The Image of God: Male and Female, Part 1

It is not uncommon for women of faith to feel marginalized, unequal to men, and boxed-out from significant roles in the culture and in Jesus’ church. Their concerns are often summarily dismissed because they are often viewed as “feminist,” a loaded term in North American culture.[1] But it is unwise to dismiss the concerns of women of faith. Scripture goes out of its way to establish the equality of women with men on the solid foundation of God’s image. So men and women of faith ought not to panic or draw their swords when women raise such concerns. We will be better lovers of God and people if we pause and listen.

Equality of WomenTim ColeNovember 6, 2017Equality, Women, Women in Church, Genesis

A Woman’s Prayer Changed the Course of History

As a woman, do you struggle to pray, feeling that God is more attuned to the prayer of Christian male professionals and religious male elites? If you are a woman and struggle to pray with confidence or hope, the following thoughts from Scripture are written to encourage and inspire you.

Equality of WomenTim ColeOctober 20, 2017Women, Women in Church, role of women, Prayer, Hannah and Samuel, Barren

Men’s Attitude Toward Women: Genesis 2:23

There are, unfortunately, many dark marks in the history of Jesus’ church. One of the most egregious examples, thoroughly documented, has been the inequality that women have suffered. But when traced to its lair, the erroneous attitude contributing to the inequality is not Scripture, but the mishandling of it. Even today in Christ’s church, resistance to the equality of women can still be felt among men. But according to Scripture, Jesus’ church ought to be the arena where women’s equality is showcased. I hope that if you struggle in this area, you’ll consider some seminal thoughts from Scripture.

Tim ColeOctober 12, 2017Women in Church, Women, Equality, Old Testament, Genesis

Women: Prime Rib Genesis 2:20-23

Sentimentality is frequenly the cause of misinterpretation of Scripture and the fostering of toxic attitudes and destructive actions. The making of a woman in Genesis 2:20-21 is a case in point. The woman was fashioned by God from one of Adam’s ribs, because sentimentality suggests, she is to be his help-mate, and to be close to his heart.

Tim ColeAugust 21, 2017Genesis, Creation, Questions about Creation, Equality, Women, Women in Church

Mark’s Supermodels: Mark 12:4-44; 14:3-9

Are you discouraged because you feel untalented, ungifted, and therefore, overlooked by God? Is it one in a million that your picture will grace the cover of a glossy rag? Take hope. God’s attention is not focused on stage talent, giftedness, the ability to sway a crowd, or popularity with adult concert groupies.

Tim ColeAugust 2, 2017Gospel of Mark, Women in Church, Women

Women are Easter Heroes

The heroes of Jesus’ resurrection are women. At Jesus’ empty tomb, women[1] saw the vacant grave, heard the angels’ report, and believed. They then went and announced the good news to Jesus’ apostles. The eleven men heard their story but promptly dismissed it. The women, they concluded, had simply lost their minds. Has this been your experience as a woman? Men don’t believe you when you speak truth about Jesus? Have men dismissed your thoughts because you were a woman? Did men fail to take your message of Christ seriously?

Tim ColeApril 12, 2017Easter, Jesus, Resurrection, Women, Women in Church