Rest and Reflect

Desire of Ages p. 822 April 26, 2010

The Saviour’s commission to the disciples included all the believers. It includes all believers in Christ to the end of time. It is a fatal mistake to suppose that the work of saving souls depends alone on the ordained minister. All to whom the heavenly inspiration has come are put in trust with the gospel. All who receive the life of Christ are ordained to work for the salvation of their fellow men. For this work the church was established, and all who take upon themselves its sacred vows are thereby pledged to be co-workers with Christ.

New comments on women’s ordination April 25, 2010

http://spectrummagazine.org/articles/column/2010/04/23/jesus_ordains_woman

For my generation where I live the issue of ordination for women is a non-issue. What many of us find unbelievable is that so many of other generations are getting so caught up in all the hot air about it. Just like it would seem if heaps of church people were getting into major conflicts over whether women should wear pants or not, or whether we should have slavery or not, or whether christians should be socially engaged or not, or what color the church carpet should be.

The “church” is losing us, not because we turn our backs on Jesus but we get tired of last century’s games. If we are going to fight battles they will be the ones on the streets, not the one’s at home when there is no need to live at home anymore. It’s better to grow up and leave the toxic home of childhood and find new homes of safety. I’m not talking of finding a new denomination either – denominationalism is so not where we are at.

Invite us back for dinner one day – we might drop by for a visit if things are better. But until then, bye.

Posted by: Daniella (not verified) | 24 April 2010 at 8:29

Soren Kierkegaard on what the world needs April 24, 2010

What the age needs is not a genius – it has had geniuses enough, but a martyr, who in order to teach men to obey would himself be obedient unto death. What the age needs is awakening. And therefore someday, not only my writings but my whole life, all the intriguing mystery of the machine will be studied and studied. I never forget how God helps me and it is therefore my last wish that everything may be to his honour.

Ellen White on Unity April 18, 2010

Pacific Union Record
March 26, 1903
Unity of Action Essential

Unity of action is essential in the Lord’s work. His followers are to be of one heart and one mind, speaking the same thing. But not all have the same talents or the same office. “There is a variety of gifts.” Christ gives different men different abilities, to be used in different lines of work. Some are specially fitted to carry on one line of work, while others are adapted for another line. Some will labor in one way, and some in another. Some will preach the Word, others will use their ability in writing and translating books. Still others will give themselves to the work of circulating the books containing the message of present truth.
It is by the Lord’s appointment that men of varied minds are brought into the church, to be laborers together with Him. His servants have many different minds to meet, and different gifts are needed. The apostle John was different from the apostle Peter. Each had his own work. Each was to subdue his peculiarities, that he might be a help to the other.

Is Christ divided?–No. Christ abiding in a soul will not quarrel with Christ in another soul. If we are at variance with those around us, we may know that it is because self has not been crucified. He whom Christ makes free is free indeed. And we are not free unless we love one another as Christ has loved us. Our characters must be molded in harmony with Christ’s character; our wills must be surrendered to His will. Then we shall sit together in heavenly places with Him. Then we shall work together, without a thought of collision.

Little differences, dwelt upon, lead to actions that destroy Christian fellowship. Let us not allow the enemy thus to gain the advantage over us. Let us keep drawing nearer to God and to one another. Then we shall be as trees of righteousness, planted by the Lord, and watered with the river of life. And how fruitful we shall be! Did not Christ say, “Herein is My Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit”?

The prayer that Christ offered for His disciples just before His crucifixion reveals God’s purpose concerning us. The heart of the Saviour is set upon His followers fulfilling God’s purpose, in all its height and depth. They are to be one in Him, even though they are scattered the world over. But God can not make them one with Christ and with one another unless they are willing to give up their way for His way.

Harmony and union existing among men of varied dispositions is the strongest witness that can be borne that God has sent His Son into the world to save sinners. It is our privilege to bear this witness. But in order to do this, we must place ourselves under Christ’s command. The tender regard shown by the Saviour for His church calls upon us to keep our souls in His love. Each one has something to do. Let us strive earnestly and untiringly to fulfill God’s purpose for us “till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God,” unto perfect men and women, “unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ.”

Interesting Comment on Christ’s Factional Alignment April 17, 2010

http://spectrummagazine.org/articles/sabbath_school/2010/04/11/spiritual_and_physical_fitness

The challenge is that Christ refused to align himself with either the Herodians (the pragmatists/realists of his day) or the zealots (the just warriors of his day). He also refused to align himself with the Hillelite pharisees (who basically tried to stay out of politics except where “religious liberty” issues were concerned), or the Essenes (who, we might say, went into the wilderness to set up self-supporting institutes and avoid corrupting themselves with worldly concerns).
Posted by: Ronald Osborn (not verified) | 15 April 2010 at 8:48

Comments on Women’s Ordination April 16, 2010

From comments on Spectrum Magazine’s blog:

What does God think? God gave the commission to all of us to go and preach the Gospel to
the world…Women and Men…are we doing that? He has called us to a Holy Priesthood and we are all Ordained by Him, to do His work. Who can change that? Certainly not Dougs opinion!
Whether the SDA church and its male dominated committees want to ordain women or not is a mute point, God already has!
So refocus, it isn’t about us, or who thinks women can or can’t do something as well as men, God see us as the same and we a equal in His eyes, that’s all that really matters! Is irrelevant, except maybe in having a paycheck, leverage and power to influence the direction the SDA church is taking. Jesus had none of these, and He didn’t have any support from the official Sabbath keeping Church of His day. That did not stop Him from going forth with His work of revealing the Love of the Father, though His love for all, men and women, equally.
So what if the SDA church is oppressive towards women, God isn’t and that’s all that matters…just go do the work. Each individual person who accepts, love and lives in Him is His Temple, with His indwelling Spirit in us. We are His church individually and collectively, regardless of the stand taken officially within any church including the SDA!
Posted by: Lisa Foote (not verified) | 13 April 2010 at 2:24

It pains and frustrates me to hear anti-women’s ordination (AWO)advocates toss around elitist rhetoric like ‘neglecting Bible Truth’ and pushing the issue ‘regardless of what the Bible says’

This article and many, many more show that the Bible is not as clear cut and dried as the AWO folks would like to think. Yet, despite logical arguments and an obvious cultural foundation that Paul is speaking within, these people still imply that everyone who favors women’s ordination are going against the Bible.

Yet these people in their zeal to defend ‘bible truth’ ignore Paul’s clear counsel on women being saved through child bearing, not speaking or teaching in church, and having NO authority in church. Somehow they gloss over this and still claim that they are defending ‘Bible Truth’ while all others are going against God’s Word.

Unbelievable hypocrisy.

Ignore the evidence, hold on steadfastly to their own views no matter the evidence or faulty logic and premises their beliefs are based on. Such methodology is typical of those too close minded to admit that their views may be incorrect and their interpretation faulty.

They have all the truth, if you speak against their version of the truth, you are going ‘against Bible Truth’. The Pharisees thought the same way.

It is interesting that so many who support Sunday sacredness, eternal torment and immortality of the soul also hold this same mindset and can staunchly hide behind their convincing proof texts and say that we SDAs not following ‘Bible Truths’ and call us heretics.

Yet the AWO folks would expect those people to open their minds and see that their interpretation is wrong. Somehow they don’t apply this same expectation to themselves. Like the Catholic Church they believe ‘the SDA church and EGW have not erred, nor cannot err’

Close minded, tight fisted, legalistic Pharisaism that determines they have all the truth, their interpretation of the bible is correct and all others are ‘going against the word of God’.

Sad, sad, sad.
Posted by: Darrell (not verified) | 13 April 2010 at 2:36

If homilitic skill is the means–then about 1 out of a hundred male or female pass the test. In Adventism, I can count very few. H.M.S. Richards, Paul Heubach, Graham Maxwell, Edward Heppenstall, Smuts, Alden Thompson, Otto Christiansen, Harry Tippett, and C. B. Haynes. The rest at best were Mister Sir Echo with a very unconvincing proposition if any. I have sat at the feet of only two women pastors. Each was the equal of the above. Preparation not gender is the test of competence, commitment, and communication. The Gospel is far more important that gonads. Tom
Posted by: Tom Zwemer | 13 April 2010 at 4:23

I think that two comments deserve more attention. First, Scott Severance made a very valid point regarding the heated denunciations of SECC’s statement: Is anyone interested in actually addressing the many points that SECC laid out in the statement above? Have people actually read the statement to know what they are responding to? Or is this just a forum for airing private hangups with a contemporary issue?

Second, Alexander Carpenter made an important point about the absurd hyperbole of some of the rhetoric employed in this discussion. You really mean to tell me that people who support women ministering in Jesus’ name represent some dark, evil force in this world? Seriously?

Have you never read what is written in Scripture:

“Then John said, ‘Teacher, we saw someone using your name to force demons out of a person. We told him to stop, because he does not belong to our group.’

But Jesus said, ‘Do not stop him, because anyone who uses my name to do powerful things cannot say evil things about me. Whoever is not against us is with us.'” Mark 9:38-40

Posted by: Jared Wright | 13 April 2010 at 5:00

Of course Jared, you would realize that Mark 9:38-40 is addressed to men.

There is no end to this and other debates. Those who like DB will rally for him and “God’s true Remnant” and pay little attention of how scripture is used. Those in favor of woman’s ordination will talk culture and intent. Jim and Bill will liken themselves to Jesus and call all men law breakers and haters of God and believe they like Elijah, stand alone for truth (my guess is that they, left alone together would soon be arguing).

This all stems back to the belief that some how we as a church stand alone in the world and have a unique grasp of truth. We are pivotal in the history of the universe. The vanity of this brings us down to quibbling about what it takes and means to be the apple of God’s eye. Here then is where we make of nothing the price that was paid and the redemption we are given preferring to stand alone.

Maybe try Galatians 5, Micah6:8, Matt. 25 – The Sheep and the Goats and, I don’t know maybe Colossians 3.

We have been promised a guide/comforter who would live in us and guide us to truth and even that the truth would be very good.
Posted by: Dick Larsen | 13 April 2010 at 5:36

Evangelism is teaching all things about Jesus: The Alpha and Omega of our existence. He made us and He Redeemed us. We are doubly His.

So where do we start? Why we start where the people are: in their work, in their homes, in their future, in their interests, in their concerns. That might be gas prices, or obesity, or mortgages, or car payments, or doctor bills. It is not likely to be what is the meaning of 666? Or what does the dragon with ten horns represent? Not even should women of talent, education, training and experience be ordained?

It isn’t even where did I come from? Why am I here? Or even where do I go when I die?

It is most likely: “How do I get out of this rat race with a whole skin?”

People worldwide are the walking wounded of 21st century. They don’t even know how deep those wounds are.

If there was ever a time to introduce America to Psalms 46 and 91 it is now. If the theme is “It Is Written” then let us share some writing with hope and redemption in it.

How does one cope when the levee breaks? How does one cope when wild fire levels ones home? How does one cope when they get an eviction notice? How does one cope with a pink slip in the last pay envelope? How does one cope when a uniformed military officer brings a note that reads “The War Department regrets to inform you?”

Christ is depicted in Revelation as standing at an open door inviting each one of us in. It is His Church that should be welcoming the stressed souls of the world: welcoming them in for healing and sending them out to serve.

We sing: “I Love to Tell the Story” with great gusto but when and where was the last time we told it; and to whom? If we “have this hope burning within our hearts” let us set someone else on fire for Christ!

No, the Gospel will not prevent a foreclosure. but it will help one cope with the fall-out of such a calamity.

Why not share it with the guy with an SVU that drinks $3.00 a gallon gasoline and lives 30 miles from a job that pays the same as when gasoline was a dollar-five.

The place to start giving answers is when you know the question.
The question is: “Is there any light at the end of this tunnel?” No better answer can be found than in the Promise of Jesus to come again and take us to the house He has prepared. Not that He’s coming again to “burn” all those who doubt the guy with the remote control on a power point projector with a 19th century message. Or that God has a gender bias. Tom
Posted by: Tom Zwemer | 14 April 2010 at 5:53

Consider this: was Jesus generally inclusive or exclusive in His ministry? Did He tend to empower or demote people? Do you truly believe that He would object to a female dedicating her life to His service as a pastor simply because of her gender? Do you really think that He would deny her the blessing of her fellow ministers (ordination), or countenance paying her less for doing the same work as her male counterparts?

As you must know from reading your Bible, God is not limited to using males to advance His work, nor was Jesus comfortable with a status quo that relegated women to a life of subjugation. Reread the story of Deborah, and of Miriam, Esther and Ruth. Read Romans 16 and note how many women’s names are listed (including *gasp* a female apostle!). Read the resurrection story – if women were so much less important than men to Jesus, why did He appear to them first and entrust them with telling the men the most important piece of news in the history of the world? Why did He include so many women in His inner circle – Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Susanna, Mary and Martha the sisters of Lazarus, and “many others” (Luke 8:1-3)? Against the traditions of His time and place, Jesus treated men and women as equals. How can we do less and call ourselves “Christians?”
Posted by: Lorelei (not verified) | 14 April 2010 at 11:51

I all this I suggest we remember one biblical fact. The “ordination” of individuals to a special “pastoral” role in God’s ministry by human committees is not a biblical imperative! In NT times, individuals are appointed to various roles (great and lowly) in the church — and in many cases, it is God who instructs the church to choose these individuals. We all have some role to play in God’s kingdom – whether we be male or female.

We can read the words, but miss the message. The Bible’s message is one of reconciliation, redemption and restoration.

Portrait of a Well Lived Life April 14, 2010

Today I feel alone
Afraid that the future will not hold
The answer for me

Perhaps I am called to a life of endless wandering
Perhaps the things I chase will never be
Found

These thoughts keep invading my mind
Did I let them in?
Did I give them permission?
I do not want them to disturb the tranquility of today
The peace I had yesterday must withstand these lies

Yet my mind wanders
It wanders from the certainty that is in You
My life has a purpose
Whether it be for my joy or that of others
I exist for a reason
One that I cannot see right now
But that reason means that tomorrow will dawn
Anew
And all this will be forgotten

Strength for today
But not just that…
Bright hope for tomorrow too

There is no man as needy as I
But no man as blessed as I am too
For He does catch me when I fall
He sends his angels to watch over me
He picks up the peices of my broken heart
And through the night He mends them
For the dawn

This is the God I serve
Not one of dreams or fantasy
But the one who works in my reality
(Even the realness of my pain)
Painting, though it be with blood and tears, the portrait of
A well lived life

Ellen White, on the way to Australia, In Honolulu April 11, 2010

All the followers of Christ are to be witnesses for him. Every one who receives the precious treasure of truth is to impart of the same to others.

But the truth is often presented in such a manner that it does not have the influence it otherwise would have. A controversial spirit is encouraged. Many dwell almost exclusively upon doctrinal subjects, while the nature of true piety, experimental godliness, receives little attention. Jesus, his love and grace, his self-denial and self-sacrifice, his meekness and forbearance, are not brought before the people as they should be. The errors existing everywhere have, like parasites, fastened their deadly poison upon the boughs of truth and in many minds have become identified with it; many who accept the truth teach it in a harsh spirit. A false conception of it is given to the people, and the truth is made of no effect to those whose hearts are not softened and subdued by the Holy Spirit.

Many weave so much of their own spirit into the presentation of truth, that the truth has the appearance of bearing the impress of man. In dealing with those who are in error, they argue, argue, and contend, and thus obscure the beauty and sacredness of truth, because their own hearts are not sanctified by it. The spirit of debate, of controversy, is a device of Satan to stir up combativeness, and thus eclipse the truth as it is in Jesus. Many have thus been repulsed instead of being won to Christ.

Review and Herald, 9 Feb 1892

Do You Even Know Me Anymore – Mark Schultz April 5, 2010

“It’s cold tonight”,
I heard her say.
She was staring out the window as I came home late.
She tried to smile,
But looked away.
Oh but I could see the tears were running down her face.
She said “You go to work,
You pay the bills,
I stay at home,
And I make the meals.

But you don’t even know who I am anymore,
You’re a million miles away,
Though I see you every day.
And I’ve been waiting right here,
Over all these years.
And sometimes I get so lonely,
I need to know you love me,
But do you even know me anymore?”

I turned around,
To see my son.
Well I remember his first birthday. Now he’s 21.
I missed his life,
I missed it all,
Oh to him I was a man just living down the hall.
He said “I learned to live,
Without you Dad,
But I’d give it all
Just to have you back.

But you don’t even know who I am anymore.
I used to wait at all my games,
But still you never came,
And I’ve been waiting right here,
Over all these years.
For the time you said you’d owe me,
I wanted you to show me,
But do you even know me anymore?”

I’ve watched my days,
Turn into years,
And now I’m wondering how I wound up here.
I dreamed my dreams,
I made my plans,
But all I’ve built here is an empty man.

And I don’t even know who I am anymore.
God I’m praying through the tears,
Let me make up all these years.
Oh have I waited too long?
Can I start again?
To be the man You’ve wanted of me.
I’m begging You to show me,
But do You even know me anymore?

On Inspiration and Changing Your Paradigm April 2, 2010

I very much appreciated the insight of gabe on one of the comments to Spectrum’s article quoting Dorothee and Brad Cole on Doug Batchelor’s stance on ordaining women:
http://spectrummagazine.org/blog/2010/04/01/dorothee_and_brad_cole_batchelors_sermon_its_really_about_inspiration

why oh why oh why oh why….??????

i just don’t get the fuss. some things are very plain and clear – but a worship of a cultural book, a determined bibliolatry, an adherence to the bible as a book of mandated rules creates distortions and conflicts, disturbed communities and distressed individuals. This whole debate is incredibly ludicrous and if you get outside circles of fundamentalist people it is a massive anti-intellectual turnoff.

Before humans realised the earth wasn’t the centre of the universe, the planets were tracked, mapped and considered to be “wandering stars”. they had mathematically mapped out courses through the sky. once it was realised that the earth wasn’t the centre, the paths of the planets suddenly became much simpler to understand. i see the way so many issues being discussed in the adventist context are much like this. people try to hold onto the old ways and created contorted “formulas” and twisted logic to justify the reasoning. so change the paradigm. realise we are using old thinking that doesn’t match with reality. look for the higher universal values and you’ll find you don’t need to contort your mind to make the old understandings fit.

to live literally by the bible is abusive in many ways (of course not all.) it’s time to wake up to that and let the old prejudices go.

think big. live big. discover a god who is bigger than all the human pettiness – even the bible’s.
Posted by: gabe (not verified) | 02 April 2010 at 7:50