Tamar!

Raped by her Brother and then hated by Him?

With the many translations of the Holy Bible and the many search engines the term rape is not to be found in them and in relation to this account many have implied incest, but consensual sex is not rape!

Tamar was raped and the Hebrew word here is used in the context that this young woman was over powered by her brother, Stongs H7901 Shakav.

Later on in the end of the account we have the term violated H6031 Anah, but still not raped?

It is not clear why the term rape is not used, perhaps since it was mostly men doing the translation and they ignored the emphasis to suit there own power over the woman?

2 Samuel 13:5-22, Psalm 55:20, Isaiah 24:5.

Effective Ministry?

Many groups and Meetings!

Some fellowships do very little and rely on the community, others act in a silly way bringing golf and the funfair to their buildings in the hope of raising the attendance numbers? While others are full of activity, from house groups to meetings and yet there is no essential results of attendance or growth?

Good leadership is needed from the Pastor to the elders or deacons or what ever way you make that call! Organisation and review is as important, while the prayer meeting is one of the focuses of the believers to pray weekly on the events, the direction of the Ekklesia, the sick, troubles and the surrounding community!

Preaching the Gospel with emphasis on the Cross, the need for personal salvation and that believers share their faith at work, home, school and other without the fear of humans is the key to success!

Leviticus 19:15,   Psalm 91:5,   Isaiah 8:12,   Acts 8:25,   1 John 4:18,   5:9-11,   Revelation 22:20.