The House of God. Rev. John Peter Bodner
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2 May Thy grace suffice my weakness,
Sun and Shield, let me yield
To Thy Word in meekness
Humbly I would wait upon Thee:
Strength renew, will and do
All Thy pleasure through me!
3 Let Thy gracious Holy Spirit,
Dwell within, purging sin,
By Thy Blood and merit:
To our Father’s praise redounding
Make me blest; righteousness
Joy and peace abounding!
4 Thus conformed to Thee in suffering,
Pain and loss, trial and cross,
Make my life an offering
Outpoured in Thy service wholly
To Thy praise, all my days,
Blameless, spotless, holy!
8.6.6. D.
Preparatory Reading: Old Testament: Exodus 4; New Testament: Matthew 28 Psalm: 28
1 Timothy 2:8–10
8I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting. 9In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with braided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; 10But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.
I will . . . that men pray . . . in like manner also that women: The women pray too! For in Christ Jesus there is neither male nor female—we are all the children of God by faith in Jesus Christ; all one in Christ Jesus (Gal 3:26–28). The New Testament Church, like the Old Testament Church, must have men, women, and children all gathered before God to hear the Book of God, to worship, and to pray (Deut 31:9–18; Neh 8). The Twelve preached our Master, and the women followed to minister to Him (Luke 8:1–3). The Lord Jesus visited Bethany; there Martha served, and Mary sat at His feet to hear His word (Luke 10:39–42). Men and women added to the Church, baptized into Christ alike, continue in the apostles’ doctrine, fellowship, breaking of bread and prayers—sharing the common priesthood of believers (Acts 2:41–42; 8:12; 1 Pet. 2:1–10). Brethren and sisters alike share the same tribulations for the testimony of Christ (Acts 8:3–4; Rev. 1:9). The household of faith embraces all members of the family who believe, so the Apostle has distinct instructions for husbands, wives, parents, children, young men, virgins and widows (Eph 5–6; 1 Cor 7; 1 Tim. 5; Tit. 2). In like manner . . . women are numbered with the redeemed of the Lord according to the election of grace. In like manner also: that is, as these women share in the prayers of the Church. Whether they may participate vocally or simply share the men’s prayers in silence, these women do pray, and will pray alongside the men of the congregation (Acts 1:13–14). They share in the primary obligation of public worship to offer “first of all . . . prayers” (2:1). In like manner to the men as well, these sisters must prepare their hearts for prayer, and their hearts will be revealed and expressed in the dress and demeanor of the whole person. Women in Christ, like all women adorn themselves and here the tree is known by its fruit. Sinful, fallen, worldly woman values the superficial, the sensual, the self-centered beauty she attains by what she gets: braided hair, gold, pearls, costly array. Saved, redeemed women professing godliness value the “hidden beauty of the heart” revealed by what they give in good works. They can express their freedom and dignity in modest apparel, shamefacedness and sobriety. Abundant life in Christ needs not the abundance of possessions (Luke 12:15; John 10:9–10). The “beautiful people” God knows are not in the salons, but in Church.
29. Thou Art All Fair, My Love!
1 “Thou art all fair, my Love!”
His Spouse, the Bridegroom greets;
Their union, once-espoused,
Communion now completes:
“Thou art all fair, my Love!”
Th’eternal Prince of peace
Enfolds His chosen Bride,
Despite her sin-scarred face.
2 “Thou art all fair, my Love!”
The scorching sun revealed
Her shame, but in His eyes,
She stands in mercy veiled.
“Thou art all fair, my Love!”
His banner o’er her spread,
Within His banquet-house,
They share the wine and bread.
3 “Thou art all fair, my Love—
There is no spot in thee!”
God’s well-beloved Son,
Christ Jesus, speaks of me!
“Thou art all fair, my Love!”
He loved me, and He gave
Himself to taste of death
My worthless soul to save.
4 “Thou art all fair, my Love!”
His nail-pierced hands embrace
And draw me to His heart
With cords of deathless grace
“Thou art all fair, my Love!”
On Jesu’s riven breast,
My weary soul would lean,
And find in Him my rest.
5 “Thou art all fair, my Love!”
Mine eye in wonder scans
His visage, crowned with thorns,
More marred than any man’s:
“Thou art all fair, my Love!”
The words impart a kiss
In raptured faith received—
A taste of endless bliss!
6 “Thou art all fair, my Love!”
We all with open face
As through a darkling glass
Upon King Jesus gaze:
“Thou art all fair, my Love!”
Transfigured by His Word,
The Spirit fits the Bride
In likeness to her Lord.
7 “Thou art all fair, my Love!”
When Christ shall come again,
Upon His glorious Bride
No spot shall then remain.
“This is my Spouse Beloved,
My Father, and my Guide!”
With God the Three in One
We ever shall abide.
6.6.6.6.D
Preparatory Reading: Old Testament: Exodus 5; New Testament: Romans 1; Psalm: 29
1 Timothy 2:11–15
11Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. 12But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence. 13For Adam was first formed, then Eve. 14And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression. 15Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety.
Let the woman learn: Modern minds can scarcely realize what a word the Holy Spirit has moved Paul to pen here. The Christian woman is commanded to learn—not merely