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Rebecca Rakow Ministries, North Branch, MN (2026)

09/02/2026

Meet the Women of the Bible

Episode 11: Hagar

Who was she?

Hagar was an Egyptian bondwoman of Sarah who became the mother of Abraham's son Ishmael. Her story is recorded in Genesis 16 and Genesis 21, and Paul later refers to her by name in Galatians 4. (Genesis 16:1-16; 21:8-21; Galatians 4:22-31)

What role did she serve?

• Egyptian bondwoman of Sarah. (Genesis 16:1; Galatians 4:22)
• Woman given by Sarah to Abraham as a wife. (Genesis 16:3)
• Mother of Ishmael. (Genesis 16:15)
• Mother of the son God promised to make into a great nation. (Genesis 21:13, 18)

What authority did she hold?

• Hagar spoke directly with the Angel of the LORD and responded to Him. (Genesis 16:7-13)
• She called the LORD who spoke to her, "You-Are-the-God-Who-Sees." (Genesis 16:13)
• God gave Hagar instructions concerning her son and his future. (Genesis 16:9-12; 21:17-18)
• God promised that Ishmael would become a great nation. (Genesis 21:18)

What else do we learn about her?

• Hagar was Egyptian. (Genesis 16:1)
• Sarah gave Hagar to Abraham after Sarah had been unable to have children. (Genesis 16:1-3)
• Hagar became pregnant with Abraham's child. (Genesis 16:4)
• Conflict developed between Hagar and Sarah after Hagar conceived. (Genesis 16:4-6)
• Sarah dealt harshly with Hagar, and Hagar fled. (Genesis 16:6)
• The Angel of the LORD found Hagar by a spring of water in the wilderness. (Genesis 16:7)
• Hagar was told that her descendants would be multiplied exceedingly. (Genesis 16:10)
• She was told to name her son Ishmael because the LORD had heard her affliction. (Genesis 16:11)
• Hagar called the LORD who spoke to her "You-Are-the-God-Who-Sees." (Genesis 16:13)
• Hagar returned and gave birth to Ishmael. (Genesis 16:15)
• Years later, Hagar and Ishmael were sent away from Abraham's household. (Genesis 21:9-14)
• When their water was gone in the wilderness, Hagar placed Ishmael under a shrub and moved away because she could not bear to watch him die. (Genesis 21:15-16)
• God heard the boy's voice, and the Angel of God called to Hagar from heaven. (Genesis 21:17)
• God opened Hagar's eyes and she saw a well of water. (Genesis 21:19)
• God was with Ishmael as he grew. (Genesis 21:20)
• Hagar found an Egyptian wife for Ishmael. (Genesis 21:21)
• Paul later refers to Hagar as the bondwoman in his illustration concerning Sarah and Hagar in Galatians. (Galatians 4:22-31)

What does Scripture NOT explicitly tell us?

As you read Hagar's story, notice what the text does not explicitly say.

• It does not tell us how Hagar became Sarah's bondwoman.
• It does not tell us that Hagar chose the arrangement with Abraham.
• It does not tell us how old Hagar was.
• It does not tell us what happened to Hagar after she found a wife for Ishmael.
• It does not tell us that God abandoned Hagar or Ishmael when they were sent away. Scripture records God hearing them, speaking to Hagar, providing water, and being with Ishmael. (Genesis 21:17-20)

The Bible records Hagar's conflict, suffering, encounters with God, and God's provision for her and her son.

What does Scripture explicitly tell us?

Scripture identifies Hagar as an Egyptian bondwoman of Sarah who became the mother of Abraham's son Ishmael. When Hagar fled into the wilderness, the Angel of the LORD found her, spoke to her, gave her promises concerning her descendants, and told her to name her son Ishmael because the LORD had heard her affliction. Hagar responded by calling the LORD who spoke to her "You-Are-the-God-Who-Sees."

Years later, when Hagar and Ishmael were sent away, God heard them in the wilderness, spoke to Hagar, provided water, and promised that Ishmael would become a great nation. Paul later names Hagar in Galatians 4 and uses Sarah and Hagar in an illustration concerning two covenants.

The goal of this series is to introduce you to the women God included in Scripture and let the Bible speak for itself.

Now it's your turn. Take a few minutes to read her story for yourself.

What stands out to you? What did you learn? What did you never notice before?

Share your thoughts in the comments.

Meet the Women of the Bible.

One woman at a time.

🦋 Rebecca Rakow

08/26/2026

Meet the Women of the Bible

Episode 10: Sarah

Who was she?

Sarah, originally named Sarai, was the wife of Abraham and the mother of Isaac. God changed her name from Sarai to Sarah and promised that she would become the mother of nations and that kings would come from her. (Genesis 11:29-30; 17:15-16)

What role did she serve?

• Wife of Abraham. (Genesis 11:29)
• Mother of Isaac. (Genesis 21:1-3)
• Mother of nations. (Genesis 17:16)
• Woman through whom God promised Abraham a son. (Genesis 17:16, 19)
• Woman of faith remembered in the New Testament. (Hebrews 11:11)

What authority did she hold?

• God spoke directly concerning Sarah and included her specifically in His covenant promise concerning Isaac. (Genesis 17:15-21)
• God said He would bless Sarah and that nations and kings would come from her. (Genesis 17:16)
• When conflict arose concerning Hagar and Ishmael, God told Abraham to listen to Sarah because the promised line would be through Isaac. (Genesis 21:10-12)

What else do we learn about her?

• Sarah was unable to have children for many years. (Genesis 11:30)
• She traveled with Abraham when he left Haran for Canaan. (Genesis 12:4-5)
• Abraham asked Sarah to say she was his sister because he feared he would be killed because of her beauty. (Genesis 12:11-13)
• Sarah was taken into Pharaoh's household, but God intervened. (Genesis 12:14-20)
• Sarah gave her servant Hagar to Abraham in an attempt to have children through her. (Genesis 16:1-3)
• After Hagar became pregnant, conflict developed between Sarah and Hagar. Sarah treated Hagar harshly, and Hagar fled. (Genesis 16:4-6)
• God changed her name from Sarai to Sarah. (Genesis 17:15)
• God promised that Sarah would bear Abraham a son even though she was advanced in age. (Genesis 17:15-19)
• Sarah laughed when she heard that she would have a son. (Genesis 18:10-15)
• Sarah was taken into Abimelech's household, and God again intervened. (Genesis 20:1-18)
• The Lord did for Sarah what He had promised, and she gave birth to Isaac in her old age. (Genesis 21:1-3)
• Sarah said God had brought her laughter and that others would laugh with her. (Genesis 21:6-7)
• Sarah asked Abraham to send Hagar and Ishmael away. God told Abraham to listen to Sarah concerning Isaac. (Genesis 21:9-12)
• Sarah lived 127 years. Her death and burial are recorded in Scripture. (Genesis 23:1-2, 19)
• Abraham purchased the cave of Machpelah as a burial place for Sarah. (Genesis 23:3-20)
• Sarah is remembered among those who lived by faith. (Hebrews 11:11)
• The New Testament also refers to Sarah as an example of a holy woman who trusted in God. (1 Peter 3:5-6)

What does Scripture NOT explicitly tell us?

As you read Sarah's story, notice what the text does not explicitly say.

• It does not portray Sarah as a perfect woman who never made mistakes.
• It does not say Sarah lacked faith simply because she initially laughed at the promise.
• It does not say God's promise depended on Sarah's ability to have a child naturally.
• It does not say Sarah was outside God's covenant promise because she was a woman. God specifically named her when promising Isaac. (Genesis 17:15-21)
• It does not hide Sarah's treatment of Hagar or the conflict that developed between them.

Scripture records both Sarah's failures and her faith.

What does Scripture explicitly tell us?

The Bible identifies Sarah as Abraham's wife and Isaac's mother. God changed her name, blessed her, and declared that nations and kings would come from her. Although Sarah had been unable to have children and was beyond the normal age of childbearing, God fulfilled His promise and she gave birth to Isaac. Scripture records both difficult moments in her life and her faith, and the New Testament remembers her among those who trusted God.

The goal of this series is to introduce you to the women God included in Scripture and let the Bible speak for itself.

Now it's your turn. Take a few minutes to read her story for yourself.

What stands out to you? What did you learn? What did you never notice before?

Share your thoughts in the comments.

Meet the Women of the Bible.

One woman at a time.

08/19/2026

Meet the Women of the Bible

Episode 9: Eve

Who was she?

Eve was the first woman. God made her from Adam's side and brought her to him. Adam later named her Eve because she was the "mother of all living." (Genesis 2:21-23; 3:20)

What role did she serve?

• Woman created by God. (Genesis 2:22)
• Wife of Adam. (Genesis 2:24-25; 3:8)
• Helper comparable to Adam. (Genesis 2:18, 20-23)
• Mother of all living. (Genesis 3:20)
• Mother of Cain, Abel, Seth, and other sons and daughters. (Genesis 4:1-2, 25; 5:4)

What authority did she hold?

• Eve shared with Adam the creation mandate God gave humanity to be fruitful, multiply, fill the earth, subdue it, and have dominion over the living creatures. (Genesis 1:27-28)
• Both the man and the woman were created in God's image and were given dominion over creation. (Genesis 1:27-28)

What else do we learn about her?

• God created Eve because it was not good for the man to be alone. (Genesis 2:18)
• God made her from Adam's side and brought her to him. (Genesis 2:21-22)
• The serpent spoke directly with Eve concerning God's command. (Genesis 3:1-5)
• Eve ate the forbidden fruit and gave some to Adam, who was with her, and he ate. (Genesis 3:6)
• God questioned Eve about what she had done, and she said the serpent had deceived her. (Genesis 3:13)
• God spoke directly to Eve about the consequences that would follow. (Genesis 3:16)
• Adam named her Eve because she was the "mother of all living." (Genesis 3:20)
• Eve gave birth to Cain and acknowledged the Lord in his birth. (Genesis 4:1)
• She later gave birth to Seth and again acknowledged God's involvement in giving her another son. (Genesis 4:25)

What does Scripture NOT explicitly tell us?

As you read Genesis 1-4, notice what the text does not explicitly say.

• It does not say Eve was created less in the image of God than Adam. (Genesis 1:27)
• It does not say Eve alone was given responsibility for humanity's fall.
• It does not say Adam was absent when Eve ate the fruit. Genesis says she gave the fruit to her husband "who was with her." (Genesis 3:6)
• It does not say women were cursed by God. Genesis records God cursing the serpent and the ground. (Genesis 3:14, 17)
• It does not call Eve the source of sin entering the world.
• It does not say Eve's deception removed Adam's responsibility for eating the fruit.

The Bible records Eve's disobedience and its consequences. It also records Adam's disobedience and the consequences that followed.

What does Scripture explicitly tell us?

Scripture tells us that God created humanity male and female in His image and gave them dominion over creation. Eve was made as a helper comparable to Adam and became his wife. She was deceived by the serpent and ate from the forbidden tree, then gave the fruit to Adam, who also ate. She became the mother of Cain, Abel, Seth, and other children and was named "Eve" because she was the "mother of all living."

The goal of this series is to introduce you to the women God included in Scripture and let the Bible speak for itself.

Now it's your turn. Take a few minutes to read her story for yourself.

What stands out to you? What did you learn? What did you never notice before?

Share your thoughts in the comments.

Meet the Women of the Bible.

One woman at a time.

08/12/2026

Meet the Women of the Bible

Episode 8: Lydia

Who was she?

Lydia was a woman from the city of Thyatira who lived in Philippi. She was a seller of purple cloth and a worshiper of God. She met Paul and his companions when they went to a place of prayer by the river. (Acts 16:11-14)

What role did she serve?

• Seller of purple cloth. (Acts 16:14)
• Worshiper of God. (Acts 16:14)
• Host to Paul and his companions. (Acts 16:15)
• Host of believers in her home. (Acts 16:40)

What authority did she hold?

• She appears to have had authority over her household, which was baptized along with her. (Acts 16:15)
• She invited Paul and his companions into her home and persuaded them to stay. (Acts 16:15)
• Her home became a gathering place for believers in Philippi. (Acts 16:40)

What else do we learn about her?

• She was from Thyatira. (Acts 16:14)
• She was a businesswoman who sold purple cloth. (Acts 16:14)
• She was already described as a worshiper of God when she heard Paul speak. (Acts 16:14)
• The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul's message. (Acts 16:14)
• She and the members of her household were baptized. (Acts 16:15)
• She opened her home to Paul and his companions. (Acts 16:15)
• After Paul and Silas were released from prison, they went to Lydia's house, where they met with and encouraged the brothers and sisters. (Acts 16:40)

What does Scripture NOT explicitly tell us?

As you read Acts 16, notice what the text does not explicitly say.

• It does not tell us whether Lydia was married, single, or widowed.
• It does not identify a husband.
• It does not tell us who specifically made up her household.
• It does not tell us the size of her business or how wealthy she was.
• It does not give Lydia a formal church title.
• It does not tell us exactly what role she held among the believers who gathered in her home.
• It does not tell us what happened to her after Acts 16.

The Bible simply records what God chose to preserve about her life and faith.

What does Scripture explicitly tell us?

The Bible identifies Lydia as a seller of purple cloth from Thyatira and a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul's message, and she and her household were baptized. She welcomed Paul and his companions into her home, and Scripture later records Paul and Silas returning to her house, where believers had gathered.

The goal of this series is to introduce you to the women God included in Scripture and let the Bible speak for itself.

Now it's your turn. Take a few minutes to read her story for yourself.

What stands out to you? What did you learn? What did you never notice before?

Share your thoughts in the comments.

Meet the Women of the Bible.

One woman at a time.

08/07/2026

Dear Church,

Disagreement is not automatically disobedience to God.

Our highest allegiance has always been to Christ.

May we have the humility to test every teaching by Scripture, and the courage to follow truth wherever it leads.

🦋 Rebecca Rakow

08/06/2026

The Cost of Ministry

• Teach truth → you're "too harsh."
• Preach grace → you're "watering it down."
• Correct sin → you're "judgmental."
• Stay silent → you're "compromising."
• Say yes → everyone expects more.
• Say no → you're "unloving."
• Serve faithfully → people overlook it.
• Receive recognition → people question your motives.
• Give freely → people expect it.
• Set healthy boundaries → you're selfish.
• Point people to Jesus → some still make it about you.

Love people anyway. Because that's what Christ did.

🦋 Rebecca Rakow

08/05/2026

Meet the Women of the Bible

Episode 7: Priscilla

Who was she?

Priscilla was a Jewish believer who, along with her husband Aquila, became a close coworker of the Apostle Paul. She is mentioned several times in the New Testament. (Acts 18:1-3, 18-28; Romans 16:3-5; 1 Corinthians 16:19; 2 Timothy 4:19)

What role did she serve?

• Wife of Aquila. (Acts 18:2)
• Coworker of Paul. (Romans 16:3)
• Tentmaker. (Acts 18:3)
• Teacher, along with Aquila, of Apollos. (Acts 18:26)
• Host of a church in her home, along with Aquila. (Romans 16:5; 1 Corinthians 16:19)

What authority did she hold?

• She and Aquila explained "the way of God more accurately" to Apollos. (Acts 18:26)
• A church met in the home she shared with Aquila. (Romans 16:5; 1 Corinthians 16:19)
• Paul referred to Priscilla and Aquila as his fellow workers in Christ Jesus. (Romans 16:3)
• Paul said they risked their lives for him. (Romans 16:4)

What else do we learn about her?

• She and Aquila left Rome after Emperor Claudius ordered the Jews to leave. (Acts 18:2)
• She and Aquila worked alongside Paul as tentmakers. (Acts 18:3)
• She traveled with Paul from Corinth to Ephesus. (Acts 18:18-19)
• She and Aquila instructed Apollos after hearing him teach. (Acts 18:24-26)
• Paul expressed gratitude for her and Aquila's ministry. (Romans 16:3-4)
• All the churches of the Gentiles gave thanks for Priscilla and Aquila. (Romans 16:4)
• Paul later sent greetings to Priscilla and Aquila. (2 Timothy 4:19)

What does Scripture NOT explicitly tell us?

As you read these passages, notice what the text does not explicitly say.

• It does not tell us how Priscilla came to faith in Christ.
• It does not tell us whether she and Aquila had children.
• It does not describe everything she taught.
• It does not tell us how long the church met in their home.
• It does not tell us what happened to her after Paul's final greeting.

The Bible simply records what God chose to preserve about her life and ministry.

What does Scripture explicitly tell us?

The Bible presents Priscilla as a faithful coworker of Paul who worked alongside her husband Aquila in ministry. Together they taught Apollos more accurately, opened their home for the church to gather, traveled in ministry, and were highly respected by Paul and the churches.

The goal of this series is to introduce you to the women God included in Scripture and let the Bible speak for itself.

Now it's your turn. Take a few minutes to read her story for yourself.

What stands out to you? What did you learn? What did you never notice before?

Share your thoughts in the comments.

Meet the Women of the Bible.

One woman at a time.

07/29/2026

Meet the Women of the Bible

Episode 6: Junia

Who was she?

Junia was a Jewish believer in Christ whom Paul greeted in his letter to the Romans. (Romans 16:7)

What role did she serve?

• Relative (or kinswoman, depending on translation) of Paul. (Romans 16:7)
• Fellow prisoner with Paul. (Romans 16:7)
• Believer in Christ before Paul. (Romans 16:7)
• Paul says she was "outstanding among the apostles." (Romans 16:7)

What authority did she hold?

• Paul recognized her alongside Andronicus as "outstanding among the apostles." (Romans 16:7)
• Paul honored her as a fellow prisoner who had been in Christ before him. (Romans 16:7)

What else do we learn about her?

• She is mentioned together with Andronicus. (Romans 16:7)
• She had been imprisoned with Paul. (Romans 16:7)
• She was in Christ before Paul came to faith. (Romans 16:7)
• Paul spoke of her with honor and respect. (Romans 16:7)

What does Scripture NOT explicitly tell us?

As you read Romans 16:7, notice what the text does not explicitly say.

• It does not describe the nature of her relationship with Andronicus.
• It does not explain where or when she was imprisoned.
• It does not describe her ministry in detail.
• It does not explain how she became "outstanding among the apostles."
• It does not tell us anything about her life before or after this greeting.

The Bible simply records what Paul chose to say about her.

What does Scripture explicitly tell us?

The Bible identifies Junia as Paul's relative (or kinswoman, depending on translation), his fellow prisoner, someone who was in Christ before him, and someone Paul describes as "outstanding among the apostles." Paul includes her among the believers he personally greeted and speaks of her with honor.

The goal of this series is to introduce you to the women God included in Scripture and let the Bible speak for itself.

Now it's your turn. Take a few minutes to read her story for yourself.

What stands out to you? What did you learn? What did you never notice before?

Share your thoughts in the comments.

Meet the Women of the Bible.

One woman at a time.

07/22/2026

Meet the Women of the Bible

Episode 5: Phoebe

Who was she?

Phoebe was a woman from the church in Cenchreae whom Paul commended to the believers in Rome. (Romans 16:1-2)

What role did she serve?

• Deacon of the church in Cenchreae. (Romans 16:1)
• Sister in Christ. (Romans 16:1)

What authority did she hold?

• Paul publicly commended her to the church in Rome. (Romans 16:1)
• Paul instructed the believers to welcome her in the Lord. (Romans 16:2)
• Paul instructed the church to give her whatever assistance she needed. (Romans 16:2)
• She was a benefactor of many people, including Paul. (Romans 16:2)

What else do we learn about her?

• She was from the church in Cenchreae. (Romans 16:1)
• Paul referred to her as "our sister." (Romans 16:1)
• Paul spoke highly of her character and service. (Romans 16:1-2)
• She had personally helped many people, including Paul himself. (Romans 16:2)

What does Scripture NOT explicitly tell us?

As you read Romans 16:1-2, notice what the text does not explicitly say.

• It does not explain all of her responsibilities in the church.
• It does not describe how long she served.
• It does not tell us whether she was married or single.
• It does not describe her age or background.
• It does not explain how she became known to Paul.

The Bible simply records what Paul chose to say about her.

What does Scripture explicitly tell us?

The Bible identifies Phoebe as a deacon of the church in Cenchreae. Paul commended her to the believers in Rome, instructed them to receive and assist her, and described her as a benefactor of many people, including himself.

The goal of this series is to introduce you to the women God included in Scripture and let the Bible speak for itself.

Now it's your turn. Take a few minutes to read her story for yourself.

What stands out to you? What did you learn? What did you never notice before?

Share your thoughts in the comments.

Meet the Women of the Bible.

One woman at a time.

07/21/2026

What if we've been asking the wrong question?

People often ask, "Can a woman preach?"

But here's the question I've been wrestling with:

What did the early church gathering actually look like?

When I read 1 Corinthians 11-14, I don't see a stage, a pulpit, or rows of people facing one speaker.

I see believers gathered together.

I see women praying and prophesying (1 Corinthians 11:5).

I see "each of you" bringing a hymn, a teaching, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation (1 Corinthians 14:26).

I see people being told when to speak...and when to be silent...so that everyone is built up.

And I can't help but notice something else.

The centerpiece of the early church wasn't a pulpit.

It was a table.

The Lord's Supper wasn't a five-minute add-on to a church service. It was a shared meal where believers gathered in fellowship, worship, and participation.

Jesus Himself taught around tables throughout His ministry.

So before we import our modern church model into the text, maybe we should ask:

Are we reading Scripture through the lens of today's church...or allowing Scripture to show us what the earliest gatherings actually looked like?

Let's keep opening our Bibles and asking good questions.

🦋 Rebecca Rakow

Rebecca Rakow Ministries

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