also a witness against all men. For "he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God." (see John 3:18)

“For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools” - Romans 1:18-22

“God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, and to be had in reverence of all them that are about him.” - Psalm 89:7

“Thou hast a mighty arm: strong is thy hand, and high is thy right hand. Justice and judgment are the habitation of thy throne: mercy and truth shall go before thy face. Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound: they shall walk, O LORD, in the light of thy countenance. In thy name shall they rejoice all the day: and in thy righteousness shall they be exalted.” - Psalm 89:13-16

“For the LORD is our defence; and the Holy One of Israel is our king.” - Psalm 89:18

The Place of Men and Women According to the Word of God

First, let it be noted that in the Lord men and women are equal. (Galatians 3:28) But let us not disregard the fact that they have different roles and responsibilities.

Men are the head of women just as Christ is the head of man and the head of the Church. (Ephesians 5:23, 1 Corinthians 11:3)

Woman was made for man. (Genesis 2:18, 1 Corinthians 11:9)

Woman (wives) should submit and be in subjection to Man (husband) in everything, just as the church is subject to Christ. (Ephesians 5:22, 24, 1 Peter 3:1, Genesis 3:16, Colossians 3:18, Titus 2:5, 1 Peter 3:5)

Man (husband) should love woman (wife), even as Christ loved the Church, and gave himself for it. Husbands should not be bitter towards their wives. Men ought to love their wives as they love their own bodies. (Ephesians 5:25, Colossians 3:19, Ephesians 5:28)

“…let every one of you in particular love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.” - Ephesians 5:33

Women should be “keepers at home.” (Titus 2:5)

Women should not adorn themselves outwardly, but inwardly by a “meek and quiet spirit”, with holiness and faith and with good works. (1 Peter 3:2-4, 1 Timothy 2:9-10, Proverbs 12:4, Proverbs 11:22)

In a Church woman should not be in a position over a man, in a position to teach a man, or in any way usurp authority over a man. (1 Timothy 2:12)

Now consider the following two verses;

“Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence.” - 1 Timothy 2:11-12

“Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law. And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church. What? came the word of God out from you? or came it unto you only? If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord. But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant.” -1 Corinthians 14:34-38

Now I spent at least an hour today (11/22/2010) trying to find a way to prove that these verses mean something other than what they say. I have in the past intentionally avoided these verses because I do not like what they say. I am certainly no feminist, but even these verses seemed a bit harsh. I find no way to go around them, they must simply be accepted as the commands of God, for that is what they are.

Notice what Paul says. He says that any man who is spiritual or a prophet must accept it as a commandment of the Lord. The Holy Spirit would not allow me to interpret these verses as meaning anything other than what they say (and yes I studied the original Greek words involved). Although I do believe that when it says a woman cannot speak in Church that it refers to the Church service, and that a women cannot speak as a leader or teacher, but that certainly she could whisper words to her children sitting next to her in the pew. Certainly she could participate in Sunday School discussions, though even at that time and always God’s order should be remembered. (1 Corinthians 11:3)

Man, as head of the family unit must bear the responsibility for providing for his family. (1 Timothy 5:8) He is responsible for governing his family in a manner pleasing to the Lord. (1 Timothy 3:5) The wife is to be supportive of her husband, and a helper to him. (Genesis 2:18)

Notice that I used the word “should” when I summarize what the holy scriptures say on this subject. Let it be clearly known that these were not given by the Apostles as recommendations. These were given as, and are commandments. Let us heed them as such.

No where in the Bible are there women priests, apostles, bishops, evangelists, or preachers. These are only positions for men. However, there are both male and female prophets, and male and female judges. Although “judge” is not a position in the Church today. Also, deacons can be female (Romans 16:1), but are generally male (1 Timothy 3:8-13). Deacons are servants. The same Greek word is translated as deacons, ministers or servants in the KJV and the word itself means servant. Let it be noted that the definition in the English language for deacon or minister is not the same as the Biblical definition, study it yourself if you don’t believe me! Preachers, evangelists, bishops, priests and apostles are never described as females in the Bible. Elders are usually described as male, but occasionally as female. There is no description in the Bible of females leading, overseeing, or preaching in a Church, only males do this. See John 3:2, Romans 2:20, I Timothy 2:7, 2 Timothy 1:11, 2 Peter 2:5, I Timothy 3:1-2, 2 Timothy 4:22, Titus 1:7, 1 Peter 2:25, 1 Timothy 5, 1 Peter 5, 2 John 1:1, 3 John 1:1. Female prophets are mentioned in Luke 2:36, and Acts 21:8-9 and in the Old Testament at various places.

Remember that Jesus Christ was not an ordinary person. He was and is and forever will be the Son of the Living God. Do not think that Jesus merely chose men as apostles because it was culturally acceptable at the time. The Power of God is not limited! God chose apostles and Church leaders as men because from the beginning those were roles acceptable for men and not acceptable for women. Women and Men in our society have believed the lie that power somehow is that thing which is to be desired above all else. And so women desired to unlawfully take on the role of men so they could have power. At the same time men flee from responsibility, in many cases because of laziness (sloth). This has lead to the destruction of the God ordained family unit.

In the Holy Scriptures we can clearly see the roles and responsibilities of men and of women. Often we see men who fail to be responsible and we see women who take authority they do not rightfully have, both of these are against the commands of the Lord and are therefore unrighteousness and sin.




Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths. - Psalm 25:4

Woman's Head Coverings

Now this is on the subject of head coverings, or prayer coverings whichever name they go by. In 1 Corinthians 11:1-16 we read the verses which are given in support of Christian women wearing coverings. These verses not only tell us that women should wear coverings, but they also tell us why. Up until very recently I believed that a woman’s long hair was her covering, because I did not take the time to seek out what these verses really meant nor perhaps did I want to accept them. But my sister brought this to my attention, and after what she pointed out I realized her interpretation of the scripture is correct. Now it is clear to me, and I’m not sure how I’d missed it before. First of all in 1 Cor. 11:3 we see the order of government or authority as put in place by God.

“But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God.”

In 11:4-5 we read that a man who prays or prophesies with his head covered dishonored his head (he dishonors Christ) and that a woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonored her head. (she dishonors man)

Why? We read in verse 11:7-10 that “For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, forasmuch as he is the image and glory of God: but the woman is the glory of the man. For the man is not of the woman; but the woman of the man. Neither was the man created for the woman; but the woman for the man. For this cause ought the woman to have power on her head because of the angels.”

Now spiritually Men and Women are equal, (Gal. 3:28) but the Holy Bible clearly teaches that men and women have different roles, including that man in the authority structure is head of the woman and is in the position of authority over her.

So the Bible clearly states that woman must wear a covering, so we ask, Is her hair her covering?

"But every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with her head uncovered dishonoureth her head: for that is even all one as if she were shaven. For if the woman be not covered, let her also be shorn: but if it be a shame for a woman to be shorn or shaven, let her be covered." - 1Co 11:5-6

In verse 5 and 6 we see Paul saying that if a woman be not covered then she should be shorn and if she be not covered then she should be shaven. So it should be obvious that long hair is not a covering enough. If the long hair was a covering it would make sense to substitute long hair for covering in verse 6. But if you do this then it would read "if she does not have long hair let her cut her hair" That does not make sense. It only makes sense if a covering is understood to be a covering of cloth. But you say what about verse 11:15 which says a woman’s long hair is her covering? The long hair is a part of her covering (the natural part)…but not enough as we can see in verses 5-6.

Again, if long hair is the covering described in verse 5 and 6, then we should be able to substitute"long hair" for the word "covering" and the verse should make sense. I have done this below.

What "long hair is my covering" proponents claim it says (the logical equivalent) -

But every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with short hair dishonoureth her head: for that is even all one as if she were shaven. - 1 Corinthians 11:5

What the scripture says-

But every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with her head uncovered dishonoureth her head: for that is even all one as if she were shaven. - 1 Corinthians 11:5

What "long hair is my covering" proponents claim it says (the logical equivalent) -

For if the woman have her hair cut, let her also have her hair cut: but if it be a shame for a woman to have her hair cut or shaved, let her be covered. - 1 Corinthians 11:6

What the scripture says-

For if the woman be not covered, let her also be shorn: but if it be a shame for a woman to be shorn or shaven, let her be covered. 1 Corinthians 11:6

Hello! if the woman has her hair cut she already has her hair cut (shorn)!

We can see that long hair is not the covering described in verse 5 and 6 because it is logically impossible. Long hair is not equal to covering.

Now you say what about verse 11:13 which says “Judge in yourselves: is it comely that a woman pray unto God uncovered?” Is not this saying that we can judge and choose ourselves weather or not a woman should pray uncovered? No. Paul just finished telling us that a woman who prays with her head uncovered dishonored man, (and by implication when she dishonors man she also dishonors Christ and God.) He is asking this to get us to think about it and realize that no, it is not comely that a woman pray uncovered.

Also in Isaiah 47:1-3 we see that a woman without a covering is a shameful thing. "uncover thy locks...thy shame shall be seen"

The Old testament mentions women having head coverings (Numbers 5:18, Genesis 24:65, Deuteronomy 21:12). Also, in these verses a woman with her head uncovered is understood to be a shameful thing (this can be seen by reading the verses in context).

Also, some insights into the reference of angels in 1 Cor. 11:10 can be seen in 1 Cor. 4:9, Ecclesiastes 5:6, Matthew 18:10, Luke 1:19, and Hebrews 1:7-14. I think the point is that the angels are watching us, and so we must do what is proper, because they will observe it.

"And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." -Romans 12:2

Now for some practical considerations. Even today is society many men take off their hats when they pray, and that is right, but the women should also put on coverings. Should women wear coverings only when they pray or prophesy, only in Church, or when? The scriptures say to pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17), also we find nothing in the chapter limiting the command to a church service. Basically anytime a woman is out of bed she should wear a covering. How big should the covering should be? It should be big enough to be easily noticeable (Are we ashamed of it?). It should also cover the hair. I reasoned this because the reason in the scripture for wearing a covering is because woman is the glory of man, and because of that she should be covered. In scripture the woman’s hair is described as her glory so perhaps the point of the covering is to cover her glory, that is her hair. So I believe the covering should be large enough to cover the glory of her hair. Either way we cannot simply ignore what God has commanded through the Apostle Paul.

Also, 1 Corinthians 11:16 should be viewed in light of Romans 2:8-10

We must also consider history and the witness of the faithful.


Tertullian (160 - 215 A.D.) said, "It behooves our virgins to be veiled from the time that they have passed the turning point of their age."

Hippolytus (170 - 236 A.D.) said, "And let all the women have their heads covered with an opaque cloth."

Augustine (354 - 430 A.D.) said, "It is not becoming, even in married women, to uncover their hair, since the apostle commands women to keep their heads covered."

Martin Luther (1483 - 1546 A.D.) said, "The headcovering is a protection from being out of relationship with God. By fulfilling the commands, the women have a sense of peace and love in their relationships with God."

“The matter of head covering belongs to God’s government. For those who do not know God’s government, it is impossible to exhort them to have their heads covered. They will not be able to understand how much is involved in this matter. But those who have seen God’s government in God’s revealed Word are able to appreciate the tremendous connection between head covering and God’s government. God has shown us that there are three different heads: God is head, Christ is head, and man is head. This is not a matter of being brothers and sisters; it is basically a governmental arrangement. Grace is concerned with brothers and sisters, but government is different. God has sovereignly willed that the head of Christ is God Himself, so Christ must obey; the head of man is Christ, so man must obey; and the head of woman is man, and so woman should have the sign of obedience on her head.” - Watchman Nee:

“Do you think you and I have sufficiently considered that we are always looked upon by angels, and that they desire to learn by us the wisdom of God? The reason why our sisters appear in the House of God with their heads covered is ‘because of the angels’. The apostle says that a woman is to have a covering upon her head, because of the angels, since the angels are present in the assembly and they mark every act of indecorum, and therefore everything is to be conducted with decency and order in the presence of the angelic spirits.” - Charles Spurgeon

“Though the many authors differ on various issues associated with headcoverings, one important issue upon which they are all agreed is that Paul was not commanding the women in Corinth either to let their hair grow long so as to use their long hair as a headcovering in worship, or to neatly place their hair upon their heads as a headcovering in worship, but rather to place upon their heads a fabric headcovering when they worship before the Lord. This conclusion is reached by scholars from various denominational backgrounds, from different geographical locations, and from many periods of church history. The wearing of fabric head coverings in worship was universally the practice of Christian women until the twentieth century. What happened? Did we suddenly find some biblical truth to which the saints for thousands of years were blind? Or were our biblical views of women gradually eroded by the modern feminist movement that has infiltrated the Church of Jesus Christ which is “the pillar and ground of the truth.” - Robert Charles Sproul

According to many sources Head Coverings have been worn by Christian women except in relatively recent times. It should be obvious that the growing influence of feminism and the general turning away from God of those who call themselves Christians is why the woman's covering as well as many other Biblical teachings are often neglected.

If this has not convinced you the Link below presents a very good argument on the subject.

http://www.monergism.com/Spinney,%20Robert%20-%20Should%20Christian%20Women%20Wear%20Head%20Coverings%20Today.pdf

and a very good but perhaps overly technical article - this article leaves no stone unturned - http://david.thedesignhut.net/subhosts/headcoverings/

also see

http://www.headcoverings.org/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=%2BoEMzVSfDVY%3D&tabid=306

http://media.sermonindex.net/9/SID9418.mp3

http://www.biblicalresearchreports.com/headcoveringmyths.php

http://www.albatrus.org/english/living/modesty/calvin_commentary_head_covering.htm

http://www.blackpreachingnetwork.com/forum/topics/head-covering-revisited

http://www.bible-researcher.com/headcoverings.html

http://www.prayercoverings.com/articles.php?article=76

http://faithfulgenerations.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=29&Itemid=44

http://faithfulgenerations.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=27&Itemid=40

All We Have Belongs To God

Christians are never told to tithe anywhere in the New Testament. Some verses that put this into perspective are as follows; 2 Cor. 9:6-7, Luke 6:38, Matt. 5:42, 1 Tim. 5:8, Acts 20:35, 2 Peter 2:1-3. Many Christians are taught that they must give 10 % to the church and this is not true according to the Bible. This is simply teaching to keep a commandment (a commandment that's not even for us) by the flesh devoid of spiritual understanding.

Firstly, all that a Christian has is already God's so they should be lead to give what they are able for his Glory. The most dangerous thing is that teaching to give 10 % to the Lord implies that the other 90 % is ours which is not true. It is all the Lords and we must give account to him for using it properly.