Saturday, March 26, 2011

Let The Women Shine (Part 3)

By: Rob Peralta

After reading God's word from Pauls writings. I believe that the main point is that women stand to gain a tremendous blessing if they follow these words. As we know it is a Commandment, and as such we can now look at Jesus' words in (Matt 5:19) "Whosoever shall break one of the least Commandments, and shall teach man so, shall be called the least in heaven, but WHOEVER shall do and teach the same (Commandments) shall be CALLED GREAT IN HEAVEN" There you have it! A specific Commandment given to the woman to show her obedience which shall turn into GREATNESS!

Do not think that women are useless in God's plan. THEY CERTAINLY ARE USEFUL! Ellen White goes to great lengths in her writings to tell how God can use women in ministry. She specifically advises "canvassing" and "personal ministering" as an excellent way to spread God's message. And in our churches there are countless ways women are a great help and most desperately needed. It is just God's order we want to follow and not trample His instructions and Commands.

In my own experience I have found women "get" my message clearly and they have really rewarded my ministry. So many times I will have studies and such with them and they understand the truth very well. It's just unfortunate our church leaders have often been weak and ignorant of God's order, and therefore they are not really aware of this completely.

Some bring up Ellen White as an example of "women pastors". But Ellen I believe was shown by God to be gifted at a very early age. Visions, dreams, and the such were given her and as such God declared to the world HE WANTED HER HEARD. So, yes, God does make exceptions sometimes and we should always be ready for God's revealing in these matters. For an excellent study on what Ellen White had to say about women in ministry see "Ellen G. White and Women in Ministry" by William Fagal ( assoc. director of the Ellen White estate) http://www.adventistsaffirm.org/

In summary, let us always remember God's Commandments are for "our" good. Never does God do something to degrade His creatures , always to rise them up and make them SHINE!

Let The Women Shine (Part 2)

By: Rob Peralta

In speaking about how the feminist movement has transferred over , in some ways, to the church, Mr. Batchelor makes a point about what happens when men fail to lead. He says " I should hasten to say that the blame does not lie with just the liberal feminist movement.In fact, the brunt of the blame must fall on indifferent and even lazy men within the church. They are failing their roles as strong, loving, and servant-oriented leaders. As a result, women are naturally stepping into the vacuum.

Yet Isaiah 3:1-12 offers a sobering thought about this scenario "...And I will give children to be their princes (leaders) and babes shall rule over them...As for my people, children are their oppressors, and women rule over them. O my people, they which lead thee cause thee to err, and destroy the way of thy paths. It appears that when men fail to lead as they should, women and children fill the void as a negative consequence. This often comes with bad results, as was the case with Queen Jezebel, who usurped her husbands authority ( Kings 18,19,21)."

So it comes down to "order" and a natural order decreed by God's word. Before Paul addresses this important issue he first establishes "what" he wants to imply. It is God's order. (1 Cor 14:33) says " For God is not the author of disorder, but of peace, in ALL churches of the sacred ones." He does not say the the following very direct words to "bring down" the women rather to exalt God's order. (1 Cor 14:34) " Let your women keep silent in the churches, for it is not permitted for them to speak (some use "preach" here) , but they are commanded to be under obedience, as the law says."

I realize that those words are quite direct . But when we understand a cardinal rule of proper bible interpretation we cannot sidestep it's significance and truth (even in today's churches). The hermeneutical rule says " what a Bible interpreter must never do is foist upon a text some idea that is not found in the actual text itself. The role of the Bible interpreter is to let the words of the text speak, not ignore, sidestep, silence or twist the meaning of the text, nor read into the text something the author is not saying. Those who do this are doing so many times to further their theological or sociological agenda. Text is king, context it's chief minister, and the closer the chief minister (context) stands next to the king (text) the more significant is it's effect and influence."

But the final confirmation comes in (1 Cor. 14:37) " If any man think himself a prophet, or a spiritual person, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you ARE THE COMMANDMENTS OF THE LORD." Paul, in effect tells us "hey everybody, I am not telling you this about the order and women on my own, but being in the spirit , I have been told this by God, and it's not a suggestion, it's a Commandment from HIM." How many of us Christians want to break a Commandment of God? Let those with wisdom do God's word and be blessed abundantly for it! ..... to be continued

Friday, March 25, 2011

Let The Women Shine (Part 1 of 3)

By: Rob Peralta

God in His infinite wisdom has chosen a path for woman to be exalted and really "shine". At first glance and understanding this path looks "degrading" and downright second-class. We ALL can choose to obey God's word and find ourselves in high esteem with the Almightly, but with woman God lays a specific plan, that if followed , she will have GREAT BLESSINGS! It is an obedience plan for sure but it is part of God's supreme order. Something He deems righteous (right thing to do).

Because this subject is a controversial topic and many have strong views, I wanted to take this matter up with our Lord. I prayed and studied His word. Answers came in a dream and a sign, and His revealing the real truth about this matter in scripture. So it is with strong confidence I will let you know what God has revealed.

As I often do, I write about things I notice in my walk with the Lord. Recently our church has hired a "associate pastor" who is a woman. I like her very much and appears to be a very caring, and loving Christian woman. But I was alittle troubled because I was familiar with the scriptures about being against a woman in church leadership (particularly teaching men).

We must realize that submission to God's word is the right thing to do. ALL OF GOD'S WORD. Not just what "we" want to submit to. And God's word shows a certain "order", a chain of command as it were. In (1 Cor.11:3) we read "...at the head of every man is Christ, and at the head of every woman is man, and at the head of Christ is God (the Father)" Here we see that a clear "order" is made. Woman is not head over man any more than man is head over Christ. But the KEY thing to remember is that THIS IS GOOD BEFORE GOD. The leadership is purposeful and correct. If one of the beings mentioned decides to ignore or subvert this order, they do so to their detriment and even to others in the chain. Man should never try to be woman, and woman should never try to be man.

Now that we know "God's order" we can see how to apply this to our lives. In particlular the VERY important subjects of "worship" and "family". In his booklet called "God's role for women in ministry" Doug Batchelor makes many powerful arguments for God's word to be obeyed and followed. He says " many who advocate the position that the Bible sees no difference at all between men and women in the church and family must often discard very pointed remarks from Paul's letters, sometimes without any textual reason for doing so--but on what basis do they come to that conclusion?...are we as individuals the final arbiters of truth?"

If we are the final arbiter, where to we stop and begin? Which verses can we trust to be true and which must we explain away to fit our traditions and customs? If we start being "God" and ignore and pick and choose, we cannot come to trust that God's word is infallible. Our ways are first , His word is second --- God forbid!

It is important to understand that the devil is attacking the family unit and our worship in these last days. Anything he can do to subvert God's word, he gains a victory of sorts. The victory becomes larger and larger as more of us ignore and discard God's specific instructions.

I am afraid that in today's politically correct society, the "worldly trends" have seeped into our church. Women as ordained pastors and elders is very much becoming a normal setting within our churches. We must understand and DO God's word in regard to this matter, it should not be ignored, lest we want to lose many blessings! ............ To be continued.

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

What is Wrong with this Sentence?

"...one wonders why Adventism has not had as much success translating its beliefs into mainstream culture?"

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Reflecting His Light (reboot)

I think a Christian's only job in this world is to spread the Gospel, to lead people to Christ.

1 Corinthians 10:31 says, "Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God."

Am I doing everything to the glory of God? Far from it! Are you? Are we keeping our eyes always on Christ? Is He the center of our thoughts at every moment? Do we walk day by day, hour by hour, as if He is walking beside us? He is, you know. You know, the Bible says Enoch "walked with God," and also that Noah "walked with God." This is an experience we need.

1 Corinthians 3:3 says, "Clearly you are an epistle of Christ, ministered by us, written not with ink but by the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of flesh, that is, of the heart."

We are Christ's letter to the world, are people reading about Him through us? Certainly I am an utter failure as a revelation of Jesus' character of love. Surely I have wrought mightily in my own strength and fallen well short of the mark.

So much knowledge and yet it is no help. There is no grace in knowledge. It does me no good. There is only my will. All that is left is for me to choose to obey Christ and let Him work through me. I've tried so many other things, learned so many ways. They've all failed. Truly the only way is to submit to Him and say, "He must increase, and I must decrease." John 3:30

"Many are inquiring, "How I am I to make the surrender of myself to God?" You desire to give yourself to Him, but you are weak in moral power, in slavery to doubt, and controlled by the habits of your life of sin. Your promises and resolutions are like ropes of sand. You cannot control your thoughts, your impulses, your affections. The knowledge of your broken promises and forfeited pledges weakens your confidence in your own sincerity, and causes you to feel that God cannot accept you; but you need not despair.

What you need to understand is the true force of the will. This is the governing power in the nature of man, the power of decision, or of choice. Everything depends on the right action of the will. The power of choice God has given to men; it is theirs to exercise. You cannot change your heart, you cannot of yourself give to God its affections; but you can choose to serve Him. You can give Him your will; He will then work in you to will and to do according to His good pleasure. Thus your whole nature will be brought under the control of the Spirit of Christ; your affections will be centered upon Him, your thoughts will be in harmony with Him." - EGW

I believe the way to truly win souls is simply to reflect Christ's character. If we lift Him up, all souls will be drawn to Him. Luke 15:7 says, "I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance." How precious is every single soul to all of heaven! Shouldn't it be our overpowering focus to bring people to Christ.

Is it good to witness for Jesus? Is it a good thing to dedicate our life to telling people there is a Saviour? Surely it is the ultimate good.

James 4:17 says, "Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin."

Am I sinning by not constantly reflecting the character of Christ? I believe I am. For, if we are not reflecting the love of Jesus, we surely are not abiding in Him. If we are not abiding in Him, we surely aren't believing in Him. At least, not the type of "belief" the Bible speaks of when it says that "whosoever believeth on Him should not perish but have everlasting life," and again, "believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved." John 3:16 ; Acts 16:31

Sometimes being a Christian seems impossible to me. I truly have only the faith of a mustard seed. But I know that "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." Philippians 4:13

And I know that even though being a Christian is impossible for a mere man, Jesus said, "With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26

Though I lose confidence in myself, and certainly I should, yet there is hope for me, "being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ." Philippians 1:6

It is in reflecting upon myself that the darkness begins to overwhelm the light. It is in reflecting upon Christ that the light shines brighter and brighter.

Proverbs 4:18, "But the path of the just is like the shining sun, that shines ever brighter unto the perfect day."

May God bless you and keep you!

Friday, March 4, 2011

Awake Laodicean Church, Be Zealous!

By: Rob Peralta

As many are aware, Revelation in chapters 2 and 3 describe the 7 church history periods. From the first apostolic churches down to our current "last days" church period. Many also believe that this last church mentioned by Jesus, called the Laodicean church, describe the current Commandment keeping churches, particularly the Seventh Day Adventist church.

Unlike the letter to the Smyrna church(second church history period), where Jesus had nothing negative to say, He starts right out very direct and stern in warnings for the Laodicean church. (Rev 3:15) " I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot, I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because you are neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth." A VERY DIRECT warning to "come alive"! Jesus has watched and observed the people of this last day church almost fall asleep! This is not good, we MUST awake and come alive and spread His Gospel now.

Let's say I was to give you a million dollars. Would you not spread the word all around how "great" I am? To your family, friends, maybe even write about it on the internet. How much more are we receiving from Christ our Lord? Yet many are "sitting" on their salvation, not willing to make any attempt to witness even in the smallest of ways. What we have from the Lord we put away, not willing to share the good news. Jesus says "Awake" NOW is the time to be zealous! Infact later in the letter to the Laodicea church, He says( Rev 3:19)"... Be Zealous therefore, and repent". So this is a direct command from our Lord---"Be Zealous". Repent because we've been asleep!

In my own church, I am not happy to say maybe 70 to 80% go through the motions. Meaning church functions and gathering is all that they do. They neglect the old neighbor next door, or "going out" and witnessing, or listening to the Holy Spirit to guide them on how they should spread His gospel and message. Preaching to the choir gains no new converts, unless we "act" upon the message being preached to us. Our Pastors should make "game plans" on how to win souls. So many times we hear sermons saying "smooth things" designed to comfort us and not alarm us. BUT WE SHOULD BE ALARMED! Jesus says we are LUKEWARM! That is bad.

In (Rev.3:17) Jesus says "Because thou sayest, I am rich and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou are wretched and miserable, and poor and blind and naked". Does this not describe our lukewarm church today? Many say "I know Him and understand His truths" yet do not make an effort to SPREAD IT. What good ( as Jesus points out) is it to "know" much and hold it within? Be zealous!

Ok, now that we understand what is happening with our people within the church as a whole, let's talk about what we CAN DO to obey Jesus' command to " Be Zealous". Here are some concrete ideas you can use within your community.

1) Many feel they are "just not good" at speaking to people about Jesus' message. Ok, then call 3abn and order their "free" flyers. They will even put your church phone number and address on them for you ( 100 to 1000). Go to your neigborhood and put on the doors, . On flyers that DON'T have your church address you can go to the Sunday churches. While they are in service place on all the the cars windows. If someone asks you, simply tell them it's an advertisement for Christian family TV ( health, prophecy, bible study, etc.) Here you can reach as many as 100 to 500 per Sunday. (3 abn 1-618-627-4651) SO MANY are coming to know God's truth through this station.

2)Contact Harvest time books ( 1-931-692-2777). You can order "Steps to Christ" by the box (about 40.00 for 140 books) and hand out to your contacts. Also you can buy the bumper stickers that says " The Seventh day is the Sabbath/God never changed it". While you're driving His message is being spread. (10 sets for 6.00) Harvestime books has SO MANY books (Ellen Whites, childrens books, etc.)

3) Spread your favorite Christian internet site. Pass out cards with their address. some examples are http://www.sabbathtruth.com/ and http://www.whitehorsemedia.com/ . Also a very popular one is http://www.audioverse.org/


4) Start an "operation outreach" within your church. Make a plan to "reach" people with our Lord's message. For example I started an outreach where we are raising money for our members to place a large billboard proclaiming Saturday as the Lord's day(with our phone number). It will be seen by ten's of thousands during it's two month viewing.

5) Place a small ad in your local Christian church magazine for bible study or Christian internet sites to learn the truth.

6) Order inspiring DVD's from Amazing facts http://www.amazingfacts.org/ (1-800-835-6906) The two fantastic ones, in my opinion, are the Lord's day (2 part set) and Final events. Get some friends together (hopefully including Sunday keepers) and watch and learn. Even loan it out when a person expresses interest to know more truth about the Lord. For the ultimate Sabbath DVD, order the 5 part DVD series called the "The 7th day" narrated by Hal Holbrook. (LLT productions http://www.the7thday.org/) It shows the history of the Sabbath and how it has been kept by Christians throughout history.

These are just a few of the ideas you can use to "get going" ON SPREADING HIS MESSAGE. Let us not be one of those who Jesus called "lukewarm" within our churchs. Lord be with you.