By: Rob Peralta
For several years there has been a catchy slogan "You go girl" describing women who got their stuff together or are doing something noteworthy. Nowhere in the history of mankind, or in this case womankind, has that phrase ever been more fitting than describing one Ellen G. White. God took a very weak and frail girl and turned her into the "summation" of all the prophets. He would even the score, as before He typically used "men," but now it was time to show what a lady could do!
If you think about it, it makes perfect sense. God, being the righteous and fair God, would wait till the last days of earth's history to bring out His best. His word says (2 Cor. 12:9) "...My strength is made perfect in weakness". For this young girl would go on to surpass ALL the prior Prophets in spreading God's truths. Her two best sellers "The Great Controversy" and "The Desire of Ages" stand out as two of the greatest works of all time. I can honestly say, apart from the Bible, her truths can sometimes "wear me out" lol.
One of the most fascinating things about her life was her "supernatural" abilities. Her ability to go into her visions WITHOUT BREATHING was captivating! It is well known that SEVERAL certified doctors (who were non-believers) witnessed this and each could NOT deny it! In fact, one was so amazed that he started visibly shaking and bolted for the door saying, "Get me out of here!" So we must then ask-- Could this have been from the devil? Of course not. He could never have used a "Commandment Keeper" for they would only go about spreading God's truth!
God's word was directly shown in her life (John 14:21) "He (or she) that has My Commandments and keeps them, he it is that loves Me and shall be loved by the Father, and I will love him and reveal Myself to him." Her many signs, dreams and visions all attest to this "revealing." Like I say SO MANY TIMES: Commandment keeping is THE KEY to Him revealing Himself to you. We must do as Ellen did, learn them completely and keep them in our hearts, so that our daily walk is guided by them as we ponder them in what we do and say. Ellen's walk experienced HIS LOVE AND POWER. Her life SHOWED that He is alive. Our Lord is just waiting to show us things (dreams, signs, visions) if we'll only believe and walk righteously according to His Commandments.
Her writings are so packed with truths! For example, let's look at a snippet of Ellen's work in regard to prayer. You businessmen can really relate to the this! (Christ's object lessons P.143)
"Those who bring their petitions to God, claiming His promise while they do not comply with the conditions, insult Jehovah. They bring the name of Christ as their authority for the fulfillment of the promise but they do not those things that would show faith in Christ and love for Him. Many are forfeiting the condition of acceptance with the Father. We need to examine closely the deed of trust wherewith we approach God. If we are disobedient, we bring to the Lord a note to be cashed when we have not fulfilled the condition that would make it payable to us."
As inspiring as Ellen was, we must never do what a friend of mine recently told me. She said an elder in her church got one of the brothers kicked out of church because the brother said he didn't want to put Ellen's writings before the Bible! As the old saying goes, Ellen would have turned over in her grave if she'd heard that. A Prophet or Prophetess should never be viewed as exalted above God's first and foremost word-- The Holy Scriptures.
In summary, let's thank God for giving us a truly wonderful and inspiring lady. One who was faithful and solid to the end! You GO GIRL!
Showing posts with label women in ministry. Show all posts
Showing posts with label women in ministry. Show all posts
Friday, June 17, 2011
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!
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
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.
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.
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