By: Rob Peralta
I believe John's relationship with the Lord transcended a "normal" follower relationship. It was an elevated spiritual "at one with Jesus" relationship. As we will look into this relationship we will see John "got it"! He was the closet to Jesus during His 3 years mission work. He understood Salvation above and beyond all the Apostles. A truly "beloved" of the Lord.
As we will shortly see John had a COMPLETE knowledge of the "basics essentials" of Salvation. - How to LOVE the Lord, how to KNOW the Lord, and he perfectly described the thing we need to avoid and can seperate us for our Lord---SIN. This was DIVINE work entrusted to this Apostle and perfectly written as planned by him.
We know the Bible is God's book to humanity. His holy words written to guide us towards Him. But His LAST book was "special". Kinda like when someone is going away for a long long time and decides to write their final words to their "loved ones". They know this special message must have impact and heartfelt love and caring. Look who our Lord entrusted to write His LAST message in His book to humanity ( Revelation) --- John!
John was one of the 3 Apostles to witness the transfiguration. We find Jesus entrusting him to watch His earthly mother. He is believed to be the ONLY Apostle to be standing at Jesus' cross. So we know Jesus had great trust and faith in John. And John would not let Jesus down. He heard Him well both during Jesus' life and AFTER, hence the Lord trusting him to write Revelation.
But let's now look at what John wrote concerning HOW TO LOVE JESUS.
(1 John 5:3) " For this is the LOVE of God, that we KEEP His Commandments, and His Commandments are not burdensome". Many times I am in debates with Sunday keepers and they frequently say "We can't keep His Commandments, we're human, we are prone to sin". Well if we "can't" keep His Commandments they ARE BURDENSOME! They are too difficult to keep, this word of God is lying, make sense? Ofcourse not. If something is not a burden, it is not difficult to do, right? Now add to the fact that by keeping them , we show we LOVE Him, then it is totally doable!
(John 14:15) " If you love me, KEEP My Commandments". There it is! The most simple straight forward instructions FROM OUR LORD on how to LOVE Him. John made sure not to miss making sure he wrote this! Notice Jesus did not say " If you love me keep some of My Commandments".
(John 14:21) "He 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 will REVEAL Myself to him". What I find very interesting here is that our Lord connects keeping His Commandments with Him SHOWING Himself to us. Amazing and quite a PROMISE! I personally can fully attest to this being true.
So we can see John clearly wrote that "love" is showing we obey His word, and specifically HIS COMMANDMENTS.But the most pointed and also dangerous (for non-believers in keeping His Commandments) scripture John wrote was ( 1 John 2:3-4) " This is how we KNOW we know Him, if we KEEP His Commandments, he that says 'I know Him' and does not keep His Commandments , is a liar, and the truth is not in Him". Now that begs the question - If we don't know Him, can we be saved by Him? Jesus answered this question ( Matt 7:22) " Many will say 'Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name , and cast out demons, and done many wonderful works? And I will say to them, I NEVER KNEW YOU, depart from Me, you who PRACTICE LAWLESSNESS "(transgressing His Law).
John understands just what "salvation" truly is and tries to say in the most simple and understandable way just what we must DO to know and keep this Salvation. He carefully says what sin is in the following words ( 1 John 3:4) " ...SIN IS THE TRANSGRESSION OF THE LAW".
The whole point of Jesus dying on the cross was because we were sinners (transgressing His and His Father's Law). So now that Jesus paid our price with His great sacrifice, do we go on continuing to "sin" (transgress His Law)?? Or do we say " Thank you SO MUCH my Lord for what you did for me, now I want to LOVE you and know you and be with you". If this is our attitude we read John's word and know EXACTLY what to do , right?
You see I have a choice, I can "love" Jesus my way or His way. Which would you do? Would you do things that go against His word (transgress His Law) and PRESUME you are loving Him? Or would you trust in HIS WORD and love Him as he said to do? I think it is a no-brainer. Let us be like His beloved Apostle and understand this powerful truth--- Commandment keeping equals an eternal LOVE relationship with our Lord.
I will leave you with this truth. In God's last book (Revelation) He leaves us a LAST INSTRUCTION on how to make it to heaven, here it is--- (Rev 22:14) " Blessed are they that DO His Commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city". Don't make things complicated. Be like John and have this simple and true understanding. The Lord loved John greatly and He will love you just the same if you obey Him and keep His Commandments, amen.
Friday, May 20, 2011
Friday, May 6, 2011
SDA -- Fastest Growing Church in US
By: Rob Peralta
In the USA Today article dated 3/17/2011 written by G.Jeffrey MacDonald we learn some surprising statistics.http://www.usatoday.com/news/religion/2011-03-18-Adventists_17_ST_N.htm Some good some not so good. The good--we are the fastest growing denomination in North America. The bad--the "growth" is too small (as compared to overseas).
Started in the mid 1800's the SDA church was kind of an off-shoot from the Anabaptists. The Europe based believers from the 1700's and 1800's. The Anabaptists were also Sabbath keepers until Satan and crew got a hold of them and brought them into compliance--hence today's 'Baptist" churches(Sunday keepers). But the SDA has remained firm in it's core doctrines, particularly the keeping of the Sabbath.
The article states the SDA is growing at a 2.5% growth rate. Sounds rather small in the general scheme of things but I guess it's because it's against the "Babylon" false teaching churches so prevalent in US today.
So If the SDA church is the fastest growing of the bunch, we must ask--why? I believe it's because God has put in motion His 3 Angels message and it going out right now in a BIG WAY. With 3abn (http://www.3abn.org/) Hope channel (http://www.hopetv.org/)
and Amazing facts (http://www.amazingfacts.com/) the message is being "shouted" to the world right now. The FINAL WARNING to God's people is taking place RIGHT NOW. People are being drawn to God's truth and His Holy Sabbath is being illuminated. God has opened many minds and hearts and those who truly SEEK the truth, now find it and see it clearly.
But whatever we do let us NOT sit upon our merits and fail to reach out to win souls. The Lord said to our church (SDA) "...Be zealous therefore and repent"(Rev.3:19) Zealous and repent, that is an interesting combination(?) We all can understand the "zealous" part but what about the "repent" part? Let me give you some good examples of why repentance is needed in our churches!
We as God's representatives of His church have a great responsibility. How we act and what we say and how good we keep our word is OMNI-IMPORTANT. Recently I found out an SDA church in my area owns a large plot of land next door to it. There is a business that rents from it. THAT BUSINESS IS OPEN ON SATURDAY!! What part of "within your gates" do they not understand? How can they be forgiven of this if they don't repent of it? Most likely they don't even THINK about their wrong doing--amazing! I will do my part to warn them-you can count on it and so too, I need your prayers.
Another example is my OWN CHURCH. The leaders have accepted a female associate pastor. God's word comes second to their decisions.
These are just a "few" of the things the SDA is in need of repenting for. While our "growth" beats the other churches, we need to pray that we can right the ship and continue to spread His last day message but also get the "logs" out of our eyes as well.
Please consider donating to those wonderful above mentioned ministries. Thank you.
In the USA Today article dated 3/17/2011 written by G.Jeffrey MacDonald we learn some surprising statistics.http://www.usatoday.com/news/religion/2011-03-18-Adventists_17_ST_N.htm Some good some not so good. The good--we are the fastest growing denomination in North America. The bad--the "growth" is too small (as compared to overseas).
Started in the mid 1800's the SDA church was kind of an off-shoot from the Anabaptists. The Europe based believers from the 1700's and 1800's. The Anabaptists were also Sabbath keepers until Satan and crew got a hold of them and brought them into compliance--hence today's 'Baptist" churches(Sunday keepers). But the SDA has remained firm in it's core doctrines, particularly the keeping of the Sabbath.
The article states the SDA is growing at a 2.5% growth rate. Sounds rather small in the general scheme of things but I guess it's because it's against the "Babylon" false teaching churches so prevalent in US today.
So If the SDA church is the fastest growing of the bunch, we must ask--why? I believe it's because God has put in motion His 3 Angels message and it going out right now in a BIG WAY. With 3abn (http://www.3abn.org/) Hope channel (http://www.hopetv.org/)
and Amazing facts (http://www.amazingfacts.com/) the message is being "shouted" to the world right now. The FINAL WARNING to God's people is taking place RIGHT NOW. People are being drawn to God's truth and His Holy Sabbath is being illuminated. God has opened many minds and hearts and those who truly SEEK the truth, now find it and see it clearly.
But whatever we do let us NOT sit upon our merits and fail to reach out to win souls. The Lord said to our church (SDA) "...Be zealous therefore and repent"(Rev.3:19) Zealous and repent, that is an interesting combination(?) We all can understand the "zealous" part but what about the "repent" part? Let me give you some good examples of why repentance is needed in our churches!
We as God's representatives of His church have a great responsibility. How we act and what we say and how good we keep our word is OMNI-IMPORTANT. Recently I found out an SDA church in my area owns a large plot of land next door to it. There is a business that rents from it. THAT BUSINESS IS OPEN ON SATURDAY!! What part of "within your gates" do they not understand? How can they be forgiven of this if they don't repent of it? Most likely they don't even THINK about their wrong doing--amazing! I will do my part to warn them-you can count on it and so too, I need your prayers.
Another example is my OWN CHURCH. The leaders have accepted a female associate pastor. God's word comes second to their decisions.
These are just a "few" of the things the SDA is in need of repenting for. While our "growth" beats the other churches, we need to pray that we can right the ship and continue to spread His last day message but also get the "logs" out of our eyes as well.
Please consider donating to those wonderful above mentioned ministries. Thank you.
Friday, April 22, 2011
Don't Look Back
By: Rob Peralta
Recently I posted on our sister site http://www.godsloveandlaw.wordpress.com/ a post called "God sends a hummingbird" about how God sent a sign to me to quit paying homage (even occasional) to a past idol of mine- carnal music. In His infinite wisdom I would like to share further truth from these recent events. In our Christian walk we are ever learning, adjusting and hopefully growing. ALL of us are in need of growing and walking closer to God. We must humble ourselves and say "Dear Lord, show me my wrong ways, that I may correct them and walk more uprightly before you". With that hummingbird, prayer was definitely answered.
Let me explain what happened AFTER I got that sign. It was quite a dramatic sign and it did affect me. The Lord had REACHED me. I can be quite stubborn but He knows me and that did the job! So I decided once and for all to stop listening to pop and rock music. Although it was occasional, that was not right before the Lord. He expects a lot more out of me. A week went by with out me even listening ONCE to carnal music. First time in probably decades! But something occurred to me (no doubt His spirit telling me this). "Hey Rob, you have quit this long time sin but what about all those CDs, tapes, albums YOU STILL HAVE IN YOUR HOUSE?" Wow!! That was a powerful thought. Yes, I thought--- what am I doing?? Am I still holding on to them for some reason? Do I plan on listening again someday? Was the Lord's sign meaningless? Something just for now, then later I can return later? All these thoughts swirled in my head. I KNEW what I had to do!
Not wasting much time I grabbed a large trash can and started throwing EVERYTHING carnal out. The thought occurred that my collection was worth some good money, how about taking them to the record shop and cashing in? Oh no, that would be terrible. I would be in effect saying "hey give me my money, and you can go ahead and sin in this way, not me." Terrible idea, in the trash they went! 30 years of collecting the WRONG music down the drain--all for the Lord, amen I said as I did it! (Heb. 10:39) Comes to mind "But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition, but of them who believe to the saving of the soul" and our Lord's own words (Luke 9:62) "..No man who starts to plow and LOOKS BACK is fit for the kingdom of God". God only knows the depths that carnal music had on my soul, now it was over! I am free to listen to our Lord without such diversions.
So we must take a good look at ourselves. Are we still holding on to a sin in our life? Each must search their own situation. We CANNOT expect growth in our walk if we are not willing to forsake known sins we continue to cherish. If you've had a problem with lust, do you still have old playboys or x-rated DVDs in the house? If you've had a alcohol problem, do you still have old booze bottles stashed away? Maybe even the same carnal music problem? When we "let go" of our sins, we must do so ALL the way, not holding on and looking back. Our sanctification is God given process, let us not hold Him back. In Christs love, amen.
Recently I posted on our sister site http://www.godsloveandlaw.wordpress.com/ a post called "God sends a hummingbird" about how God sent a sign to me to quit paying homage (even occasional) to a past idol of mine- carnal music. In His infinite wisdom I would like to share further truth from these recent events. In our Christian walk we are ever learning, adjusting and hopefully growing. ALL of us are in need of growing and walking closer to God. We must humble ourselves and say "Dear Lord, show me my wrong ways, that I may correct them and walk more uprightly before you". With that hummingbird, prayer was definitely answered.
Let me explain what happened AFTER I got that sign. It was quite a dramatic sign and it did affect me. The Lord had REACHED me. I can be quite stubborn but He knows me and that did the job! So I decided once and for all to stop listening to pop and rock music. Although it was occasional, that was not right before the Lord. He expects a lot more out of me. A week went by with out me even listening ONCE to carnal music. First time in probably decades! But something occurred to me (no doubt His spirit telling me this). "Hey Rob, you have quit this long time sin but what about all those CDs, tapes, albums YOU STILL HAVE IN YOUR HOUSE?" Wow!! That was a powerful thought. Yes, I thought--- what am I doing?? Am I still holding on to them for some reason? Do I plan on listening again someday? Was the Lord's sign meaningless? Something just for now, then later I can return later? All these thoughts swirled in my head. I KNEW what I had to do!
Not wasting much time I grabbed a large trash can and started throwing EVERYTHING carnal out. The thought occurred that my collection was worth some good money, how about taking them to the record shop and cashing in? Oh no, that would be terrible. I would be in effect saying "hey give me my money, and you can go ahead and sin in this way, not me." Terrible idea, in the trash they went! 30 years of collecting the WRONG music down the drain--all for the Lord, amen I said as I did it! (Heb. 10:39) Comes to mind "But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition, but of them who believe to the saving of the soul" and our Lord's own words (Luke 9:62) "..No man who starts to plow and LOOKS BACK is fit for the kingdom of God". God only knows the depths that carnal music had on my soul, now it was over! I am free to listen to our Lord without such diversions.
So we must take a good look at ourselves. Are we still holding on to a sin in our life? Each must search their own situation. We CANNOT expect growth in our walk if we are not willing to forsake known sins we continue to cherish. If you've had a problem with lust, do you still have old playboys or x-rated DVDs in the house? If you've had a alcohol problem, do you still have old booze bottles stashed away? Maybe even the same carnal music problem? When we "let go" of our sins, we must do so ALL the way, not holding on and looking back. Our sanctification is God given process, let us not hold Him back. In Christs love, amen.
Friday, April 8, 2011
The Great 10
By: Rob Peralta
Before I begin with this post I want to let you know about an email I received recently. I was told that the SDA church in Japan was largely spared amazingly. It is being used as a sanctuary and shelter. How fitting is that? God's church protecting the people. Just like when Haiti's earthquake hit and the SDA church remained standing (where most buildings came crashing down around it) like a beacon for the world! May many around the world and in Japan look to the one who can save them, amen. In Christendom I would estimate that less than 10% know the 10 Commandments 1 to 10 and 10 to 1. Sure they are familiar with them but ask them to go from 1 to 10 and they are stumped. It truly amazes me how one can call themselves "Christian" and not know the ONLY part of the whole bible HE WROTE HIMSELF! And if He didn't want "anyone" else to write these Commandments, doesn't it stand to reason they are omni-important? Let us look at the "Big 10" and learn some truths.
Before I begin with this post I want to let you know about an email I received recently. I was told that the SDA church in Japan was largely spared amazingly. It is being used as a sanctuary and shelter. How fitting is that? God's church protecting the people. Just like when Haiti's earthquake hit and the SDA church remained standing (where most buildings came crashing down around it) like a beacon for the world! May many around the world and in Japan look to the one who can save them, amen. In Christendom I would estimate that less than 10% know the 10 Commandments 1 to 10 and 10 to 1. Sure they are familiar with them but ask them to go from 1 to 10 and they are stumped. It truly amazes me how one can call themselves "Christian" and not know the ONLY part of the whole bible HE WROTE HIMSELF! And if He didn't want "anyone" else to write these Commandments, doesn't it stand to reason they are omni-important? Let us look at the "Big 10" and learn some truths.
Number 1 " Thou shall love the Lord they God with all you heart, mind , and soul" Here in the number one spot is an often misunderstood Commandment. The accepted Hebrew belief is that when God began His vocal Commandments to the people He began with "I am the Lord your God"and wrote exactly this on the stone tablet. Here, the common belief was that God, being so pure and loving could not say for Himself "You must love Me with all your heart and mind and soul". For love cannot be forced or commanded. God guides in the first Commandment to come to that decision yourself. If we cannot acknowledge Him and love him first and foremost then all other Commandments cannot be followed.
Number 2 "Thou shall have no other God's before Me" Here in number two, again we have some mis-alignment with traditional understanding. Most put this in number one. But after explaining what number one is, this naturally falls to number two. Also the command to not make graven images and to bow down or serve them, only reinforces the words not to have God's before Him. Again that is what was wrote upon the stone tablet for number two.
Number 3 "Thou shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain" Here is the first Commandment that has been correctly translated through out Christendom. The term "in vain" can actually mean carelessness also. And example would be "Oh my God" in an everyday useless way. While not as demeaning as using God's name in a vulgar or cuss way, it would still be a transgression of the Commandment from God's point of view.
Number 4 "Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy" While it is believed to have that short version on the stone, it is the longest Commandment in the scripture as being "said" by Him. Only one to have "remember" in it. It pointed the people to the past in keeping it holy and it pointed to the future because GOD KNEW many would forget later in time.
The following 6 direct us to the love and respect our fellow human beings. Our Lord, the writer, described a perfect summary in (Matt 22:38-40) by consolidating the 10 into 2. Sadly though some mis-guided souls believe the 10 has been eliminated down to the 2. To use that logic, I guess adultery and stealing no longer apply, try comprehending that one!
Number 5 "Honor thy Father and Mother" Here is the first Commandment that breaks away from the people's responsibility to God.
Number 6 "Thou shall not murder" In this one there has been a subtle error passed on many generations. Many believe it is "Thou shall not kill". But that is not correct. First of all God told His people to kill several times in the Old testament. So if it was "kill" God was telling His people to go ahead and break one of His Commandments. Obviously this could not be. The Hebrew word used in this Commandment is "murder" not "kill". Murder being a killing of a human being without justifiable defense or cause.
Number 7 "Thou shall not commit adultery" Here is a very simple and easily understood Commandment. Perhaps the first "cut and dry" right to the point Commandment.
Number 8 "Thou shall not steal" Another right to the point Commandment. Stealing in ALL forms is meant here. Even when one breaks the Sabbath, in addition to breaking the 4th, he really is stealing God's day away for himself.
Number 9 "Thou shall not bear false witness against they neighbor" Here there is great debate about whether it is describing not to lie to our neighbor or not to bear false witness AGAINST our neighbor. Both sides make good arguments. I personally believe it means exactly as our Lord described "against" our neighbor. In other words actions such as making up a falsehood "against" someone, such as lying in court or to a police officer or such. But don't get the idea lying is ok (Prov. 12:22) "Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord.."
Number 10 "Thou shall not covet" This one I believe was the downfall of Satan. And it is SO prevalent in today's society it boggles the mind! Hopefully you've gained a more clearer understanding of the "great 10".
For more insight on the original Hebrew teachings go to http://www.levitt.com/ (Christianity through Jewish eyes) I cannot attest to ALL their beliefs, only their views on the 10 Commandments.
Yours in Christ, Rob.
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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