|
INTRODUCTION
To
those that are Christian the Bible is the breath of life. It is what we live
by, what we profess, what we stand for, and what we stand upon in time of trial. Why
do we do this? Very simple--the Bible is God's Word. The recorded will of our Father in Heaven. Without it there
is nothing for the Christian to live on to be sustained. We would be aimless. We would have no goal in front of us. In
a word, we would be nothing. How would anyone who claims to be Christian know
of God's wondrous grace? How would be able to teach salvation by the watery grave
of baptism? How would any Christian know how to pray? And what to pray for? We could pose many more questions, but
the answer, of course, is very clear. We wouldn't be able to know any of these
things without God's precious word. II Timothy 3:16-17 states to us very clearly
what God's word is. "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable
for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That
the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works."
For
many Christians this passage is committed to memory and to the heart. The word
of the Bible is inspired, meaning, "God breathed." These men who wrote the scriptures
were inspired to do so by the Holy Spirit. There is no disputing its authority
with Christians. There isn’t any disputing its power. However, among Christians today, as well as in the past, there is much argument about exactly what the
Bible means in what it says.
And
that, for Christians, is most unfortunate.
In
today's Church--the only true and living body of Christ--there is debate on a daily basis over Sunday school classes, the
one-man preacher system, grace, music in the assembly, and the list goes on and on.
What we will discuss in this book is also one of those topics that is debated by members of the Church. And in many cases, Christians are guilty of justifying what they do, instead of yielding to God's word. I don't say that to cast stones at anyone because I, myself, have been guilty also. All of us have. It is the Christian who
strives to change and follow God's will that is on his way to the "mastery."
The
issue we will discuss is of a serious nature and one that needs to be addressed. But,
before we begin let us understand something: this study is not about what man
thinks ought to be done with this issue, but what God's word says. This is to
be a study from God's word, from the Holy Bible. I am not here to grind any axes,
or sling mud at my brothers and sisters in Christ. What we will do is study this
issue and see what the word says. In the end, hopefully, we will study how to
apply His will in this matter to our lives. We, as Christians, must remember
that our will is in God's capable hands and we live by His will.
The
topic I wish to discuss is this: "keepers at home." This phrase comes from Titus 2, which addresses many things pertaining to Godly men and women. But, what does this phrase, "keepers at home," mean? What
does it mean for Christians, especially our women, which it directly applies? Is
it doctrine? Is it opinion? Does
it apply to us today in our society? Hopefully, we will cover all of this and
more. And, hopefully, we will find the answers in God's word.
|
