March 10, 2012 - Church at Worship

Sermon: "The Sixth Bad Idea: A Second-Class Ministry Part 6: Seven Ideas That Ruined the Church . . . and Two Others That Didn’t Help Any" - Randy Roberts

Pastoral Welcome: Rob Mohr

Children’s Feature: Shawna Campbell

Meditation:

Nothing could be more anti-Biblical than letting women vote. – Editorial, “Harper’s Magazine,” November 1853
Women are the real architects of society. – Harriet Beecher Stowe (1811–1896)
And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry. – Ellen G. White (1906)
In the city of Portland the Lord ordained me as His messenger, and here my first labors were given to the cause of present truth. – Ellen G. White (1911)

Responsive Reading: Galatians 3:26–29, TNIV - Phil and Joyce Reiswig

Sermon Notes:

Sometimes I wonder how seriously statements from the Bible writers—and even from Ellen
White—ought to be taken.

Do you think that Peter intended to be taken at face value when he said, “I now realize how
true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts those from every nation who fear him
and do what is right?” (Acts 10:34, TNIV).

Do you suppose Paul meant it when he said, “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave
nor free, neither male nor female, for you are all one in Christ?” (Galatians 3:28–29, TNIV).

Was Joel serious when he said, “And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your
sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see
visions. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days?”
(Joel 2:28–29, TNIV).

Is it possible that Ellen White meant what she said when she wrote, “With such an army
of workers as our youth rightly trained might furnish, how soon the message of a crucified,
risen, and soon-coming Saviour might be carried to the whole world!” (Review & Herald, May
16, 1912).

Each of these statements seems to make no distinction between men and women in their
ability to serve the cause of the gospel. Do you suppose these people, inspired by the Spirit,
meant what they said?

I was just wondering…

Randy Roberts
Senior Pastor