ARE YOU NOT ENTERTAINED!

One of my sins, is to enjoy watching a movie now and then. It helps me escape the stressors of the hard construction work days. Unfortunately, some movies have some senses that are hard to filter out because of the content displayed. Resulting in me going back to the thrown of grace repenting of my sins.

Anyway, as I think through what I want to preach? I couldn't help but to remember the movie with Russell Crowe as a Gladiator.

So I looked up the story line behind that movie because of my fascination of history around the days of Jesus. And as I read more about the movie In Wikipedia, it gave me an idea for my sermon with some understanding of today’s church and how can easily choose one out of many Controversial Topics In The Church Today

Some of what Wikipedia says about the movie, “The film is loosely based on real events that occurred within the Roman Empire in the latter half of the 2nd century AD. As Ridley Scott wanted to portray Roman culture more accurately than in any previous film, he hired several historians as advisors. Nevertheless, some deviations from historical facts were made to increase interest, maintain narrative continuity, and for practical or safety reasons. Scott also stated that due to the influence of previous films affecting the public perception of what ancient Rome was like, some historical facts were "too unbelievable" to include. For instance, in an early version of the script, gladiators would have been carrying out product endorsements in the arena; while this would have been historically accurate, it was not filmed for fear that audiences would think it anachronistic.[error in Chronology]

At least one historical advisor resigned due to these changes. Another asked not to be mentioned in the credits (though it was stated in the director's commentary that he constantly asked, "where is the proof that certain things were exactly like they say?"). Historian Allen Ward of the University of Connecticut believed that historical accuracy would not have made Gladiator less interesting or exciting, stating, "creative artists need to be granted some poetic license, but that should not be a permit for the wholesale disregard of facts in historical fiction".[45][46]

My Point

I see snake oil being sold today in church. How we tweak and turn the truth to fit what we think will be best for our audience - through entertainment and or other devices. In other words, if you ever heard of the term,”snake oil” Meaning,

”a worthless product being sold worth little to no value, but sold as if it’s the answers or solutions to all your problems”

In the movie Gladiator, Russell Crowe as Gladiator, finishes brutal fighting, and then after winning the crowd over, he says to them,

“Are You Not Entertained?”

There it is, my point! I see more and more, Snake Oil being sold in today's church! I’m Just waiting for some one to finish entertaining us and say, ”Are you not entertained”

For some time now we are seeing Mega churches popping up everywhere. And why? I believe like back in the 1st century, the Apostle Paul dealt with certain people creeping into church with bad motives and wanting to have their itching ears hear what they wanted to hear not what God wanted them to hear. 2 Tim 4:3

2 Timothy 4:3 NASB 95

For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires,

Some people today have found not only Pastors to say what they want to hear, but entertainment among other things, to scratch the itching ears, so much so, that the entertainment has grown in the church leading people astray and deceiving them along the way, even the elect if that was possible?

Matthew 24:24 NASB 95

For false Christs and false prophets will arise and will show great signs and wonders, so as to mislead, if possible, even the elect.

Sadly, These are people searching for the truth of God, but instead are getting fed lies and half truths; people are being sold snake oil, instead of the God of the Bible! People looking for truth are being sold evil motives and other peoples evil desires-Instead of the God of the Bible! People are being lead astray, deceived into believing a lie about the Holy Scriptures as the holy scriptures are added too or subtracted from Rev 22:18-19

Revelation 22:18–19 NASB 95

I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues which are written in this book; and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his part from the tree of life and from the holy city, which are written in this book.

This leads me into why I felt it necessary into studying about one of many controversial topics. This one about Men and women's role in the church today and what God has to say about it- compared to what we are actually seeing in the church today, will be an eye opener!

The roles of Women & Men in the Church

This, among other topic’s, is a great place to understand how far away from God’s truth the church has actually gone. I noted earlier about the movie Gladiator and how it sparked me into pursuing this study, for several reasons-as follows;

The writers of the movie Gladiator compromised the historical truth.

falsified the historical truth to itch the ears of the viewing audience -and why?

sell more tickets!

Mega churches or wanna be Mega church are falsifying, compromising God’s truth -and why?

Here in The Origin of the Bible (Conclusion) I read;

A warning against compromise on scriptural infallibility and inerrancy was sounded in the nineteenth century by Bishop Pole: he said,

“Once allow the worm to gnaw the root, and we must not be surprised if the branches, the leaves, and the fruit, little by little decay.”

In other words, once we allow a little evil, it will only go from bad to worst

2 Timothy 3:13 NASB 95

But evil men and impostors will proceed from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.

So, how can a church allow the the worm to start gnawing?

Worldly entertainment, instead of holy worship

Evil personal motives, instead of God’s purpose’s

Evil desires for self, instead of Jesus’es desire for the church

Too much music or more worldly kind

Women preachers & Teachers

False Teaching

Excepting the new woke and gays into the church

Compromising the truth

Not teach the whole counsel of God

Here’s some more;

1. Gay marriage Gay marriage and whether it should be permitted in the church are unquestionably at the top of the list of today's contentious issues. It does not take long to locate proof of this dispute in today's news. ...2. Abortion ...3. Women in leadership ...4. Type of worship music ...5. Spiritual Gifts ...6. Baptism ...7. Politics from the Pulpit ...8. Alcohol…9. Last super being given to anyone

The Church Today, “Scratch the itching ears with Snake Oil”

For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear” (2 Tim. 4:3)

James Montgomery Boice

More and more of the world being sold in the house of God

Jesus turns over the money table in the temple

Obedience forsaken to sell more tickets

The eyes are charmed by paintings, the ears by music.

M. Tullius Cicero

It is so easy to look at others sins and not first look at my own. Bible says to first take the log out of my own eyes before being able to help remove the twig out of another s eye! It is also easy to not say anything in church afraid of a fending someone or start an argument. There are lots of issues that the church must deal with and still try to do things the way Jesus wants things done. This study is so that I get a better understanding on God word. The best way to be able to understand how to deal with Church issues is to educate myself by studying His word and then be more ready to give my two cents. But if it’s not done in love... Here below is what I found on the topic;

”The roles of Women & Men in the Church”

You Decide!

1 Timothy 2:9–15 NASB 95

Likewise, I want women to adorn themselves with proper clothing, modestly and discreetly, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly garments, but rather by means of good works, as is proper for women making a claim to godliness. A woman must quietly receive instruction with entire submissiveness. But I do not allow a woman to teach or exercise authority over a man, but to remain quiet. For it was Adam who was first created, and then Eve. And it was not Adam who was deceived, but the woman being deceived, fell into transgression. But women will be preserved through the bearing of children if they continue in faith and love and sanctity with self-restraint.

1 Corinthians 14:34–35 NASB 95

The women are to keep silent in the churches; for they are not permitted to speak, but are to subject themselves, just as the Law also says. If they desire to learn anything, let them ask their own husbands at home; for it is improper for a woman to speak in church.

1 Corinthians 14:36–40 NASB 95

Was it from you that the word of God first went forth? Or has it come to you only? If anyone thinks he is a prophet or spiritual, let him recognize that the things which I write to you are the Lord’s commandment. But if anyone does not recognize this, he is not recognized. Therefore, my brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and do not forbid to speak in tongues. But all things must be done properly and in an orderly manner.

Titus 2:3–5 NASB 95

Older women likewise are to be reverent in their behavior, not malicious gossips nor enslaved to much wine, teaching what is good, so that they may encourage the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be sensible, pure, workers at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands, so that the word of God will not be dishonored.

1 Peter 3:1–6 NASB 95

In the same way, you wives, be submissive to your own husbands so that even if any of them are disobedient to the word, they may be won without a word by the behavior of their wives, as they observe your chaste and respectful behavior. Your adornment must not be merely external—braiding the hair, and wearing gold jewelry, or putting on dresses; but let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God. For in this way in former times the holy women also, who hoped in God, used to adorn themselves, being submissive to their own husbands; just as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, and you have become her children if you do what is right without being frightened by any fear.

Genesis 2:7–8 NASB 95

Then the Lord God formed man of dust from the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being. The Lord God planted a garden toward the east, in Eden; and there He placed the man whom He had formed.

Genesis 2:16–18 NASB 95

The Lord God commanded the man, saying, “From any tree of the garden you may eat freely; but from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat from it you will surely die.” Then the Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone; I will make him a helper suitable for him.”

Genesis 2:20–23 NASB 95

The man gave names to all the cattle, and to the birds of the sky, and to every beast of the field, but for Adam there was not found a helper suitable for him. So the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and he slept; then He took one of his ribs and closed up the flesh at that place. The Lord God fashioned into a woman the rib which He had taken from the man, and brought her to the man. The man said, “This is now bone of my bones, And flesh of my flesh; She shall be called Woman, Because she was taken out of Man.”

Genesis 2:24–25 NASB 95

For this reason a man shall leave his father and his mother, and be joined to his wife; and they shall become one flesh. And the man and his wife were both naked and were not ashamed.

Genesis 3:1–6 NASB 95

Now the serpent was more crafty than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said to the woman, “Indeed, has God said, ‘You shall not eat from any tree of the garden’?” The woman said to the serpent, “From the fruit of the trees of the garden we may eat; but from the fruit of the tree which is in the middle of the garden, God has said, ‘You shall not eat from it or touch it, or you will die.’ ” The serpent said to the woman, “You surely will not die! For God knows that in the day you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” When the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was desirable to make one wise, she took from its fruit and ate; and she gave also to her husband with her, and he ate.

Genesis 3:16 NASB 95

To the woman He said, “I will greatly multiply Your pain in childbirth, In pain you will bring forth children; Yet your desire will be for your husband, And he will rule over you.”

Proverbs 31:10–13 NASB 95

An excellent wife, who can find? For her worth is far above jewels. The heart of her husband trusts in her, And he will have no lack of gain. She does him good and not evil All the days of her life. She looks for wool and flax And works with her hands in delight.

Isa 3:16-26 [in short, God is punishing the women who are in rebellion and because women have taken charge the men have grown weak ]

1 Corinthians 11:3 NASB 95

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.

1 Corinthians 11:4–6 NASB 95

Every man who has something on his head while praying or prophesying disgraces his head. But every woman who has her head uncovered while praying or prophesying disgraces her head, for she is one and the same as the woman whose head is shaved. 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.

1 Corinthians 11:7–9 NASB 95

For a man ought not to have his head covered, since he is the image and glory of God; but the woman is the glory of man. For man does not originate from woman, but woman from man; for indeed man was not created for the woman’s sake, but woman for the man’s sake.

1 Corinthians 11:10–12 NASB 95

Therefore the woman ought to have a symbol of authority on her head, because of the angels. However, in the Lord, neither is woman independent of man, nor is man independent of woman. For as the woman originates from the man, so also the man has his birth through the woman; and all things originate from God.

1 Corinthians 11:13–16 NASB 95

Judge for yourselves: is it proper for a woman to pray to God with her head uncovered? Does not even nature itself teach you that if a man has long hair, it is a dishonor to him, but if a woman has long hair, it is a glory to her? For her hair is given to her for a covering. But if one is inclined to be contentious, we have no other practice, nor have the churches of God.

Galatians 3:10 NASB 95

For as many as are of the works of the Law are under a curse; for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who does not abide by all things written in the book of the law, to perform them.”

Ephesians 5:22–24 NASB 95

Wives, be subject to your own husbands, as to the Lord. 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. But as the church is subject to Christ, so also the wives ought to be to their husbands in everything.

Ephesians 5:25–33 NASB 95

Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her, so that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, that He might present to Himself the church in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she would be holy and blameless. So husbands ought also to love their own wives as their own bodies. He who loves his own wife loves himself; for no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ also does the church, because we are members of His body. For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and shall be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh. This mystery is great; but I am speaking with reference to Christ and the church. Nevertheless, each individual among you also is to love his own wife even as himself, and the wife must see to it that she respects her husband.

1 Thessalonians 5:12–22 NASB 95

But we request of you, brethren, that you appreciate those who diligently labor among you, and have charge over you in the Lord and give you instruction, and that you esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Live in peace with one another. We urge you, brethren, admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone. See that no one repays another with evil for evil, but always seek after that which is good for one another and for all people. Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Do not quench the Spirit; do not despise prophetic utterances. But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good; abstain from every form of evil.

Revelation 3:15–19 NASB 95

‘I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot; I wish that you were cold or hot. So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth. Because you say, “I am rich, and have become wealthy, and have need of nothing,” and you do not know that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked, I advise you to buy from Me gold refined by fire so that you may become rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself, and that the shame of your nakedness will not be revealed; and eye salve to anoint your eyes so that you may see. Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline; therefore be zealous and repent.

Revelation 22:18–19 NASB 95

Exhaustive Look at Women in the Bible

What did and what are the duties of women in the church?

7. Women-Their Ministry, 1 S 28:24; 2 K 4:10; Pr 31:20; Mt 8:15; Mt 26:7; Mt 27:55–56; Mk 1:31; Mk 14:3; Mk 15:41; Lu 4:39; Lu 7:37–38; Lu 8:3; Lu 10:38; Lu 23:56; Jn 12:3; Ro 16:1–2; Ro 16:3; Ro 16:6; Ro 16:12; 1 Ti 5:10.1

Hospitality to the Prophet

Kindness to the Poor

Contributing to Christ’s Comfort

Anointing Christ

Washing the Savior’s Feet

Serving the Church1

3868 WOMEN

8. Prophetesses

a. General References to, Ex 15:20; Jud 4:4; 2 K 22:14; 2 Chr 34:22; Ne 6:14; Eze 13:17; Lu 1:48; Lu 2:36; Ac 21:9; 1 Co 11:5.

b. Examples

Miriam, Ex 15:20.

Deborah, Jud 4:4.

Huldah, 2 K 22:14.

Noadiah, Ne 6:14.

Anna, Lu 2:36.

Daughters of Philip, Ac 21:9.

3869 WOMEN

9. Church Workers

Priscilla, Ac 18:26; Ro 16:3.

Phoebe, Ro 16:1–2.

Others, Ph 4:3.

3870 WOMEN (M. Notable Women)

10. Notable Women, characteristics of

Eve, the woman of curiosity, Ge 3:6.

Hagar, the discarded wife, Ge 21:14–19. See Hagar, 1474

Miriam, the ambitious woman, Nu 12:1–2. See Miriam, 2375

Deborah, the patriotic woman, Jud 4:4. See Deborah, 948

Ruth, the woman of constancy, Ru 1:16. See Ruth, 3097

Hannah, the ideal mother, 1 S 1:20; 1 S 2:19. See Hannah, Aa 1495

Abigail, the capable woman, 1 S 25:3; 1 S 25:18–19. See Abigail, 6

The Shunammite, the hospitable woman, 2 K 4:8–10.

Esther, the self-sacrificing woman, Es 4:16. See Esther, 1152

The Canaanite, the woman of faith, Mt 15:28.

Mary Magdalene, the transformed woman, Mk 16:1; Mk 16:9. See Mary Magdalene, 2260

Elisabeth, the humble woman, Lu 1:43. See 1116

Mary, the woman chosen of God, Lu 1:30–38. See Mother of Jesus, 2259

Mary of Bethany, the woman immortalized by Christ, Mt 26:13; Lu 10:42. See Mary (2), 2261

Martha, the worried housekeeper, Lu 10:40. See Martha, 2258

The Woman Evangelist, Jn 4:29.

Dorcas, the benevolent seamstress, Ac 9:36. See Dorcas, 1033

Lydia, the business woman, Ac 16:14–15.

See Athaliah, 302; Esther, 1152; Jezebel, 1893; Queen of Sheba, 3257.

3871 WOMEN (M. Women of Faith)

11. Special Distinctions, Mt 15:28; Mt 28:8; Mk 15:40; Mk 15:47; Lu 2:37–38; Lu 23:49; Lu 23:55; Jn 20:1; Ac 1:14; Ac 16:13; Ac 16:14.

Last at the cross, Mk 15:47.

First at the tomb, Jn 20:1.

First to proclaim the resurrection, Mt 28:8.

First preacher to the Jews, Lu 2:37; Lu 2:38.

Attended the first prayer meeting, Ac 1:14.

First to greet Christian missionaries (Paul and Silas) in Europe, Ac 16:13.

First European convert, Ac 16:14.

3872 WOMEN (M. Travail (1))

12. Their Sufferings

a. As Mothers, Ge 3:16; 35:16; Ge 38:27; Ps 48:6; Is 13:8; Is 21:3; Is 26:17; Is 42:14; Is 66:7; Je 4:31; Je 6:24; Je 13:21; Je 22:23; Je 30:6; Je 48:41; Je 49:22; Je 50:43; Ho 13:13; Mi 4:9; Lu 2:6; Jn 16:21; 1 Th 5:3; 1 Ti 2:15; Re 12:2.

3873 WOMEN

12. Their Sufferings

b. As Widows, Ge 38:11; Ge 38:19; Le 22:13; Nu 30:9; Ru 1:3; 2 S 14:5; 1 K 17:9; 2 K 4:1; Je 15:8; Eze 44:22; Mt 22:25; Mk 12:42; Lu 2:37; Lu 4:25–26; Lu 7:12; Lu 18:3; Lu 21:2; Ac 6:1; Ac 9:39; 1 Ti 5:5.

See Maternal Love, 1624; Parental Concern, 1642.

3874 WOMEN (M. Devout Women)

13. Crowning Qualities

a. Devotional Spirit, Ge 25:22; Ge 29:32; Ex 1:17; Ex 15:20; Jud 11:36; 1 S 1:15; 1 S 1:26; 2 K 22:14; 2 Chr 34:22; Est 4:16; Pr 31:30; Mk 15:40; Lu 1:5; Lu 1:25; Lu 1:30; Lu 1:38; Lu 1:46; Lu 2:19; Lu 2:36; Lu 10:42; Ac 9:36; Ac 16:1; Ac 16:14; Ac 17:4; Ac 21:9; Ro 16:1; Ro 16:12; 1 Ti 5:5; 1 Pe 3:5.

3875 WOMEN

13. Crowning Qualities

b. Modesty, Ge 9:23; Ge 24:65; Est 1:11–12; 1 Co 11:5; 1 Ti 2:9–10; 1 Pe 3:1–2.

3876 WOMEN

13. Crowning Qualities

c. Generosity, Ex 35:25; Pr 31:20; Mk 12:43; Lu 7:37; Lu 8:2–3; Lu 21:2–4; Jn 12:3; Ac 9:39; Ac 16:15.

3877 WOMEN (M. Wise Women)

13. Crowning Qualities

d. Wisdom and Virtue, Nu 27:1; Ru 3:11; 1 S 25:3; 1 S 25:18; 2 S 14:2; 2 S 20:16; Pr 11:16; Pr 12:4; Pr 14:1; Pr 31:10; Pr 31:30; Mt 27:19.

See Maternal Love, 1624; Women’s Ministry, 3867.

3878 WOMEN

14. Evil Women

a. General References to, Ge 19:32; Ge 39:7; Ge 39:18; Jud 16:4; 1 K 16:31; 1 K 18:4; 1 K 19:2; 1 K 21:15; 2 K 8:18; 2 K 9:22; 2 K 9:30; 2 K 9:34; 2 K 11:1; 2 Chr 15:16; 2 Chr 22:3; 2 Chr 22:10; 2 Chr 24:7; Ne 6:14; Ne 13:26; Est 5:14; Job 2:9; Pr 2:16; Pr 6:26; Pr 7:5; Pr 7:26; Pr 9:14; Pr 22:14; Pr 30:20; Ec 7:26; Is 3:16; Je 44:9; Je 44:15; Eze 8:14; Eze 16:30; Mt 14:6; Mt 14:11; Ro 1:26; Re 2:20.

See Harlots, 3881.

3879 WOMEN (M. Contentious Women)

14. Evil Women

b. Stir up Strife, Pr 19:13; Pr 21:9; Pr 21:19; Pr 25:24; Pr 27:15; Pr 30:23.

3880 WOMEN

15. Temptresses, Ge 3:6; Ge 38:16; Ge 39:7; Nu 31:15; Jud 14:16; Jud 16:6; Jud 16:16; 1 K 11:3; 1 K 21:7; 1 K 21:25; 2 K 8:18; Est 5:14; Job 2:9–10; Pr 2:16; Pr 5:3–5; Pr 6:25; Eze 13:18–19; Mt 14:6; Mk 6:22.

Eve

Delilah

Jezebel

Zeresh

Job’s Wife

Strange Women

Herodias and Salome

3881 HARLOTS, prostitutes (M. Harlots (1))

1. General References to, Ge 34:31; Ge 38:15; Ge 38:21; Le 19:29; Le 21:7; Le 21:14; De 23:18; 1 K 3:16; Pr 2:16; Pr 9:13; Is 23:15; Eze 23:44.

See Lasciviousness, 666.

3882 HARLOTS (M. Harlots (2))

2. Warnings against, Pr 2:18; Pr 5:3; Pr 6:24; Pr 7:10; Pr 23:27; Pr 29:3; Pr 30:20; Ec 7:26; Je 5:7; Ho 4:14; Lu 15:30; 1 Co 6:16.1

1 Thompson, F. C. (1997). Thompson Chain Reference Bible: Topical Index (pp. 2005–2007). Kirkbride Bible Company.

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