Jephthah’s Daughter: The Dangers of Patriarchy


After her death, Jephthah’s daughter is remembered by the daughters of Israel, but does the biblical narrative of her death attempt to praise her for simply being an obedient daughter? If so, should one be satisfied with celebrating adherence to patriarchal values, especially when it had disastrous results? Is justice served to this daughter of … Continue reading Jephthah’s Daughter: The Dangers of Patriarchy

Lydia: A Dyer of Purple who Tints a City with her Faith


Defined by her work and her past, Lydia nevertheless overcomes societal biases and makes a huge impact of the establishment of Christian faith in the city of Philippi. While most commentators define Lydia as a wealthy merchant, this may not be the case.[1] Lydia is from Thyatira in the region of Lydia, for which she … Continue reading Lydia: A Dyer of Purple who Tints a City with her Faith

Why I Can’t Be Silent


  As a woman preacher, I am only too aware of what some consider a mandate for all women, for all time, to be silent in the church (1 Cor. 14:33-36). This is sometimes interpreted to deny that woman are called to be preachers, teachers, and leaders of the church. While, I, myself, have learned … Continue reading Why I Can’t Be Silent

Love Leads to Holiness: Reconciling our Walks


The second sermon in my Summer of Love series is about holiness. The church is called to be a holy people. As God is love, so God is holy, and for the same reason too. Holiness is loving God and others as God loves us. God is love because God is Triune, and God is … Continue reading Love Leads to Holiness: Reconciling our Walks

God is Love because God is Triune


  Two weeks ago, I began my Summer of Love preaching series. To speak of love, means we must speak of God, for God is love. God is not a spiritual being filled-up with love, love is who God is. In essence God is love means that love does not exist without God. Why is this so? … Continue reading God is Love because God is Triune

Does Trinitarian Theology Support Women in the Pulpit? (Part 3 of 3)


What does the egalitarian relationship of the Trinity have to do with being created in the image of God? And what implications does it have in regards to women in the pulpit?   Part 3: Humankind, the Imago Dei   “Then God said, ‘Let us make humankind in our image, according to our likeness; and … Continue reading Does Trinitarian Theology Support Women in the Pulpit? (Part 3 of 3)

Does Trinitarian Theology Support Women in the Pulpit? (Part 2 of 3)


Part one discussed the need to address the issue of women preaching by examining what it means to be created in God’s image. Part two is a reflection on the Triune God. Part three will focus on the implications of the relationship of the immanent Trinity to understanding the imago Dei.   Part 2: Reflection … Continue reading Does Trinitarian Theology Support Women in the Pulpit? (Part 2 of 3)

Does Trinitarian Theology Support Women in the Pulpit? (Part 1 of 3)


Part 1: An Introduction   The issue on the validity of women in the pulpit has long been debated. Those who promote it and those who oppose it both have an arsenal of scriptural references, doctrinal beliefs, allegiance to traditionalism, egalitarian versus patriarchal hermeneutical understandings of male-female relationships, and an array of biblical criticisms to … Continue reading Does Trinitarian Theology Support Women in the Pulpit? (Part 1 of 3)

Do you know the woman at the well? Probably not


The woman answered him, “I have no husband.’ Jesus said to her, ‘You are right in saying, ‘I have no husband’; for you have had five husbands, and the one you have now is not your husband. What you have said is true!” (John 4:17-18 NSRV)   The Samaritan woman at the well is a … Continue reading Do you know the woman at the well? Probably not

Why won’t you call me a disciple?


"Many women were there looking on from a distance, who had followed Jesus from Galilee while ministering to Him. Among them was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and Joseph, and the mother of the sons of Zebedee" (Mt. 27:55-56 NASB).   Our words are very important. Therefore, why do we continue to … Continue reading Why won’t you call me a disciple?