One of the things I struggle with at times in my journey with multicultural worship is distinguishing what’s relevant in the Bible.

But first, I want to acknowledge that I believe that the Bible is God’s Word.  I believe the Bible has everything I need to grow in my understanding of God’s heart.  I believe that all Scripture is useful for correcting and teaching.  I believe the Body of Christ, especially leaders, to discern and navigate where God wants the Church to go by looking in the Word.

Now, back to what I mean by what’s relevant….

Because there are so many different perspectives and interpretations of the Bible people are sometimes quick to label something in the Bible as cultural and not relevant.  And, then turn around, and label something as Biblical and relevant now.

For example, we’ll take a look at 1 Timothy 2:11-12, which says:

¹¹ Women should learn quietly and submissively. ¹² I do not let women teach men or have authority over them. Let them listen quietly.

Some of my friends would say that this was a cultural thing in which women at the time weren’t as educated, so it would be a disturbance to ask questions during the worship gathering. But, because women are more educated now it’s okay for women to serve in pastoral and elder roles.

However, I have other friends who add to this argument by looking at 1 Timothy 2:13-15, which says:

¹³ For God made Adam first, and afterward he made Eve. ¹⁴ And it was not Adam who was deceived by Satan. The woman was deceived, and sin was the result. ¹⁵ But women will be saved through childbearing, assuming they continue to live in faith, love, holiness, and modesty.

They would say that it’s not cultural, but it goes back to Adam’s responsibility, as the first born and as the male, to lead.  This is why they say that these passages are also an important factor in the argument.

So, who’s right and who’s wrong?

That’s not an easy question to answer by any means.  Many of these arguments come from people who have studied the Word for many years and/or have attended seminary.  Also, these arguments come from people of different denominations.

So, these are people who have studied much more than I have.

Essentially, at this point, I don’t have any solid answers, but I do have several questions:
1. Is this a point of division?
2. Haven’t these arguments already divided the church?
3. Isn’t this why we have different denominations?
4. How do we reconcile years and years of divisions?
5. How do we move forward as the BODY OF CHRIST without settling, but still adhering to Biblical standards?

© 2012 – 2011, Peter Park. All rights reserved.

Related posts:

1. Reading the bible accurately
2. What language was the Bible first written in?
3. The Bible is highest authority

Today I want to invite you to share your stories about how you’re having fun with your multicultural worship team or people you’re doing ministry with.

Do you have a running joke on your team?
What do you enjoy about the people on your team?
What fun memories have you created together?
If you don’t have a fun story…why don’t you?

© 2012 – 2011, Peter Park. All rights reserved.

Related posts:

1. Team chemistry in multicultural worship
2. Myth #1 about multicultural worship
3. Insecurities and Multicultural Worship

Can't Afford to Be Color Blind from The Gospel Coalition on Vimeo.